Pretty When She Destroys (Pretty When She Dies #3)(73)

Jeff’s last estimate on how many of the rings The Summoner had acquired was between ten and twelve. The only reassurance was the fact that Cassandra and Aimee had hidden the last one. None of the experts on the occult were certain how much damage could be caused without the complete set. Some were estimating that only sections of the world would be permanently opened to the abyss, which, of course, included Texas.

Now seated across from Amaliya in a Denny’s waiting on the emissaries from two of the most powerful vampires in Texas, Samantha wondered if they were doomed to fail. She didn’t want to be negative, but it seemed like they were constantly scrambling to anticipate what would come next.

“They’re here. Both are human. Both are infused with vampire blood. They obeyed the negotiations for the temporary peace pact and brought one guard each,” Roberto’s voice said. “Which you broke by bringing more.”

Samantha didn’t dare answer the ghost. She didn’t want to be overheard. There was no way the emissaries could detect Roberto, so technically Amaliya was Samantha’s only visible guard. She never dreamed being Cian’s right-hand would be so terrifying, but she didn’t have a choice anymore. There was no going back to a nice normal life now that The Summoner was close to destroying the world.

“Here they are,” Amaliya said, slouching into the corner of the booth.

Samantha swiftly switched sides, sliding in beside Amaliya. The vampire beside her always smelled like cigarette smoke and roses. The scent used to annoy Samantha, but now she found it reassuring.

The two mortal right-hands of the vampire masters of Houston and Dallas avoided the hostess and headed straight for their table. Their two guards slid into a booth near the doorway to the convenience store part of the building. Jeb was all blond curls and cowboy charm in tight jeans, a light blue button down shirt, and white Stetson. Varra was clad in an elegant navy pantsuit with a pale pink silk blouse shimmering against her very dark skin. Her hair was skimmed back into a high bun on her head and delicate diamond and pearl earrings glittered in her earlobes. Everything about her screamed sophistication and money. Samantha eyed the red-soled Louboutins on the other woman’s feet with admiration. The unlikely pair slid onto the bench across from them, Varra pushing Samantha’s soiled plate further away with distaste.

Jeb flashed a wide, good ol’ boy grin at them, his blue eyes sparkling. “Hey, ladies. Nice to see ya.”

“Hi, Jeb. Nice to see you, too.” Samantha tried to look lighthearted and enthusiastic. Instead, she was sure she came across as a bit spastic.

Amaliya made a noise that sounded like a cross between a snort and “hello.”

Varra opened her purse and took out a small packet of hand wipes. Her brow furrowed, she cleaned the table surface. Samantha caught herself before she rolled her eyes. Finishing, Varra tossed the wipe onto the discarded plate and set her Coach bag on the area she had washed.

“I’m not pleased to see anyone,” Varra said. “I think this meeting is a waste of everyone’s time.”

Silence ruled the table.

Amaliya appeared to be so mad she couldn’t find her voice, while Samantha was too stunned to come up with a retort.

Thankfully, the waitress appeared to take Samantha’s dishes and listen to any potential orders from the newcomers. Jeb requested a Coke while Varra asked for a coffee. Samantha was glad for the few minutes to collect her thoughts. She wasn’t sure if Jeb’s friendly demeanor was a good sign or not, but it was clear that Varra was bad news.

The waitress collected the dirty dishes, then sauntered away.

“So...” Jeb set his hands on the table, interlocking his fingers. “What do you ladies want to talk about? My mistress, Courtney, is very anxious to hear any additional news about you know who.”

Varra lifted her eyes, shaking her head.

“Nicole isn’t interested?” Samantha asked her.

“Nicole sent me to hear what you have to say. That’s all.” The right-hand of the master of Houston didn’t smile in the least.

“Well, Cian wants to extend his friendship to both Courtney and Nicole. This is a difficult time-”

“For you,” Varra said cutting off Samantha. “We’re fine in Houston.”

“Yeah, we’re sitting pretty in Dallas, too.” Jeb winked.

“You won’t be though,” Samantha said swiftly. “The Summoner is planning to claim the whole world.”

“I thought he was planning on tearing the veil,” Varra said, her dark eyes boring into Samantha.

“Well, yeah! But so he can take over the world! World domination!”

Varra laughed.

Samantha stared at the other woman in disbelief. “That’s all kinds of bad.”

“See, this is where Courtney isn’t too sure why Cian is upset. The veil tears and eternal night comes. That’s really good for vampires and supernaturals,” Jeb pointed out. “Not so great for humans, but it’s not like they’re much more than cattle.”

“You’re human.” Amaliya’s voice was clipped with annoyance.

“For now.” Jeb grinned. “Once the veil rips, Courtney will bring me over.”

“We’re looking at an extinction event for all of us,” Samantha argued. “Without the sun humanity will die. Vegetation is a goner. Animals will follow. Humans starve.”