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“Last month?” Veti tipped her head to the side in question.

“Six weeks at the least!” I countered and then mumbled something about her having way too good of a memory.

Veti’s lips twitched. “Lucy isn’t all bad, just young and impetuous.”

I was bloody well just as old as these girls and Veti knew it. She was trying to get me to act out. I wondered what point she hoped to make by showcasing all of my faults.

“What if there was an emergency?” Viv asked as she started pacing back and forth.

I was caught up again by our similarities. It was weird to watch my clone parade about in front of me. However, I was starting to see vast differences between Viv and me in personality. It wasn’t just the hair color. She was super uptight about everything.

Sure, I supposed that being Queen of the Vampires would be difficult. I knew what the challenges of leadership were. I wasn’t as ignorant as Veti would have them believe. I had studied about all kinds of things. I had been kidding before about not knowing what the internet was.

Even if we couldn’t get a signal, I was a powerful witch. I had no trouble getting what I needed.

I also could ask Marcus.

Systems were in place is there was a major emergency, but I wasn’t supposed to do that unless things were dire—life and death.

“We have ways of getting what we need, even in an emergency,” I said stiffly.

“You are coming with us whether you like it or not.” Viv shook her head angrily. “You obviously don’t know what you are saying.”

Well, she obviously thought I was a push over. Two could play at that game.

I shrugged innocently. “I suppose that I will do what you want.”

She stopped mid step. “And further, err—really?”

It was time to mess with her.

“Sure.” I blinked my big doe eyes at her. “I know that you want what is best for me.”

Viv nodded, the relief was clear as she added, “I do, of course I do.”

“That you would never try and hurt me,” I continued.

Viv shook her head. “Never!”

I smiled, a great beaming smile. “I knew you wouldn’t; and seeing as how leaving would just about kill me, I know you would never ask it of me.”

She looked confused for a second as she replied, “Of course not.”

“Thanks for deciding to let me stay.” But instead of just walking away with the victory, I had to add in, “It’s great that you will be staying as well. We will have the best time.”

Her eyes started to look glazed—perfect.

Veti arched a brow. She was fully aware of my antics and I knew she would be calling me on the carpet soon. But I wasn’t through having fun yet.

“We can live here and be safe, just like you promised,” I said in a soothing tone.

Viv nodded. “Just like I promised.”

Joanie looked a little dazed as well, but her eyes narrowed.

“Why do I smell cotton candy?”

I couldn’t stifle the laugh that escaped my lips. The compelling spell dissipated, and Viv looked furious.