The elevator dings and the doors open. Two of my men greet us.
“This way sir…ma’am,” one says.
We’re driven to the glittering high rises of Tenebris City. It isn’t far from us, but entrances need to be made. As Andrew pulls in front of the old train station, the event’s venue, I begin to explain to Monty what tonight is.
“That’s it?” she asks, raising a brow.
“Keep watch,” I say, “and if you see anything odd, let me know.”
“It’s an engagement party,” she says, her hands clasped tight. “Right?”
“Yes, but I’m interested in what’s below the surface,” I say. “And I know you like to…gather information.”
“That’s a nice way to say nosey.”
I smirk but it’s quick to falter. “One more thing.”
“Don’t eat the humans. I got it.”
I lock gazes with her. “Stay away from a vampire named Santiago.”
“Santiago?” she asks, confused. “Why? Is he a friend of yours?”
The car door opens. “He was. Now, he’s nothing but trouble.”
On the surface, this is a regular party, a place for the rich, the famous and infamous, the criminal element, all to rub shoulders and exchange information. Of course, the most interesting interactions will end up on tomorrow’s blogs, sites, papers, and TV, courtesy of VMR Media.
But beneath the surface, another story breathes and seethes.
Too many vampires are here, doing their best to blend in with their prey. There’s mafia here, too. Human, but powerful in their own way. Especially now that Benicio is gone.
I spot some of the Rogues hiding in the shadows. They stick out in their cheap rented suits and second-hand dresses. I’m surprised they were invited at all, given their lower economic status. Maybe they snuck in. I wouldn’t put it past Raleigh.
Speaking of, the young Rogues leader is not here.
That’s unusual.
But I’m more interested in my old nemesis and whyhe’shere.
Santiago doesn’t come near me, but his underlings do. And as Elliot moves around the room like she was born for this, I realize a few things.
One, the deaths of de Santis and his men have opened a vacuum in the power dynamics of the city and others want to pounce and take advantage.
Two, Santiago’s people’s talk bothers me. I think he wants more. Healwayswants more.
It’s been years, decades, since I last saw Santiago, before I set up VMR and helped create the rules for vampires to abide by. And after our blow-out, I thought he’d never be on this side of the world again, let alone in Tenebris.
His being here can’t be anything good.
Awareness prickles along the back of my neck, and I glance across the large ballroom to where Elliot is. Only she’s not alone.
Santiago approaches her, then kisses her hand.
Fury nearly burns me to a crisp.
Does he think she’s important? Does he know she’smine?
Either way, he’s about to find out.
