their money, you are mistaken. Most people blame victims. They think they chose their circumstance, so they’re less likely to be generous. Everyone needs a purpose, and mine is to empower women. What’s yours?”
I suddenly felt as small as the beetle traveling by my shoe. “We pool our money with Viktor’s.”
“Ah. I suppose that’s convenient. But if you want some advice, you should find a passion and use your influence or money to aid in that cause. There is no greater duty you have in this world as an immortal.” Lenore stepped closer and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear as she looked deep into my eyes. “What are you passionate about, Raven? What’s your cause to fight for in life?”
I felt a fire stirring within me. “Killing evil men.”
“What kind of evil men?”
“Men who prey on the weak.”
Lenore broke eye contact and admired my necklace. “Working for Keystone isn’t about money, is it? Not for you.”
“Viktor pays us well.”
“But the money isn’t what’s holding you here. It’s not what drew you in.”
“I don’t think any of us are here for the money.”
“Don’t count on that.” With her clutch in both hands, she resumed strolling toward the gate. “People join an outfit like yours for two reasons: money or protection. Once they’ve secured their protection, they start thinking about their future. And you can’t think about a future without money. An immortal’s never-ending quest is to build a fortune. If you haven’t learned this by now, you will soon enough. There is nothing more tragic than a destitute Vampire. Or Mage, in your case. You and I are going to live for a very long time, and there’s no sense in making your eternity a miserable one. Plus… one can use that money to help others. Like I did with you. I saw a fighter in you, and you’re someone I’d like to mentor.”
“You called me weak.”
“When did I say that?”
I tucked my hands in my pockets. “At the auction.”
Her eyes searched the stars. “Oh yes. I forget how personal the young ones take everything. You interpreted that conversation as an insult, but you missed the warning.”
“That your talons are still wrapped around him? Think again.”
“No, foolish girl. My warning about Christian. Once an addict, always an addict. How many times have you fed him your blood since we last spoke?”
I kept a straight face but felt my cheeks heat.
“Don’t let an inferior man lead you.” She glanced back at the mansion. “Your friend Switch has quite the tattoo. What is it with men and tattoos? The novelty I get. The permanence of using liquid fire I don’t.”
I thought about my father and how each of his many tattoos meant something personal to him. “Because forever is the best way to honor what matters.”
“Death is the only permanent thing in this world.” Lenore’s disposition became calmer and quieter. “Whatever he told you, just remember there are always two sides to every story. Christian was devoted to a fault, and it terrified me. A rejected man can’t be trusted. But… people can change. After all, I’m not the same woman I once was. Life shapes us, and we shed our skin like snakes when that change comes.”
“You just said a minute ago that once an addict, always an addict.”
“Addictions never go away. We only learn to suppress them.”
Headlights beamed on us as a car buzzed through the gate.
She stopped to look at me. “Maybe you are doing this job for the noblest cause. Charity donations go toward fixing the broken. But killing—now that’s a solution. You understand the value of stopping the problem before it escalates out of control. That takes gumption. I admire you, Raven. You’re not obsequious, and so many in your line of work are. You have far more power than you realize for a woman your age.”
From there, Lenore and I parted ways. She got inside her car, and I strolled back to the house. What a strange conversation. It almost felt cordial, and yet I hated the woman for what she’d done to Christian.
Once inside, I returned to the dining room, but Viktor was gone. The smell from the snuffed-out candles on the chandelier was strong, some of the sinuous trails of smoke still rising to the ceiling.
“Viktor gave Kira the rest of the night off,” Blue said while clearing the table. “Figured I’d clean up before we attract rats.”
“Do you need help?”
After setting the empty glasses on the cheese tray, she looked around.