“So says you, but it appears Lisa didn’t get that memo,” Bennett said, laughing under her breath. She looked over at Lisa, and when she saw her eyes closed, Bennett lowered her voice. “But I think maybe she needed to.”

“Why do you say that?”

“She’s tired, Max, and her color hasn’t returned. Right now, I think she’s asleep.”

“After her first feed?”

“My point exactly.”

Max dropped into his chair and scrubbed his hand over his face. “Well, if I had to guess, and this is only a guess, Bennett, it probably does have something to do with Omega. I mean, I’ve never heard of anyone’s first feed not ending in a frenzy and in a death, which means we all started with the most potent blood there is, except for your lovely Lisa.”

“What does that mean? Are you saying she has to kill?”

“Give me a moment.” Max tipped back in his chair, and while he pondered the question, he drummed his fingers on the desk. “She told you she could control herself—right?”

“Yes. She said she healed their wounds, and they wouldn’t even know she was there.”

Max thought for a moment. “We’re in uncharted territory here, Bennett, but if you’re sure Lisa can control herself and won’t attempt to drain you dry, just let her feed on you.”

“On me?”

“Yes. Since you’re the one who turned her, you’re Lisa’s master, and that connects you. Your blood will be just as powerful as Omega to Lisa, and it will get her where she needs to be. Problem solved.” Several silent seconds passed, and Max checked his phone to see if the call had dropped. “Are you still there? Did I lose you?”

Bennett’s heart ached. She knew full well that a master’s blood was potent, and she also knew it wasn’t her blood Lisa needed. “No, I’m here,” Bennett murmured. “It’s just…it’s just been one hell of a night. That’s all.”

“Well, thankfully, Napoleon can’t do a thing until the sun sets again. I’m going to reach out to the council and tell them what we know, and then you and I can touch base later today and figure out our next step. However, for now, just go home, take care of Lisa, and then get some rest. It sounds like you need it.”

***

A few minutes before four on Sunday morning, Ruby pulled into a parking space in the alley, and before she could turn off the engine, Bennett signaled she wanted to speak to Ruby outside. A minute later, they were huddled next to the car.

“What’s up?” Ruby whispered.

“When we get inside…when we get inside, I need to ask you a favor.”

“Anything.”