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from his ears, and his head bobbed to a beat I didn’t hear.
    I paced the sidewalk, waiting for the light to turn. Sweat streamed down my back. The malodor of exhaust hung thick as two cars idled. Master had thrown me into a den of Guardians. Jessica Hanks must be quite important to have two near-angels protecting her.
    The light flashed neon green and I crossed the street. A distant car horn blared. 
    Guardians. Only killed by beheading. And I knew, because I’d beheaded many in my day. But Beka, how could I—if she found Jessica first, I would have to kill—
    I kicked a crumpled can into the brush bordering the parking garage. “Shit!”
    “Learning this century’s foul language already, brother?” Gage asked.
    “Quit calling me brother.” I slid the back of my hand over my damp forehead. “Have fun with your jade ?”
    “She was exquisite. And oh, she didn’t have the Mark of Elpida in case you’re wondering. You have any luck?”
    “No. I searched all I could. No young girls hanging around the bar either.”
    “There are living quarters above the bar. We will check those now.”
    I finally faced him. His disheveled hair stood on end, defying gravity. “You could have at least cleaned up a little, Gage.”
    “I saw you with her.” Gage’s eyes narrowed.
    I crossed my arms over my chest and nailed him with a glare.
    “Dancing with that woman. You toe a fine line, brother.”
    “How else can I check for tattoos if I do not get somewhat close? She’d been at the club twice now.”
    “She does not look fifteen.”
    “Difficult to tell these days. But, no, she is not the Mark.” Just someone I would eventually have to kill to get to my Mark, I feared.
    He shoved his hands through his messy hair. “Then that’s one less female you have to feel up.”
    “I shall leave the feeling up to you. Iwill go search the apartment.” I did an about-face. “Can’t have two people lurking around.”
    “I will be close by.”
    “Of course. Tell Master I said hello when you call in your report like the good little boy you are . ”
    I turned three streets before the bar and went two blocks past to get into the back alley from a different angle. Hugging the shadows cast by the tall, brick buildings, I made my way toward the club. The narrow passage behind the structures was a haven for dirt, loose papers, and a rancid-smelling garbage container.
    Such filth, yet the absence of bright light helped me tame my raging demon. He wanted Beka. I couldn’t blame him. For over four centuries, including two and a half in sensory deprivation, he’d been denied his carnal pleasures. And Beka’s statuesque beauty and pureness billowed from her in tangible waves, of course my dark demon wanted to extinguish it. Defile her. Dominate her. Kill her.
    In the alley behind the bar, a fire ladder hung high above the back door to the club. I slowed, held in a breath and let it flow out my mouth. The bass thumped through the thick walls. I sensed no other movements.
    With one quick jump, I seized the cold metal and hoisted myself up. Once my feet touched the steps, I propelled skyward onto the metal staircase.
    It creaked beneath my weight.
    The first set of square windows above the club level was dark. I cupped my face against one. A desk with a computer propped on top flashed the Club Noir logo.
    Offices .
    A quick glance up showed me another row of windows. I worked my way upstairs.
    “Be quiet, Russell. He is not.” Beka’s harmonic voice flowed out below me.
    I froze, only fifteen feet above her. Hopefully the metal wouldn’t creak again.
    “He is. I can feel it.” Russell stormed past her through the door from the club.
    “I have the same senses you do, brother , he is not demon. He is human.” Beka crossed her arms over her chest, sending some of her flesh spilling over the seam of her top. I had a clear view and had to work to keep myself from moving, fearing the metal would groan again.
    Sweat trickled along my