“Rachel is a powerful young woman,” he said, and I suddenly felt like I’d passed some sort of test. “I can see why you are attracted to her. You have my blessing to cultivate a scion relationship with her, if that is what you want.”

My anger rose, but Ivy shot me a look to shut me up. “Thank you,” she said, and I got even more mad when Rynn Cormel smiled smugly, knowing I’d held my tongue because Ivy had asked me to. Then I thought, So what? Why should I care what he thinks if he’ll leave us alone?

Rynn Cormel took another step closer to Ivy, curving an arm about her waist in a familiar fashion that I didn’t like. “Would you accompany me this evening, Ivy? Now that I have seen your friend, I understand better. I’d like to…try another angle, if you are willing.”

Try another angle? I thought, seeing the hinted hunger in him, luring her. Working on a sequel, are we? I didn’t agree with how vampire society worked, but Ivy took a relieved breath, her eyes positively lighting. “Yes,” she said quickly, but then her gaze slid to me.

“Go,” I said sourly, glad she hadn’t seen the demolished kitchen. “I’ll be fine.”

She eased closer to Rynn Cormel, her lean, leather-clad body looking fabulous next to his polished refinement. “You’re not on hallowed ground,” she said.

“Al won’t be back.” I glanced at Rynn Cormel’s light grip on her shoulder. “I’m fine.”

Ivy pulled away from him, reaching for me. “He was here?” she said. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine!” I said, backing up until her outstretched hand dropped. My gaze went to Rynn Cormel, and I didn’t like the smile he was hiding.

“I told you not to go onto unsanctified ground,” Ivy almost scolded. “God, Rachel, I made you a sign!”

“I forgot, okay?” I shot back at her. “I took it down because it ticked me off, and I forgot. I was so flustered about your master vampire paying me a visit that I forgot!”

Ivy hesitated, then said softly, “Okay.”

“Okay,” I repeated, feeling my anger die at her quick admission.

“Well…okay.”

I glared at Rynn Cormel, who was adjusting his hat and smiling at the exchange.

“I’ll get on hallowed ground,” I said, just wanting her to leave.

Ivy took a rocking step toward the door, then hesitated. “What about dinner? You can’t order pizza. Al might deliver it.”

“Marshal is coming over,” I said, looking pointedly at Rynn Cormel as he evaluated the exchange. “He’s bringing dinner.”