The vampire jammed on the brakes and stared with stunned aggravation. Everyone at the VLAAD Institute knew this was his section of the garage. These were his vehicles. His parking spaces. Who would have the nerve? Well, the imbecile would soon learn the error of their ways.
The jeans and bomber jacket-clad rider swung off the bike, removed the helmet, and hung it on the handlebars.
"Hey, partner." Jaeger lifted his chin in greeting and strolled off.
Leontes' jaw dropped. "What the-?" He jumped from the sports car and chased after Jaeger. At a loud noise, he stopped and turned.
The sight made his blood boil.
He had forgotten to turn off the engine or put it in park, so the brand new car, also known as a work of art, had just crashed into two of his favorite antique vehicles.
"Dammit, puppy!"
Leontes raced to the door that led into the mansion and used his body to block Jaeger's path. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Who?" Jaeger looked around with overdramatic innocence, and then pointed to himself. "Oh, me? Funny you should ask. I've been employed as a consultant for the VLAAD Institute. I can come and go as I please. Day or night. I've got this all-access pass and everything." He pulled out an official VLAAD Institute ID badge that bore his picture. "See?"
Leontes snatched it from him and stared in shock.
"Hey, gramps. Do you have one of those too? Because if you don't, I can put in a good word for you," Jaeger said through a smirk, and closed with a wink.
Leontes struggled to find his voice. "Con- Consultant for what? You have no skills!"
"That hurts a little, but I must have forgotten to mention that I actually have degrees in bioengineering, chemistry, and zoology. See, when I worked at a bar in England, I attended this little university called Cambridge. You might've heard of it. And when I went to Harvard I worked-"
"Rubbish!" Leontes threw the badge on the ground.
"No, it's all true. I'm super smart and highly qualified. And here at the Institute, I work directly under a brilliant doctor. What was her name? Oh, yeah. Victoria Frankenstein. I believe she has a lab right here in the mansion. Where I'll be spending all of my time." Jaeger snatched up the badge and gave Leontes a look. "And I don't want to be late, so if you don't mind."
The vampire glared, but stepped aside, his movements tense. When the badge unlocked the door and Jaeger walked in, Leontes scowled and followed, his fists opening and closing, causing his knuckles to turn white.
They entered a foyer with an elegant staircase that curved up into shadows along the wall to the right. Jaeger headed down the hall to the left.
"No," Leontes said firmly. "They would never trust a shifter with this level of access."
Jaeger paused and turned around. "That's where you're wrong. Rusila loves me because … " He gave Leontes a devilish grin. "And you'll appreciate this, I just recently helped stop a war between vamps and shifters. And I saved the vamp's Number One Ambassador from the lethal clutches of an evil assassin. Even took a bullet for him. Rusila really appreciated that last bit." Another wink.
Leontes gritted his teeth so hard he was surprised they did not grind to dust. "You have got to be kidding me."
"Would I kid a kidder like you? Where's Kiara? I want to surprise her with the good news." Jaeger rotated his shoulder. "And my bullet wound is a little sore. Thought she could play nurse again. I'm sure she promised me a sponge bath. See you around, gramps!" With a wave over his shoulder, Jaeger sauntered off.
After a long moment, Leontes said, "How could you allow this?"
From the top of the staircase, Rusila uttered a low, throaty chuckle. "Because you just allowed that impertinent boy to walk away with his throat still intact. You are not the beast you once were, and I need results." The queen descended with imperious grace. "I need you back."
Leontes turned dark, dangerous eyes on the queen. "For what you ask, there will be hell to pay."
Rusila shrugged. "Seems a small price for a drop of Midnight Poison."
As Leontes watched her glide down the hall, he was not sure he agreed.
CHAPTER 115
Dr. Lyons strode down the hall of his elegant Beverly Hills estate and patiently listened to Kiara regale her recent exploits. Every bit the distinguished gentleman, the doctor appeared to be in his mid-forties. Black hair gelled back into smooth waves. Stylish glasses perched on a proud nose. Kind, walnut-brown eyes brimmed with intelligence.