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with a group we had met crossing the border from France. Ursula remembered us immediately. When she invited us to her private quarters, we were not allowed to say no. First daughters cannot be denied.”
    “For sex, you mean. What’s making you so careful? I know you’ve had sex before.”
    His expression darkened. “This was not by choice. When we resisted, older, stronger vampires kept us in her bedroom. You cannot envision the depth of Ursula’s depravity. She is a woman of varied sexual tastes. All of them include violence and blood.”
    Ari’s stomach recoiled at the undertone in his voice. Something dark and filled with revulsion. He was right. She wasn’t going to like this woman.
     
    * * *
     
     
    They arrived at Daron’s compound in Toronto with only minutes to spare before the scheduled meeting. Mike, the werewolf in charge of Daron’s security and an old friend from Riverdale, met them at the entrance.
    Ari encompassed his large frame in an impulsive hug even though he stiffened with embarrassment. It was good to know there were friends around.
    “I’m glad to see you too,” he said gruffly, patting her once on the shoulder. “But maybe not tonight. I’m sorry you have to be anywhere near here. This vampiress scares even me.”
    Grim faced, he led them down the corridor toward the audience room. A dozen werewolves armed with AK-47 combat rifles stood guard. Mike stopped with his hands on the double doors. “Ready? We’ll follow you in.”
    Ari had all her usual weapons. The silver dagger in her waist sheath, derringer in an ankle holster, potions, spells, vamp dust, and six silver bullets in the hidden pockets sewn into every outfit she owned. She looked at Andreas, resplendent in his usual black Armani jeans and casual jacket. She nudged him. “Aren’t you going to warn me how I need to act?”
    “Other than not using your witch fire?” His serious face finally showed a hint of humor. “No, little witch. For tonight, just be yourself.”
    Ari drew herself up straight in preparation for the meeting ahead. She envisioned the large audience chamber with its fanciful Grecian columns. The tasteless statues had been removed by Andreas, even before the territory was turned over to Daron. Although the hall could hold two hundred easily, the audience area at the east end was relatively small with seating for a dozen or less. She expected Daron and his guest would be waiting there.
    When Mike threw the doors open and announced them, they stepped inside and started the long walk to the far end. Ari got her first look at the enforcer, flanked by eight bodyguards.
    Ursula slowly turned her head to gaze at them, her piercing eyes immediately finding Ari.
    The vampiress was tall, even sitting down. Her head of flaming red hair towered six inches higher than any other occupant. Her classical features, softly defined, remained unaffected by time, except for the obvious bumps that concealed enlarged fangs, the only evidence of extreme age. Ursula looked only slightly older than Ari’s twenty-four years, rather than the centuries she was, and wore her silver, shimmery mini dress well. Ari raised her chin, glad she’d dressed for the occasion in silk—long, flowing black pants, pale green blouse.
    As with other vampires, Ursula’s eyes were black, but she’d made sure hers stood out by artfully framing them with dramatic aqua blue eye shadow. Matching blue glossy lips curved into a smile, displaying her fangs and forming a disturbing picture of amused malice.
    “At last,” the vampiress said.
    “Andreas, Arianna, please join us.” Daron rose from his seat. The Toronto Prince, once the prince of Riverdale and Andreas’s former boss, flashed a genuine smile across his rugged face. Daron wasn’t a handsome man, but he had presence, a commodity that couldn’t be taught or bought. It wasn’t until he advanced toward them that Ari saw the warning in his expression.
    While they exchanged greetings and made