“Okay, big guy, time to cool it and listen to what I have to say.” The cat glanced at Sparkle. “The trolls guaranteed those chains would hold any vampire on Earth. They ripped you off. Return the weak-ass suckers and ask for a refund.” Then he turned his attention back to Dacian.

Dacian had to make a decision: attack or listen. There were now two nonhumans in the room, and he had no idea what waited outside that door. Not good odds. If they’d wanted him dead, they could’ve destroyed him while he was helpless. And he was in the castle where Jim had said he’d find Taurin. He paid the guy good money to keep track of his brother, and he had no reason to doubt him.

Jim was a retired CIA agent, so when he’d gotten wind that Taurin was in danger, that Stephan had found his brother’s location and would kill him to punish Dacian for refusing his maker’s call, Dacian didn’t hesitate. Time was important. If he managed to escape, he’d have to flee the building and then figure out how to contact his brother. His decision made, Dacian dropped his clawed hands and backed away from his attack. “So talk.”

Cinn had turned panicked eyes toward the cat, so he must be broadcasting his mental message to everyone. Not an easy thing to do.

“Chat with the vampire after you let me out of here.” Her gaze skittered between the cat and the door. “And I can’t believe I’m talking to a cat.”

The plant lady was making a real effort to keep her voice from shaking, but Dacian’s enhanced hearing picked up the faint vibrations. If he weren’t such a heartless bastard, he might even feel sorry for her.

“So you can run away?” Sparkle didn’t seem upset by the thought.

“Yes.”

Sparkle shrugged. “Okay, go. Although if you give yourself some time to think about this, you’ll realize that working here is best for you. Not only will you be able to work without having to explain yourself to nosy relatives, but you might be able to expand your experiments beyond the plants.”

“How?” Cinn’s expression said she asked the question against her better judgment.

The plant lady’s spark of curiosity might be her undoing. Dacian sensed Sparkle beginning to close her net.

“Well, for one thing, you might be able to help Dacian here. And I might be able to turn you into a sensual woman.” Sparkle frowned. “Forget that last comment. I don’t do that anymore. I keep forgetting.”