As we approached the enormous estate on The Gold Coast, Disco had tried to soothe me through our mark. His influence had been welcome, but it didn’t last long. The moment we passed the large gates to the residence our link dissipated, leaving me on my own. He’d warned me to expect that after we returned to his bedroom to get dressed, indicating that he wouldn’t restore our connection unless he had to take control of my mind. While I didn’t relish the idea, there was a small amount of comfort in knowing he could overtake me if he had to, making sure I survived the night.
Paine had always been the strong silent type, but I knew he didn’t reach out to me in the same way because he was fighting his own thoughts, struggling to keep his temper in check. He kept physical contact to a minimum, assisting me as I climbed from the limousine before backing away. I wished the situation wasn’t so fucked up, so we could talk.
Sadly, there were more pressing issues at hand.
I followed Goose’s lead when the second limo arrived with the rest of the family—Sirah, Jonny, Nala, Adrian, Landon, Corey, and Peter—and fell into place behind them as they walked toward the door. Unlike the necromancers in the group—who looked like street sluts—they were wrapped from head to toe in designer duds. I cut a sideways peek at Disco and Paine, admiring the view. They matched in black Armani suits, the tailored fit displaying their broad, muscular shoulders.
The monstrosity of a home before of us was totally out of place. Whoever designed it obviously had a hard-on for all things Southern. I’d seen my share of antebellum mansions, and this one was a beauty with columns, wide windows, and an intricate terrace on the third floor. Goosebumps spread down my neck, warning me vampires were inside—vampires and necromancers. I couldn’t do a headcount. There were too many, their combined power too potent. Someone was waiting to open the front door as we started up the stairs. I couldn’t see inside, but I could hear music spilling from a piano, the key strokes haunting and eerie.
I took a deep breath, cursing the horrible stilettos Marius had given me. I wasn’t good in heels and it showed. Each step was slow and calculated, ensuring I didn’t bust my ass and make a fool of myself. They filtered in—Disco and his entire family—before Goose and I stepped past the threshold.
Holy shit.
The décor was a blast from the past. Tapestries adorned the walls, hardwood floors creaked beneath our feet, and the ceilings were adorned with crown molding and intricate designs. Large mirrors on each wall reflected our progression, making the large foyer appear endless.
I tried to shake off the hum that entered my body: a natural reaction from one necromancer to another. Dear God, how many were inside this place? A dozen? Possibly more? I knew several purveyors of the dead would accompany their masters, but I hadn’t anticipated just how many vampires had been invited to the soirée.
How many necromancers could you fit into a mansion? Apparently, a shitload.
My thoughts were redirected to something else, something that caused my eyes to bulge. It was a good thing I worked in a strip club, otherwise I might have been shocked. Nude men and women stood on either side of us, collared necks bent, eyes lowered. Some of them had devices over their private parts. Others were as bare as they day they were born. They didn’t move a muscle as we strode past, as though they were living, breathing statues.
Slaves, I realized. Each and every one. Jesus.
The temptation to reach out to Disco and ask what the fuck was going on was strong, but I squelched the impulse. This was nothing. Not even a blip on the fucking radar. My test was yet to come. If I failed here, screw advancing to the final exam.