Page 100 of Be Still My Unbeating Heart

As he stepped toward the balcony, though, a figure floated in from outside, blocking his path.

“Awfulcharitable of you to show up, kid,” said Jared, the Texan member of the vampire council.

Ling and Emmeline materialized behind him, hovering above the kitchen tiles as if they were suspended on string.

“What’s going on in here?” Bastian asked, backing up. “What happened to the mayor?”

“It appears she has—” Ling began.

“—had her throat removed,” Emmeline finished.

“Justterrible,” Jared said with a shake of his head. “But all that is at an end, now that you have surrendered.”

Bastian clutched the bag to his chest. “I’m not surrendering.”

A line appeared in Jared’s pale forehead. “No? Then what—”

“Are you doing here?” Ling finished.

“Please at least try to listen to me,” Bastian said. “I’m trying to find the killer.”

The council regarded one another, and Bastian heard whispering, even though their lips remained still.

Delusional.

Crackpot.

Irredeemable, how sad.

Emmeline withdrew the glimmering silver chain once more, holding it before her like a shimmering strand produced by a glowworm.

“Your fate is decided, Bastian Emerson.”

“Fighting is so Dark Ages,” Jared added.

Ling said, “Surrender willingly and you will be treated with compassion.”

They weren’t going to give him a chance.

“Save yourself, Bastian!” Whitby yelled, launching herself at the council. A pale hand flashed out and snatched the cat from the air before she could get in a single swipe. Emmeline held the cat tight, even as Whitby clawed her hand, squirming in her grip. With her other hand, Emmeline looped the silver chain around Whitby’s snout, muzzling her.

“Let her go!” Bastian yelled, dropping the bag. His fangs unsheathed, buzzing with fury.

Ling floated toward him. “One small tug—” she said.

“—and the silver shall slice through her like butter,” Emmeline finished.

“NO!” Bastian clenched his jaw and growled, “If you hurt her, I willendyou! I’llkillyou!”

His body thudded with rage. The sight of Emmeline restraining Whitby caused anger to pop and spark in his chest. He wanted to tear the council member’s head from her shoulders.

But Emmeline could kill Whitby before Bastian so much as crossed the room.

“No harm shall come to the feline,” Jared said.

“So long as you come with us,” Ling added.

“Now,” Emmeline finished.