“No.”
Corky appears shocked. “My sources tell me he was quite the horn dog. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“No. He’s my son.”
“Oh. So you must be Radinka Holstein?” Corky glances at the camera. “I had heard that Gregori had a mortal mother, but honestly, I’m surprised she’s still alive.”
“What are you doing here, Ms. Courrant? I personally handled the invitations, and I know you were not invited.”
“An obvious mistake on your part, but I understand mortals are prone to human error. I’m certain you will want Gregori’s party featured on my show.”
Radinka plants her hands on her hips. “You have some gall showing up here. It’s because of you and your video that the secret about vampires was broken. Because of you, my son had to negotiate an agreement with the American government, and then he had to go on a dangerous trip, and he was nearly killed!”
“Ah yes, but then it is also thanks to me that your son met his future bride.” Corky smiles at the camera. “And there you have it, dear viewers! This engagement party would have never happened if it wasn’t for me!”
Another woman approaches. “Corky Courrant, you have some nerve coming here.”
“Why look, dear viewers, it’s Shanna Draganesti.” Corky presses a hand to her chest. “I can’t help but get a bit nostalgic. It was in this very room only six years ago that I shocked Shanna with the news that her boyfriend, Roman, was a vampire. And now, they’re happily married with two children! Thanks to me, of course. Isn’t it amazing how much power I wield in the vampire world?”
Shanna shakes her head. “You’re not welcome here.”
Corky laughs. “Is it true, Shanna, that you have joined the ranks of the Undead? It must have come as a great relief to you to no longer be an inferior human. Were you afraid your husband would leave you if you didn’t become a vampire?”
Shanna’s eyes narrow. “Have you received your summons to appear in Coven Court next week to answer for your crime of breaking the vampire secret?”
Corky waved a dismissive hand. “What nonsense. There is no court on earth that could presume to judge me.”
“I’m calling security.” Shanna waves at Angus MacKay.
Corky turns to the camera. “And that’s it for our show tonight, dear viewers! See you tomorrow!” She and her cameraman teleport away.
And the disco music continues…
Love at Stake Deleted Scenes Page 4