Not sure we have time for that. Any sign of the enemy? Jerry glanced around almost eagerly. He looked delicious in his Campbell plaid. He certainly had the legs for it. Wed had to bring Damian in on our plans for the Maury situation. After all, the showdown was going to be at his party.

My security detail hasnt reported any problems. There are a few mortals that are invited guests, so the intruders could slip in with them. Ill let you know if I hear anything. Damian looked me over. Ah, Gloriana, you are very G.o.ddess-like tonight. Beautiful. I think you and I should tango together.

I think not. I winked. Im sticking with my fiance tonight. He and Ill tango if I decide to dance one.

Jerry groaned. You know I cant do those kinds of fancy steps. Go with my blessing. Damian knows Id carve out his heart if he makes a fools move on you.

Well, then. Come get me if they play one, Damian. I laughed. Really, Jer. The tango is the dance of love. I b.u.mped him with my hip. And, darling, you have leaped over swords with bagpipes playing. So that excuse isnt working for me.

Damian pulled my hand to his lips. And wed see if you could carve out my heart or if I did yours. He dropped my hand. Later, Gloriana. He strode away.

My brother. Youd think we were just here to have a good time. Flo sashayed up to us. Her sapphire necklace looked fiery in the light from the candles that blazed around the edge of the outdoor dance floor. Richard stood close to her, his hand on her elbow. He had on a courtly French costume, his sword strapped on as well. Neither of them wore a mask.

We are, darling. Relax. We have this well in hand. He smiled at us. You left the broadsword at home, Jeremiah.

Gloriana put her foot down. And I have to admit it would have torn the upholstery in the car. Jerry gave me an accusing look.

Exactly. And you wouldnt have been able to dance with it strapped on either. I grabbed his hand. Heres a nice slow one. Come on. I nodded to Flo. Youve got lots of friends here. Were watching.

I know. Have fun. I am in a bad mood. Ignore me. She turned to Richard. We dance too. It is the best way to pa.s.s the time.

Of course. He pulled her into his arms, her skirt belling out behind her. Cisneros is here. See him by the band? Looks like hes talking to Israel Caine. Surely he wouldnt involve him in our problem.

I doubt it. But he and Ray get along all right ever since Miguel arranged for Aggie, the former Siren, to go out to L.A. and work with the record label there. Ray was glad to see the last of her. I threw this over my shoulder right before Jerry danced me away from the pair.

You and Cisneros. Im still not sold on what you insist is a friendship. You have too d.a.m.ned many male friends. Jerry held me close, his chest hard against my b.r.e.a.s.t.s. The fact that I could feel a knife against my waist wasnt exactly a turn-on.

I bit back a grin. What can I say? Men like me. You know theres nothing else to it. I looked up at my lover. It had taken lots of fast talking to get Jerry to agree to have anything to do with Miguel. The fact that the hit man had warned Flo instead of taking the contract had gone a long way toward convincing him that Miguel was a necessary evil here. Also, Richard was on board. Jerry and Richards friendship was solid. Theyd spent hours discussing what they expected to happen tonight. No one lights my fire but you, Jerry.

I know that. His confident smile came from knowing hed made me scream my pleasure just an hour before, as we were getting ready to come to the ball. Im not jealous, Gloriana. But this meeting tonight may not go as smoothly as we hope. Id like you to stay away from Cisneros, Florence, and Richard until we get this deal settled tonight. Jerry scanned the dance floor, on alert. He was ever the warrior, though it was easy to forget it when he wasnt in his plaid. Tonight he looked the part with that dangerous looking knife stuck in his wide leather belt.

Now why are you trying to spoil this evening by bossing me around? You know that doesnt work with me. I pinched his hand. Even though you have made me very happy lately.

He shrugged and looked into my eyes. I had to give it a try. You are one stubborn wench. You know that, right?

Which is just one reason you love me. See anything significant? I looked around when he twirled me. Miguel was dressed in his Rhett Butler garb. He now stood next to Diana Marchand. I was right, his Southern look charmed her and she was fluttering her fan at him. But I wasnt fooled. He was giving her only half of his attention. The rest was on the open doors that led from the house. He suddenly gave Diana a courtly bow and moved quickly toward them.

A group of three men just came out of the house. Theyre dressed in cowboy costumes if you can believe it. I have a feeling they thought theyd blend in, being in Texas and all. Jerry grinned. I knew he was itching for a fight. I smell mortals. His hand left my waist to slide down to his knife.

Relax, Jer. Youre supposed to negotiate, trick these people, and not make this into a battle royal.

But I love battles. Its been way too long. He dropped my hand and I realized the song had ended.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention? Ive asked one of my guests to sing for us and he had a great idea. Israel Caine, come up here. Damian waved to Ray who strode to the microphone in front of the band. If any of you were at N-V on Halloween night, you heard our own Gloriana St. Clair sing for the first time in public. She did a great job and sang a duet with Ray here. Glory, would you mind coming up and taking the mic with Ray for an encore performance? Damian began clapping and the audience joined in.

I looked for Miguel, pretty sure this was on him, but hed disappeared. Had he and Jerry arranged to get me out of the way so they could handle the Maury confrontation without me? Damian stopped in front of me and held out his hand. Ray was saying something into the microphone about our song choices Halloween night. I realized I couldnt say no. I had too many friends here and Jerry was practically shoving me at Damian. I let the Italian lead me to the podium.

This is a surprise. We havent rehea.r.s.ed so forgive us if were a little rusty. I turned off the mic and whispered to Ray. His eyes lit up and he laughed. Oh, yes, he was happy to stick it to anyone who tried to tell me what to do, especially Jerry. He turned and talked to the band. Luckily it was a popular song they knew and they shifted to a key we were both comfortable with. As soon as the audience heard the opening bars, cheers went up. We were ready to rock.

We sang A Crazy Little Thing Called Love. It was a Queen cla.s.sic and had a great beat. It certainly gave Ray and me a chance to play off of each other. Every eye was on us. It wasnt a hot ballad so I knew it wouldnt make Jerry or Ray think there was anything real going on between the rocker and me. It was just a fun, upbeat tune that let us show off our singing chops. The message was clear though"my lover should be cool and relax. At the end Ray and I fell into each others arms, both of us pumped by the song and the roar of the crowd. They wanted an encore but I bowed to Ray, letting him take a solo turn while I waved and disappeared off the stage, looking for Jer and the rest of the crew.

But they were gone. All of them. Oh, no, I wasnt letting them get away with that. I used my vamp senses and got a whiff of mortal, following my nose to the edge of this property that sat on a hilltop. Damian had bought the acreage close to downtown Austin for three reasons: the spectacular view of the city, the fact that it came with a castle built by an eccentric millionaire back in the day and that it was surrounded by an electrified security fence. The three mortals surrounded by three angry vampires looked like they were ready to take their chances with the fence and the steep drop on the other side when I arrived. Flo landed next to me as I started to ease closer to hear what was going on.

Chapter Seven.

Richard had his sword tip pressed against one mortals chest, about where his heart should be. You want to explain what in the h.e.l.l is going on?

I am Stefan Maury, these are my cousins. Were here to make a deal. You know the terms. The man held out his hands to show they were empty. They were steady, which was surprising considering the position he was in. I have other men here who will make you sorry if you decide to break faith with us now. He nodded and I was suddenly grabbed from behind.

Flo shrieked and began to struggle. She was also being held by a burly vampire. How hed gotten past security was anyones guess. I tried to look into the mans eyes but he must have heard that there were vampires with special powers here and he wouldnt look at me. The guy behind me was really strong too and there was no way I could freeze him without eye contact.

What the" Jerry whirled, his knife in his hand.

Dont try it. I have a stake close to her heart. Sh.e.l.l be gone before you can toss that blade, the man at my back said gruffly. Sure enough I felt a p.r.i.c.k against the back of my toga. The smell of fresh blood filled the air.

Same here, Mainwaring. If I push this stake in a few more inches, your wife is dead.

Let them go. Miguel had managed to get behind the Maurys. Sparks flew when he tossed two of the men against the fence. They slumped, obviously shocked into silence. Now he held a knife against Stefan Maurys throat. Is this worth your own life?

I cant go back without the relic. Keep the necklace. We dont care about it. But my grandmother is dying. She needs the True Cross. The priests in her village insist it will save her. The man had nerves of steel. He didnt flinch when Miguel drew a line across his cheek with the tip of his knife.

And if she dies anyway? What then? Miguel nodded to Jerry and Richard. They were staring at Flo and me, obviously looking for a way to get us free.

Jerry, dont try anything. Hes not bluffing. There really is a stake against my back. I can feel it.

Shes right, Ricardo. Im so sorry. Flo sobbed. But you must give him your relic.

Of course, darling. But will they let you go then? How can I trust them? Richard pulled a velvet box from inside his doublet.

We need proof, of course. Of their good intentions. Miguel drew another b.l.o.o.d.y line on Stefans face. I can smell Glorys blood from here. Let her go and Ill consider that a sign of good faith. Push her over here. Youll still have Florence as leverage.

Very well. Let the blond go. Stefan bled from several cuts now but still stood straight and tall. That took a lot of courage considering the vampires surrounding him all had fangs down, his mortal blood doing a number on us.

The vampire holding me shoved me toward Jerry. I stumbled then turned and caught my captors eyes. He was turned to stone before he could move another step. Then I jerked Flo free from the man whod captured her, using the element of surprise to turn him into a statue as well.

Seems like this fight is over. Damian ran up, his sword drawn. He nudged both of the frozen men with the tip, grinning when he realized they couldnt fight back. Too bad. I have an itch to skewer one or both of them for making fools of my guards. Then he noticed Flo was bleeding, her gown stained as she sobbed in Richards arms. b.a.s.t.a.r.di! You hurt my sister? He turned to me. Only one person can freeze men in their tracks like this. Thaw them, Glory. I want a fair fight so I can kill them, one at a time. He slashed each man with his sword, making them bleed.

No. Let them be. I cant stand to see you fight. Flo held out a hand to her brother. Damian ran to her and began exclaiming in Italian.

Can we finish what we started here? Miguel still held Stefan Maury close to the fence. His mortal friends were stirring, the electrical shock obviously not enough to kill them.

Yes, lets finish it. Richard handed Flo over to Damian. Listen to me, you piece of s.h.i.t, dont you ever come after my family again. Do you hear me?

I cant promise that, monsieur. Kill me if you must, but I cant go home without the relic. You dont know my grand-mere. Stefan stared straight ahead. She leads the family. I was given this task and, if I fail, I will suffer such as h.e.l.l would be a welcome release.

I pulled away from Jerry whod been holding me while he carefully examined the insignificant cut on my back from the stake.

Wait. I know what its like to have a difficult, um, relative. In my case its my mother. Cant you at least let him borrow the relic, Richard? Flos husband still gripped it. He looked incredulous. Come on. You know how to get it back if the old lady dies.

Stefan eyes, glazed with pain, focused on me. You would plead my case? Yes, yes, of course I will make sure you get your relic back, Mainwaring, if Grand-mere dies. And if she lives, I will see that it finds its way back to you as well, even if I must risk my life to do it. Grand-mere will understand that you must treasure it. This illness has brought her closer to G.o.d. He rolled his eyes. Im sure G.o.d was surprised. Anyway, I can persuade her that this was a generous loan. That you are a pious man and due a handsome reward for it.

Richard and Flo stared at me. They whispered together then Flo took the velvet box from Richard. Here, take it. She pushed it into Stefans hands. Perhaps you should hope it does not work miracles, eh? I keep the necklace. It is important to me. Do not bother me about it again. Tu mi capisci?

Yes, I understand. I cant thank you enough. Stefan swallowed. Are you through carving your initials into my face, Cisneros?

Maybe, maybe not. For your information, I am out of the a.s.sa.s.sination business. Though I will certainly keep your money because of the trouble this has caused me and my friends here. Tell your people and the rest of your connections in Europe that Miguel Cisneros no longer takes. .h.i.ts. Miguel wiped off his blade on Stefans cowboy shirt and slipped it out of sight. And if I hear youve been bragging that you bested the Austin vampires to get this relic, Ill make sure the Maury family, every one of you, is wiped off the map. Do you believe me?

Yes, I do. Stefan tucked the velvet box into his jeans pocket and helped his cousins to their feet. I will let you know how this turns out for my grandmother. Thank you, Mainwaring, Madame. He bowed toward Florence. I am not sure I would have been as forgiving as you have been. He tipped his cowboy hat at the rest of us then marched out of sight, his two mortal friends staggering after him.

Uh, what about them? Flo pointed at the bleeding vampires who were still frozen in place.

Ill take care of them. Gloriana isnt the only vampire who can pull that particular trick. That comment from Miguel raised eyebrows all around. They are exceptionally nasty hired guns, but they only do what they are paid to do. He glanced around the group. You never know when you might need someone like that. Leave them to me.

Okay, Miguel, but make sure they leave town. I walked over and jerked the stakes out of each of their hands and tossed them over the electrified fence. We could hear the wood hit the rocks down below the steep cliff on the other side. I dont want to be around when you do thaw them.

Fine. I know how to handle their kind. They can hear us so they know this job is over. Theyd better catch Stefan Maury if they want to be paid. After the party is over. You agree, Sabatini? Miguel nudged one of the men with his foot and, satisfied that he was still immobile, nodded at Damian.

Yes, thats good. Now I say we all need a drink. The blood on the costumes is unfortunate. If either of you ladies would like to change, I have some silk robes upstairs Flo and I frowned. Never mind. Of course other vampires may think the blood a nice touch, a charming decoration. Damian seemed to realize his joke was falling flat and shook his head. Pah! Look on the bright side. We have the longest night of the year ahead of us to dance, drink and make love. I, for one, plan to enjoy it. He gestured toward where we could hear the band still playing, always the perfect host. Come, the music is great and Gloriana has promised me a tango. He grinned and led the way.

I held onto Jerry and walked toward the music. A tango? I could barely stay on my feet. Id come close to being staked and Id never forget the feel of that wood against my skin. The wound still itched, the allergy we all had to a certain type of timber a.s.suring me that it really could have killed me if it had hit my heart. I was always worried about how to spend eternity. Well, Id just had a reminder that there were no guarantees that Id live forever, none at all.

It was Christmas night and we were finally moving into our new apartment. Jerry had let me order the furniture and hed paid extra to get everything delivered on Christmas Eve. I hadnt been to the place since before the Winter Solstice Ball. Business at the shop had been crazy in a good way. Id helped the clerks and been on a buying spree, contacting vamps I knew who liked to sell their vintage pieces so I could restock. I needed fresh merchandise for our emptying racks and shelves. I was actually getting over my bridal nerves and looking forward to becoming Jerrys wife. Imagine that.

All right. I know were not married yet but Florence said I have to carry you over the threshold anyway. For luck. She seems big on these kinds of things. Jerry lifted me into his arms as soon as we got to the top of the stairs. We had a new door, a shiny red one with a peephole so I could see who was on the other side before I opened it. Not that my vamp senses didnt usually tell me anyway.

This is new. Wasnt the other one just solid dark wood? I leaned down to turn the bra.s.s k.n.o.b.

Yes, but Ive made a few changes since you were here last. He kissed me long and hard then set me on my feet in the small tile entryway. Surprise!

I cant believe it! I gazed around me. The walls in the entry were a pale turquoise. When we stepped into the s.p.a.cious living room the color deepened to the blue of the Mediterranean. The white leather couch Id picked had a half-dozen colorful pillows scattered across it and a pair of print chairs matched perfectly.

I hope you like it. I told the decorator I wanted the color of the water off the Amalfi coast. Remember the trip we took there? Ill never forget how you looked on that beach, the water matching your eyes when a moonbeam hit them. He brushed my hair back from my face. It was one of our perfect nights together.

Jerry. I kissed him hard, so moved I struggled not to cry. This is a romantic side you rarely show me. I remember that night. I was afraid to swim but you carried me into the waves and we made love there. I held onto him, remembering. How long ago had it been? Fifty years? Sixty? So many memories. I drew back. You hired a decorator? When?

After you let me know how you felt about neutrals. Look around. Youll find that theres not one white wall left in this place. Come see our bedroom. He grinned and dragged me down the hall. You can change anything you dont like, but it was easier to repaint when the place was empty.

I caught a glimpse of a terracotta kitchen with splashes of yellow and blue. The dining room was tricked out in emerald green that complimented the dark wood round table that would probably never see a dinner, just the poker parties Jerry had already warned me he wanted to throw there.

What do you think? He threw open the bedroom door like a magician showing off a great trick. I gasped.

Wow! I laughed and threw myself into the middle of the king-sized bed. He hadnt moved his bedroom suite here after all, but had ordered another set, this one with the kind of vintage look I loved. The ma.s.sive French baroque headboard rose toward the ceiling and had been gilded, a mirror in its center. Too bad that mirror was wasted on us.

The walls were done in Venetian plaster, the deep peach a color that would make my skin glow in dim lighting. I was tempted to strip off right then to test the theory. The bedspread was sumptuous velvet, a royal blue with gold woven bee designs that I recognized from that period. Against one wall was a Venetian painted dressing table loaded with crystal perfume bottles. I couldnt resist hopping up to check them out. Gorgeous.

Are you crazy? Are we going to be able to sleep in a room like this? I lunged at Jerry, hugging him so hard I was afraid Id cracked a rib. I should have known better. My man was warrior strong.

We dont sleep. We die at sunrise, my love. And I hope you like it. The decorator was CiCi. She has pretty feminine taste. Has she pleased you? Jerry glanced around the room. She did finally put in a st.u.r.dy desk so both of us could use our computers. But she wouldnt allow a TV in here. Said Id have to watch it in my Man Cave as she dubbed it. Come see. Its in one of the extra bedrooms. He dragged me out of our bedroom but only after I got a look at the master bath, resplendent with navy and gold towels and a dark furry rug that begged to be christened with a s.e.xy romp.

Man Cave? I may want to use this room too. I had to admit the deep red walls were amazing. The glaze glowed under the lights from a black iron chandelier that CiCi might have found in an old saloon. There was a vintage humidor for Jerrys cigars and a hidden TV that popped up when he pushed a remote. He played with his technology, showing off the stereo system and the way his leather chair vibrated with the touch of a b.u.t.ton. I was more interested in the couch with a faux fur throw where both of us could snuggle to watch TV or DVDs.

So can you live here with me? Happily ever after? Jerry pulled me down to the couch. Be honest. Paint is an easy thing to change.

I love every bit of it. I sighed against him. I cant wait to marry you. Im beginning to wonder why I kept putting you off.

Im sure not going to remind you. He jumped up. I hear the truck coming. Theyve got the last of the boxes and our clothes. Just wait here. Ill supervise the unloading. When its done, I want us to start working our way through every room in the new place. You decide which room were going to do first. He leaned down and kissed me gently, his palm cupping my breast. You know exactly what I mean, dont you?

Yes, indeed. I ran a finger down his zipper, his jeans taut against his bulge. Hurry them along. I grinned as he practically ran out of sight.

Seems like I got here just in time.

I knew that voice. Had hoped to avoid it until after New Years Day.

Mother. I swallowed and stood. What do you think of my new apartment?

Its beautiful. But you cant distract me with a tour of this place. Tell me youre not marrying that fanged monster. With her typical drama, my mother staggered over to Jerrys pride and joy, his new leather chair. It was a shame that we looked so much alike. She even appeared almost the same age as I did, though maybe closer to thirty than the twenty-two Id been when Id been made vampire. We had the same blond hair and blue eyes, the same figure though mine was more generous thanks to an eating binge and bloating right before I was turned.

We shared the same love of great clothes and shoes too. Mother hadnt come down in her toga tonight. No, she loved to rub in her knack for creating her own wardrobe with a magical blink. This visit she wore a Pucci print shift from the sixties and black ballet flats.

Hes not a monster, Mother, hes the love of my life. And if he is a monster, what does that make me? I was not about to stand for criticism from her tonight, not of Jerry. Hed been nothing but wonderful lately.

Misguided. Brainwashed. Take your pick. She sighed, pretending to be long-suffering.

I pick happy. Maybe the devil made me do it, but I couldnt resist. I grabbed the remote and treated her to the ma.s.sage b.u.t.ton on high.

She shrieked and jumped out of the chair. That man ruined your life. Cant you see it, Gloriana?

He gave me immortality. I would be dust by now if he hadnt turned me in 1604 and dont you forget it. But this is an old argument and I dont see the point. Be happy for me, Mother. If you love me like you say you do, youll back off and let me live my life as I choose. I tossed aside the remote and strode to my new bedroom where I picked up one of the beautiful perfume bottles. No scent in it of course. Vampires rely on their sense of smell for defense and dont muddle it by using perfume. But I do love old crystal bottles. Bless CiCi for knowing that. I tensed when I felt Mothers hand on my shoulder.

Darling. Of course I love you. But how can you think this is best for you? Drinking blood. She turned me to face her just in time for me to see her shudder. I cant bear the thought.

Im sorry, but Im not changing. I realized I was about to crush the bottle or throw it against the wall so I gently set it down. Look around. Jerry had this s.p.a.ce decorated to please me. He treats me like a queen. I am happier than Ive ever been in my life.

She reached past me and picked up a sterling frame from the dressing table. So youve agreed to marry him? Her voice rose several octaves. This is a wedding invitation. Youve planned a wedding for New Years Day, less than a week away. Wheres my invitation?

Where would I send it, Mother? Do you have a post office box on Olympus? I s.n.a.t.c.hed it out of her hand. CiCi had framed one of our invitations. It was a sweet gesture but now I had to deal with what was sure to be a scene.

So am I invited? She strode around the room, stroking the velvet coverlet, frowning down at the chaise lounge in the corner where CiCi had left one of my favorite self-help books. This one was about taking control of your life. Of course my mother wouldnt approve of that, she wanted to pull my strings.