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“What’s going on?” My voice came out steadier than I felt.

Adam came to stand beside me in the doorway and folded his arms. “They’ve been like this for the best part of an hour; since Izzie arrived.” His voice was low, though I was sure it carried. “I think it’s a predator thing.”

Nicholas was still looking at me. “I’m having some trouble with my temper at the moment. Perhaps this isnae the best time for you to come a-visiting.” His voice was rough as he gripped the mantelpiece, his knuckles white.

“Nick—” Isabel said.

“Dinnae speak to me, Isabel.” Slowly and deliberately, he relaxed each of his muscles and stepped away from the fireplace. “Centuries, and ye still havnae learned when to hold your tongue.” His voice carried a dangerous edge, a glint of challengein his eyes. “A sure sign immortality doesnae guarantee wisdom.”

At my side, Adam relaxed too, and crossed the room to sink into a huge, winged armchair.

“Are you… living here?” I asked Nicholas, glancing at Isabel as I did so.

“Apparently,” Isabel cut in, throwing Adam a filthy look as she removed her dark blazer and sat, “our host has been less than forthcoming.”

“I’ve been here a few days,” Nicholas snapped, running a hand through his damp hair. The waves were wet and darker than usual, curling against the nape of his neck and falling just a bit too long in a way that made him look… untamed. He must have recently showered. “Adam didnae have a deal of choice in the matter.”

He gazed into the fire as he spoke, and I was grateful. I was already struggling to hide my churning feelings. Instead, I steeled myself and directed my attention toward Isabel.

“Something’s happened,” I said flatly.

She quirked an eyebrow at me as Nicholas glanced up, and I took that as an invitation to continue – she seemed entirely unconcerned that the man she wanted me to kill was standing less than six feet away.

I quickly explained about the vamp in the park, trying to hammer home just how much the woman had tried to look like Isabel. I was reluctant to explain my theory about Nicholas being set up yet, but as it turned out, I didn’t have to.

He was at my side before I’d finished speaking. Reaching out a hand, he hesitated, his fingertips inches from mine, andeven without touching him I could feel the cool energy radiating from his skin. The urge to close that small distance made my pulse quicken. From the corner of my eye, Isabel observed this reaction with curiosity written across her delicate features.

“You’re alright? She didnae hurt ye?” The distress in his voice was unmistakable, making his accent more pronounced. I tried to hold it together long enough to meet his eye.

“I didn’t get close, to be honest. It was more like she was trying to taunt me,” I thought about it. “I’d have preferred a fight.”

I took a steadying breath, moving away from Nicholas and slumping onto one of the leather sofas by Adam instead. Being near to him made it harder to think straight – every nerve in my body reacted to his presence. I could feel my face flushing, but putting some space between us helped.

He’s avampire, Erin, for crying out loud. Forget it.

Isabel glanced between Nicholas and me, uncomprehending. “What do you know about this, Nick?” Her voice was hard. Accusing.

“Nothing!” Nicholas seemed surprised by the question. “Mayhap I should ask you the same thing.”

“Oh, for goodness’ sake. It isclearlya set up,” Adam said, emphasising each word like he was explaining it to a child. “Perhaps the target is only Nick, or it might be both of you. There’s no way to say for sure.”

“What reason would anyone have to go to such ridiculous lengths?” Isabel asked, acid lacing her voice.

“Revenge. Fear. Power.” Adam counted them off on hisfingers. “The usual melodrama. Anyone who doesn’t believe they can take you on themselves and would prefer Erin do the dirty work.”

“Exactly.” I was happy Adam had been the one to bring it up, but I still wanted to have my say. “I mean, dressing up like you guys – I’m not sure how that works, to be honest – but whether it’s a plan or just reacting to our reactions, she’s got our attention now. She’s managed to get everyone in one place by…” I trailed off.

Nicholas nodded, buttoning his shirt. “Jonathan.”

“Jonathan?” Isabel repeated, all hostility forgotten.

“My friend in Edinburgh,” I added.

Her eyes widened as she gawked at Nicholas. “Wait. Jonathan… Weston?”

Obviously, Adam had failed to mention who Jon was to Isabel. She must have been aware of Nicholas’s descendants, though. And it seemed her doubts about Nicholas and this additional information were warring inside her for dominance.

“You know he wouldn’t end his own bloodline, Izzie.” Adam’s voice was gentler than before.