Free Turning Night by Viola Grace Page A

it, she hardly winced anymore.
    Gregori wisely kept her in his arms, which was her favourite place to be. “Rithak has asked for your assistance in a matter of some urgency.”
    Rithak rubbed his hand along the short-cropped black hair that covered his skull. “My sister is pregnant, very pregnant, and I have to attend a matter at Hotel Spectre. I do not wish to leave her alone and taking her out of her territory is impossible. I have asked the Guild Master for your services as bodyguard for the next thirty-six hours.”
    Max looked up at Gregori. He wasn’t happy, but he was letting her make the decision.
    “If he believes it would benefit his cause, I will do it without hesitation, but Rithak, I must ask one thing.”
    The panther was so relieved, he said, “Name it and it’s yours.”
    “I want to have a friend over while I babysit.” Max grinned and her sharpened teeth showed.
    “Is that friend a vampire?”
    Max shook her head. “Nope. Straight flesh and blood human with knowledge of the supernatural realms. Will you agree?”
    “She might be in danger. Raila is a little unstable right now.”
    “I will protect them both, from each other if need be. Now, give me the address, and I will make some calls.” She wiggled her fingers and Gregori released her arm.
    Rithak quickly dug in his back pocket and handed her a card. “Thank you. Give her this card, and she will know I have sent you.”
    “Does Raila know you are trying to send someone to her?”
    “She knows, she just doesn’t think she needs protection.” He sighed. “The father of her child believes that he has the right to it. His clan is the problem.”
    She narrowed her eyes. “What kind of clan?”
    “Midnight elves. Dark, violent and positive that their way is the only way.”
    Max sighed. “It sounds like most species I have met. Right. I will need one more person if we might run into midnight elves. She is magical, of a sort. Don’t worry, we will bring our own food.”
    “I do not know if she will let that many strangers into her house.”
    “Oh, she will.”
    Gregori placed his lips against the curve of her ear. “I believe he wishes to know who your friends are, dearest.”
    The endearment melted her against him; it always did. “Raven and Hellebore. Hell can help me on defence and Raven…well you know what she does.”
    “Good choices. Shall I have Anthony make the arrangements?”
    Max shook her head, reached into the side of the fitted vest that she wore and pulled her phone out of the left side of her bra. She felt rather than heard Gregori’s deep sigh.
    She stepped out of her lover’s arms and crossed the room, speaking quickly to Raven and then answering questions for Hellebore. Since both women were invited to her anniversary gala, a little adventure two days earlier wasn’t difficult to fit into their schedule.
    Max finished her calls and turned to the two men who were waiting. “Well, I suppose I should be on my way.”
    With a quick kiss from Gregori and effusive thanks from Rithak, she left her home to babysit a pregnant feline who didn’t know she was coming. This was going to be tricky.

Chapter Two
     
     
    Max arrived in her car and Raven was standing next to her guardian, boyfriend and transporter. He didn’t look happy about leaving her there.
    Max walked up to them. “Hiya, Raven, hi, Eyleno. Leave her with me, Eyleno. She will be fine, and I will call if anything arises.”
    He scowled, “You will keep your phone on?”
    “I will. If she is needed elsewhere, you need only call.”
    A motorcycle roared out of the woods. Hellebore grinned at Max as she removed her helmet. “That transporter was definitely eager to launch me here. What did you say to him?”
    “Anthony called him. I am sure that threats of some kind were involved. Now, are you ready to meet our charge?”
    The light was still bright enough to illuminate a lovely house, immaculate gardens and thriving roses. Max straightened and walked