by Wendi Wilson
My whole body flinched as the whole truth dawned on me. Warren had sent Levi away on a wild goose chase that would keep him busy for weeks. Then he sent Xander to Camp Shadow Lake, had him sweep True off her feet before breaking us apart.
Warren wanted me all alone. Isolated. Ripe for the plucking.
“That son of a bitch.”
I leapt to my feet before dragging True up beside me. I hugged her, hard, before pushing her shoulders back to stare into her eyes.
“I love you. There is no reason for you to feel guilty, nothing for me to forgive.”
“But—”
“No buts, True,” I said, cutting her off.
She stared at me for a few moments before nodding her head. “Okay.”
“Good,” I said firmly, my anger quickly pushing out all other emotions. “Now, pull yourself together. We’re going to The Society, and we need your help.”
“The Society?” she asked. “What are you going to do?”
“We’re going to rip Warren Thornberry a new asshole and put an end to whatever it is he’s planning,” I said without a second thought.
When I was done with Warren, he was going to wish I’d only kicked him in the nuts.
Chapter Twenty-Five
We stood together at the bottom of the Thornberry Estate’s grand entrance, a united front. All counted, there were ten of us: Me, Levi, True, Dean Purty, Sasha, Chef Zelda, Amelia, Rose, Naveen, and Miranda. Nurse Barbara, Ian, and Analise had stayed behind at the camp to keep an eye on things while the campers slept peacefully in their beds. Even though I knew I had a formidable team around me, it didn’t feel like enough. Warren was powerful, and he likely knew we were coming thanks to Xander. He’d disappeared as soon as True’s compulsion spell had broken. No doubt he waited behind those fancy doors right at Warren’s side.
He was another vampire I wanted to kick in the junk, maybe worse, but that would have to wait. The dean wanted to try diplomacy first. There was definitely not enough punching in that idea for me, but I’d agreed to give it a try first. The dean seemed to think he could shame Warren into abdicating his position in The Society. I wasn’t sure Warren could even feel shame at this point, but it was worth a try.
Before we’d left, we’d all gathered in the dean’s tiny office, eight vampires and two witches—well, technically three witches since Zelda was both—and made our plans. The dean had made it clear that an all-out fight would go badly for us, and, no matter how deeply I wanted it, I couldn’t risk True or Levi getting hurt or killed. I wanted justice and revenge, but not at the expense of my loved ones. Warren had already taken my father and endangered my mother too, since I was pretty sure he was behind some of what happened with Sarah.
He seemed to be behind everything, an evil vampire mastermind with entirely too much power. That was why I didn’t trust the dean’s idea of diplomacy. What would stop Warren from telling us what we wanted to hear and just continuing to do whatever he wanted? That was what he’d been doing all this time, right?
And we weren’t strong enough to take him down. He had whole legions of vampires on his side and could buy more, no matter the price.
But I still had one trick up my sleeve. Warren didn’t know I’d broken my compulsion. Sure, he probably knew about True, but, with his ego, he likely thought his spell was stronger than Xander’s. Either way, it was a tidbit I was keeping close to the vest. Who knew when it might come in handy?
Before we left, the dean had made some calls for backup. The vampires that came offered to stay with the children while we went to deal with our business. Contrary to popular belief, not all vampires liked combat. Even Naveen, Rose, and Amelia were there simply to reinforce our numbers. They had less fighting experience than I did, and that didn’t account for much.
As I stared up at the mansion, aglow with its fancy lighting and perfectly trimmed hedges, I touched the bag that held my vampire dagger. There’d be no wooden practice blade this time.
How’d you like to feel the real thing, Warren? You always wanted to get up close and personal with me. Maybe now you’ll get your chance.
Badass Piper, reporting for duty.
Beside me on the lawn, Levi put his hand on my shoulder and leaned in to whisper in my ear.
“If things go south, I want you to run. Don’t try to help, just get the hell out of there. Get away from Warren.”
I slipped my hand into his but didn’t respond. He should know me well enough by now to know that I would never run away while the people I cared about were in jeopardy. Through thick and thin, we were in this together.
The dean stepped forward, and everyone’s eyes turned to him. He cleared his throat and adopted his authoritative tone.
“Thank you all for coming today. We are going to keep this civil. Let me do the talking with Warren. We’ve dealt with each other on many occasions, and I’d like to think he listens to me, at least in part. If things get tense, we’ll just turn around and leave. There’s no need for this to get out of hand.” His eyes found Levi and zeroed in like lasers.
Levi took that moment to examine the landscaping, but the veins in his arms protruded, and I heard his teeth grinding. He wanted to go in there and rearrange Warren’s organs more than I did. Maybe instead of focusing on revenge, I needed to keep Levi from starting the first Vampire World War.
Speaking of revenge, True seemed about as furious as Levi. She’d insisted on coming, even when Dean Purty had ordered her to stay behind and offered to have Zelda stay with her. She’d told the dean she’d find her own damned way to Xander Banks if we didn’t take her with us, and in the end, he’d agreed. I was happy to have her by my side, where I could keep my eye on her. At least I didn’t have to worry Xander would sneak back to the camp while we were gone and do something even more awful to her in our absence.
The dean opened his mouth to speak again, but the estate’s front doors parted, shutting him up.
It was time.
Tense, I glanced up, expecting the vampire butler to stick his head out and shoo us away, but it was Warren, himself. His hair was wet and brushed back, not a strand out of place. He looked as though he’d just stepped out of the shower, very casual and nonchalant.
“Well, hello. I’ve been expecting you. Come on in, but mind the floors. I’ve just had them waxed. That is, if you’re done with your little speech, Purty.”
His head disappeared, leaving us all in stunned silence. It was just like Warren to act like nothing was happening when the world was crashing down around us, one of his little maneuvers to exude calm and control and manipulate those around him. But I’d seen enough of his tricks to know his game.
“Let’s go,” I said, starting forward.
The rest of the group came unstuck, walking with me. Levi and I took the lead, followed by True and Dean Purty, with the rest trailing behind.
The patter of my heart increased with each step. Soon, we were on the doorstep, peering in.
Glancing side to side, I didn’t see a huge vampire army. In fact, I didn’t see anyone at all. Usually there were guests everywhere and staff members wandering around, offering food and drink or tidying up. But even they were absent.
Something felt... off. I didn’t like this at all.
Exchanging a glance, Levi and I took our first steps into the house. I half-expected a cage to drop from the ceiling, but nothing happened.
“I’m in the kitchen,” Warren’s voice called from down the hall.
“What’s he playing at?” Levi whispered.
“He can hear you,” I replied in a normal tone of voice. No secrets now.
We walked down the polished hallway, past the grand staircase, and into the enormous kitchen. My nose picked up the scent of roasting garlic as we entered, and, soon, I could see why. Warren was at the stove, cooking.
What in the hell?
“I gave the staff the night off.” He gestured with one hand while the other used a spatula to push around the sizzling garlic. “I tho
ught we might need some privacy. There’s wine on the counter. Help yourselves.” He gestured to a row of sparkling wine glasses and several bottles of wine in decanters.
“Garlic?” Rose said with a smirk. “Nice touch.”
Warren glanced over his shoulder and smiled back. No one else seemed amused. They stood stiffly together, postures all indicating they felt like me, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Warren seemed not to notice and went on cooking.
The dean cleared his throat. “Warren, we need to talk. We have serious concerns.”
“Yes, yes, I heard. Xander Banks. Don’t worry he’s been dealt with. Is anyone lactose intolerant? Those of you that are eating, anyway?” His eyes scanned over, fixing on me and True.
True took a step forward, gripping the kitchen counter to steady her trembling hands. “Xander Banks has been dealt with? What does that mean?”
Warren turned, resting his hips against the counter while he faced us. “It means he’s gone. Finished. Au revoir.”
True stared at him open-mouthed.
“He’s dead.” Warren spread his hands out in front of him in a there-you-have-it gesture. “I can’t have someone in my employ drinking from humans. It’s strictly against The Society’s rules.” When he spoke next, he directed it right at True. “Don’t worry, love. Xander won’t be able to hurt you, or anyone else ever again.”
“What… I…” True stammered, finally turning her eyes to me.
“You killed him?” I managed.
Warren nodded. “Took care of it myself to make sure it was done thoroughly. Can’t have another incident like the one in the cabin, right, Charles?”
Dean Purty blinked rapidly. “You should have held Xander until the council could be convened. You had no right—”
“I had no right to what?” Warren said, interrupting. “Deal with a camp counselor under your employ who was drinking from humans? How do you think that would’ve looked to the council, Charles? That you let it happen again?”
“You brought Xander in,” Levi growled. Beside me, his body was nearly humming with unspent rage. “If he acted at all, it was because you told him to!”
“Careful, young vampire,” Warren said in warning, looking for the first time like he might lose his cool. White teeth flashed as his fangs elongated, a sure sign things were taking a turn.
“I’m done being careful, Warren,” Levi snarled, striding forward, his fangs appearing too. “I’m done with you.”
“Try me!” Warren crouched in an aggressive posture. Levi growled, his stance menacing, too.
“Levi, no,” Dean Purty shouted.
There was a commotion behind me, but all I could focus on was Levi. I leapt forward, snagging his arm and pulling him back.
“Stop, Levi. Please! We weren’t going to fight.”
It wasn’t just that I didn’t think Levi could beat Warren because I’d seen them both fight, and I was pretty sure Levi could kick his ass. It was that my witchy-spidey-senses had started tingling.
Something was wrong here. Something else was going on at the house. Something or someone was lurking in the shadows in the vicinity of Warren’s office down the hall.
Waiting to strike.
But who?
“Levi, please.” I tugged on his arm again. For a moment, it seemed like he didn’t hear me, but then his head turned in my direction and the fight went out of his posture. He let me draw him back to a safe distance.
“That’s right, pup. Do as she says,” Warren taunted, straightening out his shirt collar.
“This has gone far enough,” Dean Purty said. “I’m calling in the council. I don’t care if they remove me from my position. As caretaker of the camp, it’s my responsibility to make sure my campers are safe, and for some reason, with you around, people keep getting hurt.”
“Maybe if you watched your counselors better,” Warren retorted. “Most of the time they’re off snogging each other instead of doing their job.”
True barked out, “Hey!” but the dean held out his hand.
“You’re right. I could have done more. You could do more, too. We’ll see what the council has to say.” The dean pulled out a cell phone and began dialing.
“Your funeral,” Warren said with a shrug, turning back to his cooking. “And look, you made me burn my garlic.”
It was all happening so fast my head was spinning. Xander was dead, the dean was calling something called “the council,” and Warren was still acting like he had nothing to do with any of it. Would this council help or would they be in his pocket too? And should I tell them about how he’d compelled me? Would they even care? Who even were they?
None of this was going as I had planned. Warren didn’t look one bit admonished. And Xander? I’d wanted him tried for his crimes against True, but I’d never guessed he’d be killed instantly.
I pressed my hand to my forehead as it pulsed again. This time my witch-spidey-sense thrummed behind my temples. Someone was in Warren’s office. I knew it. Someone he didn’t want us to know about. That was why the staff was gone. That was why he was alone. That was why he wanted us gone without a fuss. He was hiding someone.
Maybe Xander wasn’t dead after all.
I needed to know. And I had to do it fast.
“Are you all right?” Levi said, pressing close to me.
I nodded. “I just need to use the lady’s room.”
Levi nodded. “I’ll go with you.”
Warren groaned. “She can’t even use the bathroom alone, Kass? Typical.”
I brushed them both off. “I’m fine. I’ll go. I know where it is.”
At this, Warren’s eyes cut to me and a smile quirked his lips for a split second. Maybe he thought I was sneaking away so he and I could be alone together. I had to shut that shit down fast. It was one thing to pretend to be compelled while talking. If he tried to touch me, I’d lose it.
“I don’t feel well,” I reiterated. “It’s girl stuff. I want to go alone, but if you’re worried, True can come with me.”
Levi nodded in quick agreement. Typical male. Even though they were vampires and could probably double check with their keen senses, neither one of them bothered. One mention of “girl stuff,” and both he and Warren seemed to want to shoo me away as quickly as possible.
I took True’s hand, pulling her out of the kitchen and down the hall as fast as I could. I’d been in the house several times, but it still took all my witch senses to find the right door. Finally, I located it.
I pressed my hand to it as my head tingled. “He’s in there,” I whispered.
“Who? Is that the bathroom?” True asked, looking utterly confused.
I slipped my hand in my bag and drew out the enchanted vampire blade. With this, I could take care of Xander myself if it came to that.
“What the hell do you need that for?” True said, her eyes going wide.
I grabbed her arms and stared deeply into my best friend’s eyes. “Whatever you hear, don’t come in. Do you understand?”
I didn’t want her to see Xander and relive all that trauma, but I had to see for myself.
“Piper, wait.” She reached for me.
But I couldn’t wait. Someone would come looking for us soon. I gave her one last look, grabbed the knob, and thrust myself inside. Then I closed the door behind me.
The room was dark. Quiet. With such little light, I could barely distinguish the outline of the desk and chairs from the bookshelf with his various collectables.
With my heart pounding in my ears, I searched the room for Xander. But as I scanned each dark cranny, I didn’t see him.
Was I wrong? Had my witch senses failed me?
“Piiiiper,” a raspy voice hissed.
Terrified, I whirled in time to see someone step into a slice of moonlight on the other side of the room.
It wasn’t Xander.
The figure was smaller and had ratty, black hair that trailed past her shoulders. She wore a torn and dirty dress in an aquamarin
e color and black ballet flats. She looked as though she’d rolled in a dirt pile.
Or worse, climbed out of a grave.
A girl? She knew my name. How?
Fear paralyzing me, I watched in horror as the figure took a slow step forward. Fingers with chipped, pink polish hooked into claws wanting to tear me apart, but something was holding her back. Was it the blade in my hands or something else?
Wait. Chipped, pink fingernail polish?
No. It wasn’t…
The girl took a final step forward and tossed back her head, and then I saw. My knees buckled, and I had to clutch the wall to keep from toppling over.
It wasn’t Xander Warren was hiding. It was Coco.
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Coco?”
The word came out as a croak of disbelief. Coco was dead. I’d attended her funeral.
I’d seen her death in a vision more than once.
“Piper, you smell so good,” she said, her voice sounding almost normal.
But there was nothing else normal about this situation. My childhood best friend—who was dead—was somehow hiding in Warren Thornberry’s office at The Society? Looking like hell warmed over and telling me I smelled good?
What in the actual shit was happening?
My fingers tightened around the hilt of my dagger of their own volition as my feet shuffled back. Coco was moving closer with a weird, flawless grace she hadn’t possessed before. My eyes travelled down her dirty, rumpled form, so at odds with her smooth movements, before moving back up to lock gazes with her.
Her chocolate brown eyes looked exactly the same.
“Coco?” I repeated.
“It’s me Piper,” she said, inhaling deeply as she took another step forward.
“But… you’re dead.” I knew it was an idiotic response, but it needed to be said.
“I am,” she sighed, shocking me to my bones.
“You are?”
I was so confused. Then, Coco opened her mouth. A pair of elongated canines glistened in the moonlight streaming through the office window.