“In good health, I think.” Byron never asked why Brogan didn’t ever go home. It had always been a taboo subject. She changed the subject when she realized emotions were still raw between Brogan and her family. “Are you still in the private eye business?”

“Yeah, PI, tracker, bodyguard—you name it, I do it. It gives me the means to live my life as a painter.”

Byron looked around. “You have some beautiful works.”

“Thank you. I have a gallery that sells them for me. They make me a good living.”

Byron waved Bhal and Alexis back over. “Oh, Alexis got married and blood bonded, too.”

“Alexis? You’re married?”

Alexis had a big smile on her face. “Yes, to Katie. She’s the Debrek housekeeper.”

“Good for you. I’m pleased for you, and how are you doing, Bhal?”

“Grand, Brogan. It’s nice to see you again.” They shook hands, each grasping the other’s arm in a warrior handshake.

“What do you need my skills for?”

“We’re trying to track a woman, a friend of ours called Daisy. She’s with Victorija Dred.”

“She’s in great danger, then,” Brogan said firmly.

“It’s slightly more complicated than that. She’s blood bonded with Victorija,” Byron said.

“Victorija Dred? You must be joking.”

“I wish I was. Can you help us?” Byron asked.

“My wolf is yours.”

* * *

Victorija looked out of the castle window. The rain was hammering down outside while she drank a perfect goblet of blood. She felt strong and full of energy. Victorija drained her cup, then turned around and went to her bathroom to brush up for dinner downstairs with her vampires.

She could still hear the rain loudly outside the bathroom window. Victorija ran the tap and scrubbed her face in the ice-cold water. She looked up at the mirror and jumped back in shock at what she saw.

Her face was replaced by her father’s, Gilbert Dred. She blinked quickly, and he was gone. It was terrifying. His very image sent fear through her body, but to see his image reflected in her own was a nightmare.

Before she got a chance to think about it any more, she heard her bedroom door slam. Victorija sped out the door into the hall and briefly caught sight of the back of a man in a dark suit. She ran and ran as fast as a born vampire could run, but she never seemed to gain on him, and even though there were no windows, the sound of heavy rain followed her as she went.

The man led her down to the dungeon, and he disappeared behind the door. There were no guards on the door, and it dawned on her that the whole castle was eerily silent, apart from the raindrops.