Page 26 of Midnight Enchantment

“Not until I know who you are.”

“Varden. You may have heard of me?”

“I may have.” Most Transylvanian vampires knew about Louis Varden. He claimed most of Mississippi as his domain. “So, what can I do for you? And what are you planning to give me in return?”

“I’ve heard some interesting things about a family of Hungarian vampires, including the fact that you’re acquainted with them.”

“I might be. What’s your interest?”

“I heard that one of them married a witch and the witch presented him with twins. And that one of them was a girl.”

Claret shrugged. “So?” He was talking about Lily Falconer, she thought.

“So,” Varden went on, “I’m wondering if the daughter of that witch could mate with one of us and produce offspring.”

“I have no idea. Nor do I care.”

“But you know who I’m talking about?”

“Perhaps.”

Eyes narrowed, he stared at her as he unleashed his power.

He was strong. She would give him that. But, thanks to the lingering effects of Dominic Falconer’s blood, so was she. Smiling faintly, she countered Varden’s power with her own.

Surprise flickered in his eyes. And then he smiled. “You’re full of surprises,chérie.”

“You have no idea,” she said, baring her fangs. “What are you willing to pay for this information?”

“What do you want?”

“The blood of a Hungarian vampire.”

Varden laughed softly. “Don’t we all?”

“That’s my price.”

“You drive a hard bargain,” he said.

“Take it or leave it,” she said. “Now get your ass out of my booth.”

Eyes narrowed, Claret watched Varden stride out of the club. She had no loyalty to the Falconer family, but she did have a soft spot for Quill and Dominic. Perhaps, if she went to Metairie and warned Dominic that his sister was in danger, he would reward her with a sip or two.

“What the hell!” Dominic exclaimed when he opened the door and saw Claret standing on the porch. “What are you doing here?”

“Is that any way to greet an old friend?”

Dominic snorted. “Friend? Hardly the description I’d use.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Maybe I should leave. You obviously don’t care that your sister is in danger.”

He frowned at her. “Is that vampire-demon back in town?”

“No. Someone in New Orleans is looking for her.”

“Who?”

Claret’s gaze rose to his throat, her tongue darting out to lick her lips. “It will cost you.”

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