Demon Moon

powerful presence hovering foremost in the vampire’s thoughts. Behind that, Savitri.
    They were looking for Savi?
    The weakling struggled; in Colin’s moment of shock and anger, the vampire managed to rip away and throw his shields up. The Navigator accelerated out of sight a moment later.
    He tossed a glance at Savi; she was chatting with Geetha, oblivious to the exchange that had just taken place. Good. He drew in a deep breath. Her psychic scent remained the same. Sweet, a hint of arousal.
    Very good. He’d take care of this, and she wouldn’t have to fear anything. Nothing should mar their first night together. Just once, it would go right between them.
    Denim pulled tight across his groin as he reached into his pocket for his phone. He was no longer achingly erect, but her fragrance left him half-hard, as if ready to leap to attention for her. Simple physical lust.
    He rather liked the sensation.
    Castleford answered with a succinct “Yes, Colin?” and waited.
    Colin raised his face toward the heavens in exasperation. The barbaric medieval knight, Castleford never observed the niceties of polite conversation. “I need Sir Pup to escort Auntie home this evening and watch over her home until dawn.”
    If the vampires had any notion of trying to get to Savi through her grandmother, the hellhound would quickly dissuade them.
    Castleford’s voice sharpened. “What’s happened?”
    There were benefits to his bluntness, Colin decided as he relayed the psychic exchange and the presence of the first pair that had followed them. It meant that he wasted no time. “It’s possible they are curious about her, as there have been rumors that she is my consort,” he concluded. “And I’m not certain if there were two vehicles, or if they traded observation duties. I have the plate number of the later one.”
    “But not the first?”
    Colin stifled his sigh. “ They are stalking me ,” he said. “I’d not intended to return the interest.” Though the interest he’d sensed from these had a different flavor—darker, resentful. And Colin had not been the powerful figure foremost in their minds.
    “Did Savi see the first car?”
    Castleford’s question prevented him from pursuing the disturbing direction his thoughts were taking. Remembering how she’d turned around to test her little gadget, Colin said, “Yes, but only for a moment.”
    “Ask her.”
    Colin’s mouth set in a thin line; he didn’t want to alert her to their concern on only the slim chance that she’d caught a number or two from the plate. If she thought Auntie was in danger, she wouldn’t leave with him that evening. But Castleford’s tone was implacable—if Colin refused to ask her, the other man would likely call the restaurant and speak to her directly.
    He caught Savi’s attention, and felt her curiosity as she slid off her chair. Ungainly in the gym, here she moved with graceful ease. Her eyes were bright as she approached him, her smile playful.
    He didn’t want to see it fade. He held his hand over the mouthpiece as he said, “Do you recall anything particular about the Navigator that followed us?”
    A tiny crease appeared between her brows. She rocked back and forth on her heels as she studied him. “Particular, how?”
    “Did your device record a picture of it?”
    “No, but that would be an interesting feature to add. Particular, how?” she repeated. “What are you looking for?”
    “Do you remember any identifying marks? The plate number?” The question was sharp; he hoped to dissuade her from digging deeper. If she asked him why, quirked one of those eyebrows, he could hardly resist her.
    Her shields rose, and her expression drained of emotion. Her tone flattened. “Yes. Is that Hugh?” She nodded toward the phone. “I’ll talk to him.”
    Not bloody likely. Already she’d withdrawn; he wouldn’t risk Castleford doing more damage. “I’ll ring you back,” Colin said and snapped the phone closed before the other man could respond. “Tell me.”
    “Fine.” She touched her fingertips against her forehead, closing her eyes. She looked through him when she opened them again, and her hand fell to her side. “The license is four-A-V-X-seven-eight-five, California plates. Black Lincoln Navigator. Chrome grill. No dings or flaws that I can see. The passenger is blond white male, early forties. Too dark and far away to see eye color. Hair length, short. Gray blazer, blue tie, white shirt. Driver has brown