Page 54 of Death Deals

“Come,” he said, holding out his arm. “Let’s enjoy ourselves. We only have until midnight before the New Year begins.”

And Monnie came for my soul.

A shiver snaked down my spine, sending chills all over, but I took his offer and let him lead me into the theater.

Again, I was brought to a dead stop. This time it was because I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The theater we’d been in the day before had been completely transformed into a high-class, black-tie event, with the rows of chairs gone, a red carpet rolled out, and a full piece band playing on stage. Waiters in tuxedos strolled through the crowd, passing outhors d’oeuvresand alcoholic drinks. They kept the giant Phantom of the Operachandelier and wall lamps but lowered the lighting to cast more of a golden glow on the partygoers below. With hanging red drapes and extra candlelight, it was a hauntingly beautiful affair.

Entirely different than the place we’d thought we were going to die in a couple of hours ago.

The dress code ranged from runway style couture to full play-quality costume as if most of the Omaris had raided the wardrobe department backstage before attending. Feathers, masquerade masks, oversized hooped skirts, over-the-top jewelry, you name it. It was quite a sight to see.

Andre’s eyes were alight with excitement as he took in the room. The stereotype about vampires and elaborately themed parties was true, huh?

I was so out of my element here.

The crowd suddenly split, vampires shifting to the sides to allow a tall woman in a stunning sequined gown with a high neck to stroll toward us. Queen Imani. Behind her was CorneliusThe AngelJackson in his iconic white suit.

Andre stiffened beside me.

“Jade.” She greeted me with a tight smile like she still struggled with the action. I’d give her an ‘A’ for effort anyway. All Andre got from her was a solemn nod. “We’re so glad you decided to join us to celebrate this new year and new start for our people.”

“Thank you for extending the offer to us,” Andre replied with a formal dip of his head.

Imani studied us, her gaze lingering a little too long for my liking.

My skin itched. What was she thinking? I couldn’t get a read on her.

Only when the band’s song changed did she seem to wake from her trance. Her head perked up. “I must circle the room, meet the others. Enjoy the night.” She walked off without waiting for a goodbye.

Cornelius, though, stayed behind.

“You’re going to stay true to your side of our agreement, right?” I asked him.

“Queen Imani already knows of it. Your friend has been disconnected from the group—” I opened my mouth to press for more, but he added, “And will be forgotten, yes.”

“Permanently?”

“Permanently.”

I smiled. “Good.”

He turned to leave but paused. “I also want you to know that I’ll be changing my name.The Angeljust doesn’t seem to fit after meeting you.”

I nodded.Good idea.

When he finally left, a waiter strode by us with a tray of fizzy drinks, and I snatched one. I threw it back like a shot and instantly regretted it when the bubbles came back up for revenge. Not sure what else to do, I forced myself to swallow it down, sputtering. Andre took the glass from me and put it on another passing waiter’s tray.

“Champagne is meant to be sipped,” Andre said with a small laugh.

If I hadn’t been trying to catch my breath, I would have cursed him off.

When the coughing had settled down, he said, “Care to share what that was all about?”

“I didn’t know it was champagne,” I replied. My throat still burned from it.

“I assumed that much, but I was speaking about Cornelius.”

“I promised I’d let him out of the basement if they gave Ricky a free pass out of the Scarlet Knights.”

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