A Kiss of Blood (Vamp City #2)(73)

There were no cobwebs, no signs of critter infestation. But she supposed there wouldn’t be since there were no living things in Vamp City that the vampires hadn’t intentionally brought in.

“How many people are we expecting for this powwow?” Quinn asked.

“There will be nine of us in all.”

Quinn reached for one of the metal chairs and unfolded it, surprised to find it in nearly new condition. “How do you get things like this here?” But she knew, and answered her own question. “Traders.”

“Yes.”

Arturo helped her set up the chairs. They’d just finished when Mukdalla walked in through the front door, accompanied by her vampire husband, Rinaldo. Mukdalla smiled when she saw Quinn, and strode right over, giving her a big hug.

Quinn stiffened. She’d never been a hugger. Never been particularly comfortable with displays of affection.

Mukdalla released her quickly and stepped back, her smile less bright than before. “I’m glad you’re okay, Quinn. Are you feeling better? Or at least in better control?”

“I’m getting there.”

When she didn’t expound on that, Mukdalla nodded. “All right. Well, I’m sure it will come.” She turned to join her husband, who’d taken up watch at one of the windows.

Quinn felt Arturo’s gaze and turned to find him watching her thoughtfully.

Soon, the others began to arrive. Amanda strode in the door, accompanied by a Slava male and Neo.

“Micah took a different route,” Neo told Arturo. “But he should be here in a few minutes.”

Amanda led the Slava male to Quinn, a wide smile lighting her face. “Quinn, I’d like for you to meet my husband. This is Sam. Sam, Quinn Lennox, our sorceress.”

Sam thrust out his hand, and Quinn shook it. “It’s an honor to meet you, Quinn. We’ve been hoping and praying for your arrival for quite some time.”

Quinn smiled uncomfortably. So many people’s lives were dependent upon her, and not just in Vamp City. If she renewed the magic, how many innocent humans would be rounded up and killed for food and sport? But if she didn’t renew it, people she’d met and come to like would lose their lives. Amanda and Sam, Neo and Rinaldo, Kassius and Bram.

“Thanks. I’ll do my best.” What else was there to say? She turned to Amanda. “Tell me about Zack. He’s burning up, hotter than before.”

The woman’s mien turned professional. “His temperature is rising, I’m afraid. And shows no sign of stopping.”

“Yet he still continues to feel fine. He’s working out, for heaven’s sake.”

Sam gave his wife’s shoulder a squeeze, nodded at Quinn, and went to join the men.

“That’s typical with magic sickness,” Amanda continued. “But that kind of body heat will still be a problem if it goes too high.”

“His brain will fry.”

Amanda’s mouth compressed. “Yes. I’m afraid so.”

“How quickly is that likely to happen?”

“I don’t know, Quinn.” She shrugged apologetically. “Nothing is ever certain when magic is concerned. But I’ll be glad when you’ve renewed the magic. For a lot of reasons.”

“Here comes Micah,” Arturo said loud enough for all to hear.

Rinaldo started for the door. “Sam and I’ll take watch.” The two males headed out as Kassius and Micah walked in.

When they’d all taken their seats—some on the sofa and recliners, others, including Quinn and Arturo, on the metal chairs—Arturo began, glancing at Quinn. “Tomorrow is the equinox. Quinn’s magic has been freed to some extent, hopefully enough to renew the magic of Vamp City.”

“Thank you,” Mukdalla whispered to the heavens, pressing her hands together.

“The problem we have now is twofold.” Arturo leaned forward, his arms on his knees, his expression dead serious. “One, the magic must be renewed in the Focus. It might occur to Cristoff to keep watch there, so we’ll have to scout the area fully before we take Quinn.”

“Not we,” Kassius said quietly. “Not you. You can’t go near the Focus tomorrow, Ax. Cristoff cannot know you’re involved.”

“I shall remain out of sight.”

“Far out of sight.”

“Does the ritual have to take place at a certain time?” Neo asked. “Like midnight?”

Arturo shook his head. “Not that I’m aware. But there is a second problem. Quinn does not know the ritual that must be performed to renew the magic.”

Sounds of frustration and disappointment peppered the small room, and it was clear that Neo, Amanda, and Mukdalla hadn’t known.

“Sheridan Blackstone is the only one who knows the words,” Arturo told them. “He was there, listening, when his father performed the first renewal after Phineas attempted to destroy his creation in 1878.”

“Will Sheridan help her, then?” Neo asked.

Micah snorted. “That’s the sixty-four-thousand-dollar question.”

Kassius glanced at Quinn, his gaze sharp with knowledge. “I have something on Grant.”

And she bet she knew what it was. When Arturo had delivered her to Cristoff after her first escape, Cristoff had demanded to know who set her free. He’d sent for Kassius since the werevamp could, through a bite, steal another’s memories. After Kassius bit her, he’d told Cristoff the truth, to an extent, that two Slavas had set her free—Slavas she’d already sent home through a sunbeam. But Kassius had left out most of the details, like the existence of the tunnels beneath Gonzaga Castle known only to the Slavas. Tunnels created magically by Sheridan’s brother, Grant. He’d also failed to mention to Cristoff that Grant had been the one who’d orchestrated her escape.