Venom And Vice

20

“Well, there are no skylights or other way for the intruder to have gotten into the building without being caught on camera, which makes it likely magic was used. After our attack, Rebecca told me how the Draug dissolved into smoke when Lochlan arrived. The creature could have used the same technique to find a way inside, unseen. I’d also say that whoever did this was small—there’s a curio cabinet against the wall that had the bottom half shattered, but several expensive-looking pieces were left in the top half untouched. Our research back when that attack had occurred told us that Draugs are known for their penchant to collect jewels. Unless there’s some other jewel-hoarding Fae loose, my money is on the Draug.” Her face lit up as she walked through her deductions. I could almost envision working alongside her if it wasn’t better for both of us to keep our distance. “Well done—our conclusions were the same. The good news is, Draugs and other Shadow Fae can’t stand the sunlight, so the creature can’t be on the move during the day. The bad news is, Draugs are exceedingly difficult to catch, so this case will likely be open for a while.” “I’m happy to help anytime you want an extra set of eyes.” I lifted my brow at her. “I’m sure you are. Come on, let’s get back home.” She thought I was being kind—extending a sort of offer of friendship. She didn’t realize it was more of an apology than anything. Ashley would never understand if she knew what I’d done, but how could I not do everything in my power to keep such passion and innocence safe? What I’d done was right, but allowing her to think of me as anything but a surly instructor was a mistake because her feelings would be founded on lies. I had to ensure we kept our distance from one another. Guilt was one thing, but I couldn’t afford to hate myself more than I already did. OceanofPDF.com Chapter Seven OceanofPDF.com ASHLEY When I got home from my outing with Casek, Becca was still gone, and Knight was no longer in the apartment. I could only assume Becca had let him out, though I was a little surprised he would disappear like that if he was supposed to be my guard dog. Wasn’t staying close to me somewhat necessary for guarding? Why do you keep pretending to know anything about anything? Wasn’t that the truth. The more immersed I became in the Fae world, the more clueless I felt. I’d just spent over an hour with Casek investigating a supernatural crime scene. If someone had asked me twenty-four hours earlier, I would have bet my life that scenario would never happen. Zero chance. Casek was too private, and the short history between us too complicated to prompt him to include me in his Huntsmen activities. Yet that’s exactly what had just transpired. I was going to have to let go of any notion that I had any ability to predict the future. Whatever the reason, Casek had given me a behind-the-scenes peek, and I was thrilled. Adrenaline still coursed through my veins. After such an invigorating morning, I couldn’t imagine sitting alone in my apartment, so I decided to pack up my computer and work from the coffee shop. I gathered everything I’d need for an afternoon of work, nearly having a heart attack when I spotted Knight lying behind the sofa on my way to the door. “Where the hell did you come from?” I accused, hand clutching my chest in an attempt to soothe my racing heart. “And don’t try to tell me you were here the whole time. I looked for you. It’s not like two-hundred pounds of fur can hide that easily.” The beast was sent by Merlin, so I’d known he was special, but I hadn’t expected him to have tracing abilities. Knight stared at me blankly, then joined me at the door. “I’m not sure what’s more bizarre,” I muttered, “your disappearing act or the fact that I seem to expect an answer from you.” I held open the door and shook my head. “Come on, let’s go.” A sign in the front window of the shop stated no pets allowed, so I instructed Knight to stay outside. He didn’t act overly bothered, melting into a white heap at the entrance. I went in and set my things at a table before ordering a sandwich. The shop’s specialty was coffee, but they also offered a few breakfast items and sandwiches at lunch. The atmosphere was cozy. The coffee was divine. And with the shop’s proximity to home, I’d begun to stop in more and more frequently. “That your dog out front?” A young woman in a shop apron set down my order at my table and motioned to the window. Knight sat on his haunches looking off in the distance. He was so large that his ears and head could be seen through the window that began halfway up the wall. “Yeah, more or less.” The girl’s eyebrows furrowed together. She was cute. About my age, maybe a tad closer to twenty. I giggled, realizing how odd my answer must have sounded. “It’s a long story, but he sort of adopted me. So yeah. He’s mine for the moment.” “Gotcha.” She grinned. “Well, he’s beautiful.” “Thanks.” I returned her smile, looking down at my lunch as she excused herself and returned to the back of the shop. I might not have planned on having a dog, but he was definitely a good conversation starter. In the couple of days that he’d been around, I could hardly go anywhere without strangers asking me about my unusual escort. Lucky for me, I wasn’t averse to the attention.