Coldstorm (Heart of a Vampire, Book 7) Read Free Page A

your people do they still have?"
    "That we believe are alive? Three." His tone was low, weary. "Even one is too many."
    "Why do you think they're still alive?"
    "Because they haven't been dropped off in town, with signs of being killed in dark rituals, like the others."
    The answer chilled her to the core. Hopefully, she'd be able to ease the burden for him. For his clan and all the other local Arcaine affected by the dark magics permeating this place. She was going to find these Rogues. Put an end to their depravities.
    And there was the other matter. The personal favor for Connor Gregory. She'd try her best. But in order to do that, she'd need MacDougal's complete cooperation.
    Would she get it?
    Without looking away from him, she told him matter-of-factly. "If I cannot find your traitor before I leave, I will be required to report the breech to the Council." Laws were what they were, and they had to be followed. Even if it meant the Council would be forced to interfere fully.
    MacDougal shot her a calculating look. "Of course."
    Thoughts racing, she started a mental list of the many things she'd need to figure out how and where the Rogues were hiding.
    And, there was one more person in town she had to speak with, sooner rather than later. "I need the statements from the recent killings. Your Keeper of the Peace should have them?"
    "Shane Spencer. Also town sheriff. I'll have someone get the reports."
    "Thank you."
    He stood. "I'll have a room readied for your stay."
    "I won't be staying here." Though it was protocol to be offered, in over four centuries, she'd never once accepted.
    "As you prefer," he replied. "The town's inn then?"
    "No."
    Curiosity flickered over his face. "There's no other place to stay in town."
    "I'm not staying in town." Whether she told him or not, he'd figure it out. He had a stubborn, must-know-everything type of vibe. "I'm camping in the forest."
    On top of the uncomfortableness being around large numbers of people brought, towns weren't safe. Anyone could find out your location. In the forest, all Anca had to do was make certain no one followed her to the hidden camp she'd set up, complete with her own unbreakable protective wards, and she'd be quite safe.
    MacDougal seemed put out with her reply, but only asked, "Do you need supplies?"
    Knowing he was referring to a steady supply of fresh blood, she said, "I do."
    "Our only blood bank is located in the hospital, first floor. It's on the south side of town. Just tell them I sent you, though as a Judge, you won't have any problems."
    That wouldn't work with the slowly forming plan she had in mind. "I don't want to announce I'm a Judge."
    He paused, assessing her once more. "What?"
    "It would be better if I appear as a Rogue, unaffiliated with your clan. And I'd prefer that you tell as few of your vampires—and only those you trust explicitly."
    "You're not used to small towns, are you?"
    "Excuse me?"
    "People gossip, is all. But I'll do my best."
    "If there's anything else, you can contact me at—"
    MacDougal cut her off with a laugh. "If I need to contact you, I'll find you. This is my territory, after all, lass." His power flared.
    Anca tensed, but this wasn't the test of power she worried might come—a waste of everyone's time and strength. Instead, it was more a friendly warning that she was here at his allowance.
    She donned a neutral expression and tipped her head the slightest bit.
    Acknowledging his rule here.
    Just not over her.
    ***
    M att Dixon sat in his chilly office, finishing paperwork for the surgery he'd recently performed. He ignored the crowd in the room, knowing that if he didn't pay them heed, they might go away.
    Not likely. But might.
    He slid another completed form neatly on the small stack at the edge of his desk. A second later, someone tapped on the wood. Matt glanced over. The papers were askew. He realigned the edges perfectly square before continuing to write up his notes.
    The top sheet of paper flipped up into