Bennett stepped from the darkness to the light, and she squinted for a moment, adjusting to the brightness surrounding her. As she took off her coat, a man dressed in a gray, three-piece suit approached, and she handed him her leather duster. “Where is he?”

“In the study.”

“Thank you, Victor.”

As Bennett made her way through the house, Max’s demand for decorum was everywhere. Guardians and vampires alike were dressed like gentlemen and ladies. Their clothing was pressed and fitted, and their manners pristine. Several milled about the main living room, politely conversing amidst the melodic tones of classical music coming from the inconspicuous speakers mounted on the walls, while others filled the sitting room, being served drinks offered by those chosen to guard. At the back of the massive entrance hall was a double staircase, winding right and left as it led to the upper floors, and as she passed it, she noticed three of her fellow kind ascending the steps.

Courtliness was required in the gathering rooms, but the libertine nature of her breed went unrestricted in the bedrooms. Bennett knew most already had their evening refreshment by this time, and euphoria now flowed through their veins. And what better way to celebrate the high than with another or maybe two...or maybe more.

Maximillian glanced over his shoulder as Bennett closed the door behind her. “Who brought you tonight?” he said, returning to filling the goblets he’d set out.

Bennett looked at the array of flat-screen TVs covering most of the wall to her left. The one in the center showing the view from the security camera aimed at the front gate while the others showed other areas of the grounds and house. “Gus,” she said, turning back to Max.

“I don’t trust him.”

“And I do,” Bennett said, taking the glass of wine Max was offering.

“We’ve had this conversation before,” Max said, taking a seat behind a massive desk. “He is not a true guardian, and he doesn’t belong anywhere near you or us.”

Bennett sat in a chair opposite the desk, taking a sip of her wine as she crossed her legs. Max was right. They had had this conversation many times before, and it had gotten old. Very, very old. The veins in Bennett’s temples began to throb, and she took a slow, deep breath to calm her annoyance. “You’re right. We have chatted about this on numerous occasions, and just like all those other times, my opinion hasn’t changed. Just because Gus’s family hasn’t protected us for centuries doesn’t make him any less of a guardian than those who have.”

“I disagree,” Max said, scowling. “He cannot be trusted.”

“I trust him with my life.”

“Then you are a fool.”

“Max, if it weren’t for Gus Rooney, I wouldn’t be sitting here tonight.”