Someone knocking on her door dragged Ruby from her sleep, and flicking on the light, she blinked away the spots before her feet found the floor. She tiptoed over and peered through the peephole, and when she saw Bennett standing in the hall, Ruby quickly opened the door.

“Hey there,” Ruby said, looking the woman up and down. “Everything all right?”

“Yes. I…um…I wanted to apologize for earlier, and I was wondering if you’d be up for something like this.”

When Ruby saw what Bennett had been hiding behind her back, there was no containing her grin. “Sure, I’m game,” Ruby said, stepping aside so Bennett could enter. “Just watch your head, although I don’t think we’ll be standing for long.”

***

Bennett walked up the drive to Max’s house, removing her Ray-Bans when she neared the door. Electronic shutters typically found only in states plagued by hurricanes were covering the windows, and instead of vampires guarding the entrance, two heavily armed guardians stood at the ready. They smiled, seeing her familiar face, and opened the door without so much as blinking.

The house was still, and the aroma of the freshly cut flowers displayed in crystal vases filled the air. Bennett acknowledged the few guardians roaming about with a tip of her head, and thankful Simeon wasn’t anywhere to be seen, Bennett strolled to the study. She walked in to find Max sitting in his usual spot behind his desk. “What’s going on, Max? At the party, you made sure I knew to avoid coming over while Simeon was visiting, and then you text me bright and early this morning and tell me to get over here.”

“I texted you bright and early because Simeon and his flock are fast asleep, and you and I need to talk.”

“Okay? So what’s so important that you’d cancel your trip to Tromso? You look forward to it all year long.” Out of the corner of her eye, Bennett sensed movement, and her eyes became slits when she saw the man standing by the fireplace. “And who in the hell are you?”

“Bennett, I’d like to introduce Dr. Landon Prescott,” Max said, getting to his feet. “He’s a member of Napoleon’s coven, or rather was.”

With her starve still fresh in her mind, Bennett’s eyes flamed blue in an instant. Her fangs extended, but before she could launch herself at the man, Max was standing by her side.

“Take it easy, Bennett,” Max said, placing his hand on her arm. “He comes in peace.”

“That’ll be the day,” Bennett snapped.

“Please, just take a seat, and I’ll explain everything,” Max said, motioning to a chair. “I promise. There are things you need to know.”