Declan held one hand out, palm down, and wobbled it. “Depends on the drone in question and what it’s armed with. The ones around me are loaded for Hell. Got some other backup too. Trust me; we’ve been working on this since Florida.”

“Well, you guys are the A squad, so I’ll take your word for it. But if you need me, just let me know.”

“Thanks, bud,” Declan said, slinging his ballistic nylon messenger bag onto his shoulder. He paused, then rummaged in the bag. After a second, he came out with a little bundle and handed it to Mack.

“Something for you. It won’t likely kill the bitch, but she won’t like it. None of your regular blades will do much to her, and forget bullets. This here will at least scratch her. Not that you’re likely to get near her, but it makes me feel better.”

Mack unwrapped the bundle and found a plastic sheath with a black handle protruding from it. He pulled the knife and found that the blade was glass—black glass.

“It’s made from zirconium oxide, actually transformation-toughened zirconia with a special holy relic inside that the blade was formed around,” Declan said. “The handle scales are obsidian, which has protective properties.”

“Relic?”

“The Vatican has been super helpful. We asked for some—stuff, and boom, they sent it right over. Chris talked to the Pope’s right-hand man, or bishop, or whatever, while we were cleaning up in Orlando. Omega handled the manufacturing and we had enough holy stuff left over to help level up his drones. Keep that close; it straps to your leg. Don’t tell anyone, anyone, Mack, about it. Not even this new girl. I’ve got one for Jetta too, but ixney on the talking. Got it?”

Mack just stared at the black blade. “Mack? You got it?” Declan said, snapping his fingers to center his friend.

“Yeah, I got it,” Mack said, nodding. Then he immediately pulled up his right pant leg and strapped the plastic sheath in place.

“Alright. I gotta scoot. See ya, buddy. Can’t wait to meet your new girl.” Then the tall witch was gone, walking out the dining room door, leaving Mack to once again wonder at how his supposed good luck had landed him and his sister in the middle of all this madness.

Chapter 11

“Ah, ladies. Welcome to Paris,” Hosokawa said as the three vampires exited the armored limo that had awaited their plane at the airport. “Galina, Lydia, Tatiana, or do you prefer Queen Tatiana?” the compact warrior asked with almost no hint of sarcasm. Almost. Also, he completely ignored Arkady, who had stepped from the front passenger seat and stood looking around for threats.

“Tatiana is fine, but if you find yourself overwhelmed, Royal Ass Kicker will do,” Tanya said back without hesitation.