“We are here to discuss a private matter with the master vampire of the Boston Night Court,” the second fae said evenly.
Wade caught Carmen’s gaze and raised an eyebrow. “Territory fight.”
Carmen focused on the fae, the coyness gone from her expression, replaced by a predatory intent Wade remembered all too well from the times he’d had to fight by her side. “Is that so?”
The fae probably thought they could’ve bullied the human servant into doing what they wanted if they could get past the wards Wade sensed in the walls, but there was definitely no bullying their way past Carmen. The fae sized up the problem in front of them and promptly left without another word, clearly choosing to live another day. Wade watched them go, frowning deeply, before he returned his attention to Carmen. “No, seriously, why are you here? Why aren’t you in Mexico or some other country? Tell Lucien South America misses him. He can go visit his cartel.”
“Lucien?” Ella squeaked out from behind Wade, finally clueing in on who Carmen’s boss was.
“Where’s the rest of your misbegotten pack?” Carmen asked, bypassing his question.
“Not here for you to annoy,” Wade retorted.
“A pity.” Carmen’s gaze slid from him to everyone standing behind him. “Who are your friends?”
“What’s it to you?”
Carmen smiled, nothing about it nice. Nope, Wade hadn’t missed dealing with her at all. “You’re here for Abhartach.”
Wade made a face. “So?”
“We consider him an acquaintance.”
Which, for Lucien, was probably as close to an ally as he’d get among vampires. It also meant that Niall would probably regret targeting Abhartach. Wade knew Lucien always considered territory fights and murder a good time.
Wait a minute.
Wade steepled his fingers together beneath his chin, eyeing Carmen contemplatively. “We need an introduction to Abby Boy.”
“I’m not the one you should be asking.”
“But you and Lucien could vouch for us.”
“And why would we do that?”
“Because you both like money.”
Wade made a mental note to apologize to Sage and Marek’s personal accountant for the money he was about to drop. It would be worth it if it got their little group an audience with the master vampire of Boston’s Night Court—even more if they managed to convince the blood-sucking asshole to fight against Niall with them. He was pretty certain if they offered up Niall’s territory to Abhartach, then the master vampire would maybe strike up a bargain. It would piss off Lady Caith, but oh well. She’d be the one who would have to deal with the Boston Night Court on her doorstep, not Riordan and his clan.
Carmen hummed thoughtfully. “It’s that important to you to see him?”
“Does it matter?”
She tossed back her head and laughed. “No. We’ll escort you to Abhartach for a price. His proxy will see to it you’re on the list to be seen tomorrow night.”
Wade sighed heavily and pulled out his phone. “I was hoping it’d be tonight, but fine. What’s your price?”
“Five hundred.”
“Please tell me there are no commas involved with that number.”
“Oh, fledgling. You know us better than that. Five hundred thousand. I’ll give you the wire number when you’re ready.”
Ella grabbed him by the wrist, leaning in close with a fierce frown. “Wade, no.”
“It’s fine,” Wade promised. He knew how not to make bargains these days, and he definitely knew how to deal with Carmen—pay for her next season’s wardrobe and give her someone to kill and she’d be happy.
“Doubly enjoyable for us, as I know it will annoy Patrick,” Carmen drawled.
