“And why do you think this witch will be able to help?” Byron asked.

“Magda always knows what’s going on in our community,” Enoch said.

Byron handed him the notes. “This better not be a wild goose chase.”

“It won’t be, Principe. I promise.”

* * *

One of the models, a really good-looking butch named Will, was chatting up Katie in the corner of the room. She liked her, but the situation was getting uncomfortable. Every time she looked up, she saw Alexis scowling at her.

Then Daisy caught her eye. She was bracing herself against a chair and rubbing her temple.

“You’ll have to excuse me, Will. I think my friend isn’t feeling too well.” She walked over and said, “Daisy, are you okay?”

Daisy put on a smile. “Oh yeah, fine. It’s just been a lot of work getting this all ready for today. My head is a bit sore.”

“As long as you’re okay. You’ve done a great job here.”

“Thanks. Amelia has appointed me manager—did she tell you?”

“No—congratulations, Daisy. That’s great news.” Katie gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks. It’s going down well with the guests, isn’t it? Are there paranormals here?”

“Oh, a few I’d guess, but none that will cause any harm,” Katie said.

Daisy shook her head. “The things I could tell the world. It’s crazy hard to keep secrets.”

“I know, but it’s to protect Amelia,” Katie said.

Katie knew that Daisy wished she could tell the subscribers of her successful YouTube channel everything she had learned, but because of Amelia and her other new friends, she couldn’t tell anyone. The outing of the paranormal world would put them in danger.

Daisy took a drink and pulled at the high collar of her jumper. “Hey, do you want to go out to The Sanctuary after this? I need to let off some steam.”

“I’d love to,” Katie said.

Daisy pointed to Alexis who was patrolling the room. “Super grumpy vamp is still gazing at you longingly.”

“She dislikes everything about me, Daisy.”

“I don’t know. Hate and love are very close.”

Katie thought back to the moment they shared in the blood room, while Alexis was feeding and she had a vampire feeding on her. The air was electric, and sex and need permeated the air, but then Alexis had run again. Like she always did.

“I don’t care what she is or she isn’t. I’m just sick of her scowling. Let’s go out and have some fun. Oh, let’s ask Sera too.”

* * *

The line of black Debrek cars pulled up in front of the house. Alexis got out and opened up the door for Byron, while Wilder, Amelia’s guard, did the same for her. Byron waited for Amelia and took her hand.

“We’re in for the night, Duca,” Byron said.

“Yes, Principe.”

Alexis waited while Sera and Katie got out of the car behind. She wanted to make sure everyone was in the house safely before she gave everyone their orders. As Sera passed her, she heard Katie say, “Are you sure you won’t come out with us to The Sanctuary? I’m meeting Daisy there in an hour. Plenty of time to get ready.”