Electric Storm(80)

Desperate for relief, she yanked the golden ball away from the animals. She shoved the explosive energy into a cage, pouring her energy around the vault to stop the golden lines from bleeding into her system. Though the pain instantly eased enough for her to breathe again, a slight buzz warned her that it wouldn’t be satisfied for long.

Ignoring the vague sickness that lingered, she licked her parched lips and studied Randolph for any nuance. “What are you?”

“No soldier. I never volunteered.” The mask he hid behind cracked. Something dark danced in his eyes, something that haunted him. Memories of what they made them do. Then like a switch, everything shut down. “When the main lab was destroyed, they abandoned a few of the smaller ones, fearing they’d be attacked next. They went through emergency protocol.”

“They killed everyone.” Her lips were numb when she said the words. They might as well have said they killed everyone because of her.

“But not all of us died.” There was a tightening around his jaw, like he’d revealed more than he wanted to share. He quickly changed the subject before she could foolishly probe for more answers. “What do you plan to do about the drugs?”

It was a truce of sorts. A silent, tentative agreement that he would let her and her pack live.

“Murder comes first. Someone has been taking and killing shifters. Possibly vampires as well. Until I can find the killer, I can’t divide my focus.” Refusing to investigate was a gamble but as far as she knew, no one had yet been killed from the drugs.

“Agreed. Would you mind if I did some digging?”

She stifled a snort at the polite inquiry. “Would I be able to stop you?”

The smile he returned didn’t boost her confidence. “No.”

“The only lead I have on the drugs is Jackie.” She avoided looking at anyone but Randolph. “The other person who had any information was murdered yesterday.”

“I don’t have to stand for this.” Jackie twisted away from the table. She took a few steps when Randolph gave a signal. She soon found herself blocked on all sides. The twit paled and quieted.

“She’s been using the drugs to gain status. And if I would have to guess, she’s too stupid to cover her tracks.”

“So she’s not selling it?” He nodded toward the glass.

Raven paused to think about it. “I think someone gives it to her to play around. She tested it and found she liked to pretend she’s alpha.” The idea had merit. “If I had to guess, I’d say her alpha is as suspicious and wants her gone as well or else he’d be here to protect her from the warning I issued this afternoon.”

A little grunt escaped the hunter across from her. “A drug like that could be used as a weapon by anyone, rogues searching for power, vampires or even humans who want to put shifters in their place. The drugged shifters would be vulnerable, which would leave the pack vulnerable to attack.”

“Agreed.” None of the options were good. “Be forewarned, the drug’s addicting, so whoever had a taste will want more.”

Randolph reached into his pocket, and Raven resisted the urge to put him out of commission. As if sensing her unease, he carefully lifted one hand. “I found this.” He tossed an envelope stuffed full of paper across the table. “You might find it useful in your investigation.”

He stood and gave a light bow. “It’s truly been a pleasure.”

She thought he might have been sarcastic, but the hardness in his eyes softened. It was the first time she could tell the color. Winter green. That’s when she realized his power rested in his gaze. He must have realized what she’d guessed for he straightened abruptly. “We’ll meet again.”

The promise sounded more like a threat. Some people adapted to their new life as one of the paranormal, others fought it tooth and nail. Randolph liked the killing, liked the thrill. If they met up again, he would push her to see what she could do, test himself against her. She didn’t think he’d kill her, she was too much of anomaly to destroy without probing for answers, but that was a gamble she wasn’t willing to bet her life on.

When Randolph walked to the door, people didn’t seem to notice him even as they moved out of his way. One of his lackeys pulled an unrestrained Jackie from the club.

Raven didn’t take a deep breath until after they left. Before she could even relax, Durant snatched her wrist and hauled her toward the back of the club, nearly pulling her off her feet as he did so.

Jackson followed, Taggert a step behind, pausing just long enough to pick up the gift Randolph had left at the table. And Raven realized it was a favor, one that he expected her to repay.