Free Wuthering Frights by H.P. Mallory Page A

seconds, just watched me as if to gauge how sincere I was. And the truth of the matter was that I was sincere—I did feel bad about it.
    Finally, he dropped his stern expression and smiled handsomely. "Apology accepted."
    And now it was time to move on to more important topics. It was time to learn just how involved Bram was with the Netherworld. I cleared my throat and thought about the best way to approach him, as well as what my chances were of getting some straight answers out of him. Figuring there really was no "right" approach, I just opted for friendly. "Have a seat," I said, motioning to my couch.
    Bram looked surprised at first, but quickly acquiesced and seated himself on the far end of the sofa. He eyed me curiously, as if wondering why I'd invited him to stay. Well, he was about to find out.
    "Bram, I have questions for you," I started and sat down in a chair beside him. I pulled it out so we were facing one another.
    "As I have questions for you, sweet."
    It didn't surprise me to know he'd have questions for me. Bram was always nosy. "I know you're curious as to how I got home," I began, searching for a plausible excuse. Remembering that I'd nearly blown my cover with Knight regarding my story about Caressa and the portal, I decided to learn from past mistakes.
    "Quite so," the vampire replied; and when I didn't respond immediately, he prodded. "Go on."
    "I escaped," I said simply.
    "Escaped?" he repeated dubiously.
    "I overpowered Caressa and tried to talk Judge Thorne into taking me back into custody in exchange for Knight's life," I spewed out, nearly tripping over the lie.
    Bram said nothing, but eyed me suspiciously as if he found it hard to believe. "And yet the Loki has returned, as have you."
    I nodded, reminding myself to stick to my story. "Judge Thorne wouldn't listen to me and decreed that I be escorted to the portal by one of his guards." I took a deep breath. "As to why Knight was released, I don't know."
    "I see."
    I shrugged, thinking I needed to play up my surprise a bit more. "I mean, I thought for sure he was never going to get out."
    "It is quite the riddle, is it not?" Bram asked and then smiled in an off-putting sort of way.
    "It is," I agreed and even nodded to reaffirm my words.
    "And you have been reinstated in your position at the ANC?" he continued. Bram was definitely at the top of the gossip totem pole. He always had been, though, which was why I found him so useful in my position as Regulator. He got the inside scoops before anyone else did.
    "You're impressive, I'll give you that," I said softly and then smiled at him.
    "Why did you insist on becoming a Regulator again?" he asked, his tone slightly more casual, but I knew his indifference was merely an act—Bram wanted to know what was going on. He made it his business to know the ins and outs of ANC business.
    "I missed it," I answered nonchalantly before turning to the subject of my own questions. "How high do you rank in the Netherworld pecking order?"
    Bram smiled, revealing his fangs, clearly appreciative of the question and even more clearly impressed with himself. "High." He narrowed his eyes on me. "Why was the Loki truly released?"
    I swallowed hard. "I don't know," I bluffed. "Are you familiar with the head of the Netherworld?"
    Bram's smile dropped. "Yes."
    I felt my heartbeat quicken. "How familiar?"
    "Familiar enough." He paused a moment or two before that debonair smile was back in full effect. "Are you familiar with the head of the Netherworld?"
    "No." I paused to catch my breath, completely aware that he was testing me, that he knew more than he was letting on. "Are you involved with his affairs?"
    "No," he answered quickly. Maybe too quickly. "Are you involved with his affairs?"
    My heart thundered through my ears, sounding like waves crashing against rocks. I almost felt like I was going to pass out. "No."
    "Are you aware that he shares the same last name with you?" Bram asked in a casual, bored tone.
    I