“Smells like some of what we faced in Hell,” Stacia said. Vampires have a much greater sense of smell than humans do, but the olfactory organs of werewolves were even better. Vision and hearing were similar between the two predatory species, but with regard to scents, werewolf scenting ability could only be matched by those of werebears. “Smells like demon bitch,” she said.

He turned to face them, nodding to Stacia before looking at Nika.

“The neighbor directly across the street from Delores’s house had a flash of memory. Just a blip. But it was of seeing an unknown older woman exiting Delores’s house a few days ago. Not enough of a look to do more than describe a gray-haired, dark-skinned woman of advanced years,” Nika said. “Other than that… nothing.”

“Was Mrs. Penderton flighty or weak-willed?” Chris asked.

“No, this neighbor thought a lot about how shocked she was that the, and I quote, stubborn bitch would end her own life. Apparently they’d had their share of disputes over the years,” the blonde telepath said.

“Well, about what we expected. She’s a strong one,” Chris said with a sigh. Then he turned to Stacia. “How is your transplant doing?”

“He’s a little anxious. Only a dozen or so voluntary Changes under his belt. But I think he’ll like Burlington and he’s excited to see Declan again. Kid has a way with people.”

“That kid is only a little younger than you, and he’s your boyfriend,” Chris pointed out.

“Neither of which has much to do with anything. He’s still a punk-ass kid. Just happens to be mine, is all,” she said, completely comfortable with the topic.

“How does Holly get along with Devaney?” Nika asked.

“Not great yet. Kind of bossy with him. He doesn’t understand pack hierarchy except that he knows I’m his Alpha.”

“How does Declan affect your mini-pack?” Chris asked.

“He’s the other Alpha.”

“Even though he’s not a wolf?”

“Wolves respect power. Goofy kid has that in spades,” Stacia said. “And speaking of that twerp I’m dating, if you’re done here, I’m going to get those two settled at Arcane and then hunt him down. He should be getting done with his evening class soon. He says he’s taken precautions, but I would feel better if I was with him when he’s roaming around campus and this bitch is stalking him. I made sure both Holly and Devaney got her scent.”

“Well, it would look odd if you didn’t track him down, so by all means. But Stacia,” Chris said,

“believe me when I say he’s got a whole slew of tricks up his sleeve for this one.”

“Which is great and all, right up until it isn’t. Anything can happen at any time. And he’s never faced a demon incarnate,” the beautiful werewolf said.