“Good to hear,” Bennett said, her cheeks following the direction of her lips. “And to answer your question, as daywalkers, we’re forbidden to approach a vampire’s home during the day without invitation. It’s one line we do not cross—ever.”

“Oh, Max never mentioned that.”

“No reason he would have. He had no way of knowing you’d be a daywalker.”

“That makes sense.” Lisa paused for a moment to mull over things again. “And Ruby’s been chasing you all over the world for decades?” she squeaked.

Bennett sniggered. “Perhaps we should have brought some paper so you could write it all down.”

“Hello?” Lisa said, waving her hands about. “You just told me Ruby had her hand in my chest, you almost committed flipping suicide by trying to take Napoleon on by yourself, and Ruby, it seems, has taken stalking to a whole new level. Not to mention there’s a duffle bag overflowing with weapons in the trunk, and you two are dressed like gladiators with a fetish for leather. Did I leave anything out?”

A laugh sprang from Ruby, and she shot Bennett a look. “I suppose it is a lot to take in.”

***

As soon as the front door opened, Gus, his family, and Finn scrambled to their feet and rushed out of the main hall to greet Bennett and Lisa. Hugs were given, and cheeks were kissed, and it was a few minutes before the ruckus died down.

Ruby was the last to come into the house, and she stood off to the side. She knew some of them, but she suddenly felt like an intruder, or possibly even an enemy. Ruby frowned. Time would tell.

“Christ, no one wears leather like you do.”

All eyes turned to the woman trotting down the steps, especially those belonging to Lisa.

“Max mentioned you were here,” Bennett said, opening her arms to welcome Angelique inside. “It’s been a long time.”

“Too long,” Angelique said, stepping out of the embrace. “And I heard you had some fun last night. You look none the worse for wear though.”

“I had some help.”

“That’s right.” Angelique looked at the two other women and moseying over to the redhead. “You must be Napoleon’s sister. Flanna, is it?”

“I actually prefer Ruby.”

“Then Ruby it is.” Angelique regarded Ruby for but a second before moving to the attractive blonde wearing horn-rimmed glasses. “And that must make you, Lisa, the newest vampire on the block. All is well, I hope.”

“All is fine,” Lisa said, sizing up the alluring woman. “And you are?”

Lisa’s tone was flat and slightly defensive, and noticing how closely she was standing next to Bennett, Angelique connected the dots. “I’m Angelique Chevalier.” Angelique extended her hand, and when Lisa took it, Angelique pulled her closer and lowered her voice. “I’m an old friend of Bennett’s. I care for her deeply, but not as deeply as you do.”