Masque of the Vampire (Amaranthine Book 8)

by Joleene Naylor

  “Really?” Verchiel perked up.

  “Sort of. His sister really turned him but that guy got credit for it.”

  Verchiel squinted toward William, then shook his head. “I can’t get a reading.”

  “Your mind reading is only supposed to work when you’re stressed, remember?”

  He grinned. “Right, that’s why I can’t get a reading.”

  “That or because he’s a billion years older than you and even Jorick couldn’t get very far?”

  “Maybe that too. Anyway, let’s go catch dinner, then we’ll find out what he’s up to.”

  Verchiel snagged them each a glass of blood. He swallowed his in one gulp and motioned her to do the same. “We can’t do reconnaissance if we’re stuck in here. Come on.”

  They were outside the large dining room before William was finished. The guests that trickled out gave Verchiel a dirty look. William was no exception. After he passed, they waited until he was several feet away before they moved into the flow of vampires.

  “Hello there.”

  Katelina groaned as Brandle fell into step with Verchiel. “Having any luck with your interviews?”

  “We’re coming along.” The redhead smiled. “How are you?”

  “Not too bad. I hear they have a lovely young lady getting ready to do an operatic performance.”

  “That sounds interesting,” Verchiel said with a surprising amount of enthusiasm. “Are you going?”

  “I thought I might give it a try. You’re welcome to come with me. I know you’re about as popular as the plague with most of us, but I don’t hold it against you. You have a job to do, and not one I’d want. I actually served a…Lord, for lack of a more modern term, when I was first turned. Ah, I remember the battles, the territory disputes, the ‘peace-keeping’ actions. Then the Sodalitas started gobbling everyone up, my master included, and that was that. Anyway, the point of my rambling is to say I understand better than most.”

  Verchiel nodded. “Thanks for the invite, though I don’t think your friend William will be happy to see us.”

  “William’s never happy to see anyone, but he isn’t going to the show with me. I really don’t know what his plans are for the evening. He mentioned something about working on his costume. He’s always one to jump on bandwagons.”

  The subtle wink he gave Verchiel said he knew the Executioner was fishing, and that he either had nothing for him, or had no intention of sharing what he knew.

  Verchiel slapped Katelina on the back. “Speaking of costumes, we’d better work on ours. Wouldn’t want to show up at a masquerade without a mask and all. Thanks again for the invite, and I hope you enjoy the show.”

  Brandle barely hid his amusement. “Anytime. And may you also enjoy your…costume work.”

  The vampire peeled off and Verchiel sped up in the direction William had disappeared. They rounded a corner in time to see the patio door swing shut. Outside, Katelina had a nanosecond view of the star strewn sky before William jumped in front of them, fists ready.

  “What do you want?”

  Verchiel jerked Katelina back. “Is it too much to say world peace?” William growled, and the Executioner held his hands up. “Hey, hey, calm down.”

  William advanced as they backed away. “Why are you following me? I’ve already been questioned by your little inquisition.”

  “We aren’t following you. No offense, but you have an inflated sense of importance.”

  “I saw you waiting.” He jabbed a finger toward them.

  Katelina made her mouth work. “We were waiting for Brandle.”

  William’s eyes narrowed to slits. “What would you want with him?”

  “None of your business,” Verchiel said firmly. “Now, if you’d get out of our way, we’re going for a walk.”

  “Right. A nice romantic stroll.” William sneered. “I may not be a mind reader, but I can tell when one is trying to read my mind. You won’t find whatever it is you’re looking for.”

  “I was trying to see if I should arrest you now for attempted assault of an Executioner, or wait until you take the first swing.”

  William’s lips curled back from his fangs and his face tinted red with fury. “Are you threatening me?”

  “I’m telling you what the consequences will be. Jorick and Jamie have been patient, but there’s a new sheriff in town and I won’t put up with this disrespect.”

  William’s hands clenched and unclenched. He finally shoved past them and slammed the door.

  Verchiel grinned. “I’ve always wanted to say that. Did you see how intimidated he looked?”

  “Yeah. Intimidated.” Katelina mopped her brow from habit rather than need. “Did you get anything?”

  “Nada. You’re right. He is impenetrable. I was really hoping he’d attack us. Then we could have arrested him. Oh well, maybe next time.”

  Katelina stopped from saying she hoped there wasn’t a next time.

  It was near sun up when Sarah leaned in and suggested they work on costumes tomorrow. “Kali said we should go as warrior women.”

  Katelina hadn’t intended to go to the ball, let alone dress up. “I don’t have any clothes that would work.”

  “I’m sure we can borrow something. If not from Kali than from Annabelle or some of her friends.”

  “I don’t know. I’m not sure they feel friendly toward us.”

  Sarah opened her mouth, as though to ask why, then shut it. “We’ll manage. See you tomorrow.”

  Just as she promised, she was waiting for Katelina at breakfast. She gulped her glass quickly, then disappeared to “look for costume parts.”

  “I’m not dressing up,” Jorick said firmly. “I’ll be working.”

  “So will I,” Jamie said.

  Verchiel grinned. “I wouldn’t mind a costume. What are you going as, Kately?”

  She groaned. “Sarah wants to go as warrior women.”

  Verchiel’s grin grew. “That sounds fun. Tight leather and tiny crop tops.”

  Jorick smacked him in the back of the head so hard his teeth clattered. “Don’t even think about it.”

  “Maybe I was admiring a mental image of Sarah?” He rubbed his injury and tried to look innocent before he turned to Katelina. “You might ask some of the performers for clothes. I overheard guests doing that.”

  “You’d think they’d have brought costumes with them,” Katelina muttered.

  “Nah, this is part of the tradition. It makes it more fun because they get to work together.” Verchiel studied her. “You’re not a team player, are you?”

  “No, and she’s never going to be,” Jorick replied coldly, though Katelina felt he meant something different than Verchiel.

  Jamie cleared his throat. “With the ball tomorrow we have a lot of shipments today. I thought you might help out with those.”

  “They aren’t like the shipments for the Feast, are they?” Katelina demanded.

  “No,” Jorick said. “There’s no mass murder planned. As for the shipments, let Verchiel do it. He needs something to occupy his mind.”

  Jamie sighed. “He’s supposed to be investigating.”

  “I am. I just have some of the staff left, then Kali, and the twins.”

  “You still haven’t questioned them?” Katelina asked.

  “I couldn’t find them after lunch, and they aren’t the only ones. Your friend Sarah’s doing a good job of playing hide and seek. I’d guess she spent the day with Kali, Tol, and Ren.”

  “She spends time with Des too,” Katelina muttered.

  He shrugged. “Couldn’t tell you. Her mind is nearly impossible to read.”

  Katelina frowned. “You said last night that it was loud.”

  He lowered his glass ominously. “I did, didn’t I?” He met Jorick’s eyes. “That’s a lot of progress overnight.”

  Katelina looked back and forth between them. “What are you implying?”

  “Nothing.” Verchiel stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Just
commenting on what a fast learner she is. Pity you aren’t that speedy.”

  Fleur joined them. Jorick nodded to her and asked with amusement. “How did your evaluation go?”

  “Just lovely.” Fleur took an angry drink. “I always love Dardenima checking up on me.”

  “If she doubts your ability, why did she assign this to you?” he asked.

  “She didn’t. Jacob did.”

  Jacob. The one who told Fleur not to investigate.

  “She has to contradict everything he says,” Fleur added. “She’s just jealous that he isn’t interested in her.”

  Katelina caught the implication: he wasn’t interested in Dardenima because he was interested in someone else. And since Fleur and Jacob weren’t allowed to go on assignments together, Katelina bet it was her.

  Jorick pressed, “I thought she was the captain?”

  “She is. Jacob is the co-captain. She was on a mission at the time, so it was up to him to make assignments.”

  Jorick asked casually, “Will she be back?”

  “I hope not.” Fleur snickered. “Andrei sent her packing. She suggested we lock the place down, the day before the ball. He told her under no circumstances and, when she threatened to use her position, he told her he’d go over the Assembly’s head to the U.S. Guild.” Fleur’s amusement turned to a full-fledged laugh. “I told her not to cross him.”

  “He cares more about his party than someone murdering children?” Katelina demanded.

  Jorick scoffed. “The Guild only cares because it’s raised a ruckus in the media. If the culprit burned the bodies, or buried them quietly, they’d never investigate.”

  And yet Annabelle acted as if it was a taboo.

  “It’s not considered very nice by some vampires,” Jorick said patiently. “Just as some humans object to eating exotic or unusual animals, but there are those who enjoy it guilt free. Dog, for instance.”

  “Why are you always drawing human-animal parallels, like we’re barnyard creatures?” No, not we. They. Why couldn’t she remember that?

  “I’m trying to explain it so you understand.”

  She bit back a reply and let it go.

  After breakfast, Katelina met Sarah in the hallway with Annabelle and Trivila. What she could see of the masked vampiress’ smile looked hollow. “You’re welcome to join us in the sewing parlor to work on your costumes.”

  Though Katelina wanted to decline, a look from Trivila told her not to. “Thank you.”

  Sarah held up an armload of cloth. “I found some possibilities.”

  “Oh good.”

  Being cloistered in the sewing room didn’t improve Katelina’s enthusiasm. The air prickled with animosity. Every time she looked up she saw Marna or Trivila glaring. That Sarah was oblivious seemed impossible, but her friend continued on as though nothing was wrong.

  Sarah shook out a pair of sparkly turquoise leggings. “I’m not sure these look very tough. Maybe if you want to be a fairy warrior.”

  Katelina looked up from untangling the three borrowed belts. “I’m not wearing those.”

  “Why? You’d look cute.” She laid them aside and fished out a tiny shirt Katelina suspected came from a stripper. “This could be sexy.”

  “Sexy was never my thing. You’re better at it than me. I prefer in-the-background.”

  “I know, but Jorick might appreciate you trying something more attractive once in a while.”

  Katelina pulled a belt loose and set it aside. “I don’t think he cares.”

  “Of course he cares. He’s a man. All men care. They want you to look good.”

  Katelina felt heat rising to her cheeks. It wasn’t as if she’d ever been beautiful. “Jorick isn’t that shallow. He loves me for me, not for how I look.”

  “Said no man, ever. They pretend to love you for your mind but in the end it’s all about how much you weigh or how perky your breasts are.”

  Katelina scoffed. “Maybe that was just Brad.”

  A poisoned silence followed. Katelina looked up to see Sarah’s thin lipped expression. The forgotten fight in the ballroom was suddenly between them. Katelina tried to bury it again. “Or most of the losers I dated.”

  Sarah let it go, but the skin around her mouth stayed stretched. Her movements were jerky as she pulled out another pair of pants for inspection.

  Katelina picked up the turquoise ensemble. She could pacify Sarah by agreeing to wear it, and she almost did, but one look at the tiny top stopped her. Had she borrowed it from the contortionist?

  “Maybe we should dress as something else? A queen could be fun.”

  “That’s what Kali is going as.”

  Katelina stopped from saying “So?” and went for, “You guys have gotten really friendly.”

  “Why shouldn’t we? You’re only scared of the twins because they look different.”

  Katelina leaned close and dropped her voice. “You’re one to talk. You’re scared of a kid because of the way she looks.”

  Sarah gritted her teeth. “It has nothing to do with that. It's because she sees everything. How are you supposed to face someone who knows all your darkest secrets? What’s your excuse for Tol and Ren?”

  “I’ve told you: because one of them is always picking my brain when I’m near them.”

  Sarah scoffed. “That’s the best you can do? They aren’t mind readers.”

  “Either they are, or it’s Kali doing it.”

  “Why would she read your mind? You think everyone is hostile.”

  Katelina choked. “Me? You’re the one who keeps trying to kill people because you say they’re going to attack you.”

  “What’s your deal? Are you trying to start a fight with me?”

  “No!” Katelina noticed the others had stopped their work to stare. “Never mind. Let’s do the costumes.”

  Sarah threw the latest set at her. “Fine. Try that on.”

  Katelina held the tiny pants and even tinier shirt. A quick look around the room showed furniture and women trying to pretend they weren’t listening, but no place to change. “Where?”

  “It’s just girls in here.” Sarah suddenly seemed to understand. “Oh for crying out loud, you aren’t over that yet?”

  Katelina gaped. “You mean in six months? No, I haven’t changed that much.”

  “It seems like you have. I barely recognize you.”

  “And I barely recognize you. You’re secretive, paranoid, and angry all the time.”

  Marna cleared her throat loudly, but it didn’t help.

  “You think I’m angry?” Sarah nearly shouted. “I’m not angry, Kate, I’m furious! They took everything away from me. My future, my dreams, my job, my life. For Christ’s sake, my boyfriend is dating my best friend’s mother!”

  “I thought you were all right with it?”

  Sarah scoffed. “I was never ‘all right’ with anything. I accepted it. What else was there to do? I thought this was some dark curse that turned us into monsters cringing on the outskirts of society, so Brad leaving me was for the best. How could he want a monster? But when you were human, you were fine with it. You ran away from home with a monster!”

  Katelina’s hands tightened on the belts. “Jorick isn’t a monster!”

  “Of course he is. Just like me, just like you, just like everyone in this goddamn house! We’re all fucking monsters, Kate. Only you don’t seem to give a damn about it.”

  “Me? You’re the one who ripped your own coven to pieces!”

  Sarah’s eyes went wide and the blood drained from her face. Her mouth worked, though no words came out. Finally she sputtered, “That prick read it in my mind, didn’t he? And he told you.” Sarah flung the pile of clothes at her. “Don’t you judge me, don’t you dare goddamn judge me! Where were you while I was locked in a fucking cage like an animal?”

  “Like you’re the only one bad shit happened to? You have no idea.”

  “I know about the handful of things that happened to you, about the way your s
hining hero stormed the gates to rescue you. Where the hell was my goddamn hero? Where was my white knight to make things better? I’ve never had one. My whole damn life I’ve been alone, but not you. No! Poor sad little Katelina, poor pathetic little thing with her mommy who loved her, who would have helped her pay for college, with her dad who would have been perfect and devoted if he hadn’t died, with her pretty princess life. You didn’t have to hide in a goddamn wardrobe. You didn’t have to explain bruises and broken arms. You didn’t have to live under your father’s reputation. Do you know how many jobs I missed getting when they realized I was related to him? How hard it was to do anything? You’ve always had it all, while I slumped behind in the mud and I’m sick of it!”

  Sarah lunged. Katelina ducked and her friend crashed into the table, sending cloth, glitter, and paint flying. The other vampiresses cried out and Marna shot out of her seat. “Ladies!”

  Sarah picked herself up and wiped glittery paint from her face. “This is your fault! They took me because they were looking for you. You, who were busy having sex with a monster! I’m a casualty of your goddamn romance and you don’t care!”

  “Stop this!” Marna cried.

  Sarah sprang again. This time Katelina met her. She grabbed Sarah’s arms and twisted them behind her back. Sarah roared and struggled, but Katelina forced her to the floor and stuck her knee in her back. “How the hell do you know what I care about? I’ve spent the last six months feeling guilty that you were dead, that you suffered! The shadow of it tainted everything, including my relationship with Jorick. It was always there, a reminder of what it cost to be with him. What more do you fucking want?”

  Sarah bucked and writhed. “You felt so goddamn guilty but you never looked for me. You left me to die. Just like everyone else!”

  Marna grabbed Katelina’s arm. “Stop this! Both of you!” She looked to Annabelle for backup.

  Katelina pulled free, and Sarah rolled away. She rose on her haunches, ready to spring, her lips drawn back from her fangs. “Don’t you touch me and don’t you goddamn pretend to care anymore.”

  Katelina felt a stab of sympathy, but it faded when Sarah added, “Just stay away from me, you and your asshole boyfriend!”