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  Sophia Gray was bored.

  It wasn't necessarily a difficult task to maintain a cloaking spell while waiting for her name to be called, because cloaking spells involved only one-fourth of her concentration with the rest free to do whatever she wanted. If you were to cloak yourself fully from supernatural creatures who had better hearing and sense than humans, one-fourth became one-third – and that already involved hiding your sound, your presence, and your scent. It left Sophia with two-thirds free, of which she couldn't exactly get to use since she was stuck in a tiny, hidden compartment that barely left any room to move, listening in on a very important meeting.

  Eavesdropping would be the better term.

  The meeting was being presided over by John Grimaldi III, current head of the vampire clan and probably about four hundred years old – not that it showed, because his face was as youthful as that of a middle-aged man who wore success like a suit. He had gray hair visible beside his temples, but it only added to the success effect – which was just as well, considering he led a clan of bloodthirsty, ruthless creatures.

  Sophia glanced at her watch and saw that it was already eleven, just an hour until the vampires' favorite time of the day.

  There were only two other people – creatures – in attendance of the said meeting, and they were exactly who she was cloaking herself from. The man was Killian March, second in line to the throne and someone you never wanted to mess with. The woman was Lucinda Bennett, third in line and an okay person by vampire standards – still too cold and calculating for Sophia's tastes, though.

  The two were currently listening as John explained the current murders happening in the city. It was a gruesome thing, really – apparently, the so-called killer liked to tear his victims to pieces, leaving entrails and next-to-no blood behind.

  This, of course, meant nothing to Killian, who waited for John to finish before he put in his two cents.

  “I suggest we do nothing about this. This is shifter business and we will just get in the way if we...offer our help.”

  Translation: I pretty much don't care.

  Lucinda said nothing. Sophia imagined her light-gray eyes trained on John, calmly waiting for a response.

  John acknowledged Killian's statement with an audible hmmm. “I was expecting that. However, two things come to mind: the first being no vampires have been killed yet, and the second being Dylan Masters already holding a meeting as we speak – most likely to discuss their suspicions and our possible involvement.”

  Silence.

  Sophia couldn't tell if anyone stood up from their seat, because vampires simply moved too silently. She wondered what the shifters were discussing at the moment, and why the alliance with the shifters seemed important to John – fragile as it may be. Shifters were unpredictable and violent, and couldn't be trusted unless they were with kin.

  “So you're saying they're going to blame us for it?” Killian finally asked.

  “Most likely,” John replied lightly. “Not directly, but it will cost us more trouble from them in the city if we don't do something.”

  “And what do you suggest we do?” Lucinda asked.

  “Damage control,” was John's response. “Sophia, if you may come in, please?”

  Showtime.

  Gently, Sophia got rid of the cloaking spell she'd used, keeping her movements swift and measured. Then she got out of the hiding space and quietly walked to where the three were gathered. John's study room was bigger than her whole apartment, with furniture that looked more expensive than her rent. Sophia chose to stand, coming closer until she was just a few steps away from John.

  “And what is Ms. Gray doing in our private meeting?” Killian asked, voice deadly calm.

  “Sophia is going to be our asset.”

  John explained the plan that he'd relayed to Sophia earlier – about her task to clean up after the murders and make sure no vampire or vampire trace ever touched it. The latest attack had left a slight trail of one of their young vampires being in contact with the victim – though he was declared innocent in the end and the trail was cleaned up before the shifters could detect it – and it was Sophia's responsibility to make sure it didn't happen again.

  No trace. Not even rogues.

  While she was concentrating on John's words, it took Sophia awhile to become aware of Lucinda's gaze on her. Sophia glanced in her direction, her hair rising up at the unreadable, cold stare. Inwardly cursing at her reaction, she used a subtle spell to calm herself down and make the goosebumps disappear.

  Rule number one: never show weakness.

  Vampires thrived on weaknesses.

  “Are there any questions?”

  Killian eyed her with a hint of distaste before putting on a very charming smile, white teeth showing. Then he shook his head.

  “So long as she keeps us clean. We can always kill her if she messes up.” The statement was delivered in the same tone one would have used when ordering dessert. Sophia tried not to tremble – or hit him – as they waited for Lucinda.

  Finally, the other vampire nodded. “No questions.”

  They were all dismissed after that, with Sophia asked to stay behind to discuss the details of her task. Once the door was closed, she found she could breathe easier – although the mask of calm was still firm on her face. Sophia used another spell to cloak the room and turned to John, puzzled.

  “I already know the mission details.”

  The vampire head nodded his head.

  “I don't want to see you fail, Sophia. You heard Killian.”

  Right. She inclined her head.

  “I'm at your service.”

  “Don't disappoint me.”

  “I won't.”

  Never mind that she was the biggest disappointment of his life to date. With an inward sigh, Sophia waited for John to dismiss her before quickly leaving the premises before midnight struck.

  She had some work to do.

  *****

  Sophia was bored.

  It was nine in the evening the next day, and the bar where plenty of vampires hung out with humans was jam-packed and in full swing. She'd arrived at eight and snagged a stool at the corner of the long bar, where she'd ordered a cheeseburger, fries, and a root beer for her dinner. Another set of fries and a pint of beer made her stomach content, and she nursed the drink as she observed the crowd that was happily mingling.

  How was she supposed to find the next victim and clean up? By hanging out in crowded places, of course. Teddy's Boots was one of those crowded places: a jazzy bar with good staff and enough bouncers to throw out any rowdy lot. Plus, the food was pretty good, which made it a nice place in Sophia's books.

  “Anything else I can get you, Soph?”

  Sophia turned her gaze to the bartender, Ted: aka, the owner's son. “Coffee, please. Extra shot of caffeine and lots of cream. Ice cold.”

  He eyed her beer with a raised brow, amused. “You have really weird taste, you know that?”

  She grinned. “You should really see my taste in men, then.”

  His laugh trailed off as he walked away.

  It was mid-way through her grin when she found her neck prickling. Suddenly alert, Sophia made sure to still look relaxed as she quietly turned around, as if actively waiting for her companion. She found no one looking at her, of course, because no one would be dumb enough to.

  But the prickly sensation remained.

  There were only two things that came to mind, really – either this was some idiot who thought her an idiot and wanted to have a good time...

  Or this was a hunter, out to get her.

  There was only one way to find out.

  Still looking around, she didn't rest her eyes until she spotted a man who looked lonely enough to perhaps want some company.

  Showtime. Again.

  “Here’s your coffee, Soph. Enjoy.”

  The creamy cup was placed in front of her, making her mouth water right away.

  “Thank you, Ted. You’re a sweetheart.”

  “As always. Now you stay out of trouble, you hear me? This place isn’t exactly the best for the likes of you.”

  She smiled. “Then why not kick me out?”

  His answering smile was a playful one. “You’re too pretty to kick out.”

  “Oh, boo.”

  “And you can handle yourself fine. Just don’t go chasing trouble.”

  Sophia saluted him, nodding her head. With another smile, she took a sip of the great coffee and savored the flavors melting on her tongue.

  Then Sophia made her move.

  CHAPTER THREE

  The woman was either insane, or had very terrible taste in men.

  Possibly both.

  Robbie had noticed her the moment he'd taken his spot, down behind the multitude of tables and up against a wall where the lights were dim, but still functioning. It wasn't exactly hard, considering she was wearing a bright-blue dress that popped in a place where practically everyone wore black. Then she'd become more noticeable when she ordered a meal good enough for two and chowed down slowly and steadily. Then another order, which she ate half of. It was obvious she was a regular in this place, but she didn't mingle.

  Except when she walked over and sat beside a man who looked positively suspicious.

  Said man had slick, blond highlights and a gleam in his eyes that Robbie didn't like at all.

  It was also the type of gleam that he recognized.

  “So you're going to come back here in a day or two?”

  The male voice vibrated in his earphones, accented and deep. Robbie took a sip of his beer before replying.

  “Three days, maybe. Depends on how the job goes.”

  “Oh, man! If it's been assigned by Mr. Hotshot Masters himself, we both know it's goi
ng to be more than that.”

  Robbie grinned. “Yeah, yeah. Keep yourself busy in the meantime.”

  “Hell, yeah.”

  The line disconnected and Robbie put his earphones and phone back in his pocket. So far, the vampires in this place were behaving – clearly undetected as they socialized with the humans, except for a few that really stood out. The man with the highlights was definitely one of the standouts, as he kept charming the woman who'd approached him.

  The sophisticated woman at the table near him, making out with her date and licking his neck once or twice, was a runner-up. Her eyes also gleamed, a spark of red that told him exactly what she was. Jesus. She had her date moaning and she didn't even have her fangs out yet.

  A flash of blue near him snapped his attention back to the original woman he'd noticed. Shit. It looked like she was completely charmed, because she was leaving the bar with her body practically plastered to the slick dude. They passed right beside him and headed for the back, with the bartender who'd given her the coffee earlier frowning after them and their exit.

  Robbie waited until everyone was not looking in that general direction, taking one last sip of his good, cold beer.

  Then he stood up to follow.

  *****

  Yes, the woman was insane – and had terrible taste in men.

  And this was proved by the moans echoing in the dark alley as the guy clearly, slowly had his way with her.

  She was pressed against the wall and was making out with the guy – who had made quick work of pulling down her dress straps and whose hands were now caressing her ass. It was probably only a matter of time before they were half-naked and doing the deed here – a sight Robbie definitely didn't want to see. He couldn't detect any kind of vampire trance at work, which left him with one conclusion – the woman really did dig the vampire.

  And he was standing too close to them as it was.

  With an inward sigh, Robbie made a move to leave. And he would have left right away, if not for the pain that lanced up his head and turned his vision white-hot.

  “Hey!”

  The male voice dimly registered in his mind, and he watched, as if in slow motion, as the guy drew his fangs out. Red eyes flared now, and he wondered if he was going to attack the woman now that he'd attacked Robbie first with the spell.

  The puzzle pieces started floating in front of him, and forming.

  First point: Vampires didn't do spells.

  Second point: This was definitely a spell, because he couldn't move, as if his arms had been bound.

  Third point: The woman was eyeing him as calmly as a stroll in the park.

  The puzzle clicked into place.

  Still in slow motion, the witch turned to stare at the vampire, who was now looking at her as if she was the most despicable creature in the planet. His fangs turned sharper, a clear indication that he was very pissed.

  So was Robbie.

  Fortunately, his will was stronger than spells when he was.

  It took less than five seconds of concentration for him to break off the spell – and with that, he was able to break off the bonds and move his hands freely. The slow motion stopped and everything came into focus as his head cleared and his mind turned sharp.

  “You have exactly five seconds to explain why you bound me, witch.”

  The last word was spat out with as much disgust as he could muster – which was a lot, considering witches ranked just a teensy bit above vampires on the likeability scale.

  The vampire took this as his cue to snarl once before running off in a flash, leaving them behind.

  The witch took this as her cue to curse the vampire and his so-called cowardice.

  Robbie narrowed his eyes. “I said, you have exactly five seconds to–”

  He choked on the last part as red sparks hit him square in the face. He cursed and rubbed his eyes at the tingling sensation, then opened them to glare at her.

  The witch glared back.

  “Why do you keep hitting spells at me?” he snarled.

  “Because you were following me, you idiot!”

  Oh. That stopped him, but only for a second.

  “I thought you were going to be sucked dry!”

  “Clan vamps do not do that! And I can handle myself.”

  And did she also call him an idiot?

  “I am not an idiot.”

  She blinked. “You latched on to that? God!”

  Glaring at him once more, she shoved him away and stalked towards the direction the vampire was headed.

  He really should leave her alone. She was none of his business, especially now that he knew she was a witch. He really should leave her.

  With a curse, Robbie followed after her.

  *****

  Two alleys down, she was still walking. Very slowly. In the dark. With no care in the world.

  He caught up with her easily, slightly pissed and wanting to get this over with.

  “Do you have a death wish or something?”

  She stopped and whirled to face him, at the exact spot the lamppost shone. The light made him see that she was shorter than he'd initially thought, with a slender body and legs that looked slim and seemed smooth. Ordinary, brown hair and not-so-ordinary brown eyes completed the look, showcased by the said blue – very tight – dress.

  Those eyes glared at him now, honey brown and fierce.

  “Stop. Following. Me.”

  “Then go back in the bar and stop walking in alleys.”

  “I'm tracking down the vampire. You scared him off and it's not safe.”

  “I didn’t scare him off. You did that on your own. With your spells.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Which would not have happened if you weren’t stalking me.”

  “He's an adult. And I’m not stalking you.”

  “He was a newbie! I am the adult witch, and they’re easily scared. You were definitely stalking me.”

  Incredible. Robbie stared at her. “So you make out with newbies for fun?”

  The witch threw up her hands in the air in frustration, muttering something about him losing focus on the actual topic.

  “I can hear you, you know,” he growled. “Sensitive shifter hearing and all.”

  She merely muttered louder. “I said, he was bait.”

  “For?”

  She scoffed. “You, obviously. You were staring at me at the bar and I thought you were some kind of idiot killer!”

  Huh.

  There was a certain charge in the air as she grew more pissed off, her palms spitting red sparks from time to time. She made a move to stalk off again, and he was about to let her go, crazy person that she was.

  It happened before they could defend themselves.

  Something dark flashed in the corner before moving at lighting speed and knocking her down in an instant. Her red charge was enough to protect her from the full force, but not enough to prevent the slashing at her ribs, tearing up her blue dress. Red blood spilled, and Robbie roared, his teeth growing even though he knew he couldn't shift in this place – too small. Dylan would have a cow if his shifting got public attention.

  Damn it. He wasn’t effective here.

  The rogue vampire snarled at him, crazed, red eyes dead and skin peeling off. It crawled at the side of the wall, like a lizard – only uglier and more vicious. The stench coming off it was unbelievable.

  Clan-less, violent, mad. Brainless. Ruthless.

  If there was anything Robbie hated more than regular vampires or witches, it was them.

  The rogue made a move to slash at her again, dark claws razor sharp and sped very fast as it prepared to leap.

  Robbie was faster.

  In one second, he was on top of the rogue and preventing it from attacking the witch further. In another, he was ripping the head from the body, throwing down the lifeless remains on the ground. Black blood spurted everywhere, the stench growing stronger. It was not a pretty sight.

  Silence.

  She sat on the ground beside the dead rogue, completely ignoring it as she stared at him.

  “You're strong.”

  He shrugged. “You're welcome.”

  “Stronger than the usual shifter,” she continued. “What kind are you?”

  “Let's go back to the bar and maybe I'll tell you.”

  She let out a disbelieving sound, but her eyes relaxed enough to make him see that she was considering it. Her hand turned red again as she placed it on the slashed area of her stomach.

  Then she froze, her gaze shifting behind him and honey eyes widening in horror. The whisper from her lips was eerily calm, making the hairs at the back of his neck stand up.