“We’re here.”
The large three-story limestone building is a fortress that rises from the ground like a castle from medieval times.
Resting on the edge of a town nearly two hours away it has black iron gates that drip with powerful protective spells.
Bo rolls down the window and presses the metal box.
“You’re early. The new circle you’re running in has been good for you.”
“I thought you said I was worth the wait.”
Bo’s flirty tone sets my teeth on edge.
“Your conceit knows no boundaries. It’s nice to see some things never change.”
“I do love to please you, Cal.”
“Wretched man, don’t call me that. I’m buzzing you in now.”
A beep precedes the slow opening gates. We travel the drive toward a gothic revival mansion with steeply pitched gables that make the roof have sharp angles.
Bo parks and we exit the car.
I fluff the puffy sleeve of my off-white blouse that stops mid-arm and run a hand down the soft material of my khaki overall dress to keep my hands busy. My mouth is dry and my hands shake as I try to prepare myself for the meeting.
The hair stick is a reassuring solid weight, nestled into my simple bun. Climbing the stone stairs, I step closer to Kirk.
On the porch with columns and an elaborate thick wooden door with decorative glass panels, Bo rings the doorbell. Moments later, a sinewy man in his early twenties opens the door.
Clad in all-black, thick, wavy, brown hair frame his oval-shaped face. His cheekbones are sharp enough to cut.
A fine art student would kill to capture those exquisite features. His pale skin, overly bright blue eyes, and dark aura give him away. I step back, starring at the man like he’s a mirage.
“Vampire.”
“Wolf.” His cultured voice holds amusement.
Bo steps in front of me. “Don’t toy with my mate, Louis. She’s never seen one of you up close before.” Except I have.
Why didn’t my senses pick up on Keziah? My heart sinks. I think back to my best friend of four years. Had everything we shared been a lie?
Louis sniffs. “Mate you say?”
“Careful, sharp tooth. You’re out of your pay grade.”
Sweat dampens my palms. “I don’t understand.” Vampires aren’t to be trusted. Why are they chatting like he’s an old friend? This is more than people working together to survive. This feels like a genuine friendship. Like you had with Kez. Would knowing what she was change your bond?
“My employer is an equal opportunity type of woman. Please come in.”
“No, thank you.” I can’t force my legs to move.
Bo places a hand on the small of my back. “You’re safe here, Princess. Cal’s is neutral territory.”
Gulping, I follow him into the house, happy to be sandwiched between Fell and Kirk on either side, with Cad bringing up the rear.
Creams are accented by pops of turquoise and gold inside the elegant home. We are led to a vibrant tufted blue velvet couch the vampire motions for us to sit.
“Calista will be down to see you soon.” Louis’s fluid movements when he leaves the room hold my attention.
Danger. My instincts urge me to flee. Despite his pleasant countenance, he is a predator. Was it different because Keziah didn’t mean me any harm?
Guilt and anger fuse inside me. Should I have reached out and let her try to explain herself? Lost in thought, I ignore the boys bickering beside me.
Fell presses into Bo’s personal space. “Where did you bring us Jensen?”
“Somewhere we can get help.” Bo man spreads on the cushion beside me, brushing my leg with his.
“At what price?” Cadoc asks.
“That’s the right question. You are smart.”
We turn to the voluptuous redhead in a slinky black velvet gown approaching us. She smells of herbs, flowers, and an underlying spicy note I can’t place.
Her dark brown eyes are filled with mystery, and she wears an all-knowing expression that unsettles me.
“Witch is the word you’re looking for, Ms. Eskildson. And I’m very pleased to meet you.”
Why would a witch employ a vampire, and make her home neutral ground?
