Page 52 of You’re So Vein

As I step around a barking Moana to answer the door, I pass Kiaan emptying a bowl of crisps over Nikhil’s head. My brand-new Rosamund Muir ankle boots crunch on potato bits as I smooth down my red, off-the-shoulder dress and throw open the door.

I paste a huge smile on my face. “Welcome to my home. Come in—”

The smile freezes, because there, on my front step, is Augustin Durant, the man who insulted my traditions, doesn’t believe I have what it takes to be mayor, and who absolutely is not invited to my launch party.

He opens his mouth, but then he freezes in place. His eyes travel from my wild hair to my lips, painted the same red as my dress, to the sweep of the fabric as if it falls from my shoulder across my breasts. He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

Is Augustin Durant… checking me out?

Why does that make me feel all warm and tingly?

I can’t resist giving a little shimmy. “Careful, vampire. Staring that hard might make your heart start again.”

“Ms—er, Kom–that is…” He thrusts a pot under my nose. “This is for you.”

I stare down at an ugly plant with spiky leaves. Why is he giving me this? “Is it poisonous?”

“No. It’s called Queen of Crimson. It reminded me of you.”

I remind him of a prickly plant? Point taken. I must’ve been wrong about him perving. I drop the pot on the hall table and turn back just as Augustin jerks his head up. “What are you doing here?”

“The Conclave delegation has arrived, and they wish me to accompany them.” He fixes me with a wary stare. “Is that a problem, Councillor Ahuja?”

Only now do I notice the small crowd of people behind him. Which is strange, since one of the men is dressed in leather armour and what appears to be a cloak made of badger skins. The sword on his hip looks like it means business. Next to him stands a statuesque woman with honey-blonde hair, wearing an exquisite turquoise evening gown studded with what I assume are actual diamonds. Rounding out the bloodthirsty trio is a tall, beautiful, dark-haired man with an olive complexion, wearing an immaculate black silk shirt and carrying several bottles of what I assume is blood.

“Councillor Ahuja, may I introduce you to Kael Morrigan, Celtic warrior of the Blood Morrigan; Irene, Empress of the Archives and of the Blood Delassane; and Dante di Sangro of the Blood Medici, our delegates from the Conclave,” Augustin says stiffly.

I should be intimidated that three of the most eerily beautiful vampires in the world are standing on the front step, and one of them is brandishing his sword at Moana. I know that my friend Winnie’s happiness is riding on these bloodsuckers, and that should be enough to make me nervous, but Augustin looks so uncomfortable that I can’t help but feel buoyed by their presence.

“Welcome to Argleton.” I beam. “I’m Komal, future mayor and friend to vampires.”

“Dante di Sangro, at your service.” The dark-haired man takes my hand and raises it to his lips. He plants a kiss on my fingers before breathing in deep, as if sniffing a fragrant rose. “You must be our hostess. I have brought some beverages for the Upyr guests. Although if you wish to indulge us, I bet you taste the way you smell, like dark, sensuous plums—”

“We will not drink the hostess.” Augustin steps in front of me, his voice edged with danger.

Something unspoken passes between the men.

Is he… protecting me?

I remember the other night, when Augustin bared his fangs and sent Joe running. This is like that, but different, because Dante looks amused and Augustin is shaking with rage.

And I remember too, what he said in his resume. I am not quick to anger, unless someone I care about is in peril.

This night is already strange.

Dante steps back, offering me a smile that flashes his fangs. “But of course. Augustin has made it clear you’re under his guard. I think this mayoral race will prove most entertaining.”

“We’re not here to be entertained, Dante.” The woman, Irene, sniffs. “We must make an important decision that affects all Upyr and humans, and I am here to rigorously test the arguments of both sides.”

Meanwhile, Kael has fled across the yard and is hiding behind the ash tree while Priya Auntie brandishes a sandal at him, Moana snapping at her heels. So much for the terrifying Celtic warrior.

“I’m happy to help with anything you need to make your decision easier,” I say to Irene. Behind her, Priya Auntie scoops up Moana and stomps inside. Kael slinks back to rejoin us. “Augustin may be my political rival, but we’re both in agreement about the need for reform, and our mayoral race won’t impact your—”

“You said that you were going to be mayor,” Irene admonishes Augustin.

“Councillor Ahuja has entered the race at the last moment.” He grits his teeth.

“Hmmm. I do not like surprises.” Irene licks her crimson-painted lips as she regards me. “But I do like women in politics. Well met. You will have to join Augustin in completing our ritual.”