"And yet you will willingly take her beneath your roof?"
"Is there some reason I should not?" Styx demanded.
"The obvious reasons."
Styx battled a flare of impatience. If Viper had information on the woman, why did he not just speak it instead of behaving in such a mysterious manner?
"You speak in riddles, old friend. Do you believe the woman might pose some sort of danger?"
Viper held up his hands. "Only in the manner any beautiful woman poses a danger."
Styx narrowed his gaze. By the gods, did Viper believe he was susceptible to the lures of a mere female? A mortal one at that?
If he wished a woman he had only to glance over the balcony. The nightclub was filled with females, and more than a few males, who had made their interest flamboyantly clear since he had walked through the door.
"The woman will be my hostage, nothing more," he said coldly.
"Of course."
Sensing Viper's lingering amusement, Styx impatiently pointed toward the picture. It was, after all, the reason he had come here in the first place.
"Do you know the location of the establishment she is standing in front of?"
"It's familiar." Pausing a moment, Viper gave a nod of his head. "Yes. It's a Goth bar. I'd say four, no wait. . . live blocks south of here."
"I thank you, old friend." Styx was swiftly on his feet. He reached out to take the picture and replaced it in his pocket.
Viper pressed himself to his feet and placed a restraining hand on Styx's arm.
"Wait, Styx."
He swallowed back his surge of impatience. He didn't have time to linger. The sooner he captured the woman, the sooner he would know if she was indeed of importance to the Weres.
"What is it?"
"What are you going to do?"
"I told you. I intend to take the woman."
"Just like that?" Viper demanded.
Styx frowned in confusion. "Yes."
"You cannot go alone. If the Weres are keeping watch they are sure to try to stop you."
"I do not fear a pack of dogs," Styx retorted in a scornful tone.
Viper refused to relent. "Styx."
Styx heaved a sigh. "I will have my Ravens near," he promised, referring to the five vampires who had been his constant companions for centuries.
They were as much a part of him as his own shadow.
The silver-haired vampire was still not satisfied. "And where will you take her?"
"To my lair."
"Good God." Viper gave a sharp laugh. "You can't take that poor woman to those damp, disgusting caves."