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"Please," Derek replies. He glances at me quickly, winking flirtatiously before turning his attention back to the library entrance.

The tension in the room ramps up. I have no idea what to expect, since everyone here is so damn tight lipped, but I know it's something big.

My palms are suddenly sweaty, but I can't wipe them on my dress, it’ll stain. I consider surreptitiously wiping them on the nearby chair, but I can feel Sebastian’s gaze upon me and I do my best to resist. A moment later he passes me his handkerchief.

"Take a deep breath,” he says. “We have our reasons to be worried, but you needn't fear for anything," he whispers as I gratefully wipe my hands dry.

And then all eyes are on the doorway as Matilda returns, our guest in tow. "May I present the eminent Count Dracula," she says solemnly.

Chapter 7: The Guest

It was in my flaws,

I found a much deeper truth—

and it is from them,

I bloom: a black rose.

~ Segovia Amil

The brothers give curt bows,while I stand in shock as a tall, lithe man walks into the library.

The man—Dracula—wears a tuxedo reminiscent of older times. A long cape, coal-black on the outside, crimson on the inside, drags behind his leather boots. His pitch-black hair is slicked back, though one strand falls lose over his eyes, which are almost as dark as his hair. His skin is the palest cream, and though unlined by years, he feels ancient, powerful, and his presence fills the room.

It's almost suffocating, being in the same space with him. I take a step back instinctively, which is a mistake, as his eyes jump to me, devouring me in one glance.

I feel naked.

Uncomfortable.

And way too exposed in a room full of vampires.

Derek steps forward first, taking the lead. "Vlad, welcome to our home."

He nods. "If only this visit were under better circumstances," he says, his accent Slavic and his voice deep.

"We will sort out all that," Derek says with confidence, though I can sense a flicker of unease in him, despite his valiant attempts to hide it.

"And who is she?" Dracula asks.

Derek gestures for me to step forward. "This is our new associate, Miss Eve Oliver. Eve comes highly recommended by Richard Dwarvas and has both an MBA in business and a law degree from Harvard University."

I'm not entirely sure why he's trying so hard to sell my credentials to this guy—to Dracula—but I do appreciate the reminder to everyone else in this room that I am damn well qualified to be here. Aside from me being super frail and human. And I suppose, mundane.

Still. I can hold my own.

I put my hand forward to shake his, but he brings it up to his lips and brushes it with a soft kiss. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance. It seems my sons have certainly done well for themselves."

"Sons?" I say, my eyes flickering to Sebastian, who grits his teeth and clenches his fists.

"We aren't your sons," Liam says, stepping forward, his anger on full display.

Dracula shrugs. "Your birth father gave life to you. I gave you immortality and power beyond measure. Which one sounds like more of a father?"

Click. Pieces falling into place. Dracula turned the Night brothers. I'm having a serious holy shit moment. I feel a bit as if I'm in a farce, playing the part of the only person who doesn't know the joke's on them.

But that bite on my neck. That was real.