"I'm not sure I like the way you're looking at me," I said. "Like you're figuring out the best way to imprison me so you can harvest my blood."
Merry's laughter joined Ava's. "I'm not, I promise."
Before Ava could speak again, her cell phone rang. She removed it from the other pocket in her dress and looked at the screen.
"Well, well, well, it appears Mr. Dumont would like to speak to me." She tapped the screen with her thumb and lifted the phone to her ear. "Good morning, Andre. Did you sleep well last night?"
I knew Merry couldn't hear what the other vampire was saying, but I could.
"Not as well as I expected to," he drawled.
"That's too bad. I'm sure I could brew up a tincture for you. Or perhaps an amulet." Ava's eyes lit from within.
I had no idea what she was doing, but she was using her magic.
"That's very thoughtful, Ava, but I'm afraid nothing seems to help."
She smiled and I saw Merry inch away from her on the mattress. I couldn't blame her. It was a frightening smile, terrible in its beauty and power. The smile of a Goddess...or her descendant.
"I'm so sorry to hear that. I just prepared an amulet for my friend, Merry. In fact, I think the two of you have met."
Andre was silent for a long moment. "You don't know what you've done, Ava."
"I think you should call me Ms. Amaris, Andre. Because you have no idea whatyouhave done. You allowed one of your offspring to terrify a human woman within my territory. You've been feeding from her for months without her consent or knowledge and you had the nerve to try and pull her away from the protection that I have promised her." Ava stopped to take a breath. "I may not play ball with the Council but that doesn't mean that I'm weak or that I will let an insult such as this pass by. Now, you have twelve hours to leave my territory or you will find out exactly what it's like to be hunted by a witch."
"All your power will be useless if she doesn't help me," he said. "You are not a god."
"No, but I am the daughter of a Goddess," Ava snapped. "And the Mother of Vampires, which means that I am the reason you are in this world and I can be the reason you leave it." She took a deep breath. "You have twelve hours. You are no longer welcome in Austin. If I see you again, it will be the last time you see anything."
It had been a while since I'd heard Ava lay the verbal smackdown on someone, but I had heard it before. However, Merry hadn't because she was staring at Ava with huge eyes and I could feel the apprehension brewing inside her.
Ava disconnected the call and tucked her phone back into her pocket. Each movement was smooth and controlled as though she wasn't a hair from losing her shit, but I knew her too well. Her eyes were brilliant amethyst and her hair moved as though it were caught in a slight breeze. Her power swirled around her, so potent that it was nearly visible.
"The Mother of Vampires?" Merry murmured.
Ava turned toward her and Merry winced. The glowing lavender eyes were a bit intimidating if you weren't used to them.
Ava closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, her eyes were no longer purple coals.
"Yes, Macgrath is the first vampire. He was dying and I used a spell to save him. The magic changed him and he became the first vampire."
Merry nodded, but her eyes were still huge. "Daughter of a goddess?"
Ava sighed. "Yes. I'm the daughter of the Goddess."
"The Goddess?As opposed toa goddess?"
"Yes."
Merry closed her eyes and shook her head. "I thought nothing could surprise me anymore. But I have to admit that this might be too much for me. I think my mind is finally, literally blown."
Ava smiled and sat down next to Merry's feet on the bed, which meant I had to move back or she would be sitting in my lap. Something I knew Macgrath wouldn't appreciate.
"I'm sorry to spring it all on you, Merry. I work very hard not to let my anger get the better of me, but sometimes I do lose my temper. And say more than I should. Regardless of my lineage or my power, I would very much like to be your friend."
Merry considered her for a moment. "Marcus said something about you turning Callum into a pig."
"I would never do that to my friends."
"I thought Callum was your friend," Merry said.
"He is, but he also acts like a pig on occasion and has to be reminded why that's a bad idea."
A smile spread across Merry's face. "Well, I guess we can be friends if you promise to let me watch the next time you do it."
I couldn't see Ava's face from my position behind her but I knew she was smiling in return because she held out her hand for Merry to shake and said, "Deal."
Goddess help us.
