Free Blood Shadows by Tessa Dawn Page B

her mouth falling open. “Unusual?” She stood up abruptly. “You guys are scaring the hell out of me!” She turned to face Kagen. “I’m sorry I came to your clinic, and I’m sorry I lied to you to gain access.” She placed the palm of her hand against her diaphragm as if to force herself to calm down. “Obviously, I was little freaked out myself by my drawings…and your brother. But I’ve answered all of your questions. More than once. And you haven’t answered any of mine. So, as far as I’m concerned, we’re not going to get any further tonight.” Her shoulders sagged. “I’m tired. I’m hungry. And I just want to go back to my cabin and get some rest.”
    Marquis started to speak but was quickly cut off by Nathaniel, who held out his hand in a stop motion. Brother, he said telepathically, so all of them could hear, we can’t keep her here like a hostage. There has been no Blood Moon to alert our enemies of her existence; perhaps she will remain more…amenable…to our desires if we make her feel more comfortable. Allow her to feel safe at the least. What harm is there in letting her return to her cabin for this night only? We can place a hidden guard on her tail so she goes nowhere.
    Kagen shrugged. I’m okay with that—for tonight, he qualified. But eventually, we’re going to have to tell her something.
    Marquis waved his hand in dismissal. At this point, what the human does or does not want is of no consequence to me; what matters is Nachari’s safety and figuring this out. He rubbed his brow in frustration. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think we need a wizard.
    Deanna threw her arms up in the air. “What in the hell are you guys doing?” She took several steps back from her chair and shuffled in the direction of the front door. No doubt, she had seen the body language and hand gestures…in the absence of speech.
    Kagen stood slowly. “We’re just considering your request,” he said.
    Deanna shook her head vigorously. “It’s not a request. This is America, and last I checked, I was free to come and go as I please.” She raised her purse strap on her shoulder and hugged her attaché case to her chest. “So if you gentlemen will excuse me, I’m outta here.” Without looking back, she started to walk briskly toward the front door. Her heart was practically beating out of her chest.
    Marquis immediately rose to cut her off.
    Let her go, Marquis , Nathaniel said.
    Marquis glared at him angrily.
    “Call Ramsey,” Nathaniel whispered in a voice so slight only another vampire could hear. Ask him to meet us at the cabins. The moment she pulls out of the driveway, we will cloak our appearances and follow her while remaining invisible. He turned in the direction of Nachari’s room. Kagen, of course, will stay here with Nachari.
    Marquis thought it over. He would never understand why his brothers went out of their way to see to the comfort of humans. Perhaps this Deanna was Nachari’s destiny , perhaps she was not; but either way, she had answers they needed in her drawings. What she couldn’t explain—because she honestly didn’t know—perhaps another wizard, or even Napolean himself could discern.
    It will be as I say. Marquis spoke with authority then, making it clear that he was pulling rank as the eldest brother and the most senior Ancient Master Warrior in the room. She will return to the cabin tonight under the protection of Ramsey and Nathaniel. She will be brought back to the clinic at first light tomorrow to meet with our wizards, Jankiel and Niko. Until then, the drawings will remain here at the clinic where we can study them. I do not care to waste an entire night waiting for the girl to get her beauty sleep.
    As you wish, Nathaniel responded. And then, flashing a brilliant smile, he called after Deanna. “Ms. Dubois?”
    Her back stiffened and she looked over her shoulder, but she didn’t stop walking.
    “You will stop walking now,” he said in a low,