I smirked and rocked back on my heels as the she in question emerged from the fog lingering inside the gardens of the square. She bounced on her bare toes ,and I tried to ignore the blood on her feet. Ignorance was bliss, truly. She let out a little giggle. “Did my future friends find their way?”

I nodded. “Yes, they were escorted inside.”

“Perfect.” She stopped and clapped her hands. “Come, friends. It’s time to party.”

A group of another dozen people emerged from the fog, but as they moved closer, my heart sank. They weren’t human. They were vampires, and they were thirsty.

Sweyn shrugged and licked her lips. “I got a little impatient on the way here.”

“I see that.”

“Come, little ticklings. Forever is inside.” She gestured to the doors. “That’s all for the night. Come in and let us settle into our new pets before the sun rises.”

Pierce bowed his head. “Yes, my Queen.”

Sweyn let him take her arm to lead her inside, but then she paused to glance over her shoulder at me. “Everest?”

“I shall be in momentarily, once I confirm you were not followed.” Then to egg her on, I winked playfully. “Save a few for us.”

“Not if you don’t hurry.” She grinned so wide I saw the full length of her fangs. Her red eyes blazed with lust and thirst.

Saber let out a deep breath as soon as she was inside. “Get in there soon. I am struggling to keep my face with every hour that passes.”

“I’m coming. Go on.” I reached out and touched her arm, stopping her from leaving just yet. “Check on Sam, please.”

She nodded, then hurried inside. “C’mon, Malik and Libby. Let’s pretend we’re only interested in each other so we don’t have to . . . help.”

Malik shuddered and went with her. Libby paused to look at me and then pointedly at Braison before she rushed inside.

I turned to Braison and found him staring at the ground like he hoped it would swallow him whole. “We do not have a choice this night⁠—”

“No one will know this happened,” Braison whispered. “There are too many vampires in this city and The Coven was unaware of them entirely. Now she’s turning more. That was like three dozen, Everest . . . in one night. They need to know. We have to get word to them.”

I took a deep breath, then nodded. He wasn’t wrong at all. But conversing with The Coven was not something I had the luxury of doing. He could though. I cleared my throat. “You have fifteen minutes to get downstairs and away from the sun. And then sleep might allow you some answers.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

COOPER