Arra set up a new game on the laptop. “Have you spoken to the vampire about this?”

“Yeah. Sort of . . .”

“Tony . . .”

“I’m fine.”

“I don’t doubt it, but I’d appreciate it if you could move just a little faster; I’ve got to feed.”

Still struggling with his seat belt, Tony froze. I can’t.

Something of the thought must have shown on his face because Henry sighed. “Not on you. I don’t think that would be safe for either of us tonight.”

“Good call.” The buckle jammed. Working the release with one hand, he yanked on the strap with the other. It didn’t help. In fact . . . “Uh, Henry. I think I’ve really fucked this up.”

Cool fingers shoved his out of the way. “It’s stuck.”

“No shit.”

Henry glanced up at him, his eyes darkening, the masks slipping. Vampires didn’t screw around with seat belts. The strap separated from the buckle. Vampires ripped their victims free.

Adrenaline lent Tony’s bruised body speed and he all but threw himself out onto the sidewalk. Then, in an attempt to reclaim a little dignity, he braced himself between the door and the roof and leaned back into the car. “I was thinking that maybe we should try dealing with these things before they get back to the studio.”

“Fine.” The dashboard lights painted eerie highlights in Henry’s eyes which were . . .

Oh, fuck. And the worst of it was; Tony wanted to climb back into the car. To offer his wrist or his throat. To offer his life. No. That wasn’t the worst. It was much worse that Henry knew it, too. Leaping back, he slammed the door closed and muttered, “Why don’t I just leave a message on your machine,” at the BMW’s ass end as it disappeared down the street.

“Yes, I’d say that fits the definition of sort of. His kind are not unknown on my world; I’m amazed you’ve managed to retain as much self-determination as you have. A man cannot serve two masters after all.”

Tony’s lip curled. “That’s not how it is.”

“And I believe you where thousands of others wouldn’t.” Arra closed down the laptop and stood. “Let’s go.”

“Go?” The cat on his lap showed no indication that it planned to move any time soon.

“Studio, gate, shadows . . .” The wizard sighed as he continued to sit awkwardly in place, not daring to stand. “Just dump her on the floor, she won’t break.”