Page 12 of Snips, Snails and Werewolf Tails

I try to laugh to calm my nerves, but it doesn't work. I'm not sure whether to embrace this new daring side of mine, but it's too late. I leave my apartment and start walking toward the vampire's territory, trying not to chicken out on the way there.

When I get to the clan's nightclub, I pause at the entrance. Even the sign above the door reeks of pompous privilege. I don't like stereotypes, but sometimes they hit the mark, and that's the case for the vampires.

Outside the club, the sign on the window reads "VIP only" and there is a rich, pink-hued light spilling through the frosted glass. At the doorway, there is no bouncer or even a lock on the door. For people who despise unwanted visitors so much, you'd think that they would have a vetting process for drop-ins.

I reach out my hand and pull the door open enough that I see someone I recognize: the werewolf shifter from the fight in the alley. The one who tried to attack me. I recognize her eyes. She belongs to his pack, so why is she here at the vampire nightclub, talking to a vampire just down the hall from the front door?

I freeze and leave the door cracked open just enough so that I can peek inside but not enough that anyone can see me. Then, I listen.

They're talking about an agreement they've made. The vampires speak in low tones with the wolf, who they call Tala. I know for a fact that Lucian has no intention of reaching any agreement with the vampire clan leader. That means that this agreement isn't one Lucian approves of. This wolf is betraying her alpha and her pack.

Quickly, my plans change. I can't go in and try to clear up the rumors with Mickael, and I can't let the wolf or other vampires see me here because they will know I'm aware of their underhanded scheming. I need to leave and warn Lucian.

I slowly close the door all the way, careful not to make a sound since I know the wolves have enhanced hearing that picks upeverything. I need to go back to the den.

It will be awkward showing up at there again, especially since I left Lucian in such an abrupt hurry after the kiss, but it's necessary. Who knows how long this woman has been betraying Lucian or what else she'll do? I have to tell him immediately. Hopefully he went back to the den after our walk together so I don't wind up showing there unannounced again, this timewithouthim there to tell his pack to heel.

My mind is so full that it takes me a moment to notice the small crowd of onlookers watching me from the other side of the street. A half dozen or so pairs of eyes stare back at me—some vampire, and some werewolf.

For a second, I'm confused. They're standing next to each other, almost as if they're on thesameside.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, sounding much bolder than I feel.

"I think the better question is what areyoudoing here?" one of the vampires says in return.

I ignore him and turn my attention back to the werewolves that are standing quietly in front of me.

"Does your alpha know you 're here?" I ask them.

One of them looks a bit surprised at my brazenness, but the other glares at me like I've overstepped.

"No," he growls with his yellow eyes flashing. "Does he know thatyou'rehere?"

It takes me a moment, but then I recognize his face. This shifter was at the den. He was one of the wolves growling and glaring at me when I first arrived. Why is he here? Is he betraying Lucian and siding with the vampires? Are the others?

"Yes," I lie as I gather my wits about me. "Luciandoesknow that I am here, and he'll be here to get me any moment."

But it's too late. I hesitated for a moment too long as I tried to come up with a believable lie to keep myself safe, and none of them believe me.

"You never answered my question about what you're doing here," the vampire says, this time a step closer to my face.

"I came to speak with Mickael," I say. There's no point in hiding my intent now. "Take me to him, please."

The vampires all laugh and one of them waves his hand toward the door as if gesturing for me to go inside.

"Oh, trust me," he says. "We already planned on it."

The door behind me opens. Tala is standing in the doorway wearing a sinister smirk.

I should have listened to the coven.

Better that they think I'm weak than to be in this dangerous mess on my own.

Tala turns and walks back down the hall. I get the feeling I'm supposed to follow her. And as soon as I feel a solid push against my back by one of the vampires, I do.

8

LUCIAN

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