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"Paige? Mr. Nast would like to speak to you."
Savannah moaned. "Can't it wait until morning? I'm so tired."
"He only wants to speak to Paige, dear. I'll stay and keep you company while she's gone."
Savannah sat up. "I want to go with Paige."
Olivia shook her head. "Your father was very clear. Paige only."
"But--"
"I'll be fine," I said.
"Of course she will," Olivia said. "Nothing's going to happen to her, Savannah. Your father understands how much you've come to rely on her." She turned to me. "Mr. Nast is in the living room."
I nodded and left.
No one escorted me downstairs. I passed Friesen and another half-demon guard, whom I'd only heard called Anton. Both cast subtle glances my way, but gave no sign that they were watching me. I knew they were, though.
Despite my intent to stay with Savannah, I'll admit to an inkling of temptation as I passed the front door. Earlier I hadn't thought of running. Now, though, as I neared the living room, I had to ask myself what Nast wanted.
I knew Nast had no intention of taking me back to Los Angeles. So long as I was alive, I'd be a threat. A minor one, but a threat nonetheless. Once I'd served my purpose, he'd have me killed. The only question was: When?
As I passed the door, I wondered whether I'd already outlived my usefulness. I hesitated, but only for a second. Nast's hold on Savannah wasn't strong enough to risk incurring her wrath. I had a few more days at least. Enough time to come up with a plan.
When I pushed open the living room door, Nast was inside, laughing as Sandford relayed an anecdote about a shaman.
"Paige, come in," Nast said. "Have a seat."
I did.
"Would you like a drink? Port? Claret? Brandy?"
"Claret would be fine. Thank you."
Sandford's brows arched, as if surprised I'd accept a drink. I had to trust in my conviction that they wouldn't kill me yet, and behave as if I trusted them.
Once Sandford passed around glasses of claret, Nast settled back in his chair.
"You asked earlier how we knew about Savannah's menses. I thought you should know the truth, though dinner hardly seemed an appropriate time to discuss it." He sipped his drink, taking his time before continuing. "I'll be blunt, Paige. Victoria Alden told us."
The glass almost fell from my hand.
"I realize you won't believe me," he continued. "Let me offer proof that I've been speaking to Miss Alden. As for the ceremony, the Coven disapproved of it, but your mother did it for you. Miss Alden believes you borrowed Margaret Levine's car Tuesday night, not to get the tea ingredients, as you told Margaret, but to get the required ceremonial materials."
I leaped to my feet. "What did you do to Victoria?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"You said Victoria told you. You forced her to talk, didn't you? What--"
Sandford's laugh cut me short.
Nast smiled. "Touching, isn't it? How she jumps to the defense of her Coven sister, even after that very person has exiled her from the Coven? We didn't hurt Victoria, Paige. We never even contacted her. She called us."
"No. She wouldn't do that."
"Oh, but she did. She got Gabe's number from Mr. Cary's office, then called and offered us a deal. Information for protection. She'd tell us crucial details about Savannah if we'd promise to take my daughter and leave town."
