Cronin's Key by N.R. Walker Read Free Book Online Page A

implied. “Where is Eiji?”
    “Downstairs in the lobby. He wanted to make contact with a few of our friends to see if anyone knows anything of Mikka’s death or that of the Seeker. He thought it best if Alec were not privy to his conversation.” Jodis sighed. “He also has one of your credit cards.”
    “Do I want to know what for?”
    Just then the elevator pinged and the doors opened. Eiji’s usual chuckle came from behind the several boxes and grocery bags he carried. “I bought your human some human things,” he said, walking in with his burden. “Of all the things we’ve witnessed throughout time—inventions, developments, advances—I do believe the credit card, Internet, and home delivery may be my favorite. I didn’t even have to leave the lobby.”
    He slid the boxes and bags onto the kitchen counter. “Though I found out little information. Only that yes, it was Mikka who met his fate. There was rumor of more than one Seeker in the city, though no proof. Only rumors.”
    “Any word on the key?” Cronin asked.
    Eiji shook his head. “No. Though if there is more than one Seeker, I would believe that whatever this key is, it is here in New York City.”
    Cronin frowned. “We need to call a council meeting.”
    Jodis and Eiji both nodded and answered in unison. “Agreed.”
    Alec walked into the kitchen. Freshly showered and wearing Cronin’s clothes, and he did a double take. Alec’s scent, washed and warm, filled Cronin’s senses, making him feel lightheaded, if such a thing were possible.
    Oblivious to his effect on Cronin, Alec stood beside him. “Oh, I forgot to show you this,” he said, holding out his hand. On his palm was the small wooden bullet. “I had it in my pocket and forgot all about it. It was in the ashes of that vampire. I think it was what killed him…”
    Alec’s words trailed off when it was obvious the three vampires had gone stock-still. They looked at his hand, wide-eyed.
    Eiji’s voice was eerily quiet. “It’s hawthorn.”
    Cronin nodded. He knew what that meant.
    “The Illyrians are here.”

CHAPTER FIVE
     
    The three vampires were more than alarmed, talking so fast and quietly that Alec couldn’t understand them, so he left them to it.
    He stood in the kitchen and ate the food that Eiji had bought for him. It was takeout from a French restaurant, which Eiji found funny, saying something about it being a night for French. Alec didn’t ask for details. With the way Cronin scowled at the Japanese vampire, Alec thought it best not to know.
    Eiji had even bought him a coffeemaker, which Alec was most grateful for. And seeing how happy it made him, Cronin had thanked Eiji. Though from the assortment of different groceries he’d ordered, it was very clear that the man hadn’t eaten human food in a long time. It was a nice gesture all the same, but Alec really just wanted to go home.
    Cronin’s apartment was clearly the most lavish place he’d ever been in, but it wasn’t his. Nothing here was familiar, nothing was comforting. It felt like a grand hotel to Alec: beautiful, opulent, but sterile.
    When evening settled over the city and the sun was finally set, Eiji and Jodis said their goodbyes with promises to be back the next night. Jodis had put her hand on Cronin’s arm and whispered something Alec couldn’t hear, though by the way her eyes flickered to him, he was certain she was talking about him.
    Cronin ducked his head, and Jodis and Eiji disappeared into the elevator.
    And Cronin and Alec were alone.
    Cronin seemed nervous, and Alec wanted to go to him. He wanted to touch him, he wanted to wrap his arms around him. But he knew he shouldn’t. It was too soon, it was all too much, and Alec admitted to being a lot of things, but a pushover wasn’t one of them. So his mind warred with his heart and won. He shoved his hands in his pockets and anchored his feet to the floor.
    “I’d like to go home,” Alec said.
    Cronin’s eyes shot to his. “You