Page 111 of The Immortal’s Mark

“Of course not,” Rose says, turning that picture-perfect smile to us. “Forgive me. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Gregory. I apologize for my rudeness.”

Her sincerity seems real.

“It’s fine.” I shift in my chair. “We just don’t want to be in the way for your…debrief?”

“You are never in the way,” Gregory says immediately.

I blink once. “Okay.”

Rose’s gaze lingers on me for a moment too long, her expression soft and amused, until she straightens.

“Well, then.” She claps her hands lightly. “Let’s discuss the matter at hand, shall we?”

He nods. “Please do. What can you tell us?”

“My master has been invited to a meeting in DC,” Rose says. “All undeclared covens have received invitations. And, if rumors are to be believed, so have many untied witches and warlocks.”

Gregory’s tone shifts, all business. “What is the purpose of the meeting?”

“I do not know.” Her lips turn down. “I only saw the invitation by chance. If Adir hadn’t signed it, I’m sure I wouldn’t have given it a second thought.”

“Wait.” I cut in before I can stop myself. “Adir invited your master? Who is your master?”

What is a master?

“A powerful vampire, dear. For your own good… that is all you can know.”

I resist the urge to shudder.

Paige swallows. “A vampire? Does that mean you’re⁠—”

“Yes,” Rose says simply. “I’m a vampire.”

Duh, Darcie.

The pale skin. The unnatural beauty.

How did I miss it?

“You’re Adir’s descendant?” I ask.

“Actually, no.” At my confused look, Rose adds, “I was turned.”

I want to kick myself for prying. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She waves a dismissive hand, her smile just as sincere as before. “It’s a common mistake. Another Immortal bloodline courses through my veins, making me appear more like the ancestral vampires you’ve come to know.”

I only know Gregory and Alex, but I keep that information to myself.

“Which Immortal?” Paige asks.

Her stunning eyes shift to the brunette. “Eros.”

A laugh escapes Paige’s lips. “Eros? The flirty one?”

Rose’s grin grows. “The one and only.”

Wow.