“Yes, I can. If I know they’re there, I can block their spirit and not accidently change into them.”
“That’s not what I mean, my darling. You need to train yourself to absorb their spirits and control the change, as opposed to trying to prevent it. It would please me if you could transform into any animal at will.”
“I don’t want to be considered a shape-shifter; those things are freaky.”
“Shape-shifters spend decades making blood offerings in order to command their forms. I assure you no lives will be taken or virgins sacrificed. I’m merely suggesting an experimentation of sorts.” A vampire entered the room. Misha sent him scurrying with a subtle wave of his hand.
I slammed my palm on the table and grinned. “Good to know virgins are safe in your hands, but I’m still not doing it.”
Chef placed more food in front of me and glowered at my plate. “Merde! Eez zat all you are eating?”
Misha ignored my protests. And we both ignored Chef. “My love, developing your gift would give you an advantage no one else on earth possesses and would further add to your uniqueness.”
“Don’t you mean my weirdness? Misha, I think you believe I’m capable of more than I am. Aside from my tigress, all other forms I’ve managed have been temporary. Besides, it’s not pretty when I come in contact with an animal—I have seizures during which I’m vulnerable. I drool, and my skin turns so raw I feel like I’m being raked by broken glass.” I threw my hands in the air. “I can’t even return to human or tigress until I completely relax.”
“My darling, I believe that is related to lack of practice with your abilities. Which is why I am suggesting we start strengthening your power.”
“No. Sorry. It’s not going to happen.”
Misha’s gray eyes brightened when he flashed me his typical wicked grin. “We’ll see.”
• • •
“Where the hell are you going?”
Vampires weren’t the friendliest of creatures. I muttered a curse and veered toward where Hank stood in the driveway. His black hair was mussed and his white collared shirt spread open from the cold breeze. All the buttons were missing and lipstick marks ran the length of his excessively tanned torso. I raised my chin and adjusted my cream-colored sweater over my skinny jeans. “Go back to your room, finish deflowering whatever coed you managed to dupe into thinking you know Rob Pattinson, and leave me alone.”
I’d taken the day off to spend with my family. The giant maggot fiasco and my sisters’ prompt escort to the Den made sure that wasn’t possible. My tigress was restless and feeling claustrophobic. I needed to get off the premises before I killed someone—starting with Hank—and to avoid any of Misha’s magic “lessons.” Of course, Hank caught me. And of course, he told Misha.
“Master,” he called over his shoulder. “Celia is trying to leave.”
Misha stepped out onto the terrace that ran the length of his suite, with the half-naked Virginia fastened to his neck. The sexcapades just never ended in the land of the undead. “Do you feel that’s wise, my darling?”
Virginia’s hands slipped from Misha. If scathing looks could strip, I’d have been standing there in my thong. I ignored her and spoke to Misha. “Ying-Ying is checking for any magical murdering devices. Aren’t you, Ying-Ying?”
Ying-Ying levitated in a lotus pose over and around the silver Lexus LFA Misha had assigned to me, yodeling in Mandarin. My sadistic yoga instructor specialized in extreme contortion and torture devices she claimed would help my flexibility. Mostly they just scared me. Her body circled around the car twice more before she glided down the hood and onto her feet. She said something in Mandarin before laughing psychotically and patting my back, something she often did during our sessions.
Misha nodded. “Very well. Your vehicle appears to be secured and the wards have just been reinforced against any magical assaults. You may leave.”
I gave Hank a little pinkie wave before sashaying toward the Lexus, only to have Hank and Tim block my way. “Of course,” Misha continued. “Not without escorts.”
Misha insisted I take Hank and Tim with me. I insisted that I not. We argued for a bit and I ended up winning—sort of. Having picked up some of Shayna’s driving techniques, I took off on my own and lost his vampires when they tried to follow.
On my way to Incline Village, I called Taran to tell her where I was headed in the hopes she and our sisters would join me. I left a message on her voice mail when she didn’t answer.
I pulled into the trendy town of young hip professionals just to have lunch, only to be greeted by outdoor tents set up by vendors. Ski season remained in full swing and business owners were taking advantage of the tourist rush. I found one of the last spots on the street and slipped out of the supercar. Couples meandered on the streets in thick sweaters and with steaming lattes in their hands. Across the street a Japanese chef handed out kabobs of sizzling steak, chicken, and vegetables with a happy grin. He could so teach Misha’s chef a thing or two.
My tigress craved sushi. I obliged her and crossed the street. After lunch, I strolled along the rows of tents and checked out the merchandise. Most consisted of touristy type T-shirts and apparel I didn’t care for. I did find a stand that sold jewelry, and picked up a few earrings for my sisters. As the sidewalks grew more crowded, I decided it was time to head back to the land of the living dead and horny.