I leaned closer. “So where did she go?”

“Some vamp bar on the river. She sat in the corner, snarling at anyone who got close, and drank orange juice all night.” Jenks shook his head. “It’s really weird, if you ask me.”

There was a small sound in the doorway, and Jenks and I straightened with a guilty quickness. I looked up, blinking in surprise. “Ivy?” I stammered.

She smiled weakly, with a pleased embarrassment. “What do you think?”

“Uh, great!” I managed. “You look great. I never would have recognized you.” And I might not have.

Ivy was wrapped in a skintight yellow sundress. The thin straps holding it up stood out sharp against her shockingly white skin. Her black hair was a wave of ebony. Bright red lipstick was the only color to her face, making her look more exotic than usual. She had sunglasses on, and a wide-brimmed yellow hat that matched her high heels. Over her shoulders was a purse big enough to carry a pony.

She spun in a slow circle, looking like a stoic model on the runway. Her heels made a sharp click-clack, and I couldn’t help but watch. I made a mental note—no more chocolate for me. Coming to a stop, she took her sunglasses off. “Think this will do?”

I shook my head in disbelief. “Uh, yeah. You actually wear that?”

“I used to. And it won’t set off any spell-check amulets, either.”

Jenks made a face as he levered himself up on the sill. “Much as I enjoy this horrific outpouring of estrogen, I’m going to go say good-bye to my wife. Let me know when you’re ready. I’ll be in the garden—probably next to the stink weed.” He wobbled into flight and out the window. I turned back to Ivy, still amazed.

“I’m surprised it still fits,” Ivy said as she looked down at herself. “It used to be my mother’s. I got it when she died.” She eyed me with a severe frown. “And if she ever shows up on our doorstep, don’t let on I have it.”

“Sure,” I offered weakly.

Ivy tossed her purse to the table and sat with her legs crossed at the knees. “She thinks my great aunt stole it. If she knew I had it, she’d make me give it back.” Ivy harrumphed. “Like she could wear it anymore. A sundress after dark is so tacky.”

She turned, a bright smile on her face. I stifled a shudder. She looked like a human. A wealthy, desirable human. This, I realized, was a hunting dress.

Ivy went still at my almost horrified look. Her eyes dilated, sending my pulse hammering. That awful black drifted over her as her instincts were jerked into play. The kitchen faded from my awareness. Though she was across the room, Ivy seemed right before me. I felt myself go hot, then cold. She was pulling an aura in the middle of the freaking afternoon.

“Rachel …” she breathed, her gray voice enticing a shudder from me. “Stop being afraid.”