Chapter 19
Sam pulled Claudia close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to scare you. But yes, Gavin found some concerning information about Kettering’s companions. We’ll talk about it before we leave, I promise. Right now, let’s just focus on getting ready.”
Claudia nodded against his chest, then pulled back. “Okay. I’ll go get dressed.”
He watched her leave, then finished with his own preparations.
The tie tack Claudia had made for him felt warm against his shirt, the topaz seeming to pulse with protective energy.
The money clip in his pocket vibrated very slightly.
There was active magic somewhere nearby, probably just Claudia working with her own protections as she dressed.
When Sam emerged into the living room fifteen minutes later, he found Claudia standing by the windows in the emerald-green gown.
The dress was even more stunning than he remembered from the fitting.
The deep V neckline was daring without being obscene, the way the fabric draped and moved complemented her curves perfectly, and the slit that revealed tantalizing glimpses of her leg when she shifted her weight made his mouth water.
It also allowed her more freedom of movement than other dresses of the type.
If they got into trouble tonight, she’d be able to maneuver without her wardrobe getting in the way.
But it was the woman wearing the dress who truly took his breath away. Claudia turned to face him, and Sam saw strength and courage in every line of her body, despite the fear he knew she was feeling.
“You look incredible,” he managed.
“So do you.” She crossed to him, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor. “Now tell me what’s going on. What did Gavin find?”
Sam took her hands and led her to the sofa, sitting beside her. There was no point in sugarcoating it. She needed to know what they might be facing.
“The woman with Kettering last night is named Marta Chambeaux. She’s confirmed as a Venifucus mage. She’s relatively new to the order, but already responsible for several deaths in the states.”
Claudia nodded slowly. “And the man?”
“That’s where it gets complicated.” Sam kept his voice steady. “He’s going by Adolf Schwarz right now, but Gavin dug up evidence to suggest that he’s been using different identities for at least a few centuries. Maybe longer.”
The color drained from Claudia’s face. “Centuries?”
“Best guess is that he consumes the power of other mages to extend his life. They call him Der Nehmer, which translates to The Taker. He’s definitely Venifucus and likely high up the hierarchy.”
She was quiet for a long moment, processing. When she finally spoke, her voice was steady, despite the fear in her eyes. “You think he might target me. That’s why you’re so worried.”
“I think he’s after both of us, but yes, you’re at particular risk.
Powerful mages are his preferred prey.” Sam pulled her closer.
“But we’re not going to let him get to you.
Mark, Nick, Shelly, and I—we’ll all be watching your back tonight.
And you have the protections you’ve made, plus Granny Tucker’s enchantments on your jewelry.
And you’re not to stray from my side for even a moment. ”
“Will that be enough? Against someone who’s been alive for centuries?”
“It’ll have to be.” Sam tilted her face up to meet his eyes. “I won’t let him hurt you. I promise you that.”
Claudia took a shaky breath, then seemed to gather herself. “Okay. So what’s the plan for tonight?”
“Stay close to me. Don’t wander off alone, not even to the restroom. If you sense anything wrong magically, tell me immediately. And if things go bad…” He paused. “If I tell you to run, you run. No arguments.”
“Sam—”
“Promise me, Claudia. If it comes down to it, your safety matters more than anything else.”
She searched his face, then nodded reluctantly. “I promise. But the same goes for you. If things get dangerous, we protect each other. Deal?”
“Deal.” He kissed her softly, trying to memorize the taste and feel of her, just in case. “Ready to confront evil?”
“Not really,” she admitted. “But I’ll do it anyway.”
“That’s my girl.” Sam stood and offered his hand. “Let’s go show Monaco what we’re made of.”
Sam squeezed Claudia’s hand before they stepped into the hallway. The evening was charged with potential danger, but also with possibility. If they could identify Schwarz’s weaknesses tonight and observe his patterns, they might find a way to neutralize the threat he represented.
The short car ride to the Casino de Monte-Carlo was quieter than the previous night. Claudia sat close to him, her hand in his, looking out at the glittering streets of Monaco, seeming to be lost in thought. Sam could sense her preparing herself mentally for what lay ahead.
“Penny for your thoughts.”
She glanced at him. “I was just thinking about what Granny Tucker told me before I went to Houston. She said I’d face challenges that would test everything I’d learned, but that I was ready for them.
” Claudia’s smile was slight. “At the time, I thought she meant magical challenges. I didn’t realize she meant I’d be facing down ancient evil among a gaggle of billionaires. ”
He chuckled at the description. “Would you still have accepted the job if you’d known?”
“Yes.” Her answer was immediate and certain.
“I’ve always known the Kinkaid Clan was good and honorable, and that deserves to be preserved.
I wanted to help. It’s my calling, in fact.
I can’t let fear stop me from fulfilling my raison d’etre.
And honestly, running away from Schwarz wouldn’t make him disappear.
He’d still be out there, consuming other mages’ power and causing all sorts of evil and mayhem.
At least this way, we might have a chance to stop him. ”
Sam brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “You’re braver than you give yourself credit for.”
“Or more foolish.”
“Brave,” he insisted. “Trust me on this.”
The casino appeared ahead, lit up like a jewel against the night sky. Unlike last night’s red-carpet entrance with photographers, tonight’s arrival was more subdued. The second ball was invitation-only, no press allowed, which meant guests could arrive without the media circus.
It also meant Schwarz could act with less fear of public exposure.
Sam helped Claudia from the car, his hand immediately finding her waist. The emerald dress shimmered under the lights as they climbed the steps, and he noticed more than a few heads turn to watch them enter.
Let them look, Sam thought. Let everyone see that Claudia was under his protection.
The dining room was smaller than the previous night’s venue, and a bit more intimate. The guest list had been reduced to just the inner circle of the Celestine Gala’s exclusive world. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over the space, and a string quartet played softly in one corner.
Sam’s eyes swept the room, cataloging threats and allies. Mark and Shelly stood near the bar, Mark’s posture relaxed but his eyes alert. Nick and Sullivan were nearby, and Nick’s attention was clearly divided between his mate and scanning the crowd. Good. They were all in position.
And there, near the far windows, stood Abdul Kettering with his two mage companions.
Marta Chambeaux wore black tonight, a sleek gown that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. Her dark eyes looked around with predatory interest, lingering on various guests before moving on.
But it was Adolf Schwarz who commanded attention, even from across the room. He wore his tuxedo with the ease of someone who’d attended formal events for centuries, and his silver hair gleamed under the chandeliers. When his gaze found Sam and Claudia, he smiled.
It wasn’t a friendly expression.
Sam felt Claudia tense beside him. “I can feel his power from here,” she whispered. “It’s like standing near a bonfire. Old and hot…and dangerous.”
“Stay close to me,” Sam reminded her. “And remember, we’re not alone.”
They moved into the room, accepting champagne from a passing server. Sam kept Claudia slightly behind him, positioning himself between her and Kettering’s group. His lion was prowling beneath his skin, alert and ready to shift at the first sign of threat.
“Sam! Claudia!” Sullivan’s voice was bright as she and Nick approached. “You both look stunning tonight.”
“As do you,” Claudia said, and Sam heard the relief in her voice at having allies at their side.
“Kettering’s here.” Nick kept his tone conversational, but his words were chosen carefully. “Far windows. He’s been watching you since you arrived.”
“I noticed.” Sam took a sip of champagne. “Any movement from him?”
“Not yet. He’s playing it cool, working the room like he’s just another guest.” Nick’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “But his mage friends keep scanning for magical signatures. Shelly says they’re actively probing, trying to identify other mages in the crowd.”
“Have they identified her?”
“Probably. But she’s keeping her shields tight and staying close to Mark.” Nick’s hand found Sullivan’s waist. “We’re going to keep circulating. Shout if you need us.”
After they moved away, Sam guided Claudia toward the opposite side of the room from Kettering. Better to make the arms dealer come to them if he wanted a confrontation.
They mingled with various guests, making small talk about business and travel. Sam introduced Claudia to several contacts, and she handled each interaction with growing confidence. But he could feel the tension in her body, could sense her magical awareness constantly monitoring the room.
“Herr Kinkaid.” The voice was cultured, with a slight German accent. “What a pleasure to finally meet you.”