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“Yes. The grand opening of Marcus Steele’s hotel and casino is tomorrow night.”

She stiffened. “Steele, as in Magister Tiberius Steele?”

“Marcus is his nephew. He’s also Lord of House Othonos, one of the largest vampire houses in my realm.”

Great. As if Tiberius wasn’t scary enough, he also had an uber-powerful nephew. “I take it this isn’t a human establishment.”

“Quite right. The casino will cater to underworld amusements and maintain strict membership requirements. My attendance at the opening is a minor formality. Many high-ranking members of our society will be there. In light of your recent setback, I believe it would be best if you and Jericho went in my stead.”

Alex’s mouth flapped open and closed like a guppy. “Me? You’re sending me to rub elbows with vampire aristocrats? Won’t Marcus Steele find that strange?”

“I have many pressing responsibilities. It isn’t unusual for me to send a representative in my place. Jericho is one of my most trusted men. His presence there won’t raise concern.”

“Yeah, well, what about me?” She flicked her hand over the slinky silver dress with irritated jerks. “I’d say it’s pretty obvious I’m not a member of your guard.”

Victor’s gaze lowered to her bare feet, and his brow arched. “I’m certain with a little guidance, you will comport yourself in a manner appropriate for your station. It isn’t uncommon to travel with one’s Chosen. They do fulfill a need, after all.”

Her station? Alex’s fists clenched, and for a moment, she imagined herself knocking the condescension right off his face. She hated the way Victor made her feelowned.

Unfazed by her defiant glare, he continued, “Marcus Steele owns several underworld nightclubs, including Pulse. I find it suspicious that there was a rogue attack minutes before your meeting. Marcus has both the capital and the connections needed to manufacture and distribute black ice.”

Holy crap. Did Victor suspect Marcus was their man? No wonder he’d been tiptoeing his way through this investigation. “Am I to assume his uncle, the magister, will be out of the loop on this one?”

“Yes. Because of Marcus’ status, discretion in this matter is critical. That’s where you come in. The party provides an opportunity to speak with him without rousing suspicion. We may not get another chance like this.”

Things were becoming clear at an alarming rate. All along, Victor insisted she hide the fact that she was a sympath. He’d even broken his own laws, hiding her from the Council. From the beginning, she suspected there was more at stake than he was letting on. How deep into the Council’s ranks did Zion’s influence reach?

“All you need to do is follow Jericho’s lead. I will handle the arrangements once I have spoken with him.”

Victor behaved as though this were a simple assignment when it was anything but. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this. Sending me to interview a club manager is one thing, but this Marcus Steele guy is a whole other matter.”

Victor’s unyielding expression dashed her hopes of escape. “Alexandra, I’m confident you are up to the task. You’ve made a great deal of progress these last couple of weeks. Tell me. Before the attack, how did your practice go at the club?”

She hesitated, chewing her bottom lip. Did she dare share her discovery? “Difficult at first, then surprisingly easy. All night, I struggled…except when Jericho was touching me. It may sound strange, but while we were in direct contact, I had complete control.”

The stern lines bracketing his mouth softened. “It doesn’t sound strange at all. I’d rather expected something like this would happen. Your gift will be stronger now that you’ve formed a sympathic link with Jericho.”

Alex frowned. “Sympathic what?”

“Your link is what increased your control. In order to achieve that level of connection, trust and familiarity had to be established.”

“I’m still not sure I follow.”

“As a sympath, your bond with Jericho goes beyond mere Chosen and benefactor. You’ve formed a connection with his unique energy. The connection tempers your ability, giving you the strength and discipline you need.”

“What?” Her jaw hung open. He couldn’t be serious. If what Victor was saying was true, why would she have formed a bond with Jericho when she’d been trying to keep her distance?

She cringed. Well, trying and failing. The memory of Jericho’s firm lips made her pulse leap. She really hadn’t been keeping her distance at all. In fact, she’d given up resisting him completely. Good Lord, what if Victor was right?

The ramifications washed over her.“But what about Liam?”

Victor’s eyes narrowed, and Alex realized too late she’d spoken out loud. “Liam will remain here at Claymore until he has completed his recovery. At that point, he will leave a free man, just as I promised. And you, Alexandra, will continue to uphold your end of our bargain.”

Dread whirled inside of her, disaster a gathering storm. “What do you mean my end of our bargain? I’ve done everything you’ve asked of me. I thought once Liam woke—”

“You thought what? That I would hand you back over to a barkeep?” Victor scoffed. “Return you to be used as target practice in the next bar-room brawl? You are far too valuable for that.”

He shook his head in admonishment. “I must say, I’m rather disappointed to think you would give up all you’ve accomplished to play barmaid.”