Page 73 of Vampire so Virtuous

“—Whatever—isencouragingme to go and see the vampire? You’re supposed to talk me out of it, not be all ‘what’s the worst that could happen’!”

“I mean, he could’ve killed you, and he didn’t. Twice, right? So it seems unlikely he would now, right?”

Cally frowned. “No. No, I don’t think he will.”

“And we’ve agreed you can trust him?”

“You’veagreed we can trust him. I sure as hell haven’t.”

“Well, then.” Eve said. “Something to consider, eh? Rock up with some holy water wearing something with a high and tight collar, and demand he removes your mark.”

Cally’s mouth hung open in shock. “That is the craziest fucking plan I’ve ever heard.”

Eve shrugged. “It was your idea, not mine.”

“Yes, but—”

“Anyway, it sounds like fun. Want me to come?”

“Hell no.” Cally shook her head. “No. Absolutely not.”

“Knew you’d say that.” Eve pushed herself up. “We should be going if we’re gonna get to Zara’s on time.”

“All right,” Cally said tentatively. Maybe some of Zara’s haughtiness, Lily’s constant search for the perfect vengeance for all who had wronged her, and Priya’s innocence in the world were exactly what she needed.

“There’s no rush,” Eve pointed out. “You can make the decision when you’re ready. And I’ll come with you, and—”

“No,” Cally said firmly. “I absolutely refuse to take you anywhere near him.Pleasedon’t go looking for vampires. Promise me?”

Eve muttered something under her breath. “Fine,” she huffed. “I need five minutes to get changed, then we’ll take off, okay?”

“Sure,” Cally said, half-distracted with her thoughts as Eve rose and walked off into her bedroom. Was Eve serious? Was challenging the vampire a viable choice?

No. No, it wasn’t. It would never end well.

“Stubborn!” Eve blurted out, reappearing around the door. “Stubborn,” she repeated happily. “Knew I forgot one.”

*

“Tonight, we gather not just in this circle, but in the heart of the city that pulses with its own magic. We stand on the edge of the known and unknown, between the shadows and the light.” Zara paused for effect, then continued in the same trembly, dreamy voice she liked to use for special occasions. “Whatever we seek tonight, whether it’s healing, clarity, or strength, let it be forged by our will, bound by our trust in each other.”

“So mote it be,” they chorused, and Cally joined in a beat too late.

She cracked one eye open to check it was safe, and the others had all relaxed in their positions, smiling and looking at one another. She quickly opened the other.

“Whose choice is it tonight?” Eve asked.

“Priya’s,” Zara said, her subtle disapproval replacing the mystical tone.

“A love spell,” Priya said firmly.

Lily looked at her with affection. “You always want a love spell. You’re so cute.”

“She has a romantic heart,” Eve said.

“Fine,” Zara gave in ungraciously. “We can do a love spell for Priya.”

“Not for me,” Priya said, her chin lifting. “I want to do one for Cally.”