Page 67 of How to Stake a Vampire

“Love potion, chemistry, whatever it was, it worked,” Samuel said curtly.

Melody fixed Ellie with an intense stare. “How fascinating. Maybe we should study this in more detail.”

“She’s not a circus attraction.” Virgil’s eyes flashed crimson.

A low growl left my throat, unbidden. “What he said.”

“Abby and Virgil are right.” Gregory had recovered from his shock and was studying his son and Ellie with a frown. “Miss Martin is now our family’s responsibility. We are duty bound to offer her our protection.”

Surprise flared on Virgil’s face. “You’re not disappointed?”

Gregory sighed. “You did what you thought was best under the circumstances, son. And I know you wouldn’t have taken that decision lightly.”

Everyone startled when Pearl jumped on the table.

“Maybe we should get on with the purpose of this meeting,” the cat said with an imperious swish of her tail.“Like the homicidal vampire trying to overthrow Amberford’s supernatural society.”

There was a general clearing of throats.

“Pearl’s right,” Samuel said. “I want to put a motion forward to focus Alliance resources on finding and stopping Ludvik.”

“Before he completes his ritual,” Barney murmured.

“Seconded,” Gregory said immediately.

“Hold on,” Wendall interjected. “Are we seriously considering deploying Alliance resources based on some wild speculation? We don’t even know where this Ludvik character is hiding.”

“What seems reckless is ignoring a credible threat,” Finnic said, scowling. “If this bloodsucker is half as dangerous as Barney says he is, we need to stop him.”

“I agree,” Titania added. “The risk is too great to ignore.”

Portia nodded.

“This sets a dangerous precedent,” Cornelius warned.

Daria’s mouth flattened to a thin line. “Motion on the floor. All in favor of allocating Alliance resources to tracking and stopping Ludvik Bludworth?”

Samuel, Victoria, Gregory, and Constantia’s hands shot up immediately, followed by Daria’s, Titania’s, and Portia’s. Finnic raised his tankard. Cornelius sighed and nodded.

Bo raised a paw.

Oscar scowled. “We told you that you weren’t a member of the Alliance.”

“Losers weepers,” my dog huffed.

“That means you’re getting him whether you like it or not,” Pearl translated nastily.

I sighed at the frosty looks and frowns from the Alliance.

“He’s a lovable doofus once you get to know him.”

“Moving on,” Daria said briskly. “This is a formality, but I need to ask for the records. Anyone opposed to the motion?”

Wendall and Oscar raised their hands.

“Duly noted,” Daria muttered under her breath as she took notes. “The lizard and the demon are chickens.”

“Hey!” Oscar protested.