Page 35 of Feral
Hemsley chuckles. “I think that’s the point.”
I smile, filled with a lightness I’m not used to. “I’ll be leaving when Yannis does to make sure he gets home safely.”
Both men look at each other as if I’ve just announced I’m going vegan.
“Is that a problem?”
“No problem,” Rhett says. “Everything is under control and Tiago’s here. Worst case, some of the Orpheus boys will probably show up later, and they don’t fuck around when trouble starts.”
“No, they definitely don’t.”
No sooner has Rhett mentioned the guys than Thorn drops into the doorway. He’s dressed in his usual black leather, his eyes wild and hair blowing in the easy breeze.
“Gentlemen.” He bows his head slightly.
I offer my hand and he shakes it. “What have you been up to tonight?” I ask.
“Had a client job to take care of. It was fun as fuck.”
“Can you tell us what it was this time?” Hemsley asks excitedly.
“Low-level kid pornographer. Got his case dropped because of a fuckup with the evidence. Our client had him followed by a PI and got a tip that he was up to some bad shit at this trashy hotel off the freeway.” Thorn drags his thumb across his bottom lip. “When I got there he was reviewing some ‘footage.’” He says the word with true disgust in his voice. “He was very cooperative though. Told me the location of the storage unit where he keeps his stash, where he finds his victims, and the money he’s made.”
“How polite,” Rhett says, chuckling.
Thorn’s signature maniacal grin appears. “Maybe I encouraged him a little.”
I grin too. “I take it he won’t be a problem anymore?”
“Poor guy, he was feeling so bad about what he’s done, he opened his veins and bled out in the bathtub.”
“One less scumbag in the city,” Hemsley says.
“Indeed. But I need a drink and to kill a few hours.”
“Why is that?” I ask, leading Thorn to the bar.
“It’s mate movie night. Bowie’s idea for them to bond and stay current on human pop culture. It’s been a huge help for Justice too. Helping him catch up on what he wasn’t exposed to.”
“That’s very sweet.”
“It is. You know what my mate does, man? He’s been teaching Justice real history, not that crap the cult taught.” He practically beams. “He’s got such a good heart. I’m glad I haven’t corrupted him.”
“Not even a little?”
Thorn snorts a laugh. “Maybe a little.” He turns toward Sebastian, bopping his head for a second. “Siren. Haven’t seen one in a while.”
“He’s been hanging around here for a few weeks. Doesn’t seem to cause any trouble, and only uses his song when he’s ready to collect a lover or several for the evening.”
“Nice.”
“Does it affect you?”
“The music?” Thorn shakes his head. “Nah. Never did. I think vampires are mostly immune.”
“I thought so too.”
“Is it doing it for you?” He waggles his eyebrows.