Biting Bad_ A Chicagoland Vampires Novel(51)

“I’m glad you’re all right,” my grandfather said, glancing at Ethan. “Perhaps a position change to House librarian?”

“That job is filled,” I said, slipping my arm through his. “I’m stuck at Sentinel, unfortunately. But I do have a knight in shining armor. Ethan rescued me. Again.”

Ethan smiled. “It’s the least I can do.”

“Here, Mr. Merit,” Lindsey said, standing. “Take my chair.”

I expected my grandfather to protest; he was in his sixties, but still proud and active, and he was a former cop, after all. But instead he nodded and smiled.

“Thank you, hon,” he said. “I appreciate that.”

Lindsey gave me a wink as she scooted from her seat and took a spot standing near the wall. My grandfather sat down, a little slower than usual, and with a little more relief in his eyes.

“You’re all right?” I asked, concern in mine.

He patted my hand. “Perfectly fine. It’s just been a long day.”

He sought to soothe me, but the reminder was still poignant: As a vampire, I was immortal. My friends and family weren’t. My grandfather, always vibrant and vital, would inevitably age, and eventually I’d lose him.

I looked away before my eyes could fill with tears, but my heart was heavy.

Be still, Sentinel, said a voice in my head.

I glanced at Ethan, who stood a few feet away. He spoke with Luc, but his thoughts were on me. He must have seen the fear in my eyes.

Be grateful for your immorality, but do not deny them the honor of their mortality.

I nodded, but the vise around my heart didn’t ease.

Scott appeared in the doorway, six guards, including Jonah, behind him. I recognized a couple—Grey House guards named Danny and Jeremy. Most of the group wore navy blue peacoats over jeans and boots. A bit, I assumed, of the Grey House uniform.

“I think we’re all here,” Ethan said to Scott.

Scott nodded. “Then let’s get this show on the road.”

—

To be honest, the atmosphere was awkward. There were a lot of vampires squeezed into the Ops Room, and we played for two different teams. The Grey House guards looked tired and uncomfortable. The Cadogan House guards looked nervous: We were responsible for our House’s security, and now the security of vampires we didn’t know that well.

Kelley, Lindsey, Juliet, and I had nabbed seats at the conference table, along with a few of the Grey House guards. The senior staff stood in front of the projector screen like lecturers ready to teach their fang-bearing students.

“First of all,” Ethan said, glancing among the Grey House guards, “welcome to Cadogan House. I’m sorry it’s under such unfortunate circumstances, but you may consider yourselves at home here. If there’s anything you need, or if there’s something we can help you with, please feel free to ask.”

A few of the Grey House guards looked around at one another in surprise at Ethan’s magnanimity, which made me wonder how they’d perceived Cadogan House.

“This is our Operations Room,” Ethan said. “You’re welcome to be here, to talk to our guards, or to request information about House security. We recognize that, for the time being, we are housing your most precious commodity—your vampires—and we want you to feel as comfortable as possible about their safety.” Ethan nodded and looked at Scott. “I believe that’s it for my part, Scott, unless you have anything to add?”

Scott lifted his hands. “They’ve heard from me enough tonight.”

Ethan nodded at Luc, and he and Jonah moved forward.

“We’re going to review events while they’re fresh,” Jonah said. “Then we’ll dismiss for the evening.”

“Let’s start at the beginning,” Luc suggested. “Merit, you want to tell us what you found out about the first riot?”

I nodded. “The first riot hit Bryant Industries, a Blood4You distribution facility in Wicker Park. Catcher and I talked to Charla Bryant, the current CEO. She wasn’t aware of any threats against the business before the attack, but we’re keeping an eye on a potential suspect named Robin Pope.”

“Robin Pope?” asked one of the Grey House vampires. “Trim brunette?”

Ethan and I exchanged a glance. “Yes,” I said. “Do you know her?”

The vampire blushed. “Yeah. We dated for a little while. Real briefly. When I was human.”

Now that was interesting. “How long ago?”

“Three years?” he said. “Maybe four?”

That was a pretty good span of time, and I wondered how long Robin Pope could hold a grudge. “How did the relationship end?”