The Quest by Mary Abshire Read Free Book Online

the old guy. Thirty years in one job was a long time. He could retire.
    “Have I met you before?” he asked.
    I took a step back. What an unusual question. “Not that I know of. Have you?”
    He rummaged through his bag and withdrew a large bottle of Dr. Pepper. “You look familiar, but my memory isn’t what it used to be.”
    I grinned. Neither was mine.
    Not commenting, I turned and headed for the short filing cabinet to claim my purse. As I slid the metal drawer open, the phone in my bag started buzzing. I snatched my purse and slammed the drawer shut.
    “In a hurry to leave?” Zachary asked.
    My phone vibrated again. I suspected it was either Boss or Jonas calling to let me know they were waiting for me. Since I was more than ready to leave, I didn’t bother to answer it.
    “Yes, I have someone here to pick me up.” I stopped in front of the gate and waited for Zachary to hit the button.
    “Don’t let the politics here influence you,” he said before the annoying buzz sounded.
    Oh, I wouldn’t. “Have a good morning,” I said, shutting the gate behind me.
    I hated politics. If I could live on an island far away with a lover and endless supply of food, I would. Of course, I’d have to have a supplier of blood too. Thinking of the thick substance instantly stirred my hunger. I needed a fix.
    When I reached the main floor, I withdrew my phone. Boss had called. I touched the screen, activating the redial sequence.
    “Where are you?” he asked, sounding a bit agitated.
    “Walking toward the exit now. Are you parked?”
    “Parked and waiting.”
    “Be there soon.” I ended the call and slid the phone back into my purse.
    Excitement fueled my steps. The heels of my boots echoed in the empty Statehouse. Due to the late hour, or rather early hour, the guys said they’d pick me up in front of the capital. The shortened walk was a blessing given I craved substance.
    Reaching the doors, I shoved them open and jogged down the concrete steps. A parked car waited at the curb. Boss, wearing dark pants and a loose blazer, had his arms crossed while he leaned against the SUV. Though he had somewhat short hair, three-inch bangs covered his eyes with the help of the wind. He raked a hand through his locks while keeping his gaze pointed at me.
    “You’re late,” he said as I drew near.
    I frowned. “What, two minutes?” I stopped in front of him.
    He opened the back door for me. “Jonas told me about what happened earlier. In case you need a reminder, minutes can make the difference between life and death.”
    The hardass vampire had a way of getting on my nerves, but I still respected and cared for him. Sure, we had our problems in the beginning. He thought I was an abomination. Over time, and with the help of Jonas and Tabby, he realized I wasn’t such a repulsive creature. We even had an intimate moment once, but we both agreed the incident was to satisfy our carnal needs. Quite frankly, my needs were growing, and if I didn’t get sated soon, I’d have to get my groove on with the vamp again.
    I brushed my windblown hair from my face, showing him my forehead. “No worries. I don’t even have a mark.”
    “No, of course not. I bet the demon who shoved you into the brick wall knew you would heal fast.”
    I started to snap back, but a loud screech from the sky stopped me. Boss and I glanced in the direction of the shrill sound and found a garguman perched on top of the building across the street. The naked gray creature flapped his wings and cried out again.
    “Get in the car,” Boss said.
    I quickly leaped into the back seat. Boss slammed my door and settled into the front.
    “Those pesky men must have a liking for you,” Jonas said, staring out his front window.
    “Drive, but don’t go fast,” Boss said. “I want it to follow us.”
    “What?” I scooted between the seats to get a better view. “Why?”
    Jonas shifted the gear and drove away from the curb.
    Boss bent down, his gaze aimed at the