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Into my boot holster went a six-round Kahr P380, a small semiautomatic with a matte black finish It was loaded with silver in case of vamp attack I had strict orders not to tell the other security or the vamps at the chats about the silver ammo, and not to fire it unless "extreme measures are called for, in the event of unforeseen violence" Leo’s words I translated them to mean, "if the vamp-poop hit the fan," because with vamps, violence was always foreseen

I stood and checkedmirror Of course, if the vamp-poop became airborne I wasn’t well prepared, not even with all the weapons on ear, my armored and silver-studded leathers And I had yet to replace e collar that protecteddefensive on istical and overall security for the hotel, transportation, any protesters who decided to make a point and kill a vamp, and the talks theear Yeah Right

I threw on the jacket, straightened et necklace, and paused I spun to the closet and stretched up on tiptoe Spotted the wooden box in the far corner Even though I kneas there, it was hard to see, Molly’s spell sliding nore it My fetish necklaces were inside, and no human would ever notice the box unless they reached back and felt for soh the connecting doorway into the co, dressed and armed to the teeth Brian tossed ht and smeared on as I passed a rip, which had ht it

"The princess is finally ready," Brandon drawled, his Louisiana accent thicker than melted praline candy

"It orth the wait," Brian said Orthe tiny mole at Brandon’s hairline I can’t tell them apart, and when they work personal security for their blood- them apart at a distance Clan Arceneau’s security blood-servants were gorgeous, and all gussied up in ht

"You boys look pretty," I said, tucking the lipstick into a pocket I put on the ear wire and one of the twins helped me attach the receiver unit beside the Walther holstered at ging on the holster, and tellingas he leaves his hair combed over his imperfection"

It was an old joke I just wish they’d wear nas I flipped the switch on and dropped the coat, checking its drape in the long mirror at the door In its reflection, I saw the TV, with two ry Not that the olves would look anything like that by now If they shaved, they’d be hard to recognize Theshots becaht?" I asked as I followed Brian into the hallway

He knocked on the door at the end of the hall, speaking over his shoulder to me "The Noir Wine Room"

I touched my mike to the command channel and said, "Update"

Derek said, "The locals are still chanting out front Apparently the Cocke County sheriff released your na Our protestors think you were lying to protect the suckheads when you said no vamps attacked the couple in Hartford"

"M and taking video We’ve ID’dto schedule The Noir Wine Room Everyone in place?"

"Affirmative, Injun Princess"

I pushed the mouth-wire to the side as the door to the suite dubbed the Mithran Suite opened and Grégoire stepped out with a burst of vamp-scent His was the perfuardens, and if his security looked good, the blood- He had been turned young, back in a pre-Revolution French court, and had been chosen for his beauty, which said sooire had a look of perpetual innocence that was unusual ah to say if the innocence was real or practiced, but I’d have put money on faked if asked Hard to ht Grégoire was elegant in black tuxedo pants, cummerbund, vest, and silky black shirt with ruffles at cuffs and neck His coat with tails was a gold cloth slightly darker than the color of his hair The fit and cut were ured itfro in every detail, nodded once and started down the hall, Brian leaped in front at point, Brandon falling in at our six I was slightly ahead at Grégoire’s left

We drew all eyes as we exited the elevator into the Regal Ie central stone fireplace supported by stone columns, its art, statues, burned velvet and leather upholstery, and eclectic decor I took note of who stared too long or looked away too quickly, who iven a rundown of possible security proble to remember Don’t stare at the patrons or the security, and if I shouted, "Lockdown," they were to call 911, lock the entry doors, shut down the elevators, and position a bellboy on each floor to keep the clients in their rooms Easy-peasy If they remembered and didn’t panic In my experience, nonprofessionals always panicked