Biting Bad_ A Chicagoland Vampires Novel(47)

Scott moved toward her, opening his arms; she ran into them. She was curvy but petite, and his embrace nearly swallowed her. She was followed by two children—a small boy and girl. They screamed with joy at the sight of him, running with as much eagerness as she had.

He released the woman and picked up the girl, holding her close, the love in his eyes obvious. My own bloomed with tears. It wasn’t often that vampires displayed such human affection.

Vampires couldn’t have children, but there was definitely something familial between Scott and these humans.

“I wasn’t aware Scott had a significant other,” Ethan whispered. “Much less a human one.”

“That’s Ava,” Jonah said. “He doesn’t tell many. He doesn’t want them to be used against him, or for them to be seen as a liability.”

“Darius would not be thrilled,” Ethan agreed. “He has no great fondness for humans.”

“No, he doesn’t. That also figures in.”

“I’d like to get back to the House,” Ethan said. “We’ll need to oversee arrangements.” He glanced at the sky. “A few hours yet until sunrise, but there’s much to do.”

“We’ll get there before the sun rises,” Jonah said.

Ethan nodded. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to speak with Scott for a moment.” As we watched, Ethan walked away and greeted Ava and the children, then chatted with Scott.

“Were you able to salvage any of your stuff?” I asked Jonah.

“Yeah, most of my gear is fine. Waterlogged and smoky, but intact. We’ll get it cleaned up. It’ll just take time.”

A vampire stepped into the hole in the front of Grey House, glanced around, and beckoned Jonah.

“They need me,” he said. “I imagine I’ll be seeing you later tonight.”

“Vampire sleepover,” I agreed. “We’ll provide the sleeping bags.”

“Bras in the freezer and shaving cream in the palm,” Jonah said. “It’s going to be a fun night.”

Or a long one. We’d see how it went.

I took a glance at the building, trying to determine the extent of the damage, but it was difficult to tell in the dark. If the fire had been contained to the atrium, the vamps could move back in as soon as the roof and its complicated mechanics were fixed. If the rooms also had been damaged, they’d be bunking with us a little while longer. We’d deal either way.

But one thing concerned me: Double the vampires in Cadogan House meant double the targets if the rioters struck again. We were basically piling everyone they wanted to kill in a single building.

“You all right?”

I nearly jumped at the sound of Ethan’s voice, and I was relieved to see him behind me. “Yeah. Just wondering how much worse this is going to get before it gets better.”

“It’s always darkest before the dawn,” he mused.

I wasn’t looking forward to any more darkness.

—

Ethan drove Moneypenny home. I fell asleep in the car, exhausted by the night’s emotional turmoil and the loss of blood. Vampires might heal quickly, but that didn’t mean the wound didn’t take a toll on our bodies. I’d been stressed and assaulted, and while I’d end up as whole as I’d been before it, I needed a break.

Hyde Park was quiet, the violence of the city’s north side irrelevant here. The House glowed warm and golden, a beacon in the cold and unfeeling night.

We pulled into the garage and made our way to the first floor, where Margot manned a newly organized reception area. A giant silver tureen of hot chocolate sat beside one of warmed blood, and Helen, the House’s den mother, was stationed behind a table already outfitted with a WELCOME, GREY HOUSE NOVITIATES! sign, welcome packets, and bags of toiletries and necessities.

“She is ridiculously fast,” I remarked as we surveyed the setup.

“She is impeccably organized and efficient,” Ethan agreed. “Did you know I stole her away from a former U.S. president? She was his social secretary.”

“I presume you offered a signing bonus and immortality?” I asked with a smile.

“I did.”

Luc emerged from the staircase, already wearing clean clothes, his face scrubbed of ash and soot. “Lindsey’s at the gate with a list of Grey House vamps. Easier if she handles it, because she can ensure they’re vampires without requiring them to vamp out.”

“Good call,” Ethan said. “Scott and the others should be here shortly. The ballroom is prepared?”

“And the library, much to the librarian’s chagrin,” Luc said. “We’ve got cots assembled and dividers up. They give a bit of privacy, at least. It will get them through sunrise.”