Page 97 of Violence and Vice

“Don’t worry,” she says. “He didn’t gush too much.”

Sysco shrugs, completely unapologetic. “I absolutely gushed.”

They’re both a little drunk. I didn’t know vampires could get drunk, but here’s the proof it is possible.

We’re still laughing when Florence and Clementine walk in, both radiant despite the chill still clinging to their coats. Florence’s cheeks are pink from the wind, but she looks happier than I’ve ever seen her.

“You made it,” I say, embracing her.

“Straight from the airport,” she breathes. “Half the company’s transitioned. We’ll have it fully settled in another six months.”

“That’s amazing, Flo,” I compliment. “I always knew you were Wonder Woman.”

She rolls her eyes at the comparison but shakes it off. “Something weird is going on, though,” she says, immediately drawing all of Ares’ attention. “I keep getting a request from this man for a meeting. He’s… persistent. And definitely not human.”

“What’s the name?” Ares asks, ready to go to war for his sister if someone is bothering her.

“Some guy named Henry,” she says, eyes scanning the party. “Won’t give a last name.”

“That’s not concerning,” I say sarcastically.

“I know,” Florence affirms. “I think I’ll keep avoiding him. Something about it feels weird.”

“I keep telling her to listen to her instincts,” Clementine says as she looks at her wife with concern. “Don’t meet with people who make your skin crawl.”

“It’s not exactly that he makes my skin crawl,” Florence says. “Just… I don’t know. It feels… heavy. Serious.”

“Listen to your instincts,” I echo Clementine.

“How’s Harry?” Ares asks.

Florence raises one eyebrow as she looks over the crowd. “Practically king of New York,” she says. “He’s banded most of the vampires left together. They’re all on the hunt for this therapist.”

“He making any headway?” I ask.

Her eyes shift to mine, darkness clouding them. “No,” she says simply. “They still don’t even have a name. But Harry is handling it all well. He still doesn’t seem worried.”

I shake my head, hoping and praying he can continue to handle it. Either me, Ares, or Sysco checks in with Harry every day, just to make sure he’s still alive.

“That’s enough dark and heavy,” Clementine says. “Tonight is a celebration. Can we please just party like we’re normal people?”

Florence looks up at her wife, a grin taking over her face as she leans forward and kisses her as they walk backward onto the dance floor.

I just grin at their happiness and turn to survey the room.

Near the bar, I spot Juliet and Elena, their heads thrown back in laughter, each holding a flute of something sparkling and probably not human. I join them without hesitation. Elena has been Juliet’s best friend for over a decade now, but she’s so bold and authentically herself, I felt like I fit right in.

It’s a perfect little trio now.

“Look at you,” Juliet says, looping an arm around me. “You clean up nice.”

“You’re one to talk.”

I raise my glass to Elena, and she clinks hers against mine with a warm smile.

“You fit in well here, Lana,” Elena says.

I blink, a grin taking over my lips. “Thank you.”