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“Alex,” Jericho grated in warning.

“Really, darling,” Helen huffed. “You need to teach the girl some manners.”

Twenty-One

Alex rushed into the bathroom,hot tears blurring her eyes. She scanned the stalls. Good. Vacant.

The entire night was an epic failure. Hell, Alex was an epic failure. She knew she’d never be able to pull this off.

She glared at her reflection in the mirror and dashed the tears from her cheeks. What made her think she could take on a man like Marcus Steele? She dreaded Victor’s reaction when she returned empty-handed. Again.

And Helen was just the double-D icing on her cupcake of misery. An image of Jericho, Helen, and a big stack of pancakes came to mind, making her temples pound.

Muffled voices sounded outside.“I understand, Vivian, but I’m worried about her.”

The bathroom door opened, and Alex stiffened. It was the gorgeous ebony-haired vampire in the peek-a-boo black dress. Her Chosen closed the door behind them, face set with soft lines of concern.

The vampire swept Alex with an appraising look, propping one hand on her curvy hip. “Jericho might be easy on the eyes, but he isn’t worth your tears, Alexandra. No man is.”

“What? How did you—”

“Dove, get the poor thing a tissue before she ruins her makeup,” Vivian ordered.

Her Chosen scurried to do as she was told, seeming eager to help. “Here you go.” She shoved a wad of tissues beneath Alex’s nose.

“Thank you.” Alex took them with a grateful smile, and their fingers touched.

Electricity zinged down her neck, sparking through herglyph.

She yelped and jerked her hand back. “What was that?” She gasped, rubbing her nape.

The other woman did the same, backing away. “Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry.”

Vivian pursed her lips. “Dove, darling, why don’t you give us a spin. I believe it would answer some of Alexandra’s questions.”

After giving Alex a conspiratorial wink, Dove did a slow pirouette with her hands held out. Her blonde hair was piled high on her head, though several tendrils had managed to escape. The colorful gown dipped low in the back. Unlike Alex, the woman was hiding nothing. Her delicateglyphwason display for all to see.

“You’re a…?” Alex sputtered, overcome with shock.

“Faerie,” Dove supplied.

“I’ve never… Other than my mom… I’ve just… And you’re…?” She gave up. A million thoughts raced in her skull.Another faerie?She remembered the way Dove had been rubbing her neck. Right about the time Alex’s senses went haywire. Finally, something coherent took shape in her brain. “Is that why my ability is—”

“Buzzing?” Dove finished. “It should stop once we’ve adjusted to each other. It’s not uncommon when faeries meet for the first time.”

Vivian’s crimson lips thinned. “These events can be taxing. I rarely bring Dove with me, but Marcus’ assistant called, requesting her presence since several of her paintings are on display tonight.”

Alex turned to Dove. “The paintings are yours? They’re spectacular. I’ve never seen anything like them.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you like them,” Dove answered, a humble blush dusting her cheeks.

“Yes, Dove is a gifted artist,” the vampire’s praise hummed with pride. “My good friend, Marcus, was rather taken with her work. Once he realized I’d claimed Dove as my Chosen, the arrogant male had the audacity to offer me a large sum of money for her as well. Can you imagine? Just because his uncle sits on the Council—”

When Alex stiffened, the dark-haired beauty winced. Her expression softened with compassion. “Pardonnez moi. How thoughtless of me, given your own circumstances. As usual, my mouth runs away with me.”

Instead of comforting, the apology sent a jolt of anxiety through Alex’s chest. This woman was aware Alex had been sold? How was that possible?

She took a deep breath.Remain calm. “I’m sorry, have we met?”