Page 75 of Obsessed in Blood

“Of course.” Lucas gave him a small bow. “Thank you for your work here. It’s very important.”

“Yes.” He started to walk away but turned. “Please be careful.”

And with those cautionary words, the vampire continued a quick pace toward the back of the library as Lucas watched him go. Meredith Renaud had lied, and the custodian knew it. This was unheard of. In all his years, he’d never heard of any impropriety with the Renauds and the libraries. Why now? And was it only with this particular location?

He stopped at the tea room and found Ginger sitting primly at a small bistro table with a cup of tea and remnants of crumbs on a plate.

She stood as soon as she saw him, and when he reached her, she took his hands and placed a kiss on his cheek. “We need to get out of here. Now.”

He pulled her close and scanned the room. There was a group of four females at a table across the room, laughing as one poured more tea. Two other tables were occupied with vampires in earnest conversations. It wasn’t difficult to spot the vampires who seemed out of place—two in the corner and another two at a table by a back door. There were cups in front of them, and though they faced each other, they weren’t talking.

“How long have they been here?”

“Two followed me up from the second floor, and the other two showed up about ten minutes later.”

He took her elbow and led her to the front door, keeping to a normal pace. He kept his voice low. “Do you have your dagger?”

“Yes.” She didn’t seem scared, but he felt the tension radiating from her.

He stopped at the front desk, which gave him the opportunity to see if they were being followed. The four vampires had followed them and now split into two different directions.

“I was wondering if you had a map of the library. I would like it for further training for my Blood Ward.”

“Of course, sir. I apologize for not handing you one when you first came in.”

He smiled. “I’ve been to so many of the libraries, I didn’t think about it.”

She smiled. “We appreciate your patronage.”

He put Ginger’s arm through his as he led her toward the exit. “We’re safe inside, and should be while on the property, but you need to be prepared.”

“I’m already gripping my dagger.”

He glanced down and saw her hand in her purse. “Stay close to me, and if we get surrounded for any reason, remember…”

“Back to back in a fight when you find yourself surrounded. Focus on those that have direct access to you, and trust your partner to watch your back.”

He stopped before they exited, and he pulled her into a hug. “Have I told you how amazing you are?”

“Not lately. And if we make it back to the hotel, I expect a very expensive dinner at the fanciest restaurant you know. I’ve been saving a new dress.”

He smiled and gave her a sound kiss.

“Is that appropriate for a Blood Ward?”

His smile widened. “On occasion.”

She poked his stomach. “Good to know.”

“Ready?”

“Yeah, I’m hungry.”

“I saw your empty plate.”

“One cookie doesn’t make a meal.”

The sunshine hit them as they went through the doors. No one was outside, which gave Lucas some comfort that the vampires following them probably weren’t from the Renaud Family. They were halfway to the car when Lucas heard the doors open and the quick footsteps.