AllFreeNovel
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As the doors open behind us and the first of the guests step through, I press a quick kiss to his lips and whisper, “Showtime.”
The night is going fantastically well, overflowing with people who are taking advantage of the anonymity the masks provide. I’ve found people making out on balconies, women doing (thankfully clothed) shimmies for beads, and many a glass overflowing with spirits. It’s exactly as I hoped it would be.
Meanwhile, my friends are working Garrett, Ben, and Nial, the three men falling completely for whatever the vampires are doing to manipulate them. Just before ten, when the men will be lured downstairs, I make my way over to play up the whole peace offering farce.
Garrett visibly tenses as soon as I approach, and his thoughts scatter. I sense the increase in his heartbeat, and the scent of nervous sweat tickles my nose.
“Gentlemen,” I greet them politely. “Thank you for accepting my invitation. I hope this is the beginning of more peaceful interactions.”
My voice is loud enough to draw the attention of a few people standing nearby—my goal all along. I need witnesses.
“Gotta say, I was surprised,” Garrett says, eyeing me suspiciously. “Not sure I think it’s on the up and up.”
I lift my hands in mock surrender. “Nothing up my sleeve. I think we both want success for this city. I’d much rather work with you than against you.”
Ben and Nial don’t say a word, huddling close together as if they think I’m going to pull out a gun or something. Like I need bullets.
“Yeah, well, maybe I still have some plans, you know,” Garrett says, his voice shaky. “Not saying we can’t be cool, but I’m not gonna just lay down.”
“I didn’t expect you to. I think it’s big of you to accept that I won this particular round. It’s for the good of Neubrook and gives you time to collect yourself and refocus without financial pressure.”
Garrett’s face turns red while Ben and Nial look on with interest. I’m waiting for Garrett to lash out or make a scene, but instead, he takes a step toward me, his face hardening under his mask.
“You didn’t win shit, Frenchie.”
Smiling, I nod. “I see.” A man moves next to me, wrapping his arm around mine. He looks like Eli, but from his scent, I’m well aware he’s not. “If you’ll excuse me. Enjoy the rest of the evening.” I bow my head before walking away.
My eyes meet Yves’s across the room, and except for an almost imperceptible nod, he appears neutral. I watch, chatting with my fake Eli, as Syn and Thorn invite the three targets to walk with them, Yves walking ahead, while the rest of their coven lingers amongst the crowd.
Once they’re gone, I find the real Eli, gesturing with a head tilt for him to follow me. He maneuvers through the crowd to join me, but just as we’re about to slip out, Maren stops us.
“Where are you guys going?” she asks, a slight slur to her voice.
“Out for some air,” Eli answers without missing a beat. “We’ll be right back.”
“Oh, okay,” she says, meandering off when Eli spins her around.
“And this is why I hire the fakes. She’ll find ‘us’ again in a few minutes.”
“Smart,” Eli says as we disappear.
As we move down the stairs, I feel the panic and concern coming from the room in front of us. When I open the door, Ben, Nial, and Garrett are standing against the far wall, appearing neutral on the surface, but I’m well aware of their underlying emotions.
Yves and Syn smile at me, taking a step back, which triggers Garrett to openly panic.
“Is this a setup?”
“Finally, he gets it,” Syn says, grinning.
Yves crosses his arms over his chest, motioning with his hand for me to carry on.
“As I said earlier, gentlemen, I’m so glad you accepted my invite. The night wouldn’t have been complete with you.”
“Fuck this shit,” Ben says, attempting to push off the wall, but being stopped by Eli standing in front of him. He steps back, his eyes darting between Nial and Garrett.
“I didn’t do anything,” Nial says, clearly attempting to save himself.
I snort a laugh. “You didn’t do anything? My memory of events differs. You were right there all the time, egging him on or participating.”
