Page 24 of Caretaker

Blood ran like scarlet tears from his eyes, and from his ears, even from the corner of his mouth.

I threw myself away from him, horrified, and realized that I’d been wrong. Miriam could command me.

Clayton turned to walk away, wiping blood from his eyes, and when I started after him, Shane caught my arm. “No, Trinity.”

“Clayton,” I called.

He halted but kept his back turned.

“Tell Miriam I’m coming to see her soon.” I knew the threat was in my voice, but I figured I was doing pretty good seeing as how I hadn’t gone to kill her yet.

I felt bad for her. Very bad.

Clayton had fucked her up. He’d tortured her father as she watched. He’d helped make her into the monster she was. The monster who owned him.

And if it hadn’t been for Clayton, I’d have liked her. I did like her. But I was done watching her punish Clayton.

I’d wanted to figure out a way to sneak him away from her, but that wasn’t working out for me.

I was going to have to take him from the crazy bitch.

I watched Clayton until he disappeared, then I climbed into Shane’s truck. “Miriam will be pissed. He didn’t get whatever it was she sent him here for.”

Shane shifted gears and pulled away from the curb. “Yeah,” he said. “He did.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s going home to her with blood leaking from every opening on his body because you touched him. I imagine that whatever voodoo shit she’s been cooking up has just had its trial run, and she’ll be pleased with its success.”

I clutched the bag and stared out my window. “I’m going to have to do something about her.”

“Yup.”

“I’m going to have to take him from her.”

“Uh huh.”

“Do you think I can?”

“Nope.”

I sighed. “I’m going to.”

“You ready to take on the responsibility of another man, baby hunter?”

I looked at him, frowning. “Another man? Who’s the first one?”

His eyebrow shot up. “Amias Sato. Angus.” He hesitated.

“You?” I asked, lightly.

He gestured at the bag. “Catch her fucking scent so we can get to work.”

“I’m not responsible for Angus or the vampire. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“There’s too much talking.” His voice was harsh. “Get the scent. Angus is waiting.”

He was right. I’d deal with Clayton and Miriam tomorrow. Tonight was about finding the judge’s wife.