Page 37 of Wounded Soul
“But there’s some stuff I’m really not allowed to talk about.”
“We’ve heard that before,” Cate muttered.
Blake shook his head, accepting the beer from Ian and looking uncharacteristically serious for once. “No, I mean it. I had to sign all sorts of shit.”
“Fair enough.” Ian took a drink of his own beer and tried to think of what to ask first.
Cate beat him to it. “Are vampires really real? I mean did you see any?”
Ian didn’t think she’d actually believe it deep down until she saw one for herself. Which he hoped like hell never happened.
Swallowing a swig of beer, Blake looked from Cate to Ian, then back again. “Yes, they’re real. No I haven’t seen one in person.” He held a finger up as Cate went to interrupt. “But I’ve spoken to those that have. And I’ve seen video footage.”
“Footage?” Ian asked, excitement building. “What sort of footage?” He was already imagining a chase through the city streets, climbing up walls, jumping over railings—
“They recorded the meeting the VLCD had with the coven leaders.”
Ian couldn’t hide his disappointment. “A meeting?”
“Yeah. What were you expecting, a high-speed chase through town?”
“No. ’Course not.” Ian smirked, and Blake rolled his eyes, knowing him only too well.
“It was an historic meeting. One where some of the covens agreed to stop feeding on humans in return for not being hunted by the VLCD or anyone associated with them.”
Cate set her beer down on the coffee table with a bit of a clang. “What do you meansomeof the covens?”
“Okay, so remember I said there were covens all over the country?” Blake glanced between the two of them, carrying on when they nodded. “Well, not all of them agreed to give up their current lifestyle.”
Cate’s hand went to her throat. “So you mean...?”
“Yeah,” Blake said softly. “There are vampires out there that still hunt humans.”
“Oh my God!”
Ian was right there with her. He glanced out the window at the darkening sky, then back at Blake. “Should we be concerned?”
“No. The Bristol coven agreed to the VLCDs terms fifteen years ago and, as far as I’m aware, have stuck to the agreement. They get their blood from the hospitals with the VLCD’s help. And I believe the other covens are supposed to inform each other when they enter another’s territory, and if an agreement is in place, then that coven will inform the VLCD so we can be on the lookout.”
“Call me sceptical, but I can’t see that happening.” Ian downed the rest of his beer, suddenly needing another one. He stood and raised his bottle. “Anyone want another?”
Blake shook his head, “No thanks, I’m driving.” But Cate readily accepted. Ian suspected she’d be drinking a lot more by the end of the night at this rate.
“And you’d be right,” Blake said as Ian sat back down, answering his earlier statement. I’m still learning all the ropes, but from what I already know, I’m not sure many of the covens stick to that particular rule, but there’s not much we can do about it.”
Fuck, Ian had so many questions now. More than he had before. “So there could be vampires roaming around town that you don’t know about if they don’t let the other covens know?”
“In theory, but bear in mind, if anyone turns up dead and we suspect a vampire is involved, we’re going to go straight to the coven leader and start asking questions. It’s in their interest to keep an eye out for rogue vamps in their territory. There’s only been two vamp-related deaths since the agreement was made.”
“That you know of,” Cate said.
“Yes, that we know of.” He looked a little frustrated, and Ian tried to dial back his thirst for information. “As neither were caused by the Bristol coven.”
Sighing, Ian rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry. I’m sure you weren’t expecting an interrogation when you came round tonight.”
Blake barked out a laugh. “You’re kidding right? That’s exactly what I was expecting, and it’s fine, honestly. I’d be the same if it was one of you in my place.” He sat forward, elbows resting on his knees. “Look. From what I understand, even if a vampire enters the city to feed, they still have to be careful. Their targets tend to be the homeless or people out on their own in the very early hours away from the centre. But vampires have been here for years. Just because you know about them now doesn’t mean they’ve suddenly become more dangerous than they were before.”
“Yes, but ignorance is bliss.” Cate sent him a withering look. “We didn’t know we needed to worry before.”
