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Jeff leaned toward her. “I think we’ll have to test you and see what you are capable of. We may require your help. ”

“Only three can meet with Rachon and her entourage,” Alexia reminded him.

“But a few of us could monitor nearby,” Jeff responded with a wry smile. “Right?”

“Considering we’re anticipating a betrayal, yes,” Cian agreed.

“Where will the meeting take place?” Samantha asked.

“Zilker Park. In the open, but away from human activity,” Cian answered. “It’s best to not allow her near my haven. ”

“Location doesn’t matter if she’s going to attack you anyway,” Alexia said, shrugging. “I can probably rig up remote cameras if you can pinpoint the exact location for me. I can snag you guys on the digital cameras. ”

“I long for the days when film rendered us invisible,” Cian said, winking at Alexia.

She blushed.

“What if Rachon is in cahoots with Etzli and Santos?” Benchley ran his hands through his hair. “Oh, man. That could be bad. ”

“Santos hates Rachon. He hates anyone associated with The Summoner. Etzli does speak with Rachon, but I have a feeling that it’s her way of keeping tabs on both Rachon and me. Etzli is. . . ” Cian fell silent, his hand gently rubbing Amaliya’s leg.

“Well?” Benchley prompted.

“Duplicitous,” Cian finally finished.

“So basically we’re just fucked every which way, huh?” Benchley rubbed his face vigorously.

“I plan to survive it,” Eduardo said with a shrug. “Vampires are pussies. ”

Cian gave him a dark look.

“Oh, yeah?” Amaliya looked ready to throw down with the coyote.

“Eduardo, stop causing shit,” Jeff said in a weary tone.

“What?” Eduardo had the audacity to look hurt.

“We have less than twenty-four hours to come up with a way to deal with all of this crap coming down on us,” Jeff said. “We need to not fight with each other. ”

“The plan should be simple,” Cian said, his voice taking on a dominating tone.

The table fell silent as all eyes turned to him.

“If Rachon attacks, we kill her and her entourage. If we can save Bianca, we’ll do so, but if not, she dies, too. If Etzli or Santos interferes, we will have to deal with them as well. ” Cian glanced at Jeff. “We could really use more people. ”

“This is it,” Jeff said with a shrug.

“We need more vampires,” Amaliya decided. “Any volunteers?”

“Ha, ha,” Benchley retorted.

Samantha reached out and touched Jeff’s hand gently. “I can shoot, you know. Give me silver bullets. ”

“We’re all going to have to be armed for this,” Alexia agreed.

Eduardo lounged in his chair looking bored. “Vampires die just like everything else. ”

“We’re harder to kill,” Cian responded.