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“Red or white wine?” the vampire asked. “I’m not a purist when it comes to pairings.”
“As long as there’s brandy afterward, I don’t mind.”
His smile widened. “A woman after my own heart.”
“For now, a glass of the pinot grigio, please.” And I’d watch to make sure nobody spiked it before the wine glass made its way to me. The last thing I needed was to wake up in a basement prison, or worse.
A figure darted forward and uncorked the bottle before I could reach for it. I’d rather struggle with a corkscrew for eternity than surround myself with others.
Magnarella noticed. “You seem uncomfortable, Miss Clay. Is it nerves?”
“Not at all.”
“Well, I can see something is bothering you. I’d like this luncheon to be a pleasant experience for you.”
“Fine.” I waved a hand airily. “It’s all these extra bodies in the room. Your lifestyle would suffocate me.”
Laughter exploded from his full lips. “I see. Not a social creature then.”
“Not by choice.”
“Just out of curiosity, how did you make the acquaintance of Miss Saxon?”
“I met her brother when he was attacking a man on my property. We became friends.”
Magnarella laughed again. “I didn’t think you were one of them.”
“One of them?” I queried.
“An assassin.”
“No. I understand that would be against the rules.”
“Indeed. And what makes you think you’re capable of serving in Miss Saxon’s place?”
“I was the only one willing.” I realized the answer was vague, but I didn’t want to say one word more than necessary.
He scrutinized me. “Do you have magic?”
“No.”
“Then I don’t see how you can replace her.”
“I have supernatural blood, and I drink an elixir. What else is there?”
“You need to be strong enough to drink it in the first place. We don’t allow humans for that reason.” He inclined his head toward the swan. “Not all complications are as amusing as Miss Saxon’s.”
“Doesn’t seem very funny to me,” she grumbled.
I speared a piece of penne. “I’m willing to take the risk.”
“You’d need to sign the amendment to her contract.”
“I figured.”
He pondered me, and I could tell he was trying to identify my species. I kept the dial turned down as low as possible. There were reasons Pops insisted I learn to control my powers, and vampires like Magnarella was one of them.
“Where are you from, Miss Clay?” He’d decided to take the indirect route, it seemed.
