Her falcon flapped its wings, pushing down air and propelling her through a long hallway that cut through the mansion. When she reached the foyer, she veered right and swooped over Wyatt’s head.
“Hey! Watch it, ladybird!”
Blue’s falcon perched atop a statue. Many were intimidated by her gaze, including Wyatt, who hustled up the stairs without looking back. Blue relayed her desires to her bird, and within seconds, they took flight. Her falcon dove at Wyatt and snatched the slouchy beanie right off his head.
“Son of a ghost. Give that back!”
She flew toward the winged statue near the door and dropped the hat on its head before heading down the east hall toward a painting. When she made a sharp left down the outer hall, she glided by a long row of beautiful stained glass windows.
Blue spotted her dress by the door where she’d gone out the previous night. Sometimes she got it on the way back in, but last night, Blue’s falcon wanted to perch on the rooftop for hours. Afterward, she’d flown through her open bedroom window and gone directly to sleep.
Up ahead, Viktor was admiring himself in a mirror.
He raised his arm. “Blue, if I could have a moment.”
Blue soared past him. When she reached the side exit, she landed on the floor next to the pile of fabric and morphed. Without skipping a beat, she slipped the dress over her head from a kneeling position and stood.
Viktor hadn’t pried his eyes away from his reflection.
Flipping her hair out from the collar, she strode toward him. “We didn’t see you at dinner tonight. Are you securing a big case?”
“Nyet.” He grumbled something in Russian and finally turned toward her. “I cannot straighten tie. Why must these be so complicated? Can you fix?”
She approached him and undid the knot. Ties weren’t really Viktor’s style. He exuded casual sophistication—usually chinos with pressed shirts and cardigans. Blue slowly adjusted the length of the necktie, something she’d learned to do since they occasionally went to formal parties, and the men in the house were hopeless. “I don’t think I’ve seen you wear a tie to a business meeting.”
“Not meeting. My date with Miss Parrish is this evening. I would have bought a tailor-made suit if it wasn’t on such short notice.”
Was Lenore worthy of a man like Viktor? “Maybe you should wear the clothes that you like. Be yourself.”
“Fancy restaurants require fancy clothes. I must look good.” His cheeks flushed. “Is this acceptable?”
Acceptable? Viktor was the definition of handsome. Seasoned by the years, his silver hair, often combed back, was peppered with dark grey. He kept in shape—just the right amount of definition in his arms and torso. And there was something about the way Viktor looked at a person that made them feel noticed. Men like Viktor possessed a quality that couldn’t be taught: charisma.
“Miss Parrish is a lucky woman” was all she could say.
Viktor stroked his short beard, neatly groomed on the sides and longer around the chin and mouth. Aftershave wafted off him, and she noticed a bloody piece of toilet paper stuck to his neck.
After adjusting his tie, she reached up and removed the toilet paper, flicking it to the floor. “A man like you doesn’t need to slice his jugular to impress a woman. Your reputation precedes you.”
He cupped her cheek in his hand, and she warmed. “What would I do without my Blue?”
She stepped back. “Do you really think it’s wise for people like us to pursue relationships? Gem’s boyfriend lost his head. And if Raven and Christian split, it’ll get ugly no matter what they say now. I always assumed you wanted us to keep any relationships we had with outsiders casual.”
“In this job, it is for the best. But there comes a point when I cannot rule your lives, and I cannot predict my own path. Miss Parrish is an exception—she is not an outsider. She is privy to our secrets.” He turned to the mirror and admired Blue’s handiwork. “I do not think this will flourish into a romance. I am not deserving of a woman such as her.”
Blue considered Lenore’s beauty. While she didn’t think much of her personality, there was no denying Lenore’s attractiveness. Flaxen hair, a slim physique, money, class… and the flawless skin of a Vampire. “Any woman would be lucky to have you at their side. Don’t let her intimidate you. Beautiful women have a way of doing that, and just because she asked you out, don’t think that she’s the one who has the upper hand.” Blue stood behind him and brushed lint off the back of his jacket. “Look at what you’ve built, and all without the help of a pack. People respect you, Viktor. You can have any woman you want.” She gazed at him through the mirror. “Just be careful.”
Blue wanted to warn him that Lenore had the power to charm him with a look, but Viktor obviously knew the risks of dating a Vampire. Why, of all Breeds, did it have to be a Vampire? Does he not want the loyal companionship of a wolf?
She folded her arms. “Any new jobs for Niko and me?”
He turned around and fiddled with his cuffs. “Perhaps I might need a scout. I have not yet reviewed the details.”
Blue clenched her fists but quelled the frustration in her tone. “I’m more than just my bird, Viktor. Any assignments that I can work in human form?”
“I have nothing. If you are bored, go relic hunting at the pawnshops or help Wyatt with side work.” Viktor blew out a shaky breath, obviously distracted by his evening plans. “Well? How do I look?”
“Like a million bucks.”
Viktor glanced at his watch. “I must hurry.” He turned away and quickened his pace as he put distance between them. “Spasibo!”
Blue strolled to the back of the mansion and glided through the shadows, her long dress swishing at her feet. Most of the halls were identical—stone floors and walls, gorgeous arched ceilings that were expertly crafted, the only light provided by candles. Keystone was like stepping back in time, and the mansion was built to last. Blue wasn’t easily spooked, but sometimes in the late evening, it felt as if the ghosts of her past were hiding in the pitch-black corners. After ascending a flight of stairs, she took a shortcut to her room.
Wyatt jogged around the corner, out of breath. “I’ve been looking all over for you. I need to put a tracking device in your ass.”
“If you insert anything inside me, I’ll shatter your skull.”
He swaggered up, hands in his pockets. “Tell that to the man in your room.”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “What’s Niko doing in my private chamber? If you guys are playing a prank, I’m not up for it.”
“It’s not Niko.”
“Is that so?”
“Niko’s the one who let him in.” Wyatt stretched out his arms before letting them fall to his sides like dead timber. “But since you put my hat on the damn statue, I’m not telling you anything else.” With that, Wyatt whirled around and strutted away.
Blue had quickly learned that living in a houseful of men was like living with adolescent boys. They all had a relentless sense of humor and pranked each other to pass the time. Sometimes Blue and Gem were caught in the cross fire but rarely were they the center of the joke. Keystone men knew better than to target a woman with their juvenile sense of humor. Gem was sensitive and made them feel guilty.