Bite Marks

they’ll burn into them like hydrochloric acid.”

Bergman had begun to nod about halfway through. “So while regular explosives won’t do the kind of injury we’re looking for on this plane, if we blow up the cans…”

“Exactly,” Raoul replied. “A direct hit should cause intense pain and even permanent damage. That’s if we catch them anywhere around here. The idea, however, is to lure the demons into a plane where these cans can kill.”

“Which is why Raoul’s got his spies working to let us know exactly when we can expect another visit,” Cole put in. “So far they say we’re safe. Cassandra’s stalker is having a tough time finding allies.” He flashed me a grin. “Something about that badass bitch she’s hanging with who took out the Magistrate not so long ago.” He nodded at Vayl. “They’re not too psyched about going against you either. What’s the deal about you carving up a faorzig so badly he’s still afraid to leave his den?” Vayl shrugged. “That was a long time ago. And he deserved it.” I hid my surprise. Vayl had never told me he’d vanquished one of the hellspawn that’s often confused for a vampire. Though it would’ve been appropriate given that my mom had been married to one before she met my dad.

As Raoul gave me a blade that felt like it had been designed by a guy who adored underfed redheads and I returned his own sword, he said, “Since the closest door between planes is just on the other side of your fence, we need to set up our—”

He stopped as he heard the click of a regular door opening. Ruvin led his family down the hall and into the living room. The boys took one look at the weaponry on the floor and in our hands, exclaimed, “You beaut!” and began asking questions one after the other.

LAAL: “Are those swords real?”

PAJO: “Are you going to cut people’s heads off?”

LAAL: “Can I hold one?”

PAJO: “Are you going to cut people’s arms and legs off?”

LAAL: “What’s in the cans?”

PAJO: “What about their knees? People can live without their knees ya know. My grampa had his replaced.”

Tabitha shushed them both. “They’re all just movie props,” she said. And even when Laal stared up at her doubtfully she trucked on. “I told you, these people are from Hollywood and they’re filming a movie, which we have been a part of all this time.”

“Where were the cameras?” demanded Laal. “And the microphones?”

“All hidden,” she said. “They wanted it to be more like a reality show, which was why they didn’t give us scripts either.”

Seriously? You’re lying through your teeth and somehow you think that’s going to hurt your kids less than the crap they’ve just been through? What a crock! I suddenly realized that was what had made my relationship with Albert so strained. Who wants to cuddle with a dad who’s not only gone half your life, but a lot of times won’t even tell you where he’s headed? It wasn’t enough that he was a Marine. Or that later he’d worked for the CIA. Lies by omission are still lies. The worst kind, in fact, because they never give you the chance to challenge them.

Ironic that you are so good at weaving them, is it not, my queen?

Shut up, asshole.

While I stewed, Vayl introduced Ruvin and his family to Cole and Raoul. When I began to pay attention again he was in the middle of setting up an escort.

“—concerned that they should reach the airport safely,” he was saying. “Perhaps one or two of us should ride with them.”

When nobody spoke up right away, he pointed to Bergman. “What do you say, Miles? It would remove you from Ground Zero, so to speak.”

While Bergman debated, Tabitha said, “I won’t hear of it. You people have gone above and beyond what anyone should do for complete strangers. We can make our way from here.” Ruvin looked at her doubtfully, but something in the set of her chin must’ve convinced him because he said, “The wife’s right. You’ve done more than your share. Now it’s our turn.” CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

Vayl went quiet after Laal and Pajo left. He didn’t seem to notice my struggle to shove Brude out of every stray thought. He ignored Bergman’s announcement that Astral was almost finished. Just brooded and helped Raoul, Cole, and I bring the patio furniture around front onto the driveway.

We were setting the last chairs in place when Miles said, “That’s the last adjustment.” He set Astral down onto the table and slowly drew his arm back. When she didn’t topple onto her side he sighed with relief.

“Great!” I glanced at the living room window to make sure our cat killer was safely out of range. Jack stood inside with his nose pressed against the glass, trying to see past the shrubbery to figure out if he was in trouble or if we were just keeping him safe from passing cars and incoming demons. “Is she, uh, screwed on tight?” I asked.

“I think so.” He set her on the table just in time to keep his sword belt from falling down around his knees. As he hitched it up he said, “I’ve put her through all her tests and she’s functioning at acceptable levels in every aspect.”

Cole gracefully flipped his sword out of the way just before dropping into a chair. “That’s great news, kitty!” he said, talking directly to the robot like she was a real, live pet. “Now you’re a Sensitive like me and Jaz. Can you say Lazarus?”

“Hello!” said Astral.

“Watch out!” Cole grabbed the arms of his chair and jumped his feet from the front to the back so he ended up crouching, holding it in front of him like a lion tamer facing down a particularly scary customer.

He wasn’t the only quick reactor. When I looked down I realized I’d pulled Grief without even thinking.

And Vayl had dropped the temperature in our vicinity at least ten degrees. Only Bergman and Raoul seemed