“Max thinks, like we do, that because Lisa didn’t experience an Omega feed, she’s struggling a bit, but there’s an easy fix. When we get inside, I’d like you to allow her to feed on you.”

Ruby hung her head, and taking a slow breath, she straightened. “If you want her to kill me, then so be it.”

“What? No. Jesus, that’s not what I meant,” Bennett said, giving Ruby a dirty look. “You’re the one who turned her, Ruby, and as much as I hate to admit this, she needs you right now. Not me.”

“I don’t understand.”

Bennett threw up her hands. “Ruby, I know you weren’t a member of a coven, but surely someone had to tell that a master’s blood is as strong as Omega.”

“Well, yeah, but…oh, shit.” Ruby’s mouth fell open. “Bennett, you’ve got to believe me,” Ruby said in a rush, touching Bennett on the arm. “I swear to God, when I did what I did, I had no ulterior motive. I was just trying to save her life. I wasn’t thinking about anything else. You have got to believe me.”

“I do.”

“You do?”

“I watched you tonight,” Bennett said quietly. “I watched you do everything in your power to help save Gus and his family. I watched you save Lisa’s life. I watched you allow me to beat you within an inch of yours without so much as raising a finger. I watched you fight alongside me, and never once did you back down or…or be less than I know you are. I won’t lie and say I’m not conflicted by my feelings toward you, but right here and right now, you haven’t given me any reason to believe that you’re a woman who wanted anything more than just to avenge the murder of her family.”

“That’s all I ever wanted. I swear to you. That’s all I ever wanted, and if Lisa has to kill me—”

“She won’t. She can stop herself,” Bennett said, sneaking a peek at the woman sleeping in the car. “The only question is how in the hell are we going to get her to feed on you.”

***

Once they arrived at the brownstone, Lisa thought it would be the last she’d see of Ruby, but when they reached Bennett’s apartment, Bennett ushered them both inside. Less than pleased, Lisa made a beeline for the sofa and glared at Ruby under her eyelashes.

“I don’t know about you two, but I could use a drink,” Bennett said, going into the kitchen. “Anyone else?”

Ruby walked over to the fireplace and set down the duffel bag containing their weapons. “I’ll take one.”

“Well, you may as well make it three,” Lisa said, flicking an invisible piece of lint off her jeans. “Don’t want to be a party-pooper.”