The Ripple Effect (Rhiannon's Law #3)(55)

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because he’s egotistical and arrogant,” Disco’s answer was more of a snarl. “Word of your power has spread through the community. Knowing he controls the most powerful necromancer in vampire circles will elevate his status among half-demons. Not only will they respect him, they’ll fear him. That’s the only reason he didn’t have Marius kill you. He knows that if he did, half-demons would assume he is afraid of what he can’t control. His pride won’t stand for that.”

It would be hard to bite my tongue and take the bastard’s shit, but I could do it. Anyone could survive anything for a short period of time. I pushed thoughts of Marigold Vesta aside. Now it was about jumping one hurdle at a time.

“I’ll do what he wants.”

“It’s not in your nature to submit.” Paine didn’t sound convinced. “Or to stand back while another suffers.”

“I’ll help her, if she’ll allow it.” Disco didn’t sound happy, which was a good thing. I didn’t exactly like the idea of functioning under his influence either.

“By controlling me?”

“If you do what Revenald wants, you won’t be able to face yourself in the morning. If I make you do as he says...”

I knew he couldn’t bring himself to finish the sentence, so I did. “Then I can blame you instead.” After we’d made peace, coming to terms with what he’d done, I’d be put in a position that might make me hate him all over again.

What f*cking bullshit.

“Let him, Rhiannon,” Paine said with a measure of calm I was certain he didn’t feel. “Getting through the evening is going to be hard on all of us. If you’re determined to stay, give us this small amount of comfort.”


I cautiously relented. “I’ll let you help, but there’s a catch.” I glanced at each of them. After Disco nodded his consent, I continued. “You let me handle things on my own until it’s too much. Don’t force your will over me unless I ask you to.”


“I won’t force my will on you unless I think it’s necessary.” Disco stopped me with a hand in the air when I tried to interrupt. “I’m not negotiating.”

“And I don’t want you putting yourselves in harm’s way.” I started at Disco, then Paine. “Regardless of what happens, I have to know you’ll be okay. I won’t be able to do this if I know you’re going to be hurt.”

“Fuck, what a tangle,” Paine muttered and started pacing. “I don’t like this.”

“None of us do,” Disco said quietly.

When someone knocked at the door, I bolted from my seat and Paine and Disco turned with vampire speed. Jesus, we were all jumpy.

“It’s me,” Goose said, his voice a breathy whisper. “Hurry up and let me in.”

Paine went to the door and opened it, stepping aside as Goose walked into the room with a couple of boxes in his arms. I wanted to yell at the traitor. Instead I gawked at my fellow necromancer and former friend, stunned by his clothing and appearance. Mr. Stick Up His Ass was wearing black leather pants and a matching button-down silk shirt. His normally neat hair as mussed, and he was wearing guyliner. Once I’d said Ethan McDaniel P.I. could never pull off the emo look. Oh how wrong I was.

What the f*ck?

“Oh shit.” Disco froze, eyes homed on our unexpected guest. Since the man rarely cursed, I knew something was very wrong. “What’s changed?”

“As you can see”—Goose indicated his attire—“Marius informed me I’m expected to make the trip tonight.”

Disco’s lips thinned. “And?”

“Anton Kostya has decided to honor us with his presence. He’s traveling to Bhevencourt Estate to join Revenald as we speak.”

Paine slammed his open palm against the wall. “Son of a bitch.”

Goose stared at the floor as he approached me, hands trembling. “Marius told me to give these to you. You’ve got less than an hour to get ready.”

“Less than an hour?” Paine asked incredulously, turning toward us. “The sun is still up.”

Goose nodded. “Revenald is meeting us there. Marius wants us to depart as soon as possible. We’ll have to take the limousines.” He lifted his head and looked at Disco. “Unless you’re changing your plans?”

Disco, in turn, looked at me. “This just went from bad to worse. Anton Kostya is one of the most powerful half-demons in the world. If he is traveling all this way, he expects Revenald’s justice to be harsh.”

“I don’t care.” I wasn’t leaving Disco, Paine, or Goose to face their demented f*cking family—or douchebag acquaintances—alone. “I’m not leaving.”

His jaw clenched, flexing as he grinded his teeth together and snapped, “There’s no change in plans.”

“Are you sure?” Goose asked, frowning as he handed the packages in his quaking hands to me.

“He’s positive,” I answered before Disco could.

My fingers felt numb as I took the smaller box—obviously shoes—in one hand. In the other, I grasped the larger black box with Strip Tease written in bold silver letters across the top. A few of the strippers from The Black Panther Club shopped at the sex store when they had extra cash. The merchandise might be expensive and handmade, but it was still trashy. I did not want to know what was inside. If Goose was dressed like a gigolo, no doubt I was in for more of the same. I considered asking them if this party included sex with strangers, but truthfully I didn’t want to know.