“Because this is where they said to meet, bitch-face. Be nice.” Frowning, Samantha sat back, shoving her empty plate aside. “It took Cian a long time to get them to agree to this meeting. Besides, it’s all part of the big plan, remember?”
Exhaling, Amaliya tapped her black nails against the table. “I just hate Waco.”
“Yeah, I got that. You know, since you said that a billion times on our way here.”
Amaliya sighed. “It just makes me cranky to be here.”
Samantha checked her pink iPhone. The case sparkled with rhinestones. A small smile touched her lips.
“Jeff?” Amaliya asked.
The vampire hunter was cute in a geeky sort of away. He and Samantha made an adorable couple. The diamond sparkling on her ring finger said all that was needed about their relationship. It had appeared without fanfare. Amaliya had taken note, but hadn’t asked. If the couple didn’t want to talk about their engagement, there was probably a reason for it. Well, that reason was probably that they were probably all going to die very soon. The fact that the usually bubbly, over-the-top blonde had remained mum about it had even kept Amaliya from questioning her.
“He just wanted to make sure we’re okay,” Samantha answered. “You know how men are.”
Amaliya’s own battered iPhone kept flashing messages from Cian. He was worse than Jeff. It made her boyfriend nuts that he couldn’t leave the Austin city limits without risk of a serious incursion the moment he left.
The vampire stared at her cooling coffee. She couldn’t bring herself to drink it. Basically, she stirred the brew and pretended to sip it. “I don’t know how the fuck we’re going to keep The Summoner from ripping down the veil.”
“We still have one of the rings. He needs all thirteen. Right there, we’re far ahead of him.” Samantha flashed an encouraging smile at Amaliya. “And he doesn’t have you. It must make him nuts.”
Amaliya rolled her eyes. “It’s like having the worst ex-boyfriend in the world.”
“Or is it girlfriend? I mean, since he’s in Bianca.”
“Either way, it’s annoying as hell. So sick of this bullshit. Is it wrong to just want it all to blow up so we can get it over with?”
Samantha cast a leery look. “Even if we all die?”
Shifting uncomfortably, Amaliya wondered if she should confide in Samantha about what she’d been experiencing since July when she had first seen Bianca and known The Summoner was embedded in her body. Their small group was counting on Amaliya in a way that made her very uncomfortable. As the only other necromancer-vampire, she was the only one who could truly fight back against The Summoner. She couldn’t fail them. Yet, every night she struggled with the invisible ties that tethered her to The Summoner encapsulated in Bianca’s tiny body. There were days when she woke up with her body on fire with the lust for the one who had created her. It went beyond sex to something darker, more powerful, dripping in death and evil. She wondered if Cian suspected. Sometimes she’d catch him worriedly watching her with his beautiful hazel eyes.
Tonight, her necromantic power was buzzing around her, craving release. Just like she desired blood, she desired to raise the dead. Each time she brought them forth from their graves, they fed her with death and power.
“Well?” Samantha was demanding an answer.
Sliding her hands across the table, she lightly touched Samantha’s fingertips. Their power flared between them, spinning around in a whirlwind of ebony streaked with glowing white luminescence. They alone could see it, but it was reassuring. “I’m not going to let you die, Samantha. Or anyone else if I can help it. I just want to kill him.”
Samantha grinned. “Me, too. So bad.” Tilting her head, she said, “Shut up, Roberto.”
Amaliya was always surprised with how much Samantha’s touch grounded her. Their abilities meshed perfectly, bringing balance.
“You better let go of me. The ghost isn’t the only one thinking we’re lezzing out,” Samantha said, gently squeezing Amaliya’s hands. Her eyes slide to one side, indicating a table filled with people staring at them openly.
Releasing Samantha, Amaliya immediately felt the churning sensation return. Her cellphone buzzed again. Picking it up, she saw the message she’d been waiting for. “They’re here.”
“Time to be bad asses,” Samantha said, grinning.
Amaliya smirked. “Totally.”
“Just don’t scare them off. No, snarling, threats, or bad attitude, okay?”
Amaliya rolled her eyes. “Fine. Whatever. Is it wrong to wish they’d be assholes so we could have a fight?”
“Yeah. Very wrong! Now behave,” Samantha chided her.
With a weary sigh, Amaliya nodded. “Gotcha.” She’d do her best, but she couldn’t promise anything.
Samantha was seriously worried about Amaliya. Everyone was under a lot of duress, and so everyone just assumed Amaliya was showing signs of the strain they all felt. In theory it made sense, but Samantha could feel something was wrong. As much as it pained her to admit it, there was a link between the two women. Sometimes it flared to life giving Samantha a glimpse into Amaliya’s internal struggles.
With so much on the line, she had expected more people to step up to the plate and join them in Austin to hold off The Summoner’s minions. Jeff kept pointing out that the Assembly had actively tried to stop The Summoner from acquiring the rest of the rings, but entire factions had been wiped out by The Summoner’s forces. Samantha didn’t understand why they couldn’t get anyone to actually volunteer to move to Austin to help hold back The Summoner. It pissed her off.
Jeff’s last estimate on how many of the rings The Summoner had acquired was between ten and twelve. The only reassurance was the fact that Cassandra and Aimee had hidden the last one. None of the experts on the occult were certain how much damage could be caused without the complete set. Some were estimating that only sections of the world would be permanently opened to the abyss, which, of course, included Texas.
Now seated across from Amaliya in a Denny’s waiting on the emissaries from two of the most powerful vampires in Texas, Samantha wondered if they were doomed to fail. She didn’t want to be negative, but it seemed like they were constantly scrambling to anticipate what would come next.
“They’re here. Both are human. Both are infused with vampire blood. They obeyed the negotiations for the temporary peace pact and brought one guard each,” Roberto’s voice said. “Which you broke by bringing more.”
Samantha didn’t dare answer the ghost. She didn’t want to be overheard. There was no way the emissaries could detect Roberto, so technically Amaliya was Samantha’s only visible guard. She never dreamed being Cian’s right-hand would be so terrifying, but she didn’t have a choice anymore. There was no going back to a nice normal life now that The Summoner was close to destroying the world.
“Here they are,” Amaliya said, slouching into the corner of the booth.
Samantha swiftly switched sides, sliding in beside Amaliya. The vampire beside her always smelled like cigarette smoke and roses. The scent used to annoy Samantha, but now she found it reassuring.
The two mortal right-hands of the vampire masters of Houston and Dallas avoided the hostess and headed straight for their table. Their two guards slid into a booth near the doorway to the convenience store part of the building. Jeb was all blond curls and cowboy charm in tight jeans, a light blue button down shirt, and white Stetson. Varra was clad in an elegant navy pantsuit with a pale pink silk blouse shimmering against her very dark skin. Her hair was skimmed back into a high bun on her head and delicate diamond and pearl earrings glittered in her earlobes. Everything about her screamed sophistication and money. Samantha eyed the red-soled Louboutins on the other woman’s feet with admiration. The unlikely pair slid onto the bench across from them, Varra pushing Samantha’s soiled plate further away with distaste.
Jeb flashed a wide, good ol’ boy grin at them, his blue eyes sparkling. “Hey, ladies. Nice to see ya.”
“Hi, Jeb. Nice to see you, too.” Samantha tried to look lighthearted and enthusiastic. Instead, she was sure she came across as a bit spastic.
Amaliya made a noise that sounded like a cross between a snort and “hello.”
Varra opened her purse and took out a small packet of hand wipes. Her brow furrowed, she cleaned the table surface. Samantha caught herself before she rolled her eyes. Finishing, Varra tossed the wipe onto the discarded plate and set her Coach bag on the area she had washed.
“I’m not pleased to see anyone,” Varra said. “I think this meeting is a waste of everyone’s time.”
Silence ruled the table.
Amaliya appeared to be so mad she couldn’t find her voice, while Samantha was too stunned to come up with a retort.
Thankfully, the waitress appeared to take Samantha’s dishes and listen to any potential orders from the newcomers. Jeb requested a Coke while Varra asked for a coffee. Samantha was glad for the few minutes to collect her thoughts. She wasn’t sure if Jeb’s friendly demeanor was a good sign or not, but it was clear that Varra was bad news.
The waitress collected the dirty dishes, then sauntered away.
“So...” Jeb set his hands on the table, interlocking his fingers. “What do you ladies want to talk about? My mistress, Courtney, is very anxious to hear any additional news about you know who.”
Varra lifted her eyes, shaking her head.
“Nicole isn’t interested?” Samantha asked her.
“Nicole sent me to hear what you have to say. That’s all.” The right-hand of the master of Houston didn’t smile in the least.
“Well, Cian wants to extend his friendship to both Courtney and Nicole. This is a difficult time-”
“For you,” Varra said cutting off Samantha. “We’re fine in Houston.”
“Yeah, we’re sitting pretty in Dallas, too.” Jeb winked.
“You won’t be though,” Samantha said swiftly. “The Summoner is planning to claim the whole world.”
“I thought he was planning on tearing the veil,” Varra said, her dark eyes boring into Samantha.
“Well, yeah! But so he can take over the world! World domination!”
Varra laughed.
Samantha stared at the other woman in disbelief. “That’s all kinds of bad.”
“See, this is where Courtney isn’t too sure why Cian is upset. The veil tears and eternal night comes. That’s really good for vampires and supernaturals,” Jeb pointed out. “Not so great for humans, but it’s not like they’re much more than cattle.”
“You’re human.” Amaliya’s voice was clipped with annoyance.
“For now.” Jeb grinned. “Once the veil rips, Courtney will bring me over.”
“We’re looking at an extinction event for all of us,” Samantha argued. “Without the sun humanity will die. Vegetation is a goner. Animals will follow. Humans starve.”
Varra wagged her head. “There are plenty of technologies to keep humans alive. Many of the vampire masters across the world have been preparing for the coming night.”
Jeb nodded in agreement. “Except for Cian, of course. He should be creating vampires to police the humans in Austin, hoarding food, setting up hydroponic gardens, moving cattle to secure locations...but instead he has you two sitting in a fuckin’ Denny’s in Waco flappin’ your jaws with old information.”
“They’re mocking you,” Roberto’s disembodied voice whispered to Samantha, both annoyed and amused.
Amaliya muttered, “Assholes.”
The waitress appeared long enough to set down a glass of soda and a steaming cup of coffee. She gave them all a curious, yet disdainful look, before moving on to another table.
Varra leaned over her purse and stared into Samantha’s eyes. “Do you really believe the supernaturals will help you? They’re going to finally be able to come out of the darkness and live freely once The Summoner succeeds.”
Samantha pounded her fist on the table, rattling the coffee cups and glasses. “The creatures of the abyss will come through. You do realize that, right? Demons!” she hissed. She felt the other customers looking her way, but didn’t care.
Jeb laughed. “It’ll be great. The humans will need vampires to hold back the demons. Vampires will be their saviors. They’ll open their veins willingly for protection against the creatures of the abyss.”
Nodding in agreement, Varra said, “Governments will plead with the supernaturals for assistance once they realize their militaries are useless. Science will be obsolete as magic takes its place.”
“You do realize that if your masters don’t change you, you’re fucked?” Amaliya glared at the two human minions. “Who’s to say they won’t fuck you over?”
Jeb and Varra exchanged glances. They both chuckled.
“We threw our lots in with vampires who understand how this world works,” Varra said, her voice dripping with scorn. “Nicole suspected you’d have nothing new to say. I see she was right. This has been a waste of time.”
“Cian’s playing hero when he should be doing exactly what Courtney has been since he first told her about The Summoner’s plan.” Jeb shrugged his wide shoulders. “Maybe you two should tell him that. You’re wasting time spinning your wheels against something you can’t stop.”
“We are going to stop him one way or the other,” Samantha hissed. She was furious at how easily they were being dismissed.
“After The Summoner is dead, I’ll be the only necro-vampire left,” Amaliya said in a low voice. “And I’ll fuckin’ remember this night.”
Samantha visibly shivered as Amaliya’s power rippled outward. It was cold, full of fury, and ready to strike. Nervously, she set her hand on Amaliya’s forearm. Their connection flared to life. Amaliya’s anger licked along the connection, pulling on Samantha’s own high emotions. Instead of steadying Amaliya, Samantha felt sucked into the vampire’s vortex of rage.
The two humans across from the table were very still. Samantha was happy to see fear registering on their faces. Instead of being dismissive, they looked uncomfortable.
“Yeah, you heard me, shit-stains. I’ll remember what you said tonight and the fuckin’ bitches you serve. When The Summoner is gone I will still be here and you’ll have to deal with me.” Amaliya glowered at the two humans.
“You can’t do jack shit to us. We’re under a peace pact,” Jeb said, trying to sound calm, but failing.
“Maybe not tonight, but some night.” Amaliya pointed at him. “Trust me on this.”
Samantha willed Roberto to smack Jeb in the back of the head. She was still working on her telepathic links, but when Jeb exclaimed out loud, jerked, and twisted about in his seat, Samantha grinned.
“What was that?” Jeb gasped.
“What?” Samantha asked innocently.
Varra slid to her feet. “We’re leaving.”
Amaliya virtually shoved Samantha out of the booth, moving swiftly to confront Varra. Samantha frowned, but quickly stepped to Amaliya’s side, trying to be supportive.
“You might think you have the upper hand and that we’re doomed, but keep this in mind. Even if we fail, even if the veil drops, I will come for you. I don’t give a rat’s ass who your masters are. You’re turning your backs on humanity.” Amaliya’s voice was low, clipped, and dangerous.
Everyone in the restaurant was watching now. Jeb’s jaw was dropped, his white teeth gleaming in the fluorescent light.
Varra’s cool exterior started to crumble, her jaw tightening. “I’m doing what I have to in order to survive. You should understand that.”
“I understand that you’re traitors. That’s what I’m hearing.”
Stepping closer, Varra whispered, “Do you really think you can defeat him?” Her dark eyes searched Amaliya’s for the truth.
Amaliya didn’t answer immediately, which made Samantha very nervous.
“I’ll die trying,” Amaliya said at last.
Varra’s scornful look returned. “I thought so.”<
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“I can trip her,” Roberto’s voice suggested to Samantha.
Narrowing her eyes, Samantha said, “Fine. Be a total moron. Just remember we warned you.”
Twirling about, Varra stormed toward the exit, her guard rising to follow. She stumbled, nearly falling into him. Catching her, the guard looked around nervously, then they both hurried out the exit.
Amaliya glanced at Samantha, lifting an eyebrow.
Samantha smiled innocently.
Jeb scooted out of the booth. Hesitantly, he set his hands on his belt and stared at the two women. “I can try talking to Courtney, but she thinks this game is over. Honestly, so do I.”
“If she’d stand with us, we’d have a better shot,” Samantha said swiftly, hoping he was swaying to their side.
Lifting his shoulders, Jeb said, “Maybe. Or it would be a fast way to die. Courtney wants to survive. She’s not going to sacrifice herself for humanity. Like all the other vampires, she’s aiming to be ready for when the veil falls and not get on The Summoner’s bad side.”
“Well, you tell her she’s now on Amaliya’s bad side.” Samantha set her hands on her hips. “And Amaliya is a total bitch. I mean, like a total raging bitch.”
Tilting her head, Amaliya said, “She’s right.”
Swallowing visibly, Jeb said, “I’ll talk to Courtney...”
“Yeah, do that.” Samantha tried to look as threatening as Amaliya, and wondered if she was doing it right.
Jeb twisted about and stalked toward the door. His guard slid out of his booth and followed. Amaliya stormed toward the cash register, fishing her wallet out of her jean pocket. She never carried a purse. Samantha remembered her own and hurried to yank it off the floor beneath the table. While Amaliya paid, Samantha kept an eye on the entrance. Just a few months before she would have been scared out of her mind doing something like this, but now she was much more confident.
Amaliya checked her iPhone after paying the surly waitress and quickly tapped in a message. Samantha scanned her own messages. It was like Cian and Jeff were tag-teaming her phone.
“What did you tell him?” Samantha asked when they headed toward the exit.
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