Page 109 of Death and Donuts

“Adriel,” Vena said impatiently. “We already know he’s a killer. He’s proven time and again that he will kill.”

“As Everly said, not all vampires are monsters. One bad vampire should not condemn an entire race, but rather the individual.”

No one had introduced me or said my name. Panic wormed its way into my chest as she met my gaze and slowly smiled before turning to Hugh.

“And you know the other races aren’t as innocent as they appear.

“The dwarves are destroying the planet with their mining and paying the humans to look the other way. The werewolves are indiscriminate killers, ending the lives of vampires who haven’t even fed from a human. And not every fae’s food source lives long once they’re released.”

I watched Effora’s gaze narrow on Xiana. When she caught my gaze, her expression smoothed out to indifference again.

“I have never killed anyone,” Xiana continued. “Yet, because I have vampire blood, does that mean I deserve to die?”

Curran made a disgruntled noise. Shepard looked angry, but Cross looked thoughtful.

“You do make a valid point,” Cross said. “And it’s one that’s already been recognized by the members at this table, or Iwouldn't be comfortably sitting here, would I? So rather than waste our time with pointless propaganda, why don’t you get to the point and prove you’re really here on behalf of all vampires and not simply here on behalf of Orphia.”

“Can’t I be here for both?” she asked. “Perhaps you should speak directly to Orphia.”

She walked to the head of the table and pulled a tablet out of her purse. Propping it on the table so we could all see it, she said, “Since my words hold no weight, perhaps hers will.”

She turned on the screen, and a woman who looked to be in her late twenties or early thirties appeared. She had dark hair and arching eyebrows. The dark makeup she wore was stark against her pale skin. Her thin smile never reached her cold gaze, which swept over the people seated at the table.

My gaze did the same. Curran and Indri looked like they weren’t sure what was going on. A slow flush was creeping up Effora’s neck. Hugh wore his passive mask like Cross did. Shepard looked thoughtful.

“Hello, everyone,” Orphia said. “I’ve been listening to the conversation so far and fear you have misunderstood our intention. I would like a chance to speak with you all in person and arrange for another meeting at a time when I can attend.”

Had it been from anyone else, her request might have seemed reasonable. But even hearing her hollow voice gave me the chills. An in-person meeting with her was a hard pass for me.

“You’re here now,” Shepard said. “Why waste time? Unless there’s another reason you’d like to meet us in person?”

A real smile curved her lips, completely changing her appearance. She actually looked approachable and pretty like that, and I could see why Cross had briefly liked her.

“I must say I never thought I would see the day the alpha would sit at a table with a vampire. It is a sight I would dearly love to see in person.” Her gaze shifted to Cross. “It would alsobe a good chance for me to renew very old acquaintanceships. I’ve missed you, Cross.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “I haven’t missed you, Orphia. And we both know you only ever sought my company because of my jewelry. There is nothing for us to renew.”

Some of her humor faded, and she looked at me.

“Everly Anne Reid, twenty-three-year-old daughter of Nadeen and Terry Reid. A modest 64 inches tall, afraid of fairies, and deeply bonded with Vena Bree Hunter.”

I knew a threat when I heard one and felt my blood turn cold with each fact she listed. I refused to be cowed, though.

“I’m surprised someone as old as you knows how to use the internet,” I said.

Orphia’s smile turned positively vicious before she looked at Cross.

“I can see why you like her. You always did have a thing for the sweet-and-sassy combination, didn’t you?” She looked at Shepard. “You surprised me, though. Willing to share with a vampire? Whateverwill your people think?”

Curran slammed his hand down again, knocking the tablet over.

“Enough of this. The uninvited should leave.”

Instead of listening, Xiana straightened the tablet so Orphia’s amused smile was in full view again.

“I think you’ll want to take the time to listen to me, Curran. I can give you what no one else can…ifwe meet in person.”

I watched Curran’s anger fade. “You have my son’s killer?”

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