Being a place run by Vampires, there were what Rowan termed spy stations notched into that hallway at the corners of each of the three private dining rooms. David was already set up, multiple screens running, as they approached.

  Genevieve made an approving sound as she stood behind him, looking at his screens over his shoulders.

  “Nothing as crude as him looking through the eye holes of a portrait in the other room,” Rowan said and to her surprise, Genevieve laughed.

  “Like in Scooby-Doo! I love that show.” She launched into French as she happily detailed her three favorite episodes.

  “You have layers,” Rowan said, smiling.

  “Is that a nice way of saying I’m old?” Genevieve teased.

  “I would never,” Rowan said, neatly avoiding that. “Vampires are very good at spycraft. These rooms are wired with multiple cameras and listening devices. But will they work if Hugo or Grandpa Procella work some privacy spell?” Rowan asked Genevieve.

  “I should be able to null any spells in that room but mine. I’ll set that in place before they arrive. I’ll know if they try a spell. Unless the Procellas bring a witch who is better than they are, none of them will even know I’ve neutered them.”

  A burst of warmth seemed to roll through Rowan. She looked at the clock on a nearby wall. It was twenty-five minutes to sunset and Clive had just risen to consciousness. He’d be there looming over David the moment he could leave the house. In the meantime, everything in that room would be recorded so he could watch it back at his leisure.

  Within herself, Rowan got the sense Brigid was as amused by that flash of Clive watching the video while munching on popcorn as Rowan had been.

  Once in the private dining room, Genevieve did her magic thing while Rowan and David tested their equipment.

  “Don’t chitchat about anything you don’t want Clive to know,” Rowan told Genevieve quietly, half an hour later when Gioberto had come up to let them know their guests had arrived.

  They’d worked out a plan. Genevieve would lead and Rowan would follow when necessary. In the back of her consciousness just a few short minutes later, she knew Clive had just entered the restaurant. Probably heading up to check in with David and watch the monitors.

  He must have been dressed and ready to rush over to Fleur the moment the sun was down.

  Just a heartbeat later, Gioberto led the other witches into the room where Genevieve and Rowan were standing. “Ms. Aubert, your guests, Mr. Sergio Procella, Mr. Hugo Procella, and Ms. Antonia Procella.”

  The other witches breezed past Gioberto like he didn’t exist, except for Antonia, who paused to thank him and then stepped inside.

  It said a lot about a person to watch how they treated anyone in the service industry. Rowan liked Antonia more for it and creepy Hugo and Grandpa less.

  “Before we start, I have an official complaint to lodge,” Sergio said. Both his grandchildren winced, and Rowan simply pulled her chair out and sat because it hadn’t been two minutes and she already wanted to punch these assholes.

  He stopped speaking to stare at Rowan, incredulous. As if that would do anything other than annoy her?

  “Can I help you?” she asked.

  “Let’s get on with this,” Genevieve said before Sergio could speak. “I assume you’re mad, or sad, offended, something similar. The about what part isn’t that big a mystery. It could be that I left after your appalling lack of hospitality. It could be that I refused to return to your home after that display of rudeness. It could be that I have Rowan here and she’s not a witch. It might even be all of them. Noted. You’re sad or mad or offended.” Genevieve sat and indicated the other chairs around the table.

  Rowan really wanted to start a fan club for Genevieve. Especially when Grandpa Sergio’s face darkened, and he started to go on a tirade.

  Genevieve held up a hand. “You have two options and only two options, Sergio. You can sit down and answer my questions civilly and truthfully, or you can leave now and consider this rule adjustment a lost cause. That is how this will work. You have no say otherwise.”

  Antonia looked down quickly but not before Rowan noted the quirk of a smile at the corner of her mouth.

  Hugo put his hands up. “I’m sure we can all sit and come to an understanding,” he said, holding the chair out for his grandfather, who paused for just a moment but did relent and take a seat.

  “I don’t see why we can’t have this meeting at my home instead of this...place,” Sergio said like he wasn’t standing in one of the most consistently high-rated and in-demand restaurants in the state.

  Genevieve sat and looked Sergio up and down. At his side, Antonia took her seat and sent a hopeful look her grandfather’s way.

  Hugo took a deep breath, and in that, Rowan saw the cracks in his facade. He was as annoyed with his grandfather as everyone else was. But he had a role to play so he tucked that away and indicated the chair.

  “Grandfather, please. This is our opportunity to explain ourselves to Genevieve. Once she understands our motives, she’ll sign and we’ll be able to move forward,” Hugo said.

  “Bah!”

  * * *

  Genevieve knew one of them had attempted to place a security spell over the room. She also knew it didn’t work because her counterspell was far more effective. Still, she was glad of it because it allowed her to test the magic of a potential enemy and while all three Procellas were talented witches, none had even a shadow of Genevieve’s power.

  She’d been watching the interplay between Hugo and Sergio when he said, “Bah!” Rowan’s right eyebrow slowly rose. Genevieve thanked her long experience with keeping a bland expression or she’d have laughed at the way Sergio saw it and his spine stiffened as he jumped to his feet with Hugo at his heels.

  “What’s she doing here?” Sergio demanded of Rowan’s presence.

  “You’re too old to be this rude in the presence of a Senator you need something from,” Genevieve said. “You embarrass all witches when you behave in such a fashion to our honored guests.” They had no idea what Rowan could be stirred to should they provoke her once too often. That she remained quiet and seated was because of her loyalty to Genevieve. Genevieve would not forget it.

  “He’s very direct,” Hugo rushed to say. “He doesn’t mean to offend. We’re merely curious as to why an outsider to the Conclave process has been included.”

  “Imagine a world wherein you address others in the way your grandson just did instead of your approach,” Genevieve told Sergio. “And where you make your own apologies for your inexcusable behavior. As for Ms. Summerwaite, you were informed she’d be attending both the meeting at your home yesterday and today’s second chance. You’ve had the opportunity to ask the question civilly but have only responded with the sort of unmannered behavior I expect from children still in short pants and not supposed successful captains of industry.”

  Sergio’s mouth worked as if he was processing all his responses to decide on the best.

  “We very much appreciate this opportunity and your time, which I know is precious and in demand,” Antonia said.

  “Begging your pardon, Genevieve,” Hugo said in silky tones that made her skin crawl.

  Genevieve looked down at the watch on her wrist and then over to them again. “You can address me as Ms. Aubert, or Senator Aubert.” This tendency Hugo had of speaking to her as if they were acquainted and close was unacceptable and she needed to underline that. “You have one minute to sit down or get out,” she added to Sergio.

  Sergio’s gaze narrowed. He wanted to turn on his pretentious heel and storm off, but he couldn’t because they needed her. He knew it and best of all, they had to understand Genevieve knew it too.

  Genevieve rather hoped she was the reason Sergio had to eat antacids night and day. It was what he deserved. Eternal heartburn.

  Meanwhile, Hugo took a seat and turned those beseeching eyes to Sergio. Sergio, who had to see beneath the mask of adoration Hugo wore. And Antonia, waiting, watching. Calculating.

  Finally, Sergio hauled himself into a chair.

  “Thank you for agreeing to see us today,” Hugo said to Genevieve.

  “Again, our apologies for your reception yesterday. It was inexcusably rude,” Antonia told them.

  Sergio grunted but gave a quasi-sincere nod of agreement.

  Genevieve looked at Rowan. The rudeness was toward the Hunter directly but only Antonia had included Rowan in her gaze as she spoke. Rowan’s slight nod told Genevieve she’d noted the same. She nearly felt sorry for Sergio and whatever punishment was to come from Rowan for this behavior toward her.

  “I’ll get right to the point,” Genevieve said.

  “I don’t talk business with humans in the room,” Sergio interrupted as he flicked his gaze to Rowan briefly and then away. “No offense. This doesn’t concern her.”

  Rowan said nothing, but continued to stare at Sergio, unspeaking.

  Genevieve narrowed her gaze at him. “I’ll decide what concerns who, Procella. All you’ve done since I’ve made your acquaintance is give offense. Let me disabuse you of these ill-fated ideas you seem to have. You’re not in charge here. I don’t like what you’re asking permission to do. I wanted some more information and every step since I’ve asked for clarification has been filled with outright rudeness. I have no idea how you prospered in business without manipulating humans against their will, if I’m being honest. Because you don’t seem to understand how to deal with other people. Especially when you need them.”

  “We don’t want to manipulate humans against their will,” Hugo said quickly before his grandfather could speak. “It seems that way, but it’s really just temporary and limited only to the audience participation during these shows.”

  “It seems that way because that’s what you’re asking to do. The language you’re proposing is very vague. That leaves you with a great deal of leeway to do all sorts of things. I cannot support it in its current state,” Genevieve explained.

  “Would—” Antonia began when her grandfather interrupted her.

  “Humans are irrelevant,” Sergio said. “We’re Genetic witches. I do not seek permission from my inferiors. They want to be entertained. They buy a ticket. We give them a show but you’re asking us to be sure they can consent when they can’t handle even the most basic of tasks. They don’t know what’s best for them because they’re fools.”

  Rowan stared at him in such a delightfully unsettling way. Genevieve really did adore her friend.

  “Ms. Summerwaite, care to tell them what Hunter Corp. might have to say about such a thing?” Genevieve asked.

  “The Treaty doesn’t bar being a small-minded fool. Sadly, you’re not very rare.” Rowan shrugged and continued, raising her voice slightly to continue over Sergio’s sputtering. “It does, however, require being sure humans consent, be that to take blood or to be hypnotized by a witch. The Treaty binds you to this as it does Vampires. Hunter Corp. is charged with the enforcement of the Treaty.”

  “She’s our competitor and you let her sit at this table. Your position is to represent the interests of witches. Your loyalty should be to us first and last.” Sergio sat back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. Then he pointed at Rowan. “You can’t tell me how to run my business.”

  Rowan didn’t snort, but she did lift a brow again as if to tell Sergio no one told her how to do her job. “Don’t flatter yourself. None of you could even dream of rising to be my competition for anything.”

  “Pay attention now.” Genevieve leaned in a little as she spoke. She’d had enough of these witches. “You wouldn’t be here if you could go around me. You must know the Senators you’ve contacted have informed me of that contact. So, to avoid any misunderstandings, let me be plain. I know you discovered they all had the same concerns I do. I also know they informed you none of them would sign on to any changes you proposed without me.”

  Genevieve found herself delighted by the way Sergio’s face got tighter and tighter as her truths rained down on his head.

  “Let’s discuss those concerns,” Antonia began as she caught Hugo’s attention and jerked her head as if to tell her brother to get their grandfather calmed down before things got worse.

  “I should have known when we heard the rumors about you running off to join those freaks out in the desert,” Sergio said.

  Hugo turned quickly to his grandfather. “We need to take a few breaths to get ourselves back on track. This is unraveling rather quickly, and we wouldn’t want to waste Senator Aubert’s time with fighting. She’s asking for some clarifying changes. We can accommodate that.”

  “What is it you’re saying about the Dust Devils?” Genevieve asked, ignoring Hugo entirely.

  At her side, Rowan shifted slightly, making ready to do whatever it was she needed to protect Genevieve.

  Genevieve pulled magic from the Trick and added to her own and let it free. Let them see the error of their ways for coming at her and anyone she protected. Sergio’s eyes widened. Hugo got to his feet and Antonia stared, waiting.

  “I am the Priestess to a Trick of Dust Devils. Is that what you alluded to?” Genevieve asked, letting all those voices filter through her own. “You don’t have any inkling of their true power. Of my true power. Know this, old man, I’m stronger than you are in every way. I have more connections, more political clout, more favors owed me than you could ever dream of. Think you to challenge my magical gifts? My training? Do try, Sergio Procella. Try me and see what happens to you as a result. I would love to show you.”

  “Sincere apologies, Genevieve,” Hugo said, using her first name again. He attempted to help his grandfather up, but Sergio slapped his hands away.

  Antonia met Genevieve’s gaze from across the table. “I appreciate your time and apologize yet again for our appalling rudeness. We will work on new wording and get it back to you via proper channels.” She stood and went to the door before stepping back, her face gone pale as Clive Stewart, every inch the Scion of North America, glided into the room. The angry energy of him stung like tiny needles.

  “You’re consorting with Vampires too?” Sergio asked.

  “Get this garbage out of my establishment and clean this room thoroughly before guests are allowed in,” Clive said to another Vampire who’d appeared out of thin air and Gioberto at his side.

  Like a madman, Sergio attempted to use magic to attack Clive. The Scion was far faster and managed to avoid the spell hurled his way. Genevieve reached in and yanked on Sergio’s magic, pulling it to herself and disabling it. Clive, very angry after the attempted attack, cuffed Sergio’s head hard enough to knock it back and sent the older witch stumbling into a nearby wall.

  Before Genevieve could say another word, Rowan flowed to stand next to her husband and her sword cleared its sheath. The sound rang out and froze everyone in place and that was before she’d brought the edge to Sergio’s throat.

  Sergio squeaked and Rowan pressed the edge of her blade into his skin until a thin red line beaded up.

  “You dare attempt to harm my spouse?” Rowan demanded, her goddess present in the moment in the flow of Rowan’s eyes and the echoey nature of her voice.

  The energy in the room built steadily.

  Then the throb-throb-throb of Darius’s power flowed down the hall and into the room seconds before he stepped through the door. He crossed the space to stand at Genevieve’s back and despite the seriousness of the moment, it left her giddy.

  “Surely you must stop her from harming my grandfather,” Hugo said to Genevieve, his tone thready with fear.

  Genevieve didn’t hide the curl of her lip. “Sergio Procella has just used magic to attempt to harm the Scion of North America. In the presence of his wife. In the restaurant the Nation owns and runs. Be grateful you still breathe because Rowan is charged with enforcing the Treaty, which you have broken. After you detailed your beliefs that humans are so stupid, they aren’t worth free will. Surely even you can see how much trouble you’re in at this moment.”

  “It is my right and obligation to handle such lawlessness,” Rowan said, not moving in the slightest. Genevieve wasn’t sure if she hoped Rowan would stand down or not and she decided not to say anything either way about it. It was up to the Hunter to decide. “You attacked my husband at a meeting I arranged your safe passage to and from. I’m no witch, but I know enough that in all our worlds, a violation of safe passage and harbor is a grave dishonor to the perpetrator. You have no honor, Grandpa.”

  “Self-defense,” Sergio shot back, reaching up as if to wipe the blood from his split lip but lightning fast, Rowan knocked it down hard enough she might have broken a bone if Sergio’s yelp of pain was any indication. “That Vampire attacked me!”

  Genevieve made a cutting motion with the side of her hand. “No. You struck first. We all saw it. Scion Stewart would be within his rights to beat you until your bones were dust.”

  Clive smirked and raised his shoulders as if to say he was still considering it.

  “Senator Aubert, perhaps if we could just take our leave. Things will cool down and then we can address this,” Antonia said.

  “No.” Genevieve really liked that word. “It strikes me that your grandfather not only broke our laws, but did so rather casually. Almost as if he does it regularly. It does leave one wondering just how regular an occurrence such a thing is.”

  “He’s an old man frustrated by not being able to run a company he built from the ground up,” Hugo said, turning on the humility, trying to draw her into sympathy. “He didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”