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If that wasn’t the sweetest thing ever, nothing was.
After my ex-pseudo guardian angel confirmed Angela would be just fine after a meal and a gallon of water, most of us headed to the kitchen. We were all starving from using so much magic—or being used in Angela’s case—but Lena and Ivan refused to eat until they patrolled the area and ensured Octavia acted alone.
The square-shaped kitchen was monstrous, which wasn’t surprising considering the overall size of the mansion and the womanwho owned it. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling white cabinets, the kitchen was equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and a two-door, sub-zero fridge that blended seamlessly with the cabinets. Taking up the center of the room was an island big enough to seat four in high-backed chairs.
Kit waved us over to the chairs but refused my offer to help make food. “Girl, don’t pretend you know your way around a kitchen. I’ll just throw together some sandwiches real quick.”
I laughed. “Fine, but I’ll grab some water for everyone.”
As Kit got to work pulling out deli meat, cheeses, and bread, I rummaged through the cabinets until I found some glasses.
Angela sank onto one of the high-back stools with a heavy sigh. Thanks to the days spent in a glass coffin without food or water, her face was even paler than usual, hiding her smattering of freckles.
Now that I could see how frail she’d become—even if she was rather delicate before—I was sure I wasn’t the only one regretting the decision to call for backup. I really wanted to make Octavia pay first—with blood.
Her inhumanity on par with the vampires, and they had the excuse of being dead.
I filled the glasses with water and handed them out, and we all drained ours in one long gulp.
Everyone except Jessa, who didn’t need water or food to survive. Perks of the job.
She hugged me, then gave me a knowing, exasperated look that made me grin. “I have to head back, but I’m sure I’ll see you before long.”
After giving the others quick hugs, the red-headed angel left through the back door. A flash of pearlescent pink shimmered through the windows as she spread her wings and took flight.
At that moment, Shirley and Walter walked in. I couldn’t make out what the balding, grey-haired butler said to the vampire maid, but his condescending tone rang loud and clear. So much for thinking he was a nicer guy the first time we met.
The vampire had pulled her blonde hair into a sleek, tight bun at her nape, and she wore a well-pressed black pantsuit just like the last time I saw her. Except today, her uniform included a crisp white apron.
When she noticed us gathered around the island, her brown eyes opened wide. She hurried over to my best friend and tried to take over sandwich making.
Kit shooed her away as she spread out the food on the island. “I can make my own damn sandwich. And my friends’.”
Walter sniffed the air like something stank. “While Mrs. Parker is away, you will act as the owner and mistress of Parker House. Shirley’s duties include serving you and your guests.”
It was anyone’s guess how he already knew about Octavia’s arrest and where he’d been this whole time. But if he kept talking to my best friend that way, he’d quickly regret his decision.
Kit glanced at the vampire fretting around her and paused as she laid out the bread slices. “In that case, you’re free to go. Permanently. No amount of money or magic can return what that monster took from you, but I’ll set up a bank account with enough funds to compensate for your service. Thank you.”
Walter scoffed and opened his mouth, likely to protest, only to snap it shut when Kit looked his way. Anybody would shut up with that look directed at them.
Shirley’s eyes rounded even more, and I was almost afraid they would pop right out. Then she would be without eyes or a tongue, all due to Octavia. She glanced nervously around the room as if it were a joke.
Kit took a deep breath and faced the vampire straight on. “What you did wasn’t your fault. We all know that, and I don’t blame you.”
“I don’t either,” Angela said, placing her hand on top of the vampire’s.
The undead woman stilled beneath Angela’s touch before nodding, relief loosening her tense shoulders.
I wanted to know what they were referring to, but I knew we’d get the whole story soon. I smiled at Shirley. “Enjoy your freedom.”
Me being nice to a vampire? Hell just froze over.
After patting Angela’s hand, Shirley removed her apron and set it on the counter. She met Walter’s unhappy gaze and flipped him off before turning and leaving.
An undead girl after my own heart.
“Miss Parker, if I may—” Walter began.
