‘Well … ’ Nasir started.

She glared at him, willing him to continue and give her a reason to strike him.

‘I was just going to say that it’s warm. You know how good that feels to those of our kind. My homeland is very much the same.’ He tipped his head. ‘It will be dark in a few hours. The day is almost past.’

She returned her gaze to the window. ‘If I don’t kill something soon, I’m going to be in a very foul mood.’

He leaned in and stroked the side of her neck. ‘There are other ways to improve one’s mood, my sweet.’

She squinted at him, but it did nothing to improve her ability to suffer foolishness. Perhaps she should have bought him some picture books instead of the comarré. ‘You realize there are twelve Nothos on board this plane, as well as a fringe pilot and copilot, and my private bedroom is currently occupied by two comarré? Where exactly did you imagine this mood enhancement would take place? Out here, in front of these aberrations?’ She waved her hand over her shoulder toward the monstrosities taking up most of the plane’s forward space. The stench of brimstone was enough to ruin anyone’s mood, forget that it might never come out of the beautiful leather covering her seats.

‘Surely the comarré can spend a few minutes out here with—’

‘I realize you’ve never owned a comarré before, but you must understand that putting them out here with the Nothos would be like asking a feral dog to watch your steak.’ Bloody hell, he was an idiot about certain things. She tried to focus on his talents in bed and with alchemy and patted his hand like she’d once done to the child Malkolm had allowed to die.

‘Yes, I suppose it would.’ He gave her a conciliatory smile. ‘Later, then.’

‘Later you’re going to be out searching for my cover.’ She couldn’t go around looking like herself and risk being noticed by that wretched comarré or her shoddy group of friends. Someone local, someone connected just enough to get her in the door … that’s what she needed. Unfortunately, she had to rely on Nasir to bring that someone to her.

The plane taxied toward the hangar, slowing to a crawl as it eased into the large metal building. As soon as the doors were shut and sealed against the invasive sunlight, she disembarked. Nasir followed behind, but the comarré and the Nothos stayed safely ensconced in their separate spots on the plane.

The head of her household staff, Octavian, waited, hands crossed behind his back, posture as crisp and unyielding as his charcoal suit, even in the humidity. Behind him were two vehicles, a sleek black limousine and a rather dodgy delivery truck. He bowed as she approached. ‘My lady.’

‘I assume you’ve taken care of things?’

He looked extraordinarily pleased. ‘I have, my lady. I have located what I believe to be the center of much othernatural activity. A nightclub of all things.’

‘We shall see, won’t we?’ She gestured toward the nondescript delivery truck. ‘And this?’

‘For transporting your Nothos.’

‘Very good. The pilot and copilot will be bunking here.’ She would be ready for anything this time.

‘Whatever pleases you.’ He swept his hand toward the sleek limousine. ‘And this is for you, of course. The house I have arranged has several interior rooms and one side that is sufficiently shaded by large trees, as well as other features you may find useful.’

‘A house?’

He smiled. ‘A grand estate, one befitting a noble of your status and rank, I assure you. There is even a guesthouse where the Nothos may be kept.’

She pursed her mouth. ‘How much did that cost me?’

His smile grew. ‘Nothing, my lady. I simply displaced the kine occupants.’

She almost laughed. That Octavian referred to his fellow humans as kine was significant proof of his desire to leave them behind and join the vampire world. ‘Displaced?’

‘I secured them in the estate’s wine cellar.’ He lifted one shoulder nonchalantly but failed to hide his pleasure at what he’d done. ‘I thought perhaps you might require some sustenance after your trip. The wine selection seems to be above adequate as well.’

Now, this was the kind of brain power she needed around her. She lifted a finger toward Nasir. ‘Be a dear and get the bags, would you?’

Nasir grunted. ‘Shouldn’t he be doing that?’

She didn’t turn but simply layered the power of persuasion into her voice. ‘Nasir.’

He tromped back into the plane like a good little boy.

She flashed forward until she was inches from Octavian. He didn’t flinch at her rapid advance. Didn’t stutter a breath or miss a heartbeat. Clearly, he wanted what she had to offer so badly he’d already begun to imagine himself a peer. She stared at him, really seeing him for the first time. Brown hair, brown eyes, but not unattractive for a kine. Ever respectful, he dropped his gaze as her inspection continued. Fit. Young enough to still have hope.

At last he began to tremble ever so slightly. ‘Have I displeased you, mistress?’

‘No, Octavian. You’ve done well.’ If she’d praised him before, she didn’t recall it, but the time to cultivate a higher sense of loyalty in him had come. They were on dangerous ground in this wretched place. She needed every soldier she had.

He flushed and his pulse quickened. Desire wafted off him, smoky and sweet. Her fangs descended, and she made no effort to hide them. Unlike her other servants, Octavian would undoubtedly enjoy seeing them. She smiled. ‘Look at me.’