Demon Night by Meljean Brook Read Free Book Online Page B

of two ways: easy, like an old man in his sleep—or violently, driven mad by bloodlust.
    â€œHe’s dead?” Jake yanked the toothpick from his mouth, glanced back at Ethan.
    â€œYes,” she said. “Colin called me last evening.”
    â€œDid he have to finish it?” Ethan asked. If so, it would have been quick and painless; Colin Ames-Beaumont was brutally efficient with his swords.
    The two-hundred-year-old vampire led the San Francisco community with his partner, Savi Murray. Both were connected to SI, and often acted as liaisons between Guardians and vampires in other cities. Ethan couldn’t fathom why Savi, one of the sweetest, brightest ladies he’d had the pleasure of knowing, had developed such a powerful liking for her spoiled pretty-boy fiancé—but Ethan had to admit Colin took care of those under his protection. He’d have done everything possible to help Milliken adjust.
    â€œYes. They’d been watching for the snap, and Savi got Milliken’s wife out—but not before she saw part of it. So Dr. Milliken isn’t in an emotional state to continue assisting us—though I doubt there’s much more she could tell us about Legion than she told you the night you brought them here.” Lilith steepled her fingers, pointed at Ethan. “And you came today for a purpose, Drifter, but Hugh and Milliken obviously weren’t it. I can appreciate a man who waits and listens, gathering as much information as possible before he offers the info that I want—but the only man for whom I’d make the effort is in Washington, D.C., sifting through vampire ash. So talk. Now.”
    Charlie’s file was in his cache; with a quick mental pull, Ethan made it appear on Lilith’s desk. It contained all of the data Jake had found in various government databases and several financial institutions. “Charlotte Newcomb. Three vampires came for her last night.”
    Her lips compressed into a thin line before she said, “Is she still alive? Still human?”
    Ethan gave a short nod. “They ran when I arrived, and used the symbols.” He hesitated briefly, then added, “Charlie knows. Not details, but she was certain they were vampires, and that a guardian angel came to her rescue.”
    â€œShe would have been a lot more certain if you’d failed and she was sucking blood now.” A smile curved Lilith’s mouth, but there was little humor in it.
    There was less in Ethan’s reply. “It’s been more than two months since the last transformation. Since Milliken’s.”
    Lilith flipped open the folder, began scanning the pages. “Any reason for them to wait, when they didn’t with the others? Is there anything special about her?”
    Plenty, but Ethan doubted there was anything a demon might appreciate. “I figured you’d know better than I would. And why they aren’t waiting any longer.”
    â€œI know Lucifer’s demons. Those who used to follow Belial are a bit more individual.” She grimaced around the last word.
    Jake grinned. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
    â€œIt is when you’re trying to predict their behavior, puppy.” She speared him with a dark look before returning her attention to the file. “Cerberus’s balls, this girl is a fucking mess. Overdrafts, maxed-out credit cards, late payments.”
    â€œ Was a mess,” Ethan said with an edge of impatience, not moving from his position by the painting. With his Guardian eyesight, he could easily read the page she was holding. “Those are the financials from three years ago.”
    Lilith darted a glance up at him. “So they are.”
    Ethan’s jaw clenched, and his skin heated slightly. Of course she hadn’t missed the date; she’d been trying to draw a response from him, and she’d gotten one. No longer a demon, but still manipulative. Still looking for