“Raul. What can I do for you?”
“Jason, I need you to look into someone for me.”
“What’s the name?”
“Cedric LaMonte. I need to know his reputation with humans and if he’s known for causing trouble in general.”
“Give me a few hours and I’ll have the info you need.”
“Thank you.”
Raul ended the call. Jason had the best team available to ferret out info on anyone. He trusted that by the time his people were finished looking into Cedric, he’d know everything there was to know about him.
“You’ll want to contact Ji-Su’s agency next,” Burke said.
Raul cursed. “Fuck. I know they are not going to like hearing about this transaction.”
“Probably not. Here’s the number.”
He entered the number Burke gave him on his phone’s keypad, but before he could press send, Linda and Alan walked into his office. Several servants carrying luggage waited for them in the hallway. Raul swore beneath his breath. He had completely forgotten about the two blood pets currently staying under his roof. He stood up from his desk, ready to explain the situation. “Linda. Alan.”
Linda shook her head. “Not a word. I told you that our time together was at an end.”
“I didn’t plan this. But Cedric’s treatment of Ji-Su was terrible and I worried it might escalate into something worse.”
“You did the right thing,” Linda said firmly. “Small offenses are how the cycle of abuse often starts. It’s for the best to get him out of that situation as soon as possible.” She came over and kissed him on the cheek. “You need to take care of him and youdon’t need us here while you do that. But I’d love to meet him once he’s all settled in.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
After Linda stepped aside, Alan gave him a hug. “I had a good time as always. We’ll see you around.”
“Goodbye, Alan.”
The two left, following the servants carrying their luggage out to the waiting car service.
Raul watched them go. They’d had fun together, but none of their trio had ever intended it to be a permanent thing.
“That was the smoothest, easiest breakup I’ve ever witnessed,” Burke said in awe.
Raul huffed a laugh. “Linda believes drama is bad for her soul and Alan is too easy-going to be bothered over something like the end of a relationship when he wasn’t in love.”
With Linda and Alan gone from the estate, Raul got back to his call. He pressed send on the number he had queued up. The call was answered after the first ring.
“Hemo-Angel’s blood pet agency. How may I help you?”
“Hello. This is Raul from the Sanguis Syndicate. I need to speak with whoever is in charge.”
“Yes, sir. One moment, please.”
He was placed on hold and soft, tinkling piano music began to play. Raul leaned forward and braced a forearm on his desk, waiting for the agency’s owner or head supervisor to come on the line. After a few minutes, the phone clicked and the music stopped. A pleasantly crisp voice spoke.
“Mr. Raul. I’m Sandra, the chief supervisor for Hemo-Angels. How may I be of assistance this evening?”
“Hello, Sandra. I’m calling to let you know that I removed one of your blood pets from his patron.”
“Excuse me? Who?”
“Ji-Su.” Raul bit back a curse when he realized he didn’t know Ji-Su’s last name. That was sure to go over well. “I apologize but I don’t have his last name.”