When we’d informed Mina and Marius of Celeste’s demise, their reactions had been predictably grim.
Celeste deserved the worst, and she got it,Marius had huffed.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I agree,Mina had said glumly.
No one would shed tears for Celeste, but the reality would take some time to really sink in.
“What do you think is happening back at Grepper’s now?” Gen asked, glancing over her shoulder.
I shrugged. “It looked to me like Grepper had the upper hand there. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back in his study now, sipping brandy and admiring his Monet.”
Gen grimaced. “And…Celeste?”
It’s truly over for her,Bene snorted into my mind.
“The vampires will leave as soon as they…um…”
Drink their fillcame to mind, but that was a little graphic.
“As soon as they finish with Celeste,” I finished. “They’ll dispose of the body — or leave that for Grepper.”
“Either way, the vampires will hit the road soon,” Bene warned.
Gen pressed down on the accelerator.
I reached across the seats to squeeze Gen’s hand, grazing her father’s painting in the process.
“We got what we came for,” I said. “That’s all that matters now. That, and getting home. We can figure out the rest there.”
I shot her a significant look, because thatthe restmeant a hell of a lot more than Grepper, Celeste, and the vampires. I meant us too.
Gen looked back again, then squeezed my hand.
“Home sounds good.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
ROUX
“Good morning,” I mumbled, finding Bene in the château kitchen the next morning.
We’d returned only a few hours earlier, and everyone had fallen directly into bed. Gen and I had curled up together in her bed without bothering to change or undress, and we’d fallen asleep after barely a kiss.
Well, maybe one or two.
We’d snuck in a few more when we forced ourselves awake at seven a.m., but there was no time for more. Not with so much still unresolved.
I showered, dressed, and lumbered to the kitchen, not far ahead of Gen.
Bene looked up from the bacon he was frying. As tired and disheveled as he looked, he still managed a teasing smile.
“Good morning? Maybe for the guy who didn’t sleep in his own bed last night.”
So, he’d noticed. Impressive, given that he was still getting the last of Grepper’s magic out of his system.
Ignoring him, I loaded a tray with plates, silverware, jam, and other breakfast supplies. The sooner we started this meeting, the better.
I lifted the tray and stepped toward the dining room, then stopped and closed my eyes.
