Alex remained silent. What could she say that he would believe? What could she say that he could even help with?
The detectives each gave her their cards, and promised to call in a few days. Alex went into Matt’s hospital room and crossed her arms. What the hell had happened here? Had Lauren come back? No one had mentioned her at the estate. What reason would she have to hurt Matt again? Ordered to do so in case Matt talked? She had done enough. Another vampire? Maybe Julian? But if so, why? To get to Alex, to Dante?
Just then, Alex felt a warm, strong presence behind her.
“I came as soon as I heard. Are you all right?”
“Why is it whenever I am in trouble, you’re there?” Alex asked.
“Sixth sense maybe. Or a phone call from your mother, whichever,” Dante said with a sad smile. “Truthfully I would rather see you in happier circumstances. Is there anything I can do?”
Stay. “Not really. You’re looking a lot better.”
“Thank you.”
“How, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“I fed.”
Dante cleared his throat and managed to pull out the just enough of the contents of his pocket. Alex saw the top of a crushed and empty plasma bag.
“I made a detour on my way up. Last thing either of us needed was police asking more stupid questions about the way I looked. It wasn’t my first choice believe me, it tastes like witch’s brew.”
Alex snorted. Even though it was irrational, she was glad that Dante hadn’t actually fed off anyone else.
“Do you have any idea who could have done this?” Alex asked.
“No,” Dante said. “But if we are going to find out we had better get started.”
“How are we going to do that exactly?”
Dante moved over to Matt’s bed. He looked it over carefully, taking everything in. The machinery, the walls, his chart, even the ceiling. “Hmm,” he said, lowering his head towards the bed, sniffing.
“What is it?”
Dante extended the nail of his forefinger and tore a piece of bed sheet off with it. “This,” he said, holding it up.
Alex squinted at the torn scrap of material. “What about it?”
“There’s blood. Undetectable without a microscope, but I can smell it.”
“Do you think it’s Matt’s?”
“No,” Dante said, holding it closer to his eyes. “It smells…strange, actually. I know a vampire haematologist. The best in his field. I’d like to get his input. Give me some time. I will find out who has done this. I promise you.”
Alex felt her hand being grasped and before she could reply, he was gone from the room, the window curtains billowing in the night air.
Chapter Thirty Two
What Are You Doing New Years Eve?
“Have you fed him yet?” Michelle asked, sipping her tea in the morning light. Several days had gone by quietly, but there was an uncomfortable feeling lingering.
“No,” Alex said tentatively, hoping to engage Michelle in conversation. “Here I am, really freaking out about it, and he doesn’t even mention it. In fact, I can tell he doesn’t want to talk about it at all, but I’m going crazy.”
Michelle pursed her lips and Alex winced. “I’m so sorry. I know being ripped away from something you love, something that makes you happy… It’s awful, and here I am going on about this.”
“It’s okay.” Michelle gave a tight smile. “I don’t blame you.”
“He misses you, you know. I can tell because he doesn’t talk about you either. It’s like I have these huge shoes to fill and I am afraid I am going to be terrible for him.”
“I know where you’re coming from. It’s like most things, though. Once you get that first time out of the way…” Michelle tapered off and gave a shrug.
Alex grew concerned. “I’d understand if you’re upset with me.”
Michelle shook her head. “No, that’s not it. Not at all.” She looked hard at Alex and sighed. “Ok, look I admit, I am a little jealous. I wanted to be Dante’s for as long as I could. The years I had with him were wonderful. But I’m not naïve. I knew it wouldn’t last forever. And if it weren’t for you, he would probably be dead and so would I. You have been a great friend to the both of us, me especially. If it has to be someone to take my place, I am glad it’s you.”
“Thanks,” Alex said, relieved. “But you still don’t want to see him?”
Michelle’s brow furrowed. “Eventually I will, but not yet. It is still a little too raw and I miss him too much. But I’ll be ok. I just really don’t know what I’m going to do with myself at this point. I have put out resumes at a number of different places, so we will see what happens, though none of them feel like anything I could build a career around, you know? Oh, here’s some news: I’m going on a date tonight.”
“Oh, really? Good for you.”
“What are your plans?” Michelle asked.
Alex just re-positioned nervously, running a hand up her leg to her pocket, just feeling the keys Dante had given her to his penthouse. Tonight would be the first night she would step foot into it.
“I guess I’m going to try to make him feed,” Alex replied with a shrug, careful not to divulge too much. “He’s not going to be fully healthy without it. Whatever happens, I want you to know I won’t be half the woman you are. Your strength is an inspiration to me.”
“Oh, please,” laughed Michelle, poking Alex in the
