Free Steal the Day by Lexi Blake

accusation offensive, Mrs. Donovan. No one has ever proven that allegation. At least no one who lived.”
    Neil came over and helped me up. Alexander examined the now unconscious Daniel. He looked at Neil and me with a curious gleam. “If I hadn’t seen him earlier tonight, I would accuse the two of you of all manner of crime. He looks like he was staked out to meet the sun.”
    “It was an angel,” Neil explained.
    The doctor’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “You don’t say? You’re keeping curious company. How did he manage to survive? No, don’t tell me. The wayward companion did her duty and fed her master. It looks like you fed him well, too. Your lips are blue. I’m surprised you’re still standing.”
    “I’m tough,” I replied, though I found myself leaning against Neil.
    “Well, you’re going to need a transfusion,” Alexander stated flatly. “Your master will survive thanks to you, but he can’t help you. In fact, tomorrow he’ll need more blood. You, wolf, you’ll do. Werewolf blood is rich. It’s not as good as companion blood, but she can’t donate for a day or two.”
    I leaned back against Neil as the vampire got uncomfortably close and sniffed me in a vulgar fashion. “Hey, has anyone explained the idea of personal space to you?”
    “O neg,” Alexander said, pulling back. “No wonder he craves you. You smell delicious. Unfortunately, that’s very rare. The wolf won’t work unless you would enjoy doing it doggy style once a month.”
    “Pass.” I looked back at Neil. “No offense.”
    “Don’t knock it ’til you tried it, sister.”
    “The humans here aren’t the right type, either. Michael or I would greatly enjoy donating to you, love. I assure you we would find the task immensely pleasurable right up to the point that your master cut our heads off. What we need is the supernatural equivalent of a universal donor. You’re lucky, dear. There happens to be one species who can donate to any blood type.”
    “And where would I find this magical creature?” Why wouldn’t he just get to the point? I was tired and cold. I had donated a great deal of my blood volume, and no one had even offered me a cookie.
    Alexander’s face lit with menace. “It’s faeries, of course, dear. Faery blood is so vital and versatile. I think you won’t have any trouble finding some. From what I hear, you have a faery willing to donate other bodily fluids. I doubt he’ll deny you a little blood.”
    “No, don’t you call him,” I said, but Michael had already pulled out a phone and I was betting he’d dialed the number to Ether. The last thing I needed was the utter chaos that would happen if Dev walked through the door. He would be so mad at me. Everything had gone wrong. I didn’t want a fight with Dev, too.
    And then it was all just too much. My vision narrowed in that strange way it does just before you pass out. I felt Neil’s arms go around me, and I hoped it was all just a dream.
     

Chapter Six
     
     
    “You’re playing a dangerous game with that one. And I certainly would like to know why we have so many visitors in town.” Alexander’s voice was the first thing I heard as I slowly came back to consciousness.
    I couldn’t have been out for too long. I was on the couch and someone had covered me with a blanket. I tried to stay as still as I could because I wanted to know what dangerous game was being played and by whom. What can I say? I’d had a rough night and I like good gossip.
    “It isn’t a game.” Michael’s words sounded careful, almost wary. “They aren’t here for any reason other than to get to know Daniel.”
    Now I was really listening. In all the chaos of the evening, I’d never gotten around to asking Daniel about the new vampires in town. Michael seemed to think they had come as some sort of group hoping to socialize with the vampire of the moment.
    “Well, he is an interesting chap. I will admit that. Wish he dressed better, though. He’s having