creation, his dress-up doll. However, Ethan’s lessons also involved the use of less feminine weapons, namely knives and firearms, and the best methods for dispatching Immortyls, quick decapitation or a large caliber bullet to the brain or heart. I couldn’t imagine why he wanted me to learn all that.

After several months of training, Ethan finally let his falcon fly solo. We drove up north, all the way into Connecticut, to a lonely Tudor knock-off on a hill. Dusty gravel driveway crunched like shards of dried bone under our feet, while the Long Island Sound crashed on rocks below. Leaded glass windows on the first floor were dark, no beacon shining to welcome our arrival. I asked him who owned the house.

“Your former lover’s wife— time you did the honors.”

Up until now, Ethan had done all the actual killing, and I might have balked had it not been Richard.

We crept around to a completely modern patio and swimming pool surrounded by chairs and chaise lounges, where I envisioned Richard and Katherine on fine days, drinking cocktails and spitting venom.

A foghorn belched over the water. Mist enveloped the house like in some old Universal horror flick, the perfect setting. I could smell Richard’s blood already.

Ethan jimmied the back door and we stole into the house. Bluish moonlight streaming into the cavernous phony English Country interior set Ethan’s eyes ablaze. I ascended the stairway, gracefully in the manner he’d taught, careful not to let the tapping of my tiny heels ruin the element of surprise.

A small pool of light spilled out into the hallway. Berlioz on the radio. I took one deliberate step after another, forcing myself into the dark corner bearing Richard’s name. A baby cried desperately for help. Legions of demons poured out as I lay again on the table, cold instruments invading, tearing into me.

I took a deep breath and swooped into the room, alighting on the bed. Richard’s book fell to the floor with a thump. “Mia, good God, everyone thinks you’re dead!”

“Good thing you had Katherine as an alibi that night. Do I look dead to you?”

Beads of perspiration came on his forehead, the smell of adrenaline coursed through his body. “I’m relieved to see you alive.”

I traced the line of his throat, reaching unbuttoning the topmost pajama button. His pulse raced under his damp skin.

“We had a little appointment that day, remember? In Sumara.” I ran my other hand up his thigh, a teasing little spider crawling up the old waterspout. I tossed my hair filling the air with a pheromone cocktail and slipped overtop him. His fingers timidly brushed the bare thigh above my stocking. I smacked his hand away. “Naughty boy.”

“You’re still full of surprises.”

“You’ve no idea.”

Ethan slipped into the room, leaning gracefully against the doorframe and laughed.

Richard blanched. “What the hell?”

Ethan was at his best, the cavalier at his lady’s service, all panache. “The lady needed an escort… you bowed out.”

I pinned Richard to the mattress. Bringing my face very close to his I whispered, “You owe me a life, Dick.”

His bloodshot gray eyes gleamed with fury. “You’re crazy— the two of you. Get out of my house!”

“Your house?”

He pushed against me. A rush of power went to my head as he fought, my hands gripping his throat, his heart accelerating racing against mine. Blue veins stood out in his forehead as I bared my fangs. “What in God’s name!”

“I finally know how Hilde felt when she drove Solness up the tower. Pity, I’ll never play her again. Frightfully exciting!”

His wide-eyed look of horror was almost compensation for the pain he’d caused. A warm wet patch of urine spread on the mattress.

“Not very romantic, darling.”

Ethan laughed, still in his casual pose at the doorway, perfect in every way. My bad boy never looked so good.

My lips brushed over Richard’s throat. “Our revels are now ended Richard. Thanks for the ride.”

I tore into the artery. A torrent of salt and iron slid warm down my throat and into my belly. His fingers clutched me as he whispered a prayer to the deceased god. My heartbeat grew stronger as his fought against the irresistible tide. Then— nothing. Demons ministered to me, fawning and caressing in adoration, whispering endearments, as I looked into my lord’s approving frosted eyes.”

Joe shuddered. “That’s sick.”

She ignored him and continued, “Ethan kept me locked away in his house for another couple of months, tweaking my skills until he was satisfied. Then one night I woke to find him holding a magnificent ball