the meeting?” Monique asked.
“From what I have seen, meeting together is not all that unusual here,” Rodán said. “From Volod’s perspective we could explain in many ways that would be acceptable. It would be unusual for you to be there at this time, however.”
Rodán let his fingers trail from her ear to her lips. “I would prefer for you to keep Volod distracted while I meet with the others to avoid any questions at all from him. We won’t be long. We’re meeting in a few minutes. A brief overview and some planning of our next steps.”
Monique’s eyes did not leave Rodán’s. “Who is attending?”
“Kennedy, Vincent, Stephen, and Frederick will be present. I expect to add Nyx to our ranks, but I need to be convinced Volod doesn’t have a hold on her first.”
“I assumed Volod had a strong hold on all. How much control do you think he has of her?” Monique asked.
“I don’t know yet. I will evaluate her first. I do know that the hold is at its very strongest in the beginning,” Rodán said. “I have been observing and listen to many of the Vampire paranorms. The ones I am meeting with I picked out for various reasons. They have all quietly voiced the same concerns to me about Volod that I have had. I trust them.”
Monique ran her tongue along her lower lip, a movement that distracted Rodán for a moment. “Do you plan on adding others to your ranks?”
“We will consider who else to add to our group.” He continued to stroke her hair almost absently. “For now, the group must be small and restricted to those we know we can trust. Volod has a powerful hold on many who are intoxicated with the power they feel.”
Monique said nothing. I wished I knew what she was thinking.
“I can trust you, can’t I, Monique?” Rodán said.
Raising an eyebrow and reaching up on tiptoes, Monique kissed him. “Need you ask? Didn’t I prove in the bedroom how my feelings have never left you, Rodán?”
“Nor have mine ever fully left you,” he said softly.
“And now, just look at you … a Vampire.” Monique spoke with sensuality and excitement in her tone. “You saw what that does to me, didn’t you? Of course you can trust me. Anything for you.” Monique reached up and kissed Rodán again. “I’ll take care of Volod.”
He took her in his arms and gave her a long, lingering kiss. Old feelings for Rodán surfaced and I felt a moment’s pang. But that vanished as my thoughts turned for a brief moment to Colin. I pushed them aside. This was not the time.
Monique drew away from Rodán, and he left the opposite way from where I was hiding. I assumed he was heading for a back set of stairs.
Monique walked in my direction and I pressed myself up against the wall so that she wouldn’t touch me. She was a powerful paranorm, and I prayed that my new and improved glamour was strong enough. Thank goodness for Desmond’s help.
I felt a presence behind me and a shiver ran down my spine. I looked over my shoulder.
Elizabeth.
THIRTY-ONE
“Elizabeth,” Monique said as she came around the corner.
“Where is Volod?”
“What is going on?” Elizabeth looked at Monique with suspicion in her gaze. She sniffed the air. “You’ve been with Rodán,” she stated. “I saw you disappear with him. Now I can smell sex on you.”
“That is none of your business,” Monique said, her tone cold.
“Volod will learn of this,” Elizabeth said with venom. “You, the great Monique, will feel Volod’s wrath.” Her lips quivered in anger. “We will see who will be at the end of a leash tomorrow. You will be done. He has no need for Vampire paranorms who don’t serve his purpose, and you have betrayed him now. I will see that you are buried wearing a collar and a leash.”
Monique and Elizabeth faced each other on the landing as Monique drew her shoulders back and glared. “I did this for a reason. Volod will understand.”
Elizabeth eyes showed the humiliation she obviously felt. “We will see about that, you arrow-eared bitch.”
Monique narrowed her gaze. “If I was Rodán’s, why would I be seeking Volod out right now to tell him of a rebellion against him?” She put her hands on her hips. “A rebellion that Rodán is planning … a coup. They’re meeting in the conference room in a few minutes.
“So, yes, I was with Rodán. I have nothing to hide,” Monique continued with clear