Wiping my fingers clean, I reached for the bag on my lap. “It can shift the balance of Inderland power,” I said, and Ivy nodded, the tips of her hair swinging.

“With the explosive destruction of dropping a tiger into a dog show,” she said dryly. “It’s believed that Weres used to have a political structure very similar to that of the vampires. Better, since Weres never betrayed another as vampires are known to do for blood. Their hierarchy revolved around who held the focus, and eliminating it shattered the Weres’ social structure, politically castrating them and leaving them squabbling in small packs.”

Nick started on his second burger. “They were going to forcibly convert humanity, according to the demon texts,” he said, taking off the top bun to eat it like an open-faced sandwich. “Those who wouldn’t voluntarily become a Were were killed. Entire families whelped or murdered in the name of Were conquest over vampires. They would have had a good chance of succeeding but the witches crossed from the ever-after about that time and sided with the humans and vampires. Using witch magic, we beat them back.”

Nervous, I slipped my flip-flop off and on to make a popping sound. I wondered what he had given a demon for learning this. I’d never heard it before, but Ivy had, so maybe I just hadn’t taken the right class. I couldn’t help thinking that perhaps witches were really at the top of the food chain, our independent ways and lack of political structure aside. Every earth spell on the market, whether used by human, vampire, or Were, was made by a witch. Without us, their little political wars would be fought with sticks, stones, and nasty words.

“The focus was destroyed,” Ivy said, her voice low and her eyes thick with worry.

Nick shook his head. Gulping down a swig of soda, he said, “It’s demon made, and only a demon can destroy it. It has been passed from vampire to ranking vampire for generations.”

“Until you sold a piece of your soul for it,” I whispered, and Nick went white. Stupid-ass human, I thought, then hid my own wrist.

Jenks finished his song amid cheers and friendly shouts. He bowed and blew kisses, stepping off the stage and making his light-footed way to us. A camera flashed, and I wished I had remembered mine. Jax flitted over the ladies at the bar, charming them thoroughly and helping his dad avoid them. The mood of the bar had shifted dramatically thanks to Jenks; now even the looks our way from the truckers had a touch of daring voyeurism.

“Food’s here?” Jenks said, handing me my wallet before dropping down and grappling with the first of his burgers with the enthusiasm of a starving adolescent. Jax stayed with the women, distracting everyone and staying safely out of the adult conversation. “What’d I miss?” Jenks added, taking a bite.

I sucked at my teeth and gave Ivy a wry look. “Nick swiped a Were artifact that can tip the balance of Inderland power and start a vampire-Were war,” I said, putting my wallet away next to the Were statue. I needed to call David and get his take on this. On second thought, maybe I shouldn’t.