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"Spunk can be a delightful quality. Impatience is annoying. Don't push your luck, girl." As a long, predatory smile spread across his face, I felt about two inches tall and just as vulnerable. I eased back into my seat.
"Very good, we understand one another," he added. "As to introductions, yes, you're right. You wouldn't remember me, although I first met you when you were a toddler. And I've never had the pleasure of meeting your cousin. I'm Lord Geoffrey, Regent for the Northwest Division of the Vampire Nation."
Regina folded her hands on her lap. "Cicely, we have a proposal for you. And you must give us an answer tonight. Our proposal is simple: Our Queen requires that you come work for us. And as I said, I make certain that the Crimson Queen gets what she wants."
I stared at Regina, with absolutely no idea what to say. If I just stood up and walked out, I'd be toast by morning. And yet, beneath her laughter, I could hear something. I strained to catch the nuance.
Fear . . . fear came wafting in on the wind, fear of what I represented.
Very slowly, I stood. "What is it you want me to do?" "Cicely--" Rhiannon's voice held a warning, but I shook my head.
"Do you really think I have a choice? I have to at least listen to what she says." Or I'll never make it out of this house alive, treaty or no treaty.
"Smart woman." Reining in her sensuality, Regina was suddenly all business and her all-business side was just as scary. The look on her face told me she wouldn't stop till she had what she wanted. "Allow me to summon my brother. He's late and he should be here before we go on with this." She picked up a telephone and a few minutes later, the door opened.
The most beautiful man in the world entered the room. Lannan Altos was wearing a crimson brocade smoking jacket over a pair of indigo wash jeans, and his hair fell in a mass of curls to mid-back, the color of spun gold. His face could easily have rivaled Apollo's and the resemblance between him and Regina was clear. They sparkled like the sun together, with eyes black as deep space.
He tilted his head and smiled, fangs lowering. I felt myself falling, falling deep, falling wide, falling like I'd fallen into Grieve's embrace but this was different, there was no sense of connection other than the slender thread of unspoken communication that was passing between us.
Do you wonder what it's like . . . do you want to know? I'll teach you. All you have to do is give me control and I'll give you reason to hunger for me.
I felt myself moving toward him, toward that beautiful, rich voice that echoed in my thoughts. I wanted to go, to find out what he was promising.
Leo grabbed my arm even as a tiny voice inside shrieked, Don't look in his eyes . . . don't listen too deeply to his voice . . . don't let him smell your fear . . .
Regina laughed. "I see you respond to my brother's charms. Most women do. Lannan, this is Cicely Waters. Cicely--my brother. Now, onto our proposition: We know of your connection to the Fae named Grieve. He's a member of the Indigo Court."
I struggled to keep my voice neutral, but inside, I jumped. The vamps held no love for the Indigo Court, so I wasn't surprised they were aware of Grieve's presence. What did surprise me was that they knew about Grieve and me. But I couldn't let them think they'd thrown me for a loop.
"And . . . ?"
"All we want is for you to continue what you're doing. Keep an eye on him. Infiltrate his world, and apprise us of all you see and hear. Before you say no, consider this: We know you understand the nature of the Indigo Court . . . the history of what they are, and how they got that way. There will be no playing off sides here. You will be our agent." Her eyes, like steel marbles, glistened in the dim light.
"Why me?"
"The Queen has her reasons. If you choose to work for us, you will receive a handsome monetary recompense and other . . . shall we say, perks? And you will be under our protection. But if you refuse to volunteer your help . . . we'll be forced to think of other ways in which to ensure your cooperation." Her voice dropped and I gazed into her face again. The primal fierceness in her gaze sent me reeling back into my chair.
"So, I either cooperate or . . ."
"Or we'll find less generous methods of engaging your services." Regina leaned down and planted a kiss on my forehead, her lipstick forming a burning pout on my skin. I wanted to wipe it off but she might consider that an insult.
"Can I think it over tonight and give you an answer tomorrow?" Stall for time, any time. I hadn't expected to be offered a job, and one that came with such steep ramifications.
"No. We have to know your answer now. Will you help us?"
I stared at her, feeling trapped. Either I helped, or they'd punish me. And perhaps my friends. "Why do you want me to do this? I have the right to know."
Lannan spoke, laughing gently through his words. "Let's take her to see Crawl. He might convince her." He looked too eager, and I wanted to scrunch away, out of sight, unnoticed.
Regina gave him a hard glance. "Crawl? Are you joking?"
"No. Take her to Crawl. He's hard to resist."
Geoffrey shifted, looking uncomfortable, but he held his tongue and a look passed between him and Leo. Leo hung his head, even though Rhiannon was not-so-gently poking his arm.
"Perhaps you are right." Regina motioned to me. "But I'll be the one to take her. Between you and the Blood Oracle, there'd be nothing left of the girl to help us." She slid her arm around my shoulder and led me over to a bookshelf.
"Wait--where are you taking her?" Rhiannon called behind me.
