Nevermore (Crossbreed Series Book 6)

As much as I hated the snobbery of elitist parties, I was fascinated by how the other half lived. Whoever owned this place was not only loaded but had exquisite taste in architecture and décor. It was dreamlike, and I felt like a princess in a palace as Switch took my arm and led me into the next room. This one had several nude statues that should have belonged in a museum in Rome.

“This place is huge,” he said quietly.

“Maybe we should leave bread crumbs to find our way out.”

He grinned at me and squeezed my arm a little.

Viktor appeared at my right, dazzling me with a charismatic smile. “Ah, Raven. Here you are.”

“This is Switch.” I tugged Switch’s arm to steer his attention away from a snack cart. “Switch, this is my boss, the incomparable Viktor Kazan.”

Both men bowed their heads at each other in greeting.

“There is someone I would like to introduce you to.” Viktor took my hand and pulled me away. He led me a short distance near a statue, and I recognized the lady from earlier. “Raven Black, I would like you to meet our most gracious hostess and new official for the higher authority, Lenore Parrish. Lenore…”

She gave me a playful smile. “We’ve met.”

The man beside her turned around, and I should have recognized his ass in those trousers. Christian offered a crooked smile and quickly collected a champagne flute from a tray before averting his eyes.

Viktor looked between Lenore and me. “I did not realize you two knew each other.”

“We met just briefly,” she explained. “She was admiring one of my favorite paintings.”

“This is a nice place you’ve got,” I chimed in, deciding that was the understatement of the year. At least I hadn’t said anything insulting when we were talking just moments ago.

Viktor gestured to me. “Raven is one of my people. She is Christian’s partner.”

Lenore’s delicate eyebrows arched high. “Is that so? When you introduced me to the others individually, you didn’t mention who was with whom. I hadn’t the faintest idea that you paired opposite genders. How fascinating.”

Viktor nodded. “We have rules to keep it civilized, but I am very proud of the people I have chosen to work under my leadership. Should you ever need us to investigate a crime or track someone down, I have the utmost confidence in my team. I’m sure if you speak with others, you will hear many good things. We have received high praise from your peers, and we take our job very seriously.”

Viktor was obviously positioning us above other teams in the city that did similar work.

Lenore glided toward me. “I heard all about the recent blackout. Is it true you stabbed some of the officials with a stunner?”

I twirled a lock of hair around my finger. “I see my reputation precedes me.”

“You make quite the impression.” Lenore gave Viktor an unwavering smile. “Where others might be incredulous that a woman can be so cunning and fearless, I know firsthand that those traits are the very reason women like myself have survived so long in this male-dominated world. I’m eager to know more about you, Raven. We should get together soon for tea. Viktor, don’t you dare keep this one all to yourself.”

When Switch’s arm slipped around my waist, I tensed. I hadn’t brought Switch to make Christian jealous, only to keep me company. And I had little control over Switch’s territorial wolf behavior. Christian shifted his stance and took another sip of champagne but said nothing. His apathy wasn’t surprising but left me unsure of how to act. This wasn’t the time or place to invite drama, so in a way I was relieved he was behaving.

Hell, I was relieved I was behaving.

After all, I’d spent the past two weeks imagining the things I wanted to say the next time we ran into each other.

An awkward silence befell us.

Lenore captured Viktor’s arm. “Introduce me to the Chitah you were speaking to earlier. What was his name?”

“Leo.”

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Raven. I have to mingle, but maybe we can get together another time. I’d love nothing more than to hear about your work, especially with this one,” she said, gesturing at Christian.

I found her remark odd, but then again, it was Christian. He’d probably made quite the impression by complimenting her knockers before spewing out vulgarities.

When Lenore and Viktor left us alone, I found myself forced to speak to Christian, and I really didn’t want to.

So Switch did it for me.

“I’m Switch,” he said, as if it were a name to brag about.

Christian sized him up. Neither had much of a height advantage over the other. Then his attention briefly flicked down to where Switch’s hand was holding my waist. “I see Raven’s found her long-lost brother.”

Switch didn’t laugh. “I’m her date. And you are?”

“Christian Poe.”

Despite my dry throat, I cut the tension with some useless information. “Christian’s my partner. We’ve been working together for a while now. He’s probably mad because I didn’t tell him I was taking a vacation.” Then I turned to Christian. “Switch is an old friend from way back.”

Switch’s hand disappeared from my waist, slid up my back, and landed on my shoulder. Neither man said a word. Christian had a stare that could penetrate a virgin, and while Switch wasn’t looking directly in his eyes, he was posturing. Wolves are territorial, and I wondered if Christian could sense his Breed. It would be rude of him to ask, and it would be even ruder for me to disclose it on Switch’s behalf.

Disastrous.

Christian reached out for my arm. “Do you mind if I steal her away from your hip for a moment?”

“Actually, I do,” Switch said, knocking Christian’s arm away.

But Christian’s arm didn’t knock away easily.

I faced Switch and gripped his broad shoulders. “It’s okay. I have to catch up on a few things if you don’t mind. Could you make me a plate? I’m kind of hungry.”

Switch’s brown eyes found mine, and I could see how very much he wanted to make me a plate of food. God, I hope I hadn’t just tapped into some primal Shifter need to satisfy a woman by feeding her. His expression warmed, and his brown eyes got real soft.

He leaned in, and when I thought he was going to whisper something in my ear, he kissed my cheek instead.

Slowly.

Sensually.

His musky scent filled my nose, and my cheeks heated.

“Don’t go far,” he whispered in a deep, smoky voice.

Christian seized my wrist and led me to a different room, this one furnished with intimate seating and low lights. He located two upholstered chairs in the right corner, and we sat down.

Both of us knew that we couldn’t dig into our personal issues while out in the open. Normally I didn’t see many Vampires attending these functions, but Lenore presented a problem. Not only was she the host, but Viktor was trying to forge a relationship with her, so I had to be careful about airing our dirty laundry.

Another time.

Christian sat back, arms draped around the curve of the chair, his knees apart. He looked like a king on his throne, and I was merely a jester in his court.

I didn’t like feeling self-conscious, so I crossed my legs and gave him an indignant look.

“How is your da?” he asked conversationally.

My fingernails bit into my palms before I flattened my hands on the armrest. “He’s glad to see his daughter. We had a lot to catch up on.”

“So why didn’t you bring him along, seeing how you’re all in favor of having a date?”

“I don’t think he would have passed the dress code.”

“And your escort does?”

I glanced down at Christian’s vest and dress shirt. My belly did a little flip at how handsome he looked in that damn suit. It was old-fashioned and sexy as hell. He’d probably worn it on purpose to get a reaction, but I didn’t want to give him one. “There are a lot of beautiful women here tonight.”

“Aye.” His eyes locked on my necklace. “I see you went all out.”

That was his indirect way of asking why I was wearing the ruby necklace after our fight. He probably thought I’d tossed it in the river by now.

“Viktor likes it when we make an effort to look nice,” I pointed out.

“Then perhaps you should have tanned your legs from top to bottom.”

I glanced down to where my dress had risen above my knee, exposing a faint line. Faint enough that the average person wouldn’t notice it, but nothing got past Christian’s Vampy eyes.

“I recall you telling me a childhood story about a lad named Switch. Funny, I always assumed he was human.”

“Never assume.”

Christian pinched his chin. “I never thought I’d see you tangled up with a wolf.”

“What makes you think he’s a wolf?”

“Don’t be daft. I could practically see his tail wagging.”

I glanced around. “Where’s your date? Let me guess, the busty blonde in the short dress?”

His black eyes tunneled into mine, and I looked away, afraid he might be trying to subtly charm me for information or answers. I still hadn’t sorted through my feelings about our situation, and his prickly attitude wasn’t helping matters.

My anger bubbled like a pot of water on a hot stove. I’d had a happy reunion with my father, weeks that I could have easily been denied had I never found those receipts beneath Christian’s bed.

“What did you want to talk about?” I asked, trying to maintain my composure.

“Perhaps I’m concerned that my partner has vanished without so much as a farewell. You could have told me your intentions.”

“I think my intentions were clear.”

All the things we wanted to say were hidden between the lines. Christian was upset that I left without giving him a chance to tell me how unreasonable I was being, and I was pointing out that he played a role in my decision that he wasn’t willing to accept.

In any case, I didn’t leave Keystone because of Christian. Not entirely. I’d given it much consideration and decided to use that vacation to reconnect with my father. I needed to protect him from Fletcher, and I needed space to think about my future.

When Gem spied us from across the room, she waved excitedly. Her lavender hair bobbed as she tromped toward us in platform shoes. I cringed, waiting for her to skid out of control and stumble in front of an audience of onlookers. But Gem never faltered on those silver shoes. Her matching cocktail dress had a sequined bodice and a tulle skirt that looked like something a ballerina might wear.

“Raven!” She sat right on my lap and gave me a short hug. “We’ve missed you so much. Why didn’t you tell us you were going away?”

“It was a last-minute decision. You look really good,” I added, not talking at all about her attire. Her personality and state of mind were intact, back to the girl I remembered from before Hooper’s death.

“I feel good,” she admitted. “Having Hunter around has been a delight. There’s so much he’s never seen or experienced. Just this week, we bought him some watercolors and paper. You should have seen him.” Gem could barely contain her giggle. “He didn’t seem to understand that it was supposed to go on the paper. He ended up painting a giant red cat on the wall in the dining room. Viktor thought it was amusing and let it stay there for a day before Kira washed it off. Is your vacation almost over? I’ve been enjoying ours so much that I’m afraid Viktor will give us a case any day now.”

“I’m not really sure.” My eyes briefly flicked up to Christian before I leaned back and gave Gem a silly look. “Do you want to pull up a chair? I feel like Santa Claus.”

She sprang up, her attention about as focused as a Chihuahua in a room full of meatballs. “Alas, I have more people to dazzle with my new dress. I’m having a terrible time finding nonalcoholic drinks, and I’m parched. So I must bid you adieu.”

In a flash, she whirled around and disappeared from the room. Gem latched on to people and didn’t seem to care if that affection came from women or men. I sensed a lonely soul beneath her gregarious personality, but she still brightened a room like nobody’s business.

Deciding this conversation had hit a dead end, I stood up and straightened my skintight dress. “I better find my date.”

“He’s entertaining the ladies with tales about his motorbike adventures.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Quit eavesdropping.”

Christian nonchalantly stood up and put his hands in his pockets. His aloofness left me wondering if he even wanted to accept culpability and make peace. I wanted to forgive him, but it was too damn hard when he was being a complete asshole about it. Why did he even bring me into this room? So I could explain myself and apologize for leaving without his permission? It frustrated me that we couldn’t even have a real conversation about it. Everything had to be a secret, and we weren’t even allowed to fight in public.

When I turned, he caught my wrist.

I looked up at him, lost in his dark eyes. I felt my traitorous heart thaw as his grip loosened. My body still remembered the feel of his arms encasing me, and my lips remembered the taste of his kiss. Damn if I wasn’t feeling sentimental.

Christian stepped closer. “Is he your beau?”

The heat between our bodies magnified. But it wasn’t until I felt the subtle movement of his thumb that I realized Christian was listening in on my pulse. He probably heard it pounding in his ears, but when he used his fingers, it was vastly more intimate and deliberate. It was the equivalent of announcing he was doing a lie detector test.

I wrenched my arm away.

Niko cut between us with a look of concern. “Raven, I’m pleased to see you.”

Christian stepped back and strode off without another word.

I touched Niko’s arm. It was nice to see him not wearing a hood in public. It looked like Claude had taken a pair of scissors to his hair, trimming up the frayed ends. But he still wore it long, and it was hard to imagine it any other length. Only around the house did he ever tie it back or wear it in a bun.

“Staying out of trouble?” I asked.

His lips twitched. “A forced vacation has made sloths of us all. But a life of leisure never goes unpunished, and I suspect we’ll be busy with a new case soon enough.”

“I can’t stay long. Viktor invited me, so I’m just here to make an appearance and split.”

“Viktor informed us of your situation. I hope we can speak about it soon.”

Niko was referring to my father knowing about Breed, and I’m sure that had piqued his curiosity, especially since I hadn’t known about it until recently. No doubt he had all kinds of questions, like how exactly I’d learned this detail when we were supposed to sever all contact with family.

“I kind of miss everyone,” I admitted. “What’s been going on? Are you at each other’s throats yet?”

“The boy has brought us together, and we’ve spent a lot of time in group activities.”

I chortled at the mental image. “Video games in Wyatt’s room?”

“Those games are too complicated for a boy his age. Hunter has a curious mind and spends a lot of time watching and listening to us.”

“I’m glad it’s working out.”

Niko leaned in and lowered his voice. “I want you to be careful out there, Raven. These are dangerous times we live in, and I don’t like that you’re separated from the people who can protect you.” He clutched my arm and gave it a firm squeeze. “Stay safe, and return to us soon.”

“Walk with me.”

We strode toward the open doorway, my arm in his, and left the dark lounge for the bright room with all the statues. Switch came into view. He had a plate of food in his hand and was chatting it up with an older woman who seemed absolutely delighted by his company.

“Do you see that person straight ahead on the left? That’s Switch. He’s an old friend of mine. What do you make of his light?”

“I thought you considered it rude to read people,” he quipped.

“I’m just curious what you see in someone you’ve never met.”

“Light is complex,” he explained. “It has different nuances for each person. But my first impression? He seems honest. There’s a specific movement in his light when responding to the other person. It’s not deceptive. Is he someone I should remember?”

My voice softened. “I don’t know yet.”

Switch and I had reconnected after years apart, but I wasn’t sure what role—if any—he would play in my life. Chances were that after this party, we might never cross paths again. I wasn’t exactly adept at making friends. Keystone members relied on one another out of necessity, but outside of the house, I had no friends. Now I knew why Gem had connected so much with Hooper. It was nice to have an outside perspective—someone I could talk to who wasn’t involved in the quagmire of my complicated career choice. Someone who saw a different side of me that wasn’t a killer.

When Switch and I met eyes, he inclined his head to the woman he was speaking with and crossed the room. With his long hair pulled back, his masculine features and wolfish eyes were easy to admire. He had a relaxed, easy way about him, always carrying a look on his face like he was in on a secret.

“Switch, there’s someone I’d like you to meet. This is Niko. He works for Keystone and is someone I’d like to think is a good friend.”

Niko bowed. “Raven is a special woman, and I am honored to be considered her friend. I find it unfortunate that more people don’t recognize her incredibly loyal spirit.”

Jesus. I wanted to hug him.

Switch noticed right off that something wasn’t right with Niko. Shifters were big with eye contact, and Niko was staring downward.

“Raven has an eclectic group of coworkers,” Switch said, still holding my plate. “Everyone seems cool.”

Niko chortled. “You haven’t met Shepherd, have you?”

I lightly squeezed his arm. “Why Niko, your sense of humor is on point tonight. I like it.”

“Apologies. I normally don’t drink at these events and mistook a glass of champagne for water.”

Switch patted him on the shoulder. “I have that problem all the time, my friend. Only in reverse.” He stepped back when he caught sight of a pommel poking out of Niko’s overcoat. “Whoa. I thought people weren’t allowed to bring weapons.”

I put one hand on my hip. “We’re Keystone. People can shove it up their ass if they don’t like it.”

His eyes skimmed down my dress. “So… where are you hiding yours?”

Niko bowed. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Switch.” He turned to face me and lowered his voice. “Are all the obstacles near the wall?”

I looked over my shoulder in the direction he faced. “Yes. If you walk in the middle of the room, you’ll just have to navigate around the people. The statues are along the outside. No tables or chairs.”

“Excellent. Blue asked me to rescue her in a half hour, and it’s been about that.”

“Tell her I said hi.”

Niko weaved through the crowd, able to move around people with ease.

Switch sidled up next to me. “I like your friend. He’s a little on the quiet side but seems like a cool guy.”

Switch followed my gaze to Christian, who was standing on the opposite side of the room. The older woman Switch had been talking to not long ago had latched herself to my partner and was talking his ear off.

“Your partner is a dickhead.”

Christian’s head slightly jerked in our direction.

I folded my arms. “He can hear you.”

Switch never steered his gaze away from Christian. “I know.”

I took the plate from him and set it down at the base of a statue. “We don’t have to stay. I just came as a favor to Viktor. He likes us to be social, but I’m just not feeling it tonight.” I grabbed another glass of champagne.

Switch took it from my hand. “Should you be drinking?”

“Sure. I’m not the one driving.”

“Maybe I’m afraid you won’t be able to hold on.”

“Give me the glass.”

Switch angled his body so that the glass was farther away. “Let’s go.”

Something perturbed me about the gesture and the way he looked at me.

“Do you want to tussle?”

He set it on a waiter’s tray. “I think you’ve had enough.”

I narrowed my eyes. “I think I can be the judge of that.”

“Can you?”

My jaw slackened.

Christian appeared, a glass of bubbly in hand. “I believe the lady asked for a drink.”

I grabbed the flute and guzzled it down. “Thanks, Poe.” Without another word, I stalked across the room toward the main doors, deciding it was time to leave. The doorman could hardly get it open in time before I shoved my way through.

Switch jogged in front of me and forced me to stop. “You don’t have to make a scene.”

I smoothed any trace of anger from my voice. “You’re the one who made a scene.”

“Maybe I thought you had too much to drink in too short a time.”

“I’m not even tipsy. And so what? It’s a party. You’re supposed to drink and let loose.”

He swung his keys around his finger. “Keep telling yourself that. You were loaded at Crush’s party. I know someone using alcohol as a Band-Aid when I see it.”

Before I could retort, he turned and walked away.

The worst part about having an alcoholic father was the assumptions. One too many glasses and people were quick to cast judgment. I drank socially, like everyone else. I wasn’t getting loaded in the privacy of my bedroom or drinking on a daily basis. I remembered how my father had cracked open a beer each morning for breakfast, and it was the last thing I saw him drinking before bedtime. Being around certain people in public places made me edgy and uncomfortable, and a few drinks sorted me out.

I decided not to be upset with Switch. The last thing I needed him thinking was that I was a belligerent drunk, and cooler heads always prevailed. It wasn’t hard to see where he was coming from given my father’s past, but it was an unfair comparison. He was probably upset that I’d brought him along as a buffer, so I let it slide.

“Raven,” Lenore called out. “I’m so glad I caught you before you left.”

I turned on my heel. “Sorry to bail so early. It has nothing to do with you or the party; I had a lot of fun. It was just a last-minute invite, and I’ve got somewhere to be. Do you plan on having another one?”

She gave a noncommittal shrug.

I chuckled. “Maybe next time have someone vet your list and don’t invite the entire city. There are a couple of real jerks in there who never get invited to anything, so people are buzzing about it.”

Lenore tipped her head to the side. “Not everyone is as candid as you are. Weak character seems to be as ubiquitous these days as fast-food restaurants. I’m just an old Vampire who remembers a time when you knew what a person stood for upon first meeting them. I have great admiration for powerful women who don’t sleep their way to the top, and you’d be surprised how many immortals have. For lack of choice, really.” She fanned her face, but I knew she was neither hot nor cold. It seemed like she just liked the feel of wind against her skin. “I hope you don’t mind if I get your number from Viktor. I’d love to hear your honest opinion regarding some of the individuals so eager to impress me.”

Admittedly, my ego was stroked. A person in her position wanted my opinion? It was refreshing to have a new face around, someone who looked past social rank and treated me as an equal. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea for me to talk smack about the people who hire us.”

“Darling, I’m well aware that you receive jobs from more individuals outside the higher authority than in. You have nothing to fear. I’m not asking for incriminating details. Viktor seems like the most honest man I’ve met tonight, and I’m enthralled by the concept of your organization. Is the higher authority not doing enough to enforce laws that people like you have to exist?”

“I guess not.”

On one hand, her remark implied that people like us were valuable because of the higher authority’s incompetence. On the other, it suggested that if they made enough changes, we would become obsolete. Neither was insulting as both were true.

“Madam, your coat and hat.” A servant in a tux handed me my leather jacket and helmet.

I put on the helmet and lifted the shield while I slid my arms inside the jacket. “I’d like to hang out, but you’ll have to run it by Viktor first to make sure he doesn’t have a problem with it. I can’t promise I’ll be able to answer any questions about some of the officials.” I secured the chin strap. “Sorry if I don’t seem more excited. I’m not a social animal. Feel free to back out at any time.”

She gestured to Switch, who was pulling up on his motorcycle. “I like that one. Sexy, confident, bold—he’s a keeper. Hold on tight, because men like that don’t stay single for long.” After a deliberate wink, she turned away and rejoined the party.

I lowered the shield since Switch didn’t look like he was up for a conversation. After I straddled the bike and anchored my hands on Switch’s hips, I looked at the mansion one last time and glimpsed Christian walking outside before we sped away into the night.