Laurent wriggled an arm free. Eyes metallic with fear, the petite blonde put a chair between her and her husband. “Yes.”

Tatiana stepped in front of Laurent, drawing his attention and his ire. “Because you’ve failed me as a potential Elder and have been an abominably wretched husband to Daciana—”

“That’s a bloody lie—”

“—your services as both are no longer required. But because of your standing in the House of Tepes, I shall allow you a dignified out. Tomorrow morning, unable to face your failings, you’ll walk into the dawn and meet your fiery end.”

“Like hell I will—”

“Now,” Tatiana commanded.

Octavian shoved Laurent forward. At the same time, Tatiana thrust her prosthetic hand out, turning her fingers into a razor-pointed stake. It found its target in Laurent’s chest, piercing his heart. His eyes went wide, his mouth rounded into an O, and then he was ash, floating to the floor. Daci let out a sudden solitary sob. Tatiana returned her hand to its usable state and shook the debris off it. “At least that’s what I’ll tell the council when I see them in St. Petersburg tomorrow.” She turned to Daci. “Get some sleep. The plane leaves at dusk and you’re going to be on it with me. You’re about to become the second female Elder of the House of Tepes.”

Daci blinked, her fingers touching her lower lip. “I can’t believe I’m free.”

Tatiana laughed as she stepped over the ash pile and made her way to the door. “I wouldn’t exactly say you’re free, Daci. You’ve just traded one master for another.” She paused, her hand on the knob, smiling to soften the blow of her words. She knew how Daciana must feel to finally be her own person after so many years. “Not to worry. I have great faith that you and I are going to get along famously.”

And if they didn’t, if Daciana did something to lose Tatiana’s trust, well, that was easy enough to take care of, wasn’t it?

If not for the slow-moving gate letting her back into Chrysabelle’s estate, Fi would have raced up the driveway and screeched to a stop in front of the house. It was exactly what she felt like doing, but the best she could manage was to slam the door when she got out. “I should have known.”

Damian closed his door more gently. “Daylight hours aren’t the best for speaking to a vampire. You’re right—we should have known.” His long legs ate up the ground, putting him in step with her. “But that wouldn’t have stopped you from trying, would it?”

“No,” she grumped. “At least the cops weren’t having any luck either.”

“Doesn’t make you feel any better, though, does it? Wish you could have kicked down that door and forced him to see you, don’t you?”

“Yes.” She looked at him. “You’re all right for a…”

“Comar?”

“Guy.” She hit the doorbell, surprised Velimai hadn’t already opened it for them. “Most of the guys I know aren’t big on talking about feelings and stuff like that.”

“Maybe you need to meet more guys.”

“No, I like the one I have just fine.” Fi smiled, unable to help herself. Was Damian coming on to her? It was sweet. Especially since the last time a guy hit on her, she’d been totally alive. Damian knew about her ghosty side—he’d just seen it when she’d had a little freak-out at Seven—and he still wanted to take a chance? Definitely sweet. But definitely not happening. Doc was the only guy for her.

Her smile disappeared. Not getting a clue as to his whereabouts sucked. Fi punched the doorbell a second time. “C’mon, Vel, open up.”

At last the door swung wide, Velimai behind it. She signed something, too fast for Fi to catch.

“Slow down, I don’t understand.”

D-O-C-D-O-C-D-O-

“Doc? You know where Doc is?” Fi almost grabbed Velimai’s hands, remembering at the last minute about the wysper’s super-scratchy skin.

Yes. Velimai pointed upstairs. First room, she signed slowly.

Fi took off, not waiting for more info. Damian ran with her and together they skidded to a stop on the marble floor outside the room Velimai had indicated. Fi opened the door and went into the guest room. A sleek, black leopard sprawled on the bed.

“Doc!” Fi ran to his side and wrapped him in a hug.

His big head came up, his golden eyes blinking in her direction. He pushed his head against her arm and exhaled through his nose, blowing warm air over her skin.

“I’m happy to see you, too.” She kissed his head.

He made a whuffing sound, then dropped his head to the bed again.

Fi sat up, finally noticing that Velimai had come into the room as well. Fi looked at her. “He feels hot. Really hot. Is something wrong?”

Velimai pointed to her arm, then to Doc.

Fi checked his front leg. A long, scabby gash ran the length of it. Fi turned back to Velimai. “What happened?”

The wysper shrugged, put down the towel she held, and picked up an e-tablet and stylus. She scribbled a note, then held it up for Fi to see. Arrived in leopard form. No idea what happened. Fever. Smells of brimstone.

Fi’s insides went cold and she could feel herself wavering between corporeal and spirit forms. She knew two creatures that carried that stink. Neither was good news. “Is he going to be okay?”

Should be, Velimai signed. She wrote a second message. He needs to rest/heal enough to shift human again. Then he’ll explain.