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shoulders, trying to dismiss the girl from his mind, but her image remained a constant.

    **

    Kieran walked through the motel’s main lobby, stopping at the front desk. He paused, shocked to see the owner of the Blue Willow Compound checking in. The Sun Decker was not the most prestigious hotel in town, and Armando Rayne had a reputation for settling for nothing but the best. Something was definitely up. Walking over to the older man, Kieran extended his hand. “Mr. Rayne, it’s nice to see you again.”
    The older man stared, trying to recall the young man standing in front of him. Then, as recognition set in, he smiled. “Kieran Bourdon, as I live and breathe.” He grabbed Kieran in a bear hug. “What are you doing in this neck of the woods? Have you seen your father? I suppose you’ve returned to attend Lucien’s latest fiasco. Sometimes I do not understand what is going on in that man’s head.”
    Kieran bit his tongue, trying to hide his disdain. “No, I haven’t. Although, I am anxious to find out what my family is up to this time. I plan to stop by your place before heading home since it’s on the way.”
    “Is that so? Any particular reason?”
    “Actually, I need to discuss a personal matter with you.”
    “Why don’t we head over to the diner and discuss it over breakfast,” Armando said, patting Kieran on the back. “I’m famished.”
    Once the pair was seated and their coffee served, Armando smiled. “So, what’s on your mind, boy?”
    “Do you remember Camden?”
    Armando rubbed his chin. “Camden, you say? No, I can’t say that I do.”
    “Whitney’s little brother.”
    “My Whitney?”
    Kieran took a long sip of his coffee. This was going to be harder than he thought. “That would be her.”
    “Unfortunately, yes. I do remember the boy. My memories are not fond ones.”
    “Whitney still with you at the compound?”
    “Of course. Whitney is one of my best girls. Didn’t her meddling brother move to the coast with you?”
    “Yep.”
    Armando frowned, tapping his long black fingernails on the Formica table. “Hmm, sounds like that was a bad decision on your part.”
    Kieran lifted his eyes from his cup, ignoring Armando’s comment. “Camden is here. We’re going to meet up again tomorrow.”
    “I see.” Armando flipped his straight raven-black hair over his shoulder, forcing a smile for Kieran’s benefit. “I will be leaving town first thing in the morning. Nothing would please me more than to have you as my house guest.” Armando’s gray eyes twinkled. “Lyric has turned into a beautiful young woman.”
    The waitress brought their breakfast and Kieran waited until she walked away before continuing. “Mr. Rayne, Camden wants to bring Whitney home with us.”
    “You cannot be serious.”
    “He’s prepared to do whatever it takes — he’s willing to pay you, Armando.”
    “The boy be damned! I am five hundred years old. I will never release Whitney. Never. Do you have any idea how much money that girl brings into my Hive?”
    “With all due respect — are you serious? Whit is Camden’s sister.”
    Armando’s eyes flashed with anger turning them a deep crimson. “You listen to me. Lucien is my dearest friend. I value out business partnership. Out of respect for him, I will keep my temper in check. I will only say this once, Kieran. Whitney is my property. She belongs to the Hive. She remains at the compound. Forever. Case closed.”
    Kieran moved to object, but Armando held up his hand in protest. “The subject is closed.”
    “Fine. I’ll drop it — for now. Tell me what brings you to town. You’re a long way from the compound.”
    “I thought I might take a look at Lucien’s latest, and to hear him tell it, greatest acquisition to date. Rumor has it she’s quite — special.”
    “Hmm. Interesting. You traveling alone, Armando?”
    “Hardly. The roads are becoming increasingly dangerous for our kind. The Laromes are attacking our caravans left and