Blood and Blade (Goddess with a Blade #6) - Lauren Dane Page 0,32

wasn’t wary. It was impossible to miss the way her gaze flicked from place to place as she sized up the situation.

They walked up the steps and she leaned over, pressing the bell for long seconds. Clive had to school his features because she made him want to laugh at the way she did it twice more.

She could pester anyone to a full-blown rage. That was one of her myriad talents. Currently one he could appreciate far more because someone else was the target.

Finally, the door was opened by a servant. Not a human but a low-level Vampire. Clive knew it wasn’t the Vampire he was looking for at first glance.

“I’m looking for your master,” he said without preamble. He let his power flow between them so the other Vampire understood it wouldn’t do to let them wait long.

“Who should I say is calling, Sir?” He stepped to the middle of the doorway. Low-level, yes, but this butler had been classically trained. If Clive were an ordinary Vampire he’d have missed the fear. Admirable.

Rowan sighed more than loud enough for the other Vampire to hear. “Is he here or what?”

“I will tell you once I have your name.” The Vampire had no idea who he was dealing with.

“My name isn’t your business unless your master is here.” Rowan waited a beat and then pushed her way past him and into the foyer.

The servant, sputtering and uncertain, turned to speak to her and Clive flowed in behind him but left the door unlocked for David and Genevieve to follow when necessary.

“Miss, I must insist you wait,” the servant said to Rowan in what he had no idea would be the greatest futile gesture he’d ever know.

Rowan turned, rolling her eyes. “Do I look like a Miss to you? How about you tell me your name and then if your master is here and stop wasting my fucking time.”

Clive had figured he’d handle this part but once Rowan got started, it was best to just let her go unless he was ready to fight with her over supremacy, especially when she was already doing just fine.

Clive took stock of the doors and the stairway to his left. The Blood Front Vampire was up there. He knew that for certain.

“You need to leave.” But the words were slightly breathy as he trailed after her. Clive understood it. He quite often felt the same when his wife just did whatever she wanted. The other Vampire, who he’d heard tell Rowan was called Chauncy, had just realized what a dangerous being had just breezed through the door.

Clive opened doors, peeking inside as he watched Rowan wear Chauncy down. Finally when he knew the first floor was clear, he stepped to Chauncy and locked his gaze on the other Vampire.

The servant had some protections, as did those who worked for Clive. No Vampire wanted anyone to come, roll his staff and get access to his life without permission.

But those protections were flimsy when a Scion level Vampire attempted to get past them. Which he did rather easily.

“What is your master’s name?” he asked softly.

“Roderick.”

Just one name. He’d never hear the end of that from Rowan, who already spent most of her time mocking the stupid things Vampires did. But Clive knew who this eponymous Vampire was. And what family he came from.

“Where is he now?”

“Upstairs salon.”

Rowan said to Clive, “Deal with him. I’ll get this Rod dick down here pronto.” She went to the front door and opened it, reaching around to push the doorbell.

And kept pushing.

“Are you coming down here or what, Rod?” she called out in the brief seconds she let go of the button. “My friend said you had some spells to sell and I’ve got money in my pocket. Stop wasting my time,” she added as she stomped on the gorgeous parquet floor at her feet. Then for good measure she knocked over one of the large modern vases that had towered to each side of the entry.

Clive winced. Chauncy had stopped struggling and simply watched Rowan do her thing. She could be so sneaky no one would have heard her or seen her. But this was his favorite Rowan. Fierce. Brash. Fearless. Without a fuck to give.

“I mean, I can come up there to get you,” Rowan yelled as she came to stand at the bottom of the stairs. “It’d be seriously embarrassing for you though. To have a human come into your home, break your rich guy shit, mark your