Last Blood Read Online Free Page A

window. “Tell him if he wants to know what’s going on with his daughter, he’ll be at my house in an hour. After that, I’ll refuse to see him.”
    “Be right back.”
    While John relayed the message, she sat back, crossed her arms, and stared at the ceiling. The letter she’d received from Dominic had said only that the mission had failed and that her grandchild was now in the untouchable hands of the ancients. In other words, he’d told her toforget getting the baby back. Like hell she would. She’d hoped to enlist Preacher’s help before going to see Dominic, but that didn’t look like it was going to happen. Once again, she had only herself to rely on.
    John got back in the car. “He says he’ll be there.”
    She hit the button and closed the window, staring at the abandoned church that housed the father of her grandchild. The little hairs on the back of her neck had been on alert since they’d parked in front of it. She shook her head. “Get us out of here.”
    This was Preacher’s loss. She’d given him a chance and he’d squandered it. When—if he showed up, she’d cut him out of this equation once and for all. Better now than when she finally had Mariela back.
    What if she’d come here because Mariela needed him? What if there’d been a real emergency? She took her gaze off the building as the car pulled away. There was no place for him in Mariela’s life. Fortunately, she knew just how to get rid of him.
    As Jonah left the office, Tatiana reclined on the chaise where she took most of her feedings. The power of his blood ignited within her, making her heart beat and lungs fill with air. She exhaled and nodded at Daciana, seated across from her. “You were right. This is exactly what I needed. I feel whole again. There really is no substitute for comarré blood.”
    “None better,” Daci said. She watched the door shut behind Jonah. “He is especially good. Young and compliant and happy to serve.”
    Tatiana tipped her head back to stare at the cofferedceiling. “They’re all like that in the beginning. So full of purpose and pride of place. Gah! Then they get full of themselves, think they’re worth so much more. That’s when the trouble starts.”
    She smiled gently at Daci, who’d only meant to help, and softened her tone as she straightened. “I really must get another comar, as much as I am loath to.” She ran her fingers over the silk upholstery. “You did such a wonderful job picking out Jonah. Would you be willing to act as my emissary and go to Madame Rennata on my behalf? I have no desire to face that old witch. I know she blames me for
her
comar’s desertion. And I trust your judgment. I’m sure you’ll bring back the very best comar she has to offer.”
    Daci’s eyes brightened. “I would be honored to! After all, you taught me everything I know about choosing one.” Her chest puffed up a bit. “And I am your Elder. That certainly seems like a job I should handle. Has Rennata replied to you on the issue of Damian?”
    Tatiana nodded toward her desk. “Her letter is on my desk. Somewhere among the flowers and apologies there is her word that I am to be given full credit for his blood rights.” She shook her head. “I’m sure that will still leave money owed as I doubt she’ll let me have another for the same price, but I don’t care. Whatever it costs, I want the best.” She tipped her chin toward Daci. “The one you deem best.”
    “I’ll take care of it immediately. Right now if you wish me to.”
    Tatiana nodded reluctantly. “I do. I want to feed again soon. Build my strength a little more until I’m fully confident in my ability to face the ancient ones.” Thoughts of her dear, sweet missing Lilith dampened her mood.
    Daci came to sit beside her. She laid her hand on Tatiana’s leg. “I know you’re thinking of Lilith. We
will
get her back. I promise you. Whatever you need me to do, I will do it.”
    Tatiana slid her hand over the top of