fist and slammed it into the vampireâs face, shutting him up before he could say another word.
âYou all have seen what Alexei has been and is still capable of doing as long as he lives,â Katya said. âIf not for the human, you would all be dead.â
Members muttered in disbelief, amazement, chagrin and some even offered thanks.
The Grand Master clapped his hands and the room grew silent. âWe are in agreement, a vampire such as Alexei has committed heinous crimes to humanity and otherkin. The punishment for such crimes is death.â
Alexei stared hard at the Grand Master, apparently trying to recapture the manâs mind.
âEnough tampering with my mind!â The older man waved his hand.
Alexeiâs face contorted and he cried out, his body twisting and writhing until he exploded into a thousand dust particles, expelled into the air.
Ursula sagged against a table, her shoulders shaking, tears slipping down her cheeks.
Demi knew she should go to her and comfort the demon, but she needed to feel Calâs arms around her.
He met her halfway, crushing her against his chest.
She pressed her ear to his chest, his heartbeat matching her own. Then he tipped her chin up and kissed her for a very long time.
Katya cleared her throat. âIf you two are finished. We can leave.â
Demi glanced around at the curious faces of the council members.
The Grand Master nodded at them. âWe thank you for your help in resolving this matter. We also understand you were due a vacation after delivering Ms. Rusu to our custody. The council has the penthouse suite at the most luxurious hotel in the city. You two may use it for the duration of your stay.â
âHear that?â Demi laughed. âA real hotel and a real vacation.â
âAll we have to do is get there.â
âWe have that arranged as well.â The Grand Master nodded and Joe the tow truck driver entered the room. âJoe will take you where you need to go.â
Demi kissed Cal and turned to Katya and Blaise. âThank you both. We wouldnât be alive now without your help.â
âLikewise.â Katya stuck out her hand. âAnd you thought you werenât of much use to us paranorms.â She laughed. âWe could use people like you at the Fifth Precinct.â
Cal pulled Demi against him. âWould you like that?â
Demi shook her head, smiling. âAs much fun as we had here, I think weâre needed more back in Chicago. I want to help the people of my hometownâno, I
need
to help them. There are far too many bad guys in this world to leave it to just anyone.â She winked at Cal. âReady?â
He gazed at her hungrily. âIâm way past that point, sweetheart.â
âThen letâs get started on that vacation before the city is blown away.â
They left the Paranormal Council arm in arm, walking out in the rain.
The cold rain did nothing to cool Demiâs rising heat and anticipation. âYou think weâll actually make it to the hotel?â she asked, snuggling close to her handsome cop.
âWe will, even if we have to swim to get there.â
The tow truck stood at the curb, Joe behind the wheel. âGet in!â
Laughing, Demi climbed aboard, Cal sliding in next to her. âYou waited for us.â
âDarned right I did. This should be a limousine for all you two have done for the city.â
Demi grinned at him. âI much prefer this rig. I swear it has water wings.â
Sitting high and dry inside the cab of the tow truck, Demi hugged Calâs arm all the way back to the fancy hotel where they were escorted to their suite on top of the world.
Once the bellboy left, Demi sighed. âAlone at last. Too bad our luggage didnât make it with us. Iâd planned on wearing that green number I wore the other night.â
Cal stalked toward her, his eyes gleaming dangerously. âWe donât need
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