A collective gasp filled the room when the heads of two of their comrades rolled across the floor. Bennett turned to the crowd and looked from one vampire to the next and then to the next. “It seems your feckless leader forgot to mention to you my promise to him, so allow me to enlighten you. If you hunt in Back Bay or any of the surrounding areas, this will be your fate. I will not discuss. I will not barter. I will not give second chances. I will simply take your head.”

Napoleon rose to his feet, his face growing as red as the cushioned leather on his throne as he glared at Bennett. “What is the meaning of—”

“I kept my promise, Napoleon. That’s all,” Bennett said, turning to the wiry man. “I warned you what would happen if you sent your goons into Back Bay to hunt, and you didn’t heed that warning, so their deaths are on your hands, not mine.”

Bennett saw movement to her left, and pulling a dagger from her boot, she spun toward her assailant. It was Ivan, and he was no match for Bennett. She blocked his blade effortlessly and pressed the edge of hers against the man’s throat.

“Stop,” Napoleon shouted. “There’s no need for you to take it that far, Archer. I’m sure this is just a misunderstanding.”

Bennett thought long and hard before lowering her blade, and when Ivan took a step in her direction, Napoleon hopped between them. “No, my friend,” he said, placing his hand on Ivan’s chest. “Now is not the time.”

“But she killed my brother,” Ivan said, spit frothing at the corners of his mouth. “That fucking bitch needs to pay for it.”

Napoleon looked over at the two heads on the floor. He didn’t recognize either, but that didn’t matter. “Alas, poor Yorick,” he said in a honey-sweet tone. “We knew him well, didn’t we?”

Ivan screwed up his face. “But, boss, his name was Vladimir.”

“Oh, yes, of course. Forgive me,” Napoleon said, patting Ivan on the back. “I have so many followers. It’s hard to remember all their names. Now, how about we chat over here for a moment?”

Napoleon led Ivan away from Bennett, and standing near the wall, Napoleon whispered, “I understand you’re upset, Ivan, but it’s too soon to start the war, and taking her life would do just that. Our army’s not ready.”

“But he was my—”

“Yes, yes, I know he was your brother, but you had centuries with him, and most only get decades. Consider yourself lucky.”

Ivan sent a murderous look in Bennett’s direction. “I want to kill her. I want to make her pay.”