Twice Dead














Twice Dead

Haven
Book
2

By Kalayna
Price



Born to rule the realm
of shapeshifters.

Forced to serve in the realm of vampires.

Tatius wrapped his arm around my waist, and he turned
me, tucking me against his hip so we were standing side by side. “YouÅ‚ll be on my
arm tonight, Kita. Hermit, are you coming? We have an appointment with the
Collector."

IÅ‚d seen Nathanial in a rage once before, and it had
been a terrifying thing to behold. It was no less frightening to see now.

“Get a hold of yourself," Tatius chided. “We will
present a unified front, with all of my council backing the fact my companion
had nothing to do with the albinołs demise."

“Your companion?" NathanialÅ‚s words were hardly more
than a broken scratching sound issuing from his throat. He looked at Tatius.
The rage had thinned in his face, a sharp edge of fear taking its place. IÅ‚d
seen similar expressions on animals before. The question in their eyes wasnłt
an indication they were beatenit was the panic of being backed into a corner.
A cornered animal was deadly.

Tatius stroked my hair. “Yes, my companion."

A statement. No question. No room to argue.

I tried to push free. “No."

The master vampire cocked a dyed eyebrow. “No? My
dear, you get no say in this matter. You are a novelty, a child, a commodity.
And now, you are mine."

Chapter One

I propped my elbows on the balcony rail that hung over the Deathłs Angel dance floor. Below me, industrial
music pounded against scantily-clad bodies contorting to the beat. A man in a
wolf mask and tight pleather pants ground against a girl wearing a tattered red
cloak and strategically placed electrical tape. A zombie in more chains than
clothes shambled past the couple, headed for a coven of dominatrix witches.
Fictional characters and sexualized movie monsters milled everywhere. What most
of the clubbers didnłt realize was that among the costumed masses were real monstersand
I was one of them.

I glanced at the man beside me. Well, not a man
exactly, more like vampire. Nathanial leaned against the wooden balcony rail,
his back to the club and dancers. A white opera mask covered half his face, but
unlike the famous mask of the fictional phantom, the thin porcelain didnłt
cover deformity or uglinessfar from it. Nathanialłs features were as sharp and
perfect as if theyłd been carved by an artist. They were also currently set in
an expression of annoyed arrogance that was as fake as the mask. Hełd held that
exact expression since we arrived at the club an hour ago.

“We showed up. WeÅ‚ve been seen. Can we go now?" I
asked, swirling the contents of my untouched Bloody Mary.

“Kita."

My name. Just my name, without any inflection. I took
his meaning as ęNoł or maybe that I already knew the answer.

And I did. Tatius, the big bad vampire king of Haven,
had summoned us to his little party for a visiting master vamp. So here we
were. I balanced the acidic smelling drink on the rail.

And here wełll stay until wełre dismissed.

So far, my introduction into eternity as a vampire suckedand
not just blood. Sighing, I shoved the untouched alcohol aside. The bartender,
dressed as, shock of all shocks, a vampirecomplete with genuine
fangsretrieved the precariously balanced glass before moving on to a customer
whose drinking habits required a lower iron content.

Without the glass, I had nothing to fidget with, and
my attention returned to the writhing bodies on the dance floor.

So many people. So many hearts racing and crashing
below thin skin. So many heartbeats drowning out the blaring music. Pressure
built in the roof of my mouth, turning to pain as my fangs descended.

A warm hand landed on my shoulder, and I tore my gaze
from the dancers. Nathanial watched me, his fingers sliding from my shoulder,
down my arm, to my hand. My knuckles were white where I gripped the balcony
rail.

I pried my fingers from the wood. Nathanialłs crystal
gray gaze flicked to the movement, then back to my mouth.

“ItÅ‚s nothing," I whispered, trying to keep my lips
pressed over my fangs as I spoke.

Not that it mattered.

“Perhaps we should mingle." His expression didnÅ‚t
change.

Not a feature twitched, despite the fact I knew he had
no interest in talking to anyone in the balcony crowd.

The balcony was VIP only. Or really, VIVVery
Important Vampire. Some humans were present, as snacks. Thankfully, I hadnłt
noticed any public bloodletting. Yet. But, as vamps didnłt trigger my
prey instinct, mingling with them was less likely to result in my accidentally
eating someone. On the other hand, it also meant I had to talk to the other
vampswhich was way more dangerous, in my opinion.

It wasnÅ‚t an option I was eager to embrace. “I just
need some air."

The edge of Nathanialłs lips tugged downward. A small
motion, barely noticeable. It was his first slip all nightand it wasnłt
approval. We disagreed on my eating habits, or more accurately, the fact I was
subsisting on only animal blood. He was of the opinion that I needed human
blood. I was of the opinion that it was his fault I was on a liquid diet in the
first place, and he better put up with my sustenance of choice. I sighed,
blowing a lock of my tri-colored hair out of my face and intentionally
misinterpreting his look.

“I know, I know. Vampire. I donÅ‚t need to
breathe," I whispered in an exaggerated huff. “But I canÅ‚t change twenty-four
years of expressions just because I recently woke up slightly less than alive."

Nathanial shook his head, but a smile touched the edge
of his mouth. “Walk with me."

His fingers slid through mine and tugged me from the
balcony rail. Reluctantly, I followed him into the crowd of vampires.

The costumes on this level were more diverse than
those on the dance floor below. True masquerade outfits, elegant dresses,
velvet top coats, and jewel-encrusted masks made the balcony crowd colorful.
But for every Victorian dress or harlequin was a vampire wearing only leather
straps across strategic body parts. I couldnłt recognize the native Haven vamps
by sight, but considering my previous experience with the local vamps, and the
fact Deathłs Angel was operated by them, I suspected the visitors werenłt the
ones in bondage gear.

Nathanial conformed to neither group. His porcelain
mask was plain, unadorned, and his black hair hung in a long ponytail trailing
down the center of his back, blending with the lush fabric of his opera coat.
His costume defined elegance in simple stark black and white.

In contrast, my costume was garishly bright. Black and
orange tiger stripes decorated my skin-tight unitard. Faux fur rimmed my white
gloves and fuzzy white boots. A striped mask completed the outfit. My mess of
calico locksmy hairłs natural color and a reminder of what I had been until a
couple weeks agoalmost matched the costume. Almost. Nathanial had asked me if
I could be anything, what I would be.

I glared at the stripes. Tiger stripes. Like my
fatherłs. Me and my big mouth.

“Hermit, it has been a long time," a male voice said.

I cringed. Only vamps called Nathanial ęHermit.ł

Nathanial turned toward the voice, moving me with him,
and I looked up, and then up some more. The speaker towered over us, and while
I was on the short side, Nathanial wasnłt. The man wore a fitted crushed velvet
maroon frock coat I could have used as a dress. Falls of lace escaped from his
cuffs and collar, and a gold mask set with rubies obscured wide features. He
was so massive, it took me a moment to notice the small woman at his side. She
was his exact opposite. Where he was all blunt edges she was sharp, petite.

She was my height, but beside him she looked like a
fragile doll in her frilled dress and silver mask.

“Three hundred years, I believe, Traveler," Nathanial
said, his voice polite but disinterested.

“At least." The giantÅ‚s gaze moved from Nathanial to
me and then back. “A lot has changed in that time."

I groaned silentlyor perhaps not all that silently,
as all eyes moved to me. Oops. Still, I didnłt want to listen as they
hashed out three hundred years of vampire history as small talk. I glanced
around. There was an empty spot on a couch in the far corner of the balcony.

“I think IÅ‚ll just" I pointed at the couch.

Nathanialłs eyes frowned at me. Not his mouth, or his
expression, IÅ‚d just come to know those eyes, to know him, well enough
over the last few weeks to see the fact he didnłt think it was a good idea.

“ItÅ‚s just right there," I said, backing away as I
spoke.

He didnłt stop me, so I turned tail, all but running
for the sanctuary of the couch.

Most of the seating on the balcony was filledvamps
tended to sprawl, but the couch I claimed had only one other person sitting
rigidly at the other end. She wore a simple, black-and-white, harlequin jumper
with an elaborate, fullfaced mask, a large feathered hat, and brown curls that
looked so synthetic they had to be a wig.

She didnłt move as I collapsed onto the far cushion,
and I let out a relieved breath. At least I wonłt be expected to socialize.
I refilled my lungsthe habits of the living die hardand that was a mistake.

The cloying scent of blood rolled over my tongue,
caught in the back of my throat, filled my senses. The scent was cold, bitter,
not all that appetizing, but it was very close and thus, tempting. Oh, so
close. My fangs burst free in a flash of hunger, and I slid across the cushion
without consciously deciding to move.

The woman didnłt react or look up as I sidled up next
to her. There was something off about the scent of her blood.

But that didnłt matter. Not right now. All that
mattered was the smell of it.

My fingers brushed her shoulder.

The mask tumbled forward.

The hat and wig followed, the wigłs synthetic curls
flying.

I jumped to my feet. Above the frill of her collar was
a stubby, raw neck. No head.

A fake mannequin head plunked against the
floor. Rolled.

It stopped finally, settling three feet from the
couch. I backed away, aware of the heavy silence suddenly coalescing on the
balcony. Industrial music still pounded below me, but the vampires had gone
deadly still.

A large hand closed around my arm. The grip tight.

Painful.

“What did you do?" A rough voice whispered the
question behind my ear.

“I, uh" I gulped and made a wild, floundering motion
from the head to the body. “Her head just fell off?"

A woman in a gold-trimmed gown stepped forward and
knelt to study the fake head. Un-seeing glass eyes stared out of it. As if all
tied to one string, every vampire in the room shifted their gaze from the head,
to me, and then to the body, which was still perched primly on the couch. Her
hands were in her lap, one gripping a glass balanced on her thigh, but she was
definitely not a mannequin. The smell of blood aside, I could see the
white of her exposed spine among the pinker flesh of her throat.

“What is the meaning of this?" demanded the woman in
the gold trimmed gown. “Where is her head?"

I thought, at first, that the woman was asking me.
As if I had any idea. Then I realized her glare went over my shoulder, to the
man still gripping my arm. I glanced back, but didnłt recognize the vamp
holding me. Based on the leather pants loaded with silver studded straps, and
the electric blue hair that fell to his chin in jagged tapered tips, I guessed
he was one of the local vamps. Then I noticed his eyes: green and old, with a
gaze that landed like a physical weight on my skin.

Tatius.

I swallowed hard. Oh crap, a decapitated body and
the attention of the king of Haven. Did I know how to break up a party or what?

Chapter Two

“What happened?" Tatius demanded, his glare boring
into me.

I looked around. Nathanial was several feet away,
standing at the edge of the semi-circle that had opened around me. His posture
was aloof, uninterested, but he watched me without blinking. He tapped two long
fingers on his full bottom lip, as if idly contemplating an obscure thought,
but again, his gaze didnłt waver. Something about my mouth? I pressed my
lips together.

Crap. My
fangs were still out.

I willed the damn things to retract, and Tatiusłs grip
on my arm tightened. He shook me.

“I said, what happened?"

“I touched her shoulder, that was all."

“Should we guess why?" A chime-like voice spoke from
somewhere in the mass of vampires.

I gritted my teeth and resisted the urge to press my
hand over my mouth. My fangs werenłt visible anymore, I knew that, but it was
no great mystery to anyone on the balcony what had been motivating me. “She
smelled like blood," I muttered under my breath.

I should have known better. Vampire hearing was
exquisite.

The woman in the gold-trimmed dress lifted an arched
eyebrow dotted with rhinestones. “In this crowd, I should think more than a
reckless child “she dismissed me with the insult“would have noticed
blood. Unless there was some trick involved." She stared at the posed figure
again. There was no blood on the collar of the outfitthere wasnłt even blood
around the cleanly severed stub of neck. The woman turned back to Tatius. “What
have you to say of this, Puppet Master?"

“My apologies, Collector. I assure you, I intend to
get to the bottom of it." Tatiusłs gruff voice crackled down my back.

Collector?
Great. The Collector was the big bad star of this party. The guest of honor. I so
needed to get out of here. In my old life IÅ‚d learned better than to pull an
alpha catłs tailthough knowing better didnłt mean it didnłt happen anyway,
sometimes. But I totally hadnłt meant to land in the center of this attention.

“Nuri," Tatius said, turning toward the crowd. The
mass of vampires whonow that the initial shock of the bodyłs discovery had
worn offwere murmuring among themselves, parted to allow a pre-teen girl
through.

As the girl, Nuri, approached, Tatius released my arm.

Thank the moon.
I moved to step aside, but his hand slid around the back of my neck. The touch
wasnłt restraining, but it was overly personal, his fingers coming to a rest in
the hollow between my collarbone and throat. Oh hell no. The last time I
met Tatius, hełd considered killing me. Then hełd forced his blood in me. I did
not want anything else to do with the vamp.

I tried to shrug him away, but his fingers flexed in
response, his nails biting against my skin. Okay, so apparently I was going to
have to make a sceneanother sceneor stay put. I erred on the side of caution,
for once.

Nuri, dressed as an ancient Egyptian queen with a
large snake peeking out beneath her dark dreadlocks, knelt beside the harlequin.
As I watched her lift the dead womanłs hand, I realized where Iłd seen Nuri
before. Shełd sat at the council table the first time I was brought before the
vampires, which meant she must be a lot older than she looked.

After a moment of poking at the body, she stood and
turned to Tatius. “Rigor mortis has only begun to set, so IÅ‚d guess sheÅ‚s been
dead no more than four hours. There is no tearing of the flesh, so she was
decapitated by a sharp instrument. The lack of blood suggests she was drained
before death. IÅ‚ll report more when I find it." The words were too old, too
serious for her thin, girlish voice. Not that anyone else appeared to notice.
She stepped aside and nodded to two pleather-clad vampires, who rushed forward
to lift the body and carry it toward a private elevator in the corner. The fake
head still lay on the floor, ignored.

The Collector stepped forward, over the forgotten
head, until the train of her dress engulfed it. “You have your Truthseeker
looking into things, and while IÅ‚m sure she will be very thorough"the way she
said it made it clear she was not certain of any such thing“I offer the
assistance of one of my vampires." Without waiting for an answer, she lifted
her hand.

“Elizabeth, attend us."

Tatiusłs fingers flexed against my skin. Agitation?
Anger?

But he didnłt say anything as the small, doll-like
woman Iłd seen earlier in the night on the giantłs arm stepped forward.

“I will be happy to assist," the woman said, curtsying
to the Collector. Then she turned and her icy eyes caught on mine. “At least we
know the harlequin wasnłt this fledglingłs snack."

Tatiusłs fingers flexed again, harder this time.
“Hermit, find her someone to eat." He shoved me toward Nathanial, and I gladly
retreated from the center of attention.

Nathanialłs arm slipped around my waist as I reached
him, and he wove us through the crowd, away from the couches.

We passed the two vampires waiting for the elevator
with the body, and I breathed deeply, rolling the decapitated womanłs scent
through my senses. The sweet tang of blood reached for me, made the roof of my
mouth burn, but I focused on committing her scent to memory.

Nathanial didnÅ‚t fail to notice my signs of hunger. “I
am taking you home."

Home. It was
a nice thought. IÅ‚d had enough with vampires. Enough of their double-tongued
political games.

And enough headless bodies. But?

I glanced back at the vamps loading the corpse into
the elevator, but it wasnłt her harlequin costume I saw. My mind replaced her
with the image of another body, one bloated from several days of death. A human
body that had been, in part, my fault, because IÅ‚d accidentally created the
shifter whołd killed her. Iłd tracked the murderer, stopped him, but the weight
of his victims wore on me.

Nathanial studied me with eyes that saw too much. Eyes
that stripped away my secrets. He shook his head, a small smile tipping the
edge of his lips. It wasnłt a happy smile. I looked away, and he drew me closer
to the side of his body without breaking stride toward the stairs.

“I will take you to the hospital," he said. “You can
visit them."

Two weeks ago, I would have avoided hospitals at all
costs. But then, two weeks ago, IÅ‚d still had to breathe to live, IÅ‚d spent
most of my time as a six-pound calico kitten, and I hadnłt yet known Iłd
created a rogue whołd gone on a killing spree. A rogue whose victim count
totaled fourteen women.

The only two survivors were currently in
medically-induced comas at Saint Maryłs Hospital. Two weeks ago it would have
been easier to walk away from a headless body. To trust that someone else
would deal with it. A lot can change in two weeks.

I glanced back at the gathered vampires. All the
vampires in Haven were on this balcony. The harlequin had been drained of
blood. If the killer was a vampire, he was here. It has nothing to do
with me. This murder isnłt my responsibility. It isnłt.

I let Nathanial lead me out of the club. But damn,
guilt was a bitch.

* * * *

Two hours later, I walked into Nathanialłs kitchen.
Without Nathanial. After all, we hadnłt been formally dismissed by Tatius, so
he had to return to Deathłs Angel after our visit to the hospital. I was still
flushed from the flight home as I followed the sounds of the television into
the front den. Even after dozens of airborne trips with Nathanial, I still
couldnłt get enough of the wind in my face and watching the world slip by below
us. I could only hope the ability to fly would be a vampire trick IÅ‚d learn one
day.

I pushed open the den door. “You up for a hunt?"

Bobby, a shifter from my home world of Firth, and once
the big love of my life, was currently a couch-crasher in Nathanialłs cabin and
would continue to be until the gate to Firth reopened and he could return to
his pregnant mate. He looked up as I entered. Our relationship was complicated,
and awkward, but we were working it out. Mostly. When he wasnłt threatening to
drag me back to Firth with him, that is.

He hit a button on the remote, muting the brightly
animated cartoon on the screen. Then he lifted his feet from the arm of the
couch. I slid into the free spot.

“So, hunting?"

“Still hungry? We caught dinner before you left." He
frowned, his brow creasing, and he rolled to a sitting position.

“Did something happen at that vamp club?"

“It, no, well" I grabbed one of the hunter green
throw pillows and dragged it into my lap. “IÅ‚m just hungry."

Bobby slid closer, moving into my personal space.
“YouÅ‚re starting to smell like a frightened rabbit."

Okay, this was what I meant by awkward.

I jumped to my feet. “IÅ‚ll just go by myself."

“Kitten"

“Forget I asked." I headed for the door. Bobby was
right.

Wełd already hunted tonight. Even with the heightened
metabolism of a shapeshifter, Bobby was only one person and his other form was
a bobcathe didnłt need two rabbits in one night. Hell, in Firth, he wouldnłt
have eaten more than three or four rabbits a week. It was wasteful to kill more
tonight.

He caught up with me at the front door and pulled his
sweater off despite the blanket of snow spreading out around the cabin. He had
to shift if he intended to hunt.

I took the front steps two at a time. “I said to
forget it."

He jutted his chin and continued to disrobe. “WeÅ‚ll
freeze the extra meat." His fingers moved to the button of his jeans.

“You hunting like that?"

I glanced down. I was still wearing the ridiculous
tiger suit, but unlike Bobby, my clothes didnłt matter. Hełd lose a lot of mass
once he shifted, and a thirty-pound bobcat couldnłt exactly wear a
two-hundred-pound manłs jeans and sweater.

Technically, whenever I shifted, my clothing
disappeared.

That was my gift. Or it had been, before I became a
vampire.

Now I was stuck in one form. My claws had extended,
once, when IÅ‚d been in a fight for my life against the rogues. But since then,
my cat had remained locked in the cold coil inside me. Dead.

I kicked off my party boots. “LetÅ‚s hunt."

* * * *

Snow crunched under my bare toes, and my prey lifted
its head, its long ears twitching. I went still, not even daring to breathe.
Beside me, Bobby hesitated, his compact bobcat form disappearing behind a
frozen shrub.

The snow harełs ears twitched again, his whiskers
trembling as his nose worked. Muscles bunched as he prepared to leap, and I
sprang into motion.

Brittle, ice-encased twigs shattered as I broke
through the frozen brush. My dash was noisy, but that didnłt matter now.

Not at the speed I was moving. I pounced, snatching
the hare in mid-bound.

It screamed, a piercing distress call. I grabbed at
its pumping back legs, but one slipped away. Pain flared across my collarbone
as the harełs back claws ripped through the thin material of my costume,
tearing into the skin below. Not that the pain stopped me. I caught the leg
with one hand, gripping the harełs scruff with the other, and effectively
immobilized it. Fur brushed my lips, then my fangs sank into the back of its
neck. Liquid warmth filled my mouth, slid down my throat. Heat, life, filled my
torso, spreading contentment toward my limbs.

Then the harełs mind opened to me.

Panic raked across my senses, stabbing deep. Run,
the harełs instincts urged me. Every cell in my body knew Iłd die if I couldnłt
run. My heart jumped to my throat, making swallowing difficult.

A vampire bite caused euphoria in humans, but animals
recognized death when it caught them. Still, even as the depths of the harełs
fear enfolded me, I had other instinctsdarker, more demanding needs which kept
my mouth working, my throat convulsing.

The small hare drew one last breath. Then the
connection between our minds snapped. The sudden absence of its terrified
presence left a gaping hole in my mindan emptiness which didnłt fill as I
regained awareness of myself and of the limp body in my fingers.

My hands trembled as I set the small corpse in front
of Bobby. I swallowed hard. My tongue tasted like IÅ‚d been sucking on an old
piece of copper, and I shivered despite the new warmth rushing through my
limbs. This is natural. The way it should be. IÅ‚d been born a
predator. A cat. IÅ‚d hunted with my clan all my life. This hare was prey,
serving its function in the circle of life.

Bobby butted my knee with his tawny, bobcat head, his
imploring, almond-shaped eyes watching me. My gaze refocused, and I realized I
was still crouched over the dead hare, my thumb sliding along its cooling paw.
I pulled my hand away and lunged to my feet.

Bobby stared at me a heartbeat or two longer. Then his
paw lashed out, fast and precise, disemboweling the hare.

The animal version of field dressingor an appetizer. A scream sounded in my head again, starting
as the dead rabbitłs voice, then bleeding into a womanłs sobbing cry. I turned
away, but it was too late.

Finding the beheaded body earlier tonight had been too
much of a reminder of the roguesł actions. Now, in my mindłs eye, I saw claws
rip through flesh. The flesh was furless, pale, human, and very much alive. The
womanłs scream redoubled in pain, and giddy amusement bubbled in me as I
reached out to rip away more tender skin.

No, I wonłt see thiswonłt feel it. Not again.

I squeezed my eyes shut, but I couldnłt block out
images playing behind my eyelids. Bobbyłs feline call of concern grew
distant; the first clue that I was running. My stride carried me effortlessly
through the frozen forest, but I couldnłt distance myself from the memories
haunting me.

And memories they were. They just werenłt mine.

IÅ‚d absorbed the memories when IÅ‚d tried to drain the
rogue during our fight. My mind had touched his, had seen through his eyes, had
felt the high that rushed through him when he killed. Now I had flashbacks that
put me in a frontrow seat to the sense-surround biography of a sociopath. And
those tainted thoughts IÅ‚d never be able to outrun.

Chapter Three

Running did little to clear my head, and I eventually
forced myself to slow. Sticky blood seeped down the front of my costume from
the harełs deep scratch on my shoulder. I probably ruined the
costume. At least IÅ‚ll never have to wear it again. Circling back to
the cabin, I brushed the snow clinging to my bare feet on the welcome mat
before stepping inside.

“Bobby? Nathanial? Anyone here?" I called as I pushed
the front door closed behind me.

No one answered, but footfalls thudded in the
hallfootfalls far too heavy to belong to a bobcat. I cringed as the double
doors swung open and Nathanialłs Newfoundland trudged into the kitchen.

“Sit, Regan."

The massive dog just cocked his head. He rounded the
large table that monopolized the room, his black nose working as he approached.
I pressed my back flat against the wall, my hand groping for the door knob.

“Regan, stay." I peeled my free hand off the wall and
tried to mimic the gesture Nathanial used to control the beast.

Regan didnłt pay attention.

He took another step forward. Phantom pain laced
through my torso, tracing the path of old scars from an attack IÅ‚d barely
survived as a child. The attack had been by a rogue wolf, not a dog, but dogs
were still Canids, and close enough to wolves to make me uneasy.

The dog sniffed the air, his large muzzle lifting, and
I shuffled sideways. Okay, maybe more than just “uneasy."

Regan stopped, his floppy ears pricking like he heard
something. Then his head swung to the door and his ears dropped, his hackles
rising.

“Niiice doggy," I whispered.

Reganłs lip rolled back in a silent growl, but he wasnłt
looking at me. His gaze was fixed on the door. A loud ding dong
sliced through the air.

I jumped. The doorbell? I hadnłt even known
Nathanial had a doorbell. And who would visit out here in the middle of
nowhere?

The bell dinged again.

“Let us in, little one," a deep female voice called,
the words heavily accented by a throat clearly more accustomed to pronouncing a
harsher Germanic language.

Oh, this evening kept getting better and better. I
knew that voice. It belonged to the vampire councilłs enforcer, Anaya. And I
was willing to bet, even though I couldnłt hear him, that her companion Clive
was with her. Iłd only met the pair of enforcers once before, but theyłd
gleefully delivered me to what they had believed would be my final death. I
didnłt foresee us becoming friends.

“YouÅ‚ll have to come back later. Nathanial isnÅ‚t
here."

“Open the door." This time the voice was clipped and
masculine. Definitely Clive.

Regan apparently didnłt appreciate the vampirełs tone
either, because his silent growl became increasingly less silent.

My fists clenched at the growl, my fangs descending. Hełs
not growling at you, I reminded myself, repeating it like a mantra in my
mind. The mantra didnłt help. A great, growling dog was between me and the
door. He could have it.

I scuttled further away, sliding along the kitchen
wall.

Regan fell silent, and if I hadnłt been listening so
hard, I wouldnłt have heard the creak of the wooden stairs outside.

Anaya and Clive were leaving? Just like that?

Regan looked at me, his mouth falling open and his
pink tongue lolling out one side. It was a happy expression, I knew it
was, but I still shivered at the sight of all his big, white teeth.

“Uh, why donÅ‚t you stay here in the kitchen, and IÅ‚ll
go somewhere else?" I asked the big dog.

He regarded me with shiny black eyes, and then plopped
down on the tile.

IÅ‚ll take that as yes.

Pushing off the wall, I crept across the room, angling
for the swinging doors in the opposite corner. Regan watched every halting
step. I was a yard beyond him when a loud bang crashed against the door.

I leapt backward, slamming into the huge table. Regan
also jumped to his feet, his hackles lifting, his long fur fluffing out like an
excited porcupine.

“I think you lost something," Anaya called through the
door. She punctuated the statement with the sound of something hard hitting
something meaty.

A pained grunt drifted through the door. IÅ‚d lost
something that could be hurt?

Oh no.

Bobby.

Forgetting about the growling dog, I darted across the
room and flung open the door. Anaya stood directly in front of the door, still
dressed in the costume she must have been wearing at the party earlierunless
she normally dressed as an eighteenth century bar wench with a skirt far too
short for the time period. Behind her, Clive was dressed as
Napoleonappropriate, given his heightbut instead of hiding his right hand in
his uniform, he gripped Bobbyłs once again human wrists. Clivełs other hand
curled in Bobbyłs shoulder-length tawny hair, controlling Bobbyłs head, pulling
it back to expose his naked throat.

My knuckles turned white where I gripped the
doorframe.

“Let go of him."

“Let us in," Anaya said. I stepped aside, waving my
hand to include the open entrance. She shook her head. “You are forgetting. The
words, child."

Right, vampires had to be invited inside the first
time they visited a residence. Which means Nathanial has never let them
enter before. My hesitation was miniscule, only long enough to consider
that if I allowed them to enter Nathanialłs home, the invitation couldnłt be
rescinded. Then Clive tilted Bobbyłs head at a sharper angle. The short vampire
bent forward, his fangs aimed at Bobbyłs throat.

“Come in, damn it," I said. “Come in."

A happy-crocodile smile crawled over Anayałs face. As
she crossed the threshold, she held out her hand for her companionłs, who
released Bobby. I slipped outside as the two enforcers surveyed the kitchen.

“You okay?" I whispered, reaching out to help Bobby to
his feet.

He took my offered hand, but only as a gesture,
putting no weight on me as he rose stiffly. He wore only his blue jeans, and
those were not even fully zipped. No sign of his shirt or shoes.

He rotated his arms, stretching his shoulders, but he
didnÅ‚t meet my eyes. “Sorry," he finally said, rolling his neck. “They jumped
me while I was redressing. I didnłt hear them coming. Theyłre more powerful
than they look."

“WasnÅ‚t your fault." I glanced inside. Regan had
backed up all the way to the swinging doors, but that was as far as he seemed
willing to retreat. “Well, the vampires are inside the house. I say we stay out
here."

I was jokingmostlybut Bobby frowned. Gooseflesh
puckered along his wide shoulders and chest. Damn, I keep forgetting
about the temperature. Bobby must have been freezing, standing shirtless in
the snow. Only a couple weeks as a vampire and I was already taking for granted
the fact that blood, not ambient temperatures, affected my comfort level. But
Bobby was a shifter, not a vampire, and shifters didnłt do well in human form
in the cold.

Well, I have to face the enforcers some time. I stepped inside, but I didnłt go far. Regan was
still growling.

Anaya turned to me. “Call off your dog."

“Uh, Regan, stop?"

The dog didnłt so much as pause.

Bobby snapped his fingers, pointing at the dog.
“Down."

Regan looked at him, then whining, lowered first his
front half then his back half to the floor.

Oh, that was totally unfair.

With the dog no longer a threat, Anaya swept through
the double doors leading to the rest of the house. Clive hung back. He leaned
against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest and keeping an eye on
Bobby and me.

“Rather quaint, isnÅ‚t it?" He indicated the kitchen
and its large birch table, bay window, and row of simple cabinets with a jut of
his chin. His tone wasnłt complementary.

I didnłt bother answering, but rocked on my heels. My
feet itched to move. I didnłt like being in close quarters with the enforcers,
especially not without Nathanial present. But I wasnłt about to run for it and
leave Bobby to them. That just wasnłt an option.

Anaya swept back through the door, her dark gaze
driving into me. “Where is your Master?"

“Not here. I told you that."

A muscle twitched over her temple, jerking the edge of
her thick brow. “Where is the Hermit?" she asked, but with her accent, it sounded
like she asked where ęde Ermiteł was.

How many times did I have to repeat myself? “Not here.
He went back to Deathłs Angel."

Her crimson nails slashed through the air, dismissing
my statement. “We just came from there."

I looked down and licked the corner of my mouth.

Nathanial was missing? Not good. Spreading my stance,
I crossed my arms over my chest and met Anayałs gaze again.

I didnłt care if I looked defensive. Hell, I was
on the defensive.

“Nathanial dropped me off before heading back to DeathÅ‚s
Angel. If you didnłt see him, you must have crossed paths."

Anaya and Clive exchanged a glance, mirrored
expressions of annoyance making their lips hard. Clive pushed off the counter
and swaggered up to the kitchen table. He dragged a chair over the tile, and
held it for Anaya to sink into. Then he sat, propping his boots on Nathanialłs
burnished table top.

“De Councilthe Hermit not included, seeing as he was
absentdemands your presence, little one." A cruel smile crawled over Anayałs
face as she spoke. Nothing that made her smile like that would be healthy for
me. I shivered, but she wasnÅ‚t finished yet. “They have questions. I suggest
you supply answers."

The pressure in the room changed, and another shiver
tingled along my arms. Not a visceral response from Anayałs threats, but Crap.
Magic.

Not now.

Now was definitely a bad time. An almost inaudible pop
whispered inside my ear, and Gil appeared behind the two enforcers.

I donłt know what the mage had been doing before she
arrived, but shełd clearly miscalculated something because she appeared three
feet from the ground. She hung in midair for less than a heartbeat. Then she
hit the tile with a yelp.

The enforcers jumped at the sound, springing from
their chairs with smooth malice. They circled Gil as she pushed off the ground,
her cheeks flushed.

Clive grabbed her wrist. “Where did you come
from?"

Gilłs eyes grew wider than the shiny brass buttons on
her pink coat. “YouÅ‚re vampires?" She threw a desperate look at me.

What the hell was I supposed to do? I cleared my
throat.

“Gil, please go back to the living room."

Gil nodded, her black curls dancing vigorously around
her head. She stumbled back, but Clive still held her wrist. He glanced at
Anaya. Her shoulders were rolled back, her fists clenched as if anticipating an
ambush, but she nodded. Clive released Gilłs wrist, and Gil darted from the
room. Thank the moon, If they hadnłt let her go, I had no idea
what IÅ‚d have done. What I could do.

Anaya returned to the table, but her eyes were sharp
as her dark gaze landed on me once more. Clive remained against the back
counter, where I knew from experience he could see the entire room and both
doors. Not that he could have possibly known Gil had honestly appeared out of
nowhere. I was more than happy to let him think shełd simply snuck up on them.

Anayałs teeth clicked, and I smiled despite the fear
clawing my stomach. They were on my turfwell, Nathanialłs, at the very least,
and he was a council member. He surely outranked a couple enforcers. Gilłs
appearance had unbalanced them. Maybe I could work that to my advantage.

I dropped into the chair across from Anaya and placed
my elbows on the table-top.

Anaya lifted an eyebrow, as if to say she couldnłt
believe my gall, but she leaned back against her chair. “We also came to
deliver a message to the Hermit. Since he is not here"

I laced my fingers together and propped my chin on my
hands without lowering my gaze. “I can pass it along."

“No. I think we will report to the rest of the
council. Clive."

She stood, extending her hand. Clive, shorter than
Anaya by at least a foot, scrambled over, taking his mistressłs hand.

She turned and studied me as if I were a bug she
hadnÅ‚t thought would make such a mess when squashed. “When the Hermit returns,
he will take you to the council. I would suggest you not delay. We go now."

Clive flashed his fangs at me, then wrapped his arms
around AnayaÅ‚s waist. “See you soon," he said, but the menace in his tone made
it clear I wouldnłt enjoy myself when I returned to Deathłs Angel.

Then they vanished.

Chapter Four

A surprised sound escaped from deep in Bobbyłs throat.
He pushed away from the wall, his eyes cutting across the room, searching for
the vampires whołd disappeared.

I motioned him to keep quiet. IÅ‚d learned from my last
encounter with the enforcers that they werenłt bound by conventional travel,
but IÅ‚d been under the impression they flew, physically flew through the
air, like Nathanial. But the kitchen wasnłt exactly a launch-pad, what with the
roof overhead. The door was closed, so it was possible they were still in the
room. Invisible. Watching.

Tipping my head back, I searched for scents betraying
hidden vampires. Everyone who had walked into the kitchen tonight had tainted
the room, and my olfactory glands simply werenłt strong enough now that I was a
vampire to detect if the scents were wafting off unseen bodies.

Before I could ask Bobby for help, Regan stood and
trudged to the space where the vampires had last been seen.

He sniffed hard. Then he snorted, turned, and trotted
out of the room.

Well, okay, Regan had clearly dismissed Anaya and
Clive.

But did I really trust the instincts of a dog? Yeah.
This time.

He had realized they were on the porch before I
did, and he had shown the good taste to dislike them.

Good enough for me.

Now to figure out what Gil wanted. I wasnłt scheduled
for lab-rat duty with the mage tonight.

“Gil." I pushed through the swinging doors and headed
for the den.

It was empty. Had she left already?

“Gil?"

No answer. Maybe shełs in the window-less part of
the house? Nathanial kept an impressive library there, and I could
just imagine Gil, a scholar, drooling over it.

“Gildamina!"

I pushed open the thick door separating the ęshowł
section of the house from the part catering to vampires. The lighttight seals
slurped as the suction broke.

“What was that?" Bobby asked, a step behind me.

“What was what?"

“You screamed something," he said as the door swung
closed behind us.

“What, Ä™Gildamina?Å‚"

A frown dug into BobbyÅ‚s forehead. “WhatÅ‚s that? Some
sort of human slang?"

I pushed open the study door. She wasnłt there.

“Gildamina. ItÅ‚s GilÅ‚s full name."

Magic surged over my skin, lifting goosebumps.

“There you are," I said, turning toward the
twinge of magic.

Gil stood in the hall behind me. A bright flush
ignited her cheeks, burning into her eyes. Her fingers flared wide at her
sides, as if shełd just forced her fists to unclench.

“Where did you learn my name?" The words were a
whisper, as if she were forcing them out around a solid knot of anger in her
throat.

“Uh." Okay, this wasnÅ‚t a response I expected. Gil
tended toward mousey. She was a know-it-all, sure, but this barely contained
temper was more like, well, me. Her voice wasnłt even squeaky at the moment. I
blinked at her. “The judge called you Gildamina."

“DonÅ‚t use my name!" A nerve twitched under her eye.

Then she took a deep breath, released it, and tugged
on her coat in a stiff movement. “IÅ‚ve read that shifters have no true
names, so you wouldnłt understand." She frowned at me, her eyebrows cinching
together. “You shouldnÅ‚t have been able to hear my true name." Her scroll
appeared in her hand. She jotted something down.

“Why not?"

She didnłt bother looking up from her notes, but
asked, “Bobby, whatÅ‚s my full name?"

Bobby, whołd been hanging back against the wall,
shrugged. “Gil."

Huh? Hadnłt he heard me say

“See, Kita? A mageÅ‚s name is protected. Only I
can choose to share it." Gil tapped the feather of her quill against her
thought-pursed lips. “So how did you hear it?" She cocked her head to
the side and her eyes popped wide. “The JudgeÅ‚s mark. It must be." She
scribbled something in her scroll, mumbling to herself. “The bond his mark
created must have formed a link, a magical transference that allows you to
access information the judge has mystical clearance for. I wonder if there are
any similar cases." She looked up. “This could make a fascinating paper."

Right. Something else interesting about me for
her study. I guess that was, technically, a good thing. After all, as long as I
was useful as research material, shełd help me keep my protected, ęRare
Species,Å‚ status.

Gil vanished her scroll and looked around, probably
for the first time since shełd popped back into the human world.

“Well, I can look into names later. I need your
assistance with something." She ran a hand through her dark curls and glanced
over my bare feet and skin-tight tiger outfit. “You might want to change."

Let me think. Stay here and wait for Nathanial so he
could take me to see the vamp council, or go with Gil? What a choice. It wasnłt
like the enforcers had given me an appointment time.

“IÅ‚ll grab my coat," I said and ducked into the
bedroom. I stripped out of the costume as I dug through the drawer Nathanial had
cleared for me in his dresser. The wound over my collarbone had stopped
bleeding, so I pulled a sweater on and slipped into a sensible pair of jeans
before stepping back into the hall. “Where are we going, anyway? And for that
matter, how are we getting there?" The cabin wasnłt exactly close to anything
but acres of woods.

“Like this." GilÅ‚s hand shot out. Magic charged
through the air as her fingers landed on me.

Then the hall disappeared.

A darkness surrounded me, a darkness so complete it
burned away memories of light. The inky nothingness had no sound, no scent, as
if IÅ‚d been swallowed by a black hole. I could see my feet but nothing below
them.

“Gil!" The air was too thick. I couldnÅ‚t draw breath.

“Bobby?"

I swallowed the nearly solid air, gagging. What had
Gil done? And more importantly, was this what shełd meant to do? Or did I
get sucked into the backlash of a botched spell?

I needed to scream, to move.

I couldnłt.

Blood roared through my earsthe only sound in the
darkness. I hung suspended in nothing. Crushed by emptiness.

Then light burst through the dark, burned my eyes. My
hands flew up, blocking out the light. No resistance met my movements. Crickets
chirped. Tires crunched over pavement.

Wind tickled across my skin.

Slowly, I lowered my hands and risked peeking through
my eyelashes. A dozen pinpricks of light met my limited gaze, none bright
enough to be blinding. I opened my eyes the rest of the way, staring at the
star-filled sky. I blinked. I could feel the ground and soft grassnot snowbeneath
my back. My heart gave up its mutinous attempt to desert my torso, and I drank
in a deep breath that tasted of spring and green life.

Where am I?

And better yet, where had I been?

My elbows wobbled as I pushed off the ground, my palms
sinking into the thick grass. I looked around. Small cement buildings
surrounded me on all sides. No, not buildings.

Sarcophaguses. Mausoleums.

IÅ‚m in a graveyard?

“Toto, I donÅ‚t think weÅ‚re in Kansas anymore," I
whispered.

“You werenÅ‚t in Kansas to start with," Gil said from
somewhere behind me. “But weÅ‚re not in Haven either."

I jumped. My vision spun with the sudden movement, and
I squeezed my eyes shut. Can a vampire hurl? I sure felt like I might.

“Are you hurt?" Gil asked, her rain boots thudding as
she moved closer. The lightest touch of magic tinged the air, and I cringed, my
eyes flying open.

Gil knelt a couple feet from me, but she wasnłt
reaching out to help me stand. No, instead she jotted something in her damned
scroll. Most likely something about me.

“Can you describe how you feel?" she asked, looking up
from the tightly penned lines.

I forced my lips to curl into something akin to a
smile.

“Like IÅ‚d commit mageicide if I could only
stand up."

Gil dropped her quill, her gulp audible.

Shełd only recently started to trust me, and I needed
to stay on her good side if I wanted to avoid the judge and his execution
warrant. I was still on the magical equivalent of parole. I took a deep breath
and let it out again, resisting the urge to yell as I asked, “So, should my
first question be ęHow did I get here,ł or ęWhere here is?ł"

Gil licked her bottom lip. “Well, as far as where,
this is King James Cemetery. The how is a little uh, complicated?"

Understatement. Definitely an understatement. I
waited, my teeth gritted. Gil fidgeted.

“I might have tucked you outside of time and space
while I traveled here. But it appears not to have had any adverse effects." She
fished her quill out of the grass and tapped it on her scroll. “I hypothesized
that a short detour into the void between worlds would have no ill effects on a
vampire. I wouldnłt chunk anything fully alive in there, of course."

“You hypothesized? As in you guessed and then you
threw me in a a void?" I shoved to my feet. My face was hot, and the
pinch against my lips told me my fangs were showing. I couldnłt help it. I was
well and truly pissed.

Gil stumbled back and her scroll vanished. “I did
consider the possible outcomes thoroughly before trying it," she said, wringing
her hands together.

When I only raised an eyebrow, she took another step
back and her gaze darted away, skittering over stone monuments without finding
a place to land. She tugged at an imagined wrinkle in her coat. “Well, that
aside, my research points to this cemetery as the resting place of someone I
think can help us determine if you tagged any other rogues. IÅ‚ve narrowed it
down to one sarcophagus, but I need help."

“Help with what?"

“A little research." She turned, her eyes still not
meeting mine. “The lid is heavy. I canÅ‚t lift it."

Great. I was here as muscle and we were what? Grave
robbing? I pressed the palms of my hands against my eyes. A headless body, the
roguełs haunting memories, the void, and now grave-robbing? Could this night
get worse?

Wait, I forgot. When I returned to Nathanialłs, I
still had to appear before the vamp council. I sighed and dropped my hands.

Might as well get this over with.

“Which one?" I swept out a hand to indicate the rows
of monuments that stretched around us for as far as the eye could see.

Gil indicated a small mausoleum with what appeared to
be a sphinx watching over the rusty gate covered opening. The gate squealed as
it swung on ancient hinges, and flecks of red rust stuck to my fingers. Inside,
Gil pointed to the second sarcophagus. I gave the lid a shove, but the large
cement slab barely budged.

Moving to a better angle, I braced my knees and shoved
harder. If a human had been watching, they probably would have laughed at the
idea of me moving the slab. After all, I was only a few inches taller than five
foot and my five years of living as a stray on the streets had made me skinnier
than a predator should be, but as a shifter IÅ‚d been stronger than a human, and
as a vampire I was even stronger still. Not like toss-a-bus strong, but much
stronger than I looked.

The stone scraped along the base, and a nail-bitingly
annoying grinding noise filled the mausoleum. Beside me, Gil bounced on her
toes, anxiously attempting to peek into the hole as it opened. I gave one last
shove, and stopped, looking down at what IÅ‚d revealed.

Inside the sarcophagus, an ancient skeleton grinned up
at me, its thin arms crossed over gray cloth hanging to its ribcage.

“This is it?" I asked, stepping aside.

Gil hung over the triangular opening. Her hands clung
to the ancient cement, her dark curls quivering as she shook her head. “HeÅ‚s
not here."

Oh, there was definitely someone in this sarcophagus,
though since the name carved on the front read ęMary Elizabeth Stanhope,ł I was
fairly certain he, whomever he was, had never been in the tomb.

Gil pushed away and dragged her feet to the mausoleum
doorway. “I must have miscalculated something. Maybe if"

She pulled a scroll out of thin air again, glancing
around the cemetery. “I could have sworn. But" She frowned, vanishing her
scroll. “IÅ‚ll take you home."

Magic crawled over my skin.

“Wait." I stumbled back. No way was I going into the
void again. Iłd call Nathanial. I didnłt know the number, but Iłd seen the
telephone on his counter. I could find his phone number and he could come pick
me up. Okay, my reasoning might be flawed, but IÅ‚d just wait. The council be
damned.

Gil ignored my protest. Her hand touched my arm. Then
the mausoleum faded to black.

* * * *

I lay on my side and blinked into the darkness. Not
the nothingness of the voidthe wood-paneled walls and ceiling were clear to my
vampire eyes, so this darkness was simply the lack of light in Nathanialłs hallway.

No more adventures with Gil.

Ever.

My stomach couldnłt take it.

I fought the urge to hurl everything I hadnłt eaten.
Then I pushed away from the thick pile carpet. My knees didnłt cooperate the
first time I tried to stand, but the second time I managed to get my feet under
me. I leaned against the wall before stumbling toward the main part of the
house.

The swinging doors to the kitchen had gotten stuck
half open, and I paused outside, staring in at Nathanial. He sat in one of the
unpadded chairs, several books scattered across the top of the table and a
laptop directly in front of him. Hełd removed the opera mask. It lay face down,
forgotten, on the edge of the table. He didnłt look up from the book he leaned
over, didnłt realize I was there, so I had a moment to stare and let my eyes
soak up the width of his shoulders, which tapered down to lean hips.

He wasnłt large and bulky like Bobby, but had a
quieter, more lithe strength. I was supposed to hate him. After all, hełd made
me this blood-sucking aberration. But as I watched him, all I could hate was
the fact my fingers itched to trail through the dark hair streaming over his
shoulders. I could only hope he never realized it, never saw me staring when he
wasnłt looking, but sometimes I was afraid he knew me better than I knew
myself. It wasnłt a comforting feeling.

The book in Nathanialłs lap snapped shut. He tossed it
on the table and leaned back in his chair. He reached up, rubbing the bridge of
his nose with his thumb and forefinger. If hełd been human enough to sigh, I
think he would have at that moment, but he only wasted energy on breathing to
speak and for show. As if a silent alarm went off in his head, his hand
dropped, and he turned, peering into the darkness where I stood.

Caught.

I stepped through the doorway, and Nathanial flowed to
his feet.

He glided across the kitchen. Awareness of his
presence filled the space around me before the doors had time to swing shut.
His grace wasnłt feline like the shifters Iłd grown up around, but it was
definitely predatory. And it was all male.

He ran a finger down the side of my cheek then pressed
his lips, feather-light, across my forehead.

My heart lurched like it could propel me to step
closer to him, to move into his embrace. Instead I scooted away.

“When did you get back?" I asked, hoping he hadnÅ‚t
been home long enough to note my absence. I doubted I was that lucky. Very
little got past Nathanial. Besides, the pile of books on the table was
impressive.

He frowned, and I squirmed under his measured gaze
until I finally looked down to escape it. My palms were gray with dust from the
sarcophagus, and flakes of red rust clung to my fingers like spots of dried
blood. I brushed my hands on my thighs. It didnłt help, and I scrubbed harder.
Nathanial stepped forward. His hands slid around mine, stilling me.

“Where were you, Kita?"

I shrugged without looking up. “With Gil."

It wasnłt an answer. Not really. But, after a beat, he
stepped back as if heÅ‚d accepted more than I said. “The council wants to speak
to you."

Hełd changed the subject? Seriously? He never let me
get away with half-answers this easily. Of course, it wasnłt every day I
discovered a body and got summoned by Havenłs vampiric council.

I nodded and tugged my hands free. Without a word, he
ushered me out the door and onto the porch, but when he turned, the frown
melted off his face, leaving in its place a look of nonchalant arrogance. His
expression, as empty of true emotion as if hełd put the opera mask back on, spoke
volumes about the emotions he wasnłt sharing.

At least, it did to me.

It was his public face, the one he hid behind. The
fact he was wearing it while it was just the two of us made my anxiety level
skyrocket. “What?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. “YouÅ‚re starting to
creep me out, Nathanial."

He blinked, as if startled. Did he think I wouldnłt
notice hełd shut down and was being all secretive?

“I am going to say something you will not appreciate,"
he said, his tone as guarded as his face.

Like I hadnłt figured that out. I tapped my fingers
against the gray elbows of my coat, waiting.

“Tatius will not approve of your current condition. He
instructed you to feed. You need blood before we go."

My hands clenched, my fingers digging into my arms
until the pain became small red points I could focus on. I wanted to stomp my
feet, to yell. Iłd hunted not once, but twice tonight. Canłt he be
satisfied withI cut that thought off.

Sucking in air, I filled my lungs with the scent of
night, of the nearby woods, of the spicy scent of Nathanialłs skin. I kept
drawing in air until my lungs pressed against my ribs and expanded in my
diaphragm. Then I let all the air rush out of me, emptying my body of every
drop, every scent, every breath. If I yelled, Nathanial would wait me out. If I
ran, he would come after me. If I hit something, it would break. So I stood
there, perfectly still, perfectly empty.

The mask slipped from Nathanialłs expression as his
eyes warmed. One edge of his lips quirked like IÅ‚d amused him.

What, had he expected me to have an outburst? Probably.

But I wasnłt going to. Not this time.

“IÅ‚ve hunted. IÅ‚m fine."

Nathanial stepped closer and moved into my space,
filled it. He wasnłt a big man, but his presence, maybe even his power, closed
around me. His fingers traced the edge of my face as he studied me, and my
pulse quickened. It was like his touch pulled a girlish giddiness from deep
inside to the surface, made me want to smile against my will. Focus, Kita.

“IÅ‚m fine. IÅ‚m not even cold." Not much, at least, but
I didnłt add that.

“You look drawn, tired."

Gee, isnłt that what every girl wants to hear? I
backed away from him, though it felt like losing a part of myself to pull away
from his touch. “LetÅ‚s just go."

“You need blood. Blood that is not from an animal.
Take from me." He lifted his wrist, but I grabbed it before he could open a
vein.

“No." Taking blood was too weird, too intimate. And he
was already too everything. Just the idea made heat lift to my cheeks. I shook
my head. “No."

“I have been patient these last two weeks. I have let
you try to survive on animals. I have never forced you"

“So donÅ‚t start now."

We were standing close enough that I had to tip my
head back to meet his eyes, but I didnłt dare look away as he studied me. The
silence built between us, growing sharp.

Then he shook his head, a low chuckle rumbling from
his chest.

“If attitude alone determined power" He brushed a
strand of hair behind my ear and smiled. “Or denial."

“IÅ‚m not in denial," I huffed under my breath, which
only made the edge of Nathanialłs lips twitch higher.

“Of course." He wrapped his arms around my waist and
drew me closer to him, engulfing me in his scent. “Tatius will want you to
recount the events of the night. Please, mind your tongue," he whispered the
last into my hair, the amusement fading from his voice.

Then we were in the air, the little cabin disappearing
below us as we hurtled toward the council.

Chapter Five

I dragged my feet through the underground rooms of
Deathłs Angel. I most certainly wasnłt anxious to reach the councilłs chambers.
Of course, I could only walk so slowly, especially with Nathanial steering me
ever onward as Anaya sauntered down the dark hallway in front of us. She and
Clive had been waiting for us when we arrived at the club, gleefully
anticipating delivering us to Tatius.

Anaya stopped at a pair of double doors. I expected
her to knock. She didnłt. Instead she threw the doors open, the knobs slamming
into the inside walls with a resounding boom.

Every undead eye turned toward the doorway. I cringed,
inching behind Nathanial.

“The favored child and his companion have arrived,"
Anaya announced into the stunned silence enveloping the room.

Then she turned and sauntered back into the hall.

Her name was so going on my shit list.

Tatius shook his head from the center of the room
where he sat atop the council table. His gaze raked across me, bearing down as
he hesitated. Then his eyes moved on and the weight lifted from my skin, but
not the feeling that IÅ‚d been worn down just by the brush of his attention.

“Everyone out." TatiusÅ‚s voice was smooth, not even
lifted, but the non-council vampires in the room jumped. Then as one, they
turned and headed for the door.

“Hermit, thank you for gracing the rest of the council
with your presence. Youłll understand that we moved on without you, so show
yourself and your companion to the sitting room. IÅ‚ll be there when I have time
to deal with you," Tatius said, his attention returning to the vampires around
the table.

Nathanial nodded and led me past the large council
table before lifting a cloth panel and revealing the doorway to a small, dark
room. Plush carpet muffled the sound of my steps as I followed him to a dark
leather couch in the center of the room. Paintings instead of fabric lined the
finished walls. The only thing missing was electric light. Instead, unlit
candelabras were scattered around the room. Anywhere else, the room would have
been unremarkable, but its very normalcy made it remarkable compared to what
Iłd seen of the underground parts of Deathłs Angel thus far.

Nathanial sank onto the couch. He crossed an ankle
over his knee, and I frowned as he pulled a small book from the inner pocket of
his tux jacket. How can he read at a time like this?

“You should take a seat," he said, glancing up from
the book. “We made Tatius wait. He will return the favor."

I didnłt take his advice. I was too jittery to sit.
Instead I paced a circle around the room and fidgeted with a marble from my
coat pocket, rolling it through my fingers.

It was hard to mark time in an underground room, but
it felt like wełd been waiting for over an hour when Nathanial leaned back, his
gray eyes fixing on me. “Kita, sit."

“Sorry. IÅ‚m a cat. Not a dog. I donÅ‚t do tricks."

The edge of his lips twitched in an almost smile, and
the small change lit his face, breaking the mask of indifference I was growing
accustomed to seeing tonight. The change was small, subtle, but even the air in
the room responded, seeming less thick, less dangerous.

Okay, so we were waiting on the head of the vampire
council, and yeah, Tatius had considered killing me once, but I hadnłt done
anything wrong this time. IÅ‚d found a body.

Hell, hełd been in the same room when Iłd discovered
it. He couldnłt have that many questions. Iłd tell him what I knew and wełd
leave. Simple as that.

I sank onto the couch beside Nathanial, and his hand
slipped around mine, entwining my fingers with his. The warmth of his palm
pressed into mine, spiraling up my arm to gather in a burn across my cheeks.
Or, at least, I hoped it was just his warmth that made my cheeks hot.

“Uh how much longer?" I asked, freeing my fingers and
clamping my hands in my lap. “At this rate, itÅ‚ll be dawn before weÅ‚re
dismissed."

The door banged open, and flames flickered to life on
the wicks of the many candles scattered around the room. I jumped, squinting in
the sudden glow of light.

“You have rooms here," Tatius said as he strolled
through the door. “Dawn is not a concern."

He lowered himself onto the chair across from us in
one smooth movement, then threw one leather-clad leg over the chair arm. Nuri
followed. She sat perfectly straight in her chair, not leaning against the
plush cushion.

Silence, aside from the slight hiss of the candles,
filled the room. I held my breath, willing my racing heart to slow, to not
disturb the stillness or draw attention to itself. Nathanial leaned back. His
arm stretched along the back of the couch, his elbow bent so his fingers rested
lightly on my shoulder. He looked relaxed, but the blank mask consumed his
features.

“You summoned us?" he asked, the words as casual as if
hełd mentioned a recent sportłs score or offhand current event.

Tatius cocked his head to the side, making the pointed
tips of his blue hair sway around his face. “I summoned her, Hermit. Just her.
Youłre here as a courtesy because you are her sire."

I flinched. I couldnłt help it. Tatius scared the crap
out of me. IÅ‚d grown up in a society of predators, and no matter how often I
was told IÅ‚d be Torin, clan leader, one day, it had been pounded into my
small kitten body that the biggest predator made the decisions. Tatius was, by
far, the supreme predator in the room.

“You found a body," he said, his tone deceptively
cheerful.

I nodded. He knew I did. He was there. Everyone
was there.

“Words, Kita. Unless a catÅ‚s got your tongue." He
laughed at his own joke, and I gritted my teeth. “Why did you touch the body?"

“I smelled the blood," I said, and Nuri nodded.

The pre-teen council member stared at me. She wasnłt
just watching and listening, but studying me like she could read secrets under
my skin. I readjusted my weight on the couch, uncrossing my legs and recrossing
them.

“So before you smelled the blood, did you notice
anything unusual about her? Did you see anyone else near the body?"

I shook my head.

Tatius frowned at me. “I need your words. Speak."

Okay because that isnłt weird or anything. I glanced from him to Nuri. She was still watching me
with that same intensity as she perched perfectly straight at the edge of her
seat.

I cleared my throat. “I didnÅ‚t notice anything
remarkable except that the couch was mostly free. I donłt remember anyone else
close to her."

Tatius looked at Nuri and she nodded. “All truths,"
she said.

I frowned at her, but she continued to stare at me,
her over-expanded pupils absorbing the entirety of her irises. I swallowed,
hard. Vamp powersit had to be. I looked away.

“Why were you at the couch alone? Why werenÅ‚t you with
your master?" Tatius asked.

“I needed air," I said, and Nuri frowned at me.

“Truth," she said, but puzzlement made her voice turn
the single word into a question.

Tatius huffed under his breath and swung his leg
around to the front of the chair. “Air." He shook his head, and, propping both
elbows on his knees, he leaned forward. “You sought out a hiding spot because
you were hungry. You followed the scent of blood because you were hungry. And
now you sit in front of me, still hungry."

Nathanialłs fingers tightened on my shoulder. A
warning? I couldnłt deny anything Tatius had said, so I didnłt answer.

After a moment, Tatiusłs gaze left me to bore into
Nathanial.

“I ordered you to feed your companion. Could you not
find her an adequate meal?"

Nathanialłs arm behind my head turned to unmalleable
wood, like hełd frozen and dared not move.

I frowned. “He didnÅ‚t need to feed me. I hunted."

Nuri cocked her head to the side. “Truth?"

The word was definitely a question that time.

“I did."

Tatius rolled to his feet in one liquid movement. He
crossed the short distance between his chair and the couch and gripped my face
between his thumb and fingers. He tilted my chin back, and I let my gaze follow
sluggishly. I wasnłt looking forward to meeting his intense eyes, but as I
finally dragged up my gaze, I found him studying my face, not staring me down.

“You havenÅ‚t hunted. IÅ‚d wager you havenÅ‚t fed well in
a week."

“I hunted," I repeated.

“She believes that she has," Nuri said, but I couldnÅ‚t
see her beyond Tatiusłs mesh-covered chest.

“She hunted," Nathanial confirmed. His hand still
gripped my shoulder, tethering me like a lifeline amid Tatiusłs attention. He
cleared his throat and added, “She hunted and she caught something."

TatiusÅ‚s gaze swiveled toward Nathanial. “You mean
someone."

When Nathanial didnłt agree, Tatiusłs fingers
tightened on my face. Just a quick flex, which he might not have been aware of.
“Someone," he restated.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Nathanialłs head
move.

“She has been hunting wild game on my property."

Tatiusłs fingers squeezed hard enough to make fire
lance through my jaw. “Animal blood?" The question was quiet. The kind of
whispered statement a person makes when they know that if they speak louder,
they will yell. His hand flexed again then fell away.

I opened and closed my mouth, pain rushing in along
with the blood filling my cheeks. I wanted to touch the tingling skin, but I
didnłt want to show that much weakness. Instead I sat as still as possible as
Tatius rounded on Nathanial. He grabbed two fistfuls of Nathanialłs tux and
hauled him off the couch.

“Animal blood?"

Oh yeah, now he was screaming.

“What were you thinking, Hermit? She canÅ‚t survive on
animal blood. If she goes mad and loses control, whose head do you think I will
have to come after, huh? Whose?" He shook Nathanial, who said nothing. “You
turned her. You are responsible for her actions." Tatius released
Nathanialłs jacket and shoved him away.

Nathanialłs back slammed into the couch, but his body
melded to the seat. The fluid motion looked intentional as he propped an ankle
over his knee. Undisturbed. Relaxed. His emotionless mask was still firmly in
place. Tatiusłs words might have well bounced off it for all the effect they
appeared to have.

TatiusÅ‚s lips twisted. “Nuri, you can leave," he said
without looking away from Nathanial.

She slid off the chair and glided across the room. At
the door she paused. “Shall I inform the Collector you will meet with her
shortly?"

“No. Just send Samantha to find Kita someone to eat."

I sprang from the couch. “No. I canÅ‚t"

I didnłt make it fully upright before Tatius caught
me, one large hand locking around my jaw again, his thumb and fingers digging
into my cheeks. He lifted his hand until I was forced to balance on my toes.
Then he leaned in, his intense eyes inches from mine.

“You can. You will. I have to make a show of strength.
A half-starved vampire under my protection isnłt good for my image. Now be
silent. I have things to discuss with your master."

Without releasing me, Tatius turned, his attention
moving to Nathanial. “As you missed most of the councilÅ‚s investigation, in
brief, it has been uncovered that the body belonged to one of the Collectorłs
oddities. An albino," he said, ignoring my struggle to free my face. “We donÅ‚t
know when the body arrived on the couch, how it got there, or why no one but
your companion noticed it. The location and theatrical treatment of the body
indicates a message, but Nuri has not been able to find anyone who has knowledge
of the crime. The Collector is incensed. She wishes to examine Kitałs memories.
I have granted her that right."

My memories?
Oh hell no. I was not letting some vampire sink their teeth in me. Wrapping my
hands around Tatiusłs wrist, I attempted to pry his hand off while pushing
backward with my toes. My efforts earned only a tightening of his fingers.

“Let go."

He ignored me. “You will not interfere in the
examination, Hermit."

I sagged, hoping my full body weight would pull me
free, but Tatius held on. Pain radiated from my jaw into my throat, and I got
my feet under me once again.

Nathanial cleared his throat. “Tatius, perhaps if you
released"

“No." His fingers flexed tighter and I couldnÅ‚t hold
back my yelp.

I could only see him in profile, but I didnłt miss the
smile that twisted his lip at the sound. Prick. Balling my hand into a
fist, I slammed it into his elbow joint.

He rounded on me, drawing me higher until the toes of
my sneakers trailed along the carpet.

“ThatÅ‚s twice youÅ‚ve struck me," he said bringing our
faces close enough I could have bitten his noseif I could have moved my head.
“Ever strike me again, and I will hit back. I promise, I hit harder."

He opened his hand, letting my jaw slip between his
fingers. The release came so unexpectedly, I dropped, landing in a clumsy
crouch. My hands flew to my face, and I didnłt bother not rubbing my aching jaw
this time. The sweet copper taste of blood touched my tongue from where my
teeth had sliced through the insides of my cheeks. My fangs descended.

At least he let go.

“Stand up," Tatius commanded.

I seriously debated not standing, to remain crouched
beside the couch. Hell, curled in a ball sounded even better.

But I wasnłt a complete idiot. I pushed off the floor,
keeping my head down as I straightened. Nathanial stood. His arm slipped around
my waist, offering warmth and a measure of security, but I didnłt dare lean
into him. IÅ‚d shown enough weakness already.

“Shall we discuss how you are to act when I present
you to the Collector?" Tatius asked, and I could guess the question was
addressed at me based on the patronizing tone.

“Is this where I swear to tell the truth, the whole
truth, and nothing but the truth?" I asked, not bothering to keep the sarcasm
out of my voice.

“No. This is where you assure me you will not speak or
draw any attention to yourself. And when I present you, you will concentrate
your damnedest on what happened on that couch and not think about all that
other fascinating stuff in your head."

“No oneÅ‚s biting me."

His hand flashed into movement, but I knew that was
coming. I jumped aside, out of reach. Dropping into a crouch, I dared a glance
at his face. “If youÅ‚re so worried about my blood level, maybe you should stop
grabbing me so I donłt waste blood healing."

Nathanial sucked in a breathprobably at my words. I had
promised him IÅ‚d watch my tongue. But Tatius pushed my buttons. What could I
say? IÅ‚d always had issues with authority.

Tatius stepped forward, and I scuttled back until my
butt hit the couch. Crap. I flowed to my feet.

“DonÅ‚t move," Tatius said, but the words were a
whisper.

I glanced at Nathanial. His mask had cracked, his eyes
creased at the edges and his mouth slightly open as his gaze raked over my
face. I faltered, only a single heartbeat, but it gave Tatius time to close the
space between us. He bent low as his hand moved to my face, but he didnłt grab
me.

Instead, he used one finger under my chin to tilt my
head back.

“You bruised."

I gaped at him. “What the hell did you expect? You
held me up by my face."

He shook his head, but it was Nathanial who spoke, his
voice further away than his body. “Vampires do not bruise. Our blood heals us.
Bruising is a sign of severe starvation."

“This is your fault, Hermit," Tatius growled. His
angry gaze moved to Nathanial. “You havenÅ‚t been feeding her."

“DidnÅ‚t we just establish that IÅ‚ve been hunting?" I
muttered at the ceiling, where Tatiusłs finger still pointed my face.

Tatiusłs finger traced my chin down to the center of
my throat, and I fought the urge to swallow. He studied my face, examining the
bruises hełd made but was blaming on Nathanial. As his eyes swept over me, they
lost most of their more frighteningand homicidalgleam. His mouth didnłt so
much soften as change from a pissed line to a determined one. His hand slid
around my throat. My heart, which had been lodged there, trying to choke me,
abandoned that plan.

Instead it zoomed downward, intending to take my
stomach out as it clawed free of my body. I braced for pain, but Tatiusłs hand
slid along my skin until his warm palm cupped the back of my neck.

The gentleness of the gesture was so unexpected, my
breath rushed out of me. A breath IÅ‚d apparently been holding long enough that
it tasted of stale fear.

Tatius didnłt notice. He was looking at Nathanial
again.

“When was the last time you opened a vein for her?"

Nathanialłs gaze crawled to me, and then skittered
away.

His mask was truly broken now, panic clearly chiseled
on his features. “She has had some difficulties adjusting and"

Tatius cut him off. “When."

“Five nights ago."

TatiusÅ‚s fingers twitched. “Are you trying to kill
her?" His voice was quiet again, that low, calm before the storm quiet.

He looked down at me, and I could almost feel the
scales in his gazethe weight of the decision in his eyes made me want to back
up, but I couldnÅ‚t. His hand on my neck, however gentle, held me in place. “I
let you keep her," he whispered. “You flaunt my laws, Hermit, yet I still
granted you your companion. Then you let her starve."

His hand loosened and his fingers drew circles on the
back of my neck. A shiver I couldnłt suppress ran down my spine, and Tatius
smiled. Leaning down, he grazed his teeth across my throat. His fangs werenłt
out, so flat human teeth lightly nipped at my flesh. I stumbled back as a
shiver that was only mostly fear shook me.

“You smell like blood." He pulled me forward two steps
for the one IÅ‚d taken away, then he turned to glare at Nathanial again. “Did
you bring her to me hurt as well as starving?"

“No." NathanialÅ‚s eyes were wide as they swung to me.

“Kita?"

Oh, crap.
“ItÅ‚s nothing. A scratch." I closed my coat tighter around me, but Tatius swept
it open again, pushing the faded gray material off my shoulders.

He hooked his fingers under the collar of my sweater
and pulled it aside. Both men stared as he revealed the rabbitłs jagged claw
marks crossing my collar bone. I could see just the base of the cuts. They
werenłt bad. Theyłd heal by morning. Iłd certainly had worse.

Tatius frowned.

Nathanial stepped between my back and the couch. His
hands landed on my shoulders, but his touch was tentative, like an alighting
bird ready to take flight. “I will rectify both situations. Please. Let me fix
her."

I swallowed. The scratch wasnłt anything, really, but
I didnłt like the way he said fixlike maybe Tatius thought I was
broken. I glanced down and caught sight of the long dagger Tatius kept strapped
to his thigh. I wasnłt unfixable. I leaned into Nathanial, and his hands became
surer weights on my shoulders, his fingers wrapping around my upper arms. If I
had known earlier that all this would occur, I would have just taken his blood
on the porch. Really, I would have at least considered it. Dammit.

I opened my mouth to apologize, then snapped it closed
again. Now wasnÅ‚t the time. Instead I said to Tatius, “I thought you were just
going on about how I needed human blood."

His frown deepened. “You could gorge yourself on all
the humans you could possibly swallow and it wouldnłt do you any good because
you couldnłt convert the blood to energy. You need a base of master vampire
blood in your body to do that, and a baby body like yours doesnłt produce it.
You have to be fed by a master to survive."

“I will fix her," Nathanial said again, pulling me
tighter against him.

Tatius watched us, but finally he shook his head.
“No."

No. Two little letters. One earth-shattering word.

Behind me, Nathanialłs body went rigid, his fingers
digging in hard enough to raise bruises on my arms. “Tatius"

“I said no. You had your chance. Leave."

Chapter Six

“Leave, Hermit," Tatius commanded again.

One by one the fingers on my arms lifted. Nathanial
stepped back. The withdrawal of his body in the space behind me created a
chilled abyss. In his absence, panic curled into the newly opened chasm.

Hełs not really leaving. Is he?

My pulse rushed in my ears. I wanted to turn, to find
Nathanial, but Tatiusłs hand on my neck kept me still. I twisted in Tatiusłs
grip, my fists clenching at my sides. My eyes slid to the dagger at his thigh
again. Hełd said if I hit him again hełd hit back, but if he was planning to
kill me anyway?

I cocked my arm back. Prepared my punch.

Fingers slid over my fist and Nathanial stepped into
my range of sight.

“Be calm, Kitten." The whispered words were gentle,
but his grip was tight and the set of his shoulders defensive.

Tatius cocked a blue eyebrow at Nathanial. “I told you
to leave."

He didnłt. Nathanial brushed his lips over my still
clenched fist. Then he sank onto the couch, not leaving.

“So be it," Tatius said and then he lifted his wrist
and bit deep. He held out the wrist for me. “Drink."

I didnłt want to. I was sure I didnłt want to. But
when Tatius tugged me forward, closer to his body and his bleeding wrist, I
found my mouth closing over those small punctures.

“Do not bite me," Tatius whispered into my hair.

He told me that last time he forced blood on me too.

I drank hungrily. When the pulse of his blood slowed,
I pulled back. The sweet, coppery taste tainted my senses, filled my body with
new warmth. My tongue darted between my lips, searching for lost drops, and
Tatiusłs fingers flexed on my neck.

“Drink more," he commanded again, lifting his wrist.

My gaze fell to the mostly healed wounds. He cursed
and ripped his skin open, wider this time. It looked like it hurt, but he
simply shoved the once again bleeding wrist in my face.

Without using my fangs, my saliva, or maybe Tatiusłs
ancient body healed his wound quickly. He ripped open his wrist time and again.
I hoped it hurt. Nathanial sat ramrod straight on the couch, his eyes locked on
us, his expression frayed around the edges.

A knock sounded, and my head shot up as the door
opened.

“Not exactly perfect timing," Tatius said, but he
smiled at the two women in the doorway.

The first woman bowed to him before backing out of the
room. The other, dressed asa whore, perhaps?strolled forward. Tatiusłs blood
was already warming my limbs, so I wasnłt starving by a long shot, but with the
taste of blood still on my lips, I was hyper aware of all the pale skin her
skimpy outfit displayed. She was human. I could tell by the way she moved, the
pounding of her heart, or maybe just by the fact she registered as food.

Crap. I
dropped my gaze to the thick carpet, trying to concentrate on a scorch mark
where one of the candelabras must have fallen. I was looking up again before I
realized it.

Tatius stepped around me to greet the woman. “Tiffany,
thank you for joining us." He dipped at the waist and kissed her hand. She
giggled like a school girl, blood rushing to fill her cheeks as she blushed.

I ripped my eyes away. Whatłs wrong with me?
Iłd been around more humans earlier in the night and hadnłt experienced this
many issues. Then again, I hadnłt had the taste of blood to wake my hunger.

Tatius slid an arm around her waist and steered her
toward me. “This is Kita. SheÅ‚s new and having a little trouble."

Her gaze swept over me. The playfulness fled from her
face. I pinpointed the second she decided I was competitionfor what, I
wasnłt sure. She cocked her hip and stared down her nose at me. It was obvious:
she didnÅ‚t like me. Then Tatius leaned in and stage whispered, “I was hoping
you wouldnłt mind giving her a small donation," and her whole demeanor changed.

She reexamined me, everything in her face softening,
turning up with interest. Her heartbeat, already pounding in my ears, beat
harder as her pulse jumped. Fear or excitement? Based on the
lustful shine in her eyes, I was betting on excitement. Okay, she had serious
issues. Does she understand what Tatius is suggesting?

He extended his hand toward me and I shook my head. Oh
no, I wasnłt playing this game. Willing dinner or not, I was on a strictly ęno
humanł diet.

My refusal earned me a frown.

I tried not to let my eyes travel to the woman, really
I did, but they found their way there anyway. She noticed, and bit her lip,
smiling.

Is she flirting with me? IÅ‚d heard of flirting with death before, but this was
ridiculous. I took a step closer to Nathanial. His mask was back in place, but
he wouldnłt meet my eyes. Tatius would, though his gaze threatened to burn
through the top layer of my skin.

“Kita, willingly or unwillingly, you will do what I
tell you," he said. “Now come here."

I shook my head, and took another step toward the
couch and Nathanial. “I canÅ‚t. We donÅ‚t know what will happen." I was the only
shifter in the magesł records to ever successfully complete the change to a
vampire. No one knew if I could tag humans by drinking from them or not. I
wasnłt handing the judge a reason to revoke my protected status.

I was less than a step from the couch when my body
froze.

One foot dangled in the air as time hung on a moment
of puzzlement. Then my legs strolled forward of their own volition. Tatius held
out his hand, and my arm reached for him.

What the hell?
I tried to jerk away, to back up. My body didnłt listen. My brain told me I was
struggling, but my body passively let Tatius lead me to the brunette woman.

Tiffany slipped out of her heels, and leaned in,
exposing her throat. I lifted onto the balls of my feet.

No!

My body wasnłt listening. My arms slid around her and
she quivered. Run. I didnłt. Only my eyes were still under my control,
and I shot a frantic glance at Tatius. He smiled, crossing his arms over his
chest.

I tried to struggle, but the best I could do was roll
my eyes. Stop. I couldnłt. My body moved without my permission, drawing
Tiffany closer to me. I have to fight. To run. I have to

I blinked. My vision filled with the sight of
ghost-like red cords lifting in the air around Tiffany. IÅ‚d have gasped if I
could. IÅ‚d seen similar half-there shapes only once before.

That had been when IÅ‚d been starving and my vamp
powers had kicked into high gear. IÅ‚d accidentally used the power to feed from
a hunter before erasing his memories. Scary, if admittedly useful, but unless
my mezmer ability could get me out of this messand I didnłt think it couldI
did not need freaky vampire abilities acting up right now.

Not that I had any choice in the matter. The red coils
slithered around me, unseen to any eye but mine, and as they wound around my
skin, I could taste Tiffanyłs need. She wanted me to bite her. Wanted it more
than anything else.

I screamed, or I tried to, but instead my fangs sank
into Tiffanyłs throat.

She moaned, her arms sliding around my waist, her
manicured nails clenching my hips. She pressed her body against mine, and her
small gasps fluttered along my skin.

Warmth and life flowed down my throat, sweetly
perfumed by her ecstasy. Then her mind opened and I rushed into her memories.

I glance around the bar, glasses of liquor I know the
vamp canłt drink clutched in my
hands. But the man at the table is a vamp. I know he is. I knew them all
by sight.

He doesnłt even glance at me as I place his and his
datełs drinks down. He knows itłs
only been a week for me. I canłt donate again so soon. Thatłs Tatiusłs
rule. But three weeks?

Why do I always have to wait three weeks? I have too
much blood under my skin. I can
feel it. The vamps need it. Why wonłt anyone take it?

God it feels good when they bite me.

Someone notice me. Someone touch me. I want to feel
it.

I donłt need to wait three weeks to recover between
bites.

Please?

My fangs retracted, pulling my mind free of her
thoughts.

My tongue darted out between my lips, sealing the
wound on her throat, and she swayed in my arms. Her head lolled to the side, a
contented sound slipping from her barely conscious body. Did I take too
much? My body, still moving without my control, leaned down and scooped
Tiffanyłs legs off the floor, lifting the taller woman without difficulty.

A slick layer of sweat clung to her skin. She smelled
of exertion and endorphins. The vampire who had escorted Tiffany into the room
appeared at my side, or maybe shełd moved there while Iłd been caught up in the
humanłs mind, either way, my body handed off the mortal burden. The other
vampire carried Tiffany out of the room.

The door slid shut, and my body turned to face Tatius.

Something snapped inside me, and my legs crumpled,
dropping me to the floor.

“What the hell?" I could speak again! I lifted my
hands, wiggled my trembling fingers. I could move.

I pushed off the floor, rolling to my feet, and Tatius
took a step toward me. He offered me his hand, and I tried to stand and jump
back at the same time. The result was an awkward scramble that dumped me on my
ass. I crab walked, half scooting half crawling, toward the couch.

“Help. Help me." The mewling words tumbled out of my
mouth. Pathetic. I couldnłt call them back.

My back hit the couch with a thump. Nathanialłs hands
slid under my arms and he lifted me to my feet, tugging me against his chest. I
drank down his familiar scent, clung to the silky fabric of his jacket. My
cheeks were damp, though I couldnłt remember when Iłd started crying. The
moisture soaked into Nathanialłs jacket, but he just held onto me tighter, like
his arms could keep my body from shattering.

“What happened?" I whispered.

“Tatius is known as the Puppet Master." He leaned in
so the words were pressed into my hair.

I shivered. A puppet? Yes, someone else pulling my
strings accurately described what had happened. IÅ‚d had no control.

Just my eyes and my thoughts. Nothing else.

That woman, Tiffany, shełd wanted me to bite her, was
addicted to the bite, but had I taken too much? Shełd been carried out nearly
unconscious. Tatius had controlled that.

Had made me drink.

I shivered again, remembering the ecstasy in her mind,
the feel of her pounding pulse. I hadnłt wanted to stop. The thought had never
occurred to me once my fangs were in her throat. In truth, if Tatius hadnłt
been controlling my body, she would have died. That was a frightening thought.
My trembling ratcheted up to near violence, like I could shake the thoughts and
memories loose. Nathanial held me tighter and brushed a kiss into my hair. I
wasnłt the only one shaking.

“Stop coddling her," Tatius said.

Nathanialłs body jerked as the larger man grabbed his
shoulder, turning us both.

“Release her," Tatius commanded.

For a single heartbeat, Nathanialłs arms tightened,
pressing me against his chest hard enough to hurt. Then his hands fell from me,
his arms hanging limp by his sides. He stepped back. He was only an armłs
length away, but I was alone. Exposed.

I hugged myself, willing my trembling to cease. I
didnłt look up, didnłt meet Tatiusłs eyes, though I could feel his gaze boring
into my skin. His hand appeared in my peripheral, but I concentrated on the
toes of my sneakers.

“I think youÅ‚ll do what I ask now, wonÅ‚t you?" The
threat was clear in his voice.

Without looking up, I laid the tips of two fingers in
his palm. His hand closed around my fingers like a Venus fly trap, and he
tugged me forward. I let him.

His free hand shot out, swiping the neckline of my
sweater off my shoulder. I jumped. I couldnłt help it. Iłm not sure what I was
expecting, but him attacking my clothes wasnłt on the list. He leaned down,
staring at the lacerations from the hare. I rocked onto my heels, not stepping
away, but putting a little more distance between us.

His hand moved to my collarbone, and I flinched,
expecting pain, but his touch was gentle. “A human would have needed stitches."

“IÅ‚ve never been human."

He grinned at that. “True."

He was close enough I could feel his breath on my skin
with the word, and I squeezed my eyes closed. I had a sinking suspicion I knew
what he planned to do. Another warm breath gliding over my collarbone confirmed
my suspicions a second before his tongue ran over the jagged skin.

He was gentle, so remarkably gentle my eyes flew open
to confirm it was truly the same vampire whołd taunted and threatened me only
moments before. It was. Despite Tatiusłs care, my skin still burned as his
tongue dipped deeper into the wound. The pain only lasted a few heartbeats,
then a tingling warmth spread around his mouth as his saliva closed the wound.
Then even that ceased, and I knew the wound was sealed. Healed.

Tatiusłs lips trailed from where the jagged scratches
had been and crawled along my collarbone. Feather light, his lips traveled up
my shoulder, toward my throat. I stepped back, I couldnłt help itI probably
should have tried harder. His fingers curled in my hair, and he forced my head
to the side, baring my neck.

I expected him to bite me, expected pain, but one
moment his breath touched my throat, and the next he was gone. I hadnłt
realized IÅ‚d closed my eyes, but I must have because I had to open them.
Nathanial stood directly behind Tatius, his hand on the other vampirełs arm,
his knuckles white.

Tatius craned his head around but didnłt release me.

“YouÅ‚re the one who decided not to leave, Hermit."

The skin over Nathanialłs knuckles stretched as his
grip tightened. His fangs were exposed, bearing into his lower lip with the
force of his clenched jaw, but his eyes held uncertainty. There was no hope for
me to latch onto in those eyes. I swallowed hard, my neck aching where Tatius
still bared my throat.

“Nathanial," Tatius said. It was the first time IÅ‚d
heard any of the vampires use his real name.

Nathanial blinked, his gaze dropping from mine. His
hand fell from Tatiusłs arm.

“Good. Now sit down or get out," Tatius said. Then he
turned back to me. “Where were we?"

He leaned forward, his mouth parted. A fluttering
sensation erupted in my stomach, not all of it fear. His breath danced over my
pulse, and the flutters turned franticI wanted him to bite me.

No.

What was I thinking? I didnłt want him to bite me. But
Tiffany would have. And I had her memories.

Her need, her addiction, whirled in my mind, ignited
my skin. Blunt human teeth grazed the flesh over my pulse, and I gasped. It
would feel good. I didnłt need Tiffanyłs memories to tell me that. I had
personal experience.

Tatiusłs fangs pressed against my throat, not yet
piercing the vein. Fire flushed my skin and a gasp escaped my lips.

The sound made him chuckle, his amusement rumbling
against my body where we touched.

I gritted my teeth, willing my reactions silent, but
as his hand played across my stomach, trailed down to cup my hip, my breath hitched.
My skin felt hyper-sensitive, overly aware of the heat of his body. He nicked
my throat, not actually biting, and I trembled.

I couldnłt take anymore.

“If youÅ‚re going to bite me, get it over with." My
voice sounded thick, breathless in my ears, but Tatius went still. My words
were apparently not what he expected.

“So much spirit," he whispered. Then he stopped
playing, and his fangs slid into my throat.

A flash of pain shot through me, then there was only
the liquid heat of his mouth. A heat that expanded, spread, and spiraled to my
center, building into a giddy current. Electricity ignited inside me, rushing
through my body, reducing the world to static and heat. A wave of pleasure
crashed through me, knocked my knees out from under me. There was no time to
recover as a second and then third wave crashed.

Tatius pulled back, and I sagged in his arms. Someone
was breathing hard, gasping for breath. It was me. I swallowed, trying to focus
my blinking eyes, but nothing felt real. Nothing but the warm arms around my
waist, the broad chest against my cheek. A rumble built in my chest, and I
realized I was purring.

Well, why wouldnłt I be? I felt good, content. I
snuggled against the chest cradling me. Hadnłt I been panicked earlier?

It seemed like I had, but it must not have been
important. I drew in a deep breath, cataloguing the base scent of the man
holding me.

Stone dust. Hot metal. Sea Salt.

I blinked. I didnłt know those scents. At least not as
belonging to anyone I trusted. My head snapped back, and I wiggled in Tatiusłs
arms, inching away from his chest. I stepped back, still caught in his arms,
and it was those arms that kept me standing when my knees wobbled. I swallowed
and concentrated on standing upright. Just standing on my own would be an accomplishment.

“Let go," I whispered.

He looked at me, just looked at me, his green eyes
sparkling with amusement. “YouÅ‚ll fall."

“Let go."

He did.

My legs buckled, refusing to support my weight, and I
collapsed to my knees. Tatius, not touching me, moved with me, and I realized
my fingers were tangled in his mesh shirt.

I didnłt remember grabbing him. Forcing my stiff
fingers to uncurl, I dropped my arms to the floor. I stayed like that a moment,
on all fours, on the floor, just breathing. Then I pushed to my feet. My legs
wobbled, but held my weight.

Tatius watched me, his green-eyed gaze blistering,
searing my skin until a flush crawled to my cheeks. Whatłs wrong with
me? I needed to be more on the ball than this. One little bite
and I turn into a simpering idiot? Hell no.

I lifted my chin and I looked around. Nathanial was on
the couch again, but his gaze was on the floor. He didnłt look up.

Didnłt look at me.

I didnłt blame him.

“Happy now?" I asked Tatius, forcing every last bit of
bravado hiding in my body into my voice.

He didnÅ‚t look fooled as he smiled down at me. “Not
yet. But closer." His arm wrapped around my waist, and he turned me, tucking me
against his hip so we were standing side by side. “YouÅ‚ll be on my arm tonight.
Hermit, are you coming? We have an appointment with the Collector."

Nathanialłs head shot up. Iłd seen him rage once
before, and it had been a terrifying thing to behold. It was no less
frightening to see his full lips thinned in anger, his gray eyes wide and hurt.
He stared at me and I was the one to drop my gaze this time.

“Get a hold of yourself," Tatius chided. “We will
present a unified front, with all of my council backing the fact my companion
had nothing to do with the albinołs demise."

“Your companion?" NathanialÅ‚s words were hardly more
than a broken scratching sound issuing from his throat. He looked at Tatius.
The rage had thinned in his face, a sharp edge of fear taking its place. IÅ‚d
seen similar expressions on animals before. The question in their eyes wasnłt
an indication they were beatenit was the panic of being backed into a corner.
A cornered animal was deadly.

Tatius stroked my hair. “Yes, my companion."

A statement. No question. No room to argue.

I tried to push free. “No."

He cocked a dyed eyebrow. “No? My dear, you get no say
in this matter. You are a novelty, a child, a commodity. And now you are mine."

Chapter Seven

His?

Like hell. I didnłt belong to anyone. Least of all to
Tatius.

My effort to detangle myself from Tatiusłs arms
redoubled, and Nathanial was suddenly in the space before us. I hadnłt seen him
move, hadnłt heard him. His hand shot out, ripping me from Tatiusłs grasp,
pulling me behind him.

My legs still werenłt steady, and I stumbled, falling
to my knees. I rolled with it, letting the momentum turn me. Then I shot back
to my feet. My vision filled with black dots. That didnłt stop me. I slid into
a defensive crouch, my fists clenching. One heartbeat pounded behind my blind
eyes.

Two.

I couldnłt hear the fight. Couldnłt tell who was
winning.

The darkness gave way to a gray washed world. I caught
a glimpse of Nathanialłs back, his hands locked with Tatiusłs as the two of
them grappled. The gray parted. Nathanial crumpled to his knees, his arms going
slack.

Shsssk. The
dagger slid from Tatiusłs thigh hilt.

Nathanial didnłt move. Didnłt twitch.

The dagger angled toward his throat, and I threw
myself forward, knocking Nathanial to the floor. I expected pain to slice
through my back, across my unprotected shoulders. It didnłt. I chanced a glance
up.

Tatius glared down at me, his arms crossed over his
broad chest and the dagger tapping his forearm. “YouÅ‚re both fools. Get up."

Nathanial rose smoothly before turning and offering me
a hand. I wouldnłt normally have accepted the help, but it had been a hell of a
night. I took his hand, glad for it as I realized I was shaking again.

“Come," Tatius said, holding out his arm for me to
take.

Apparently we were picking back up where we were
before Nathanialłs outburst.

“No," Nathanial stepped in front of me, blocking me
from TatiusÅ‚s sight with his own body. “No. She is my companion. I brought her
here in good faith. She will not be presented on your arm."

I could just make out Tatius around Nathanialłs
shoulder.

He shook his head, his expression turning dark. He
lifted the blade, and it glimmered in the candlelight. The orange glow made the
surface look like it was already coated in blood.

“Is that the position you are choosing to take,
Hermit?"

The threat was clear in his voice, and if not his
voice, then in the glinting blade.

Nathanial spun. His arms locked around my waist and
lifted me from the floor in one movement. I gasped as the ceiling rushed toward
us and he hugged me tighter to his chest.

“Shhhh," he hissed in my ear.

I held my breath, willing my heart to stop its
deafening banging. It didnłt obey. I caught my reflection in a mirror. I hated
the frightened look carved across my face, my too wide eyes. My reflection
looked away. I blinked. What the?

There was no mirror.

Doppelgangers hung in the air around us, each an exact
copy of Nathanial and me. How?

Nathanial. One of his powers was to create illusions.
He used it to make himself invisible when he flew, and once hełd changed my
appearance, but IÅ‚d never realized he could do anything so elaborate.

Half a dozen doppelgangers filled the small room. The
Kitacopies all looked stricken as they stared at each other. Two red dots
decorated each of their throats. The biteTatius hadnłt closed it. The
Nathanial-copies stared at Tatius, brows creased with strain, pupils expanded
until their gray irises were eradicated.

“This is foolish, Nate," Tatius said, crossing his
arms over his chest. “And deadly."

He sounded at ease, bored even, as his gaze moved over
the half dozen copies, but his pupils had also expanded, only the thinnest
sliver of green left.

Nate? It was
a very un-Nathanial like nickname. Was Tatiusłs use of the nickname supposed to
engender trust? To remind Nathanial of some shared pastor possibly to remind
himself?

Nathanial floated us toward the door as the
doppelgangers dashed in front of us. They dipped as they flew, switching places
like a street magicianłs sleight of hand trick. Which cup is the quarter under?
Which Nathanial and Kita are real? The audience rarely guessed correctly, and
Nathanial was more than a street magicianhe was an old vampire with a gift for
illusion.

But Tatius was ancient.

We glided toward the door, invisible, undetectable.
The doppelgangers were mere distractions. They darted closer to Tatius,
feigning attacks, drawing his attention. We couldnłt fight Tatius and winthat
had already been proven. But maybe we could still run.

Under my hands, I felt the strain tingling along
Nathanialłs skin, the tension stiffening his shoulders. Hełd told me once that
he couldnłt maintain a moving illusion more than a few feet. We were now yards
from the darting copies of ourselves.

One of the feigned attackers dashed at Tatiusłs back.
Tatius spun, his dagger disappearing into the fake Nathanialłs chest.

The real Nathanial shuddered, his arms tensing around
me.

The impaled copy vanished.

Tatius whirled and planted the dagger in another
illusionary chest. Another doppelganger disappeared. Only four remained. Our
slow glide toward the door picked up speed. Tatius spun. The dagger flew
through the air, straight at us. Nathanial careened sideways, the dagger
slicing through the material of his tux before burying itself halfway to the
hilt in the door.

Found you,
Tatiusłs smug voice said inside my head.

I swallowed hard, clinging tighter to Nathanial.
Tatius lifted his hand, not even the smallest bit of green left in his eyes.

He ignored the illusions darting at him, his intense
gaze fixed on us. Nathanialłs fangs flashed, his pupils expanded, turned his
eyes black.

The doppelgangers disappeared. Nathanialłs flight path
changed. He was pouring all of his energy into making us invisible, but
Tatiusłs eyes tracked our movement.

A smirk twisted Tatiusłs lips, and he clenched his
fist as if snatching a butterfly out of the air. Nathanial froze. Then the
ground jutted toward us as we dropped.

I crouched, absorbing the impact, but Nathanial hit
the carpet hard, his body crumpling like a boneless dollor like a puppet with
limp strings.

Horror twisted my stomach as Tatius strolled across
the room, casual-like, to retrieve his dagger. Nathanial never moved. My hands
trembled as I reached down and lifted him under the arms. His pulse pounded
against my palms, so he was alive, but he was dead weight. Only his eyes, wide
and locked on me, showed he was conscious.

Dammit.

He couldnłt move. He would have if he could. Tatius
had control of his body. And speaking of, Tatius was almost upon us. I looked
around. I was strong and fast, but Nathanial hadnłt been a match for Tatius,
and Nathanial could kick my ass while reading a book. Think of something,
dammit.

Nothing emerged from my panicking mind. Which meant I
was winging it or dying. Maybe both.

I lowered Nathanial and he slumped forward like a
ragdoll.

Tatius, still strolling, was less than a yard away,
his dagger flashing in the candlelight. I stepped between him and Nathanial.

“Move," he said, stepping into my personal bubble.

“You made your point," I said between gritted teeth.

“YouÅ‚ve reestablished yourself as the biggest badass
around. We get it."

He lifted an eyebrow. “Move."

I didnłt.

I wasnłt familiar with vampire society, but I knew
ęruled by the fittestł structure. In Firth Iłd been named Dyre, destined
to take my fatherłs place as Torin, but if Iłd stepped up as Torin,
my position would have been challenged, hard. IÅ‚d left before I was old enough
to be opposed, but if IÅ‚d have stayed, IÅ‚d have needed a deadly reputation to
survive.

Tatius was no kitten amongst lions, but I had no doubt
he had a reputation to maintain. With my issues with authority, youłd think Iłd
have appeasement tactics down. Instead IÅ‚d spent much of my life thankful I
healed quickly. Not an option currently. If I didnłt diffuse this situation,
one of us wasnłt walking out of the room alive.

I kept my gaze locked with Tatiusłs but sank to my
knees.

I was still in his path, still blocking him, but in a
much more placating position. His eyes moved from my face to my neck.

No, not just my neck, but to his bite marks in my
throat. I brushed aside my hair, giving him a better view of the wound.

“You made your point," I said again. “There were no
witnesses. Therełs nothing more to prove." Because what happened behind closed
doors was always easier to forgive.

“Are you bargaining for your masterÅ‚s life?" Tatius
frowned at me, but a rim of green appeared around his pupils. “What do you have
to bargain with?"

Damn. I
mentally cast about, but I had nothing. Nothing to offer or trade. Whatever my
face revealed made Tatius smirk, a small, self-satisfied twist of his mouth. He
crouched in front of me and reached out, his hand hovering over the bite in my
throat.

I winced and my tongue dried and stuck to the roof of
my mouth. I knew what I had available to trade. My lips cracked as they
parted, as if they were the last defense trying to keep the words from leaving
my mouth. I spoke anyway. “Me? I mean, my companion bond?"

His smirk turned crueler. “An awful big opinion of
yourself for a runt with no manners or feminine wiles. Besides, I can already
take your bond. As you said, I proved my point and our sad little Hermit cannot
deny me. Offer me something else."

I swallowed around my thick tongue. What else did I
have?

I seriously doubted hełd want the marbles or other
knickknacks IÅ‚d collected. All I had was myself to offer.

“No resistance," I whispered.

“What?"

Hełd heard me, I knew he had, but I cleared my throat,
speaking louder anyway. “My cooperation. ThatÅ‚s what I have on the table."

His fingers, still hovering over my throat, dropped
the inch to my skin. They landed ever so lightly above my pulse then trailed
downward in a smooth stroke over the bite mark hełd left open. My back arched
as a maddening mix of pain and pleasure shot from my throat and pooled in my
center. I gasped. My vision blanked.

Then the sensation passed.

What the hell was that?

I swallowed, shaking as my breath tumbled out of me.

When my vision cleared, Tatiusłs nose was less than an
inch from mine, his face filling my awareness.

“You couldnÅ‚t resist me," he whispered, his breath
passing the words over my lips.

Every instinct in my body urged me to pull back, to
run away. I was more than flirting with death, I was presenting myself to him
as a cheap whore. I swallowed down the need to flee, forcing it into a bottle
deep inside, knowing the next time I examined that corner of my psyche I would
probably end up screaming.

“Take it or leave it," I said. And here IÅ‚d thought
IÅ‚d exhausted my bravado.

Tatius stood, sheathing his dagger in one smooth
movement. “I do like your spirit."

Was that acceptance?

I rose slowly, my knees unsteady as I pushed to my
feet.

Behind me, I heard Nathanial move as well.

“Kita?"

Just my name, carried with so much uncertainty, I
almost didnłt recognize it from Nathanialłs mouth. I could feel him staring at
me, the weight of his gaze prickly against my back.

I didnłt turn. I couldnłt.

“LetÅ‚s get this over with," I said to Tatius.

“So anxious?" He held out his hand, and I gritted my
teeth but obediently took it, letting him pull me closer. He lifted his wrist
and bit deep. “His life is in your hands. Drink."

“I feel a slight sense of déjÄ… vu," I said, but leaned
over his bleeding wound.

His fingers trailed through my hair as I drew from his
wrist. He didnłt tell me not to bite him this time, but I guessed as much.
Besides, I was well fed, and even with blood running over my tongue, my fangs
didnłt descend.

He opened his wrist twice more before he nodded. “That
will suffice, for now. We three have a date with the Collector."

Chapter Eight

The council chamber was empty when we left the sitting
room. Tatius walked through it without comment. Then he led me through so many
corridors and stairways I couldnłt have guessed where we were.

Nathanial followed behind us. He hadnłt said a word
since I made my deal with Tatius, but I could feel his gaze on my back. I
didnłt turn around. I didnłt know what to say to him.

Sorry? Youłre welcome? Iłd done what I had to do, and
wełd both survived. So far, at least.

Tatius finally stopped outside of a large door, but he
didnłt enter. Instead he turned, his gaze assessing as he looked me over. He
didnłt look completely pleased with what he saw.

Wełll have to do something about your wardrobe, his voice said inside my head as he reached out,
straightening the collar of my old gray coat.

After swiping my hair over my shoulder so the bite
hełd left on my neck was unobstructed, he nodded as if satisfied, took my arm,
and turned toward the door again. Then he just stood there. He didnłt seem
inclined to open the door for himself, so I reached out. Companion and
servant, lucky me.

Tatius stopped me with a gentle jerk back, and the
door peeled open. A vampire I didnłt recognize blinked at me, her baby blues
wide as she looked from my arm locked in the crook of Tatiusłs to his mark on
my throat. Surprised or not, she didnłt falter as she stepped aside. Her head
dipped to Tatius as we passed, a small but intentional movement. A sign
of respect? I hadnłt noticed the other vampires bowing before, but as we
passed, each vampire paused to tip their heads, some touching the tips of their
fingers to their foreheads. Am I expected to do that?

Three council members sat at a large dark wood table
in the center of the room, two additional seats had been left open. One was for
Tatius, and now that Nathanial was on the council, the other must have been
meant for him. Where the hell am I supposed to go?

I glanced around. The non-council vampires, who had
been scattered around the room, were now congregating along the far wall. The
setup looked exactly like the council room wełd been in earlier, down to the
fabric draping the walls.

“Should I?" I nodded to the line of vampires.

Tatius smirked, his green eyes glowing with the
candlelight. “Companions remain with their masters."

He tugged me toward the tableand the too few chairs.

Slouching into the centermost seat, he slapped his
thigh.

Oh, he has to be kidding.

He wasnłt.

Gritting my teeth, I perched on the edge of his leg,
my back straight as I continued to hold most of my own weight.

He didnłt let me get away with that. Wrapping an arm
around my waist, he dragged me further into his lap.

Now smile at my vampires, his voice said in my head.

Oh hell, I wasnłt going to be able to keep this
bargain. Not at this rate. I chanced a glance at Nathanial. He was staring
straight aheadwhich meant he was the only person in the room not watching
Tatiusłs little show. Taking a deep breath, I flashed my teeth at the vampires
gathered along the wall.

Tatius nodded. See, that wasnłt so hard.

Says him. “I
thought you wanted me to keep a low profile," I whispered.

Questioning me already? he asked inside my head, and I dropped my gaze. I
didnłt want to put Nathanial or myself in danger over one stupid question.
Tatiusłs hand flexed on my hip. Other masterłs companions are not important
enough to acknowledge with more than feigned interest, particularly when
they are displaying an overt amount of affection for their masters. It
would be rude. Now, work on that affection.

Rude? I looked around and realized none of the
vampires present were staring anymore. In fact, now that they had gotten over
the surprise of seeing me enter on Tatiusłs arm, they were very pointedly not
looking. I have a lot to learn about vampire politics. And I had
the feeling IÅ‚d be getting a crash course soon. Goody.

Aloud Tatius said, “IÅ‚ve sent for the Collector."

The atmosphere in the room, which had been thick with
curiosity, turned restless at his words. Boots scuffed the ground as the
vampires along the wall shuffled, and Nuri, who sat to Tatiusłs side, smoothed
her small hands along her pleated skirt.

Tatius propped a booted foot on the table and held up
a hand. The vampires stilled, silence engulfing the room. I wanted to stand, or
at least squirm, but Tatiusłs hand around my waist kept me still.

I waited. We all waited.

The doors swung open, revealing the dark hallway
beyond.

The air rushed out of the room as every undead
creature in the room sucked in one anticipatory breath.

A man stepped into the doorway. Actually, he ducked
under the door frameand it wasnłt a low threshold. I blinked as he
straightened, his head nearly brushing the nine foot ceiling. The giant
Nathanial had spoken to earlier still wore the maroon frock coat, frilly lace
spilling from his cuffs and collar, but hełd discarded his masquerade mask, and
his shoulder length auburn hair now hung loose around his blocky face.
Elizabeth, the vampire the Collector had called on to ęassistł Nuri, walked in
at the giantłs side. Shełd also abandoned her mask, leaving her face as stark
and pale as a porcelain figurine with dashes of color brushed on her eyes and
cheeks.

The giantłs strides were tight, not like he was making
an effort to walk slowly, but like it was habit for him to match his steps to
hers. He inclined his head when he reached the center of the room, and
Elizabeth curtseyed deeply, spreading her dress in a display of white lace.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Tatius nod to them, then they turned, their
gazes going back to the door.

Two men entered next. They faced slightly away from
each other, and from us, so that their shoulders were turned toward the corners
of the room and the back of their hips touched. Their blond hair glowed
slightly orange in the flickering candlelight as they walked in a strange
synchronized manner, their sides still pressed together. No, not pressed,
joined. Conjoined twins? I stared, I couldnłt help it, as they
approached the council table and spun slightly so first one and then the other
could bow to Tatius. Then they joined the giant and Elizabeth, and all eyes
migrated to the doorway.

A lone woman entered next. The Collector. Her
face was full of severe lines, as if smiling would have made her crumble. Shełd
removed every trace of her festive masquerade costume. Her hair was pulled back
in a tight, nononsense bun, and her gold-trimmed gown had been traded for a
dress made of thick gray material which neither accentuated nor hid her figure.
I thought at first she was in her late fortiesor had been when shełd been
turnedbut as she drew closer, I realized her smooth hands, loosely clasped in
front of her body, and her wrinkle-less face belonged to a younger woman, maybe
someone closer to my age. Her eyes though, brown with no warmth, were old. Very
old.

As she walked across the room, her steps slow but
assured, several other people slipped into the room. They moved quickly, heads
down as they gathered along the opposite wall from the non-council Haven
vampires.

The Collector stopped before the council table, her
back straight, her chin firm. Tatius was the one to move first. Just the
slightest inclination of his head, smaller even than the giant had made.

“I bid you welcome, Collector," he said, his foot
still propped on the polished wood table.

“I confess to feeling less than welcomed, Puppet
Master."

Her eyes traveled over the council, me in Tatiusłs
lap, his booted foot, and then moved on. “It has been several hours since the
body of a member of my entourage was found, and I have seen no results, no
recompense."

“I assure you my people have done everything in our
power to discover how your woman came to lose her head. We have found no fault
among those weÅ‚ve questioned, including this child “he jostled me“who
discovered the body. But, as requested, I have brought her for you to examine."

I tried not to flinch at the word ęexamineł, really I
did, but a twitch jumped through my hands anyway, made my shoulders jerk. I
could almost feel the Collectorłs gaze drawn to me, but it flickered away as
quickly as it landed.

“Bring our guest a comfortable seat," Tatius
commanded, and one of the vampires along the wall slipped out of the room.

He returned immediately, balancing an unadorned chair
over his shoulder. It must have been on hand. Was it hospitality that Tatius
offered her the chair or a power play that hełd made her wait for it?

The vampire set the chair in the center of the room,
his gaze never lifting higher than the floor. Then he scurried back to his spot
on the wall, leaning against the draped stone like he could sap strength from
the rock.

The Collector lowered herself onto the chair as if it
were a gilded throne. The giant moved to her side, but even his massive height
didnłt dwarf the plain-looking vampirełs presence. She drew all attention while
appearing perfectly drab, unassuming. Elizabeth knelt beside the giant, her
small head leaning against his leg, and the twins moved behind the chair. The
arrangement could have been posed by a photographer. A strange family portrait,
with all members gathered around their matriarch.

Tatius lifted his foot from the table and gave my hip
a gentle squeeze before he started to stand. I jumped to my feet.

“At the time your humanÅ‚s body was found," he said to
the Collector, “every vampire in this room was present, but only one was close
enough to touch." He nodded in my direction.

“I have examined her and determined her without fault.
It is only because I guaranteed your people safe passage and my hospitality
that I grant you the opportunity to examine her."

He held his hand out to me. I seriously didnłt want to
take it. Turning around and running out of the room sounded like a much better
idea. Not that IÅ‚d get far. My legs stiffened with dread, but I laid my fingers
against his palm.

I think my lack of resistance surprised him, because
an honest smile peeked out behind his smirk. It probably wouldnłt have been a
bad smile under different circumstances. Even under these, the smile made
something inside me flutter, a fluttering that streamed down from the bite in
my throat.

Vampire tricks.
I hated vamp tricks.

Whatever he saw in my face changed his expression, and
he turned back toward the Collector. “On the condition that no harm comes to
her during your investigation, I present to you my companion."

The Collector considered me from her seat as Tatius
escorted me around the table, his arm sliding around my waist. It was
possessive, but with the Collectorłs cold gaze tracking my steps, I found
myself glad I didnłt have to make the short walk alone.

As we moved, two vampires left the wall where the
Collectorłs people had gathered. They approached the group without a word,
standing slightly off to one side like sentinels.

Both had hard eyes, their gazes assessing and
constantly moving. Guards, IÅ‚d bet my tail on it. Hired muscle had a look, and loyal
muscle an even stronger one.

We were two yards from the group when I ground to a
halt. Tatiusłs smirk never slipped, but he turned, the eyebrow the Collector
couldnłt see arched, his eyes burning with warning. I swallowed and sucked down
another breath. The taste of the air sliding down my throat was familiar and
unmistakable. After all, how many bodies had I found tonight? It wasnłt like
Iłd forget the victimłs scent.

Walk,
Tatiusłs voice demanded inside my head.

I frowned at him. Could he read my thoughts as well as
yell in my mind? I recognize the scent, I thought at him.

His expression didnłt change, didnłt reveal hełd
heard.

Walk, or I move you.

Crap. I
really didnłt want to be a puppet. Not again. But the scent I glanced back at
Nathanial. His face was blank, unhelpful, but his fingers swept through the air
as if he were shooing a flyor urging me to keep moving.

I shuffled forward, three steps that equaled only one,
and sucked down another lungful of air. My nose hadnłt been as good since I
became a vampire, and the scent was already growing faint, my olfactory glands
exhausting.

“Is there an issue?" The Collector asked, looking at
Tatius, not me.

“SheÅ‚s shy." Tatius made the last short word
suggestive, his voice reaching across the space between us, playing on the open
bite on my throat. A shiver ran over my skin, exploded as heat in my middle. My
breath tumbled out. Not a gasp, at least, not quite.

I stumbled back a step.

I hated vampires.

I jerked my hand out of his, curling it in a fist by
my side.

“One of her people fed from the victim tonight." I
forced the words through my clenched teeth. They came out without a hitch.

Tatiusłs mocking expression froze, and the air in the
room vanished.

The Collector shoved up from her chair.

“What?" The word was a whisper that crackled around
the room like a firework fuse, ready to blow.

Rude or not in vampire society, everyone was staring
now, the weight of their gazes smothering me. I sucked down another lungful of
the explosive air.

“The headless woman. One of them fed from her.
Tonight."

I nodded at the cluster of vampires in front of me.

I wasnłt close enough to know which vamp had sucked on
the victim, and with my nose giving out, IÅ‚d probably have to draw the scent
right off their skin to tell. I took a step forward.

Stop. Do not move. Do not speak.

I flinched as Tatiusłs words cut through my brain. I
had the urge to throw my hands over my ears, but the action wouldnłt have
accomplished anything. Well, anything but pissing Tatius off more.

“Is your companion unwell?" Elizabeth asked, managing
to sound both concerned and offended simultaneously.

“Elizabeth," the Collector said, but her voice was
empty, no warning or emotion left in it. She turned to Tatius. “Puppet Master,
what is the meaning of this?"

“I would call it an interesting development," he said,
hooking his thumbs in his studded belt. “Kita, continue," he commanded without
looking at me, then followed the words with his voice slicing into my mind
again. You better have something to follow that little announcement.
Keep it simple and short. Lives are on the line. Quite definitely yours.

Well, crap.

“ItÅ‚s the scent," I said, staring at the woven belt at
the CollectorÅ‚s waist. “Someone is carrying the base scent of the harlequin
under their skin. That only happens when blood is exchanged."

Someone?
Tatiusłs voice asked inside my head, his annoyance clear in the mental touch
though his expression never changed. Aloud he said, “Most intriguing, wouldnÅ‚t
you say, Collector?"

“Are you making an accusation?" Her voice was low
again, the edge of anger cutting the end of her sentence. “I remind you, Puppet
Master, my human was killed after wełd been granted safe passage in your city."
The implied fact that it was his honor being called into question went
unsaid.

Tatius rolled his shoulders in a casual shrug. “Not
one vampire IÅ‚ve questioned saw the woman alive. Knowing who saw her last could
be helpful."

And that actually sounded reasonable.

The Collector tilted her head, but didnłt turn to face
her people. “Did one of you drink from Luna tonight?" No one answered and a
smile spread like creeping frost across her face. “As I thought."

Tatiusłs eye flicked toward me, only a momentary
glance.

Youłre sure?

Was I seriously supposed to answer a question only I
had heard?

I took a step forward, trying to catch the victimłs
scent again, and the two bodyguards moved to intercept me. They were fast,
faster than IÅ‚d ever seen Nathanial move. One moment they were standing off to
one side, and the next they were in my personal space, blocking my path.

I stumbled back. The bulkier of the two crossed arms
thicker than my thighs over his chestright at my eye level and not a foot from
my nose. The other man was smaller, wiry, and all sharp angles with little
squinty eyes. He wasnłt much taller than me, and I was short. He sneered, his
lip curling, the gleam of fang escaping a cruel mouth. He took another step
closer, exaggerating the two or so inches of height he had on me.

I flashed him a little of my own teeth then froze.
This close, his scent lifted off him with the heat of his body. And I knew that
scent.

I backpedaled, my shoulders slamming into Tatiusłs
chest.

When had he moved behind me? It didnłt matter. His hand slipped around my waist
and I pointed at the wiry guard.

“Him."

Pressed as close to Tatius as I was, I felt the
stillness overtake his body. Felt the exaggerated moment as no one spoke. His
fingertips ground against my hip. Finally Tatiusłs chest rose as he drew in
breath.

“Well?" he asked, his voice betraying none of the
strain I felt in his body.

“Jomar?" The name resounded around room, as if the
stillness of every vampire present gave the Collectorłs voice buoyancy. The
short guard jerked. Then he turned and bowed in one swift motion.

“Mistress," he said without looking up.

“Who did you feed from tonight?"

“Selene. I swear to you."

The Collector nodded, and the giant turned. Addressing
one of the vampires on the wall, he said, “Summon Selene and Chandra."

Tatiusłs grip on my hip tightened. I looked up at him,
hoping my eyes conveyed my absolute certainty. He searched my face, searing my
flesh, but I didnłt dare look away. I was right. I knew I was. My nose wasnłt
as strong as it used to be, but it didnłt lie.

Youłd better be correct. His hand loosened.

The Collector sank back into her chair, crossing her
leg over her knee. Then she leaned forward. “I had not heard you sired a
companion, Puppet Master. She is very young." Her gaze swept idly over me
before returning to Tatius. “But then you are very old. What ability is this
she is manifesting?"

Tatius shrugged, but the movement wasnłt completely
smooth. “A rather unusual one."

“I have observed that. I assume it has been formally
tested?"

“Of course," Tatius said without pause, and I worked
hard at keeping my face blank. What I wouldnłt give to have the control
Nathanial had over his face.

“While we wait for corroboration, why donÅ‚t we take
care of the true purpose of this impromptu gathering." She didnłt wait for
Tatius to agree, but twitched a finger at the doll-like vampire by the giantłs
feet. “Elizabeth."

The giant leaned down, touching the top of the womanłs
pile of dark hair. She smiled at him, and then drew herself up, rising in a
foam of silk and lace as if something other than muscle and bone were under the
dress. She curtseyed before the Collector, the movement so deep the lacy dress
collar fell forward, brushing the stone floor.

“Child, come forward," the Collector said, looking at
me once more.

I didnłt want to. I really, really didnłt want another
vampire biting me tonightor ever.

Offer your wrist, Tatiusłs voice demanded.

No. No, no, no
I lifted my arm, realized my fist was clinched. I sucked in more air, letting
the pressure of filling my lungs travel down my body, flow into the soles of my
feet.

One by one, I coaxed my fingers to uncurl from the
knot of my hand. Another deep breath, and I extended my wrist.

Elizabeth smelled of old cloth and a flowery scent I
didnłt recognize, but was so sweet, it made me think of poisonous plants. As
for the giant beside herI froze.

What now?
Annoyance shined through Tatiusłs projected thought.

My gaze traveled up, and up, until my neck hinged at a
ninety degree angle and I could see the giantłs face. My senses were sharper
now that Iłd fed, but I couldnłt believe Iłd failed to notice such a bizarre
thing when IÅ‚d first met the giant at the party. “He has no scent," I
whispered.

Which wasnłt possible. Everything had a scent. I
wasnłt aware of Tatiusłs scent currently because wełd swapped blood, but I
could still smell the chemicals his clothing had been washed with, the
astringent scent of his hair dye.

Elizabeth had a variety of smells beyond her base
scent, but from the giant I smelled nothing. Not his scent, not his clothing,
not wind caught in his hairnothing. Itłs like hełs not here at all.

“HeÅ‚s not," the Collector said, and I realized IÅ‚d
spoken the last thought aloud. She was standing again, those cold, calculating
eyes on me. “This is my second in command. He is known as the Traveler due to
his ability to project a corporeal body from a distance." She turned to Tatius,
her hands moving to her hips. “Your companion most assuredly demonstrates an
unusual talent. It is a shame she doesnłt also demonstrate any discipline. Or
are all the least significant members of your city allowed to speak out of
turn? No wonder your guarantee of safe passage was so easily disregarded."

The room went as silent as if IÅ‚d been sucked into the
void between worlds again. I stiffened, expecting an explosive response from
Tatius. Shełd just insulted not only him, but also his ability to run his city.
But instead of a roar of anger, laughter escaped Tatiusłs chest.

“We all show favoritism from time to time, do we not?"
he said aloud, but in my mind he warned, No more outbursts or IÅ‚ll
cut your wagging tongue free of your pretty little mouth.

Every night. For a year. Now concentrate on the memory
of finding that damned harlequin
and get this over with.

Right. I bit my lips together. IÅ‚d rather keep my
tongue in my head. I nodded, catching the motion mid-movement and freezing,
which probably brought even more attention to the fact IÅ‚d responded to a
command not given out loud.

Swallowing another breath of air oddly not scented
with the Travelerłs presence, I held out my wrist.

Elizabethłs fingers slipped around my arm. She stepped
forward, her fangs flashing. My breath caught, but not in fear.

Damn Tiffany and her vampire-bite addiction. I shoved the reaction away just in time for
Elizabethłs fangs to break skin.

Warmth rushed up my arm, the blaze filling my body, my
mind. On my other side, Tatiusłs hand on my arm was like a cool oasis. I groped
for his fingers, locking mine around his, pressing the long side of my body
along his, and the fire in my body calmed enough I could still see, still
think.

Cool.

Leaning against Tatiusłs shoulder, I focused on the
memory of the party, of seeing the open couch and escaping to it. Of smelling
the blood. I tried not to think about the head spilling forward, but of course
by not thinking about it, the memory sharpened.

Elizabeth pulled back. Her pupils had filled her eyes,
not even a trace of blue left. A drop of my blood filled the crease of her
lips, and her small tongue darted out as she blinked at me.

“Well?" the Collector asked, tapping her fingers on
the chair arm.

“Everything happened as she described," Elizabeth
said.

“But sheÅ‚s" Elizabeth glanced at the Traveler then
back to the Collector. “odd. Not human. Never human."

Crap. So much for the idea that concentrating on the
memory would keep her out of my secrets. The Collector looked at me again. No,
not again. Shełd looked in my direction a few times before, but this was the
first time she was actually looking at me. Her evaluating glance trailed
over my tri-colored hair, my more-yellow-than-green eyes, and then lingered on
the wound in my throat.

“What is your companion, Puppet Master?" Her voice
made it sound like an idle question, but her eyes her eyes betrayed her.

“Vampire, of course." TatiusÅ‚s arm slid around my
waist, drawing me closer even as he rocked onto one hip, striking a pose of
nonchalance.

Games. All of it. Both of them. And little olł me, I
didnłt even rank as high as a pawn. A pawn, sacrificial as it might be, could
at least take another piece.

“Come here child, I wish a peek into your mind." The
Collector held out her open palm, beckoning me forward.

Tatiusłs grip around my waist tightened.

“I granted you a chance to view what she saw of your
human, not free reign in the memories of my people. You have what I promised
you. Be satisfied with it."

“Of course." She smiled, the demure gesture looking
too genuine to be true. “I believe Selene has arrived."

She held up her hand, summoning the two women standing
in the doorway. Their heads hung as they trudged across the room. Identical
falls of pure white hair covered their downcast faces like veils. They shuffled
around the chair, stopping directly beside me before dipping simultaneously
into curtsies. They straightened slowly as if every upward inch stung.

I expected them to be old, but young faces were
revealed when they looked up. Young, colorless faces. IÅ‚d never seen skin so
palethe only color was a glimpse of snaking veins under their skin. Both wore
sunglasses as if the flickering candlelight were too much for their eyes.

Albinos. And twins at that. Identical.

I blinked at them. Twins with terribly familiar
scents. They had to be related to the dead woman.

Triplet albinos?

I inhaled slowly, tasting their scents. I was well
fed, but they were human, and my pulse picked up from being so close, from my
nearly intimate dissection of their scents.

Theirs were similar, oh so similar, to the harlequin.
More alive, of course, fresher, but the same combination of damp darkness with
a hint of sweet sunscreen. But under that, each woman had a slightly different
scent. Subtle, but definitely different. The headless woman had smelled of wind
in the moonlight, and only the guard shared that particular combination.

The Collector steepled her hands, looking between the
two women. “Selene, child, who did you feed tonight?"

The twin closest to me started. “INo one," she
whispered.

Jomar whirled around. “But"

The Collector held up a hand to silence him. “No one?"

A long strand of colorless hair brushed against my arm
as she shook her head. “I was supposed to. It was my turn." Her shoulders
heaved, a small, soundless, hiccup of a movement.

Then they did it again. “Luna took my place." Her
voice quivered, and her shoulders jerked again, as if someone had tied a string
around her torso and tugged.

The other twin wrapped her arms around her sister. “It
wasnłt your fault," she whispered, which only made Selenełs trembling more
violent. A wet sob tore from her throat.

I shuffled my feet. I needed to get away from the
twins. I was too close. Much too close to a pair of strangers who had just lost
their sister. Tatiusłs arm tightened around my waist, as if he sensed how close
I was to bolting.

Jomar watched the twins with emerging horror written
on his face. As another sob sliced the air, he fell to his knees.

Then he lowered himself completely prostrate before
the Collector.

“I didnÅ‚t know. I swear to you. I thought she was
Selene. Luna was alive when I left her."

“Silence!" The CollectorÅ‚s voice boomed through the
room, and for the first time her composure cracked. The look she gave her
prostrate guard verged on homicidal, but then she cleared her throat and
smoothed the front of her skirt. When she looked back up, her eyes were once again
calm, her mouth unemotive. She nodded to Tatius. “Your companion was correct.
Can her inhuman nose tell us anything else?"

Tatius smiled at her, and it was an oily, smug tilting
of his lips. “It is a shame about the disobedience in your bloodstock,
Collector. You might need to question them further. My companion," he looked at
me, lifting an eyebrow. I tilted my head back, searching the scents in the
room, but a yawn caught me unexpectedly and cracked across my face. “Is quite
exhausted, as you can see. Dawn draws near. We should conclude this discussion
before we retire for the day."

The Collector nodded, but her eyes were on me.
Watching.

Analyzing. I pressed three fingers over my mouth,
covering my yawn as I stared back at her, knowing that, at least at the moment,
my face betrayed nothing, particularly not interest.

Returning her stare probably wasnłt exactly
respectful, but IÅ‚d spent a good deal of my life as a cat, and every cat,
everywhere, has mastered the disinterested stare. Her bottom lip twitched, like
shełd suppressed a frown or some other disapproving expression, then her gaze
slid away, dismissing me.

“This has been a most unenlightening investigation.
Should I assume you will compensate me for the loss of one of my collectables?"
she asked, her voice deceptively bored, as if she could barely be troubled to
look into Lunałs death any longer.

“Of course," Tatius said, flashing teeth without
smiling.

“That is, if fault is found in my people."

I blinked, trying to push back the exhaustion suddenly
pressing down on me. Tatius hadnłt been lying about dawn approaching.

Time for good kittens to be in bed, I suppose. Tatiusłs voice said inside my head.

“Excuse us," he said aloud. He crooked a finger, and a
female vampire pushed off the wall. “Take Kita to our chambers," he told her
when she was only half across the room.

I stiffened at the words. Our chambers?

“I" I didnÅ‚t get a chance to finish, or even start.
My jaw snapped closed, blocking off my words. I felt an alien smile crawl over
my lips as my body moved on its own. Great, one kitten-puppet, made to order.

Tatius leaned down, pressing a kiss against my mouth.
A surprisingly chaste kiss. Maybe it just wasnłt fun to control his partner in
a kisskind of like a teenager making out with a mirror.

Go with Samantha. IÅ‚ll be there as soon as I finish
here.

And use that nose of yours as you pass the Collectorłs vampires. With that, he dismissed me and
turned back to the Collector.

I glanced at Nathanial. He was staring at me, his mask
perfect everywhere but his eyes. And when those lost eyes met mine, he squeezed
them shut, looked away. I wished I could have closed my eyes too. Made the
vampires all disappear. But IÅ‚d made my choice, given my word. Nathanial and I
were alive. And I guess I was now going to learn where exactly Tatius and my
ęchambersł were.

* * * *

I paced across the main room in Tatiusłs underground
suite. I had no idea if I was still somewhere under Deathłs Angel or if these
underground hallways had taken me halfway across the city. Samantha had shown
me to my new ęchambersł which, like most other rooms in this place, were mostly
cloth draped stone.

Dawn pressed against me, making each step I took
heavier, but I had to keep moving. If I stopped, IÅ‚d fall asleep. I will
fall down if I do not lie down soon, I thought, but the thought sounded
like Nathanialłs gentle chiding in my head. Not him broadcasting directly in my
brain like Tatius, obviously, but it sounded like something hełd say.

I forced my legs to lift, my knees to bend. My chin
hit my chest in mid-motion, but I lifted it again. I really did have to find
somewhere to sleep soon because sleep was unavoidable.

Every heartbeat was slower, dawn imminent. I dragged
my feet, stumbling.

I needed to close my eyes.

The suite had only three rooms: the sitting chamber
where I currently paced, a bedroom, and a bathroom full of every color of hair
dye on the marketthe vampire should have owned stock in a hair-color company,
or maybe he did. No second bedroom was present, and certainly no second bed.

Iłd agreed to be Tatiusłs companion, not his whore.

Shuffling to the furthest corner of the sitting room,
I sank against the wall and slid down. I wasnłt going to his bed, but I had to
sleep.

Drawing my knees to my chest, I closed my eyes and
surrendered to oblivion.

Chapter Nine

Something blocked my vision.

I blinked, my eyelashes brushing against something
solid, yellow, and covering my face.

What the hell?
I reached up, jerking at the thing over my eyes. It crinkled in my grasp. Paper?

I pulled the thin sheet of paper, my eyes misting at
the sharp sting as the tape securing the paper to my forehead ripped free. I
sat up, silky crimson sheets falling around me.

Where am I?

I glanced at the note and its large, flowing script.

“We sleep in the bed. Not on the floor."

Oh crap. I was in Tatiusłs bed.

I scrambled from the mattress, nearly tripping as I
tried to kick free of the sheets. My feet hit the plush carpet, and I took
inventory. I was barefoot, but still dressed in my jeans and sweater, so while
hełd moved me out of the sitting room and into his bed, he hadnłt undressed me.
Well, except for my coat. I glanced around but didnłt see the familiar gray
material. I also didnłt see Tatius.

Thank the moon.

Clothes had been laid out in a chair by the bed,
another yellow note taped to the stack. I crept over, recognizing the flowing
script as the same as had been taped to my forehead.

“Get dressed. Sam will assist you."

Great.

I looked over the clothing. There was a shorta very,
very shortblack dress made out of a shiny black vinyl, a stringy corset that
looked like a torture device, fishnets, and black boots made out of the same
material as the dress. Yeah, I think not. I dropped the ęclothesł
back on the chair. There had to be something else to wear in the place.

I headed for the door, but the knob turned under my
fingers. I jumped back as the door opened. A tall woman with straight, black
hair and a tight, red dress that showed more than it concealed stepped into the
room.

“Good, youÅ‚re awake," she said, smiling at me. “Now
letłs get you dressed, deary, so I can do your hair and get you to the council
room."

“Samantha?" I asked, remembering the name on TatiusÅ‚s
note. The woman whołd brought me to Tatiusłs room last night had also been a
Samantha, but this wasnłt the same woman. Hell, if this was another Samantha,
she was the third vampire by that name IÅ‚d met in Haven.

Her smile slipped an inch, and she tapped a finger
against her cheek, her black polished nail pressing against a small red
birthmark. “ThatÅ‚s right," she said. “YouÅ‚re new. You wouldnÅ‚t know. Well,
letłs get this over with."

She strolled further in the room. Turning, she gave me
a wink. “Ready?"

Ready for what?
I didnłt have time to ask.

Her appearance rippled, and like one image unfolding
to reveal another, changed. Her long dark hair flowed into blond, her makeup
brightened, and her body rounded out to voluptuous curves. Even her dress
changed from a revealing red to clinging silver sequins. The only thing that
didnłt change was the small red birthmark on her cheek.

“More familiar now?" she asked, twirling and making
the edge of her skirt lift.

I blinked, my jaw going slack. I most definitely
recognized her now. Iłd met her during my first visit to Deathłs Angel.

She was probably also the redhead whołd brought me
here last night. But how did she “An Illusion?" I asked.

“Like the Hermit?" She shook head and her appearance
rippled again, changing back to the dark-haired woman whołd first entered the
room. “IÅ‚m called the Chameleon. IÅ‚m a master soldier."

She said it like that should mean something to me. I
just stared at her. “Soldier?"

“A soldier vampire as opposed to a psychic vamp," she
said, and then, looking at my expression, laughed and shook her head. “Deary,
you really are new. Itłs a blood-line title. Us solider vamps are stronger,
faster, and we can turn humans easier than you psychic vamps, but we donłt have
the euphoric bite or the mental powers. Hasnłt the Hermit taught you anything?"
She didnÅ‚t give me a chance to answer. “Well, donÅ‚t worry. Tatius will take
good care of you. Now letłs get you in that dress."

An hour later, I was fully dressedin a manner of speakingmy
hair was piled artfully atop my head, and Sam had attacked my face with half a
dozen cosmetic brushes.

She stepped back, pursing her lips, but she nodded.

“That should do it, deary. Why donÅ‚t you take a look?"
She pointed to the full-length mirror on the other side of the room.

I stumbled over, my ankles wobbling in the
spike-heeled boots. When I reached the mirror, I scowled at the stranger
inside. The corset was indeed a torture device, which Sam had pulled tight
enough that I was lucky I didnłt actually need to breathe. It tugged my waist
in, making my non-existent hips look rounder and pushing up my chest, exposing
maximum amounts of my small cleavage. It could have been a good look. After
all, the shiny black dress and thigh high boots transformed me into someone
whołd belong on Tatiusłs arm. But the woman in the mirror looked uncomfortable,
fake.

I turned my back on the mirror.

Samantha stood several steps behind, admiring her handy
work. “I think youÅ‚re ready. We should get you to Tatius."

Of course.
She walked out of the room. I started to follow, but as I reached the doorway,
a tingle of magic rushed over my skin, and I froze. Oh no. Gil wouldnłt
seriously show up here, would she?

An unmistakable pop sounded from further in the
bedroom. Magic filled the air.

Dammit. Not now. I couldnłt let Samantha see Gil.

“I, uh, forgot something," I said, grabbing the
doorknob.

Samantha looked back over her shoulder. “Wha"

“Be right back." I jerked the bedroom door shut.

A fist pounded on the door from the other side. “Kita,
whatłs going on?"

The knob jiggled in my grasp. Crap.

I whirled around to face Gil and mouthed the words
“Go. Get out."

“Just five minutes," the mage said. A bristly wave of
magic washed over me, and I fell into blackness that wasnłt true darkness.

* * * *

I screamed. The darkness absorbed the sound before it
could escape my throat. A moment? An eternity? I fell through the space between
worlds. Or maybe I didnłt fall. But I sure as hell wasnłt standing. I hated
the void. I was so going to hurt Gil.

I swallowed hard. I might hurt Gil, but if Tatius
discovered I was gone, he would kill Nathanial. IÅ‚d bargained for
Nathanialłs life with my cooperation. Tatius would definitely consider my
disappearance as reneging on that promise. I couldnłt let that happen.

I had to get back to Deathłs Angel.

IÅ‚d no sooner had the thought than the empty darkness
shattered. Light and color exploded around me in a chaotic jumble. I saw stars,
literally. Hundreds of pinpricks of light filled my vision.

I squeezed my eyes shut and doubled over as a wave of
nausea slammed into me.

“Dammit, Gil. How much time passed?" I gasped the
question. The world was too solid, too real after the void. But I couldnłt
stay wherever shełd taken me. Pushing away from the grass beneath me, I
wrenched my eyes open. “You have to get me back to DeathÅ‚s Angel. Now."

“This will just take a"

“Now!"

In my still blurry vision, the pink-coated Gil-ish
blob backed up. Then it stopped and little pink arms crossed in front of it.

“No."

“Gil, I donÅ‚t have time for this. Nathanial and I have
a situation on our hands. If I donłt get back before Tatius realizes Iłm gone"

“No, Kita Nekai of Firth," she said, her voice firmer
than IÅ‚d ever heard it. “No. Have you forgotten the JudgeÅ‚s mark on your back?
Hełs out there, searching for proof you are too dangerous to be allowed to
live. You told me yourself that you scratched several men when they attacked
you months ago. We know Tyler was tagged and became a dangerous rogue. What if
one of the others was tagged as well? What if the judge finds him? The judge
will blame you. IÅ‚m doing this to keep you alive, so you should be more
appreciative and helpful." She turned and marched past a stone
mausoleum.

My fingers moved reflexively to the small of my back,
where, under all the layers of vinyl, the Judgełs mark coiled, the tattoo-like
snakes twisting and slithering in the shape of a Celtic knot. Gil was right. I
needed to find out if there were any other tagged shifters. But if Tatius
thinks IÅ‚ve broken our agreement Nathanial I looked around. Gil
had disappeared around the corner of a crypt. She said five minutes.
Hopefully Tatius wouldnłt notice if I was gone for just five minutes. I hurried
after Gil.

Or at least I tried to.

It had rained recently, and the ground was moist,
softnot a good thing for four-inch spike heels, especially when I could barely
walk in the damn things to start with. The heels sank with every other step,
stopping me, making me work to get free again. Then one of the heels snapped. Dammit!

I rolled the boots down and stepped out of them.
Grabbing the boots and the broken heel, I marched in my fishnets across the
damp grass. I finally caught up with Gil in front of a cast-iron gate blocking
the doorway to a small mausoleum.

A thick chain and padlock ensured the deceased beyond
rested in peace.

Great. Helpful apparently translated into heavy
lifting and lock-pickingnice to be useful.

“Hold onto these." I shoved the broken boots at Gil,
and she made them vanish. Then I reached for my pockets only to remember I was
wearing a tight black dress, not my familiar gray duster. “Uh, Gil," I said,
flashing my empty hands. “No lock picks."

Her dark brows merged into one across her forehead.

“CanÅ‚t you snap the chain or something?"

I gave the chain, the links as thick as my wrist, a
doubtful glance. Oh yeah, I could just flick that apart. No problem.

Riiight.

“Well, if not the chain, maybe the padlock?" she asked.

I lifted the darkened lock and a whisper of magic ran
up my fingers. What the? I jerked back. “You tried to magic this open
already?"

Gilłs gaze dropped to her plastic rain boots as she
nodded.

Great. I glanced over the lock. Even if IÅ‚d had my
picks, Gilłs botched spell had melted part of the locking mechanism.

Unfortunately, the spell hadnłt damaged the lockłs
integrity, and my attempt to jerk the lock open accomplished nothing.

I dropped the lock. “ThereÅ‚s no way in. Take me back
to Deathłs Angel."

“There has to be a way." Gil tugged at her sleeves.
“IÅ‚ve already set off the magical tripwires. We have to get in tonight. Can you
break down the gate?"

I blinked at her. “Uh, no."

She just frowned at me, and I sighed, glancing at the
mausoleum entrance. It was old, the stone façade weathered and blackened, the
iron gate red with rust. Old hinges tooreal old, pin-type hinges. Maybe I
can?

I grabbed the gate, and, bracing with my knees, lifted
upward. Rust whispered like dry husks rubbing together, red flakes showering
the stone steps, but the hinges lifted. I twisted, setting the heavy gate down
crooked. It was still connected to the one side of the mausoleum by the chain,
but the opening on the hinged side of the gate left plenty of room for Gil and me
to squeeze inside.

“Excellent." Gil clapped her hands as she slid past
me. She really shouldnłt have looked so excited about breaking into a tomb. I
probably should have asked her to explain, but I wasnłt sure I wanted to know. No,
sir, Judge, sir. I have no idea why she brought me here.

Inside, a stained glass window depicting an angel
dominated the wall opposite the door. In the thin moonlight streaming in, she
looked over the pairs of sarcophagi lining the side walls. Gil summoned a small
purple light to her palm.

It twinkled softly, floating to her shoulder, creating
quivering shadows around the tomb.

She walked to the closest sarcophagus, the little
globe of light following her. “This should be it. Open it up."

I glanced at the sarcophagusłs hundred-year-old
inscription. Bartholomew Mattholm.

Letłs get this over with. The night before, Iłd had to shove the stone lid
aside. Tonight I was better fed, and when I slid my fingers under the lip and
pulled, the stone lifted. I hefted it open a good foot from the base and peeked
inside. I expected bones and rags, but inside the sarcophagus, a perfectly
preserved corpse rested on decaying linen. A blaze of strawberry blond curls
framed the strongly masculine face of a man who must have died in his early
thirties. He looked like he could have been sleeping, but my hunger didnłt
react to himhis heart wasnłt beating. Dead, and unappetizing.

“Well?" Gil asked, bouncing from foot to foot behind
me.

“He certainly looks good for a man dead over a hundred
years."

The corpse opened a pair of blue eyes. “Why thank you.
I was considered quite handsome once."

I backpedaled, dropping the sarcophagus lid. What
mooncursed manner of

The sarcophagus shook. Then the large slab of granite
slid aside enough for the corpse to crawl out.

“Well, that was totally bogus," he said, brushing
grave dust from his denim jacket. “You wake me up and then drop a big piece of
rock on me? Where were you raised?"

I stared at him. “But youÅ‚re dead."

The corpse looked at me, blue eyes twinkling in the
moonlight. “I donÅ‚t think youÅ‚re in much of a position to discriminate based on
mortality, babe."

Okay, he had me there. But he had no
heartbeat. No warmth. He was dead.

Dead, dead.
Like, way more dead than me. At least vampires had a pulse.

I didnłt realize I was backing away until I fell
against one of the other sarcophagi.

“Sorry about that," Gil said, stepping up to him with
a beaming smile and holding out her hand empathetically. “IÅ‚m Gil, a scholar-trainee
from Sabin. Thatłs Kita."

The corpse eyed her fingers but shoved his hands in
the pockets of his tight black jeans. “A Sabinite, huh? Last time I was awake
it was illegal to so much as talk to a necromancer." His eyes moved past
her and landed on me.

“So, an undead babe. Totally excellent. Been a while
since I saw one." He drew a shimmering glyph in the air, and magic, like a cold
wind, tried to settle into my skin.

Magic had never felt cold before.

I glared at him. “Whatever youÅ‚re doing, stop," I straightened
to my full height. I was still a foot shorter than him, but I didnłt want him
to think I was cowering. Cowardly creatures were prey. I wasnłt.

“YouÅ‚re sensitive, for a vampire." He turned back to
Gil, reassessing her with his gaze. “You have a vampire-familiar?"

“Me? No, I didnÅ‚t mark her."

Wait a minute. Did he say familiar? Like a
witchłs familiar?

I bore the Judgełs mark, but this was the first Iłd
heard anything about being a familiar.

The corpse cocked his head. “Did the High Assembly
dissolve or something?"

Gil shook her head. “Nope, theyÅ‚re still the ruling
power in Sabin, and before you ask, yes necromancy is still illegal."

“Then what the hell is going on here?" He made a
sweeping motion that included both Gil and me. “IÅ‚ve got a scholar-trainee
seeking me out in the company of someone elsełs vampire-familiar?"

“Well," Gil shuffled her feet. “We need a favor."

Chapter Ten

“Wait!" Gil yelled, running after the dead man as his
long strides took him across the cemetery grass. “You havenÅ‚t even let me
explain what we want! Where are you going?"

I trudged after them. “HeÅ‚s a walking corpse, where
could he go?"

He stopped, the short red curls fluttering before
settling around his face. “First of all, Little Miss Undead, IÅ‚m the living
dead, not a walking corpse." He swung a hand at the grave markers around us.
“If I raise a couple of these rotting blokes around us then you get the
walking dead. But me? IÅ‚m animated by my own power. Got it?"

He crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at me.

“Secondly, IÅ‚ve been asleep for twenty years. I want a
look around. See whatłs changed. And before you ask, no. The mortals wonłt
notice a thing. They only ever see what they think is in front of them.
You should know." Then he turned to face Gil. “And thirdly, it doesnÅ‚t matter
what you want, babe. You canłt afford my services."

Gilłs face flushed, but she held out her hand. A clear
orb, no bigger than a catłs toy, floated an inch above her palm, a small wisp
of blue smoke caught in the center. “I have this."

“Is that what I think it is?" He leaned closer. “How
did a scholar-trainee get her hands on a Last Breath?"

“I captured it myself." Gil managed to sound both
proud and defensive simultaneously.

“Is it from someone who died of natural causes?"

“No." She shuffled her feet. “Will it be enough?"

“Maybe." He walked over to a free-standing sarcophagus
and leaned against it. “LetÅ‚s talk business. What is it you want?"

Gil tugged on her sleeves. “Well, we need information
from someone who sort-of died."

“Uh-huh, keep talking. You want me to raise you a
zombie with its memories intact? Thatłs pricey. An unnatural last breath will
be cutting it close on the trade scale." He pushed away from the sarcophagus.
“But IÅ‚ve never been able to resist a couple of babes in need. You can call me
Avin. This sort-of dead guy? Where is his body buried?"

“He isnÅ‚t exactly buried." Gil pulled a skull
out of the void.

How much stuff did she store in that place? And how
come I never saw any of it when she tossed me into the void?

Avin took the skull from her, frowning. “You didnÅ‚t
tell me all you had was the skull. That changes everything."

“According to my research, the skull should be enough.
Do you know another necromancer who would be able to animate a skull?"

“Hold on now, I didnÅ‚t say I couldnÅ‚t do it. I said it
changed everything. Making a zombie that can remember who it was when it lived
is tricky and requires a fresh body. It takes highly controlled magic to
reconnect the synapses in the brain so the stupid creature will play back its
life like a record." He examined the skull. Then he balanced it on one of the
headstones so the empty eye sockets watched us. “But you donÅ‚t have a body. All
you have is a bit of bone. That means I have to create a ritual to find this blokełs
spirit, if he left enough behind to find, and then I thrust it into this
skull; which, let me tell you, spirits donłt tend to like. It will be big
magic. Complicated."

I groaned. “In other words, expensive." I turned to
Gil.

“HeÅ‚s not going to do it. LetÅ‚s go. WeÅ‚ll find someone
else."

Okay, that last bit was a bluff. Gil had obviously
been researching a while to find this necromancer, but he couldnłt know that.

Avin stepped between Gil and me, his hands up, palms
out. “DonÅ‚t run off just yet. I didnÅ‚t say I wouldnÅ‚t do it. We just need to
negotiate a price. IÅ‚m thinking you give me, one, the Last Breath, and two,
your true name." He pointed at Gil, and she went pale. Then he turned to me.
“And I want a favor from you, to be determined at a later date."

A favor?
“Like an errand or something?"

He titled his head as if considering the question, and
then smiled, nodding. “Yeah, like an errand. Or something."

Not the most reassuring response. “Nothing
lifethreatening," I said, and his smile spread.

“Deal." He glanced at Gil. “How about it? Your name?"

She was still pale, but she handed over the bauble
containing the Last Breath. “Gildamina."

Avin acknowledged her name with a nod as he took the
globe. Holding it up in the moonlight, he studied it. “This is really
well-captured. You said you did it yourself?"

Gil nodded.

He made the Last Breath disappear before focusing his
attention back on her. “YouÅ‚re not wearing a family ring. It used to be rare
for a commoner from Undin to make it to a Sabin academy. I doubt things have
changed much. Hmmm?"

She didnłt meet his eye, but studied her funky purple
boots like shełd never seen them before. He went on, ignoring her obvious
discomfort. “In fact, an Undinite would have to test off the scale in magical
potential for the old Sabin families to let her in an academyway more
potential than someone destined to become a scholar. No one chooses to
be a scholar. It is the career that rich Sabin brats get stuck in if they show
no promise in any other magical disciplines."

GilÅ‚s face flushed from pink to crimson. “I gave you
the payment you asked for. You made the bargain, now animate the skull so we
can get out of here by dawn."

Dawn? “Gil,
you said five minutes." Which had already passed, but IÅ‚d thought we were closer
to getting answers.

But dawn? Hell no. “Take me back to DeathÅ‚s
Angel. Now."

Her head shot up. “What? But we havenÅ‚t"

“I donÅ‚t care. We can come back later," I said over
her protest. “I need to be at DeathÅ‚s Angel before Tatius"

“Hey!" Avin shouted, and he must have magically
enhanced his voice, because it boomed over us, making me flinch. Both Gil and I
turned. He smiled. “Enough shouting, babes. This is the resting place of the
dead. Show a little respect. Now"he turned and pressed the tips of his fingers
against the skull“Neither one of you can leave. I need you for the ritual. But
as I was saying, an Undinite doesnłt get to the academy and become a scholar
unless something goes wrong." He glanced at Gil. “I bet you excelled at all
your basic courses but then couldnłt test into a discipline. There is one
they didnłt test you for, though. Wouldnłt test you for."

Gil shook her head. “IÅ‚m not having this
conversation."

“You hang with vampires, you sought out a necromancer,
and you study topics that could get you a death sentencebecause, I know, any
book containing a spell to capture a Last Breath in it is on more than just the
banned reading list. Youłre a natural-born necromancer."

“I said I wasnÅ‚t having this conversation." Gil tugged
at her coat sleeves, but the movements were more violent than her normal
twitchy actions. “CanÅ‚t you just do the job we paid you for?"

“IÅ‚m getting to it." He set the skull on the ground.

Summoning a long blade from thin air, Avin used the
point to draw a circle around the skull. Outside the circle he drew several
twisting symbols. I was surprised Gil wasnłt taking notes. After tugging on her
sleeves a couple more times, she finally caved, pulled out a scroll, and
started scribbling.

“See, youÅ‚re fascinated. You canÅ‚t help it," Avin
said, vanishing the blade again.

“She does that all the time." I said, leaning against
a statue. “GilÅ‚s a natural-born scholar."

She gave me a death glare, and I frowned. Whatłd I
say?

“I was just trying to help," I muttered under my breath.

Louder I asked, “How long is this ritual?"

Both mages ignored me. Avin summoned four candles and
placed them around the circle hełd drawn. A flick of his wrist and small flames
consumed the candle wicks. I couldnłt see what he placed between the skullłs
teeth, but with another flick of his wrist, spicy smelling smoke rolled out of
the skullłs empty eye sockets and mouth.

“Come here," he said without looking up from his work.

“Tonight you babes will be playing the connection
between the living and the dead."

Uh I didnłt
like the sound of that. Still, cooperation would get me back to Deathłs Angel
faster.

I trudged over as Avin summoned his knife from the
void, again. He pressed the tip of the blade into Gilłs index finger, and she
flinched but let him coax blood from the wound onto the knife. He then anointed
the skull with the blood before moving to me. He lifted the blade to my finger
the same way he had for Gil, but as the metal touched my skin, a stinging chill
that had nothing to do with magic shot through my flesh.

I jerked back. “ThatÅ‚s a silver knife."

“ItÅ‚s a ceremonial tool."

He reached for my hand again and I shook my head. I
might not be able to shift anymore, but my silver allergy persisted. “Use a
different knife."

“I donÅ‚t have one. Now give me your hand, it will only
hurt for a moment."

I glanced over my shoulder, hoping Gil would help, but
she was busy jotting something in her scrollprobably about me, the lab rat.
Holding out my hand again, I squeezed my eyes shut as the knife bit into my
flesh. At the touch of silver, first my finger, then my entire hand went numb.
The drop of blood from my finger fell on the skullłs forehead, and I felt the
pulse of magic in Avinłs circle. Hugging my numb hand to my chest, I retreated
to the company of a stone angel.

Avin sat down cross-legged in front of the skull and
bowed his head. His voice lifted in a low, sing-song chant, the words foreign
but commanding. The candlelight flickered. Once.

Twice. Then the smoke stopped billowing out of the
skull and, twisting in midair, it turned and flowed downward back into
the sockets.

Avin opened his eyes.

A scream issued from the skull.

“Kill you!" the skull shrieked, enunciating
surprisingly well for something with no lips. “IÅ‚ll kill you. You canÅ‚t kill me
this time."

I gasped. I recognized the voice. “Bryant?"

In life, Bryant had been an average-Joe human until he
was tagged by Tyler. A hyena spirit took up residence inside his body, breaking
his mind and sense of self, and, under the tutelage of Tyler, hełd turned into
a vicious predator. Human turned shapeshifter in the hands of a psycho? Not a
good combo.

I frowned at Gil. “ItÅ‚s BryantÅ‚s skull?"

“Obviously. The other rogue ended up a pancake on the
sidewalk. I couldnłt salvage anything from him."

The skull turned on its base so the smoke-filled
sockets glared at me.

“Monster," BryantÅ‚s skull yelled. “Monster! Kill her!"
Then it gave out a blood-curdling howl. Apparently he and the hyena were still
bound togetherand just as insanein death. It made me wonder anew what had
happened to my cat-self after I became a vampire.

“Shuddup. YouÅ‚re a talking skull." Avin rapped the
skull on its cranium. “This thing wasnÅ‚t human. What did you have me bring
back?"

“Rogue shape-shifter," I said, staring at the angry
skull.

Bryantłs skull went on shrieking. Nights ago, when Gil
had mentioned she was working on a way for us to question the dead rogue about
his accomplices, Iłd thought shełd meant Tyler, not Bryant. Two rogues had gone
on a killing spree, but only one of them, Tyler, had been tagged directly by
me. IÅ‚d stopped them both, but the monster IÅ‚d accidentally created when I
defended myself with my claws had been Tyler, the one to tag Bryant. Tyler
would have been far more useful.

Still, the two rogues had traveled and killed together
for several months. Bryant could know something important.

If the skull would just stop bellowing long enough for
us to question it.

“CanÅ‚t you make it stop screaming?" I asked, pressing
my hands over my ears, which did little to dampen my hypersensitive hearing.

Avin hit the skull again, but it kept howling. “You
neglected to mention you killed this dude-thing."

“I didnÅ‚t think that was an important detail," Gil
said, shuffling her feet. The skull turned to yell at her again. She ignored
it. “Can we question him now?"

Avin shrugged. “Knock yourself out. DonÅ‚t know how
helpful hełll be. Spirits donłt tend to like the people who sent them to the
incorporeal world."

“But you can make him answer. IÅ‚ve read that a
necromancer should be able to control a rampaging spirit."

“Ä™Course I can. For a price."

“We donÅ‚t have anything more to offer"

Avin interrupted her, “I want to test your aptitude
for necromancy, and if what I suspect is true, I want to train you to use your
potential. Thatłs it. Thatłs my price."

Gilłs lips parted as her jaw fell crooked. She glanced
my way, her eyes a little too wide. I shrugged. It wouldnłt be the first thing
shełd done that went against Sabinłs laws.

“Okay," she nodded, and I couldnÅ‚t tell if I heard
fear or excitement in her voice. Probably both.

Avin closed his eyes again. Bryant suddenly stopped
yelling obscenities at us and contented himself to hiss quietly between his
teeth.

Without opening his eyes, Avin said, “Try your
questions now."

Gil leaned toward the skull. “How many humans were
tagged and became shifters?" she asked. The skull hissed at her. She repeated
her question.

“Just me," the skull finally said. “Me and Tyler,
monsters, partying all the way to hell."

“HeÅ‚s lying." GilÅ‚s expression scrunched up, her lips
twisting. “I thought he wasnÅ‚t supposed to be able to lie."

Avin raised an eyebrow, eyes still closed. “He canÅ‚t
lie."

“He has to be lying."

I waved a hand. “Uh" I happened to have it on good
authority that Bryantłs skull wasnłt lyingIłd seen inside his mind
before he died.

But, while I was willing to cooperate with Gilłs
whole, Kitais- my-lab-rat thing, telling Gil I had bits and pieces of two
homicidal rogues traipsing through my head wasnłt something I was ready to
share. Not yet, at least. Maybe not ever.

“Gil, heÅ‚s not lying," I said, pushing away from the
angel statue and creeping closer to the skull. The chill of Avinłs magic
crawled over my skin as I approached his circle.

“Bryant wasnÅ‚t one of the attackers from the street.
He was tagged by Tyler."

GilÅ‚s brows knit together as she digested this. “By
the other rogue? I got the wrong skull?"

“Bryant might still know something. What about any
other Ä™monsters?Å‚" I asked him. “Did you see any others? Did Tyler ever mention
any?"

“You!" BryantÅ‚s skull yelled. “YouÅ‚re a
monster. Monster."

Not helpful.

Gil huffed. “Did Tyler ever mention family? Friends?"
she asked. “His last name?"

The skull managed to look contemplative. “No."

“Did Tyler tell you how he became a shifter?"

I knew intimately how Tyler had been tagged, but
maybe, if hełd told the story to Bryant, hełd mentioned the names of his
companions that night.

The skullÅ‚s bony jaw clicked. “Yeah, he said the devil
called his name and gave him the power."

The devil? Right. This was going nowhere. I bit my lip and tried to examine the memories
IÅ‚d siphoned from Tyler.

Hełd been thinking about killing when wełd fought and
I bit him and dived into his mind. In particular, hełd been thinking about
killing me, but the thought had opened paths to memories of his other
kills. In my mindłs eye, flesh parted, screams echoed, and the taste of raw
meat, of human meat, filled my mouth. So many women. Even the ones who
hadnłt survived were familiar to my mindłs eye now.

But I didnłt need to see his victims. I needed his
companions. I found a memory of myself through his eyes, of the night IÅ‚d
inadvertently tagged him. His companionsł faces floated into view, but no
names. I could only focus on the memories IÅ‚d taken from his mind before his
death.

I had enough of his sadistic memories to supply a
lifetime of nightmares, but not enough to find the other men whołd jumped me.
IÅ‚d defended myself, but in the process, IÅ‚d accidentally tagged Tyler. And
possibly his friends. Thinking of the attack brought the memories full circle,
filling me with what hełd planned to do to me, what hełd wanted. Screams ripped
through my mind again, and I shivered, shoving the memories back in the dark
hole IÅ‚d made for them.

Opening my eyes, I frowned at Avin. “You might as well
make Bryantłs skull stop talking. Therełs no point. It doesnłt know the answers
we need."

“Wait," Gil said. She stepped in front of me, blocking
my view of the skull. “We can ask him other questions. This is the perfect time
to study why humans who turn shifter go insane. Not to mention how the two
spirits are tied together and to the memory of the body"

“Study later. If I donÅ‚t get to DeathÅ‚s Angel before
Tatius discovers Iłm gone, itłs Nathanial who will pay." I glanced at the sky.
How long had I been gone? Had Samantha reported my defection to Tatius? “Get me
back to the club."

“But" Gil started.

“YouÅ‚re going to be my apprentice, remember, babe?"
Avin smiled at Gil. “Trust me, youÅ‚ll have plenty of opportunities to study the
dead."

She frowned but nodded. “All right. IÅ‚ll come back
after I take Kita home."

Avin made a slight nod goodbye.

And for the first time, I waited anxiously to be
thrown into the void.

Chapter Eleven

Snow crunched under me, the dampness clinging to my
fishnets. “Gil, this is not where you picked me up."

“ItÅ‚s close." She shuffled in the snow. “IÅ‚ve read
about these clubs. No one should notice you coming and going."

My teeth clenched in an effort to ward off a scream of
frustration. I needed to be back in Tatiusłs room, pretending like Iłd never
left. Walking in through the front door of Deathłs Angel and winding my way
through the lower levels was bound to draw attention. My jaw cracked as I
forced my teeth apart. Gil took one look at my face and backed up before I
uttered a word.

“Uh, you probably need these." My ruined boots
appeared in her hands, and she dropped them between us. “I should, uh, go. Lots
to learn."

She vanished.

Great. Just
great.

Leaning down, I snatched the broken boots from the
snow then padded around the side of the building. IÅ‚d been led underground
twice since becoming a vampire. I should be able to make my way to the
lower levels. Now finding Tatiusłs suite, that was another matter. Iłll deal
with it when I get to it.

If I even made it that far.

Getting into the club wasnłt a problem, nor was taking
the staff-only halls through to the VIP area, but that was where my luck ended.
A huge metal door blocked my path to the stairs leading underground. IÅ‚d
forgotten about it. A keypad was inlaid into the wall beside the door, but I
didnłt have the code. A fingerprint reader rested above the keypad, and I
pressed my left thumb to the panel. The small machine made a noise as it
scanned, then the light flashed red.

The door didnłt unlock.

Crap.

Behind me, in the VIP room, an unseen door crashed
open.

I jumped. Did I trip an alarm?

I glanced around for somewhere to hide, but the short
hallway held nothing but the door I couldnłt get past and the one Iłd just
entered from. Another door banged open, this one closer. With nowhere to hide,
I leaned on the metal door to the underground and crossed my arms over my
chest, forcing a relaxed pose.

The door across from me flew open, and three large men
poured into the small hallway, moving fastinhumanly fast.

My arms over my chest tightened, my muscles tensing.

Otherwise I didnłt movewhere could I really go with
the locked door at my back?

The men stopped in the middle of the hall, still
several yards away. Two wore more straps and chains than anything resembling
clothing, but the third wore black jeans and a muscle shirt. He was the one who
held up his hand, stopping the other two. His head cocked to the side, his chocolatecolored
eyes pinching quizzically as they slid over me.

“YouÅ‚re the HermitÅ‚s companion, arenÅ‚t you?"

That was a complicated subject, and at least one of
Tatiusłs vampires could see through lies, so I let him believe what he liked.
Cocking my head to the side, I jerked my thumb at the door.

“I got locked out."

I smiled as I said it, but he only frowned at me, his
eyes sliding over myprobably very expensivewater-stained dress, the broken
boots dangling from my grip, and my torn and grass-stained fishnets. Then he
nodded at the other men.

They turned without a word, strolling out of the hall
and back the way theyłd come. He remained.

I shifted my weight between my feet, and his eyes
snapped back to me. He stared at me long enough that the urge to squirm
traveled all the way up my spine. Then he marched to the door and pressed his
thumb to the scanner. A green light flashed as a loud click resounded in
the short hall.

“IÅ‚m Liam," he said, hauling open the door.

“Kita." I stepped around him, hurrying into the
stairwell beyond the door.

I expected him to escort me downprobably all the way
down to the council room, but he stayed at the doorway.

“DonÅ‚t wander the city. With all the shit going on
with the Collectorłs visit, pandemonium is one drop from spilling over all the
lesser vampires." Then he slammed the door, the large lock snapping back in
place.

I blinked at the door for a long heartbeat. A friendly
warning? A dire one? Turning, I hurried down the stairs. The waiting room was
empty, thank the stars, but now I had to find the door. With all the walls
draped behind heavy layers of fabric, that was easier said than done, but after
a moment of flailing with the drapes, I located the hidden door and slipped
into the hall beyond.

Now all I have to worry about is finding Tatiusłs
suite.

“Where the hell have you been?" an annoyed female
voice whispered as I turned a corner in the hall.

Okay, apparently I didnłt have to worry about
navigating the underground labyrinth after all.

Samantha closed the space between us. Her hand shot
out, her polished nails digging into my bicep as her fingers locked around my
arm. “Are you trying to tangle us both in TatiusÅ‚s wrath?"

“There was a misunderstanding and well IÅ‚m here
now." Oh yeah, that was pathetic.

Her eyes slid down me, taking in the damage my
wardrobe had already suffered tonight. “Saints alive," she hissed in an
exasperated whisper. “The dress will have to do. Lose the stockings and the
boots. We donłt have time to find replacements."

She released my arm and stepped back. Her nails
clicked together like claws as she waited for me to shuck the ruined fishnets.
I hadnłt thought much of the stockings while I wore them, but once they were
off, the short dress felt all that much more revealing.

“What do I?" I looked around for a place to put the
fishnets and boots.

Samantha snatched them out of my hands. “Come on. Do
you think you can keep him waiting all night?"

I didnłt have to ask who he was.

I followed Samantha as her heels tapped an angry
staccato down the hall. She took me on the same path Tatius had led me and
Nathanial the night before. We ended back in front of the council room where
wełd met with the Collector.

Samantha jerked open the door, and her posture
changed, her movements became smoother so that she swayed as she sashayed into
the room.

It was a wasted effortthe council wasnłt inside. A
couple of vampires were moving chaises into a circle in the center of the room,
but the council table was empty. No council meant no Nathanial. I still didnłt
know if he was okay.

Samantha smoothed her gown with a jerky movement that
betrayed her annoyance and held up a hand, motioning me to stay. She marched to
the closest vampire, her whispered words too soft for me to catch in the
cavernous room. The other vamp set down the chaise hełd balanced over his
shoulder and pointed toward the ceiling. Samantha nodded.

Then she made her way back to me, shutting the door
behind us as she led me into the hall.

“You could have told me Tatius wasnÅ‚t down here," she
said.

I blinked at her. “How would I know?"

She frowned, her full lips dragging down her cheeks.
“Well, if your bond with Tatius isnÅ‚t tight enough for you to feel his location
yet, you could have told me Nathanial wasnłt here, either. Obviously, theyłll
be together."

I tried not to gape as Samanthałs slanted eyes drilled
into me. Feel Nathanialłs location? I had never had any woo-woo sense of
where he was. Not once.

But he always knew where I was.

I swallowed. Gil had told me that I was the first
shifter to become a vampire and that the effects of the change were unknown.
Apparently this whole sensing thing was something IÅ‚d missed.

Not wanting Samantha to realize I was deficient in
vamp powers, I smiled weakly and said, “Right. Sorry." Then I lifted a finger
to the ceiling like IÅ‚d seen the other vamp do. “HeÅ‚s upstairs?"

Samanthałs frown twisted harder, but she nodded.
Turning on her heel, she stormed down the hall.

* * * *

We emerged from the underground halls into a large,
walk-in freezer, through which Samantha led me into a bustling restaurant
kitchen.

“Where are we?" I whispered as a waiter in a dark
waistcoat scurried by.

“Crimson. Another of TatiusÅ‚s investments."
Samantha glanced around the kitchen. “You there, youÅ‚re a manager, right?"

A woman in a sleek black dress looked up from her
conversation with a cook and placed one hand on her hip.

“Yes. Is there something Tatius needs?"

“Your shoes," Samantha said, holding out her hand.

The manager blinked, but when Samantha just stood
there, waiting, the woman leaned down and pulled off her simple black pumps.
She handed them over, and Samantha shoved the shoes at me.

“Put these on and hurry up."

I shoved my feet in the pumpstwo sizes too bigand then
hobbled after Samantha as she pushed open a swinging door. The chaos of the
kitchen faded as we entered a dimly lit dining room. A harpist sat in one
corner, her fingers pulling ethereal sounds from a harp as tall as me. The soft
music drifted around the room, mingling with the hushed conversations of the
diners. Candles flickered on top of tables covered with pressed white table
cloths and gleaming with real silver.

This did not look like Tatiusłs kind of place.

Speaking of Tatius, I didnłt see him, Nathanial, or
the rest of the council anywhere. Samantha, who had been scanning the room,
turned toward me and lifted one of her well-shaped eyebrows. “Well?"

Damn, guess that meant I was supposed to be able to feel
them or some other vampire nonsense. “Uh" I searched the room. Women in
evening gowns and cocktail dresses peered across tables, laughed with wine
glasses held aloft, or concentrated on pushing food around their plates. Men in
tuxes, and a few in suits, laughed good-naturedly, cut into steaks, or puffed
on spicy smelling cigars. My heartbeat kicked up a notch, my breath rushing out
in a gasp. I hadnłt realized how hungry I was until I was surrounded by humans.

I pressed my lips closed, worried my fangs might slip,
but my teeth were flat, no burn in my jaw. Hungrynot starved.

Holding my breath, I forced my gaze around the room
again. Just people. The height of society, no doubt, but humans. No vampires.
No council.

I let out the breath, ready to confess I was missing
this extra vamp sense, when Nathanial stood from a table in the middle of the
room. My lips parted. Hełs okay.

Relief bubbled up in my chest, and I felt the smile
unfold across my face. He didnłt return my smile, but as he nodded, the
movement drawn out, his gray eyes remained locked on mine. For a moment, I
forgot anyone else was in the room.

But if he was here, the rest of the council would be,
too. I blinked, dropping my gaze.

The council sat around a large, unset table in the
center of the room. How did I miss that? Frowning, I walked toward them,
trying to remember the patrons Iłd seen before Nathanial had stood. Hadnłt a
group of businessmen been gathered around that table?

An illusion?
If so, it was an elaborate one. Nathanialłs eyes were pinched ever so slightly
around the edges, his lips thinner than normalevidentially, maintaining the
illusion on the entire table was taxing him. Why didnłt they find a private
place for this conversation?

That would have made more sense unless Tatius was
forcing Nathanial to maintain the illusion as some sort of punishment.
Nathanial had used his ability against Tatius, in an attempt to conceal
me.

There were no empty chairs at the table, but as I
approached, Nathanial gestured for me to take his. He had been sitting between
Mama Neda, the old crone whołd taken care of me just after Iłd been turned, and
a blonde, male vampire. Nathanial scooted the chair closer to the old woman
before holding it for me. I sat, but when Nathanial turned to steal another
chair, the blonde hooked his foot in the bottom rung of my chair and dragged me
closer to him.

I frowned, recognizing the sharp planes of Tatiusłs
face.

Blonde? Seriously? His hair hung in long, pale strands, nearly glowing against the dark
material of his tux. Either hełd done one hell of a dye job tonight, or he
hadnłt dyed it at allfor once. He looked different without the punk hair style
and assortment of piercings. He looked less mocking, more intense. And he was
already intense enough. How come hełs wearing a tux and Iłm stuck in
a vinyl dress and a corset?

Nathanial said nothing when he returned with the
chair. He just placed it in the spot beside Mama Neda and fixed his attention
on the table.

“Continue," Tatius said, making a sweeping gesture
with his hand.

Nuri, dressed in a midnight blue dress that fit her
undeveloped, pre-teen form like a glove, nodded and cleared her throat. “As I
was saying, I have now examined every local vampire except Magritte and Gareth.
IÅ‚ve sent enforcers to look for both, but I have no reason to believe their
absence is unusual or connected to the humanłs death."

Nuri looked up, as if to measure Tatiusłs response to
her words. He nodded, motioning her to continue. He even looked interested in
her report. Does he actually listen to his council?

Nathanial had once called it a puppet council, and IÅ‚d
been under the impression Tatius was a tyrant. Well, maybe not a complete
tyrant. His actions in public were different from those in privateif
that werenłt true, Nathanial would be dead. But I hadnłt anticipated that hełd
be the kind of leader whołd listen to his advisors.

Nuri continued, her hands flat on the table in front
of her.

“I have now also interviewed all of the CollectorÅ‚s
vampires. None interacted with the woman in the hours before her death. A few
recall seeing her, or possibly one of her sisters, but otherwise, no one
noticed her before her body was found."

Tatius nodded again. Then his gaze swiveled as the
front door of the restaurant opened. The large, plain-clothed vampire whołd
caught me sneaking into Deathłs Angel bustled into the room, sidestepping the
hostess who stood to greet him. Liamłs eyes scanned the diners, probably seeing
only the same upper class crowd IÅ‚d seen when I first entered. Then he froze,
his eyes narrowing. He gave one sharp nod, as if answering some unheard
questionactually, that was probably exactly what he was doing.

I glanced at Tatius. Can he read thoughts as well
as project them? I had no idea. He gave no indication either, but
turned to Nathanial, who stood. Liam blinked as his eyes landed on our table,
clearly seeing through the illusion. He nearly ran over a server in his haste
to reach us.

Tatius cocked his head to the side. “Yes?"

The large vampire doubled over, bowing deep. Then Liam
held out a squat black cylinder. “We just found this."

Tatiusłs gaze cut across the table to Nuri, who slid
out of her seat and retrieved the small canister. It looked like an old 35 mm
film container. The contents rattled as Nuri lifted the cylinder from Liamłs
hand, the soft plink sound marking whatever was inside as much smaller
than a film cartridge.

Nuri popped the plastic lid free, and her expression
froze. She went still, too still to be mistaken for anything fully alive.

“What is it?" The balding council member, dressed in
tweed once again tonight, asked.

Without a word, Nuri tipped the canister and two
off-white objects rolled across the tablecloth. The small objects, neither
longer than the last digit of my pinky, were pointed on one end, and a flaky,
rust-colored substance covered the other. I caught a whiff of old blood and
reeled back. Sliding closer to Nathanial, I wrapped my arms over my chest.

“Teeth." My whisper barely carried in the low lit
dining room.

“Fangs." NathanialÅ‚s voice was flat, no emotion, no
inflection, but that one word seemed to break the spell holding the council
suspended.

Everyone began speaking at once.

“Where did you find this?"

“Do we know who they belong to?"

“Mama Neda has never seen nothing like this before."

“Which vampires are unaccounted for?"

“Silence." Tatius didnÅ‚t yellhe didnÅ‚t have to.

The council members fell silent, and even the din from
the other patrons fell away. He reached forward, lifting one of the fangs. He
rolled it through his fingers, staring at it as if the fang could tell him to
whom it had belonged.

“Is there anything else in the tube?" he asked after
several seconds passed.

Nuri looked down, then using two small fingers, fished
something flat out of the tube. She unfolded what looked like a thick piece of
paper about the size of my palm. As she passed it to Tatius, I leaned in,
peering around his shoulder at the creased photograph.

A body dominated the image, as if the photographer had
focused on the bare butt and muscular back of his subject.

Male, definitely. And headless.

I swallowed against the flutter of panic threatening
to crawl up my throat. The image was black and whiteor at least mostly
monochromatic. Someone had taken the time to hand-tint the blood pooling around
the body.

Another headless corpse? This one was different, though.

Luna had been drained, her body posed and left to
find. This victim had blood to spare, but his body was missing and only a
photograph announced his death.

Tatius placed the photo on the table in front of him.
He smoothed a hand over it like he could press out the creases.

“How did you acquire this, Liam?"

The question was quiet. Dangerously so. The other
vampire shuffled, his shoulders slumping forward. He was a big guy, but his
fear was palpable in the air. “It was left in one of our tip jars at DeathÅ‚s
Angel."

“When?"

Liam winced, shaking his head. “Sometime in the last
hour. I brought it here as soon as I saw it."

“Did anyone see who placed it there?" Tatius asked,
and Liam shook his head again. “Answer aloud."

The other vampire cringed so hard he actually stepped
backward. “I didnÅ‚t take a lot of time to question everyone, but none of the
bartenders saw who left it."

Tatiusłs gaze slid off Liam to land on Nuri. Her eyes
had gone black again. At her nod, Tatius turned back to Liam.

“Did anything else unusual happen tonight? Any
unexpected guests? Patrons who didnłt fit in?"

Liam opened his mouth. Closed it. His gaze slid to me.

Then he shook his head. “The HermitÅ‚s companion
tripped security trying to go downstairs, but otherwise the crowd in the club
is typical and traffic has been fairly low tonight."

I went still before Liam finished speaking. Around the
table, eyes locked onto me, but the intense green gaze I expected to turn on
me, to freeze me in place, didnłt come. In fact, Tatius didnłt even blink at
the mention of my failed attempt to sneak into Deathłs Angel.

He tapped his finger against the edge of the
photograph, but his gaze was further off, his thoughts elsewhere. No one spoke.
No one at the table even breathed. Liam shuffled his feet and Tatiusłs head
snapped up.

“Was there anything else?" The question was a demand
and dismissal at the same time.

Liam took it as such. “No, my lord." He bowed low then
turned and high-tailed it out of Crimson.

I stared at the contents of the canister hełd
delivered.

Somewhere in Haven, a vampire was dead. Someone wanted
the council to know about it. The question was, Who?

Chapter Twelve

The table remained quiet several heartbeats after Liam
left. Then Tatius pushed the photograph forward.

“Does anyone recognize him?"

The balding council member lifted the photo from the
table and stared at it several seconds before shaking his head and passing it
to Nuri. She bit her bottom lip, studying the black and white image.

“It could be Gareth, I suppose," she said, her thin
eyebrows drawing together in sideways question marks.

Mama Nedałs gnarled fingers shot out, snatching the
photo. She studied it, scratching her lopsided bun and pressing her wrinkled
lips together. “Mama Neda wonÅ‚t complain about the view, but she canÅ‚t
recognize this ass from another. Where is the little studłs head, shełd like to
know?"

And wasnłt that the question everyone wanted
answered?

Mama Neda passed the photo to Nathanial next. He
glanced over the image, shaking his head before passing it back to Tatius.
After one more glance at the gray body floating in a sea of crimson, Tatius
re-folded the image with deliberately slow movements, as if quick movements
would tear the image to shreds. Then he tucked the photo back into the canister
and dropped the disembodied fangs in with it, before sealing the lid.

Nuri cleared her throat in a single, feminine cough.
“Sire, may I suggest once again that you cancel tonightÅ‚s meeting until
this"her long fingers swept through the air, indicating the canister still
clutched in TatiusÅ‚s hand, “is resolved."

“Not an option. I cannot show weakness."

Her dark eyes narrowed. “Then let me put extra
enforcers in the room."

Tatius hesitated. “Nothing obvious."

The ancient pre-teen vampire smiled as she ducked her
head in acquiescence. I had the distinct feeling her idea of obvious and
Tatiusłs would differ. Shełd put as many enforcers in the room as she could
rationalize.

Tatius stared at the dark canister a moment more. Then
he pushed away from the table. His chair scraped the floor as he stood.
“Cormac, spread the word, everyone is to roost in the sanctuary night and day.
No exceptions. I donłt want a single vampire of mine on the streets until after
the Collector and her entourage have left town. Nuri, increase security at all
the entrances to the sanctuary. Then head to Deathłs Angel and find out if
anyone saw anything. Anything at all."

Cormac, the balding vampire, and Nuri both nodded, and
I clenched my hands at my sides, waiting for someone to disagree. No one did.
Tatius shoved his chair under the table and turned away.

I looked around. Everyone was getting up. Even
Nathanial stood and pushed his chair under the table.

“But"

Nearly half a dozen gazes slammed into me. Nuri looked
annoyed, Cormac irritated, Mama Nedawell, she just looked crazy, like always.
Nathanial gave me a worried look, almost a warning one. As if I donłt
realize silence is smarter. Still?

I ignored all of them as I turned to Tatius. I didnłt
meet his gaze, but stared at his shoulder as I grasped for the most diplomatic
way of saying what was on my mind. “If you gather your vampires and increase
your display of militant force, wonłt the Collector see your actions as
hostile?"

IÅ‚d seen a similar situation occur in Firth once. A
misunderstanding had turned into a bloody feud between two clans because both
assumed the other was about to invade their lands. My father had been one of
the Torins the elders assigned to clean up the aftermath and negotiate
communication. Hełd described it as a messy and unnecessary waste of life.

Tatius didnłt move, but the air around me might have
well turned solid, unbreathable. I looked down, biting my tonguetoo late, of
course.

“She might be right," Nuri said, startling me enough
that I jumped. “As the Collector already considers herself the injured party,
she would be over sensitive to an increase of hostile activity." She sounded
irritated to agree with me, but I gave her points for seeing past the fact I
was a ębaby vampireł and actually considering my idea.

Tatius, on the other hand, scowled. “Then gather
everyone quietly. I wonłt have my people at risk on the streets until I believe
the danger has passed. And if I need an army around me, I want my vampires
here, at the heart of the city, ready to defend my territory. Now go." He
turned away from them.

Nuri lowered her gaze. “Yes, sire."

“Should Mama Neda alert the Collector of when Tatius
wants to see her?" Mama Neda asked, oblivious to the mounting tension.

Tatius paused without turning back to the table. “No.
You and Nathanial go ensure the room and entertainment is prepared. I have
something to do before I join you." He took several steps from the table, and
IÅ‚d just begun to relax in my chair when his voice drifted back toward me.
“ArenÅ‚t you supposed to be following?"

I cringed, sinking lower in the chair. Donłt be
talking to me.

Do I have to move you? Tatiusłs voice asked in my head.

I jumped to my feet, knocking over my chair in my
haste.

It crashed to the floor. The dining room went silent.

Eyes turned to our table, and Nathanialłs brow
creased, obviously fighting the strain of so much attention focusing on his
illusion. I reached for the fallen chair, but Tatius was already there,
righting it. Once the chair was on all four legs, Tatiusłs hand closed around
my bicep, his grip vice-like, his fingers pinching my bare skin. “We have
unfinished business."

With that said, he set a quick pace away from the
table with me in tow.

* * * *

The door to Tatiusłs suite closed behind us, and I
rubbed my palms on my dress. I had the feeling this had something to do with
feeding and that whole I-need-masterłs-bloodnightly thing. Iłd seriously been
hoping hełd forget.

The candles, which had been dark when I woke, now
sputtered to life. Tatius crossed the room without comment on the sudden
appearance of the flames. He opened the door to his bedroom, and I swallowed
hard. He doesnłt think Iłll

?

I shook my head, and his eyes narrowed. I stepped
back, the movement completely involuntary. I did not want to go to his
bedroom. Sharing blood was intimate enough. My gaze shot around the sitting
room, looking for some way out of this. IÅ‚d never been alone with Tatius
before, at least not while I was conscious. I couldnłt follow him into that
room. I just couldnłt.

I have to.

My fists clenched at my sides, but I knew it was true.
I had to follow him. If I didnłt walk on my own, he would move me.

Wrapping my arms across my chest so he wouldnłt see my
hands trembling, I ducked my head and trudged across the room and through the
open door.

I stopped in the center of the bedroom and just stood
there, uncertain. The door clicked closed behind me. I waited.

I didnłt turn around. It was easier that way. I felt
the heat from Tatiusłs body fill the air behind me, and I held my breath.

His hands landed on my shoulders, and I jumped. Then I
closed my eyes as his heat pressed along my back.

“YouÅ‚re trouble," he whispered, his lips inches from
my ear.

I expected him to bite me, some small part of me even
wanted him to, but one moment he was filling all my senses, and the next the
world spun around me. Tatius whirled me around, strands of my hair flying free
with the motion. My back slammed into the wall on the far side of the room,
knocking the air out of me, and something hard pressed against my throat.

I swalloweda reflexand the sharp blade of Tatiusłs
dagger bit into my throat. A trickle of heat slid down my skin as the nick drew
blood. Tatius didnłt pull back.

“Where did you go?" His voice was rough, demanding. It
matched his eyes, which were hot. Not with passion. With rage.

“I didnÅ‚t" I didnÅ‚t get a chance to tell him I hadnÅ‚t
meant to leave. That it hadnłt been my choice.

He pressed the dagger deeper, cutting me off. “DonÅ‚t
lie to me. I might not have fully bound you, but I can feel you. Where did you
go?"

I didnłt dare breathe. How could I answer? I didnłt
know what I could say to appease him. A mage dragged me off to a graveyard?
I didnłt even know where wełd gone. It was south, somewhere without snow. That
was the extent of what I knew.

Somehow I didnłt think that would satisfy him.

Nothing I said was likely to help me. I hadnłt planned
to leave. Hadnłt even meant to. But, I didnłt know how to convince him of that
fact.

Or maybe I did.

“Look." I whispered the suggestion, trying to speak
without driving the dagger deeper. “Bite me and look." I hated the idea of his
fangs in me, but hełd have to see then that I hadnłt wanted to leave. Besides,
he would bite me eventually anyway.

He stared at me, his intense gaze assessing. Then, in
one movement, the dagger withdrew and his fangs pierced my throat.

Hełd been gentle, almost teasing, last night. He
wasnłt gentle now. My back arched, my chest pressing into his as he tore into
my flesh. Then the first deceptive wave of pleasure rode through my body. I
shuddered and tried to remember to think about Gil, about her throwing me in
the void and magicking me away to that cemetery, but it was hard to think about
anything except the heat rushing through my body, pooling in my abdomen.
Tatiusłs hands, which had been pinning me against the wall, slid down the curve
of my back, lifted me, pressed me against his body.

I gasped as he drew back. His tongue circled the bite
wounds, but he didnłt close themagain. Then his hand slid into my hair, drew
my head back. His tongue traced the shallow cut from the dagger. That wound he
sealed.

I was still breathing heavily when he straightened. He
didnłt release me, which was good. I couldnłt have stood on my own. I hated it,
but it was true. Vamp tricks. I hated vamp tricks.

He bit his wrist and held it before my nose. In that
moment, as shaky and unreal as I felt, the cloying scent of his blood was
beyond my ability to resist. I closed my lips around the wound without being
told and drew hard. His blood flowed faster tonight, the consistency not as
syrupy thick as before. It was still as potent. I could feel the strength
flowing into my limbs, feel the world sharpen around me. My legs turned solid
under me, and I sealed the wound.

He frowned as I drew back, but he didnłt reopen the
bite.

With a nod, he stepped away and I scooted around him.
He could cross the room before I could blink, could slam me into the wall again
before I could react. I knew that. But distance still made me feel
better. And it was a hell of a lot better to not be cornered.

“Now what?" My voice came out steadier than I
expected, and I gave myself points. I could have been discussing the weather
for all my tone revealed.

His eyes roved over me, but they were calmer now.

“ThereÅ‚s no time to find you a new dress."

“Er okay?" I glanced down. The corset strings were a
little damp, and there were dried water-stains from the snow on the vinyl, but
it wasnłt like Iłd ripped it or anything. At least if he was worried about the
dress he wasnłt planning on killing me.

Tatius stepped forward. He circled me twice. Then he
reached out and pulled a clump of my hair free of the ornate up-do Samantha had
labored over. Nodding, he tugged at the plunging neck of my dress, but not like
he was pulling it into place, more out of place.

I jumped back. “What are you doing?" I asked, as I
attempted to twist the dress back into what felt straight.

He swatted my hands away and rearranged the garment
incorrectly again. “If youÅ‚re going to look unkempt, you will look like the
reason is for something more interesting than wandering around a cemetery with
a couple of mages. Now stay still."

I blinked. A couple of mages? He said it so
casually, as if it were no big surprise. IÅ‚d found out a couple of weeks ago
about Sabin and the existence of mages, but the idea still hadnłt become
expected. “You know about the mages? I mean, before you were in my mind,
you knew they existed?"

His very old, very heavy gaze cut down to meet my
eyes.

Then he shrugged. “DonÅ‚t look so shocked. The mages
havenłt always been as secretive as they are now."

“But Nathanial" Nathanial hadnÅ‚t known. I knew he
hadnłt. Hełd been as shocked as I had, though hełd admittedly handled the
revelation better than me.

“Nathanial is powerful, but he is young," Tatius said,
pulling more pins from my hair.

I tried not to let my dismay at his words show in my
face.

Nathanial was over four-hundred years old. That was
not youngnot by any definition I could think of. Exactly how old
is Tatius?

The question must have been clear in my expression. “I
am ancient," he said. “And I am master of this city. I am privy to secrets my subjects
are not. Youłll do good to remember that secrets are meant to be kept quiet."

I nodded. The judge had bound a certain amount of
silence into my very skin when hełd marked me, so I wasnłt about to go blabbing
about what IÅ‚d seen recently. If I could have forgotten all about mages and
vampires, I would havelife had been simpler when shifters were the only
supernaturals I knew about.

That thought touched something deeper.

“Did you know about my that is, shifters?" I asked,
almost afraid of the answer.

“You ask too many questions." He finished releasing my
hair from the elaborate up-do and ran his hands through it.

“That will suffice," he said, once I looked like IÅ‚d
been rolling around in a bed.

“I"

He didnłt give me a chance to protest but wrapped his
arm around my waist and dragged me out of the room. “Spirited or not, the only
thing I expect your mouth to do tonight is smile. Now, wełve a date with the
Collector."

Chapter Thirteen

I fidgeted in my spot on the overstuffed chaise, and
Tatiusłs hand slid down the curve of my body, making all my muscles lock in
responseI also stopped fidgeting, which was probably his intention. Heat from
his body pressed along my back where we were touching, sharing a chaise in such
a way a permanent blush burned across my cheeks.

Concentrating on relaxing in my positionbecause if I
got too stiff, Tatius would slide into my mind and force my body to relaxI
tuned back into the conversation. So far the Collector and Tatius had engaged
only in small talk, a tense dance of gossip about vampire business around the
country.

IÅ‚d spent most of my time ignoring them.

“This is all well and good, but surely more brings you
to Haven," Tatius said.

Thank the moon.
Maybe this conversation would finally get somewhere and we could get out of
here.

The Collector drew herself up in her chair. It was
only a small shift of weight, but it marked the end of the casual conversation.
“Too true, Puppet Master. But I fear my purpose might have changed since
arriving."

“And what was your purpose, pray tell?"

“I had heard of the strength youÅ‚ve gained in recent
centuries, and what a prosperous and well-managed city Haven has become." She
tilted her head slightly as if considering something, but the movement was
measured, all show. “In light of recent events, I find myself unimpressed."

Tatiusłs fingers stiffened where they cupped my
hipbone, but his voice, when he spoke, betrayed none of the tension pressed
against my body.

“I suppose I wonÅ‚t be asked to join your esteemed
council of city masters then, will I?" The amusement lacing his voice was a
whisker twitch from disrespectful, but the Collectorłs smile only wideneduntil
she flashed enough teeth to rival a shark.

“I suppose you will not."

A council of cities? If she was assembling a council of city masters, all as strong as
Tatius or stronger, that would be a scary group of vampires. The fact that her
words indicated Tatius was expendable? Downright terrifying.

I glanced at Nathanial, looking for a sign I was
interpreting the situation correctly. With his emotional mask firmly in place,
he looked attentive, if aloof, as he watched the proceedings, but his gaze
flickered toward me. When he saw me watching him, his gaze snapped away from
me.

I sighed. Is he mad I made a deal with Tatius? For
the moonłs sake! Iłd saved his life. It wasnłt like wełd had a lot
of options.

Frowning, I focused forward again. The china doll,
Elizabeth, watched me, a small smile creeping across her face, like shełd
uncovered a secret. Then she leaned her head down and rested her cheek on the
giantłs knees. The Travelerłs hand moved absently to her hair, stroking her
loose curls.

“So," Tatius said, leaning forward enough I could feel
the muscles in his chest press hard against my back, “should I plan a goodbye
celebration for you later tonight?"

The Collector steepled her hands. “That would be
appropriate. I expect to move my retinue beyond your city lines before first
light." She paused and shot a meaningful glance over her shoulder. “But first,
IÅ‚ve yet to present the entertainment I prepared."

She lifted a hand, and a small cluster of her people
hustled forward. They gathered in front of Tatius and dipped into deep, formal
bows. There were seven women and four men, all dressed in elaborate kimonos.
Something inside me registered the group as food, which meant they were human,
but they tempted me no more than a gazelle tempts a wellfed lioness. Once
Tatius acknowledged them, half moved to the side and picked up musical
instruments; the men took small drums, one woman cradled a strange, stringed
instrument, and another lifted a bamboo flute.

The remaining five women formed a single-file line
directly in front of Tatius, one behind the other. As they assembled, a scent
that didnłt belong caught my nose, and I stiffened.

Tatius must have felt the change. What? his
mental voice demanded as he turned my face to his like he would kiss me.

I wasnłt sure about the whole psychic mind
communication, so I mouthed the words ęnot human.ł His gaze flickered over my
shoulder to the women a moment before returning to me. Gently, he lifted my
chin and pressed a chaste kiss on my mouth. I didnłt move, didnłt pull backthe
kiss was a follow-through of Tatiusłs ruse. He released me without comment and
I turned back to face the ęentertainment.ł

For a moment, I thought all but one of the women had
returned to the wall. Then I realized theyłd lined up so perfectly that, from
my perspective, all disappeared behind the first. The other council members
must have had a less illusionistic view.

“What is this youÅ‚ve arranged for us?" Tatius asked.

“My most recent acquisition: Akane, and her troupe of
performers." The Collector lifted her hands and clapped once.

“Begin."

The drums tapped out a slow, two-part beat. On the
strongest beat, the woman at the front of the line took a sliding step forward
and clicked her fan. She turned, and on the next strong beat took another slow,
measured step toward my right. Her fan clicked. No, she wasnłt the only one
moving. Two Kimono clad dancers stepped toward my right, two to my left. Their
fans clicked. Their slow, deliberate steps took them away from the center line,
opening a chasm between the two groups by mere inches at a time.

It wasnłt like any dancing Iłd ever seen, but ever so
slowly, the movement revealed a fifth woman. Unlike the other dancers, who all
wore red kimonos, the final dancer wore a gold-trimmed blue kimono. She didnłt
move from her stiff pose until the other dancers had opened a narrow path
before her. Then the dancers in red turned and froze in a deep bow to the
dancer in blueAkane, most likely. She used painfully slow steps to cross the
path, her constrained movements bringing her within a yard of our chaise. The
drums sounded their loudest beat then fell silent as she bowed before Tatius.

The musky, inhuman scent met my nose again, and for a
brief moment, her dark eyes met mine, shock clear in her features. She covered
the look quickly, but she missed the first step of her dance as the flute and
the strange stringed instrument sounded their first delicate notes. The music
rose in a lyrical melody and Akanełs movements turned fluid; the slow sway of
her body both suggestive and hypnotic.

One of the red dancers moved toward Akane, and without
disrupting the serpentine dance, untied Akanełs sash and unwrapped yard after
yard of material. The next dancer helped Akane out of the kimono, leaving her
in only a gauzy undergarment. A third dancer approached and slid the thin
fabric from Akanełs shoulders. Akanełs naked back faced our chaise, and as the
garment slipped away, it revealed a thick tattoo running from over her right
shoulder, down her back and legs, and ending around her ankles. In the
flickering candlelight, Akanełs gyrating movements caused the intricate
snakeskin design to mimic life.

Turning, she never broke the gently coiling dance. The
tattoo ended with the snakełs fangs piercing her bare breast.

She beckoned the last dancer, and the girl hurried
over with an ornate wooden box. Akane threw open the lid and removed a large
snakeskinthe largest snakeskin Iłd ever seen. I shivered. Wouldnłt want to
meet the snake that shed that. It could swallow a cougar whole.

Akane tossed the tail of the skin over her shoulder.
Then she pressed the head of the snakeskin to the tattooed snake head. When she
pulled the skin away, the tattoo vanished.

The snakeskin expanded as she lifted it over her head
like a hood. As she pulled the two sides to meet in the front, the skin knit
together seamlessly, and suddenly not a woman in snakeskin but a five foot
snake stood on its tail in front of us.

Then the snake unbunched, flowing forward to triple
its length and half its width.

As the enormous snake coiled itself in the center of
the room, the skin along my spine tingled. If IÅ‚d been in cat form at that
moment, all my hair would have stood on end.

“SheÅ‚s magnificent, is she not?" the Collector asked,
the stunned silence filling the room.

Tatius said nothing, and I wrinkled my nose. The snake
smelled of reptilian musk, a chilly serpent smell that assaulted my senses. The
way her head darted, her tongue tasting the air as she swung to face me, I had
the feeling she didnłt like my scent any better.

“Your collection is world-renowned. Your newest
acquisition is unique," Tatius finally said, a note of boredom clear in his
voice.

Boredom he couldnłt have possibly felt.

IÅ‚d never seen anything like her. Is she from
Firth? IÅ‚d never heard of shifters who stored their skin. It was different.

Strange. She slid closer, and I reeled back,
plastering myself against Tatiusłs chest.

“Your companion has quite a unique background herself,
Puppet Master," the Collector said, as the snakełs head swayed a few feet in
front of me. “I wonder if I could convince you to part with her. She would make
a lovely complement to my collection. I would compensate you generously."

My heart stuttered to a stop, my whole body tensing. I
shot a desperate glance at Nathanial. His gaze crawled to mine, and he shook
his head, just a small movement, but it lacked his normal confidence, and I
wasnłt sure if it was directed at me or Tatius.

Tatius wouldnłt Honestly, I had no idea what Tatius would and wouldnłt do.

“IÅ‚m quite fond of my companion. I think IÅ‚ll keep
her."

Tatius announced, and the breath IÅ‚d been holding
tumbled out.

My muscles all but melted in the rush of relief that
washed through my body, and there was no holding back the smile I felt slide
over my face. Nathanialłs body also relaxed, releasing tension I wouldnłt have
believed was there if I hadnłt watched it dissipate.

Dragging my gaze back toward the Collector, I forced
my face to what I hoped was blank. My eyes tripped over Elizabeth. She wore a
small, I-know-a-secret smile again. She delicately pushed off the ground and
sauntered to the Collectorłs side. She curtseyed, then, at the Collectorłs nod,
leaned in and whispered something in a lyrical language I couldnłt follow.

By the time she finished, the Collector was also
smiling.

Her eyes sparkled as she glanced at me. Then they went
black.

The room slipped away in darknessthe darkness IÅ‚d
seen in her eyes. What? I tried to look around, but there was nothing,
no one, just blackness. The void? But it wasnłt. The void was oppressive
in its vast nothingness. This, this was darkness filled with a presence. The
presence so close, so all encompassing, that I felt like I was suffocating. Vamp
powers. It had to be.

“Return to your true master, child," a voice in the
darkness commanded.

The words seeped under my skin. Urged me to move. To go.
The darkness pulled back, revealing ghost-like silhouettes around me. Nathanial
stood out more clearly than the other gray shapes. I had to go to him. I needed
to.

Springing to my feet, I reached for him, but I
couldnłt move. Something held me back, held me still. I frowned. I had to move.
Had to go. I glanced back. A gray ghost of Tatius clung to my arm. Gray light
glowed in the center of his face, growing lighter, brighter until green burst
through the obscuring fog. His eyes.

The light he generated reached for my flesh and his
control slipped over my body. I couldnłt move, but I still wanted to.

The world remained gray except Tatiusłs eyes and
glimpses of Nathanial.

“Do you think you can hold her? Can fight me?" the
voice in the darkness asked, and the fog grew thicker, the suffocating presence
heavier.

The fog billowed around Tatius. The brilliant green
light faded. My body became mine again. I tugged my arm from Tatiusłs grasp and
ran for Nathanial. His ghost accepted me with open arms, pulling me against his
chest.

Color poured over the world in a dizzying
kaleidoscope. I blinked. Nathanialłs familiar scent surrounded me.

Oh crap. The
Collector had vamped out, had done something to me. It wasnłt my fault. But
would that matter to Tatius? I pushed against Nathanial until he released me
enough I could move. Then I twisted so I could face the room.

“As I suspected," the Collector said, her eyes brown
again.

Shaking her head, she stood and walked toward me. I
cringed from her hand as she reached for my face, but I had nowhere to go with
Nathanialłs body behind me. She touched my cheek only briefly with her cool
fingertips before turning to face Tatius. “Dear boy, you who have stolen so
many companions but never sired one of your own, you could not possibly understand
what a master goes through when their companion is taken from them." She gave
him a sad smile, and his face darkened.

“I" Tatius started.

“Silence," she snapped, and turned her back on him.

She gave him her back? Trust or dismissal? Definitely dismissal.
Shełd just declared Tatius not a threat. Over her shoulder, I saw him bristle.
His anger wrapped around him, and the candlelight flickered, each tiny flame
shivering in the rising tension.

The Collector didnłt seem to notice.

“Hermit," she said, “I have a proposition for you.
Come to my city, bring your companion, and I promise no one will take her away
from you."

I swallowed and glanced at Nathanial. His face was
carefully empty as his gaze traveled from me to Tatius then back to me again.
The Collector watched him with a growing smile.

“You need not decide on the spot, Hermit. But soon,
very soon." She gestured to the Traveler, and he and Elizabeth hurried to her
side.

Tatius strolled across the room, his stance casual,
and yet the fluidity of his movements spoke of a predator prepared to pounce.
He stepped between the Collector and me, knocking Nathanialłs hand from my
waist as almost an afterthought.

“How dare you come into my city and cause such
disruption." He crossed his arms over his chest, and though he loomed over the
Collector, she managed to stare down her nose at him. He stepped forward, into
her space. “YouÅ‚ve made allegations, insulted my hospitality, and now you are
trying to fracture my council? I want you out of my city."

She laughed, a mirthless sound. “You donÅ‚t have the
power to back up that command if I choose to stay. You couldnłt even hold onto
an infant vampire youłd already begun to bind."

Nathanial stepped around me, blocking me from the rest
of the room as the other council members surged to their feet, responding to
the Collectorłs blatant threat. The vampires lining the walls on both sides of
the room straightened. Neck ties were loosened. Knuckles were cracked. The
possibility of violence saturated the air. Filled it until I was afraid any
movement might ignite bloodshed.

Someone yelled, and every gaze in the room locked on
the hallłs door as it swung open. The beefy enforcer the Collector had brought
with her the night before stormed into the room.

He carried a box with him, innocuous enough in
appearance, but the scent of old blood, of death, reached me across the room.
My fingers dug into the sides of Nathanialłs tux, and his hands moved to cover
mine.

“Something dead," I whispered, as quietly as possible,
and heads swiveled my direction.

The enforcer knelt before the Collector, his head
bowed over the box. “Forgive the interruption, Mistress. This was just
delivered." He opened the box and held it out for her inspection.

Her eyes rounded like the dots on exclamation points,
and for once, I didnłt think her display of emotion was measured or feigned.
Her fingers shook as she reached into the box.

Her hand emerged with her fingers twisted in short
brown tuffs of hair attached to the death-slackened head of a stranger. His jaw
hung open, revealing two gaps in his top gums. Gaps where his fangs had been
removed.

“What is the meaning of this, Puppet Master?" The
Collectorłs voice trembled slightly, but I couldnłt tell if it was shock or
anger. Probably both.

Tatius glanced around his court, then his gaze landed
on Nuri. She shook her head and he turned back to the Collector.

“IÅ‚m at a loss."

“At a loss? At a loss?“ Her voice lifted from
her regular tenor. “First one of my collection is murdered and now one of my
enforcers? Are you behind this? I believe you are starting a war!"

Nathanialłs hands, still cupping mine, had turned so
stiff he might have been made from stone. Tatius leaned back, hooking his
thumbs in his belt loops and striking a casual pose that was so at odds with
the fine tux he wore that it almost looked blasphemous. He was posing, I felt
it in my bones. I barely knew him, and if it was obvious to me, it must have
been clear to everyone. He was stalling, trying to remain in control of the
situationat least in appearance.

“My people were thoroughly questioned. No one knew
anything about your albinołs death. I would gamble that no one will have
knowledge of your enforcerłs murder either." He cocked his head to the side.
“Are you cleaning out your own ranks? Doing it in my territory so you can move
against me and my city and justify your actions as retribution?"

I grimaced. He was reaching.

The swish of scales on cement sounded behind me, and I
realized IÅ‚d been hearing it for quite some time. The scent of snake musk grew
stronger, and I ripped my gaze away from the center of the room and the master
vampires about to erupt in what I could only guess would be a bloody war.

Akane, still in the form of a giant, eight-foot
serpent, drew herself up behind me. Her V-shaped head darted forward, flashing
fangs as large as my fingers. I reeled back, my shoulder crashing into
Nathanialłs back and bouncing off like he was a stone wall. I was vaguely aware
of him whirling around as the snake latched itself to my left bicep.

Pain tore through my arm, pulsed down to my fingers,
up over my shoulders. A scream ripped from my throat, tasting of equal parts
fear and fury.

Nathanial grabbed the snake. He tried to rip her free
but only managed to jerk me forward. I lost feeling in my left arm. The numb
tingling rushed over my shoulder, spreading fast. I screamed again and pain
shot through my right hand.

The joints in my knuckles snapped, bent backward, and
the skin at my fingertips split as my claws burst free.

I didnłt wonder. I didnłt hesitate. I just struck.

My claws slid through Akanełs thick scales, opening
four large gashes. The snake jerked, her fangs taking a chunk of my skin with
them. She slithered backward as I pressed my clawed hand over the gaping bite.

The snake bunched, drawing herself in until she was
the length of a five-foot woman again. Then the skin down her belly split, and
a woman tumbled out, the cast-off skin once again just the shed hide of a
reptile. Blood dripped down her back from four gashes in her shoulder. A stream
of foreign words spilled from her mouth.

“Is this your declaration of war?" Tatius asked the
Collector, his voice a quiet blade that cut through the tension and heralded
worse violence. Nuri, Cormac, and Mama Neda had moved forward sometime during
the attack to cover TatiusÅ‚s sides and back. “YouÅ‚ve accused my people without
proof, but your snake undeniably attacked my companion."

“No." There was true franticness in the CollectorÅ‚s
voice now. She threw her arms out, her palms parallel to the floor.

“Back down, all of you."

The numbness in my arm spread across my shoulder
blade, and my ribcage tightened in a vise of tingles. Dark blotches filled my
peripheral vision and blocked out the vampires on either wall. Nathanial was an
armłs length from me, and I forced my suddenly leaden feet to lift. I stumbled
on the first step as darkness crawled across my vision.

Arms wrapped around me, keeping me from falling. The
silky material of Nathanialłs tux brushed my cheek, and I clung to him. My
vision cleared enough that I could read the concern written on his face when he
tipped my head back.

“Is she well?" TatiusÅ‚s voice was closer than I
expected.

I jumped and regretted the motion immediately as the
numbness traveled to my legswhich promptly gave out beneath me. Only
Nathanialłs arms kept me upright.

“I feel" I shook my head, pressing my face harder
against Nathanialłs chest. His heat barely reached meor maybe my cheek was
going numb. “Poison?"

“Impossible," the Collector said, or at least, I
thought it was her, but her voice sounded far off. “Vampires are immune to
intravenous poisons."

I blinked, trying to clear my vision, but it was dark.

Immune? Maybe to normal poisons, but what about supernatural poison? I had the feeling IÅ‚d be the
first to find out.

“Hermit." TatiusÅ‚s voice sounded like he was yelling
from deep inside a cave. “Take her to my"

It was all I heard before the suffocating darkness
pressed down on me, and the world vanished.

Chapter Fourteen

I was having one of those dreams where I thought I was
awake but I wasnłt. Or at least, I hoped it was a dream.

A woman I didnłt know knelt beside me, intently
darning something out of my view. Shełd killed what looked like a seal and wore
the skin around her shoulders like a hooded cape.

So intent on her work, she didnłt notice me studying
her, and I watched as she pulled a wickedly large needle up and straightened
the crimson thread.

“Who are you?" I mumbled, my lips too cracked, too
thick, to form the words.

The woman jumped. “SheÅ‚s lucid."

Who is she talking to? I tried to turn and see, but my head lolled uselessly
to the side. A hand caught my chin and Nathanialłs face snapped into focus.
Strands of his long hair had fallen loose of his ponytail and hung chaotically
around his face. Blood stained the once-white tuxedo shirt.

“You okay?" I asked.

Some of the tension lines between his eyes eased as he
leaned down and kissed my forehead.

I tried to pull away. “Stop that."

“You are most definitely yourself again," he whispered
into my hair. Then he straightened enough to give me a haggard smile. “Drink
this."

Nathanial lifted a large thermos to my lips. I tried
to take it from him but couldnłt figure where my hands were. Okay, now
thatłs disturbing. Nathanial ignored my distress as he upended the
thermos. Room-temperature blood poured into my mouth.

I coughed, nearly choking on the wash of blood. “Who
did you kill?"

“It is from a blood bank. Drink it."

He lifted the thermos for me again and I swallowed
another mouthful. It was terrible: lukewarm and full of chemicals. Anticoagulant?
Maybe. I swallowed another mouthful and gagged. Like drinking pond sludge.

I forced myself to swallow another mouthful. What
is going on? Where am I? The last thing I remembered was the snake
woman. She bit me. Poisoned me.

I twisted away from the thermos. “What happened?
After?"

“Do not worry about it right now. Drink."

I shook my head and tried to push the thermos away. Or
I would have, if either of my arms would have worked. What the

I looked down. I was in a large, freestanding tub.
Thick ropes bound my right arm to a metal handrail. The seamstress leaned over
my left. I paled, gawking at the slit she was stitching that ran from my armpit
to my wrist. And I was wrongshe wasnłt a seamstress.

“What are you doing? Who are you?"

The skin-clad woman looked up from her work. “You can
call me Biana. Gil asked me to help." She noticed me looking around the room
and shrugged. “She got a little green when things got bloody. Once IÅ‚m finished
IÅ‚ll fetch her."

Biana didnłt have a drop of blood on anything other
than her hands, but I was certainly bloody. My dress was a mess: the vinyl
stretched, torn, and covered in gore. The corset was missing completely. Blood
covered my legs and coated the base of the blue tub.

There were also splashes of blood on the tiled
bathroom floor. I frowned. A bathroom I didnłt recognize, but the design was
familiar enough. The large tub took up most of the room, leaving just enough
space to comfortably walk around the rim. A walk-in shower stood recessed in
one wall. There was no toilet or light fixture. A small, floating globe over
Bianałs shoulder provided the light she sewed by. Iłd never seen the room before,
but it bore Nathanialłs taste preferencesnot Tatiusłs.

“Where are we?"

“How much do you remember?" Nathanial asked, opening
another bag of blood.

“Akane attacked me." The only memories I had after
that were vague flashes of fear and rage. A nightmare? Nathanial didnłt
say anything, and I frowned at him. “You look like youÅ‚ve been through a fight.
Did the Collector attack? What happened? Why am I sitting here in my own blood
like a butchered pig?"

Biana and Nathanial exchanged a glance. Neither answered
me. Okay. Gritting my teeth against the pain, I attempted to lift my
mangled arm. My fingers flexed, but the twitchy movement was all I could
accomplishtoo much muscle and tendon damage.

“DonÅ‚t squirm," Biana snapped without looking up from
her work.

Nathanial forced the thermos at me again. I drank as
much as I could stomach. This is ridiculous. “If you arenÅ‚t going to
tell me anything, can you at least untie my good arm?"

Nathanial nodded as Biana knotted her thread. She
backed away a little too quickly. “IÅ‚ll fetch Gil." She all but ran from the
room, letting the bathroom door slam behind her.

I frowned after her, but Nathanial didnłt comment. As
he leaned over me to undo the rope, I stared at his ruined tux.

Is all that blood mine? This close I could smell the blood clinging to him.
Most of it smelled acrid, like the snake woman, but a warmer, fresher scent
also reached my nose.

“YouÅ‚re bleeding," I whispered.

Nathanial cut his eyes toward me, his agile fingers
still fighting the rope. “Not badly."

“What the hell happened, Nathanial?"

The bathroom door cracked open and Gil peeked into the
room. “Are you sure she wonÅ‚t go psychotic again?"

Psychotic?

“Kita will be fine." Nathanial sent Gil a cold look.
“Come in or out."

Gil and Biana crept into the room, but they lingered
around the door. The air filled with tension as the rope fell to the floor.
What? Did they expect me to jump up and attack them?

Nathanialłs fingers massaged the skin the rope had
bitten, and feeling returned in tingles of pins and needles. Still no one
answered my questions. I growled under my breath, and Gil and Biana took a step
back.

“Is anyone going to tell me what happened?"

“You were poisoned by a hebi no josei," Biana
said.

Oh yeah, that clears everything up. “A what?"

“A hebi no josei. We thought they were
extinct."

I frowned at her. “YouÅ‚re a scholar like Gil, arenÅ‚t
you?"

Biana cocked her head to the side and shrugged one
shoulder. “Gil is a scholar-trainee; IÅ‚m a scholar. I graduated from the
university a hundred years ago. I specialize in studying skinwalkers." At my
blank look she fingered the seal-skin around her shoulders. “There is little
known about the skinwalkers, and they are quite rare. Some myths exist in human
tales. Have you heard of selkies?" I shook my head, and she stroked her fur
cape again. “Well, the point is that you were poisoned. A single drop of the hebi
no joseiłs poison is lethal to most living things. If you were mortal, you
would be well and truly dead."

“Okay, but IÅ‚m not mortal. I just passed out."

“Your heart stopped." Biana smiled a mouthful of
needle pointed teeth. “We were forced to remove all the blood from your body."

“You what?" I felt the blood drain from my face, and
black dots filled the edges of my vision. I blinked them away. “My arm?"

“Held the highest concentration of poison, but it had
spread through your body."

“So you sliced open my arm?"

She shrugged again. “YouÅ‚ll heal."

Shełd butchered my arm, but, hey, Iłd heal. Okay, my
first impression of Biana wasnłt too shiny.

My feet drew paths through the blood coating the tub
as I tried to get my legs under me. The effort made me dizzy, and I collapsed
back into the tub with a sticky crash. Nathanial poured another bag of blood
into the thermos.

I shook my head when he held the metal container out
to me. “IÅ‚ve had enough of that stuff."

“Drink it. You need your strength."

“DidnÅ‚t you tell me once that I only needed a pint of
blood a night to survive?"

Nathanial sighed, but he didnłt put down the thermos.

“First of all, we are replenishing your base blood
supply. Secondly, this is processed plasma. It offers you only a fraction of
what you need. Now drink."

I took the thermos. The chemical taste clung to the
back of my tongue, and my stomach quivered as the tepid liquid hit, but slowly
warmth crawled to my skin. I balanced the still half-full thermos on the edge
of the tub.

“So what happened after I passed out? Was Akane ordered
to attack me? Was poisoning me some part of the Collectorłs plan? Maybe she has
an antidote?"

“There is no antidote for a hebi no joseiÅ‚s
poison," Biana said. “The poison is typically fatal within minutes, but the
effect of the poison on a vampire has never been studied."

She sighed. “I suppose this means IÅ‚ll need to write
another boring paper the university students will have to read."

“IÅ‚ll write it," Gil said cheerfully, her scroll in
hand and quill poised to take notes.

Biana looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded.
“That will fulfill your debt for my help, but my name better be on it, not yours.
I can use the paper to apply for a new grant."

Disappointment played across Gilłs face, but she
didnłt argue. I drained the remainder of the thermos and stared at my working
hand. My claws were still out. I flexed the fingers, trying to retract the
claws. A wave of dizziness crashed over me from the effort.

My claws.
This was the second time the claws had extended since I became a vampire. Will
I shapeshift again?

Is this proof I will? There was no one to answer. No one knew. While being
the only shifter-turned-vampire had the fringe benefit of protecting me from
the judge, the fact I couldnłt turn to anyone sucked. Everything was trial and
error. So all I could do was try to retract my claws again, but it was no more
effective than all the nights IÅ‚d tried to extend them. Both times my claws had
appeared IÅ‚d been in danger.

Screw meditation, apparently my cat only surfaces
during near-death experiences.
If nearly dying was what it took to make just my claws appear, would I
survive the kind of danger that provoked me to shift into cat-form again?

I pushed the thought aside. I needed to wash off the
blood drying on my skin. If I didnłt want to be sitting in the gore, the shower
was the way to go. Now just to get everyone to leave and to make it
across the room. I shoved against the side of the tub, but I couldnłt get
my feet under me.

Nathanial put a hand on my shoulder, stilling me.

I frowned at him. “No matter how weak the bagged blood
is, havenłt I drunk enough that I should be able to stand?"

“Remember what Tatius said about vampire
blood?"

Nathanial whispered. He held his wrist under my nose.

I grimaced. Right, I need master vamp blood. I
didnłt like the idea, but as weak as I felt despite the quantity of bagged
blood, I knew he was right. And IÅ‚d take his blood this time. I would. Just
not with an audience. I shot a meaningful glance toward the two mages.
Nathanialłs gaze followed mine, and he turned to Biana and Gil.

“Thank you for your help," he said tilting his head.
“May I have a few minutes alone with Kita?"

Gil looked offended by the dismissal, but Biana
stepped closer to the tub and shot us another smile. Did she alter her appearance?
She certainly couldnłt pass for human, like Gil.

Bianałs pointed teeth and greasy, clumped hair reminded
me of human stories of wild children raised by wolves. Of course IÅ‚d met plenty
of people raised by wolves, hell, IÅ‚d been raised mostly by
shapeshifting mountain lions, and I didnłt look like a wild child.

No, right now I just look like a field-dressed rabbit.

“A moment to discuss payment for my assistance." Biana
stroked the seal cloak again and stared at me with pupil-less eyes.

Great, I had to pay her for butchering my arm.

“Let me guess, you require an Ä™unnamed favor to be
called upon on a future date,Å‚" I said, and her smile grew.

“I see you are accustomed to working with Sabinites."

“IÅ‚m learning that favors are the acceptable currency
for most supernaturals."

She nodded. “Well, my payment is nothing so vague. If
you encounter the hebi no josei again and can determine where she hides
her skin, steal it. I want that skin."

“Why? Can you use the skin to shapeshift?"

“Each skin is unique to the skinwalker born with it,
but with the right magic, it can be used." She stood and fingered her sealskin
cape again.

“Does a selkie turn into a seal?"

She flashed another smile. “Tell Gil if you acquire
that snake skin. She knows how to find me."

Magic coursed through the room, and Biana disappeared.
I glanced at Gil.

She shrugged. “IÅ‚ll be in the other room," she said,
letting herself out.

And then I was alone with Nathanial.

He raised a hand to cup the side of my face, but
hesitated before he reached my skin. When his fingers finally landed, the touch
was tentative, as if a butterfly had landed on my cheek. “Tatius doesnÅ‚t know
where we are."

That was all he said. But it was all the things he didnłt
say that flashed in my mind. If Tatius didnłt know where we were, Nathanial
must have taken me and left. Just left.

IÅ‚d heard Tatius command Nathanial to take me somewhere.
I assumed Tatiusłs chambers. But if Tatius didnłt know where Nathanial had
taken me I shivered, remembering the press of Tatiusłs knife in my throat. Hełll
kill us. When he found us. And he would find us. I knew he
would.

Tatius had known Iłd left the sanctuary before. Hełd
told me hełd ęfeltł me. I was missing that weird vampire sense but Nathanial
always found me. So what would stop Tatius?

“HeÅ‚ll follow the bond," I whispered, knowing my eyes
were wide, knowing they showed fear I wished they wouldnłt.

Nathanial shook his head. “No. We replaced your blood
base, Kitten. All of it. His blood is no longer in you. He has no bond to you."

“Oh." That changed everything, didnÅ‚t it? No, because
if we were in the city, Tatius would find us, eventually. He had
enforcers, agents, spies. And he could pierce Nathanialłs illusionshełd proven
that. We couldnÅ‚t hide. “Now what? Do we run?"

“I do not know." Nathanial sank to the floor behind
me.

He leaned against the edge of the tub, and with him
sitting outside the tub and me in it, we were the same height. The sides of our
heads touched. I leaned against him, felt him do the same. We sat like that, in
silence. Companions in uncertainty.

That thought made me stiffen. If Tatiusłs influence
had been drained from my body with my blood “So my bond to you is broken,
too?"

I heard Nathanial sigh, which was an unusually human
gesture for him. “No," he said after a moment. “My blood remade you when you became
a vampire. It is a part of what you are. To fully bind you, Tatius would have
to have given you enough blood to remake you again. He did not have that
opportunity."

So, Tatiusłs influence had been drained away, and now
I was Nathanialłs companion again. Just Nathanialłs. A fluttering sensation
attacked my stomach, made my heart beat too fast.

“Besides," he said. “You would not be cognizant if you
completely lacked master blood. I gave you some while you were still unaware.
But you need more to regain your strength."

Right. This conversation was getting a little too
surreal. I needed out of the tub. I needed a shower. Clean clothes.

Something akin to normal. I struggled to stand, and
suddenly Nathanialłs hands were on me.

He lifted me by the underarms. I balanced on my feet
for a breath. Then my knees buckled and only Nathanialłs hands kept me upright.
This is ridiculous. I had plenty of blood in my system; my stomach felt
tight with all the plasma Nathanial had forced on me. I was cold, but nothing
unmanageable. I can at least stand on my own. Clean off the blood.

Concentrating, I managed a step forward before sagging
in Nathanialłs arms again. He pulled me out of the tub then held me in a tight
embrace, which wasnłt necessary to help me stand, but it was obvious I wasnłt
walking anywhere on my own. Not any time soon, at least.

“Can you drop me off in the shower?" I asked, knowing
that would mean hełd have to come get me again later.

I reached up, intending to wrap my uninjured arm
around his neck, but as my palm slid over his shoulder, liquid warmth seeped
against my skin. I froze. Blood? I pulled back, and careful of my claws,
pushed the shredded material of Nathanialłs dress shirt aside. Four deep
lacerationsthat looked suspiciously like claw marksdecorated his skin.

“How did this happen?"

He shrugged my hand away and bent to lift my legs. I
frowned at him. Oh no. I wasnÅ‚t dissuaded that easily. “Gil said I went
psychotic. Did I attack you?"

“It was my fault, Kitten. Biana said we needed to
drain the poison. You were unconscious, seemingly dead. I was not myself. I
did not stop to consider the fact that once we drained the blood and you woke,
you would be beyond conscious control."

I blinked at him. Nathanial considered everything.
If he hadnłt considered what would happen when they drained me of blood He
must have been frantic. About me. I looked away. And how, exactly, was I
supposed to apologize for going crazy and clawing open someonełs shoulder? Sorry
didnłt really cover that.

Nathanial carried me to the recessed shower in the
corner of the room and set me on my feet. When my knees gave out he lowered me
gently to the tile. He turned, sliding the glass shower door closed.

Closed, with him still in the shower. With me.

“What are you doing?" He couldnÅ‚t be in here. He
needed to leave. Like now.

He didnłt.

He adjusted the shower knobs, and streams of water
jetted from the walls and the shower head. “We are both covered in blood,
Kitten. It needs to be washed off." As if to illustrate his point, he drew a
finger through the tacky mess drying on my shoulder.

“Right, shower. Got that part. But you have to get
out."

“Can you stand?" he asked and I frowned at him. “Then
you need my help."

I growled under my breath but didnłt argue. After all,
he had a pointwe both needed the shower. Itłs efficient. The fluttering
in my stomach didnłt agree.

Still, I raised my arms, indicating I was ready to
accept his help. His mouth quirked, but he didnłt say anything as he leaned
down. He gathered me in his arms and lifted me until only the tips of my toes
touched the ground.

Water poured over me, turning pink as it rinsed blood
from my dress and skin. I blinked away the water running into my eyes, and
Nathanial turned us so I wasnłt directly under the shower head. The jets of
water from the walls beat against my back, but it wasnłt an unpleasant feeling.
The already blood-sodden dress grew heavier as the lining soaked in water, the
ruined material stretching with the weight.

“Drink," Nathanial said. I expected him to hold out
his wrist. Instead he tilted his head, baring his throat.

“Uh" IÅ‚d have rather taken from his wrist. The neck
was more intimate. Much more. This was already weird enough.

“Nathanial, I donÅ‚t think"

“It is not an option. Not anymore." There was more
force, more command, than IÅ‚d ever heard in his voice. His tone made my teeth
grit, made me want to struggle, to fight, but at the same time, the fluttering
grew frantic in my abdomen, my instincts reacting to the power lacing his
words, to the strength in the arms holding me still.

“Drink," he said, the word both demanding and
compelling.

He lifted me higher. My toes left the floor and slid
across the tops of his dress shoes. His throat was so close. My heart crashed
against the front of my ribcage like it was trying to break through my skin, to
join Nathanialłs, where I felt his heart beating against my body.

My fingers trembled as I peeled away the collar of
Nathanialłs shirt. Then I hesitated. A fresh bite decorated his throat, the
edges torn in a jagged line down to his collarbone.

I touched the puncture marks with my knuckles, not
trusting my claws in such a delicate area. Nathanial drew a sharp breath, and I
dropped my hand.

“I did this?"

“You were not yourself."

No. No, I wasnłt. And maybe I wasnłt myself now, either. I dropped my gaze.

“Put me down. Let me shower."

He drew me tighter against him, tight enough to verge
on pain. “No," he whispered. “No. I almost lost you. Again. I need you strong.
Healthy. Take from me, Kitten. Please." The please was a frayed whisper,
like his heart was breaking with the word.

As confused as I felt, I knew one thing: I did not
want the heart pounding against me to break.

My lips parted, and my mouth sealed over the pulse in
his neck. His arms convulsed around me as my fangs slid into his skin. A wave
of tension flowed between our bodies. Then I lost myself as my consciousness
dove into his mind.

For a single heartbeat, I was so deep inside his mind
that I felt my teeth in his throat as if it were my throat. The woman in
my arms was small, so very small and fragile, and I was so very frightened for
her. The world shifted, his mind pushing me away. I fell into his memories.

Tatius holds her and she quivers in his arms. Her lips
part as she gazes at him, wraps
her small fingers in his mesh shirt. No. She is supposed to be mine. I
found her. Turned her. He has no right.

She leans into his chest, content, sated. No, not
quite content. Yes, remember who
you are, Kitten. Remember you are mine.

Like a door being slammed in my face, Nathanial
expelled my mind from the memory and I slipped into another.

Tatius stands in the center of the room, blood
dripping from his torn frock coat
and from the daggers in his hands.

Bodies litter his wake, bodies of people IÅ‚ve known
since I was a child. He turns, his
gaze falling on me as he considers whether I will live or die. He lifts
the dagger

Nathanialłs mind hurled me from the memory. I slid
through the darkness of his past, looking for an open door, until I found
myself in the memory of him teaching a class.

The memory was empty of emotion and completely
uninteresting.

Safe.

I wasnłt sure if it was my thought, or his.

I pulled back and sealed the wound on his neck. His
memories still flashed through my mind. His anger moving under my skin. His
hope. I blinked, seeing myself through his memory. Feeling his hopelessness
when he could do nothing but watch me in Tatiusłs arms. Confused emotions
tangled at the edge of my mind.

Does he know what I saw? Did I even understand everything I saw? Did I want
to? I needed something else to think about. To focus on. My gaze landed on the
other bite on his neck. I can heal that. I flicked my tongue over the
torn flesh.

Nathanial jerked his head back. His eyes were still
cloudy from my bite, but they cleared as he studied my face. “That is the
equivalent to a kiss in Firth, is it not?"

“What? No, I was only" My eyes flew open as his hands
slid under the short dress to my mostly bare bottom. He lifted me higher,
pressing against me, and flattening my back against the shower tile. “What are
you" but the words stalled as he leaned forward and ran the tip of his tongue
along my collar bone. My breath hitched, caught in my throat, stuck around
unspoken words.

Words I couldnłt remember. Couldnłt think about. I
didnłt want to think right now, anyway. My legs rose, folded, hugged him. I
locked them around his waist.

Nathanial nuzzled my cheek with hisnot a human
gesture, but one that set my skin ablaze. His tongue flicked against the edge
of my chin, and my heart fluttered. A purr thrummed deep in my chest. My good
hand went to his hair, my claws breaking the pony grip that held it. His hair
fell around me like a black silk curtain, and he leaned down. The sigh that escaped
his lips danced over my earlobe and sent shivers down my spine.

IÅ‚d waited so long to feel his hair between my
fingers, but the lethal tips of my claws were in the way. I growled in
frustration, and a spasm ran through my hand. My joints popped back into normal
alignment as my claws retracted. I had only a moment to be amazed before
Nathanialłs fangs nicked my throat.

I gasped, shivering in his arms. A dark sound tumbled
from his throat, something between a growl and a moan, and he pressed harder
against me, his hips grinding against mine.

My fingers trailed through his water-soaked hair,
following the strands down to where they plastered to his chest, exposed below
his torn shirt. I ripped the material further so I could feel more of the hard
planes of his smooth flesh.

His mouth locked on mine.

I froze.

The tips of his fangs pressed against my lower lip,
making me squirm, but the heat gathering in my body chilled. I tried to move
away, but there was nowhere to go with my back against the wall. I pushed at
his chest, my palm bearing into the wounds near his shoulder.

Nathanial pulled back, crystal eyes swimming with
heat. I looked down, away from his gaze, and he groaned.

“Kitten," he whispered, leaning forward to rest his
face on the tile behind me. Our bodies were still pressed together, and I felt
the shaky breaths he took, acutely aware that mine matched.

I had to get out of there. Away from him. Away from
the tumbling of my heart. He made me feel crazy, like my skin wasnłt big enough
to hold all the chaotic emotions whirling through me. I couldnłt stay. If he
hadnłt kissed me?

Animals didnłt kiss, not by locking lips, at least.
Neither did shifters. And what am I? I didnłt know anymore.

I shivered, my skin burning from all the touches
before the kiss. Nathanialłs body went still against mine.

“ElizabethÅ‚s master is the one called the Traveler,"
he said without looking at me. “She is older than I am and has been a master at
least as long."

I frowned. What does that have to do with anything?

Maybe it didnłt. Maybe he was just trying to distract
himself. I could use the distraction.

I asked the first coherent question that came to mind.

“Why does she remain his companion if she is a
master?"

He pulled back. “Why do you think?" He studied my
face, watching for something. Something my face apparently didnÅ‚t give him. “I
thought that perhaps, after some time, you would" He squeezed his eyes closed
and lowered me to my feet.

My legs shook but held. His blood. Hełd been
right. His blood had helped. A lot.

I took an experimental step, and Nathanialłs fingers
flew down the few surviving buttons on his shirt. He slipped it off his
shoulders. I tried not to stare, but IÅ‚d never seen Nathanial in anything less
than a casual suit. He looked good in a suit.

He looked better out of it.

My fingers had felt the hard planes of his chest, but
my brain hadnłt translated that tactile information yet, and my eyes drank in
what my skin already knew. Sleek muscles accented his chest and arms, and I
stared at his lack of hair, so different from the shifter males IÅ‚d become
accustomed to seeing while growing up. Water ran down his skin. A blush crawled
to my cheeks, and I turned away, stared at my toes.

“What are you doing?" I cringed at how breathy and
unsure my voice sounded.

“Showering."

“But" No argument came to my mind. But I couldnÅ‚t
stay. Not now. Not after nearly?

Grinding my teeth, I slid open the door and retreated
from the shower. Some part of me wanted to glance back as I heard Nathanialłs
pants hit the ground, but I suppressed the urge. Leaving a wet trail behind me,
I fled.

Chapter Fifteen

I ran into Gil in the hallway, her purple mage light
floating over her shoulder. She gawked at menot all that surprising
considering I was still streaked with blood and the vinyl dress had taken more
damage in the shower and now barely hung to my body.

“Clothes?" I asked.

She just shook her head, still staring.

Great.
Stoked with Nathanialłs blood, I was hyper-aware, but I couldnłt hear anyone in
the house besides Gil. At least I donłt have to worry about running
into anyone else. Still, it took opening three doors before I finally
stumbled on a bedroom.

Slamming the door behind me, I ransacked the dresser.

Slight though he might be, Nathanialłs clothes were
too big for me. I shucked what remained of the dress and pulled a plain white
undershirt over my head. It turned translucent as it clung to the water soaking
my body. Of all the mooncursed luck! I walked over to the closet
and pulled out the first colored dress shirt I found. It was an odd shade of
deep blue that probably looked amazing with Nathanialłs dark hair and gave
color to his eyes.

I frowned at the shirt and shoved it back in the
closet.

The next shirt I found was a simple brown, and I
shrugged it on over the undershirt. I had to fight to get my useless arm
through the sleeve, and I couldnłt work the buttons with only one hand, but it
hung to my mid-thigh and kept me from looking completely indecent. As I fought
with the sleeves, trying to roll them so they didnłt cover my hands, the door
opened behind me.

“Later, Gil," I said as mage-light filled the open
doorway.

The door closed, blocking out the light. Well, at
least she didnłt argue. Giving up on the sleeves, I turned and
almost jumped out of my skin.

Nathanial stood just inside the door, his long hair
streaming over his shoulders and chest until it blended with the black towel
wrapped around his waist. Whatever expression he read on my face made him raise
an eyebrow, but as he strode across the room toward me, he kept his features
carefully empty.

He stopped an armłs length from me and reached
forward.

Gulping, I stumbled back in a confusion of tangled
feet. That earned me a frown, but he stepped into the space IÅ‚d vacated.

Normally he didnłt push things. Tonight obviously
wasnłt a normal night.

He reached out again, and I held my breath as his
fingers closed on the shirt. He buttoned two of the buttons in the center of
the shirt, and then rolled the sleeves to my elbows.

I stared at anything in the room other then the wall
of bare chest in front of me. Once the sleeves were even, he stepped around me
without a word and walked to the wardrobe.

Thatłs it?
He fixed my clothes and went on about his business? I whirled around.

His back was facing me, but hełd pulled off the towel
and wrapped it around his hair. The full length of his body was on display like
a pale marble statue. And it was my mouth went dry, and I shook myself,
tearing my gaze away. I really must be going crazy. IÅ‚d seen
naked men all my life. Hell, lots of shifters rarely wore clothing, even in
human form. Why should this be any different?

Because IÅ‚d never seen Nathanial naked before.

He glanced over his shoulder and studied my face. A
small smile lifted the edge of his lips. He thinks this is funny? No, I
realized. This was a show. Damn vampire.

Fine. If he wanted an audience, IÅ‚d give him an
audience. I wrenched open the door. “Hey, Gil. Come here a moment."

I glanced back before she reached the door and found
Nathanial staring at me, fully dressed. Or, at least, he looked fully
dressed, but hełd gotten that way too fast for his clothes to be anything but
an illusion. Showłs over. I flashed him some teeth and left.

* * * *

“IÅ‚ve already answered that question. Twice."

Gil tapped her pen on the scroll and frowned at me. “I
need to make sure I have all the facts straight. IÅ‚ve read that when vampires
are low on blood they lose control, but I was under the impression they
remembered what happened afterward. Youłre sure you donłt remember anything?"

I glared at her in response. Wełd already been through
this. I understood that she had to write Bianałs paper, and I was thankful
shełd brought in Biana to help, but enough was enough. I crossed my arm over my
chest and glanced at Nathanialwho was, thankfully, fully dressed.

He sat in a chair at the other end of the coffee
table. His elbows were propped on the arms, the tips of his fingers pressed
together in front of him. He leaned forward as if intent on something, but his
gaze was distant, unfocused.

And definitely not focused on Gilłs and my
conversation. No help was coming from him.

Gil gave me a petulant look and tapped her scroll
again.

With a sigh I said, “I donÅ‚t remember anything between
passing out in the council session and waking to Biana sewing my arm." She
looked on the verge of interrupting so I held up my hand, silencing her before
she asked the next inevitable question. I could guess it anyway. “IÅ‚ve told you
everything I know about the hebi thing. And donłt even ask me what the
poison felt like again."

Gilłs mouth opened then snapped shut, her teeth
clicking with the force. She vanished her scroll. “I swear, if you and this
study werenÅ‚t going to make me famous" She shook her head. “Fine. WeÅ‚re done.
Iłll write the report from the little bit of information youłve given me. The
very little bit."

Her bottom lip extended in a pout. Then she vanished.

I leaned back against the couch, rubbing my eyes with
my good palm. It felt lateor early, depending on how you looked at it. How
long was I ęunconsciousł was the first word that came to mind, but
apparently that hadnłt been true for the entire block of time missing from my
memories.

Pulling my knees onto the cushion, I settled into a
more comfortable position and watched Nathanial. His expression hadnłt changed
when Gil vanished, and I wasnłt sure hełd noticed she had left. His hair was
still dampand still loose, falling around his shoulders in heavy black
strands.

Even as still and deep in thought as he appeared,
there was something about him that looked more on edge, more uncontrolled than
I was used to. Heat crawled to my face, remembering what had happened earlier,
and I dropped my gaze, forcing myself to look around, at the abstract paintings
on the wall, at the bronze figure in the corner, at the bookshelves around the
fireplaceanywhere but at the vampire in the room with me. Not that he noticed
my distraction.

“So, where are we?" I asked.

Nathanial continued staring into space.

“Nathanial?"

His head lifted, but his eyes didnłt focus. Scooting
off the couch, I stepped around the coffee table and waved my fingers in front
of his face.

He blinked. I wasnłt convinced I had his attention
yet, but that appeared about as good as I was getting.

“Where are we?" I asked again, waving a hand to
indicate the room.

He looked around as if he didnłt remember, and the
corners of his mouth dipped. “A home I own."

“Yeah, I assumed that." Terribly helpful, isnÅ‚t he?
“Are we still in Haven?"

He nodded. “The very heart of the city. This house no
one knows I own this house. Not even Tatius."

At the mention of Tatiusłs name, the worry Iłd been
ignoring clawed its way to the front of my mind. I sank back onto the couch.
“So, are we staying here?" In the heart of the city? Right under TatiusÅ‚s nose?

He nodded. “Tonight."

But not tomorrow? We were running. I sighed. Nathanialłs home had been mine since hełd
turned meonly two weeks ago, though it seemed like foreverbut now wełd be on
the street again. I pushed aside the unexpected disappointment.

How was running now any different from the past five
years?

Well, except the whole sunlight-restriction thing, and
the addiction to blood. Oh, and letłs not forget the Judgełs mark, and Okay,
so things were more complicated now. But IÅ‚d made it on the run before. IÅ‚d do
it again.

“What is our next move?" I asked, wishing I had my
gray coat with me. It had been with me a while. Wełd gone through a lot.

Nathanial didnłt answer. He stared into space again. Hełs
planning. I wasnłt much of a planner while on the run. I was much more a
stowaway-on-a-train-and-see-where-I-end-up kind of stray. Of course, that was
how IÅ‚d ended up in Haven in the first place.

I pushed away from the couch and paced in front of it.
I needed to call Bobby. IÅ‚d never made it back to the cabin last night, and I
obviously wasnłt headed there tonight. Or possibly ever again.
Running was like that. You didnłt look back. You didnłt get attached.

But Iłd disappeared on Bobby once before. I didnłt
want to do it again. As for notifying Gil, she had no trouble tracking me down,
so no need to let her know we were leaving. I glanced down at the shirt
Iłd misappropriated from Nathanialłs closet. Iłll need some different
clothes to blend in.

Nathanial will also have to

My mental packing ground to an abrupt halt. IÅ‚d never
been on the run with someone else, but IÅ‚d added him to my mental to-do
list without thinking about it. Itłs just until I become a master
vampire. Once I donłt need his blood anymore, wełll go our separate
ways.

How long would that take, anyway? I had no idea.

“So now what?" Good to get the question out there as
many times as it took for Nathanial to actually answer.

Nathanial leaned back in his chair and crossed an
ankle over his knee. “I can appeal to Tatius, though since everyone in
attendance heard him tell me to take you to his chambers, they will know I did
the exact opposite of what he commanded. He is unlikely to forgive such a public
display of disregard for his authority anytime soon. We can keep a low profile
until I find another city willing to take us in, but time is against us.
Remaining in Haven increases the risk Tatius will find us." His frown deepened,
cutting into his face. “There is the CollectorÅ‚s offer?" His voice sounded like
he was considering it, but he shook his head. “You would grow to hate me."

“You think I donÅ‚t already?" I asked, trying to make
my voice light, a joke. Hełd told me once that no matter how fond I was of
saying it, I couldnłt hate him.

He didnłt smile. Maybe he didnłt even hear.

“So what do you" I cut off, my body going stiff.
Tilting my head, I breathed deep. “Do you smell that?"

I know that scent. I breathed in again. The clanless. IÅ‚d encountered the clanless
shifter several times during my hunt for the rogues, but I hadnłt seen him
since. Why am I catching his scent now? Here? I looked around,
trying to decide which direction the scent was coming from before my nose gave
out.

I crossed to the windows, but the scent grew fainter
as I moved. I crept back, moving to a door that led deeper into the house.
Nathanial followed, his steps silent behind me.

The scent was stronger in the hall, and I crept all
the way to the end. Was the scent here earlier? As I reached for the
doorknob, Nathanial grabbed my wrist. He pressed a finger over his lips and
stepped around me before flinging open the door.

The room beyond was dark. Dust sheets covered the
minimal furniture, but the air wasnłt stale. A light breeze made the drapes
flutter. An open window? In the middle of winter? In a vampirełs
secret house?

Not likely.

Nathanial crossed the room in less than a heartbeat.
When my eyes caught up with him, he was jerking something out from behind a gray
sheet. No, not something. Someone.

Nathanial lifted the much larger man by the front of
his coat and slammed the manłs back into the wall hard enough to send two
framed photos crashing to the floor. Nathanial drew his head back, his fangs
glimmering in the street light filtering through the grimy window. His mouth
descended on the manłs neck.

“Nathanial, donÅ‚t!" I dashed across the room.
Nathanial fed on criminals and this man certainly qualified, having just broken
into Nathanialłs house. But he wasnłt just some random burglar. I knew him.

My good hand landed on Nathanialłs shoulder. Hełd
already broken skin, I could smell the blood. But under my fingers, I felt the
tension leak out of him. He lifted his head, glaring at the man he still held
against the wall.

The clanless smelled of sweat and fear, and the thrum
of energy spilling in the air betrayed the fact his wolf was close to the
surface. But he smiled at Nathanial, one side of his mouth lopsided from the
scars branded into his right cheek.

“I recognize you," he said as his hand lifted to his
throat, which bore no markNathanial had sealed the bite. “This might explain a
lot." His gaze moved to me. “Ah, my Dyre enigma. I should have guessed
IÅ‚d find you here." He tilted his head forward, though being pinned to a wall
limited his ability to pantomime lifting an imaginary hat.

“Clanless," I said, the word sour on my tongue.

His lopsided smile froze. “Degan."

“What?"

“My name. ItÅ‚s Degan." He didnÅ‚t identify what clan
hełd once been part ofnot that I would have expected him to.

Hell, I hadnłt expected him to tell me his name at
all. He hadnłt offered it any of the last three times wełd run across each
other.

I hesitated, but finally said, “Kita." Then I turned
to Nathanial. “What do we do with him?"

The clanlessDeganhad tried to subdue me for reasons
unknown the first two times Iłd met him, but the last, wełd had the common goal
of wanting a murderous rogue captured. We also had a mutual distrust of each
other. During my battle with Bryant and Tyler hełd backed off, giving me a
chance to deal with the rogues myself, but threatening that hełd deal with them
and me if I failed. IÅ‚d dealt with them.

Nathanial lowered the clanless to his feet but didnłt
back off. Degan was taller, but Nathanial gave off more menace.

“Why are you here?"

Degan ran his hands down the front of his worn coat.
The movement was nonchalant, but his nostrils flared. Hełs buying time
to sift through scents?

I switched my weight. If he lunged, he wouldnłt get
past Nathanial, but my good hand curled into a fist anyway.

He seemed to reach some decision, because his
shoulders rolled back, and he shoved his hands in his pockets. I tensed, ready
for him to pull out that damned silver chain he carried, but he just leaned
against the walla mockery of calmness his racing pulse disputed.

“I picked up a strange scent. But it isnÅ‚t either of
you."

“Do you break into houses every time you smell
something you donłt recognize?" I asked, letting my skepticism show in my
voice. All my life IÅ‚d heard that the clanless were not to be trusted but Degan
had kept his word the last time IÅ‚d met him. From what I understood, he hunted
rogues and investigated suspicious deaths in Haven, mostly just to keep the
hunters from sniffing around what he considered his territory. But, regardless
of his reason, he appeared to be one of the good guys. Not that IÅ‚d turn my
back on him.

“Do I break into houses to track strange scents?" He
gave me an incredulous look. “When it is the same scent I found on a headless
corpse? Yes. I do."

I froze. My pulse rushed in my ears. In what felt like
slow motion, I turned toward Nathanial. His back betrayed his tension. Hełd
gone into statue mode.

He had to breathe to speak and his draw of air was
sharp in the stillness. “You found a decapitated body? Where?"

Degan shrugged, but the movement was stiff. “Let me
sniff out the source here, and maybe IÅ‚ll lead you to the body."

Nathanial shook his head. “No."

I touched Nathanialłs arm, drawing his attention to
me.

“Let him look. If there is a scent here that is
unusual and similar to the body" I could only think of one scent that would
lead Degan to this house, and I was guessing his nose would lead him to the tub
I woke in.

Nathanialłs brows knit together, but he didnłt say
anything as he studied my face. I tried to show confidence and curiosity in my
expression but my stomach twisted at the idea of a clanless in my
territoryeven a temporary territory such as Nathanialłs secret home. Well,
not quite as secret now.

Still, I wanted to know. If the scent I thought had
led him here truly had I shivered, remembering the numbness sinking into my
body as Akanełs poison spread. A connection between the snake woman and a
headless body would be valuable information and my father always said
information put the bearer in a powerful bargaining position. Nathanial and I
could use some bargaining power on our side.

Nathanialłs lips thinned as his eyes swept over my
face, but he nodded and stepped back. “Fine. Search out the scent."

Deganłs gaze moved between Nathanial and me as he
pushed himself away from the wall. I cringed as he stepped forward, and he
paused, his weight shifting back, becoming more defensive.

I forced my muscles to relax, and he responded in
kind.

Backing up, I gave him a wide berth to pass me. He
slipped almost silently out of the room. I tried to trail behind him, but
Nathanial stopped me, motioned me behind him. Right. I needed my vampire meat
shield. I rolled my eyes but didnłt hesitate to let him in front of me.

Degan stood in the center of the hall, his body
leaning forward, intent. He tipped his head back, his nose working.

Then he took a few steps and repeated the exercise. I
tried to catch the misplaced scent, but all I could smell was the old house, the
dusty books sitting on the bookcases distributed at even points in the wide
hall, and the prickly scent of Degan, a wolf-in-human-skin, pacing between the
doors.

In front of a blank patch of wall, Degan stopped,
pressing his nose to the paint. Moving again, he walked to the next door and
stuck his head inside. After a moment, he doubled back and tried the door on
the other side of the patch of wall which seemed to interest him. That door he
slammed, stalking back to the wall. He ran his fingers along the dark paint,
his features bunched in concentration.

His fists clenched, and heated energy bled through the
room. Hełs going to shift? I found myself stumbling back a step, but
Deganłs skin didnłt slip. Instead, the front of his face elongated, and his
nose widened, becoming thicker, shinier.

I stared. Hełd changed his nose into a wolfłs nose.
Just his nose. Like I can change just my hands into claws. IÅ‚d seen both
my father and the Torin for one of the bear clans extend claws in human
form, but IÅ‚d never before seen a shifter change their nose without
going through a full shift.

Degan pressed his new, hyper-sensitive nose against
the wall. He sniffed. Walked a step. Sniffed again.

“There is another room here." It wasnÅ‚t a question,
more like he was thinking aloud.

In front of me, Nathanial tensed.

I knew why. Somewhere along that wall would be a
passage to the lightproof portion of the house. It wasnłt exactly a public
area. Considering I fell asleep just before dawn and didnłt wake again until
after full dark no matter what happened, I certainly wasnłt thrilled with the
idea that a potential enemy would know where I spent my most vulnerable hours.

Degan looked up, and Nathanial shrugged. “There are
only three doors on this wall," the vampire said.

Degan huffed. “Three?" Then he drew in a surprised
breath, and I bit my tongue to keep from showing my shock.

There were indeed three doors on the wall now.
Nathanial had created an illusion. He must have. It was the only way to explain
the doorłs sudden appearance. Illusion or not, as he walked over and twisted
the knob on a door that wasnłt there, I couldnłt tell the difference.

The door opened to a dark hall I recognized from
earlier.

Degan scowled as he stepped through the threshold, but
he didnłt question it. I followed, and in the darkness, I caught the faint hint
of dried, sour blood. My fingers tapped nervously against my thigh as I walked.
I was sure I knew exactly what had drawn Degan here, but I needed him to
confirm my theory.

Degan raced down the hall like a dog on a fresh trail.
He threw open the bathroom door, and by the time Nathanial and I reached the
room, he was already leaning over the tub where IÅ‚d woken. He pressed a finger
to the base of the tub and lifted it to his nose.

Energy radiated off his skin, his wolf close enough to
the surface that I could feel the nearness of his shift from across the room.
He looked up, his dark eyes fixing on me.

“Who did you bleed here?" he asked, prickly wolf
energy rolling off him.

Crap, hełs going to shift. Completely, this time. And hełd only shift if he
planned to attack.

My back hunched, the hair on my neck lifting in
reaction to the buzz of pissed-off wolf in the room. I stumbled back, barely
realizing I was backing up until I hit the wall.

Cornered. A
spasm shot through my hand. Blood ran between my fingers as my claws forced
their way through my fingertips.

Deganłs eyes moved to my hand, and his coat slid to
the floor, his knees bending as he prepared to shift. Crap.

Nathanial flowed in front of me. Where Degan radiated
his anger, his intent to do violence, Nathanial was the eye of the stormstill,
calm, and about to destroy the clanless without mercy. I had to defuse this
situation. Fast.

I waved my clawed hand. “Stop!"

Neither man looked at me.

“Mooncursed luck. Nobody died here, Degan."

He didnłt seem to hear me. The pitch of energy turned
up a notch. Wolf. Fear jumped up my throat. My feet urged me to run.

I didnłt run.

My instincts told me Degan was one of the good guys. I
have to stop this fight.

Nathanial continued to stand between Degan and me,
deceptively still as he responded not only to Deganłs threat, but to my fear of
wolves. I swallowed. I canłt just cower. I pushed away from the wall and
looked around. How am I supposed to convince Degan no one died when
the room is filled with the scent of blood?

Well there was one way.

I darted around Nathanial and jerked at the buttons on
my shirt, but one arm hung useless at my side and my claws made it hard to
operate the buttons. Deganłs skin split over his back. I was out of time. With
a frustrated growl, I ripped the shirt, rending both layers I wore. Pain tore
over me as I jerked the fabric off my body. I swallowed back a curse and
stepped around Nathanial.

“ItÅ‚s my blood." I dropped the shredded shirts
to the floor, revealing the jagged suture marks running the length of my arm.
“My blood."

Deganłs human bones were already reshaping into a
wolfłs form, his muscles making wet sounds as his joints popped.

Hełs too far gone. His eyes were clear, though. He watched me, and I saw the alarm in the
still mostly human-shaped face. Then his skin sealed back around his body.

His human skin.

I blinked in surprise. I wouldnłt have been able to
reverse a shift that advanced. He was powerful, a lot more powerful than I
would have guessed. But lethal energy still rolled off him, enough energy that
he could have shifted again.

Immediately, if needed. I gulped, feeling very
vulnerable, standing half-naked and injured in front of this fallen Torin.

My instincts better be right.

Degan stalked across the room, his nose flaring as he
moved into my personal space. Nathanial was suddenly there, between us. He
threw only one punch, and the clanless shifter crashed into the wall. The thud
shook the room, but Degan rolled to his feet. Stood. I wrapped a hand around
Nathanialłs bicep before he could move forward to continue the attack.

“DonÅ‚t. He wasnÅ‚t going to hurt me." Or at least, I
didnłt think hełd planned to.

Degan rolled his shoulders back, but while his stance
was defensive, he ducked his head. It was an apologetic, almost submissive
gesture. “I should have announced my intentions. I wish only to analyze your
matełs scent," he said, nodding at Nathanial.

“HeÅ‚s not" My teeth snapped shut before I finished
the sentence. In Firth, a male shifter would never touch a mated female without
her matełs permission. Nathanial and I had shared blood, which had mingled our
scents. My cheeks burned. With our merged scentmating was a logical assumption.
Denying it would damage my credibility. Besides, after what almost
happened in this room I didnłt finish that thought. Dropping my gaze to
the floor, I muttered, “ItÅ‚s complicated. Nathanial?"

He was staring at me again, as if he was trying to
figure out my thoughts but couldnłt follow them. I didnłt have a great track
record for good decisions. I could only hope I was making one now. If my
poison-tainted blood was what had drawn Degan here, there were only two
explanations as to how I could have picked up the scent of the murder victim.

One was when I shared blood with Tatius. The other was
Akanełs venom. I was betting on the latter. If we knew who killed the
Collectorłs vampire, wełd have one very powerful bargaining chip.

Slowly Nathanial nodded, but his eyes revealed how
unhappy he was with the situation. He unbuttoned his shirt and slid out of it
before holding it out to me. I accepted his help into the shirt, which hung
halfway to my knees, and let him button it for me. I guessed Degan didnłt give a
damn about the fact Iłd been nearly nudemost shifters didnłt, but covering
myself seemed to make Nathanial feel better, so I did.

Once Nathanial stepped back, Degan approached slowly,
as if giving the vampire time to protest. It was a very polite action, very
much something IÅ‚d expect of a well-bred shifternot one I anticipated from a
shifter severed from his clan, branded criminal and untrustworthy. Of course,
maybe he was just trying to save his own skin.

He didnłt touch me when he crossed into my space, he
simply leaned down, his nose within an inch of my skin. Air moved through my
hair and across my throat as he inhaled. A shiver threatened to tremble up my
spine. Part fear, as the scent of wolf enveloped me. Part not-fear, as his
breath touched my throat. Geez, a couple vampire bites and Tatius has
already programmed a response into me. The thought pissed me off, but there
was no denying the truth.

Degan stepped back, his features drawn in as much
confused skepticism as when Nathanial had made an empty wall turn into a door.
“Your blood is in that tub, but your confusing, convoluted scent isnÅ‚t the only
one. And you have no hint of the tainted smell IÅ‚m tracking."

That last bit was actually relieving. Biana drew
out all the poison. Good to know. But, as Degan backed away, his
confusion became the prickly heat of his wolf. He was confused, and until he
figured it out, we were enemies. I could see his reasoning, could even
understand it.

“I was poisoned. By" I wasnÅ‚t sure how to explain
Akane.

“A foreign snake shifter. The blood is from drawing
out the poison."

“A snake?" He tilted his head back, his nostrils
flaring.

He breathed in again, and his beast subsided, his
energy sliding back under his skin. I nearly sighed with relief. He believed me.
I mean, it was truemostlybut I hadnłt been sure hełd believe me.

A smile cracked across his face again as he shook his
head. “NothingÅ‚s been sane since you came to my city." Then, scooping his
battered coat from the tile, he shrugged it on and headed for the door. “Come
on. IÅ‚ll take you to the corpse I found."

Chapter Sixteen

Wind tickled my face as Nathanial carried me
soundlessly through the air. We trailed the clanless from just above
streetlight level, wrapped in the tightest illusion Nathanial could command.
Being on the street increased the danger of being caught, but Tatius was the
only Haven vampire strong enough to break Nathanialłs illusion. With any luck,
he was still preoccupied with the Collector. But he might not be. He might be
out searching. It was a chance we had to take.

Nathanial agreed with me, knowing more about the
decapitated body could help us.

So far, there was a human body with a missing head,
and a vampire head with a missing body. We were either about to see the
enforcerłs body, or there had been another murder.

The towering buildings rushed by on either side of us
and made the flight more nerve racking than normalor maybe that was because I
could only cling to Nathanial with one arm. Nathanial had fashioned a makeshift
brace for my butchered arm and buttoned a borrowed coat over me. The
nervousness could also have something to do with being wrapped in the warm
circle of Nathanialłs arms again, but Nathanial was completely focused on his
illusion and on trailing Degan.

If his thumb didnłt occasionally trace a line along my
spine, Iłd have thought hełd forgotten I was even pressed up against him. There
was no hint of the heat that had been between us earlier. I hated the twinge of
disappointment I felt at that fact.

Nathanialłs secret home was close to Sydney Park, but
Deganłs path led us to a busier, more nightlife-oriented area of town. I tensed
as we flew past Deathłs Angel, but no legion of vampires burst through the door
determined to drag us back. Soon its black lights faded behind us. We were only
three streets from the club when Degan ducked into an alley and stopped.

The clanless shifter hadnłt looked behind him for the
entire tripNathanial had told him he wouldnłt be able to see us followingbut
now his gaze roved the street, trying to find us.

Nathanial landed behind Degan. Snow crunched under my
bare feet as Nathanial lowered me to the ground, and Degan spun around, energy
leaking into the night. His eyes narrowed, but he only nodded in greeting, not
voicing the agitation I could feel swirling around him. I didnłt hold it
against himpredators get cranky when you startle them.

“This way," he said, moving beside the boarded windows
of a closed nightclub.

A hint of acrid smoke clung to the building, offering
a clue as to why it looked condemned, while the rest of the area hosted a
thriving nightlife. Degan shoved his fingers under a large piece of plywood and
pulled it aside easily. Too easy, even for someone with a shifterłs strength. Clearly
this has been used before. The question was whether Degan had made
the makeshift entrance or if hełd just stumbled over it.

He disappeared into the dark opening, and I moved to
follow, but Nathanial held up a hand, stalling me.

“In case this is a trick," he whispered. Then slipped
around the crooked slab of wood.

I gave Nathanial a five-second head startit had taken
him mere seconds to subdue Degan earlierthen I pulled the wood aside with my
good hand and slid inside.

The hint of smoke had merely tainted the alley, but
inside the damaged building it threatened to overwhelm my senses.

I wrinkled my nose.

Come on. Sift past the fire stink.

I drew another breath. Under the acrid smell of burnt
wood I caught dried blood and the sour scent of something foreign.

A foreign scent that did smell a hell of a lot like
the blood Biana had drained from me.

My vampire eyes adjusted immediately to the inky
darkness of the inside of the club, but besides Degan and Nathanial, there
wasnłt much to see. Charred wood, barely recognizable as tables and chairs,
littered the large room. A darkened, hulking mass took up half the space, and I
guessed it had been a bar at one time. Support beams, fallen from the floor
above, broke the space as if a designer had decided to decorate with a
post-apocalyptic theme. A few bottom steps remained from a wooden staircase,
but the fire had consumed the rest.

I walked to the center of the room and turned a full
circle.

“No body." No blood pool either.

Degan pointed up, and I glanced at the dark,
half-fallen ceiling. Okay. Second floor. But the stairs were burned to a
crisp. Nathanial could fly us up, but unless Degan had climbed up via one of
the fallen support beams, I didnłt see how hełd found the body in the first
place.

The clanless stayed by the entrance, watching me. What,
am I supposed to figure it out myself? I glanced at Nathanial.

He looked up, and then he was in the air. Degan
started, his hand reaching for something in his pocket. He stared at Nathanial,
who hung in midair between the two floors. Degan had known, in theory, that
Nathanial could fly, but accepting something as possible and seeing the proof
were very different things. I felt for him; we were throwing a lot at him, and
all and all, he was taking it well.

“The body is up there," Nathanial said, landing beside
me.

He reached out, like he would pick me up.

I stepped back. “IÅ‚ll find my own way." After all, if
Degan could do it, so could I. Besides, unless the victimor possibly the
killercould fly, they had to have found an alternate route upstairs as well.

I traced my steps back to the boarded window and
knelt.

Charred bits of wood and ash covered the floor,
clearly marking the outline of footprints. Lots of footprints. The boxy,
dress-shoe prints were Nathanialłs and stopped right inside the entrance. The
barefoot tracks were mine. There were also three sneaker impressionsone that
left zigzagged impressions in the ash, one with diamond-shaped impressions, and
one that was missing large sections of the impression, like the sneakers were
worn. Occasionally I caught sight of another track, this one smaller, with a
pointed-toe, but the person with the diamond-treaded sneakers had walked
through those smaller prints, obscuring them.

Two of the sneaker impressions, and the small,
pointedtoe impression, all walked a direct path like they knew where they were
going. The person leaving the zigzagged sneaker marks had wandered the room,
the tracks crossing themselves at times. I glanced at Degan.

“Let me see the sole of your shoes."

He frowned, but lifted his feet. His shoes were old,
the rubber missing from the sole in some places. So hełs the worn
impression. Hełd followed the direct route. I traced his steps.

The prints lead into a tiny alcove I hadnłt noticed
earlier. A cast-iron spiral staircase hugged the corner, hidden from view if
you werenłt standing in the alcove. Well, that answers the ęhow to
get upstairsł question.

I glanced back at Degan. “You walked straight to this
stairwell. How did you know it was here?"

“Same way you did. Tracks."

Fair enough.
Wełd both been raised in Firth, and, at least in my clan, tracking was taught
as soon as we could crawl. I doubted whichever clan Degan had been thrust out
of had been much different.

I took the stairs one at the time, using my good hand
to support me. Nathanial glided up through the wreckage, settling somewhere in
the darkness of the second floor. Once I reached the floor myself, it was easy
to spot him. He wasnłt far from me, and neither was the nude body from the
photo.

Nathanial knelt over the headless corpsethe second
one in as many days. It was face down, that is, if it had still had a face. He
lifted the manłs hand, examining it briefly before lowering it back in the
dried blood surrounding the body.

Degan followed me up the stairs but stood off to one
side, watching silently. The floor felt precarious under me, the fireweakened
wood threatening to crumble under our steps, but it had held the vampire and
his killer, surely it would hold us.

Nathanial stood as I approached. “What do you smell?"

I tilted my head back. The scent of rotting blood was
stronger on this floor, but it couldnłt contend with the scent of smoke that
coated the back of my throat. Under that, though, was another scent. Something
sour and wrong.

I knelt beside the body, leaning close, and drew in a
slow breath. “DeganÅ‚s right. The blood Biana drained from me and this body both
smell tainted."

Degan shook his head. He pulled a handkerchief from
his pocket. The same handkerchief hełd used to collect a scent sample of my
blood from the bathtub. He sniffed it. Then he knelt by the blood pool and
compared the scents. “Not completely the same." He held out the stained cloth
to me.

I took it, obediently inhaling the scent. I smelled
oiled metal, which reminded me instantly of Tatius and was probably part of the
base scent IÅ‚d temporarily adopted from him; a trace of lavender clung to the
back of my tonguewhich was likely part of whomever Tatius had fed from.

Another jumble of scents rolled through my senses,
some of which were part of my own base scent. Over it all hung a sour, musky
scent thick enough to swallow. The smell made my tongue curl in disgust, but
Degan was right. The scents were similar, but there was something slightly
different about the blood drying around the body. Something extra, something
more bitter than the scent in my blood.

I related all of this, and Nathanial nodded before
returning to his perusal of the body. After parting the manłs thighs and
examining the insides of his legs, he flipped him. Nathanial was strong enough
to roll the large man, but it was still an awkward amount of weight. One of the
corpsełs hands flopped to the side, falling against the floor with a sick plop.

“What are you looking for?" I asked as Nathanial
continued his search along the front of the manłs body.

“He has no marks on him. No fang punctures, no cuts,
no indication he struggled with his attacker at all." Nathanial waved at the
manłs hands.

The corpsełs nails were long for a male, but they were
all unbroken and cleanno skin or blood under them that I could see. We
couldnłt be certain about the wounds to the head that had been delivered to the
Collector, but we had the rest of the body. A body with absolutely no defensive
wounds.

I stood and walked a small circle around the body.
“So, what, he just stood there and let someone cut off his head?"

“His heart wasnÅ‚t beating when his head was removed,"
Degan said, sidling closer.

“How do you know?"

“YouÅ‚ve hunted wild game," he said, crossing his thick
arms over his chest. “What happens when you cut a major artery?"

I frowned. “It sprays blood." I glanced at the
blackened but low ceiling over us, then at the floor around the body.

There was no sprayjust the pool around the body,
which had clearly flowed out of the neck. The blood pool wasnłt large enough to
have covered all evidence of arterial spray during a beheading.

Degan was right. The vampłs heart hadnłt been beating.

“Could he have been sleeping at the time he was
killed?" I asked, looking at Nathanial. Vampires fell into a type of stasis
during the day. The saying ędead to the worldł was a pretty good one. No
movement, no consciousness, and very little in the way of a pulse. If the
vampłs heart had slowed enough, there might not have been enough pressure to
cause a spray.

Nathanial shook his head and pointed to the wall. “The
windows are not boarded on this level. During the day, sunlight will stream
inside."

“He could have been brought here. In a coffin maybe?
If he was brought before full dark but while he still slept?"

Again Nathanial shook his head. “I know of this
vampire. He was a master soldier. He was old enough and powerful enough to have
woken long before dusk." He bent over the body again. “Look at this."

I moved to his side, but didnłt see what had
interested him. He pointed to a spot just below the corpsełs hip, and I leaned
closer.

Nathanial pointed to a small hole, not much bigger
than a large pore. But vampires donÅ‚t have pores. “A needle mark?"

Nathanial said nothing as he leaned closer to the
wound. I pushed to my feet. “You searched this place, did you find anything?" I
asked, looking at Degan.

He pointed to a spot in the corner. “His clothes."

I walked over and stared at the small stack of
clothing. A stack of folded clothing. Complete with a pair of
size-eleven sneakers on the bottom. What is the likelihood the killer undressed
him after beheading him, then proceeded to fold the clothes and leave
them in the corner? I grabbed the teeshirt on the top of the stack and
shook it out.

No blood. Not even a drop.

Well, if the vampłs heart had stopped, there was a
chance the killer had taken the time to undress him before lopping off his
head. I glanced back at the vamp and picked up the sneakers. The sole was made
up of a diamond pattern. Just like the prints downstairs, the ones
that went straight to the stairs.

I walked back to the dead vamp and glanced at the
soles of his feet. Smudges of burnt wood and ash covered the pads.

Hełd walked barefoot, and quite possibly undressed
himself.

What the hell had he been doing here? I thought back to the prints downstairs, of the
mostly obscured, small, pointedshoe impressions.

Small enough to be a womanłs.

“Okay," I said, looking between the dead vamp and the
stack of clothes in the corner. “So this vamp and likely a woman came here. One
of them knew how to find the stairs. They came up to the second floor and he,
at the very least, undressed. Was this a romantic encounter gone wrong?" I
frowned at the neat stack of clothing. “But he took time to fold his clothes?
Not a lot of heat in that. I mean, Nathanial you and" I cut off, heat rushing
to my face. You and I nearly shredded each otherłs clothing earlier,
was what I nearly said, and the knowing look Nathanial gave me made my blush
burn hotter.

As the silence made it clear I wasnłt going to
continue, Degan said, “So, then we need to know if the woman is the killer or
if shełs another victim."

None of us had an answer for that. I turned to
Nathanial.

“Now what?"

“Now I get you home before dawn." He strolled across
the crisp boards and wrapped his arms around my waist.

Degan frowned at us. “I suppose that leaves me to get
rid of the body."

“Leave it," Nathanial said as our feet left the
scorched boards. “Dawn will destroy the remains."

* * * *

“What do we do now?" I asked as I trudged into the
living room of Nathanialłs secret house.

“I need to consider our options," he said, which
pretty much meant he wasnłt sure if he would take the information wełd found to
Tatius or not. Or maybe it meant we hadnłt learned enough.

I sank onto the large green couch. As far as I was
concerned, the presence of snake venom in the victimłs blood was a damning
fact, but vampires couldnłt smell it, which complicated things. My chin touched
my chest and my eyelids fluttered as I fought dawn and sleep.

Nathanialłs scent filled my world as he scooped me off
the couch. “Best not to sleep in a room with windows," he whispered, his lips
pressing against my hair. Even this close to dawn, the sensation sent a tingle
of electricity across my skin.

“Will it be safe to go to Tatius?" I asked, struggling
to keep my eyes open. “What if he acts first and asks questions later?"

“I do not think Tatius will hurt me."

I frowned. My brain was turning sluggish, but he made
it sound like Tatius wouldnÅ‚t hurt him, in particular. “Why? Because you are on
the council now?" That hadnłt seemed like much protection when Tatius had tried
to pin him to a door.

“No," Nathanial whispered as my eyes drifted closed.
His lips trailed down my forehead, over the tip of my nose until his breath
brushed my mouth. “No. He will listen because I am his brother."

Chapter Seventeen

I woke to the sensation of tongues of fire crawling
under my skin. Jumping from the bed, I flung myself to the floor, swatting at
my arms.

There was no fire. The room was quiet, empty.

I looked down. My arms were both whole, healed and
unharmed. The creepy sensation didnłt dissipate. In fact, it grew worse, as if
something too warm for comfort had slithered into my body.

What the hell?
I stripped off Nathanialłs shirt and rubbed my hands over my bare arms, thighs,
stomach. The feeling of flames licking my flesh only increased. It was more of
an irritation than a pain, a prickle of wrongness.

The poison?
I hadnłt felt this way when I fell asleep.

All but running to the bathroom, I turned the shower
on full blast and stepped under the jets of water. It didnłt help. I couldnłt
stand still long enough to wash my hair.

I climbed out of the shower without turning off the
water and left a wet trail behind as I stalked back to the bedroom. I raided
Nathanialłs dresser and stole another undershirt. Then I grabbed the coat Iłd
worn the night before and tugged it over the thin shirt. The coatłs hem clung
to my ankles as I left the light-safe portion of the house.

I searched each room I came across, but Nathanial
wasnłt in any of them. Did he decide to see Tatius? Without me? I paced
around the living room couch, rubbing my arms through the thick coat. The tiny
tongues of fire creeping under my skin sped up, prickling, pinching.

I paced faster. Moving helped.

I have to get out of here.

The thought barely had time to register before I found
myself springing down the front steps, the door slamming behind me. I walked
barefoot in the darkness, through the snow, across the yard, through the gate,
and onto the icy sidewalk. I didnłt pause to consider which direction to walk.

The moving mattered, not the destination.

As I walked, the burning dulled, and then faded until
it was only a minor annoyance. I turned down another street and stopped.

What the hell am I doing? Trying to get caught? I turned, starting back the way IÅ‚d come. The licks
of flames along my skin rushed back with a vengeance. More than irritation.
More than pain. It struck with agony.

I gasped and dropped to my knees.

“Stars above, what the hell is it?" I whispered,
blinking at the snow under my nose.

Pushing to my feet, I hobbled forward, my vision red
with pain. I didnłt pay attention to where I walked. I didnłt care. I
shouldered through a wooden gate, and the pain fell away.

I almost collapsed from the sudden relief. But
where am I?

I looked around. Under the blanket of snow I could
just make out the enormous shape of a slide.

A playground?

My footprints left a lonely trail through the snow as
I walked toward a play fort shaped like a miniature pirate ship.

A set of snow covered swings hung beside the
monkey-bars; apparently the kids didnłt play here during the winter. The first
swing hung loose on one chain, but I knocked the snow off the other and sat.

Something slammed into my back, catapulting me out of
the swing. What the I landed on my feet and twisted, my hands balling
into fists. A bundled figure stood just behind the swing, his arms still
extended from where hełd shoved me. I dropped my weight onto my back leg,
lifting my fists as the figure knocked the swing aside.

“Hey, babe, donÅ‚t get all defensive. I didnÅ‚t mean to
send you into the snow. Just thought you needed a push."

I recognized that voice. “Avin?"

“In the flesh."

“What are you doing here?" Of all places and people,
why would I run into a necromancer in a playground?

“Waiting on you, babe. You sure took your sweet time
answering my call."

Call? When I
blinked at him, he held up a gloved hand.

Opening it, he showed me a marble sized globe floating
above his palm. A small crimson dot hung suspended in the globełs core. I might
not have known much about magic, but I knew blood when I saw it. I reached
forward, and Avin snapped his fist shut.

“IÅ‚ve come to collect my favor."

“Already?"

“Well, I had planned to hold out for something
special, but I had a bad day." He pushed back his hood.

I could only stare.

His red hair was gone, and without it, his head looked
misshapen. Actually, maybe it was misshapen. If hełd told me someone had
given him a makeover with a hammer, I wouldnłt have been surprised. Cuts
decorated his face, several gaping wide enough to reveal bone. His lopsided jaw
hung slack. He shot me a feeble smile. Most of his teeth were missing.

“A regular monsterpiece, arenÅ‚t I?" He chuckled and
lifted a hand to his face. “Compliments of some street thugs. I tell you, babe,
this world got a lot more dangerous since the last time I was awake."

It took effort to wrench my gaze from his mutilated
features. I stared at a spot over his left shoulder. “Can" I cleared my
throat. “Can you heal that?"

“Nah, this bodyÅ‚s dead. I can possess it and preserve
it, but I canłt heal it. Thatłs where the favor you owe me comes in."

I cringed, already not liking the direction of this
conversation. Avin didnłt notice.

“I need a new body. YouÅ‚re going to get me one."

He has to be kidding. The destroyed features betrayed no jest. Mooncursed.
Thatłs what I am. Totally mooncursed.

I sank into the swing and shook my head. “So what, you
want me to dig up a corpse for you? Sneak into a morgue?"

“I just came from a morgue and have no intention of
visiting one again anytime soon. I swear, a guy canłt even rest in this world
without people assuming hełs a murder victim. Iłm sure I livened up the crime
labłs life though. They couldnłt figure out how I died, but were even more
puzzled as to why someone did this," he pointed to his face, “postmortem. IÅ‚m
sure they must be losing their minds now that my ęcorpseł is missing." He shot
me a disturbing, toothless smile again. “But IÅ‚m way off topic. I want a fresh
corpse to quicken. No one dead long enough to make it to the morgue.
Would you want to live in a body thatłs already started decaying? Also,
embalming is a disgusting habit, knocks out half my senses."

“Okay, so I have to snatch a dead body before it makes
it to the embalming table."

He wrinkled his crooked nose. “Bodies begin decaying
fast, and the ritual needed to jump from one host body to another is long. It
canłt be so random as snatching a chance body. I need to be ready and waiting
as they die."

“No." He was suggesting I kill someone for him. I
wasnÅ‚t doing it. “We agreed on nothing life-threatening."

“Yeah, see, you have to be careful with your word
choice, babe. ęLife-threateningł means dangerous for you, and draining a human
isnłt. So, run off on your ęerrandł now."

“No."

“Really? You canÅ‚t renege on your bargain. You owe me
a favor. IÅ‚m cashing in on it." He held out his hand and opened his fist to
show me the bauble again. A flash like lightning ran through the globe. The
fiery pain crashed into me again. It turned the world white. Knocked me out of
the swing.

I smothered the scream clawing up my throat. When the
last tremor of pain finally subsided, I was on my knees, the coat hanging open
around me.

“Nice legs, babe. I forgot you undead canÅ‚t feel the
cold."

I glared at him as I pulled the coat closed and picked
myself up off the ground. His lopsided smile wasnłt frightening anymoreit was
inviting me to help further rearrange his face. I balled my hand into a fist.
Jerked my arm back.

The blow didnłt have time to land.

Avinłs eyes flicked to my fist, and lightning flashed
through the globe again. The torrent of pain slammed into me. Fire roared over
my skin, ignited my insides, melted my knees.

“Now be nice," he said, smiling as my legs buckled. “I
might have forgotten to mention it, but vampires are close enough to death to
be affected by necromancers, especially when a necromancer has collected a
sample of said vampirełs blood." He shook the bauble, and the world spun.

Blood?

The knife.

That damn ceremony. He must have taken my blood from
the blade after the ritual. And Bryantłs answers were useless.

None of that mattered now. I couldnłt change the past.

Right now, all that mattered was that damned globe and
the fact Avin wanted me to kill someone for him.

“YouÅ‚re a big powerful mage, why donÅ‚t you collect
your own body?"

“My specialty is with things already dead." He
shrugged and closed his fist over the globe. “If I kill my new host,
hełll show signs of violence. That makes blending in with humans hard. But you
vampires, you create beautiful corpses. You drain the blood, seal the wound,
and my new host dies in perfect condition."

“YouÅ‚ve done this before."

“Of course. How did you think I acquired this
beautiful body?"

I stared at him.

“Well, it was beautiful," he said with a
grimace. “ThatÅ‚s a requirement, you know. I want a good-looking body. Young.
Attractive. No one famous, though. I donłt need to be hiding from wardens and
the paparazzi."

One night I was going to wake up and things would make
sense. Be normal. Tonight sure as hell wasnłt that night. I pressed my palms
over my eyes, willing Avin to be gone when I looked up.

He wasnłt. Of course. He continued casually
describing the type of person he wanted me to pull off the street and
slaughter.

“You listening, babe?" He stepped closer, his uneven
shoulders looming over me. “IÅ‚m in kind of a hurry, so I want to make sure you
know what youłre looking for. Oh. I almost forgot. Youłll need this." He held
out a small ring that glimmered in the pale moonlight.

I didnÅ‚t reach for it. “ThatÅ‚s silver."

“WhatÅ‚s with you and telling me what metal my stuff is
made from? Take the damn thing. Itłs not like itłs an engagement ring. You wear
it, you call my name when you find a suitable body, and IÅ‚ll show up and
prepare the ritual before you make the kill. Easy as that." He pushed the ring
toward me.

Reluctantly, I held out my hand. Pain shot through my
flesh as he dropped it in my palm. Numbness spread through my fingers, up my
arm. Perfect. I shoved the ring in my pocket. How do I get myself
into these things?

“Tomorrow night, midnight, should be a sufficient
amount of time for you to locate an appropriate body, donłt you think?" he
asked, and my jaw dropped.

“Tomorrow?" I cast around for some way to stall. “I
canłt

“

I didnłt get a chance to finish. Avin lifted the
globe. Light flashed through it and unseen flames attacked me.

“You promised me an unnamed favor, babe. I get to set
the rules. Attractive body. Tomorrow. By midnight. Call me if you finish early.
Donłt tell a living, or unliving, soul." He pulled up his hood, stepping
closer, filling my personal space.

“And remember"

Movement blurred in front of me, and I never found out
what I was supposed to remember. Nathanial appeared between Avin and me. I
caught a glimpse of his coat, his shoulders, but he flowed into motion again
before gravity caught up with his dark hair. He moved fast, faster than I could
follow, and Avin slid through the snow.

The mage didnłt waste time getting to his feet, didnłt
try to fight the angry master vampire. He just looked at me and said,
“Tomorrow, babe."

Then he vanished.

Chapter Eighteen

The chill of magic pressed against my skin even after
Avin disappeared, and I stared at my bare feet as Nathanial turned.

“I can explain," I muttered. But I couldnÅ‚t. Not
completely.

Not why IÅ‚d left the house. Not who Avin was. “DonÅ‚t
tell a living or unliving soul," hełd said. And Iłd felt the twinge
of magic that made it stick. How did I mess things up this badly?

Iłd struck a deal with a bad guy. Thatłs what Iłd
done. And he wants me to kill someone. Someone who likely didnłt
deserve to die.

Not that I hadnłt killed before.

IÅ‚d fought and killed two rogues only weeks ago. But
theyłd been insane. Murderers. In the end, it had come down to more than my
responsibility as the one who tagged Tyler, more than preventing any more women
from dying, more than self preservationNathanial and Bobbyłs lives had been on
the line, too. This was different. Hugging my arms across my chest, I sank into
the snow.

Nathanial was suddenly there, filling my senses. His
arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me against his chest.

His familiar spicy scent encircled me.

“What happened?" he whispered.

No accusation. No demand. The question was calm, his
voice offering comfort as his warm arms buffered me from the world.

Comfort I didnłt deserve. After all, Iłd gotten myself
in this mess. Drinking down one last lungful of his scent, I stepped out of the
protective circle of his arms. I dug the ring out of my pocket and stared at it
as it burned into my palm. Welts formed around the gleaming silver edges.

I wonłt do it. I wonłt kill for Avin. Consequences be damned.

I hurled the ring, using all the supernatural strength
IÅ‚d gained from becoming a vampire. The ring flew, twinkling like a star in the
night. I didnłt watch where it landed, but turned to Nathanial.

“How did it go with Tatius?" I tried to keep my tone
even, to not betray how much I wanted to know the answer. I failed.

Nathanial shook his head. “I left unexpectedly, so we
did not conclude our negotiations. Kita, do not change the subject. Who was that
man? A mage, I am assuming."

Again, no accusation, but the questions were more
demanding. What went unsaid was that the unexpected interruption of his
negotiations had been me. He must have felt my fear through the bond. I doubted
Tatius approved of the sudden recess.

Hanging my head, I studied the trampled snow beneath
my feet. Pain shot through my hand. What the

The silver ring rested snugly around my pointer
finger.

I stared at it a full heartbeat before ripping the
damn thing off, ready to toss it again. Further this time, if I could. Then I
lowered my hand. No use. Avin must have ensured I couldnłt lose the damn
thing. Gritting my teeth, I dropped the mooncursed loop of silver back into my
pocket.

“So now what do we" I cut off as the gate creaked behind
me.

I whirled around as Nathanial stepped between me and
the sound. The gate swung on its hinges, but no one was there.

The gateway stood empty.

I tilted my head back, breathing deep and searching
the wind. Nothing. Just normal city scents. And the only nearby sounds were the
creaking gate hinge and a swing swaying in the breeze. Nothing else moved.

“Perhaps we should move somewhere less open,"
Nathanial said as he turned toward me. He sounded relaxed, but he took to the
air as soon as his arms slipped around my waist.

We were a couple yards over the snow when I caught
sight of movement. Not on the ground below. No. Above.

A star winked out, blocked by a dark body.

“Nathanial thereÅ‚s" Something heavy and metallic fell
over us, cutting me off.

Chains?

A chain net.

Nathanial picked up speed, ignoring the heavy net
clattering around us. I untangled an arm from behind his head and struggled
with the chains. Each link was as thick as my wrist. I was strong, but I had no
leverage in the air. My effort to heave the net off us only tangled me further.

The vampire whołd dropped the net dove toward us. He
grabbed a corner of the net and was joined by three more vampires, each taking
one corner. Gravity played for their side, weighing us down.

Our ascent slowed.

Stopped.

I couldnłt move, couldnłt even struggle. Nathanial
fought to lift the chains, to defy gravity.

He didnłt win.

We hit the ground with a thud. My knees buckled under
the impact, but though grounded, Nathanial didnłt stay down.

He rose in the air as far as the net would allow,
staring at our captors, his calm face a contrast to the tension I felt running
through his muscles.

The four vampires flashed their fangs and staked down
the corners of the net.

One of the vamps pulled a cell phone from his pocket
and pressed a button. “WeÅ‚ve got them," he said to the male voice that answered
on the other side.

“Do you?" Nathanial arched an eyebrow and stared down
at the vampire on the phone.

We were inside a damn chain net, but the vampire took
a step back, his adamłs apple bobbing in his throat as he swallowed. But all he
said was, “IÅ‚ll send the coordinates now." He pulled the phone from his ear,
his fingers skimming over the flat screen.

Outside the gate, a car rumbled around the corner.

Slowed. Stopped. Gravel crunched under the tires of a
second car. The sound of two engines idling rolled through the park.

Four men and two women dashed around the wooden gate.
Scratch that. Six vampires.

They joined the four vamps around the net. Ten against
two? And wełre as trapped as a fox in a snareonly we couldnłt chew off
a leg for freedom.

One of the female vamps stepped forward, her gaze
locked on NathanialÅ‚s face. “You will come with us peacefully, yes?"

Nathanial said nothing, his expression never changing.

“We are going to release you now," she said, waving a
hand at her companions.

The four original vamps pulled crowbars out of stars
knew where and pried the stakes free. I forced my body still and focused on
keeping my fists from clenching as they hauled up the edges of the chain.

The net reached the level of my knees. I dropped,
rolling under the edge of the chain in one movement and springing to my feet in
the next.

Not that I made it far.

The Collectorłs beefy bodyguard grabbed my arm,
pulling my stride short.

“Lookie what I caught a collectable," he said, his
tongue darting out to wet thick lips.

“DoesnÅ‚t look like much to me, Ronco," Jomar, the rat
faced guard whołd fed on Luna, said.

Oh no, I wasnłt caught that easily. If there was one
thing IÅ‚d learned being the smallest shifter, it was that sometimes being big
wasnłt an advantage. I twisted, pulling against Roncołs oversized meat hooks.
At the same time, I slammed my knee into his groin. He made an oolf and
I wiggled free of his grip.

I ducked, but his fist snagged my coat, dragging me
back.

Dammit!

I shrugged free of the coat and ran. Nathanial had
escaped the net, too. I had to reach him. But a group of vamps circled
Nathanial. One vamp, braveror stupiderthan the rest, broke the formation. He
charged forward, his arm already cocked for a punch.

The blow never landed.

Nathanial was in front of the vamp one moment and
behind him the next. The vamp had no time to turn.

Nathanial tilted, unleashing a strong and fast kick
from the hip. The vamp flew forward, the sound of his spine snapping following
in his wake. His body slammed into another vamp and they both crashed to the
ground.

It happened fast, faster than two of my running
strides.

Then Nathanial straightened. His eyes found me. I was
almost to him. Wełll make it out of this.

Jomar was only a step behind me. I pressed my legs for
more speed. If I was good at anything, I was good at running.

But Jomar caught up.

He dove into my path. I lashed out, and he caught my
wrist. He twisted my arm, jerking it behind me as he kicked my knees out from
under me. I went down, hard. Snow crunched under my bare knees. My shoulder
screamed as Jomar jerked my arm higher.

“Stand down, Hermit, or I start breaking your
companionłs bones," he threatened.

Nathanial froze. He lifted his hands, palms up.
Surrender.

“No," I yelled, then yelped as Jomar jerked again.
Pain tore at my shoulder and arm.

“Kita, be still," Nathanial said, his eyes begging me
to cooperate. I gritted my teeth. I wasnłt about to make that promise.

Near the gate, a delicate throat cleared. The china
doll, Elizabeth, stood just inside the park, her little ballet slippers soaking
up snow.

“Please join us in the car," she said. Then she turned
and disappeared beyond the gate.

Jomar hauled me to my feet and shoved me forward,
almost sending me to my knees again. Only his grip on my arm kept me standing,
and that came with the price of a new wave of pain rushing down my shoulder.
But as I stumbled forward, a new pain surged through me, this one a stinging
numbness originating in my finger. Avinłs ring. Iłd left it with the coat, the
spell must have triggered when I got too far away. I didnłt have time to worry
about it right now.

Digging my heels into the frozen ground, I gritted my
teeth against the pain in my arm and refused to be budged.

Jomar growled and the vamps surrounding Nathanial
looked at him.

“We will go. Willingly." Nathanial looked at me with
the last word. “Bring her coat."

Ronco, my coat still wrapped in his fist, stepped
forward and tossed the coat haphazardly over the front of my shoulders.
Nathanial nodded and placidly followed his captors.

Well, it looked like I didnłt have any choice but to
go along with this. Without a word, I clung to my coat and let Jomar march me
across the snow.

Nathanial slipped inside a dark limo as I rounded the
gate.

Jomar pushed me in after him, intentionally knocking
my head against the car as he shoved me though the door. He dumped me in the
seat beside Nathanial, directly across from the Collector. Elizabeth sat beside
the Collector, the conjoined twins catty-corner beside her. The Traveler was
nowhere in sight.

As Jomar slid into the seat beside me, the Collector
waved her hand in a shooing motion. “Thank you, Jomar. That will be all."

JomarÅ‚s grip on my arm tightened. “SheÅ‚s a lively one,
Mistress. Shouldnłt I"

“I dismissed you."

He bowed as well as he could while already crouched in
a car. Then he dropped my arm. My shoulder ached with relief, and I pulled my arm
around me, hugging it to my chest. Pain radiated down my hand as feeling rushed
back. The skin on my ring finger was red and swollen around Avinłs silver ring.
I ripped the ring off and dropped it in the coat pocket as the beefier guard
leaned down, sticking his head in the open door. He didnłt ask anything, just
looked at the Collector. She gave him a sharp nod, and he squeezed his bulk
onto the seat beside me. Outside the car, Jomarłs squinty eyes glared.

Someonełs fallen out of favor.

Jomar slammed the door, and the car engine roared to
life.

My already tense muscles locked in response. I hated
cars.

Nathanial slid closer, his hand reaching for mine as
the car jutted forward.

Seat belt, seat belt. Where is that damn

I caught sight of the canvas strap sticking out from
under the bulky guard beside me. I jerked at the belt, and the large vampire
blinked at me in surprise. When I tugged harder, he shifted his legs until the
belt slid free. The car took a turn and I yelped, every muscle in my body
locking tighter, making my sore shoulder throb. My hands shook as I grabbed the
metallic end of the belt, and I fumbled with the buckle until Nathanial took it
away and snapped it for me.

“I apologize if my men were rough. They tend to get
carried away," the Collector said as the city blocks slid by the window. “But,
no matter how little your companion was wearing, them stripping her was most
uncalled for. I shall have words with them."

My face burned at her double-edged apology. The coat
had fallen to the floorboards as I fought with the seat belt, and I was showing
a lot of thigh under the thin white under shirta whole lot of thigh. But it
wasnłt like I was naked. Nathanial leaned down, scooping my coat from
the floorboard. He handed it to me, and I hesitated a moment before draping it
over my lap.

Hesitated because I was trying to decide if I should
acknowledge the Collectorłs jibe by covering myself. After all, what she hadnłt
apologized for was pulling us off the street.

Which she sure as hell had no right to do. What do I
care how about her opinion of how
IÅ‚m dressed? In the end I relented only because I knew Nathanial was the
one navigating these political waters, and I didnłt want to make things any
harder on him.

As I smoothed the coat over my lap, Nathanialłs
fingers slipped around mine. He squeezed lightly, which I interpreted as a
silent ęthank youł. I sank lower in my seat. Surely I wasnłt so difficult that
such a little thing got a thanks. Was I?

“You have gone through a lot of trouble for this
conversation," Nathanial said, not acknowledging the lackluster quality of the
CollectorÅ‚s apology. “Tatius was informed you had already left Haven."

“Clearly he was misinformed. Have you considered my
offer?" Her eyes bled to black as she watched him. “Tell me your thoughts,
Hermit," she paused, “or Illusionist, as you should be called."

“I am fine with my title." NathanialÅ‚s voice held no
emotion, but his hand tightened around mine. “You should be informed that Kita,
my companion, lost the ability to do the things the Travelerłs companion saw.
Those abilities did not survive her turn. She can no longer shift."

Glassy black eyes studied him, probably seeking a lie,
and the ice queen demeanor the Collector had displayed in Tatiusłs court
surfaced in her features. Her hands folded in her lap, her fingers forming a
steeple before her chest.

“Akane had a twin sister. I commanded one of my
servants to turn her. The conditions were perfect, but she died during the turn
in an agony I have never seen matched. These others," she made a vague hand
gesture to include me, “are perhaps resilient to turning. More so than humans.
Still, abilities surviving or not, your companion interests me."

Nathanial said nothing. The sound of the tires on the
pavement and the low rumble of the engine filled the car in the absence of
conversation. The car made a turn, picking up speed. Then it merged onto the
freeway, the ride became smoother. Still, no one spoke.

The silence grated on me. My stomach lurched with
every move of the vehicle, but the weight of the silence was worse than even my
fear of being in the moving limo.

“What do you want?" I asked, unable to take the
silence a moment longer.

The Collector regarded me with a look most people
reserved for bothersome flies. That was as much of her attention she spared
before her gaze returned to Nathanial.

He freed his hand from mine and slid his arm around my
shoulders. It was a casual pose, but his fingers pressed against my skin, and I
wasnłt sure if he was silencing me or if his nerves were showing.

“Tatius is unlikely to be pleased with our abduction."
He made the statement sound off-handed, unimportant.

It wasnłt.

“Abduction?" The CollectorÅ‚s smile widened. “You and
your companion are my honored guests. I intend only to show you what you will
be gaining when you accept my offer. You have not left Tatiusłs little tract of
land in centuries; since a time when tribes of savages were your only meal
choice. The world has grown and changed, and while Haven is an impressive city,
it is hardly a culture capital. I think you will enjoy the finer arts my cities
can offer."

The Collector nodded at Elizabeth, and the small doll
of a vampire reached under her seat. She pulled out a large, manila envelope
and handed it to Nathanial.

He accepted it, opening the envelope slowly, as if
cautious of what might be inside. Considering the last two packages vampires
had received, I didnłt blame him. But I didnłt smell any blood, and when he
reached inside, all he pulled out were colorful booklets. I frowned. Travel
guides?

“My council members are each a master of a city.
Please, pay attention to the earmarked attractions." The Collector waved her
hand to indicate the guides. “Surely there is somewhere youÅ‚ve always longed to
travel."

Nathanial shuffled through roughly a dozen books. How
big is her council? Tatius had been afraid of any war or grudge she
brought to his territory. I could understand why. With so many allies at the
Collectorłs call, the Haven vampires would be more than just outnumbered.

I recognized some of the city names, but one guide in
particular caught my attention. A guide to the nightlife in Demur?
I snatched the guide from Nathanialłs hand.

“You have connections in Demur?" I asked, flipping the
guide over, looking for a map. There was probably more than one city in the
country named Demur, but The rogue IÅ‚d tagged had come from Demur. If I wanted
to make sure there were no other men IÅ‚d accidentally taggedor that Tyler had
tagged during his deranged period as a shifterDemur was where I needed to go.

The Collector ignored me. I was supposed to be seen
and not heard.

Nathanial lifted the guide from my fingers. “As
guests, I imagine we are guaranteed certain courtesies?"

“Of course. I am a hospitable hostess. All of your
needs will be seen to."

“And our blood?" he asked.

“Off-limits. As long as you are guests."

Nathanial nodded. “In that case, Demur would be my
preference."

Chapter Nineteen

Several hours, a private jetwhich was a brand new
type of helland another limo ride later, we were ushered through the front
door of a Victorian mansion. During the period IÅ‚d survived by posing as a
stray cat, IÅ‚d been taken home by many kinds of people and thus ended up in
many interesting houses.

But IÅ‚d never ended up in a house that included tall,
towerlike turrets, large, sweeping staircases, or crystal chandlers that hung
fifty feet over my head. I tugged the coat closed tighter around me and stared
at my bare feet on the polished marble entry.

“The Mistress is in the drawing room," the man whoÅ‚d
answered the door said as he bowed to the Collector.

She swept by him without a word, Elizabeth and the
twins following. The man didnłt straighten from his bow, but he looked up, and
his lips curled in a sneer as he watched their retreating backs. Okay,
apparently the Collector wasnłt all that welcomed of a guest, even in cities
she considered her own. That or the vamp didnłt appreciate the lack of
acknowledgement. Hard to tell. Not that I had time to puzzle over it. Nathanial
was already walking down the hall, following the Collector. I trudged behind
him.

I was the last to file into the drawing room.
Unfortunately, I wasnłt too late to miss the show. A blonde woman, wearing a
dress gauzy enough to be seen through, sat in the center of a plush, red-velvet
couch. A tanned man wearing only silk shorts and oil swayed on his knees in
front of her, his body tilted forward, his head craned to expose one side of
his throat, his eyes squeezed shut, and his hands moving over the lump in his
black shorts. A thin trail of blood escaped around her brightly painted lips
where they were locked on his throat. Another man, dressed identically to the
first, lay sprawled across her lap, his eyes dazed.

She took her time amidst the tangle of male bodies,
letting us watch from the doorway as her dinner began to tremble. I shuffled my
feet, moving closer to Nathanial. He scowled at the scene, but his pupils were
more dilated than the brightly lit room required. IÅ‚d taken a lot of blood from
him the night before. Had he had time to hunt since then? I wasnłt sure I liked
how he watched the stream of blood trailing down the manłs neck, but at least
watching Nathanialłs reaction helped me ignore my own rising hunger.

The man cried out, drawing my attention again. His
hands stilled and the woman pulled back. She let him sag to the floor as she
stood. The limp man on her lap slid to the floor as well. Then she stepped over
their prone figures.

She touched a manicured finger to the side of her
mouth and sauntered forward. “Collector, you honor my city with your presence.
I trust your trip was a pleasant one?"

Her city? This
was the Master of Demur. Well, crap.

Werenłt there normal vampires anywhere in the
country?

The Collector frowned at the woman. “Actually, the
last few nights have been trying. Has Aaric arrived yet?"

“Shortly before you did," a booming voice said from
the doorway, and I jumped.

The Traveler ducked under the threshold, his long
stride setting a path toward the Collector. I stiffened as he stepped around
me. Unlike when IÅ‚d seen him in Haven, he had a scent now. He smelled of spongy
wood, old cotton, and tanned leather. Not a vamp-powered projection this
time.

Elizabeth rushed forward to greet him, but his
attention was focused on the Collector as he bowed.

The Collector nodded at her second-in-command. Then
she turned back to the Master of Demur. “Have my guests shown to a room," she
said before walking out with the Traveler. At the door she paused, turning to
lift a finger at me. “And find some appropriate clothes for that one."

Of all the
I gritted my teeth to block the string of words threatening to pour out of my
mouth. IÅ‚m sure as hell wearing more clothing than the Master of
Demur and her two snacks.

Not that I wanted to be compared to them. Shoving my
hands in my pockets, I stared after the Collectorłs retinue as they filed out
of the room. Nathanial didnłt move to follow, so apparently we were waiting on
the hospitality of our hostess.

The blonde woman stared at the doorway. No color
lifted to her cheeks, but it might as well havethe anger coalescing in the air
was all but palpable. I shifted my weight from one foot to another. Once the
Collector vanished deeper into the house, the blonde turned back to Nathanial
and me, her eyes assessing.

“And you would be who?" she asked, crossing her arms
and tapping her long, red lacquered fingernails on her elbows.

Nathanial gave her a small bow from the waist. “I am
known as the Hermit."

Her full lips puckered as her eyes roved over him, but
it wasnłt a hungry look and certainly not sexual. No, this vampirełs gaze held
measuring scales.

Nathanial smiled at her. It was a dazzling smile that
softened the sharp angles of his face. It was also fake. He held out his hand.
“And you must be the radiant Aphrodite, Master of Demur. The reputation of your
beauty has reached me even in my seclusion."

Whatever scales shełd been measuring him by shifted,
the balance weighing in his favor. She dropped her crossed arms, one hand
moving to her hip, which she jutted out, exaggerating her hourglass shape. The
other hand she slipped into Nathanialłs. He kissed her knuckles lightly.

“YouÅ‚re not as old as your power feels," she said, and
it was a statement, not a question. “Yes, I am Aphrodite. You and your
companion are welcome in my city, Hermit." She turned, gesturing to one of the
young men sprawled on the floor. He lifted his head groggily. “Daniel, show
them to a guest room."

* * * *

“Wait! Be careful what you say. Someone might be
listening."

The other side of the phone line was so quiet, I
thought Bobby might have hung up. Hell, I was surprised hełd answered in the
first place. The phone had never rung while Iłd been at Nathanialłs house, and
it had taken Nathanial two tries before hełd remembered his own phone number.

“Where are you?" Bobby finally asked.

“Does your hunter clearance allow you to leave the
city?"

I could practically hear his frown through the phone.
“IÅ‚ll see what I can do. Where are you?"

“The city our trouble started in."

“You mean D"

I cut him off. “Just try to make it here. Gil will
meet you once you do." Or at least, I hoped she would. I hadnłt talked to her
yet.

“WhatÅ‚s going on, Kita?"

“IYouÅ‚re just going to have to trust me, Bobby. Oh,
and Nathanial wants you to board Regan. The vetłs number is on the fridge. I
have to go." I hung up without saying goodbye.

Nathanial watched me from the edge of the king-sized
bed that dominated the small room where wełd been escorted.

Hełd said little since we arrived, and had warned me
to watch what I said. As if I didnłt know our ęguestł status was more along the
lines of ęprisoners.ł Iłd been held in worse placeschained to a mattress in
Mama Nedałs basement directly after Nathanial turned me came to mindbut there
was no doubt in my mind that we were both trapped and under observation.

The mostly glass French doors and the vast array of
decorative mirrors guaranteed we could be seen anywhere in the room. The
massive bed included gauzy, cream-colored curtains tied back with gold ropes,
but while the curtains matched the comforter and the mound of cream and gold
pillows, they were translucent, providing little privacy.

The only place that might have been ęsafeł was a small
bathroom tucked away in the corner. It was a pointless amenity for Nathanial
and me, but it was stocked with soap and toilet paper, so maybe humans used
this room on occasion. It also had a door, which made it the most private spot
available.

I dropped the phone back in the cradle and dragged my
bare feet through the thick carpet. Dawn was drawing dangerously close, but I
had to talk to Gil before sunrise. The bathroom was about the only place I
could chance calling her.

I didnłt hear Nathanial slide off the bed, but
suddenly his arms wrapped around my shoulders.

“This scheming is dangerous," he whispered into my
hair.

“Come to bed."

I shot a disparaging glance at the bed. The bed, singularas
in only one in the room. Then I glanced at the mostly glass doors.

“WeÅ‚re practically a zoo exhibit in here," I
whispered, turning to face him.

I shouldnłt have turned. With his arms around my
shoulders, turning brought us chest to chest, and with the invisible eyes I
imagined watching us, it was too close, too intimate. But he didnłt appear to
have any intention of letting me go. Instead, he leaned closer, bringing his
lips near my ear.

When he spoke, his words were only for me. “We are
guests. Vampires take hospitality very seriously. As long as we retain our
guest status, we will be treated cordially and will be guaranteed safe passage.
While the room lacks a measure of privacy, our room will be our sanctuary
during our stay. That said, very little can be kept private in a house full of
vampires. Even if they do not intentionally eavesdrop, careless words can be
overheard. I imagine Aphrodite has sound proof rooms for her sensitive business
discussions, but this is most definitely not one of them. Stop scheming. Let us
go to bed."

I shrugged out of his arms. Safe passage sounded good,
as did sanctuary and the idea we might not be under constant observation. “IÅ‚ll
be quick," I said, slipping into the bathroom.

At the disapproving look he gave me, I added, “and
quiet."

I would have shut him out if I could have closed the
door fast enough. I was just a little too slow. The bathroom wasnłt made for
two, and it sure as hell wasnłt made for three.

Hopefully Gil has enough room to join us. I didnłt even want to think about what would happen
if she popped into the bedroom where stars-knew-who was watching.

Nathanial leaned against the wall as I turned the sink
on full blast. Then I moved to the tub, turning it on as well. The roar of
water made the small space even more uncomfortable, but it created a nice
blanket of sound.

“Gildamina," I whispered. Nothing happened.

“What are you doing?" Nathanial asked.

I waved him into silence. It worked before. It
had pissed her off. But it had worked.

I said her name again. Then I repeated it a third
time.

Magic crackled in the air and Gil appeared, standing
in the tub basin. Well, good thing she always wore rain-boots.

“You better have a really import" she started.

I threw my hands over her mouth, smothering the words.

“Keep your voice down," I whispered, looking around as
if I could spot the unseen ears that might be listening.

Gils eyes widened, anger flushing her cheeks. “I told
you not to use my name!"

I cringed. “I know. I know. Sorry, okay? I didnÅ‚t have
a choice. Listen, I donłt have time for the long version of whatłs going on. It
involves vampires kidnapping us, but the important thing is that wełre in
Demur."

The anger fell from her face, and Gilłs eyes widened
as she looked around. “Demur? ThatÅ‚s where the"

“Yeah. I need you to find Bobby. Set up a meeting
place for tomorrow night, but donłt tell me where, and whatever you do, donłt
show up unless I call. Okay?"

Someone knocked on the French doors. Of all the
mooncursed timing. Of course, there was a good chance the knock had
nothing to do with timing and everything to do with Nathanial and I being out
of sight. Or with Gilłs yelling.

Nathanial pressed a finger over his lips in the
classic sign for silence before slipping out of the bathroom wordlessly. Gil
and I just stared at each other as we listened through the door. I didnłt
recognize the male voice that asked Nathanial where I was.

Dammit. Now what?

A knock sounded on the bathroom door, and I made a
shooing motion at Gil. Her brows knit together but she disappeared.

Nathanial stood on the other side of the door, a small
stack of folded clothes in his hands. Right, the Collector had told Aphrodite
to send some up. Whoever had delivered the clothing was now gone. I grabbed the
stack from Nathanial and retreated back into the bathroom.

My first assessment that the stack contained clothes
had been a little over optimistic. Aphrodite had sent me a thin, cream-colored
slip trimmed in lace, and a gold satin robe.

Gee, Iłll match the bed. The robe had a small pocket, and I moved Avinłs
silver ring to it so the damn thing didnłt magically jump to my finger again.
Wearing my new finery, I turned the water off and dropped my coat and shirt
over the tub ledge. I let myself out of the bathroom, ignoring Nathanialłs
intense scrutiny. Another knock sounded on the bedroom door.

“The Mistress said you needed a snack before dawn," a
man in his mid-twenties said as he let himself into the bedroom. He wore only a
pair of tight jeans, leaving his wellmuscled chest bare. Like the other human
men who served Aphrodite, he had a rich, unseasonable tan, but the slightly
orange tint indicated his came from a bottle.

Oh hell. A
snack. He meant him.

I wasnłt desperate for blood, but I couldnłt hold out
forever. At the same time, since I was still a shifter deepdown, each human I
bit might have the possibility of being tagged and then shifting when the gate
to Firth opened. I couldnłt leave a trail of city-shifters and rogues in my
wake.

Not only would it earn me a fast death sentence when
the judge discovered IÅ‚d created more predators, but it would be wrong.

I could drink from Nathanial, hełd already been
exposed to both my fangs and claws. When the gate to Firth opened, he might
shift, but that damage had already been done. It couldnłt be helped. But no
more humans. The chance I might tag more humans was too great to risk.

I opened my mouth to tell the man to leave, but he
reached out a hand and rubbed his thumb along my bottom lip. His excited
heartbeat filled my ears, pressed against my skin. My fangs slid out. I
couldnłt help it. Couldnłt stop it. He leaned in, his mouth inches from mine.

One moment the manłs ragged breath tumbled over my
lips, and the next, the air in front of me was empty. I blinked, snapping out
of the blood daze as the man spun, and judging by the lack of grace, not fully
of his own volition.

Nathanial stood only a foot from him, his arms crossed
over his chest. “Your services will not be required."

“But the mistress said"

Nathanial flicked a hand through the air. “You
misunderstood her command. You are not required."

The man shoved his hands in his pockets. “I was told
to"

“Leave," Nathanial said. “Or I will remove you."

The man opened his mouth like he was going to protest.

He took a good look at Nathanial and his jaw snapped
closed.

Slumping, he dragged his feet out of the room. The
door closed behind him before I turned to Nathanial.

“Thanks." I think.

He didnłt acknowledge my statement. He didnłt even
look at me. I stepped closer and realized he was breathing. He rarely breathed.
But not only was he breathing, he was breathing fast.

“Nathanial?"

“While we are here, take the blood you need from me.
Only me." His words were so quiet, I barely heard them. He lifted his hand, but
his fingers stopped short of touching me.

He turned away.

I frowned as he meandered to the other side of the
room.

He moved too calmly for me to accuse him of running
away, but he was. Very slowly, but he was running. Isnłt that supposed
to be my job?

I followed, but not close, giving him space. Giving us
both space. While he might be a safe blood source, biting him was
definitely not without risk. Not for my emotional health, at least, and I
didnłt like the possessiveness in his voice when he said I should drink only
from him.

He stopped to inspect a large painting of a nude woman
riding an open shell over sea foam. A woman who looked an awful lot like the
Master of Demur.

I gaped at the painting. “IÅ‚ve heard the name
Aphrodite before. Isnłt she some beauty goddess from"

“Ancient Greece." Nathanial nodded. “Our hostess is
not old enough to be the inspiration for those myths, though she was clearly
the model for this. A Botticelli, I believe."

“How can you tell?"

“Look at the resemblance."

“No, I mean that she isnÅ‚t old enough to have inspired
the original myths?"

Nathanial frowned at me. “Kita, when you meet a new
vampire, what do you notice first?"

I shrugged. “I donÅ‚t know. First I have to notice them
at all. I still havenłt figured out a good ętellł for identifying vampires."
Shifters typically had unusual hair or eye colorations they shared with their
beast, even in human form, but unless I was hyper-aware and could see that
vampire flesh lacked pores, vamps looked indistinguishable from humans to me.
“I guess the only consistent similarity IÅ‚ve noticed is that vampires donÅ‚t
register as food." Though admittedly, neither did mages or shiftersunless I
was starving or they were bleeding.

I surfaced from my introspection and realized
Nathanial was staring at me. What did I say? I returned his frown. “Is
there something I should notice?"

“When you are near another vampire, you do not sense
the weight and depth of their power? You cannot guess their age?"

I meant to shake my head, but the muscles in my neck
locked. Nathanial already knew I couldnłt feel his emotions the way he could
feel mine. I hadnłt yet told him I couldnłt track him through our bond. And
now, here was something else I was supposed to be able to do, but couldnłt. Not
only have I lost my cat, but IÅ‚m a broken vampire.

That thought caught like a barb in my chest. IÅ‚d been
a pathetic excuse for a shifter, being a six-pound cat surrounded by lions and
tigers. I hadnłt chosen to become a vampire, but why should I have expected to
be anything better than pathetic?

I donłt know what Nathanial saw on my face, or maybe
he used the emotional barometer part of our bond I was too head-blind to
access, but he closed the distance between us.

His arms slid around my waist, warm and sheltering.
His lips brushed my forehead.

I closed my eyes, letting his heat surround me, his
spicy scent envelope me, and for a moment, I almost felt like I belonged.
Almost. Then the moment passed and turned awkward as I stood there. Nathanialłs
arms became heavy against my satin robe. I shrugged away.

“You should feed and go to bed," he whispered.

Feed, as in
from him. I shook my head, but when I opened my mouth, a yawn broke free.
Nathanial ignored my protest.

He walked over and let down the canopy curtains around
the bedI was right, they were so translucent they might as well have been
see-through. I still hadnłt moved by the time he finished. He frowned. Then,
walking back over, he took my hand and tugged me toward the bed.

I stumbled over my own feet as I nodded off between
blinks. Okay, so he was rightI could barely hold my own eyes open.

Nathanial sat on the edge of the bed and pulled me
down beside him. “Drink," he whispered, holding up his wrist.

Dawn was too close and I was too tired to fight. He
clutched me tighter to his side as my fangs pierced his flesh.

His fingers slid along my hip, and the skin over my
stomach tightened. My mind fell into his, but the approaching dawn made my own
thoughts too slow, too muddled, to follow his memories. Contented warmth spread
through me, and I pulled back, sealing the wound.

Nathanial guided me down to the mattress. The lace
pillowcase my face landed on felt rough and scratchy, but the down pillow it
covered was blissfully soft.

“Sleep," he whispered as his fingers combed through my
hair, and I fell asleep in a strange house, filled with strange vampires, yet
feeling warm and safe for the first time in years.

Chapter Twenty

“This is boring," I whispered, squirming in my seat.

Nathanial glanced at me long enough to disapprove of
my fidgeting. Then his attention returned to the stage.

Not that there was anything to see on the
stage. The Collector had raved about the view from her private box, but it
overlooked the same musicians whołd been playing for the last half hour. A
singer might have livened things up a bit, but it was just one instrumental
piece after another.

I squirmed again, and Nathanial lifted a white-gloved
finger to his lips, not even looking at me this time. His eyes closed, and his
fingers twitched a pattern to the music as if he were the conductor. He
obviously enjoyed the symphony.

Hell, he was damn near enraptured by it.

I sighed, blowing a loose strand of hair out of my
face and fidgeting with the small pouch where Iłd stashed Avinłs ring.

In all his rapture, Nathanial better remember wełre
not staying in Demur. The
Collector might “encourage each of her cities to grow into a cultural apex" as
she put it, but I sure as hell wasnłt joining her sideshow so Nathanial could
attend symphonies.

I slouched in my seat and picked at the satin gloves
that matched my scarlet gown. By the time the last note faded, IÅ‚d pulled apart
the inside seam of my right glove. I balled my hand in a fist, hiding the
glovełs damage as the audience burst into applause.

As the lights came up, the Traveler, who IÅ‚d been
trying to ignore through the performance, turned toward me. “You seem restless,
child. I take it absolute music does not agree with you?"

“No. I mean, it was great and loud."

He stifled a laugh. “I must say, this is the first
time Iłve heard the adjective ęloudł as a principle description of Beethovenłs
Sixth Symphony." He turned and regarded Elizabeth on his other side, “What did
you think, my dear?"

“The orchestra as a whole captured the expression of
feeling in an enchanting way, but the piccolo in the fourth movement did seem
off."

“My dear you always say that." The Traveler leaned
closer to me and whispered, “She was at the Theater an der Wien when the
Sixth premiered. All and all an under-rehearsed mess from what I heard, but she
loves to remind me of my absence that night."

I stared at him blankly as he laughed at what was
obviously a long-running conversation. The boisterous sound echoed around our
box, and his eyes sparkled merrily by the time he turned back to Elizabeth.

“Come along, Hermit," the Collector said, sweeping by
our seats. “DemurÅ‚s elite are gathered here for the gala. There is a reception
in the hall, and it is a time to see and be seen."

Oh goody. Mingling.

Aphrodite, her eye-candy, and her council accompanied
the Collector out. The twins, the Traveler, and Elizabeth rose to follow, and Nathanial
held his hand out to me. I reached out, remembering too late about the gaping
hole in my glove.

He lifted an eyebrow, staring at the ruined glove.

Oops. I
winced, stripping off the gloves. I looked around for somewhere to stash them
before anyone else saw the damage IÅ‚d done. There was nowhere. Oh well,
canłt be helped. I tossed the balled up gloves over the balcony
ledge.

Nathanial stared at me like IÅ‚d just sprouted
whiskers, and I flashed him a sheepish smile. Shaking his head, he took my now
bare hand and led me from the box.

“You like it here," I whispered as we made our way to
the reception hall.

He shrugged. “The orchestra was quite talented."

That wasnłt what I meant. I bet he knew it, too.

The small hallway from our box emptied into a room
filled with Demurłs rich and powerful. I scanned the crowd of tuxes and
gownsno one was wearing leather. Or chains. Or electrical tape. Even in its
elaborate up-do, my tri-colored hair stood out, but Nathanial fit right in. The
Collector and Aphrodite stood amid a crowd of humans, both holding glasses of
champagne they couldnłt drink. Nathanial joined the group, and the smile that
touched his lips was more genuine than his typical masked expression as he joined
the conversation.

“While it is incontrovertible that BeethovenÅ‚s early
works were influenced by Haydn and Mozart, his later"

I backed away as Nathanial spoke. I couldnłt
contribute to the conversationhell, I couldnłt even follow it.

My feet itched to pace, and the skin on the back of my
neck felt too tight, like someone was staring at me. I need to get
out of here. Except there was nowhere to go. Avoiding both the vamps and
the highbrow humans, I stopped in front of a painting, pretending to study it.

“An interesting commentary on society, donÅ‚t you
agree?" a male voice asked behind me. Aphroditełs second in command, the
General, stepped closer, pointing at the painting. “See how the child in white
is the only civilized person at the luncheon?"

Right.
“Excuse me."

I grabbed two fistfuls of my full skirt, and lifting
it from the ground, negotiated my way to one of the alcoves in the corner of
the room. The alcove wasnłt large, maybe two feet deep and only partially
shadowed, but it separated me from the mingling peacocks and penguins.

I leaned into the darkest corner, pulling the skirt of
my dress in so the shadows covered me. I needed to talk to Gil.

We needed to plan how to search for evidence of tagged
humans, or ęcity-shifters,ł as the hunters called them. I was considering
whether I had room to call Gil without anyone noticing, when a man backed into
the alcove and stumbled into me.

“Hey!"

He jumped. “Oh, sorry. I didnÅ‚t know this hiding spot
was taken."

“IÅ‚m not hiding," I mumbled, pushing off the wall.

The look of polite apology on his face warmed as I
stepped out of the shadow. “Of course youÅ‚re not hiding," he said, running his
fingers through his perfectly styled hair. He was around my age, and dimples
appeared in his cheeks when he flashed me a wolfish grin. “I hate these events
too. My father always insists I come. He has since I turned eighteen. This is
my usual alcove, when I donłt just sneak out. If this arch could talk" He
shook his head, chuckling at some memory.

“IÅ‚m Justin."

He held out a hand, rolling his shoulders back so his
already wide chest became more prominent. Preening and posing like a
bird.

I accepted his handshake reluctantly, and even though
I was well fed, my pulse raced to match his at his touch. “Kita," I said, retrieving
my hand before my instincts decided it was snack time.

Justin was attractive, but IÅ‚d spent the last few
weeks with carved-from-marble-gorgeous Nathanial and ruggedly handsome Bobby.
Heck, then there was Tatius with his intense eyes and the power that
practically leaked out of him, and all of Aphroditełs fawning male eye candy,
who ran around her mansion half naked. I was at the saturation point for
attractive men, and Justin just didnłt measure up to the competition. That fact
must have shown on my face, because Justinłs dimples faded.

“ThatÅ‚s Justin Morgan, by the way," he said, propping
one elbow against the arch. “As in Morgan Suites, the national hotel chain."

IÅ‚d never heard of it, but I nodded anyway. The skin
along my spine tingled, the sensation irritating enough I had to resist the
urge to massage my neck. It was like someone was staringexcept I was in an
alcove with my back to the wall.

No one could be staring.

“Right." Justin straightened, dropping his arm. His
sudden awkwardness as he backed up a step made him look even younger. “Nice
meeting you. Guess IÅ‚ll sequester a different alcove."

“Wait." I tried to shake off the unnerving feeling as
I focused on Justin again. “You said you sneak out sometimes? Is there a way to
come and go without notice?" If I could sneak away long enough to have a couple
minutes to talk to Gil without the danger of being overheard?

Justin paused. “Yeah, but you have to know how to
disarm the alarm. Which," he raised his shoulders, his hands sliding into his pockets.
“I happen to know how to do. Are we getting out of here?" The last was said
with a smile, his earlier confidence restored.

We? I
glanced around the edge of the arched wall.

Nathanial still stood amid a crowd, his smile real as
he inclined his head, conceding a point to the woman speaking.

The Collector and Aphrodite stood beside him,
animatedly involved with the conversations if their body language was any
indication, but I saw the Collectorłs accessing glance sweep over Nathanial,
the smugness pinching her lips. Theyłll be at that a while. No
one would notice if I disappeared for half an hour.

Besides, the feeling of wrongness crawling down my
back had turned incessant, and the need to move and do something, anything,
had me rocking on my toes. I smiled at Justin.

“Yes, letÅ‚s go."

“Are you here with someone we need to avoid being seen
by?" he asked as he led me out of the alcove..

“Several, actually."

“Blood red isnÅ‚t the sneakiest color. You couldnÅ‚t
have worn a black gown, could you?"

I didnłt have any response to that one. What looked
like just another alcove turned out to be a stairwell. He pushed open the door,
ushering me in quickly. Then he led me down six flights of stairswith me in a
ball gown. And heels. At the bottom of the stairs waited a fire exit. The red
bar across the door proclaimed that an alarm would sound if opened, but Justin
turned to a keypad beside the door and punched in a code. Then he took a deep
breath and shoved the bar.

No alarm sounded, and Justinłs relieved breath rush
out of him.

“See. IÅ‚m a pro," he said, his confident smile at odds
with the excited race of his heart I could almost feel crashing against his
chest in the small stairwell. He gave a small bow, holding open the door. “Your
freedom awaits, my lady."

I rushed by him, taking the frozen outside steps two
at a time.

“Hey, wait up," he called behind me. Not that it took
him long to catch up.

The steps led to an alley behind the concert hall. I
could hear traffic on the street, but the alley was quiet, deserted. It would
be the perfect place to call Gil. If Justin werenłt present.

“So, you never told me your full name," he said, as we
reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Katrina Deaton." The name Nathanial had given me
still felt weird, but I gave it to Justin anyway as I glanced around the narrow
alley. Nothing moved, but It didnłt feel as empty as Iłd first thought.

“Deaton? The name doesnÅ‚t ring any bells. Not a
regular mover or shaker here in Demur, are you?"

“I hope not." The last time IÅ‚d been to Demur IÅ‚d
accidentally created a roguewhich IÅ‚m sure had shaken quite a few things up.
Now I just had to make sure I hadnłt created more than the one. First I had to
ditch Justin.

“Listen, thank you, but I have" I cut off as heavy
material landed on my shoulders, and I glanced at the tux jacket Justin tugged
around me.

“You must be freezing," he said, stepping closer.

“You really shouldnÅ‚t"

He waved away my argument.

“You hang onto it. IÅ‚ll be warm enough," he said, but
undermined the statement by blowing on his hands. His breath fogged in the cold
air. Mine didnÅ‚t. “ThereÅ‚s a nice little diner down the block. How about I buy
you a coffee?"

I was barely listening anymore. There was something at
the end of the alley. I was sure of it. And I couldnłt seem to look away. My
dress dragged in puddles of dissolved snow and street-salt as I walked toward
the back corner of the building.

“Hey, wrong way. The dinerÅ‚s in the other direction."

I didnłt response. Something in the darkness moved,
but even my vampire eyes couldnłt make sense of the shadows. I took another
step closer. Justin grabbed my arm, stopping me. The tingling exploded along my
spine like small tongues of fire. That IÅ‚d felt before. Oh crap.

I pushed Justin back, my eyes flying wide. “Get out of
here."

“What the hell"

Justin hadnłt finished the sentence when Avin stepped
out from the shadows of the building, his deformed figure hidden in a dark
trench coat.

“This one is perfect, Kita," he said, shuffling toward
us.

No. No. No.
I tried to shove Justin out of the alley. He didnłt move. Dammit.

“WhatÅ‚s going on?" he asked, his eyes flicking from me
to the decrepit figure shambling forward.

“Run, you idiot!"

Justin backed up a step. But he didnłt run. I stepped
between him and Avin.

“Kita, behave," Avin chided. Something flashed in his
hand.

A globe. Lightning. I fell to my knees.

Pain roared through me like liquid lava coursing
through my veins. My fangs exploded from the roof of my mouth, but I strangled
my scream. The pain only lasted a second. Then I fell forward onto all fours.

“Stop." My whisper came out hoarse.

“Then give me my payment." Avin was right in front of
me now.

Justin still stood beside me, eyes wide and
uncomprehending.

“IÅ‚m calling the cops," Justin warned, but he fumbled
pulling the phone out of his pocket, and it hit the snow by his feet.

Avin ignored him. I pushed off the ground. My legs
trembled under me, but held. Snow clung to the front of my dress. Turned the
scarlet a deeper red as it melted.

“HeÅ‚s Justin Morgan of the Morgan Suites fortune. He
would be missed." Let him recognize the name.

“An heir? Dammit, that wonÅ‚t work." Avin turned away,
cursing under his breath. “Get rid of him."

I grabbed Justin by the arm, dragging him from the
alley, but my feet didnłt seem to be working right, my movements jerky and
uneven as I tried to run.

“Not you, babe," Avin called after me, and pain roared
through me again, stopping me in my tracks.

“Run," I yelled at Justin.

He didnÅ‚t hesitate this time. “IÅ‚ll get help," he called
over his shoulder as he rounded the corner.

Now it was just me and Avin.

I whirled around and he pulled back the hood,
revealing the monstrous features left of his face.

“ItÅ‚s after midnight. I donÅ‚t see my new body. Do you
know what happens to oath breakers?"

Energy crackled through the air. If I thought the pain
was bad before, it was nothing compared to this. Fire ate me from the inside
out as my skin flaked off in charred layers. There was no holding back my
scream this time. It ripped from my throat. The pain built, the fire all
consuming.

Time froze. Stopped. The pain ended.

I blinked away snow. I was face down in the dirty
alley. My mouth tasted of blood, but the fire in my skin had passed. My flesh
wasnłt charred. I pushed away from the ground.

Avin squatted beside me. “ItÅ‚s no fun if you black
out, babe. You owe me a body, and you donłt seem to be doing anything to
acquire one for me."

“I got kidnapped." I spat out the words. They were
moist, filled with my own blood and terror. My fingers jerked violently as I
gestured to the alley. “Look around, this isnÅ‚t my city."

“ThatÅ‚s not my problem. My problem is that I look like
FrankensteinÅ‚s monster." He stood and pulled the hood over his head. “If you
donłt call me by the end of the night with a body, expect me to be there when
you wake at sunset. If you know whatłs good for you, babe, you donłt want
that." Magic danced through the air, and he vanished.

Chapter Twenty-One

I stumbled up the concert hall steps as the door flew
open.

Nathanial rushed out. His frantic eyes swept over my
ruined dress, my tousled hair, the blood IÅ‚d tried to wipe from my face. Then
he pulled me into his arms.

“What hurt you, Kita?"

I didnłt answer or pull away. I just leaned against
his chest and breathed in his scent. My hands trembled where I clutched them by
my sides. I couldnłt make the shaking stop.

IÅ‚d tried. The tremble stayed.

“IÅ‚m cold," I whispered into the front of NathanialÅ‚s
tux. His arms wrapped tighter around me, but his warmth offered me no comfort.
The only warmth in my body was building behind my eyes. The first tear tripped
down my cheek.

Nathanial took a step back and examined my face.

“You are in shock. What happened?" When I didnÅ‚t
answer, he went on, “I felt your fear, but I did not realize you had left the
hall. What happened?"

I scrubbed the tear off my cheek but another slipped
free to blaze its own bloody trail. The harder I fought not to cry, the more
the searing pressure behind my eyes built, the more bloody tears slipped free.
Vampire tears. I drew in a deep breath. It was supposed to be calming. Instead
it was ragged, tasting of blood and fear.

Dammit. I
hated this. I hated the fear. I hated the tears. I hated the whole damn
situation. I was stuck in one shape, in a strange place with creepy vampires
who wanted to show me off as a freak, and I had an insane necromancer who
wanted me to find him a new body.

But at least no onełs trying to kill me.

Yet.

A laugh slithered up my throat. I convulsed with it,
fresh tears burning their way free. Nathanial pulled me against him again, as
if his arms could shield me from the hysteria shredding me. I wrapped my hands
in the front of his tux.

Held on.

I took another breath. It still shook, still cut
through me with violence, but it was cleaner than the last. Stronger.

Nathanial held me. Kept me in one piece. I still
hadnłt told him about Avin. I wasnłt sure what would happen if I tried, but I
was at the point IÅ‚d risk the consequences. I opened my mouth to begin, but my
gaze landed on the Collector and her retinue as they walked out of the concert
hall. I couldnłt tell him. Not here. Not with so many ears around.

“I need to talk to you," I whispered, and NathanialÅ‚s
arms tightened around me.

“Well, no oneÅ‚s stopping you," Aphrodite said,
snapping a pair of gold opera glasses closed. “So the missing fledgling has
been found all safe and sound. Are we returning to the gala?"

“No." The Collector strolled down to stairs. “I
believe this will end the night. Hermit, it is time we had a talk." She turned to
Jomar. “Summon the cars."

I pushed away from Nathanial. A light tremor still
shook through me, but it was inside, not evident in my limbs. Just to be sure,
I hugged my arms across my chest, tucking my fists into my armpits. I walked to
the bottom step, trying to find some distance from the vamps.

It didnłt work.

Elizabeth broke from the Traveler and daintily made
her way into my flimsy bubble of solitude. She remained on the last step,
giving her a height advantage as she looked down her small nose at me. “If you
insist on sneaking about, you should choose better chaperones than Justin
Morgan. He will never amount to anything."

“I wasnÅ‚t sneaking anywhere. And I donÅ‚t need a
chaperone."

She sniffed. “ItÅ‚s disgraceful and no way for a
companion to act. IÅ‚m surprised the Hermit tolerates it."

Shełs lecturing me on proper companion etiquette? I so couldnłt deal with this right now. I walked to
the curb.

All I wanted in that moment was to tuck my tail and
find a nice, small cat-sized hole to hide in and lick my wounds. Not like that
was an option, but even fading into the background proved futile as the
Collector strolled down the steps. She stopped far enough away that her
location could have been misconstrued as impatience as she waited for the
limos.

I wasnłt fooled. Shełd moved closer to me, which she
proved when the chill of her gaze landed on my bare shoulders.

“I suppose you slipped away in an attempt to meet that
boy, Bobby," she said.

So they had been listening to my call. I wasnłt surprised.

Based on the way the Collector studied me, I probably
should have pretended to be. But my nerves were too raw, too close to the
surface, to lie with my reactions.

“Now, this Ä™Bobby,Å‚ is he a shapeshifter?" She stepped
closer. “I would very much like to meet him if he is. I could be very generous
if someone were to capture a functioning shapeshifter for me."

Her eyes had bled to black, and I dropped my gaze.
Shełd bespelled me once before with just a glance in her eyes. I wasnłt going
to hand her the opportunity to do it again. Can she compel me to
reveal other shifters to her? A shiver ran down my spine.

I couldnłt let that happen. I wouldnłt.

She flicked her wrist at her side, the movement meant
to draw attention. “Where are you meeting your friend?"

I shrugged, not looking up, not meeting her eyes.
Still my vision went dark. A stifling presence weighed down on me in the
blackness.

“Answer my questions truthfully," her disembodied
voice said from the darkness. “Where are you meeting your friend?"

“I donÅ‚t know," I heard myself reply, though I hadnÅ‚t
meant to say anything.

“Then how will you find him?" she asked. I bit my
tongue hard, concentrating on not saying anything. She clicked her tongue.
“Answer me."

“A mutual friend."

“This friend is a shapeshifter?"

“No."

“What is he?"

“She is a scholar." I gave myself a mental pat on the
back for restraining from saying mage.

“And where is this scholar?"

“I donÅ‚t know."

“Then how will you find her?"

“IÅ‚ll call her."

“What is her phone number?"

“I donÅ‚t know."

The darkness around me buzzed with irritation, and an
agitated sound escaped the CollectorÅ‚s throat. “What do you know?"

Oooh, an open-ended question. “I know that sunlight prompts the brain to produce
happy chemicals, and so it is my belief that older vampires are grouchy due to
light deprivation."

The darkness surrounding me retreated with a snap. The
street fell into focus. I swayed, disoriented. The Collectorłs icyand
completely unamusedeyes dominated my vision.

My hand ached, and I realized Nathanial held my
fingers in a death grip. I looked at our hands. When did he? Hell, what
did it matter?

“You are a most frustrating creature," the Collector
snapped. Then she turned. “Jomar! Where are those limos?"

The squinty faced guard shuffled his feet. “There
appears to be a problem, Mistress. One of the drivers is missing. IÅ‚ve sent for
another. But until then, there is only one car."

I couldnłt see her face, but it must have been fierce
because Jomar stumbled back. He growled something into his cell phone, and
Nathanial tugged on my hand, drawing me several steps away. When we were
several yards from the other vampires, Nathanialłs arms slid around my waist.
He pulled me against his chest.

I stiffened. “Nathanial, I"

“Shhh, Kitten. Listen to me," he whispered, his lips
so close they brushed my ear as he spoke and I still scarcely heard.

And if I could scarcely hear himNo one else could.
I settled against his chest, and he let out a sigh as if hełd expected me to
put up a fight. I frowned. This wasnłt the first time hełd acted surprised when
I didnłt fight him. He clearly considered contrariness my default mode. I
huffed out my breath. Okay, so maybe IÅ‚m a little difficult at times, but
IÅ‚m not completely unreasonable. If this was the only way to have a
somewhat private conversation, so be it.

“I know you need to search for the unaccounted-for
members of Tylerłs gang, and I will help you when I can, but you must be
careful."

Like I donÅ‚t know that. “Trust me, it is not on my to-do list to get Bobby
and Gil added to the Collectorłs zoo."

“Kita, there is more at stake than that. We are
walking a precarious line with vampire laws of hospitality. Right now she is
trying to seduce us with grandeur"

“You. She is trying to seduce you."

I felt his lip twitch, just a small movement against
my cheek. A frown? A smile? I wasnÅ‚t sure. After a moment, he continued, “She
is splitting hairs with our laws. You are a companion, so she cannot separate
you from me by force unless we are in her territory."

“We are in her territory."

“That is why we must be careful. For now we are
guests, but if we break her rules or disobey her, we could be seen as hostile.
That would be a very bad situation to find ourselves in."

And more than likely, shełd consider my sneaky
behavior and smart mouth a violation. “She promised you we wouldnÅ‚t be
separated if you joined her."

“I remain TatiusÅ‚s subject and only a visiting master
unless I petition her for a place in her city. If I am deemed hostile or a
threat, she could execute me without penalty. You would then be masterless."

And IÅ‚d already learned that masterless meant
ęanyonełs meat.ł

We had been whispering for too long. I pushed away
from Nathanial, and he didnłt fight me. Rocking back on my heels, I considered
our dilemma.

“How long are we visitors?" I asked. The other vamps
might be able to hear, if they were straining to listen, but what did it
matter? I was getting the abridged version of vampiric law, IÅ‚m sure they
already knew it.

“Our timeline is dictated by Tatius. Though I am a
master vampire, I must still answer to the master of my city. As Tatiusłs
subject, I am protected. But if I disobey him while out of his territory, I
effectively disclaim him and am without protection. He is no fool. By now he
has surely confirmed we are missing. We cannot know if he believes we left
willingly or not, but when he finds our location, he will demand our return. I
think the Collector is counting on his move. When he sends for us, time will be
up and a choice must be made."

A choice? Like joining the Collectorłs menagerie was
an option? Of course, Tatius had to be well and truly pissed by now, and if he
believed Nathanial took the Collector up on her offer Returning to Haven might
not be possible. Moving to another masterłs city meant Nathanial would have to
negotiate our safe travel, which would be hard to do while we were under lock
and key as the Collectorłs guests.

“WeÅ‚re so screwed."

Nathanial winced. “Charming vernacular, but accurate
enough."

“So what do we do?"

Nathanial drew me into his arms again. “We play by her
rules. She owns many cities. If we are not forced into an urgent decision, I
may be able to negotiate a permanent relocation for us. One which will limit
how she displays you."

Limit being
the key word. “I hate vampires."

“I know." He brushed a kiss across my forehead. “And I
know the urgency in which we need to untangle that other issue." His thumb
trailed over the JudgeÅ‚s mark, indicating which other issue he meant. “But for
now, it would perhaps be more appropriate if you attempted to behave like
Elizabeth." He nodded to the porcelain doll where she clung to the Travelerłs
hand, her body leaning against his.

My teeth gritted. I canłt believe he just
suggested “There is more going on," I whispered, the words hot with anger.

“There is the necro"

My jaw snapped shut as twin currents of first fire and
then ice ripped through me. Avin warned me not to tell. I squeezed my
eyes shut as I swayed. When I opened them again, I was clinging to Nathanial,
his worried face filling my vision.

“Kita, what happened? What was that?" As he spoke, a
single white limousine rounded the corner.

I shook my head as the limo pulled to the corner. IÅ‚d
have to find a way to tell him. Somehow. But later.

The Collector turned toward us. “I trust you have
finished your gossiping?" It wasnłt a question. She strolled toward the limo.
“Aphrodite, you appear to have a personnel issue with your drivers. I suggest
you fix it." She gave the blonde woman a tight smile. Which was not returned.
“You and your council can wait for the backup car. My council will be
returning to the mansion. Hermit, come. We have much to discuss."

* * * *

At the mansion, I left Nathanial in Aphroditełs
drawing room, with the Collector. My fate was being decided in that room, but I
wasnłt allowed to speak, so there wasnłt any reason for me to be there.

Well, actually, I thought there was plenty of reason.
But after the Collector expressed her ęplansłshe wanted me to do the grand
tour, letting each and every master vampire she wished to impress take a bite
out of meand I lost my temper and told her where she could shove her offer, I
was kicked out.

I hated vampires.

Stupid, selfish, power hungry

I lingered outside the drawing room door for a few
moments, but the damn room was sound proof. I couldnłt hear a word. Now all I
could do was trust Nathanial to negotiate a better deal. If he can.

I sighed and took the steps of the sweeping staircase
two at a time. Mine and Nathanialłs bedroom was the last on the second floor. I
didnłt pay any attention to the doors I passed on my way, until one opened. The
sour smell of snake musk preceded a kimono-clad figure into the hall.

Akane.

She glared at me, stepping into my path. Then she
unsheathed a gleaming blade. Crap.

The only Japanese sword I knew was the katana,
and her sword was much too short to be one. No doubt it could still do damage. If
she knew how to use it.

Her body language promised that she knew exactly
what she was doing.

“You smell foul," she spat. “You make the whole house
stink."

“Nice to see you again, too. How about putting away
the pointy sword?"

She didnłt. Spreading her stance, she lifted the
sword, angling it toward my throat. Not good. I backed up a step and
gripped the folds of my gown. Come on, now would be a good time for
claws. I pushed energy at my hands, my fingers. A spasm shot up my arms.

Thank the moon!

Another spasm hit, a pop sounded. Then a wave of
dizziness rushed over me. I staggered and Akane charged.

Crap. I
flung myself back, lifting my hands. The spasms had stopped, but instead of
claws, I had paws.

I wasnłt sure what her reach was with the sword, but
it was definitely longer than mine, especially since at the moment my only
natural weapons were fangs. She blocked the path to the stairs. Screaming for
help wouldnłt do a whole hell of a lot of good with Nathanial holed up in a
sound-proof room. My choices came down to an out-matched fight or barricading
myself in my room.

I ran.

Akane followed, her wooden Japanese shoes making soft
clicks on the carpet. I rounded the corner. The glass doors to my room were
only yards away. I just had to reach them.

Air hissed around Akanełs blade as she swung, and I
dropped. The sword swished through the air, but I was fast enough to dodge. Or
at least, I thought I was, until Akanełs foot slammed into my back, sending me
sprawling forward.

I twisted as I hit the ground, trying to get my legs
under me. Too late.

Akanełs next kick knocked me to my back. Her foot
ground into my chest, and she pressed the blade against my throat.

Warm heat ran down my neck.

“See what you did, beast." She pulled open the collar
of her kimono and exposed angry red grooves running over her shouldermy claw
marks. They hadnłt healed.

“You poisoned me."

Not the response she wanted.

Her blade bit deeper into my throat. I swallowed.
Losing my head wasnłt on the top of my to-do list.

Reaching out, I grabbed the foot planted on my chest
and twisted, hard. Something popped. Akane screamed.

The sword pulled back, and I rolled. Just in time.

The arc of her sword sliced through a clump of my
hair.

But not my neck. I threw my weight at the leg still
supporting her, and she crashed backward. The sword flew from her grip.

“WhatÅ‚s going on here?" someone yelled from the
direction of the stairs. Footsteps ran toward us.

I pushed myself off the floor, one paw-like hand
pressed against my bleeding throat. Akane tried to stand, but her leg bent at
an unnatural angle. It didnłt hold her weight. She glared at me, a steady
stream of melodic but pissed-off words flowing from her. I didnłt know the
language, but I could guess what she meant.

“Not this time, worm," I said, kicking the sword
further away.

Three figures rounded the corner, rushing toward us.

“What did you do?" a familiar, squinty faced guard
asked as he charged toward me.

Jomar grabbed me before I could backpedal. He wrenched
my hand away from my throat and twisted my arm, jerking it behind my back. Oh,
now this was familiar.

“Let go. SheÅ‚s the one who tried to decapitate me."

He jerked my arm harder, turning me around in the
process. Then his hand shot out. The back of his hand slammed into my cheek,
made my vision turn red.

“That was for the disrespect," he said. Then he pushed
me away, turning back to the other two enforcers with him.

Pain pulsed upward to my eye, but I didnłt touch my
face.

I wasnłt going to give him that satisfaction.

“What should we do, sir?" a vampire IÅ‚d never seen before
asked, as he attempted to help Akane stand.

Jomar looked from where Akane hobbled in the vampirełs
arms to the blood trickling down the front of my dress.

“Ronco, escort her," he pointed at me, “back to her
room and make sure she stays there. Sean, wełll carry Akane back to her room."

Ronco took me by the arm, and his eyes went from my
throat, to my misshapen hands, and then back again. “SheÅ‚s losing a lot of
blood. Shouldnłt we seal the wound or send for her master?"

“IÅ‚m not touching that unnatural thing," Jomar
said, sneering. “Knock yourself out if you want to, but the mistress should be
done with her master soon."

Ronco reached his thick fingers toward my throat and I
took a step back. Oh no, he wasnłt putting his mouth on me.

“ItÅ‚s fine," I growled.

He shrugged and encircled my wrist with one giant hand
before leading me down the hall to the room Nathanial and I shared. After
depositing me inside, he leaned against the French doors, effectively blocking
the only exit. Jerk.

I headed directly to the bathroom.

I studied my neck in the mirror. The cut looked
superficial, and the trickle of blood was slowing. I searched the bathroom
cabinets, but there were no medical supplies. I did find a washcloth, and used
it to rinse away as much of the blood from my skin as I could. I blotted at the
tacky blood clinging to the bodice of my dress, but it was a lost causethe
gown was beyond ruined.

I turned the faucets on full blast and peeked out the
bathroom door. Ronco still had his back to the room, not paying attention. Good.
After shutting and locking the door, I backed to the corner of the bathroom and
whispered Gilłs true name. On the third repetition, magic tinted the air and
she popped into the tub. Her eyes scanned first me and then the small room
before she spoke.

“Took you long enough," she whispered. “Bobby gave up
waiting hours ago. Hełs been combing the city looking for you."

“Well itÅ‚s a good thing he didnÅ‚t find me. I never
thought IÅ‚d ask this, but throw me in the void and get me the hell out of here."

She blinked at me in surprise. “You realize how close
it is to dawn?" she asked. At my nod, she frowned. “WhereÅ‚s Nathanial?"

“Busy. LetÅ‚s go."

She didnłt hesitate again, but laid a hand on my
shoulder.

Then the world dropped away.

* * * *

My eyes hadnłt adjusted to the light in the alley
before Bobby captured me in a tight embrace. I pushed away from him, not only
because he had a mate who wasnłt me, but because he smelled awfully good. Not
sexy man good, but juicy steak good. I must have lost more blood than I
thought.

“What happened? Where have you been? Are you okay?"

Bobby demanded, not releasing me. His gaze landed on
my hands and the other questions died on his tongue. “You have paws?"

I frowned. “IÅ‚m too weak to change them right now."

Gil stepped closer, staring. “You can change them at
will now? When did this happen?" She pulled her scroll out of the air.

“ItÅ‚s new, completely irrelevant, and not necessarily
at will." I hid my paw-like hands in the folds of my gown. “We need to make a plan
on how to search out the other men I might have tagged. IÅ‚m not sure when IÅ‚ll
be able to get away again and"

“I found one already."

I stopped, my mouth still stuck in the shape of the
next word as I turned and stared at Bobby. “What?"

“I found one of the shifters. He isnÅ‚t a hunter. The
scent isnłt from Firth. Itłs like the rouges we chased before. A cityshifter."

I blinked at him. So there were more. And hełd
found one.

Which was great. I think. “Did you?"

“Kill him?" Bobby shook his head. “We donÅ‚t know if he
turned rogue or not. I scouted the area and waited to see if he would move from
his hidey-hole, but he hadnłt emerged by the time I left to meet Gil."

He beamed at me, bright eyes sparkling in the dim street
light. He was clearly thrilled to be the source of good news.

And this was good news. Right? I mean, we didnłt have
to go out and hunt the shifter, we already knew where he was.

Too easy.
Nothing ever came easy without a catch.

I tried to share Bobbyłs optimism, but I just didnłt
have it in me. I flashed him a weak smile and stared at the night sky.

It was still dark, without a hint of predawn light,
but I could feel the dawn coming like a gradually increasing weight around my
neck. It had been a long night already, and Avin still expected me to turn a
body over to him by dawn. Oh, and the vamps were at the mansion discussing
whether I would be a side-show attraction. It was definitely a night IÅ‚d like
to have a ędo-overł button for. But if we find the cityshifter

At least the night wouldnłt be a total loss.

“How far?" I asked.

BobbyÅ‚s gaze followed mine. “We will have to hurry."

Chapter Twenty-Two

I stared at the twisted razor wire ringing the fence
around the junkyard.

“YouÅ‚re sure?" I asked, glancing back at Bobby. He
didnłt answer. He didnłt have to. I had caught a hint of city-shifter.

He was right.

Bobby hauled the edges of the chain link up, making a
gap for me to slip under. The dress caught as I crawled under the gate and tore
as I jerked it free. Well, it was already ruined anyway. Standing, I grabbed
the bottom links of the gate, holding it for Bobby.

Gil watched. Then she vanished, reappearing a moment
later at my side. She smiled, and a small ball of purple magelight appeared
over her shoulder.

Show off.

“So where in here is he?" Gil asked, her bubble of
light reflecting off mountains of twisted and rusted metal.

Vehicles smashed beyond recognition, cars missing
their doors and interior, and scraps of parts were thrown into towering piles.
The carnage gave me a whole new reason not to trust cars. But it didnłt tell us
where our shifter was.

I tilted my head, scenting the air. I could catch
hints of the city-shifter on the wind, but my nose told me only that he was
somewhere further ahead. I glanced at Bobby, and he nodded. Okay, time to
search.

At one point, there had been a trail around the gutted
cars, but busted glass and rusty parts now littered the path.

And I was in heels.

I picked my way along the jagged path carefully. Not
quite careful enough. My skirt snagged on the rusted end of a muffler half
buried in the snow. I jerked it free and the material gave way with an awful
sound. I glanced at the large ęVł shaped rip. Letłs see just how many holes
I can get in this damn thing. I hauled the skirt up to my knees. It
didnłt help.

I tripped over a snow-covered fender.

I growled in frustration, and a growl answered.

I froze. Gilłs mage light flickered out, leaving me
blind in the sudden darkness. The city-shifter? If it was, he didnłt
sound happy.

Another growl sounded. I swung around, peering through
the dark at the skeletal body of a Jeep. Nothing moved. My heart thudded in my
chest. Bobby crept closer. The growl sounded again. Still nothing moved.

Until something did.

A huge body lumbered out of the Jeep. Not a shifter. A
Rottweiler.

Moonlight twinkled off the spikes in its leather
collar. I stumbled back. My shoe ground into shattered glass hidden in the
snow. Another growl rumbled behind me. Closer. I twisted. Another massive
canine emerged around a crushed truck.

Crap.

A small voice in the back of my head reminded me to
stay very still.

The rest of me didnłt listen.

I was two sprints into a run when a pair of strong
hands jerked me to a stop. Bobby dragged me back. Held me still.

Gil was nowhere in sight, but the dogs were almost on
us.

Closing fast.

My mouth went dry. My tongue plastered itself to the
roof of my mouth. I couldnłt yell.

“TheyÅ‚re just guard dogs," Bobby whispered, releasing
my arms. He stepped beside me and lifted his fists.

There was no time left to run. The dogs were on us.

I kicked wildly. Missed. The dogłs teeth snapped shut
on my skirt. He shredded the hem. My next kick caught him in the jaw. Dogs.
Why does it always have to be dogs?

Bobby knocked the dog sideways. It yelped, but
immediately climbed to its feet again, lip curled. Both dogs growled, and Bobby
answered. His beast was near the surface, energy pouring off his skin and
prickling along mine.

The dogs paused, just out of reach of my swinging
foot. They circled. Flanked us. In unison they crouched, prepared to lunge.

Bobbyłs energy rolled over my body. Like a rising
scream, a hot, animal energy answered under my skin. It burst from my core,
spread outward.

The Rottweilers fell flat, their nubby tails tucked as
they whined. The sharp scent of submissive urination touched the air. Bobby
growled again. The two dogs turned and ran, both their heads and butts dragging
the ground.

I stared after them. “Crap, Bobby. That was an alpha
pulse. How the hell did you do that?"

Bobby turned toward me, not saying anything. I looked
at him and found him studying me, a look of awe on his face. He shook his head.
“Not me. We did it. YouÅ‚re my Dyre."

I frowned at him as the tingly feel of magic laced
over my skin. Gil appeared in the empty space beside me, her scroll already in
hand.

“Interesting," she said, scribbling down a note, “can
you explain exactly what you did?"

I scowled at her. “You couldÅ‚ve helped."

“IÅ‚ve read several books about the strength of
vampires. You surely didnłt need my help with a pair of dogs. Now answer this"

I ignored Gilłs incessant questions about how wełd
intimidated the dogs and returned to navigating the path of dead cars. I also
made a point not to acknowledge the hopeful grin that lit Bobbyłs eyes every
time he looked at me.

I couldnłt acknowledge it. I was too busy trying to
ignore my own spark of hope.

I stumbled over my leaden feet and pretended IÅ‚d
tripped over a rearview mirror sticking out of the snow. I was weaker than
before. More so than could be explained by the approaching dawn. But my cat
I pushed my attention deep inside and touched the frozen core where my cat had
once resided. Did it feel slightly warmer now, slightly less knotted?

The coil was quiet. Cold. Dead.

But?

I stared at my half shifted hands. Did we really
create that dominant energy surge? In Firth, Torins and Dyres
could borrow energy from their clan members. My father wouldnłt have needed to
siphon energy from another shifter to create one small alpha pulsehe could
dominate shifter or beast by his will alone. But his catłs not a dead coil
like mine.

“We did it. YouÅ‚re my Dyre." Damn Bobby. Why
did he have to say that? It gave me hope, but that hope was deceptive.

Snow crunched ahead of me. I stopped mid-step. The
cityshifterłs scent was stronger now. It saturated the air around us. Hełs
close.

Bobby stilled behind me, obviously equally aware of
the newcomer. But Gil was oblivious. I pressed a finger over my lips, trying to
quiet her. She didnłt notice. She hadnłt summoned her light and she was
concentrating hard on her footing instead of me. She tripped over something in
the shadows and squealed as she fell, her butt landing in the snow with a
thump.

Well, there goes any element of surprisewhich wełd probably already lost, but still.

Bobby turned to help Gil, and I crept into the shadow
of the nearby junk-pile. The mountain of metal beside me released a slight
creaking sound. A soft curse drifted to me from the other side. Then snow
crunched under heavy boots.

I pressed deeper in the shadows as the shifter rounded
the corner. He marched past my hiding spot, a metal pipe clutched behind his
back. Gil barely had her feet under her, and Bobby moved to barricade her body
with his as the cityshifter stopped a few yards in front of them.

“Get outta here," the city-shifter yelled, the pipe
still hidden behind his back.

Bobby frowned. His gaze drifted past the city-shifter
to the spot IÅ‚d been standing earlier, and then across the shadows.

The astringent scent of fear reached me. Not from my
companions. From the city-shifter. He followed Bobbyłs gaze, stepping sideways
so he could keep Bobby in his peripheral vision as his eyes darted nervously in
my direction.

I held my breath, going statue still the way only a
vampire could be still. Come on, Bobby, donłt give away my position.

As if he heard the thoughtwhich I knew he couldnłt
haveBobbyłs gaze snapped back to the city-shifter, but the damage was done.
The city-shifter had the idea someone else might be in the wreck-yard. Shifters
have superb night vision, but unlike vampires, they canłt see into dark shadows
like the one where I was crouched. As he searched the darkness, I caught my
first clear view of the city-shifterłs face.

Recognition slammed into me.

I saw him from Tylerłs memory. The city-shifter was
smiling. Younger. Cleaner. He passed a cigarette, joking about something. I
squeezed my eyes shut and tried to shove Tyler back into the depths of my mind
as ghost images pressed the sides of my vision.

“Get lost tag-along. This isnÅ‚t the place for little
boys."

“Shove it, Tyler. DannyÅ‚s no older than me."

“Yeah, but you donÅ‚t have the stomach for it." He didnÅ‚t.
I knew he didnłt. He never would.
And IÅ‚d prove it to him, too.

“Fine. Come along. WeÅ‚ll have some fun. See the chick
over there. The one with the
stupid streaks"

The image of myself in the memory snapped me back to
the present. IÅ‚d lived parts of that memory before, but IÅ‚d never noticed the
seconds before Tyler pointed to me. Before he made me a target.

IÅ‚d been distracted for several crucial seconds while
lost in Tylerłs memories. The city-shifter had pulled his pipe. He growled,
slapping it against his palm. The pipe splintered in a shower of red rust
flakes, and I crept soundlessly from my hiding spot.

“We, uh" Bobby stammered, but the shifter brandished
the broken pipe, cutting him off.

“I donÅ‚t care what you were doing. Get out. Get out
now!"

He lunged forward, and Bobby jumped to the side,
dragging Gil with him. A crazed laugh trickled from the city-shifterłs throat.
“Too late. Too late."

He ran at them, swinging the pipe in a wide arc. Gilłs
hands flew into motion, and a purple haze filled the air in front of her and
Bobby. Her barrier. The semi-translucent wall solidified, separating
them from the city-shifter. He slammed into it, bounced back, and a smile
spread across Gilłs face.

A premature smile. I could feel the tingle of magic in
the air growing, building.

Then the barrier exploded.

Three bodies flew in opposite directions, joined by a
shower of displaced snow and spare car parts. I pushed out of my shadow,
ignoring the clumps of snow and bits of rusted metal raining down around me.
Bobby and the city-shifter climbed to their feet, staring at each other. Gil
moved slower.

My skirt rustled as I stepped forward, and Bobbyłs
gaze snapped to me. I shook my head, willing him to look away.

Too late.

The city-shifter glanced over his shoulder. Not like
he meant to, but like a reflex. His gaze landed on me. The reek of fear poured
off him. He whirled around. Hełd managed to hold onto the pipe, and he swung at
me.

Great.

I hid my deformed hands in my skirt.

“Drop the pipe," I said in as even a voice as I could.
He didnłt. A name floated up from the pit I kept Tylerłs memories in, so I used
it. “Steven, drop the pipe."

The shifter jumped at his name, and the arc of his
swinging pipe slowed, but he still clutched the weapon. He chewed at his bottom
lip, a lip chapped and scabbed like chewing at it was a habit. His eyes grew
wide as he stared at me, the whites overpowering the expanded pupils.

“Oh god, youÅ‚re her," he said, backing up until his
back pressed against the side of a junked SUV.

The pipe slid from his fingers. He fell down after it,
his hands groping blindly, his gaze stuck on me. “YouÅ‚re her."

Bobby kicked the pipe further from him, but Steven
didnłt notice. He just kept staring at me. I stepped closer and his mouth
dropped, his tongue darting out to wet his cracked lips. Something
elsesomething too desperate to be hopemixed with the fear in his gaze.

“Please, take it back." His words were barely audible
as he fell forward onto the ground. He groveled at my feet in the churned snow.
“I swear, IÅ‚ll never do it again. Please take the curse back."

Bobby glanced from the prone shifter to me. IÅ‚d asked
Nathanial the same thing onceto take back the curse. IÅ‚d been talking about
vampirism, but it was the same request.

Make me what I was.

But I couldnłt. Just like Nathanial couldnłt. Steven
was a shifter now. But is he a sane one?

I stared at the cowering man. Hair that would have
been light brown if it were clean hung in heavy, tangled clumps halfway to his
shoulders. A light covering of coarse whiskers covered his chinnot thick
enough to be called a beard. He hadnłt had either in Tylerłs memory. I frowned.
He wouldnłt be filthy if hełd been shifting.

I tilted my head back, sniffed the air. There was no
doubt.

Hełd been tagged. But hełs not shifting? How
many days would a shifter have to go between changes to get so dirty?

“Stand up, Tag-along," I said. Then I winced,
realizing Iłd used Tylerłs sarcastic name for him without meaning to.

He also flinched at the name, his shoulders nearly
touching his ears. A fine tremble shook his body, but he pushed off the ground.
Stood. This time he kept his gaze down.

I searched his face, searched for signs of insanity. And
exactly what does that look like? Steven just looked scared.

Tired. And young. Way too young.

“ItÅ‚s not a curse," I finally said. “YouÅ‚ll be a
shifter until you die."

Which wouldnłt be by my hand, if I had anything to say
about it. IÅ‚d send him back to Firth with Bobby. Hopefully one of the clans
would take him in. Teach him how to be a shifter.

How to accept the new animal soul sharing his body.

He looked up then. His green eyes wide. “No," he
whispered. “No. You have to take it back. You have to. You donÅ‚t know what itÅ‚s
made me do!"

Bobby growled and spat in the snow. “Your beast
doesnłt make you do anything."

Steven cringed again, and I frowned at Bobby. A month
ago, I would have whole-heartedly agreed with him, but now I had the memories
of a pair of tagged shifters. I knew from those memories that the human mind
was too confused to curb the beastłs instincts during their first shift. Humans
who were intentionally tagged were guided through their first shifts to help
them adjust, but even then the insanity rates were high. I had no doubt Steven
believed his beast controlled him.

Bryant had, too.

But Bryant had shown no remorse for his actions. Hełd
given into his every impulse and then compartmentalized the guilt by believing
he had no control over his beast. That was why Bryant was dead.

“What did it make you do?" I asked, ignoring the
shocked look Bobby gave me.

Steven didnłt answer. He stared at the ground. Gil
moved closer to me, her shoulder brushing mine. The touch sent a thrill of body
heat through me. I swallowed. I had way too little blood in me to be rubbing
elbows with anyone. Oh yeah, I understand impulses.

Scuttling away from Gil put me closer to Steven. Even
stronger than the scent of unwashed body was the reek of fear still pouring off
him. Around the edges of my vision, I thought I saw faint yellow outlines
twisting around him.

Ghostly yellow lines that looked a hell of a lot like
what I saw when my mezmer ability decided to help me hunt. I ignored it. I did not
need my vamp powers rising to the surface right now.

“What are you waiting for?" Gil asked, her eyes
widening and brows lifting to emphasis her words.

I was too busy calming my hunger to follow her
meaning, and Gil jerked her chin indiscreetly at Steven. Oh.

“I donÅ‚t think heÅ‚s rogue," I whispered, though at
this distance, Steven probably heard me better than Gil. I turned back toward
him. “What did your beast make you do?"

Steven glanced between Gil and me. “YouÅ‚re here to
kill me?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came out.
If he were rogue or on the verge of turning rogue, it was true. I had to
destroy him. IÅ‚d tagged him. He was my responsibility.

“I tried to do it myself," he whispered. “Twice. But
both times I woke up as that that thing instead."

I shared a glance with Bobby. A suicidal shifter?

Antidepressants donłt work on shiftersour
metabolismłs too fast. If he were unstable enough to attempt suicide?

“IÅ‚m your second. Do you want me to take care of him,
Kita?" Bobby asked.

I shook my head. IÅ‚d never actually accepted Bobby as
my second. Not that hełd care. Hełd probably walk right up to the elders and
tell them he was ready to accept his share of my punishment when he returned to
Firth. Stubborn bobcat.

According to our laws, a second could execute a tagged
shifter in danger of turning rogue. But I didnłt want Steven executed. He
wasnłt roguenot yet, at least. He was confused. Scared. But why wouldnłt he
be? He was alone. He just needed a chance. He was so young. And so familiar?

“Bobby, I want you to take him to a safe-house until
the gate opens."

Bobby stared at me. He opened his mouth. Closed it.

Opened it again. “Kita, it would be a mercy kill. You
heard him."

“Yeah, and I tried to sunbathe a couple days after
becoming a vampire. Do you think someone should have mercy on me, too?"

His jaw dropped. “Kitten, you wouldnÅ‚t"

“Can you arrange for the safe-house or not?"

He nodded.

“Then itÅ‚s settled. Now, Steven, the other men with
you the night you attacked me, did any of the others change?"

His sour scent of fear turned sharper at my
wordswhich was not the response I expected. I frowned, and the world went
black for a second as my eyelids closed. Crap. I pried them back open.

“I think I need to get back," I said.

Then my eyelids fell again and I slipped into darkness
as dawn approached.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Consciousness hit with a jolt. My eyes flew open, pain
blossoming in my chest as my lungs expanded with my first breath of the night.

The pillow under my cheek smelled like Nathanial. I
snuggled against it, breathing in more of the scent before my brain caught up
with my actions. Realizing what I was doing, I pushed away from the pillow, and
the gold-and-creamcolored sheets slid off me.

Apparently Gil had magicked me back to the mansion
before full dawn. I frowned at the pillow and then looked around. The blankets
hugged the corners of Nathanialłs side of the bed, the comforter not turned
down until a couple inches from where it pooled around me. At home, Nathanial
always made the bed. But never before I got out of it. Either he didnłt
sleep at all during the day, or?

“We have been summoned."

I jumped, my head swinging toward the sound of
Nathanialłs voice. Hełd been so still, I hadnłt even noticed him leaning
against the wall. Good survival instincts Kita, donłt notice the
predator in the room. I pulled aside the gauzy curtains and met his eyes.
His cold glare spoke volumes.

None of those volumes happy.

“Sorry about" I waved my hand through the air because
I couldnłt apologize for leaving out loud. Besides, I wasnłt that sorry.
“We found something."

Nathanial continued to stare, not moving, his arms
crossed over his chest. Hełd never been mad at me before, not like this, at
least. I dropped my gaze, looking for something else, anything else, to
focus on. My gaze trailed over to the bed. It was my pillow that smelled of
him. Only my pillow.

“Did you?"

Nathanial cut me off. “Anaya and Clive arrived with an
ambassador from Haven late last night."

“Oh." Then weÅ‚re out of time. “How did your
negotiations go?"

Nathanial pushed off the wall. His movements were
stiff, lacking their usual casual grace. He grabbed a pair of garment bags from
a hook in the bureau and tossed them over the edge of the bed.

“The Collector has requested our presence in the grand
parlor. Get dressed."

I raised an eyebrow and frowned at the bag. Nathanial
turned his back. Illusion of privacy, or display of frustration?

“So now what?" I asked as I unzipped the first garment
bag. Nathanial didnłt answer as I pulled out an awful, creamcolored skirt
covering layer upon layer of tulle. The stiff material practically stood on up
on its own. “Uh"

Nathanial glanced over his shoulder as I stared
dumbfounded at the skirt-thing. “You wear it under an outer garment," he said.

When I didnłt move, he stepped around me and unzipped
the second bag. It held a satin emerald gown with enough material on the bottom
to use as a tent, but only a small, corset bodice that would leave my chest
mostly bare.

“Please get dressed."

“Not like I have much choice," I muttered, gathering
the clothes. Appearing before the Collector in only the slip wasnłt an option.
Speaking of the slip where had the gown IÅ‚d worn last night gone? I frowned,
but one glance at the stiff set to Nathanialłs shoulders told me now was not
the time to pick a fight. When this is all over, wełre having a talk on personal
boundaries. With my arms filled with garment bags, I headed for the
bathroom. Nathanial caught the door before it shut.

I rounded on him. “IÅ‚m not going anywhere," I
whispered, the words louder than I meant because of the annoyance bleeding into
them. “IÅ‚m just dressing."

He didnłt say anything. He just looked at me with his
carefully empty expression and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Oh
hell.

I opened my mouth to protest, and he laid a finger
over my lips, silencing me. “I felt you succumb to dawn," he whispered, moving
close enough that his body heat filled the space between us, but only his one,
silencing finger touched me. “I felt the distance. I had no idea if you were
safe. And I could do nothing." His hand dropped. “Nothing."

His expression wasnłt empty now. The fear, the worry,
the aggravation at feeling helplessit was all there on the surface, exposed
and vulnerable.

“IÅ‚m here. IÅ‚m safe," I whispered because I couldnÅ‚t
look at him and not say anything. I almost reached for him, almost closed the
space between us. But I didnłt, and the moment stretched, turned awkward. I
looked away. “The CollectorÅ‚s waiting. I should dress."

I struggled into the petticoat, all but swimming
through the scratchy layers of tulle. The gown presented the next difficulty.
By the time I put on the corset, I was ready to search for fire and burn the
damn dress. I fought with the lacing, and warm hands slipped over mine, taking
the cords and undoing the mess Iłd made. Nathanialłs long fingers worked
methodically, gently tightening the corset as he moved toward the center of my
back.

Once he tied it, his hands slipped over my
shoulder-blades and moved into my hair. He plaited my hair with practiced
movements, and I watched as he piled the tri-colored braid atop my head. He
didnłt say anything.

“Did you reach a compromise with the Collector?" I
asked as the silence stretched sharp enough to abrade my skin.

Nathanial met my gaze through the mirror as he grabbed
bobby-pins from the sink. “Not an acceptable one."

Okay, that was probably bad. But Tatius had sent an
ambassador, not just demanded we return. “The ambassadorÅ‚s presence means
Tatius understands we might not have had a choice, right? Returning to Haven
might be an option?"

His gaze dropped. “I do not know."

“You want to stay."

“I do not want you unhappy."

That could have meant anything. I frowned at his
reflection, but he didnłt look up and he didnłt elaborate. Once my hair was
sprayed and pinned to the point I would probably have to shear it if I ever
wanted to wear any other hairstyle, Nathanial took a step back to look over his
work. I tried to turn, but he caught my shoulders. We stared at each other through
the mirror.

The damned awkward silence was back, and I shuffled my
feet, but I didnÅ‚t look away. “Legend says vampires cast no reflection," I
said, because I had to say something.

NathanialÅ‚s reflection smiled at me. “Legend says
mirrors reflect a personłs soul. Our souls are not missing. You said you found
something?"

“More like someone," I whispered, casting a
leery glance at the walls around us. How could we be sure no one was listening?

Nathanialłs right hand trailed from my shoulder to
trace the curve of my neck. His fingers left a trail of blessed warmth in their
wake, and I forgot all about the possibility of being overheard. He leaned in,
his lips touching the flesh where his fingers had been. A shiver ran across my
skin.

“Show me." His lips brushed the words over my pulse.

IÅ‚d forgotten to breathe sometime between his fingers
and his lips reaching my throat, so when I opened my mouth, the only sound that
came out was a gasp. My reflection looked surprised at the sound, and
Nathanialłs eyes pooled with heat.

The glint of his fangs flashed pale against my skin.
Broke the flesh. The pinch of pain immediately burned away as his mouth turned
blistering hot and my eyelids fluttered. His gaze still held me in the mirror.

I knew I was supposed to remember something. There
were things he needed to know. The thoughts escaped me.

There was only his mouth. His hands sliding over my
body.

Those warm gray eyes.

Then I lost all that. Lost all sense. I was just
feeling. Just pleasure. Ripped apart. Remade. Spinning. Dying. Burning.

Living.

The sensations could have lasted a moment or a million
years. I couldnłt tell. Couldnłt care. But, as the waves of pleasure faded, I
was left with twitching nerves and the utter feeling of darkness inside, as if
IÅ‚d held the sun but it had been taken away.

I blinked. Someone was breathing hard. Making soft
noises in the dark.

My vision cleared. Nathanialłs eyesno reflection this
timewere inches from mine, his mouth poised only a breath away. I could smell
my blood on his lips.

“I should sit down." The words came out husky.

The edge of Nathanialłs mouth twitched. He was so
close I could only focus on one feature of his face at a time. Too close. Some
part of me refused to pull away. Or maybe that was due to the fact the floor tiles
were under my head.

Apparently a little too late to try sitting.

Nathanial was leaning over me. Close. So close. But
not touching.

I wanted to be touching.

His eyes studied mine like he thought they would
reveal an answer he desperately wanted. He exhaled, his breath washing his
scent over me. His mouth followed the breath until his lips pressed against
mine.

His palms, pressed against the tile on either side of
my head, held his weight. Our lips were the only place our bodies touched. The
world narrowed as I surrendered my mouth to his.

Firm but soft, his tongue parted my lips and filled me
with the taste of familiar spices. I closed my eyes, yielding to my other
senses as Nathanialłs tongue slowly traced the teeth between my fangs. He
shifted his weight, breaking contact as he slipped a hand behind my head. My
own hands, suddenly restless, moved to his arms, traced his biceps through his
dinner jacket.

I thought he would kiss me again. I wanted him to.

Needed him
to. But his brows creased as he studied my face.

“Are you really you?" he asked.

I lifted to meet his mouth.

Surprise flashed through his eyes. Then his fingers
tightened behind my head. His lips pressed firmer against mine, his tongue
demanding. I froze.

I donłt know how to kiss.

Nathanial must have felt my hesitance. He eased back,
not pulling away, but no longer demanding. He nipped at my lower lip.

A startled sound escaped my throat. Nathanialłs lips
pressed a smile against mine, and he nipped again, harder this time. Then he
drank down my gasp. The kiss turned gentler, less desperate. His tongue flicked
to touch mine before withdrawing. Teasing. Taunting.

Tentatively, I ran the tip of my tongue along his
front teeth and discovered the impossibly smooth skin on the inside of his
lips. Nathanial moaned into my mouth and my heart skipped a beat.

The next heartbeat crashed loud in my ears. Nathanial
jerked back, leaving me cold and floundering until I realized the sound hadnłt
been my heart but the door banging open.

The newcomer stood inside the doorway, but my eyes
refused to focus on him. He was a shadow against darker shadows. Nathanial had
moved away, but even in the dark, I knew where he was. Not by his smell or any
other sense I could pin-point. I just knew.

The newcomer huffed under his breath. “The Mistress
summons you, and you decide to make out on the bathroom floor?"

I knew that smarmy voiceJomar. I growled, annoyed by
his presence. No, not just annoyed. Angry. An anger so complete, it filled me.
Filled every sense. There was no one source for the anger. It was like it
filtered into me from outside. Baring my fangs, I hissed at him.

“Hermit, you drained your own companion?"

Nathanial stepped in front of me. “Get out," he said,
his voice deep, dark.

I reached for him as he moved, smiling as he glanced
at me. I couldnłt see his features, but I could tell he wasnłt happy. No. No,
that wasnłt good. I didnłt want him unhappy.

I pushed to my feet. My legs were shaky, and I swayed
as I rose, but I kept my feet. I thought that should have made Nathanial
happyit sure as hell felt like a big accomplishment to mebut as I wrapped my
arms around his waist, he stiffened.

“You enthralled her?" the Jomar shadow asked.

Nathanial jumped at the sound of Jomarłs voice, his
body sliding out of my embrace.

I turned toward the Jomar shadow. Damn him.
Everything had gone wrong since he showed up.

Without Nathanialłs body near mine, without his heat,
his presence, cold saturated my skin. I shook.

So cold.

So empty.

So hungry.

Color bled into my vision. Instead of a shadow, Jomar
was a red shape, pulsing with warmth.

Warmth I wanted.

I lunged, my fangs extended. I didnłt land. Didnłt get
a chance. Arms wrapped around me. Jerked me back. The door slammed.

“Drink," Nathanial instructed, leaning over me,
extending his wrist.

I didnłt hesitate. My fangs sank into his flesh. The
first mouthful of blessed heat filled me.

Then I fell into his mind. I blinked, confused, as I
stared down at the top of my head where I bent over Nathanialłs wrist.

Too deep, a
voice whispered, drawing me away from the confusion.

Emotions tugged at me even as pleasure ripped through
me from the fangs in my wristnot my wrist? Guilt twisted through my
body. Fear.

Would she understand I had not meant to do it? Would
she resent me more?

She who? She me?

My throat convulsed, my fangs retracting. The
connection to Nathanialłs mind snapped. I was warm. Sated.

And everything was wrong.

What was I thinking? What did I do? Why did I? I backpedaled, scooting away from Nathanialłs
crouched body.

My back hit the wall. I pressed myself against it. I
hadnłt been thinking. I hadnłt been me.

I looked at Nathanial. Colors swirled around his head.

Strings of emotions coalesced around him. Emotions
turned visual by my mezmer ability. So many colors, so many threads, but
Nathanialłs face was blank, his hands loose by his side.

“Kita?" he whispered, but he made no move toward me.

The colors around him dampened, not fading, but
becoming too discouraged to shine in bright hues. Only a single, sickly yellow
strand kept its color.

I swallowed. The memory of his thoughts tugged at me.

But the memory of his flesh, of his breath against my
skin, of his lips, tugged harder. Heat rose to my cheeks. I attempted to hug my
legs against my chest. The thick tulle got in the way. I beat at it, taking my
confusion out on the layers of material.

“Do you remember?" Nathanial asked.

Did I remember what? Him kissing me? Or me kissing him
back? Me reaching for him? Needing him? Did I remember that for a few minutes
my world revolved around whether he wanted me? Whether he was happy with me? My
teeth ground together. What had Jomar called it? Enthralling?

“What did you do?" My voice cracked, the words ragged.

Vamp tricks. He used vamp tricks on me. But even as the thought sliced through my mind, I
knew, I knew with my gut, with my whole body, that he hadnłt intended to. The
question was, did that matter? And can I trust my gut? “That wasnÅ‚t me.
You had to know, that wasnłt me."

The muted colors around Nathanialłs head blanched.
Then they filled with darkness. He shoved away from the floor, not looking at
me. “Of course. It could not have been you. How dare I believe you would feel
anything, particularly for me."

He turned and the door slammed as he left. My stomach
twisted. I wanted to follow.

I suppressed the urge.

Is it even my urge? My want?

Burrowing my head in the mounds of green satin
covering my knees, I trembled. The memory of the echoed thought in Nathanialłs
mind came back to me. “Would she understand I had not meant to do
it?"

I understood. And I believed him. I might be a
mooncursed idiot, but I believed him. What I couldnłt believe was me.

A knock sounded on the door. I didnłt move.

“We are late." NathanialÅ‚s voice held no inflection.
No emotion.

I leaned my head against the hard tiled wall. I
canłt do this.

“IÅ‚m not going," I whispered, knowing he would hear.

No response came from the other side of the door.

I sighed. “Go without me. They donÅ‚t need me."

A soft bump sounded, as if Nathanial had leaned his
head against the door. “Kita."

Just my name. Nothing else.

I squeezed my eyes closed. I wanted to go to
him. I wanted my name to never sound so lost on his lips. But I couldnłt
trust it. I couldnłt trust myself to be me.

Tatius had used vamp tricks on me. Nothing I felt
around him was real. But with Nathanial, I thought

I was wrong.
Nothing since I became a vampire made sense. My instincts were off, and now my
very emotions were circumspect. A tear hit the tile beside my hand. I stared at
the red drop, feeling another trail down my cheek in the same path.

“IÅ‚ll meet you downstairs." My voice sounded broken,
like it was trying to squeeze out of a too-tight throat. Wiping my cheeks with
the back of my hand, I sat up straighter. I drew in a deep breath. Held it.
“Just give me a couple minutes alone. Please. IÅ‚ll meet you downstairs. I
promise."

Nathanial didnłt answer. I waited, slumping against
the wall, hugging my knees.

Several heartbeats passed. Then the French doors
closed, and I released the breath IÅ‚d been holding. It sagged out, shaky, and I
did it again. And again.

Once my breathing steadied, I pushed off the floor and
examined myself in the mirror. My hair had survived crawling around on the
floor, only a couple strands escaping the trap of pins. The dressed had not
done as well. Creases and wrinkles marred the skirt, and the bodice was
twisted, uncomfortable. I shook the skirt, trying to dislodge the wrinkles as
well as I could, but there wasnłt much to be done.

Sighing in defeat, I swept out of the bathroom. The
bedroom was, thankfully, empty. I considered crawling back into bed. Starting
the night over.

I couldnłt.

I was expected downstairs. I had to face the
Collector, and Tatiusłs emissaries, and I had to face Nathanial.

Chapter Twenty-Four

“Why arenÅ‚t you in the parlor already?" a chime-like
voice demanded as I trudged down the stairs.

I looked up. Elizabeth stood just inside the main
door. Is she waiting on me?

“I, uh" I really didnÅ‚t have a good answer, and I
sure as hell wasnłt going to tell her what had happened upstairs.

Jomar had seen enough that the Collector probably
already knew more than I was comfortable with.

Elizabeth tapped one dainty foot on the marble floor.

“Well, hurry up. YouÅ‚ve been missed."

I doubt that.
But I did take the stairs a little faster. She led me to the double doors of
the parlor and pushed a small button. Ronco opened the door a crack.

“I found her dawdling in the stairwell," she said in a
whisper loud enough every vampire in the room could hear.

Great. I
glared at her back as Ronco admitted us. Elizabeth sauntered to the Travelerłs
side, but I loitered in the doorway.

Nathanial sat alone on a couch in the center of the room.
The Collector sat across from him, her back straight, her posture perfect
without looking tense. The Traveler and the twins sat on a couch beside her
chair. The third couch was taken by a small figure with dark dreadlocks, who
had her back to me.

Anaya and Clive stood behind her. Nuri?
Nathanial had said an ambassador arrived, but Nuri appeared to be Tatiusłs
right-hand vampire. Him sending her had to be a good sign of his intentions. Or
a really bad sign.

Nathanial inclined his head toward me, indicating the
spot beside him on the couch.

“Do sit down so we can continue," the Collector said,
sparing me a moment of her cold glare, though she didnłt wait for me to comply
before resuming the conversation about political obligations she must have been
having before I entered.

I sat on the furthest cushion I could and still be on
the same couch as Nathanial. Then I squirmed. The skin along my back was tight,
uncomfortable. I ignored it. Avin was calling me. I was sure of it. Not that
the illogical need to move was easy to ignore. I forced myself to focus on
Nuri.

She sprawled on the couch, looking as laid back and
unconcerned as Tatius himself might have if he were in the room. I frowned. IÅ‚d
met Nuri only a few times, but she never sprawled. I studied her as casually
as I could. A small red, hand-shaped birthmark decorated her golden cheek.

Samantha?

I looked down, afraid my expression would betray me.

What the hell is going on? I chanced a glance at Nathanial.

Surely hełs noticed?

“The Puppet Master appreciates the hospitality youÅ‚ve
shown his council member, Collector, but it is time for"

Samantha-in-Nuriłs-face made it no further as the
parlor doors burst open.

Aphrodite, her blond hair foaming around her like a
mantle, stormed into the center of the room. Three of her council members and
half dozen of her enforcers followed.

The enforcers fanned out around the room. Three moved
behind my couch, and I cringed, twisting to keep them in view.

“Where is the rest of him?" Aphrodite demanded, her
song-like voice shrill as she looked first at the Collector and then Nathanial.

I jumped to my feet, responding to the waves of
tension filling the air. I wasnłt the only one. In fact, only the Collector
kept her chair. She looked at the fuming city master, her face cold, impassive.

“Calm yourself," she commanded, her voice blanketing
the rising tempers in the room. “Now, where is the rest of whom?"

AphroditeÅ‚s blue eyes flared. “DonÅ‚t think me a fool,
Collector. My memory is not so short. It was only a century ago you brought me
here and supported my conquest of this city, and merely a decade ago you
supported the ousting of the old master of New Brennan. You may have found a
new pet in the Hermit, but I will not be cowed. I have the power to back up my
claim to this city."

She thought the Collector was setting Nathanial up to
be Master of Demur? I glanced
at him, raising an eyebrow. He shook his head, his face carefully empty. No. He
didnłt know anything about what was going on.

The Collector rose to her feet. “IÅ‚m sure I have no
idea of what you are speaking. Perhaps we should have this conversation
somewhere more pri"

“No. WeÅ‚re having it here." Aphrodite turned and a
vampire carried a silver platter into the room.

In the center of the platter was the head of the
General.

His blond hair, dark with dried blood, spilled over
the sides of the tray, and as the vampire carried the platter closer, the scent
of old blood reached my nose. Old blood soured with snake venom.

“The servants discovered this," Aphrodite pointed at
the platter, “in the kitchen. I want GordonÅ‚s body. And I want it now."

Her gaze speared the Collector, who stared at the
platter and its grisly contents.

Another
decapitated head. And more venom.

“What game is this?" the Collector whispered so
quietly I wasnłt sure she was aware shełd said it aloud. Then her eyes
narrowed. She turned, her gaze landing on Samantha-Nuri.

“Your arrival was perhaps too convenient. Your
diplomatic immunity just expired." She lifted her hand. “Elizabeth, I think it
is time to truth-seek the Truthseeker."

A cruel smile cut across the china dollłs face as she
stepped forward. Samanthałs eyes flew wide. They sought out Nathanial, her
expression begging help.

He looked away.

“Wait," I said.

The Collector turned, her gaze slamming into me, her
eyes vamp-black. Darkness filled my vision.

“Silence," a voice commanded. I had no choice but
obey.

Then the darkness retreated as the Collectorłs
attention moved back to Samantha.

“Do you have something to hide, Truthseeker?" One of
the twins asked, his arms crossed over his chest, his brother mirroring the
position. “If youÅ‚ve nothing to hide, youÅ‚ve nothing to fear."

Samantha glanced at Anaya and Clive. Anaya smiled, but
it wasnłt a happy look. She grabbed her companionłs hand and they vanished.

“Take the Truthseeker," Aphrodite yelled. Her
enforcers surged forward.

Samantha never stood a chance. Nathanial never moved.

They held Samantha as Elizabeth grabbed her wrist.
Dainty fangs tore into her skin. Samantha ceased struggling.

“SheÅ‚s a pretender," Elizabeth proclaimed, pulling
back. “A chameleon. The Mad Hag masked her psyche and powers."

“The Puppet MasterÅ‚s Chameleon?" the Collector
repeated.

“And the bodies? What does she know of them?"

Elizabeth shook her head. “I see nothing."

A frown stretched across the CollectorÅ‚s face. “Fine.
Lock her away." She turned back to Nathanial. “The Puppet Master sent three
disposable soldiers to retrieve two psychic vampires, one a member of his own
council. Do you think he is a fool, or does he simply not value you, Hermit?"

It was a dig at Nathanial as well as Tatius.

“Think on my words, Hermit. And my offer." She turned
away and lifted a hand toward the Traveler. “Aaric, attend me."

The giant moved to her side and offered his arm. She
shook her head. Her steps were stiff, her back straight, but as she walked
toward the door, there was something slightly off balance to her movements.
Something her commanding words and icy eyes didnłt reveal, but it was there, in
the way she moved.

“We are not done, Collector," Aphrodite said, her
lithe arms crossing her chest.

“We are," the Collector said without looking at her.

The offhanded dismissal made color sprout in
AphroditeÅ‚s pale cheeks. “My secondÅ‚s body is still missing. If the Puppet
Masterłs Chameleon knows nothing of it, it is unlikely he was involved. The
guilt falls to your retinue or your new pet. I demand his body and recompense."

The Collector stopped. “I will not continue to ignore
your temper, child. Do not push me for I am in a most foul mood."

“As am I." AphroditeÅ‚s eyes bled to black. She lifted
her hand as if reaching for something in front of her. “I see your fear. I can
almost taste it." She closed her fist. “Are you afraid of me, Collector? Or of
your schemes unraveling?"

Aphroditełs power surged through the room. It burst
from her like an alpha-pulse, crashing over the vampires present and feeling oh
so familiar. It called to me. Called to my energy. But no, my first impression
was wrong. The power was nothing like an alpha-pulse. The energy filling the
room didnłt resonate of Firth. It was all vampire. Shełs a mezmer.

And so was I.

I felt my pupils expand and knew my eyes turned
vampblack.

I couldnłt help it. Couldnłt stop it. My ability rose
to the surface, answering her surge of energy.

Where a moment before it had looked like Aphrodite
gestured in empty air, I now saw the thin yellow strand of emotion that had
trailed in the Collectorłs wake. Aphrodite tightened her grip on the thread,
and her power filled the room. The sickly yellow line grew thicker, knotted
around the Collectorłs torso.

Fear.

I knew it. I could almost taste the sourness of it.
Aphrodite threw more power into the strand, and the Collector sagged, the fear
constricting like a giant serpent.

“Yield to me," Aphrodite commanded, binding the words,
her will, with the tendril.

“YouÅ‚re a fool." The CollectorÅ‚s voice caught on the
edge of panic, feeding the fear around her, but her eyes went wide, wild. And
vampire black.

A glimmer of yellow circled Aphrodite, her own fear
rising to the surface. But, she didnłt release the Collectorłs strand.

The air turned thick with power. Vampires backed away,
yellow fear dripping like sweat from their bodies. Nathanial tugged my
shoulders, but I couldnłt move. Couldnłt look away. I held my breath. Watching.

Aphrodite screamed. A black tendril of rage reached
for the Collector, fueling Aphroditełs power.

It wasnłt enough.

“To your knees," the Collector commanded, her voice
soft but full of steel.

Aphroditełs struggle splashed in a dozen colors around
her.

Her muscles locked, her teeth gritting as she fought
the command.

She lost.

Her knees collapsed beneath her. Darkness spilled from
her, until I couldnłt see her blond hair beneath it. The tendril of fear
slipped from her fingers and shrank, vanishing.

Aphroditełs hands sank to the floor by her knees. Her
head hung downward, her eyes on the thick carpet.

“Good. Now, stay like that. Edlin, Alion," the
Collector said, turning to the twins. “Compile a list of vampires suitable to
take over as the new Master of Demur." Then, without another word, the
Collector stormed out of the room.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Stunned silence followed in the Collectorłs wake.
Aphrodite remained pressed to the floor, stuck, unable to disobey. A duel
of wills. And shełd lost.

Her remaining council looked around, clearly uncertain
where they fell. The master of their city had just been dethroned. Will they
scatter, or climb over their fallen? None seemed certain as they milled
about. Several excused themselves. The only thing all the vamps appeared to
agree on was that none would help Aphrodite.

Nathanialłs arm slid around my shoulders, tugging me
toward one corner. I hesitated at his touch but let him lead me out of the
center of the room. The need to move, to pace pressed on me. Made my skin itch.

Maybe I can just I froze, realizing I was looking for the easiest way out. I didnłt need
to pace. Damn, Avinłs call.

Wrapping my arms around my chest, I leaned on the wall
next to Nathanial and concentrated on being still. If I could ignore the
burning need to move, maybe hełd call back laterlike next lifetime. Yeah,
and maybe Iłm a Labrador. If I didnłt respond to his urge to move, hełd
send pain. I knew he would. I could already feel small pinches of fire, like a
dozen burning ants crawled over my arms. It was only a matter of time before
his patience waned.

I rocked from my heels to my toes, looking around the
room, searching for a distraction. The Twins sat on the love seat, reading a
newspaper. They were close enoughand my eyesight was good enoughthat I could
read the headlines from where I was standing. Unfortunately, they were sharing
the sports section. Basketball scores couldnłt hold my attention. My gaze moved
on.

The rest of the newspaper sat on the coffee table in
front of the twins. The angle was awkward, but I could just make out the
headline Morgan Heir Found Slain.

Oh no. I
pushed off the wall. I wasnłt sure how many heirs Demur boasted, but Iłd met a
Morgan last night. Snatching the paper off the coffee table, I stared at the
vaguely familiar face smiling from the photograph dominating the front page.

Justin Morgan.

I skimmed the article, dread growing in my stomach
with each word. Morgan was last seen leaving a symphony with a young woman in
her early twenties with tri-colored hair. Crap.

Authorities were searching for any further
information, and a hefty reward was being offered for any tips that led to the
arrest of any persons involved in Morganłs death.

The article continued on another page, and I flipped
to it.

The second page included more information about the
man, his family, and his life. No details on his death. I closed the paper and
folded it. Morganłs face smiled up at me from above the fold.

You were alive when you ran from that alley.

So what happened after that?

I tossed the paper on the table. The desire to move
was nearly a tangible force around me. And not only because of Avinłs summoning
now. I wrapped my arms over my chest and forced my legs still, my feet planted.

I was so intent on keeping myself together, I barely
noticed when a pair of small hands picked up the discarded newspaper.

Elizabeth made a soft sound in her throat. “WasnÅ‚t
this the man you left the gala with?"

Her face was earnest, but her tone betrayed the fact
the question was fake. She knew damn well that IÅ‚d left with Morgan.

The twins, arguably the highest-ranking vampires in
the room now that the Collector and the Traveler were gone, and with Aphrodite
prostrate under a dominance command, took the paper from Elizabeth. They
scanned the article, and then looked up. Four brown eyes evaluated me.

“What do you think?" Edlin or maybe it was AlionI
didnłt know whichasked.

The question wasnłt directed toward me.

His brother shrugged. “Early twenties with tri-colored
hair? I say we confine Kita to her room until the Collector can determine her
guilt."

Crap. And
now I was accused of murder.

* * * *

I paced the narrow area between the bed and the French
doors, my fingers rubbing my bare arms. Avinłs call was growing worse, but I
had plenty else to concentrate on. How did Morgan die?

Would Avin have tracked him after I left? But why
would he? He couldnÅ‚t use the body, and if Justin had been “found slain" there
was definitely a body.

But whatłs the likelihood hełs a random victim and I
just happened to have the bad luck
of being the last person seen with him while he was alive? I had a
black catłs luck, but really, this latest bombshell was too much. And there
are too many bodies.

The Generalłs head showing up on a silver platter
proved that whoever had been killing in Haven had traveled to Demur with us. And
I know someone with plenty of venom and a nice sharp sword. The
question was, could I prove Akane was behind the killings? And does she have
help?

Luna had been drained. That indicated a vampire was
involved. I frowned, picking up my pace. I needed out of this room. A closer
lookand sniffof the Generalłs head would be useful. Maybe Iłd find something
that would prove whołd killed him. Hell, too bad I couldnłt call in Bobby, or
better yet Degan. With his nose, Degan probably could find the Generalłs body.
According to the guards, the Generalłs powers revolved around healing. He was
supposed to be nearly indestructible unless he was dismembered and his parts
scattered. Maybe if we could locate his body and get his head back on, he could
tell us what happened to him. Not a lot we could do while he was just a head.

I stopped.

I did know someone who could make a head talk.
Avin. Of course, I still owed him for the last skull hełd animatedand I had no
intention of paying him. He wasnłt likely to help me out of the goodness of his
dead, non-beating heart.

I paced faster. The Collector was on edge over the
murders. What would she give to find the murderer? Would she grant Nathanial
and me our freedom? Would she give him Demur? Would he even want that?
At least it would solve our Tatius issue. But can he hold a city?

I had no idea.

I glanced at him. While I couldnłt stay still,
Nathanial had gone to near statue mode. He sat in the armchair in the corner,
his nose in a book. He didnłt look up as I studied him.

Actually, he hadnłt looked at me since wełd reached
the room.

I should have been thankful, I suppose. He wasnłt
pushing me. He was giving me space. But I knew, from being in his thoughts, he
was afraid I was going to run.

And I didnłt know what to tell him.

Not at all. I didnłt even know what I felt. And right
now, I was too anxious to figure it out.

A large portion of that anxiety was Avinłs spell, I
knew that, but the knowledge didnłt make it any easier to ignore.

Instead it pissed me off, made me want to bust my way
through the wall, or fight the vamps for my freedom. Not that either was an
acceptable option.

Something crashed in the bathroom, followed by a
familiar yelp. I froze. In what felt like slow motion, I turned toward the door
and my guards. They were staring at me, having obviously heard the commotion. I
hitched my shoulders and flashed them a sheepish smile. They glanced at each
other, and Ronco shook his head before they both turned back around. Thank
the moon.

I didnłt run across the room, not quite, at least. I
forced myself to slow before I reached the bathroom.

Nathanial stood as I reached the door. His eyes
narrowed and the line of his lips all but screamed at me to be cautious.

After a moment, he said, “The house of cards I am
building us is tenuous at best, particularly considering recent events."

Right, negotiations werenłt going well. I knew that,
and Iłd be careful, but if I didnłt go in to see what Gil needed, she might
just come out of the bathroom looking for me. I flashed Nathanial the same
smile IÅ‚d given the guards. Then I slipped inside, shutting the door behind me.
He didnłt stop me.

Gil was sprawled inside the tub, her legs in the air
and the trash can attached to one foot. I twisted the sink faucets on as I
passed and then grabbed the aluminum can, tugging itand Gilłs plastic rain
bootoff.

“What are you doing here?"

She twisted, trying to push herself up in the base of
the tub, but she ended up flailing more than righting herself. I offered a hand
and tugged her to her feet.

“The rogue attacked Bobby this afternoon."

I nearly dropped the trash can. “Is Bobby okay?"

“HeÅ‚s fine. He has the rogue contained," she said,
trying to untangle a luffa from her dark curls.

I frowned. If Steven had turned rogue, Bobby would
have done more than ęcontainł him.

Gil continued without noticing my frown. “Bobby wants
you to come spend some time with him. He said that a Torinłs influence
can often help stabilize tagged shifters." Her scroll appeared in her hand.
“How would that work?"

It worked the same way an alpha-pulse did. It was will
and energy used to dominate beta shifters, but I couldnłt exactly go into all
that right now. Could the guards hear us?

According to Nathanial, our room was supposed to be a
sanctuary and they werenłt supposed to listen, but did that rule apply now that
I was under house arrest and suspected of murder?

“Okay. Take me to him." I doubted IÅ‚d be any help to
Steven. I wasnłt a Torin. Hell, no matter what Bobby claimed, I wasnłt
even Dyre anymore. But maybe Gil could do something to help combat
Avinłs call, and I needed answers about Justinłs death before the Collector
turned her attention to me. Actually, if Justin had died of suspicious
circumstancesas in a supernatural was suspectedthe mages were probably
already investigating. “I need information about Justin MorganÅ‚s death while
wełre out."

For once, Gil didnłt ask. She just nodded and reached
for me, but a knock sounded on the door before her hand landed.

We both froze.

“Go," I mouthed.

She vanished without me.

I let myself out of the bathroom and found Nathanial
standing in the open bedroom doorway, talking to someone I couldnłt see. He
made a small gesture with his hand which could have either been a ęcome hereł
or a twitch.

I was betting against a twitch.

Moving silently, I joined him at the door. Jomar stood
on the other side. His ever-present grimace deepened to a scowl when he saw me.

“The Collector requests your presence," he said adding
a small bow to Nathanial out of habit and clearly not because of any respect he
held for him. “Both of you."

I didnłt get a bow. Not that I expected one. It wasnłt
a request. It was a summonsshe should get in line.

* * * *

The Collector sat ramrod straight in her flat-backed
chair, the twins lounging on the loveseat beside her, and the Traveler towering
behind her. For the first time, her attention focused on me as we walked into
the room. That canłt be good.

“What, pray tell, is this?" She waved at the table in
front of her. A table with the front page of the newspaper spread across it.

“Daily rumor mill?"

She didnłt seem to find that funny.

“You were in the presence of Justin Morgan last night,
yes?" When I nodded, she continued, “And, after leaving the symphony with him,
you returned disheveled and with blood on your dress, yes?"

“That was my blood."

Her eyes flashed black.

I tried to look away, but her power sucked me into
those eyes, to a world dominated by her presence. Her will.

“You will answer my questions truthfully." Her power
wrapped around me, locking me to her will. In the darkness of her gaze, I
forgot to breathe, forgot everything. I just nodded, unable to do anything
else.

“Good. When you returned, your appearance showed signs
of a struggle and your dress was stained with blood. Yes or no?" Her voice, as
sharp as cold steel, cut the air around me.

“Yes, but it was"

“You killed Justin Morgan." It wasnÅ‚t a question.

“No."

“Then what happened while you were in the young
Morganłs presence?"

I couldnłt not answer, and I couldnłt lie. Caught in
her power, I tried to keep my thoughts ahead of my tongue. “I encountered
someone I owed a debt." Which was true. It just wasnłt everything.

“And this someone, was a supernatural, yes?"

Crap. “Yes."

“Then what happened?"

“I told Morgan to run. He did. It was the last time I
saw him." There was no wiggle room in that one. The Collector clearly realized
that as well because the silence stretched.

Shełd gotten her information, more than Iłd wanted to
share, and I expected the darkness to pull back. It didnłt.

Instead she asked, “What can you tell me about the
General?"

The question was so broad, I could technically tell
her anything at all I knew. But I gave her what she needed to know and hoped it
would win me some favor. “The blood in his hair smells of snake venom."

“The Hermit said you smelled venom in the body you
found in Haven as well."

I hadnłt known hełd told her about it, but I nodded.
“That is true. The scent compared to my own blood after Akane poisoned me."

“But this scent is one only you can smell and
therefore not proof."

I gritted my teeth. She has me caught in a
compulsion not to lie, and she still doesnłt believe me?

The swirl of power around me tightened, seeped under
my skin.

“You will bring me a shapeshifter."

The command dug into my mind, latched on. Oh hell
no.

But it was an order, a compulsion. I couldnłt refuse.
Couldnłt say no. I couldnłt even open my mouth to try.

But I could bargain.

“In exchange, you will grant Nathanial and me
permission to leave if we wish."

I felt her shock vibrate in the air before she
surprised the hell out of me.

“Done. You are a thorn in my side," the Collector
said, as if it were her idea in the first place.

The darkness retreated, leaving me staring at her cold
brown eyes, but the compulsion remained. I could feel it twisting inside me.
Shełd commanded me to bring her a shifter, and I had to do it. I just had to.
But the compulsion conflicted with Avinłs call. I couldnłt answer him while
bringing the Collector her shifter, and the two compulsions warred inside me,
both fighting for precedence. In the end, while the need to move held me, made
my skin itch, the opposing urges balanced and created a type of stasis.

I schooled my face as I realized this. I wasnłt about
to let the Collector know shełd done me a favor. Besides, if she realized what
was happening, she might give me a time limit, and then the balance might
shift.

“You are dismissed. Jomar, remove her from my
presence," she said, waving her hand.

A familiar grip closed around my bicep and I gritted
my teeth. As Jomar steered me toward the door, Nathanial fell in step beside
me.

The Collector cleared her throat. “Hermit, I have much
to discuss with you yet."

I kept walking. I needed to summon Gil.

Chapter Twenty-Six

“IsnÅ‚t there a way to back out of the deal or
retroactively add conditions?" I asked. The restaurantłs table shook with my
tapping foot, but I couldnłt stay still.

Gil frowned at me. “I havenÅ‚t seen Avin in days, but
if he called in his favor, just do what he asks. You agreed to the price."

Yeah, last unnamed favor IÅ‚m ever agreeing to. “Okay. Fine. Just" I stopped and glanced at the
table next to us where Steven sat devouring a stack of pancakes. The opposing
compulsions were burning inside me, growing worse. I leaned closer to Gil and
Bobby. “DonÅ‚t let me pick directions or wander. Okay?"

I hated admitting to the weakness. To the fact I
couldnłt even trust my own actions. But if I wandered I might head straight for
Avin, and if I chose the direction, I might inadvertently lead Bobby and Steven
to the Collector. I couldnłt allow either to happen, so it was better if I just
put it out on the table and let one of them decide where we needed to go.
Though the idea of following made me want to grind my teeth.

Actually, wait, no. I really was grinding my teeth.
That must have been from fighting the compulsion. I forced my jaw to loosen and
squirmed in my seat, jerking at the skirt that took up my entire side of the
booth.

We made quite a strange group with me way overdressed
for a midnight dinner, Gil in her Easter-egg pink coat and big rain boots, and
Steven in clothes that hung off his body and obviously belonged to someone
twice his size. Bobby, the natural-born shifter who could only achieve fully
human form because of the gift locked in his necklace, was the most normal-looking
one among us. That had to amuse the hell out of him. At least hełd managed to
clean Steven up so it didnłt look like wełd dragged in a starving urchin.

“So, did you find anything about Justin Morgan?" I
asked, ignoring the stares our two tables gathered.

GilÅ‚s scroll appeared in her hand. “Actually, yes.
Itłs strange. He was apparently"

The diner door opened with the sound of clanging
bells.

Steven jerked at the sound, dropping his orange juice
into his pancakes.

“beheaded. The investigators in Sabin"

Steven stared at his ruined meal. A muscle bulged over
his jaw. His eyes narrowed.

“think that"

Steven swiped the plate off the table, sending it and
the orange juice soaked pancakes flying across the diner.

The plate smashed into a wall and Gil yelped, falling
silent.

“Hey!" the waitress yelled.

Stevenłs eyes snapped to her. His jaw clenched but his
top lip curled up over his teeth. The waitress faltered.

Crap.

I struggled to free myself from the booth but the damn
gown tangled around my legs. Bobby shot to his feet.

“Steven," he said, his voice a low rumble of warning.

The city-shifter ignored him. Steven leaned forward so
he could see the waitress around Bobbyłs body. A growl tumbled from his throat,
and his muscles bunched like he would bound out of his seat and after the
waitress any moment.

“Quiet," I snapped, finally fighting my way free of
the booth.

Stevenłs eyes tore from the waitress to focus on me.
He cringed, his shoulders hunching until they touched his ears. It would have
been amusing to see a six-foot man, even an obviously undernourished one, cower
in front of little olł meexcept he wasnłt acting stable, and I had the
unfortunate role of judge, jury, and executioner if he went rogue.

“See," Gil hissed as Bobby hauled the cowering man out
of the booth chair.

I frowned at her, and Bobby tossed some money on the
table. He all but dragged Steven out of the diner as the cityshifter made
pathetic, mewling sounds. I half expected someone to try to stop us, but the
patronsand definitely the staffappeared happy to see him go.

“HeÅ‚s a little drunk," I whispered to the waitress as
I passed her.

She snorted, shaking her head. “Clearly."

Once out of the diner, I turned up the street. Then I
stopped. Iłm just walking again. I couldnłt let myself do that.

I ran into Avin every time I took off without a
direction in mind. I turned to Gil.

“You said Morgan was beheaded?"

She nodded, and Steven stumbled.

His eyes went wide as he stared at me. “What are you
talking about?"

I frowned at Steven. If Morgan was beheaded, his death
had to be related to the other murders. And IÅ‚d bet my tailif I still had
onethat it was no coincidence I was the last person seen with him.

“ItÅ‚s complicated," I said, earning a confused look
from the city-shifter. Oh what the hell. Hełs a temporary member of my
little makeshift clan until Bobby can get him to Firth. No point keeping
him in the dark.

“Gil, take us to the spot the body was found. I think
IÅ‚m being framed for murder."

* * * *

Police tape still marked the alley where Justin
Morganłs body had been found, but the crime scene investigators had long since
come and gone. All that remained was the tape and a lot of dirty, churned snow.

I looked around. We werenłt far from the concert hall.
Was Morgan still alive when I stumbled back up the steps in shock
or was he already dead by that point? The paper hadnłt mentioned
anything about a frantic 9-1-1 call, so he might have met the killer while I
was still blacked out in the snow only a few alleys away.

But how? And why?

Akane hadnłt attended the symphony, hadnłt been with
us.

But one of the limos was missing when we tried to
leave.

It could have been a coincidencebut there were a lot
of ęcould be a coincidencesł stacking up. I tilted my head and searched by
scent for evidence of what had happened in the alley. I smelled people, lots of
people, and city scents, and under that, old blood. I found nothing I could
pinpoint as the killerłs scent, and not a clue that Akane had been in the
alley.

Of course, a day had passed, and there had been a lot
of foot traffic. I could just be missing it.

I glanced at Bobby. His nostrils also flared as he
sifted through the scents on the scene, but the way he paced the edge of the
taped line was a good indication that he wasnłt finding anything.

Steven rubbed a hand over his nose. “It stinks here."

“YouÅ‚re probably picking up on the old blood," I said,
ducking under the crime tape. Steven hadnłt been born with a shifterłs nose. He
probably still got overwhelmed with how much keener his senses were than when
he was human.

He wrinkled his nose, following me under the tape. “I
know what blood smells like. This is different. Sour. Musky."

I stopped. Sour musk? Thatłs what the
skinwalker smelled like to me. I tilted my head back again, rolled the scents
in the alley through my senses.

No musk.

Frowning, I glanced at Bobby. He shook his head. Then
neither of us could smell it. But Bobby and I were cats.

Steven was a wolf. His nose would be stronger.

I turned to Steven. “YouÅ‚re sure?"

He cringed, stepping back like my attention hurt him,
but he nodded. “IÅ‚ve never smelled anything like it."

So Akane had been here. Now how do I prove
that? It was one thing to prove I didnłt kill Justin and another to prove
Akane had been a very treacherous serpent. I could take Steven to the
Collector. Then it wouldnłt just be a ęscent only I could smellł. That couldI
stopped.

Crap. How
could I even consider taking Steven to the Collector? When you canłt even
trust yourself?

“Bobby, see if you can help Steven track the scent,
but be careful."

Both shifters frowned at me.

Bobby crossed his arms over his chest and rolled his
shoulders back. It was a stubborn stance, one ready to argue.

“Why does it sound like youÅ‚re going somewhere?" he
asked.

Because I was. I had to get away from Bobby and Steven
before I slipped and followed the compulsion to take a shifter to the
Collector. As long as I was with them, they were in danger.

“WeÅ‚re splitting up." It was the only way. I turned to
Gil.

“Think you can get us into the morgue?"

* * * *

An hour later, IÅ‚d learned only one thing: Autopsied
bodies suck for clues.

Any scents left by his attacker had been washed from
the body, and I couldnłt tell from looking at the processed corpse if hełd bled
out at the scene or been drained beforehand. The only thing seeing his body
confirmed was that his head had been severed by a bladed object.

I had Gil drop me off back at our bathroom in the
mansion.

Maybe Nathanial will have some ideas.

The room beyond was silent, which meant Nathanial was
still downstairs, in conference with the Collector. And stars know
how long that will last. I slipped out of the bathroom quietly.

The smell hit me first.

Sour musk, cold and reptilian.

Then I saw the movement.

The large snake slithered out from under the bed like
an unfolding shadow. It lifted its head, tongue flicking, tasting my scent.
Then it lunged.

IÅ‚d never realized something without legs could move
so fast.

I dove to the side, barely avoiding the strike. I
rolled as I hit the ground and concentrated on my hands. Come on.

Come on. I need claws.

No shift. No spasms.

Crap.

The snake lunged again. And I jumped.

“Back off, Akane."

She didnłt.

The snake reared, preparing for another strike. As she
lunged, I made a dash for the French doors.

They were locked.

Ronco leaned on the outside of the glass, his girth
obstructing the seam and half of both doors. I pounded on the panels as Akane
geared for another strike.

“Open the doors!"

Ronco turned. Slow, too slow. He glanced at me then at
Akane.

Yes, you big oaf. Look at the big, mooncursed snake attacking me.

He lifted a bushy eyebrow. Then he turned back around.

Leaned on the doors again.

Oh crap. Theyłre allies.

Akane struck and I dropped. Cold scales grazed my arm.

Too close.

I tried to jump to my feet, but the layers of tulle
bunched around my legs so I was forced to roll, still tangled in the gown. I
pushed up as the snake lunged. Fangs as long as my fingers filled my vision,
and my hands shot out, wrapped around the snakełs body.

The impact knocked me to the ground, but I dug my
fingers in, gripping the cold, scaled body. Holding on. The jaws snapped closed
an inch from my nose. I stopped her.

Well, I stopped her head.

Her clammy coils brushed my waist and circled my body.

Crap, I couldnłt let her wrap herself around me. She
was one huge muscle. Shełd crush me.

I also couldnłt release her, or I was good as dead.

I screamed, my frustration, anger, terror, everything
bursting out of my throat as her body locked around my legs.

A tremor shot through my hands. Then another. My
fingers spasmed, the skin over my fingertips split, and Akane wiggled forward
in my grasp.

I pressed my head back against the carpet. Another
transforming spasm shot through my hands. Come on, I need claws, no
paws, like the last time.

The spasms settled into claws.

I dug into the snakełs thick hide. Blood dripped down
my fingers. There has to be a spine in here somewhere.

Akane hissed, and her coils loosened. She reared back,
pulling away. The wash of blood made her neck slick, hard to hold. My grip
slipped. My claws took a layer of scales with them as she shrank away.

I tried to roll to my feet, but again the tulle got in
the way.

I fought my way up, but by the time my legs were under
me, Akane was already across the room. She shoved a grate aside and slithered
into the open vent. Disappeared.

Dammit.

I looked around. The room was empty. I was alone.

Covered in acrid snake blood, but I was unhurt. And I
had a fistful of snake scales. Letłs see the Collector doubt this.

I marched to the doors. Ronco still leaned against the
outside, ignoring what IÅ‚m sure was meant to be my death.

Well, I have news for you buddy.

Wrapping a corner of my skirt around my hand, I shoved
my fist through one of the large panels. The glass shattered.

Ronco leapt forward, whirling around. I smiled at him
as I reached through the broken glass and unlocked the door from the outside.

“I need to see the Collector. Now."

Chapter Twenty-Seven

“Only if you can guarantee Kita will not be subjected
to" Nathanial fell silent as I swept into the parlor. Every eye in the room
landed on me as the door clicked closed.

The Collector cocked her head to the side, regarding
me with lifted eyebrows. “You come before me covered in blood?

Again?"

“I was attacked," I said, then added, “under your
roof."

After all, shełd made a point of classifying Nathanial
and me as ęguests,ł so it was her hospitality in question. Shełd
made a big deal about that with Tatius.

The Collector skewed her lips, and I let my gaze drift
to Nathanial. Hełd moved to the very edge of his seat, his eyes going black.
They darted over me. I nodded to him, confirming I wasnłt hurt.

The Collector turned toward me. “What is your claim?"

Walking to the center of the room, I held up my fist,
letting everyone see the dark scales. “Your skinwalker attacked me, and your
guard ignored the attack."

Ronco rushed forward. “She lies, Mistress."

The CollectorÅ‚s eyes narrowed. “Elizabeth!"

I cringed as the small vampire stepped forward,
expecting her to turn toward me. She didnłt. Instead she walked over to Ronco
and took his wrist. Her fangs flashed.

Now the truth will come out.

Everyone waited. I didnłt even breathe. Perhaps I even
looked like a real vampire for once. Nathanial rolled to his feet and casually
moved to my side.

Elizabeth pulled back, sealing the wound in Roncołs
wrist.

Then she approached the Collector, curtsying deeply.
“There is no memory of an attack in his mind," she said without straightening.

What? I
blinked at her. “ThatÅ‚s not possible. He looked at me. He looked at me and then
turned around."

“There is no memory," Elizabeth repeated.

“A vamp trick." It had to be. It was the only way. “He
saw Akane attack me. He must be covering the memory. He"

“Silence," the Collector snapped. “Hermit, your
companionłs youth is no excuse for her reckless accusations nor her ignorance.
I suggest you keep a tighter leash on her."

Nathanialłs hands closed on my shoulders, dragged me
back a step. I frowned at him. I wasnłt wrong. I knew I wasnłt. It had to be a
vamp trick.

“But" I started.

Nathanial shook his head. He leaned in, and my heart
jumped as his lips brushed my ear. “Ronco is a soldier vampire. Soldiers are
fast and strong, but their minds are as simple as a humanłs. No soldier has ever
developed a psychic ability, and Ronco is not even a master. There is no trick.
He has no memory of an attack."

Thatłs not possible. It just wasnłt.

Elizabeth watched me from the corner of her eye.
Dipping lower in her curtsy, she said, “It appears the HermitÅ‚s companion
decided to break down the doors of her room. That may explain the blood."

Of all the mooncursed “And this?" I held up the scales.

The Collectorłs cold glare burned into me. I didnłt
back down. Opening my fist, I waved the scrap of flesh. The lights shimmered
along the black scales and the dark blood still clinging to my claws.

“Send for Akane," the Collector commanded.

A door opened. Closed. I waited. Nathanialłs fingers
dug into my shoulders. No one said anything. Then the door opened again,
bringing with it a fresh wave of snake musk.

My lips curled back as the skinwalker made her way
through the room.

She bowed before the Collector. “You summoned me?"

“The HermitÅ‚s companion claims that you attacked her.
What do you have to say about this accusation?"

“It is false."

Yeah, right.

“I have proof." I tossed the scrap of shredded scales
at her feet like I was tossing down a gauntlet.

She stared at the shredded snake skin. “Where did you
get that?"

I glared at her. As if she doesnÅ‚t know. “It
was caught in my claws. When you attacked me."

Akane turned. Her gaze dropped respectfully as she
faced the Collector, but her dark eyes were hard. “Mistress, no," she
whispered.

“You deny the accusation?"

“I can prove it false." Her hands moved to the length
of cloth securing her kimono. She all but ripped the silk, tearing the material
off her body. Naked, she lifted her hair, baring her skin for all the room.

The only wound on her body was the old, healing, claw
mark on her right shoulder.

“Impossible." I started forward, but Nathanial tugged
me back. How could Akane not have a mark on her? It just wasnłt possible.

Unless there are two of them.

“You are dismissed," the Collector said to Akane. Then
her gaze slammed into me and Nathanial. “Hermit, your companion has falselyand
publiclyaccused two of my people. She is also suspected by the human
police of murdering a prominent human citizen of Demur. In light of these
events, I rescind her guest status. Elizabeth."

A smile stretched across Elizabethłs china-doll face. Oh
crap.

“No." I stepped back, but Nathanial was still behind
me, and he wasnłt moving. I glanced over my shoulder, begging him with my eyes.

He shook his head, one sharp movement that sliced
through my body. His hands remained locked on my shoulders. His expression
might as well have been carved from stone. “Do not make this worse," he
whispered. “She will read your memories, nothing more." His face might have
given away little, but I could taste the worry in his words.

“Let us see what truly occurred," Elizabeth said,
reaching for me.

After one last pleading look at Nathanialwhich only
confirmed that I had to allow thisI swallowed my panic and lifted my wrist. My
arms were still covered in the snakełs drying blood, and Elizabeth crinkled her
nose, but she said nothing as her fangs pierced my skin.

Nathanialłs tight grip on my shoulders kept me
anchored as sensation spread from her mouth through my body. I squeezed my eyes
shut, fighting the heat building in me.

Then it was over.

Elizabeth stepped away. “Mistress, her mind is
strange. I saw no attack"

What? “Tha"

She continued, lifting her small, chime-like voice
over mine. “I also could find no memory of the scales."

The Collector frowned. “You are certain? You are a
master of peeling away layers of memories. You saw nothing?"

“Forgive me." Elizabeth ducked, as if the CollectorÅ‚s
disappointment in her failure was a physical weight falling on her shoulders.
“I looked, but it is like the scales did not exist before she stormed into the room."
She paused, a hesitation as if she considered a new thought, but her eyes
flickered toward me and the edge of her lips lifted. “Or like it was an
illusion."

Crap. Behind
me, Nathanial went statue still. I didnłt have to look back at him to know what
he was thinking. That little She was lying. Shełd lied about
Roncołs memory, and now she was lying about mine.

The Collector pushed out of her chair. “Remove them
from my presence."

Enforcers surged forward.

“Wait," I said.

They didnłt.

Jomar rushed at me and I centered my weight. I lifted
my hands, flexing my claws.

“Do not fight them," Nathanial whispered.

The hell? If
there was ever a time to fight our way out, it was now.

I swiped at Jomar. He dodged, but the vampire beside
him wasnłt quite as fast. I scored a gouge in that vampłs arm. Not that the
injury slowed him. Hands locked around my arms, and I lashed out, kicking,
scratching.

“Stop," a pair of masculine voices yelled in unison.

The enforcers fell back.

I crouched. Waiting. Ready.

The twins walked across the room, the enforcers
scrambling out of their way as they approached. I flexed my fingers.

“Sleep."

The command crashed through my brain, took me off
guard. One minute I was watching them approach, and the next there was only darkness.

* * * *

“No, I" My eyes flew open. The parlor was gone,
replaced by a gauzy golden canopy. The bed? Nathanial sat on a chair
dragged to the side of the bed. His hands rested on the mattress, as if hełd
just released my arm. I frowned at him as I sat up.

“What happened? How long have I been out?"

Nathanial stared at me. His gray eyes were cold,
assessing. It wasnÅ‚t reassuring. “You have slept only a moment."

Then why is he looking at me like that? I glanced at the door. Jomar stood outside the busted
frame. He didnłt look at us, but I had no doubt he could hear every word
spoken. And I wasnłt a guest anymore, so no hospitality laws protected me.

“How much danger are we in? Elizabeth lied about"

Nathanialłs eyes showed strain, the corners pinched.

“Silence, Kita."

His tone was hard.

Cold.

“What?"

“There is no memory of an attack." He was staring at
me like he didnłt know me.

Heat rushed to my face. He doesnłt believe me?
“She lied, Nathanial."

He pushed away from the bed, shaking his head.

I followed him. How could he not believe me?

“She lied."

He rounded on me. His fingers wrapped round my
shoulders, but he kept me at arms distance as he stared at me.

“I looked, Kita. I looked."

Looked? In my mind. I glanced down at my wrist.
Hełd been there, perched over me when I woke. Hełd been riffling through my
memories. And he didnłt find anything.

How is that possible?

“Surely you felt the attack? Through our bond. You
felt it?"

He released my shoulders. Stepped back. Looked away.

“You have been anxious and on edge since dark fell.
You have had spikes of panic several times." He shook his head. “I do not know
what I felt."

And that was it. He doesnłt believe me. Iłd
been fighting conflicting compulsions all night, had been tormented by Avinłs
call. The attack must have been lost in the mix.

“But the blood and the scales"

He turned his back on me. “I know you called Gil
against my wishes."

Something shook loose inside me. I couldnłt trust my
emotions. I wasnłt sure what was real. But I knew I hurt. This hurt. If hełd
have looked at me, I would have withered under his cold eyes. But he didnłt
look at me. And that was worse.

I reached out, touching his elbow. “Nathanial?"

He knew me. Hell, sometimes I thought he knew
me better than I knew myself. How could he not believe me?

He glanced at my hand on his arm, and then back at me.

He didnłt say anything, but his face, tight, drawn, it
said he wanted to believe me. But those eyes. Those eyes that could be
both hot and cold, that could look deeper than I wanted.

Those eyes looked old for once, worn from the
four-hundred years theyłd witnessed, and theyłd seen lies, and deceptions, and
betrayals. He might want to believe me, but hełd believe what hełd seen, or in
this case, what he hadnłt seenthe memory of an attack.

A throat cleared outside the room. I jumped, my
attention snapping to the door.

Elizabeth stood just outside the spray of shattered
glass.

“Hermit, the Collector commands your presence."

He nodded, and the guards stepped back, letting him
pass.

He left without another glance at me.

And then I was alone.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

I paced the narrow area in the bathroom as I waited
for Gil. She appeared before the last syllable of her name crossed my lips for
the third time.

“Stop doing that," she hissed. “Call once. IÅ‚ll come
if I can. Stop summoning me!"

I paused, one foot hanging in the air. Summoning?
“You canÅ‚t not come?"

She didnłt answer. Instead she focused on smoothing
the front of her coat. Then she looked around the small bathroom. “Very little
time has passed in this world since I left."

Not much time, but so much bullshit. I didnłt even
know where to start. Not that I could explain with Jomar only a room away,
listening.

I lowered my voice until I was afraid Gil wouldnłt be
able to hear above the bathroomÅ‚s running water if I whispered any quieter. “I
need to sneak into the skinwalkerłs room."

“Why would you need me for that? YouÅ‚re the one who
can pick locks."

“Because IÅ‚m under guard inside this house. CanÅ‚t you
just, I donłt know, ępopę into the room the same way you appear and
disappear all the time?"

“IÅ‚ve never been to her room. In order to work, the
spell needs a location I know."

“You appeared in TatiusÅ‚s room. IÅ‚m sure youÅ‚d never
been there before."

Gil lifted one shoulder in a small shrug, but she
looked down, not meeting my eyes. “I was able to do that because I put a
location spell on you. It sort of acts like an anchor when youłre in places
IÅ‚ve never been."

More spells being used on me? I forced a breath out between my teeth, making sure
that when I spoke, my voice would be level. I wasnłt going to over-react about
this, really, I wasnłt. That didnłt mean I wasnłt pissed.

“Okay, so you canÅ‚t magic your way into AkaneÅ‚s room.
There is a vamp named Jomar guarding the door. Is there anything in your
magical arsenal that will get us past him?"

Gil tugged at her coat sleeves. “ItÅ‚s harder to cast
spells on supernaturals and" She trailed off.

SheÅ‚d actually told me that before. But “There are
apparently two types of vamps. Jomar is something called a soldier. No mental
powers."

Her eyes widened. “IÅ‚ve never read about different
lines of vampires. Can you expand on"

“Later, Gil," I said between clenched teeth. “Do you
know a spell that will work or not?"

“IÅ‚ve read about a spell that might work."

Might was better than nothing. “Try it." I had to get
into Akanełs room. This went beyond proving Akane was behind the murders. Shełd
attacked me. And Nathanial doesnłt believe me.

Gil nodded. “IÅ‚ll have to prepare. Get this Ä™JomarÅ‚
inside. IÅ‚ll be right back." She vanished.

Get him inside?
I crept out of the bathroom. Jomar still stood in the hall with his back to the
French doors, his hands clasped behind him. How do I talk him inside? It
wasnłt like I could invite him in for tea and scones.

I felt a nearby tingle of magic, and Gil poked her
head out of the bathroom. She gave me a thumbs up, then pointed at Jomar and
motioned that I should get him into the bathroom.

Great. Not
just inside, I had to get the nasty-tempered vamp to the tiny bathroom. How
can I convince himan idea hit me. I dashed across the room and flung open
the door.

“ThereÅ‚s a spider."

He gave me a dumbfounded look. “What?"

“A spider. On the ceiling. In the bathroom." I pointed
at the closed bathroom door.

“So?"

“So kill it!" I made my voice lift in tone, like I was
close to hysteria, but I kept my volume low. I didnłt want anyone else coming
to find out what was going on. “I have a major phobia about spiders."

Jomar just stared at me. I shuffled my feet. This
isnłt going to work. I shot a quick glance at the bathroom, trying
to keep my body language frightened.

Jomar sneered, his lip curling back.

“Fine." He grabbed my arm and marched across the room.

“After you," he said, still holding onto me and
indicating the bathroom door.

Please let Gilłs aim be good with this spell. She didnłt have the best reputation with magic. I
jerked open the door and walked inside, Jomar following behind me.

He halted. “What the?"

Magic cut through the air before the door had time to
swing shut behind us. He hit the tiled floor with a thud, and Gil grinned so
hard her face nearly split.

I glanced down at the vampire sprawled by our feet. He
wasnłt breathing, but then, vampires didnłt need to.

“HeÅ‚s still alive, right?"

“As much as he was before. I think." She stepped
around his limp body.

I squatted beside him, listening. It seemed a long
time before I heard Jomarłs heart beat, but it sounded strong.

“How long will he be out?"

“Uh" GilÅ‚s smile faded. “I donÅ‚t actually know. The
book wasnłt completely clear about that." She sucked her bottom lip in her
mouth and stared at the unconscious vampire. “We should probably hurry."

I led the way out of the bedroom and down the hall.
When we reached Akanełs door I stopped and listened. All was quiet. I didnłt
knock, I just pushed open the door and ducked inside.

The room was dark. Empty. Thank the moon.

Gil followed, and I shut the door behind her. She
blinked, her hand groping along the wall.

I grabbed her wrist. “No lights."

“I canÅ‚t see."

Right, I kept forgetting that just because I had
nearperfect night vision, not everyone else did. “Use your magic globe thing."

She glared at mewhich she might not have realized I
could see. A small purple ball of magic appeared over her palm. She held it up
like a lantern and glanced around the room. “What are we looking for?"

“Clues?" I wasnÅ‚t sure. A blood trail leading out of
the ductwork would be good. Or maybe Akanełs castoff skin, with a big
fist-sized hole in it, ripped by my claws.

Gil headed for the closet as I made my way to a
dresser.

The drawers were empty, which, considering Akane was
part of the Collectorłs traveling show and not a member of Aphroditełs city,
didnłt surprise me. A long case sat atop the dresser, and I dragged it off.
Setting the case on the bed, I flipped open the lid.

“Did you find something?" Gil asked, popping her head
out of the closet. As she moved, her bubble of light reentered the room, and a
purple glow bathed the red-velvet lining of the box.

Nothing was inside.

I shook my head, then stopped. There was nothing in
the box currently, but the impression in the lining looked a hell of a lot like
a sword. If she used that sword to decapitate the victims I
leaned forward, all but pressing my nose into the velvet. The box smelled of
the wood it was made from, a smoky fragrance like incense, and oil.

No hint of blood.

Frowning, I shut the box and returned it to the
dresser.

There has to be something here.

Gil moved from the closet to the bathroom. Bottles
clinked as she sifted through Akanełs toiletries. She gave no indication she
was finding anything. If I were Akane, where would I hide something?

I looked around. There was nothing in the room. Just
the dresser and the bed. I dropped to my knees and peered under the bed. A
small suitcase was shoved underneath. I squirmed under the bed and dragged it
out. Several ornate kimono wrapped in thin paper were inside. Nothing else.

Useless.

A footstep sounded outside the door. My head snapped
up and I listened, hoping whoever it was continued down the hall. They didnłt.

Crap.

Gil stepped out of the bathroom just as the doorknob
clicked, twisted. I frantically waved her back. She vanished her light and
ducked back into the dark bathroom. I crouched beside the bed, watching the
door from around the footboard.

Akane stepped into the room, but her hand paused by
the light switch. She tilted her head back, her nostrils flaring.

“I smell you, beast," she whispered. She flicked on
the light, her dark gaze sweeping the room. “Where are you hiding?"

I held my breath, not moving, as Akane stalked
forward. If I could have reached Gil shełd have gotten us both out, but Akane
was between me and the bathroom door. She reached under her kimono and drew her
sword.

I held my breath. I canłt just huddle here like a
treed raccoonshełll find me the second she steps around the bed.

I stood, and the skinwalker stopped short. She lifted
her sword and dropped into a defensive stance in one fluid movement. I edged
around the bed, not moving forward so much as sideways. I was stronger than
her, and probably faster, but she had a sword.

We stared at each other, neither moving forward, both
waiting, looking for an advantage. If I didnłt think of something, she was
going to decide she had it.

“Why are you killing vampires?" I asked.

“I hate vampires." She spat the words, like vampire
tasted bad in her mouth. “I would rid world of them. But the vampire I hate
most, she lives. If I killed, I kill her first."

“The victims have been poisoned."

She flashed teeth at me. It was almost a smile. “I
know. I smell the blood."

“You poisoned them."

“No." She stepped forward, testing me. I splayed my
clawed fingers and she hesitated. “Not my poison. My sisterÅ‚s."

Her sisterłs?
The Collector had mentioned the fact Akane had a sistershełd also said the
sister had died horribly when her transition to vampire failed.

“SheÅ‚s dead."

Akane nodded. “Murdered." No sorrow in her
voice. Just anger.

Is this about revenge? Was she killing to avenge her sister? But she was
right, the one vampire who she would have truly wished dead, the one who
ordered her sister changed, was still alive. The Collector.

Whatever Akane saw in my face made her tip her head
back and laugh, but there was no mirth in the sound. “You made deal with
Collector. Agreed to betray your own for your freedom. You have no
honor. My sister had honor." Akane slid forward another step. “She also made
deal, but she sacrificed self. She agreed to become vampire in exchange for my
freedom. She die. Collector keep me. Now, my sister return. Seek vengeance."

“A ghost?" I rocked back on my heels.

A few weeks ago I wouldnłt have believed in ghosts,
but now? IÅ‚d met vampires, mages, necromancers, demons, and skinwalkerswho was
I to dispute the existence of a vengeful ghost?

But IÅ‚d fought the snake, and it sure as hell had felt
real to me.

Akanełs muscles bunched, her center of balance
changing, and suddenly she was moving. She leapt forward, her sword swinging in
an arc toward my neck.

I dove to the side.

“Gil!"

The scholar popped out of the bathroom as I dodged a
second attack. The tingle of her magic washed over the room.

I hit the ground, rolling from Akane. I didnłt know
what spell Gil planned to use, but her magic didnłt always work as intended.

Akane whirled around just as the purple light of Gilłs
barrier spell lit the room. The spell promptly imploded, and the backlash
slammed into the skinwalker. She was hurled into the air, right over my ducked
head. Then she crashed into the wall with a hard thud.

Once the purple light died, I looked up. Akane slumped
on the floor, breathing, but dazed. Her sword was halfway across the room.

Gil gave me a sheepish look. I could have laughed.
“You did that on purpose?"

She shrugged, her smile breaking through. “That stupid
spell never works quite right. Always explodes on me."

Akane stirred, and I pushed off the floor. “LetÅ‚s get
out of here."

With a nod, Gil tossed me into the void.

* * * *

The moment the dim light in the bathroom broke through
the void, I knew something was wrong. The stench of blood coating the air was a
big hint.

“DonÅ‚t go anywhere," I told Gil as I pushed off the
tile.

Ignoring my twisting stomach, I shoved the door open a
crack. The scent of blood grew stronger. Whatever had happened, someone had
been hurt, bad. And there was a sour stink in the blood.

The skinwalker?

I shoved the door open an inch at a time and scanned
the room from the vantage point of my low crouch. Nothing moved. I crept out of
the bathroom, staying low, making myself a small target. The thwup of
Gilłs rain boots on the carpet followed me.

“Get back," I mouthed at Gil. Something moved in my
peripheral.

I whirled back around, my eyes searching. Nothing.
Then it moved again. A dark drop of liquid dripped from the bedłs sodden
coverlet, landed in an expanding pool of blood on the carpet.

Oh no. Forgetting
caution, I ran to the edge of the bed.

Jomarłs mangled body had been tossed in the center.
His severed head sat on the pillows, staring down at the long gashes that had
torn open his belly. Dark organs spilled out of the four long gashes. It
looks like an animal attacked him.

I froze, that thought catching in my chest. His body
was in my bed, and it looked like someone had eviscerated him with
claws.

“Oh crap." This looked bad. Really, really bad. And
majorly incriminating.

“WhatÅ‚s going on?" a voice yelled.

I jumped and whirled toward the doors. Ronco and the
twins were there. Their eyes moved from me to the corpse and gore spread over
the bed.

“I, uh" I could not explain this.

Magic surged through the air, and the scene vanished.

“Take me back, Gil!" I yelled into the darkness.

The void didnłt answer.

I flailed in the nothingness and light pierced the
darkness, making the world spin.

“Take me back," I gasped again, pushing away from the
dirty snow of some city alley. My limbs shook, but I climbed to my feet. “You
have to take me back to the mansion. Now."

“Kita, that was a dead body. In your bed." Gil
crossed her arms over her chest. “And those vampires looked none too happy
about it. IÅ‚ve officially deemed this situation too dangerous for you."

“And who are you to decide that for me?"

Her head snapped up, her chin jutting out. “You might
remember that I am charged with keeping you from dying inconveniently
while you bear the Judgełs mark? Besides, if they kill you, I wonłt be able to
finish my study."

Oh, of course.
I stormed across the alley, pacing through the slush. I didnłt know where we
wereI didnÅ‚t care. Only one thing was important. “They still have Nathanial.
What do you think theyłll do to him now that Iłve disappeared?"

She dropped her gaze. “Just stay here. IÅ‚ll be right
back."

Here? While
stars-knew-what the Collector and her vamps could be doing to Nathanial? I
paced faster, minutes ticking by.

Gil didnłt return.

I canłt wait any longer. I headed for the mouth of the alley and glanced down
the street. I didnłt recognize the location. I almost called Gil back, again. But
if shełd gone to help Nathanial I turned away from the street.

A hulking, misshaped form stepped around the corner at
the back of the alley. “Babe, you stood me up."

Avin. Oh, crap.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

“IÅ‚ve been patient, babe. WhereÅ‚s my body?"

Avin lifted his mangled hand, the globe holding a drop
of my blood appearing over his palm, and I flashed my fangs at him.

“So, whatÅ‚s your plan?" I asked, bracing my hands on
my hips and tapping my claws on the steel boning in the corset.

“Are you actually going to kill me or just threaten
and torture me?"

His hand paused. Then he pushed back his hood. “Are
you goading me? Not smart, babe."

I saw the flash of lightning, knew the pain was
coming, but my knees still buckled as it crashed over me. Fire melted my flesh.
A scream tore through me. My stomach twisted inside out. The pain dug deeper.

Then it was over.

I blinked. Either I was deadwhich, since I considered
the option, probably wasnłt trueor Iłd been right. He had no intention of
killing me. I wiped a hand over my mouth and regretted the action immediately.
I still had sour snake blood clinging to my skin.

Avin stared at my claws. “What are you?"

“You want the long list, or the short one?" I pushed
off the sidewalk and summoned all the bravado in me so he wouldnłt know my
insides shook at the idea of another flash of pain.

“Now, if weÅ‚re done, I have to go see some vamps who do
intend to kill me, and if I have time, I have to track down a poisonous,
shape-shifting snake who may be a vengeful spirit."

Avin blinked at me, and the still-attached side of his
mouth turned down. “What the hell are you messed up in?" Then he shook his
head. “Never mind. That doesnÅ‚t matter to me. What matters is"

“finding you a new body. I know. I got the message. I
canłt find you one if Iłm dead, now can I?"

“You arenÅ‚t the only vamp in the world, you know."

I cocked an eyebrow. “You think youÅ‚re going to be
able to trick anyone else into bargaining with you while you look like that?" I
swept a hand to encompass his destroyed appearance.

His lopsided shoulders hitched. “You donÅ‚t seem so
inclined to complete our bargain. Herełs the way I see it. I need a body, and
youłre dragging your undead feet." He twisted his hand, letting the
globe-oÅ‚-pain float over his knuckles. “So, babe, we just became best buds. IÅ‚m
not letting you out of my sight until IÅ‚m wearing a new suit of skin."

“But"

He cut me off. “Now where would we find a nice-looking
sap you can sink your fangs into? Way too late for the local mall. Hell, even
most the clubs are shut at this hour."

“I canÅ‚t just"

“Yeah, the vamps. You told me." He shook his head. “Do
you really think IÅ‚m gonna let you run off to a face a bunch of vampires who
want to kill you?" A smile tugged across his face, exposing broken teeth. “Like
you said, babe, I need you."

“And I need to go. You canÅ‚t"

Pain tore through my body. I gritted my teeth, trying
to ride out the wave of fire as black dots filled my vision. My claws bit into
my palms.

“YouÅ‚re always in such a hurry," Avin said, letting
the globe float between his hands. It traveled up his finger and hovered, spinning.
“Now, we were talking about where weÅ‚ll find my body."

I glared at him as I clawed my hair out of my face. It
stuck to the moisture on my cheeks.

Avin leaned closer. “What is the crap all over your
arms?"

“Ghost-snake blood."

“Babe, ghosts donÅ‚t bleed." He reached out, and I
cringed as first, the chill of his magic, and then, his finger, landed on my
skin.

He scraped his nail down the dried blood, leaving a
slimy trail of magic on my wrist. Then he stepped back, staring at the flake of
blood hełd freed.

“Oh, now this is interesting," he whispered, the
tingle of magic around him rising. “Come on. YouÅ‚re going with me."

“What? Where?"

“WeÅ‚re going to find me a body," he said as a small
globe of magic materialized around the flake of blood. “And on the way, weÅ‚re
going to track down your ghost snake."

* * * *

Avin led me on a winding route through the streets of
Demur, stopping occasionally to stare at the floating fleck of snake blood. I
tried to slip away. Once. And only once. When I regained consciousness, blood
dripped down my neck from my ear. After that, I trudged behind him silently.
Avin might not intend to kill meat least not until I acquired him a bodybut
if I pushed him, he might rip me to pieces from the inside out. I couldnłt help
Nathanial if Avin incapacitated me and left me to disintegrate in the morning
sun.

Not that I know what I can do to help Nathanial.

I couldnłt exactly attack the mansion. Any one of the
master vamps inside could stop me without lifting a finger. If we
find the snake maybe the Collector would listen to me if I brought her
proof. Of course, the stars only knew Avinłs interest in the snake, and if
therełd be anything left for me to take to the Collector.

We turned a corner, and the scent of wolf washed over
me. Not a Firth wolf. The city-shifter, Steven. On my next breath, the
wind carried the scent of bobcat to me. And Bobby.

I stopped, looking around. They were close. Very
close.

“Babe, whatÅ‚s the hold-up? Keep moving," Avin said,
letting the globe of my blood flash in his hand.

I winced, falling in step behind him again. But my
eyes scanned the street, my nose sifting through the scents. The only living
soul weÅ‚d run into was a hobo with a bloated nose who was, in AvinÅ‚s words, “Too
unappealing." I did not want to know what hełd think of Bobby, with
his broad shoulders and predator attitude.

But I was out of time to divert Avin.

Bobby and Steven turned the corner at a dead run. IÅ‚d
last left them tracking the snake from Justinłs murder sceneapparently both
our trails led here. Bobbyłs eyes landed on mehow could he miss me in my
ridiculously poofy ball gownand his path veered straight toward me.

“Now, this is more like it," Avin said, drawing up
short.

“Either of these bodies will suit me fine."

“No."

Avin cocked his misshapen head. “Babe, weÅ‚ve been
through this."

I winced as he lifted his hand, but I whispered
through gritted teeth, “TheyÅ‚re shapeshifters."

“Really?" He turned back to where Bobby and Steven
were running toward us. “Well, IÅ‚m not prejudiced."

Damn. IÅ‚d really hoped the whole not-human thing would
discourage him.

As Bobby ran to me his gaze skidded over my posture,
the dried blood covering my arms, and the fresh blood dripping from my ear.
Then he did what any shifter would do for his Dyre or Torin. He
planted himself between me and Avin. He didnłt ask if I needed help. He didnłt
even take a second look at me. He just moved to my defense. Steven followed,
looking bewildered.

Bobbyłs weight shifted to his back leg as he crouched,
preparing to attack. Hełd correctly identified the enemyif only that would
help.

Avinłs hood slid back as he examined Bobby. Both Bobby
and Steven sucked in their breaths at the sight of Avinłs mangled face. Not
that the living-dead mage appeared to notice. “Oh, this one is perfect." AvinÅ‚s
eyes flickered from Bobby to me. “IÅ‚ll take him. Now."

Crap.

“Bobby, grab the globe!"

Pain slammed into me, tore me to pieces. Through the
red haze, I saw Bobby turn, but I couldnłt hear anything but my own scream
ringing in my ears.

Blackness filled my vision as the fire burrowed
deeper, filled my lungs. The very air felt like it had combusted, igniting my
body, boiling my blood. I couldnłt move, couldnłt think.

Then it was over.

Calloused hands lifted my shoulders and the world
lurched.

The hands shook me, the fingers biting into bare skin
still remarkably unburned, still attached. My eyes flew open.

Stevenłs face snapped into focus, and Bobbyłs coat
flashed in my peripheral. I turned in time to see his arm jerk back.

His fist landed in Avinłs face with a crunch.

The mage hobbled back, and the slimy tingle of his
magic filled the air. Bobby had smashed Avinłs right eye-socket, so only one,
blood-clouded eye swiveled to glare at me. He held up his hand, and something
appeared in his fingers. The globe. My stomach tightened as I
braced for pain, but a crooked smile lifted the corner of Avinłs torn lip. Then
he vanished.

I squeezed my eyes shut. He still had my blood. He
wouldnłt be gone long.

Steven shook me again, forcing my attention back to
him.

“WeÅ‚ve got company." He nodded over my shoulder.

I twisted, straining muscles still tight with the
memory of pain.

The door to an old warehouse hung open, and a man
wearing only dark pants clung to the door frame, his hand extended like he was
reaching for something. His dark eyes locked on mine, and a tingle ran down my
spine. Magic tinged the air. Another mage?

“ThatÅ‚s him," Steven whispered. “The musk scent. ItÅ‚s
coming from him."

No way. I pushed to my feet. “HeÅ‚s a mage."

Bobby was breathing hard after his fight with Avin,
but he appeared unharmed. He tilted his head back, his nostrils flaring, and he
nodded. “Steven is right. The smell is coming from that man. HeÅ‚s the
skinwalker."

The mage grimaced, his fist closing like he was
snatching at smoke. His magic rushed around me, and I tensed, but nothing
happened. He jerked as if stung, and his hand dropped. He strolled onto the
sidewalk. He never looked away. I rubbed my arms, the sting of both Avin and
the magełs magic tainting the air. The stink of snake musk was definitely
wafting from the newcomerłs direction but?

“You feel it, right?" I whispered. “Him using magic?"

Bobby frowned at me, which was answer enough. Only I
felt it. Okay. I rolled my shoulders. There were three of us and only one
of him. And if he really was the skinwalker IÅ‚d fought in the mansion, he had
to be hurt. My claws had done damage.

“Ready?" I whispered, splaying my claws. I centered my
weight and waited. I could cross the street in two heartbeats.

How fast was the mage?

“What are we doing?" Steven stepped closer to me,
right into my personal space.

I bristled. I didnłt know Steven well, had never
fought beside him, and he was too close. I could smell the stink of sweat under
his layers of clothing. Sour sweat that smelled of fear, not exertion. He was
scared, and his beast had latched on to me as the resident alpha. Great, I
canłt make a dog sit, but Iłve managed to adopt a city-shifter.
Which meant I was responsible for keeping him out of danger.

“Just stay back," I said, without tearing my eyes away
from the mage.

Steven didnÅ‚t move, but Bobby joined me. “Do we have a
plan?"

“Yeah." I said. “Nobody die."

Chapter Thirty

I made it halfway across the street before the mage
moved from the doorway. I was fast. He was faster.

Within two of my running strides, he crossed the
distance between us. I barely registered the movement. Then he was in front of
me, his fist angling toward my face.

I dropped, diving out of the way. In mid-movement, I
twisted, swiping with my claws. I grazed his forearm, but he was there one
moment and yards away the next. I blinked.

Bobby hadnłt even reached us yet. A heartbeat, maybe
two, had passed.

How can he be that damn fast?

He charged again, and I lashed out. Missed. A blow I
didnłt see slammed into my chest, knocked me back. I crouched, ignoring the
sting spreading across my torso. Bobby reached my side, Steven on his heels.

The magełs movements blurred, and Steven yelped as the
mage flung him backward. I didnłt have time to turn, to see where Steven
landed. I was too busy diving out of the way as the mage focused on me, again.

I ducked under the next blow, lunging forward at the
magełs unguarded chest. He darted behind me before my claws reached his skin.
Behind me, the crack of a bone snapping sounded, and Bobby grunted in pain.

Dammit.
There were three of us fighting him. How can we be losing?

I whirled around and aimed my strike too far to the
right, while feinting left. The mage plowed into my claws. Finally.

He jumped back, hissing. Fangs flashed.

Vampire?

I backpedaled. “What the hell are you?" For
once it was me asking, not being asked. But really? Magic, snake musk, and
vamp fangs? A mage turned vamp and possessing the magic to use a
skinwalkerłs stolen skin?

“IÅ‚m the rightful Master of New Brennan. The Collector
and her pathetic freaks stole my city," he said, his voice hissing between his
fangs. “and you, freak, are fucking up my revenge." He lunged.

I twisted away, but not fast enough. His fangs tore
into my shoulder with a flash of white pain. No pleasure overshadowed the pain.
Not a single pulse of anything beyond the average horrific animal bite.

Hełs a soldier vampno mental powers.

“Get off!" I struggled in his grasp, but he was
stronger.

His grip tightened, locking my arms to my sides,
pinning my claws. I flailed, kicking my feet. My efforts did no good.

His fangs ripped deeper, nicking at my shoulder joint.

Somewhere, not far away, tires crunched over pavement.

The mage went rigid. He screamed, his head rearing
back in agony. His fangs tore from my flesh, and he hurled me away from him. What?
IÅ‚d lost a lot of blood and probably had never reclaimed enough from Nathanial
to start with, so my landing lacked any cat-like grace. My feet slid and my
arms windmilled. I hit the pavement, but I kept my legs under me.

Bobby stood behind the mage, blood dripping from his
knuckles. As the mage turned, I saw why. The hole Iłd ripped in the snakełs
back earlier hadnłt healedit hadnłt slowed him down either, but it was a
large, seeping wound that now showed evidence of broken ribs, thanks to Bobby.
My hunger blossomed. The magełs blood smelled sour, but I was starving.

The mage pulled a large sheath of black scales from
the void. A snakeskin identical to Akanełsor likely, her twin sisterłs actual
skin. He wrapped it around himself and expanded into a huge serpent.

“Get back," I yelled at Bobby. If the mage injected
even a drop of poison into Bobbyłs body?

A vehicle swung around the corner. Of all the
mooncursed luck. Humans could not be allowed to witness this fight.

Imagine their shock: me in bloody tulle, with claws
instead of fingers, a giant serpent stretched across the pavement, blood
dripping from Bobbyłs fist, and StevenI didnłt know where Steven was. I
glanced around and caught him creeping toward the mage. Yeah, definitely not
a scene for human observers.

I shouldnłt have wasted my concern.

The dark SUV slammed to a stop in the center of the
road and the doors flew open. Ronco dashed out of the driverłs seat as
Elizabeth stepped out of the passenger side.

Why do I get the feeling this isnłt the cavalry coming
to our rescue?

“Trevin, weÅ‚ll handle this from here," Elizabeth said
as she shook wrinkles from her dress.

The snakełs head dipped in agreement, but it didnłt
retreat. Ronco surged forward, headed not for the serpent, but for me. I
wasnłt surprised. I lifted my claws, keeping one eye on the snake and one on
the charging vampire.

The snake lifted its head, its mouth falling open, and
a human voice emerged, “The silver, fool."

Silver? Oh crap.

“Run!" I turned, taking my own advice. Bobby and
Steven did the same.

Not that any of us had a chance.

Ronco tossed something thin and light-weight, and a
cord wrapped around my bare neck. My skin went numb, my throat closing, and I
stumbled, falling to my knees. Bobby glanced back as I fell. He stopped.
Doubled back.

No!

I couldnłt speak. Couldnłt breathe. I clawed at the
silver chain, but my fingers turned numb at the first touch, and my claws
dripped with blood as I scratched skin I couldnłt feel.

Ronco slammed into Bobby. Another chain of silver
glinted in his hands. I had to stop him. I had to?

The serpent slithered closer and coiled around my
body, constricting. His mouth opened inches from my face. His fangs flashed,
dripping poison.

“Trevin, enough." ElizabethÅ‚s ballerina slippers made
soft sounds as she trudged through the snow toward me. “DonÅ‚t hurt her."

“Just this one?" Again the snakeÅ‚s voice emerged
perfectly clear, as if spoken from a human throat. His head dipped closer.

“No. We couldnÅ‚t explain her death. Besides, sheÅ‚s
much more useful as a decoy. Now go."

The snakełs tongue flicked out and danced over my
cheek.

Then he uncoiled and slithered back toward the
warehouse. A scream tore down the street, and I looked up to see Steven fall,
thrashing in the silver cords binding him. Bobby was already down. No.
My stomach twisted. I flailed again with the cord, but the numbness was
traveling down my body, making it hard to move. Ronco hauled Steven off the
pavement, dragged him toward the SUV.

“Aaric, travel to me," Elizabeth chanted in a
sing-song voice, and the Traveler stepped into the space beside her.

He looked around, his thick brows cinching.
“Elizabeth, what is the meaning of this? What is going on?"

“Ronco and I followed her." She made the word
sound distasteful as she jerked her small hand in my direction. “She met with a
pair of shapeshifters, and wełve captured them. I think the Collector will be
pleased." She pressed her forehead against his hand, and his eyes went distant,
as if he were talking to someone else without moving his lips.

“She is pleased. You will be rewarded," he said
as his eyes focused again.

With her face pressed into his hand and tilted toward
the ground, the Traveler couldnłt see the cruel smile that twisted Elizabethłs
lips. I could. But there wasnłt a damn thing I could do about it.

The Traveler scanned the bloody street. “The Collector
will send a clean-up crew."

“Ronco has already sent for one," Elizabeth said,
tilting her head to look at him. Her face was once again pleasant, with no hint
of the smile shełd worn a moment ago.

“Very well. Hurry home. Dawn is approaching." He
leaned down and kissed his companion lightly. Then he vanished as if hełd never
been on the street.

Elizabeth turned back to me. When IÅ‚d first left Firth
for the human world, IÅ‚d been unnerved by the unblinking glass eyes and painted
smiles of porcelain dolls. Staring at Elizabethłs perfect but cruelly carved
features, I decided that my fear was well justified.

“You canÅ‚t speak, can you?" she asked, her voice tinny
with mock concern. She knelt beside me and rearranged her skirts to keep them
off the ground. “Not being able to speak isnÅ‚t good enough. You must not be
able to share."

Share? What the hell does that mean? Not that I could ask.

Elizabeth lifted my wrist. I tried to jerk away, to
struggle, but my arms were numb. Useless. Her fangs flashed, but instead of
biting me, she drew out the moment.

“ItÅ‚s one of my abilities," she whispered. “I lock
away memories so no one can find them. And no one knows, except those few who
cannot expose my secret. Like you."

Then she sank her fangs into my flesh. The first wave
of sensation hit me. I could barely feel my body, but the traitorous pleasure?
That I could feel. My eyes bulged. When she pulled back, she smiled at me, my
blood still staining her teeth. She giggled.

I blinked at her, incapable of doing more. What I
wanted to do was rip Elizabethłs throat out so that damned giggling would stop.
Ronco dragged Bobby to the car, the shifterłs head lolled to the side. My
hearing was too damaged by the silver to know if he was breathing, but if I
could have moved, IÅ‚d have killed both the vampires or died trying.

A second SUV pulled to a stop behind Elizabethłs, and
two vampires jumped out. They hauled a large metal coffin from the back and
hefted off the thick lid. Then all eyes turned to me.

No. Oh, hell no. They were not putting me in a coffin.

They were.

And there was nothing I could do about it.

As the vampires lowered the lid over me, Elizabeth
reached inside and snagged the silver chain from my throat, pulling it free.
Feeling slowly returned to my body, so I could feel the tires on the pavement
as we drove, feel the coffin sliding as the SUV took a turn too fast. Voices
filtered in through the metal walls surrounding me.

“ItÅ‚s fine. WeÅ‚ve improvised," Elizabeth said, and I
strained to listen.

“If you hadnÅ‚t insisted on all the theatrics with the
bodies, she never would have stuck her over sensitive nose into this," a raspy
voice said. The snake mage, Trevin? He was in the car?

“The girl was an unexpected element. But itÅ‚s fine. I
have plans for her." Elizabeth again. Was I Ä™the girl?Å‚ “Besides, it is all
working out. Marinałs unbalanced, unsure, and her allies are pulling away from
her. It wonłt be long now."

The magełs reply was in a language I didnłt know. Who
is Marina?

“Go. WeÅ‚re almost there," Elizabeth said, and the SUV
slowed, the coffin sliding forward as the vehicle braked.

The scream that had been trying to escape finally tore
free of my silver-burned throat as the vampires hauled the coffin out of the
SUV. I screamed in panic, I screamed in rage, I screamed for help, I screamed
for Nathanial. I hated the idea that Elizabeth could be listening, could be
smiling at the sound, but I couldnłt stop. Once I could feel my hands I clawed
at the interior, shredding the satin lining until my claws scraped on ungiving
metal.

Then dawn hit. My senses felt it, and retreated. And
there was nothing.

Chapter Thirty-One

As night fell a scream burst from my lungs even before
my eyes opened to the sight of shredded satin inches from my nose. My own
scream filled my senses, competing with the blood rushing through my ears.

Then I heard another sound.

A tremor ran through the coffin lid as something hit
it.

Metal scraped against metal.

I fell silent, listening. Rescue or?

My hands had shifted back to human form while I slept,
leaving me without my claws and way more defenseless than I liked, but the lid
was already moving. I slammed my shoulders against it, shoving myself free of
the coffin. My fist lifted as I sprung upward. My arm cocked back. Then my gaze
landed on crystal gray eyes framed by dark lashes. I froze.

Nathanial.

His arms wrapped around me, dragging me against his
chest. The metal lid clattered to one side.

I didnłt move at first, too stunned by his presence.
After how weÅ‚d parted last “You came for me?"

“As soon as I could." His lips pressed the words into
my hair, and he held me tight enough it hurt.

My body finally relaxed, and I wrapped my arms around
his waist, held him as I let him crush me against his chest.

“My memories"

“Were altered," Nathanial said before I could finish.
“That is the only logical explanation. I should have seen the scales in your
memory, but there was nothing, and that cannot be."

I nodded, clinging tighter to him. The fact he
believed me, that he believed in me again, made something inside me seem
to click back into place. I looked up, and his lips pressed ever so lightly
against my forehead. My eyes fluttered closed, and I drew in a deep breath,
drinking down his spicy scent. But mixed in with the scents I associated with
him was the smell of freshly turned dirt and drying blood.

I pulled back. His arms tightened before releasing me,
but he didnłt stop me from stepping away. Nathanial wore most of last nightłs
tux, but his white shirt was torn and mudstained.

A spray of crimson covered his cuffs. Not his
blood.

My nose told me that much.

He must have seen the questions in my face. He ran a
hand through dark hair clumped with wet mud and said, “Gil has poor timing and
a unique definition of ęhelp.ł"

There was definitely a story behind that. And I bet
it involves the void.

Before I could ask, he took my arm, and steered me
toward the door. “We have to leave this city. Immediately."

“She has Bobby."

No need to say who ęsheł was. Nathanial paused,
muscles stiffening along his back, but he didnłt say anything as he continued
toward the door.

A slumped figure slouched just inside the doorway, a
stake protruding from his chest. I blinked, but I didnłt ask any questionsthe
vamp smelled like the blood on Nathanialłs cuffs.

“Hermit?" a voice whispered behind me.

The skin between my shoulders tightened, and I whirled
around. The room was empty. Or, at least, mostly empty. It was little more than
some forgotten cellar, and I hadnłt noticed earlier, but the metal coffin Iłd
been locked in wasnłt the only one in the room.

“Hermit, is that you?" The decidedly female voice
issued from a box sitting upright against the far wall.

“Stay here," Nathanial said. Then he grabbed the
crowbar hełd used on my coffin.

He jimmied the lock off the upright coffin before
cramming the crowbar into the seam. As Nathanial pushed aside the lid, Samantha
stumbled free. She was no longer disguised as Nuri, but neither did she look
like the confident, dark-haired woman shełd been during my last night at
Deathłs Angel.

She lunged for Nathanial, her fangs extended and her
thin lips curled back. He didnłt dodge, but held up his wrist. She grabbed it,
sinking her fangs deep.

“The hell?" I surged forward, ready to rip her off
him.

Nathanial held up a hand and motioned me to stop. I
did, but my weight remained on my toes, my muscles twitching with the need to
yank her away. After a moment, Samantha pulled back. She licked her now full,
pink lips.

“Thank you, Hermit," she said, straightening.

Nathanial acknowledged her thanks with a nod.

“Chameleon. Did Tatius send a private message for me?"

Samantha pursed her lips, and her appearance changed,
melding into a green-haired Tatius. The change was frighteningly accurate, but
as this fake Tatius hooked its fingers in the loops of shiny vinyl pants and
glanced at me, the eyes held none of the weight of the true Tatiusłs stare.

Using his voice, Samantha said, “We can acknowledge
that blood both complicates and engenders loyalty, brother. Your blood runs
through Kita, but our blood is the same, and we have history. Return. I will
reconsider my position on our companion."

Our
companion?

“Those were his exact words?" Nathanial asked.

Samantha shimmered back into her natural, dark-haired
appearance. “He made me repeat the message twice."

Nathanial nodded, the movement slow, as if he could
buy himself time to think. Then he turned and held out his hand to me. “Back to
Haven?"

“Better the devil you know and all that. What about
Bobby?" And Steven. I was responsible for the city-shifter as well.

Nathanial frowned, and Samanthałs plucked eyebrows
pinched together.

“Bobby?" she asked.

“A friend."

“A mortal friend?" At my nod, she waved her
hand in a dismissive motion. “Mortal lives are short. We should escape while we
can."

Yeah, that wasnłt an option I was considering. Turning
my back on her, I cocked my head, staring at Nathanial.

“We will find him," he said, “but we must hurry."

* * * *

“Here," I whispered, stopping in front of a door and
scenting the air.

Samanthawho had merged her appearance into Ronco, an
effective but disturbing disguiseleaned against the wall and inspected her
knuckles as I sifted through scents. I definitely thought I could probably
smell bobcat and wolf.

Damn fickle vampire nose.

A pair of vamps turned the corner ahead of us, and my
muscles tensed, my fists curling. I waited, not even breathing. But, after
nodding to us, and receiving a nod from Nathanial in return, they kept walking.
I had no idea what illusion Nathanial cloaked us in, but it was working. As
long as we donłt run into any of the older psychic vamps.

Once the pair vanished around the corner, I pulled
open the door and slipped inside, Nathanial and Samantha at my heels. The room
beyond was large, darkand filled with the scent of wounded shapeshifters.
Nathanialłs fingers brushed my shoulder, reaching for me, trying to hold me
back. It was too late. I was already running. I dashed across the room, headed
straight for the tawny haired form slumped in a chair.

“Hey!" someone yelled behind me.

Crap. Guards.

I didnłt slow. Raised voices lifted in my wake,
followed by the crunch of bones snapping. Someone grunted. I didnłt look back.

“Bobby?" I knelt beside him and he lifted his head.

His eyes were red and swollen as he looked at me, but
his skin was pale. Way too pale. Hełd been stripped down to just his pants, and
the chains binding him to a chair had sunk into his flesh, ugly welts spreading
across his bare chest, his arms.

“IÅ‚ll get you free," I whispered. But how? I
couldnłt touch the silverlosing feeling in my fingers wouldnłt help.

Tearing a panel off the bottom of my gown, I wrapped
the shiny material around my hands. It protected me from the silver, but the
make-shift gloves sabotaged any chance I had of griping the thin silver chains.
Dammit.

I glanced back at the door. “Nathanial, help."

He hurled one vampire into a second, and both slammed
into the wall with a thud. The vamps, dead or unconscious, dropped to the floor,
leaving a large, man-shaped indention in the wall. They werenłt the only bodies
on the floor.

“One got away," Samantha said, her appearance rippling
as she shrank down from Roncołs form into her own.

“Then we will have company soon." Nathanial knelt beside
me, and I moved over, giving him better access to the chain.

He had to dig into Bobbyłs bare back to get the end of
the chain. He peeled it away from the skin, the silver taking chunks of flesh
with it. Bobby squinted his swollen eyes, the muscles in his face twitching,
and his lips curling back, but he didnłt make a sound as the chain pulled away.

I cupped his large hand in mine and pressed my cheek
against his knee, but that was as much comfort as I could offer. There was
nothing I could do about the pain, and though the energy of his beast rolled
off him in prickly waves, he couldnłt shift and heal until the silver was away
from his skin.

“We have to hurry," Samantha said, her eyes focused on
the door.

“Unwrap Steven," I told her, pointing at the shifter
in the other chair. He wasnłt moving, his chest barely lifting.

She glared at me, and I thought for a moment she was
going to pull the vampire equivalent of rank on me, but then she turned and
grabbed the silver chain binding Steven. She yanked, tearing chain and flesh.
The shifter screamed and the energy pouring off him filled the room. My skin
crawled, feeling too tight for my body.

“Too much," Bobby whispered, the words clumsy from his
swollen lips.

“I know." I squeezed his hand. “ItÅ‚s almost over."

“Not me. Steven."

Rogue?

I jumped to my feet just as Samantha jerked the last
chain free. Steven lunged from the chair, his body slamming into Samantha. The
silver would have weakened him, so it must have been her surprise that allowed
him to knock her to the ground. He screamed in her face, his twisted,
rage-filled agony turning the scream into a howl.

I surged forward. Before I reached him, the skin down
his back split. A glistening spine poked free, muscles bunching, reshaping. I
skid to a stop.

“Samantha, get out from under him."

Her eyes were wide, and I wasnłt sure shełd heard me
as she stared at the man shifting on top of her. I grabbed her arms, pulling
her free. You didnłt touch shifters mid-changethe magic that reformed a
shifterłs body could do strange things to anyone who interfered. We couldnłt do
anything but wait as Stevenłs joints popped, his organs rearranging.

Wait, and hope he came out of the change sane.

I didnłt hold out a lot of hope. A day wrapped in
silver could challenge any shifterłs sanity, and Steven had already been
unstable. Seconds passed, the change progressing agonizingly slow. Tagged
shifters were like that, their change sometimes taking several minutes to
complete.

“What is the meaning of this?" a cold voice demanded
from the doorway.

I whirled around. A group of enforcers poured into the
room, Ronco leading the charge. Elizabeth slipped inside as a prim figure in a
cold gray dress stepped through the doorway.

The Collector had arrived.

Chapter Thirty-Two

“I expected more from you, Hermit. You had so much
potential." The Collector shook her head. “Such a waste." Her pupils dilated,
her irises disappearing in the expanding darkness.

My heart hammered in my chest, my mouth going dry.

Vamp tricks. Of course she went straight to vamp
tricks.

My feet itched to slink away, to hide, but I couldnłt
do that. Steven was in the midst of shifting, and Bobby wasnłt free yet. Theyłd
bound him in enough chains to hold ten shifters, and Nathanial was still
untangling the mess.

Samantha stared at the mess that was Steven, her eyes
frozen wide. So that just left me. And I had to do something.

“We had a deal. You have your shifters. Now let us
go," I said, ignoring the fact we had obviously been trying to free said
shifters.

The Collectorłs attention slammed into me, and I
cringed.

Her power snarled at the edges of my mind, swathing my
peripheral in darkness. But her concentration wasnłt what it usually was. Her
gaze darted to Stevenłs changing form as if she couldnłt help herself. Couldnłt
take her eyes off his shift.

I can work with that.

A cold smile crossed the Collectorłs face, but she
stared at Steven as she said, “My dear, we did not agree on a time frame for
your release, and you did not deliver the shapeshifters to me. Elizabeth did."

As she spoke, Nathanial pulled the last inch of silver
from Bobbyłs chest. He dropped the bloody chain, and Bobby stumbled from the
chair. His legs collapsed beneath him. I lunged on instinct, grabbing his arm
before he hit the floor.

It was the wrong move.

His skin slipped and the energy of his beast washed
over me. It stung as it dug into my skin, calling to the beast I no longer
appeared to have.

Bobby was no tagged shifter whose change took long
minutes. He was natural born, and a fast changer at that. I tried to release
him, but his energy tangled around my fingers, gripped my arms. The radiating
energy clawed at me.

His arm twisted, shifted.

Crap.

I pried my hands away, but they moved too slow, as if
the energy had turned solid around me. It clung to me as I backpedaled, and I
gritted my teeth against what was both pain and the familiar call of Firth. A
call I couldnłt answer, now that I was a vampire.

“The silver is effective," the Collector said, tearing
her eyes from Stevenłs slowly shifting shape to focus on Bobby. Her head cocked
to one side, her stare an inquisitive but objective observation. IÅ‚d seen Gil
watch me in similar ways. Very similar. Except Gil wasnłt a cold-hearted
walking corpse.

At my side, Bobby straightened. Fur cloaked his body,
but he stood on two legs, caught in midformhalf man, half beast. A warriorłs
form. Claws curved from his fingers, scythe-like and deadly. A muzzle of
carnivorełs teeth protruded from his face.

Still the energy of Firth thrummed over my skinwarm,
alive. It washed my body in adrenaline. My muscles tensed.

My breath rushed out of me. The need to shift battered
against my chest and made my skin too tight. But I couldnłt shift anymore. The
coil deep in my center was still hard. Still cold.

I shoved the energy down to my hands. The joints in my
fingers popped, snapped. The skin over my fingertips split. My claws slid free,
long enough to make a tiger proud.

Soft, chime-like laughter floated across the room.
“You are wonderfully predictable," Elizabeth said, smiling at me like a cat
whołd cornered a mouse.

I flexed my claws. I was not a mouse.

“Does this fit in your game?" I asked, goading her. My
words came out with a lispmy fangs had extended.

Elizabethłs smile widened, and she cast a glance at
Ronco.

“Actually, yes."

She twisted a ring on her finger, and words spilled
from her mouth. Words my mind tried and couldnłt understand, couldnłt remember.

My stomach twisted. I knew of a word that couldnłt be
heard. A magełs name.

Magic tingled along my skin. The air zinged with
power, and a large, black serpent appeared in the center of the room. He reared
back, his jaw opening to flash fangs dripping with poison.

The Collector ripped her eyes from Bobby. She glanced
at the coiled serpent, a frown stretching over her face.

“Elizabeth, what is the meaning of this?"

“This?" the small vampire asked, her face all mock
innocence. Then her voice deepened. “This is a coup."

Chapter Thirty-Three

“Now, Trevin," Elizabeth yelled, and the snake lunged.

The Collector didnÅ‚t flinch. “Ronco, take care of the
serpent."

Her bodyguard didnłt movenone of her enforcers moved.

Not that I expected them to, but their defection had
never entered the Collectorłs mind. She stood there, assuming theyłd jump to
her defense.

They didnłt.

Surprise flashed through her face as the snakełs
strike tore into her shoulder. Her eyes flew wide, and she ripped the snake
away, hurling the massive serpent across the room.

Then her dark glare turned on her enforcers.

“Do not expect lenience, any of you." She pressed a
hand to the slowly oozing wound on her shoulder. “This is treason.

This" The Collector took a step forward and her legs
buckled beneath her, the poison taking effect. She fell to her knees.

“This is inevitable," Elizabeth finished for her. “Too
long my master has catered to your whims. He begs like a dog for your scraps
when he should be seated at the head of the table." She curled her small fist
in the CollectorÅ‚s hair and jerked, exposing the CollectorÅ‚s throat. “No more.
Ronco?"

The large guard unsheathed a dagger and pressed it
into her small hand. I glanced at Nathanial. He stood tense at my side,
watching, but not interfering. In this situation, the enemy of our enemy was
less friend and definitely enemy. It didnłt matter who won. All parties
involved wanted us dead.

“Goodbye," Elizabeth whispered, and the blade blurred.

The Collectorłs body crumpled to the floorher head
remained in Elizabethłs hand. Blood splattered onto the skirt of Elizabethłs
dress, dark against the white lace. The small vampire lifted the head higher,
smiling at the Collectorłs slack jaw. Then her eyes darted to me.

“Catch." She hurled the head.

It arced across the room, tumbling in the air and
slinging blood to the floor, the ceiling. I jumped out of the way, and the
enforcers surged into motion. They rushed us, fangs out, fists raised.

I lifted my claws, and Bobby and Nathanial edged in
front of me. Samanthałs form shimmered, solidifying twice as wide, with bulging
muscles and blocky features.

“It is a shame the Collector lost her life in your
escape attempt," Elizabeth said, her voice conveying the vicious smile I
couldnłt see beyond the bodies of the charging vampires.

The first enforcer reached us, and in one swift move
Nathanial sent him crashing into the next. Two enforcers jumped in the air,
flying toward the high ceiling. Then they twisted, diving at us.

Crap.

Nathanial glanced at them, his full lips drawing thin.
His eyes darted from me to Bobby. “Guard her," he commanded.

Then he was in the air.

I donłt need guarding. We needed a way out.

Bobby met the next attacker head on, and they both
went down, rolling in a blur of claws and fists. Samantha rushed forward,
barreling into the next vampire.

A howl ripped through the air behind me. A low, angry snarl
followed. I cringed, my spine stiffening. Oh crap.

I whirled around as Steven charged. Hełd shifted to an
advanced mid-form, more wolf than human, and his blue eyes were wide, mad.

Wolf. A
rogue shifter in wolf form. IÅ‚d rather deal with vamps.

I didnłt get a chance.

Taloned feet scraped the ground as Steven leapt for
me. I caught his arms, keeping his claws from as much of my flesh as possible,
and absorbed his weight. I let his momentum push me to the ground. I rolled
with it, tucking my legs and bringing my feet up as my shoulders hit the
ground. Stevenłs stomach landed against my feet, and I shoved with my legs.

He flew over my head, flipping in the air and slamming
into two oncoming vamps. All three went down. Blood flew as Steven tore into
them with the ferocity of insanity-driven rage.

I rolled to my feet, tearing at my stupid tulle skirt
as it tangled around me again. The rasp of scales on stone warned me of the
snakełs approach. I tensed, but let him slither closer. Content to let him
think I hadnłt noticed. I closed my eyes and blocked out the sounds of fighting
raging around me, focused on the soft rasp behind me.

Closer.

Closer.

The sound stopped, and I imagined the snake rearing
back, preparing to strike while I was unaware. I spun and dove in the same
movement, letting my ears guide my claws.

I caught the snake in the soft flesh under its jaw. My
claws sank deep, and I slashed downward, tearing a gash three feet long down
the snakełs belly. He hissed, toppling backward.

Blood sprayed from the wound. The snake thrashed,
contorting. The skin thinned, peeled back, and a man, not a snake, flailed on
the floor.

A long gash split his chest, his lungs and other dark
organs visible. But a vamp might heal from those wounds. IÅ‚d healed from
nearly as bad.

“Gildamina!" I yelled.

Magic zinged through the air as she popped into the
room.

Her eyes widened, and I saw her swallow as she took in
the fray. I saw the questions forming on her lips.

“Mage turned vampire," I yelled, pointing at the
thrashing vamp.

Her gaze snapped to him, a familiar spark of curiosity
lighting her features. She rushed forward, and the injured mage tried to twist
back, away.

He wasnÅ‚t fast enough. “What a specimen," she said.

Magic tingled through the air as her hand landed on
the vamp. He vanished.

“Take the skin to Biana," I said, pointing at the
black, castoff skin. It was a shredded mess at this point, but at least I could
pay one debt.

Gil gathered the skin, nearly tripping over her boots
in her haste. “IÅ‚ll get you out too," she said, stepping forward.

“No." I backpedaled. “WeÅ‚ve got this covered." I was not
letting her throw me into the void. Not now. Not while I might be needed here.

Besides, it was true. As I spoke, Nathanial threw the
last aerial attacker to the ground. The vamp didnłt get back up.

Two bodies lay around Bobby. He was soaked in blood
and had a dripping bite wound in his throat, but he was up and running to help
Samantha, whose arm hung at an awkward angle as she struggled with Ronco, the
last enforcer standing.

Neither of the vamps under Steven were movingand
probably hadnłt in a while. The rogue continued tearing into them, reveling in
his first kill.

IÅ‚ll have to deal with him. But first we had to find Elizabeth.

Content we had the fight under control, Gil vanished.
My gaze flickered around the room, searching.

A small prick pinched my shoulder, the smallest sting.
I whirled around and Elizabeth jumped back, an empty syringe in her hand. An
empty syringe that reeked of poison.

“YouÅ‚ve over-extended your usefulness," she said,
letting the syringe hit the ground. She lifted her dagger. A dagger still
glistening with the Collectorłs blood.

I stumbled back. I could feel the poison, cold, a
creeping deadness. “Nathanial!"

As if to combat the seeping cold of the poison, heat
boiled out of my center. A spreading, growing, skin-tightening heat.

Nathanial landed beside me, wrapped me in his arms. “I
have you."

He pulled me tighter to him, but the heat in my body
kept expanding. It jittered through my muscles, sparked through my flesh. Pain
shot down my back, and the skin over my spine tore open.

My skin was slipping.

Chapter Thirty-Four

“Let go." I shoved at Nathanial, but his arms only
tightened around me.

“Kita?" Bobby crept toward me, his eyes wide.

He can feel the energy pouring off me.

I shook my head. “Her, get her."

I pointed where Elizabeth had been. I could barely see
anymore. Pain radiated through my body, some the poison, some the change. My
gown vanished, my clothes always disappeared when I shifted. Itłs really
going to happen. But Nathanial couldnłt be touching me as I shifted.

He jerked as his hands touched my suddenly bare
skinskin that was ripping away, trying to reverse itself. When I shoved him
again, he let go, and I backpedaled. I stumbled over something and hit the
ground with a thud. Whatever I tripped on tangled in my legs. A body. No,
not a body. It moved. And it was covered in fur.

Steven.

I couldnłt move. Couldnłt push away. It was too late.
My skin slipped off as my muscles rearranged. My joints popped.

A yelp tore from my throat. It was matched by a howla
howl that morphed into a hoarse human scream.

My shift is forcing Steven to shift.

It was the last thought I had. Then I passed into the
moment of the shift when I had no hearing, no vision, no thought. Just pain.

Then it was over.

My skin sealed around me, and my dress reappeared. I
looked down. I was in human form again. I hadnłt changed.

Well, my claws are gone, but I hadnłt become my other form, a calico cat, and I
hadnłt even reached mid-form. There was no shift.

But there was also no poison in me anymore. I could
smell it on the stone, but my non-shift had purged it from my body.

I pushed off the floor, detangling my legs from
Stevenłs as I moved. He was in fully human form as well. My shift had carried
his along, pulled his wolf body apart and reconstructed it in seconds, and he
was left naked and healed from his encounter with the silver. Well, his body
is healed, at least.

Once I stood, he hugged his legs to his chest and
curled into a ball. His eyes squeezed shut, but tears slipped through them
anyway. Chunks of the vamps Steven had shredded surrounded us. Blood soaked
into my dress and Stevenłs hair.

Soft, pained sounds escaped himpain that had nothing
to do with his body.

I turned away. I couldnłt deal with him yet.

Friend and foe alike stared at me like IÅ‚d just sprung
a second heador rearranged my body. I focused on Elizabeth.

“You wasted one of my nine lives," I smiled. “My turn.
How many lives do you have?"

Elizabethłs eyes widened until her pale-blue irises
swam in a sea of white. Not that I knew how IÅ‚d back up my threat. My claws
were gone, and I was shivering. Not just cold-shivering, but starving
shiveringslipping my skin had taken a lot out of me.

“Aaric, travel to us," Nathanial called, his voice
echoing in the room.

The giantłs scentless form stepped into the space in
front of Nathanial.

“Did you call, Hermit?" he asked before he was
completely solid. Then he looked around, his large jaw dropping. “What is this?
What happened?" His body went stiff, his gaze freezing.

“No. Marina?"

I twisted, following his line of sight straight to the
Collectorłs head. Marina.

The Traveler rounded on Nathanial, his large fists
clenching. “What happened?"

“Your companion happened." Nathanial nodded to
Elizabeth.

She startled and blinked at the Traveler before
vigorously shaking her head. “No. No, Aaric. He lies. Look for yourself."

She extended her arm and seemed to realize too late
she still clutched the dagger.

“ThatÅ‚s the CollectorÅ‚s blood," I said. “On her dress,
too."

Elizabeth dropped the dagger, and it clattered to the
floor.

“No. I I" Her lips pursed. Then she dropped her
hands.

“ItÅ‚s true. But I did it for you. All for you. YouÅ‚re
free of her now. We all are."

The Traveler looked around the room, his eyes pinching
as his gaze trailed over the blood, the twisted bodies. He turned back to
Elizabeth.

“My companion," he whispered. He held out his arms,
and she rushed to him. His hands moved to her face, and his fingers stroked her
cheeks. “My lovely, gentle companion."

He kissed her lips, a tender kiss, and I looked away. Is
that it? Shełs a hero now? My stomach twisted.

A blur of movement caught in my peripheral vision. My
gaze shot up as the sound of bones snapping filled the room.

The Traveler still had his hands on either side of
Elizabethłs face, and he twisted until her head ripped from her shoulders.

He caught her body before it hit the ground. He
lowered her slowly, a tear slipping from the corner of his eye. Pressing a kiss
to her forehead, he placed her head above her shoulders, as if her neck were
still connected.

She was beautiful in death. A small porcelain doll
covered in blood. A broken, deadly doll.

He knelt beside her, staring at her still body. I
backed away, my feet moving without thought. My arm brushed Nathanialłs, and
his hand locked around mine, his fingers gripping mine. But he didnłt say
anything. None of us said anything.

The Traveler straightened.

“This is an ill-fated place of death and darkness."
The Traveler looked away as if he gazed at something the rest of us couldnłt
see. Then he turned to Nathanial again. “Take no offense, Hermit, but I hope to
never see you again." He faded from the room.

“ThatÅ‚s it?" I asked, knowing it wasnÅ‚t. We were
surrounded by blood. By bodies. Even if we left now, IÅ‚d have new nightmares,
and these wouldnłt belong to the rogues Iłd created.

Speaking of
I turned to Steven. He was still curled in a ball in the gore. Small, mewling
sounds fell from his mouth.

“HeÅ‚s gone," Bobby whispered, the words distorted
through his half-cat mouth.

Bobby was right. I knew he was, but I still crept
closer and knelt beside the curled man.

“Steven?"

He didnłt respond. I reached out and laid a tentative
hand on his shoulder. He rolled from my touch, and then sprang into motion,
lunging forward to tackle me. I hadnłt expected the move, and I slammed
backward, my shoulders and head hitting the floor.

Steven straddled my chest. His hands locked around my
throat, strangling out air I didnłt need.

“See what you made me do?" he yelled, squeezing
tighter.

“See!"

His flat nails dug into my neck. Then they were ripped
away, his weight lifting off me. Nathanial held the struggling shifter by his
throat.

“Put him down. He canÅ‚t breathe." My voice was hoarse
after the abuse to my throat, but the words came out clear enough.

Nathanialłs eyes flickered to me. He lowered Steven,
but he didnłt release him. The shifter whined, a sob ripping through his chest.
His eyes squeezed shut. “Please. Please just make the nightmare stop. Kill me.
Donłt make me do that again."

“Kita, you heard him," Bobby whispered. “IÅ‚m your
second. I will do it, if you canłt."

I shook my head. IÅ‚d tagged Steven, he was my
responsibility. Besides, Bobby and I were all the clan Steven had known, and I
was his surrogate Torin.

What would my father do if a tagged shifter begged for death?

Hełd grant it. Especially if the shifter were as
unstable as Steven. Hell, my father would never have hesitated. He knew a Torinłs
responsibility to every shifter in his clan. Steven was a danger to himself and
everyone around him. My father would have already found a way to quickly and
humanely end his suffering.

I pressed my lips together and took a deep breath. Let
it out. “IÅ‚ll do it."

I stepped forward, and then stopped. An idea bubbled
at the edge of my mind. An idea I hated, but “Steven, what do you want done
with your body?"

The shifter rolled his eyes to look at me. “Bury it,
burn it, leave it to rot. The hell would I care? IÅ‚ll be dead."

I nodded and untied the small pouch on my necklace
containing Avinłs ring. My hand went numb as soon as I slid the ring on, but I
ignored the pain. Nathanial stepped forward, but I shook my head. “Trust me."
Then I called, “Avin."

Magic chilled the air, and Avin popped into the room.
He looked around, torn eyebrow lifting. “Babe, this better not be a
double-cross." The bauble of my blood appeared in his hand.

I pointed at Steven. “Will this body do?"

Avin stepped closer. He nodded. “Yeah, I like the
look. Let me cast my circle and prepare."

Avin walked the room, chanting and stepping over
scattered bodies. Samantha started to interrupt, but Nathanial stopped her with
a raised hand. He was watching me, his eyes measuring.

When Avin indicated it was time, Nathanial released
the city-shifter and backed out of the circle, but only as far as Avin made
him. He hovered around the edge, ready to burst in if anything went wrong.
Bobby appeared to agree.

“Will this hurt?" Steven asked, shuffling his feet.

“No," I whispered. Then I sank my fangs into his
throat.

I needed the blood. I didnłt realize how very cold I
was until the heat of his blood filled me. Then his mind opened and I fell into
his memories. I experienced bits of his life as him, knowing all the while hełd
never again remember the football tournament we won, the first girl we kissed,
or how much we looked up to our older brother, Tyler. Once the blood flow
slowed, the memories faded, and I was left holding an empty body.

I lowered Steven to the ground. Then I turned to Avin.

“My blood?" I held out my hand.

He dropped the bauble in my palm. “Nice doing business
with you, babe."

The charm broke as soon as the globe touched my skin,
turning into just a drop of blood. I wiped it on my dress before turning away.

Walking out of the circle, I reached for Nathanialłs
hand.

My gaze swept over the room, the bodies, the blood.
“Still want me to be more like Elizabeth?"

Nathanial froze, and I shook my head. Just teasing.
It was maybe two hours after dark, and it had already been a long night. I
leaned against his body.

“Take me home."

Chapter Thirty-Five

The door to the cabin slammed behind me as I leapt
down the porch steps. I landed a foot past the bottom stair, snow crunching
under my toes, and I stared at the expanse of snow separating the cabin from
the woods. I could cross it in two heartbeats. Easy.

I didnłt. I was done with running.

Instead I stood there, drawing in deep breaths and
letting them out. Thatłs why Iłd come out anyway. To get a little distance. A
chance to breathe.

I squeezed my eyes closed. The house had become
claustrophobic. There wasnłt room for Bobby, Nathanial, me, and all the things
we werenłt saying. Or the things we are.

Bobby and I had been arguing all night. No, not
arguing.

Just talking at each other. At the top of our
lungs.

He wanted me to go back to Firth. But I wasnłt. I
couldnłt.

My skin had slipped, but I hadnłt shifted, and now all
that heat, all that magic of Firth, was gone again. Locked away in a
dead coil. Maybe IÅ‚d reach it again, someday. And maybe then IÅ‚d go back to
Firth. Maybe.

We were both on edge. The gate would open tomorrow
night, and we both felt Firthłs call. Not that it was unpleasant.

The call hummed through my body, soft, cooing. It made
me think of lazy summer days spent lounging in the grass, catnapping to the
sound of a trickling stream.

I opened my eyes and realized IÅ‚d turned the direction
of the closest gate. I frowned and forced myself to turn away.

The call was the same as it had been before IÅ‚d become
a vampire. IÅ‚d ignored it every full moon for the past five years.

IÅ‚d ignore it this month, too.

The cabin door clicked open behind me.

What now?

It swished closed, and I waited, not turning around.

Nathanial.
It had to beBobby would have spoken by now. I didnłt hear him trudge down the
steps, but his heat suddenly filled the air behind my back. His hands landed on
my shoulders, and then his fingers moved to my hair, gently combing it.

I had the urge to lean into him, to wrap my arms
around his waist and breathe in his scent. Frowning, I stepped away from his
hands and turned. Danger had drawn us together in Demur, but now we were home. And
we need to talk.

But my tongue was too thick in my mouth, deadening my
words. My feet itched to move. Maybe a quick walk through the woods?

No.

IÅ‚d made the decision to stop running. So here I was,
facing things. I swallowed and hugged my arms across my chest. It wasnłt that I
needed the comfort, well, at least that wasnłt all of it, but more than
anything, I was afraid Iłd reach for Nathanial if I didnłt restrain my hands.

“When are we supposed to see Tatius?" I asked, because
something had to fill the silence.

“He will allow us a few nights before he demands our
presence. We should report to him of our own volition before that time."

But he didnłt suggest we go now, or even later
tonight.

Neither of us were ready to deal with more vampire
politics yet. But wełd go. Eventually. We had to. And then wełd find out
exactly what Tatius had meant when he said “our companion." I
wasnłt looking forward to the conversation.

But before that happened, there was something else I
had to know. And that meant having the other conversation both of us had been
avoiding all night.

“So what is the deal, Nathanial? The way I feel about
you, is it real? Is it me? You? The stupid, mooncursed vampire bond we share?
What is it?"

He let out a breath. “Kitten, my powers control
perception. The ability to trick the eye, the ear. My abilities have no sway
over emotions." His gaze dropped. “Yours do."

My hands fell to my sides, and I stared at him, but I
barely had time to register his words, much less to respond, before magic
crawled over my skinmagic that didnłt feel like Gilłsand a green light
flashed behind me.

I whirled around. The judge stood several feet behind
me.

He frowned at the snow surrounding his polished shoes.
With a wave of his hand, the snow melted in a three-foot radius around him. A
heartbeat later it evaporated. Nodding his head in a self-satisfied manner, he
straightened his already pristine suit. Then he looked at me. Nathanial slid
his hand over mine, and I grasped it.

“Hello, my little endangered abomination," the judge
said, his lips curving to show flat white teeth. “I have a job for you."

Coming Next In
Kalayna Pricełs Haven Series


Book Three: THIRD BLOOD

Going home after five years is difficult. Itłs harder
still if youłve changed species in the interim.

Kita Nekai, once the smallest shifter in Firth but now
the newest vampire in the city of Haven, has no intention of returning home or informing
her father and clan what shełs become. Not that she has a choice. When the mage
who holds her death certificate in his hands demands Kita return to Firth as
his errand runner, she has to comply. Of course, there is no leaving her sire,
Nathanial, behind. Which means introducing daddy dearest to the manwell,
vampireshe may be falling for and confessing that shełs lost the ability to
shift. Talk about awkward.

Her homecoming goes from bad to worse when an attempt
is made on her life, and Kita finds herself facing an unknown threat in a
hostile world she never fit into in the first place.

Can she survive long enough to complete the Judgełs
task, stand trial before the elders for the rogues she created while on the
run, and help defend her fatherłs territory from an encroaching band of misfit
shifters? Or is this cat down to her last life?

THE END








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