aZir, I have been teaching zee Valtz for zirty years,a Herr Strauss spat out, his eyes livid as he folded his tree-branch arms across his prep.u.b.escent chest.

aAnd I have been dancing the Waltz for hundreds of years,a Sinjin said flatly. Before Herr Strauss could argue further, Sinjin was suddenly gliding across the floor and I was moving with him. His feet swayed so lightly and gracefully, I had to glance down to ensure we were still touching the ground.

aNever take your eyes from your partner, poppet,a he whispered and I brought my eyes back to his ice-blue ones. aYour gaze must never leave mine. All you need to do is follow the lines of my body, allow me to lead you.a I just nodded and smiled up at him, finding huge relief in Sinjinas arms after my disastrous experiences with Herr Strauss. Just the idea of touching the praying mantis had been enough to turn me off dancing for the rest of my life.

aThis is a very simple dance, really,a Sinjin continued. aI begin with my left foot and I execute a forward half box.a He completed the half box. Then he stepped backward and did the same thing. aThe next step is the same, only in reverse. And you, my very lovely poppet, begin with your right foot and execute a backward half box, followed by a forward half box.a aYou lost me at box,a I said with a smile.

Sinjin chuckled and pulled me in closer, until I could feel the swells of his thighs as they shifted against me. Iad never realized how a sensual dancing could bea"how feeling the motion of a manas, of Sinjinas, body against mine could be such an a erotic experience.

I heard Herr Strauss mutter something angrily before stomping out of the room. After dancing with Sinjin, and feeling the expert way he whisked me across the floor, the idea of dancing with the stick insect was a unappealing to say the least.

aJust follow my lead, love,a Sinjin said as I obediently stared into his eyes, forcing myself not to second-guess my own feet. Strangely enough, they seemed to be doing a good job on their own.

aIf I didnat know better, Iad say you vampired me into knowing how to dance,a I said with an elevated brow, wondering if I hadnat succ.u.mbed to some form of vampiric persuasion.

Sinjin didnat respond but just smiled in an amused sort of way as he twirled me around the room so deftly, I didnat even feel like it was me dancing with him. It was almost as if Iad had an out-of-body experience, and was watching a woman who looked like mea"someone with long blond hair, blue eyes, and freckles across the bridge of her nose. But no, it was most definitely me, and Iad basically just mastered the waltz with Sinjinas help. Feeling suddenly courageous, I decided to tread into dangerous territory.

aSinjin?a aYes, my love?a he asked.

aWhy have you always been so interested in the prophetess?a I asked with a sweet, innocent smile, as if I were merely curious and not burning with the need to know. aWhat do you have up your sleeve?a He chuckled but didnat lose a beat. Instead he twirled me in front of him and then pulled me back into the coc.o.o.n of his body. I almost lost my breath as I bounced against him and found myself so close I could feel the silkiness of his shirt against my cheek and his breath on the top of my head. Somehow I didnat think we were dancing the waltz any longer. No, this felt more like the aforbidden dance,a whatever that was. I felt my heartbeat increase as blood rushed to my head.

aInterested, my pet?a Sinjin asked as he leaned into me, inhaling deeply, and smiled to reveal his fangs. aI make you nervous.a I shook my head but I realized it was stupid to argue the point. He did make me nervous. I never knew what he was thinking, or what his intentions were. And he had a tendency to want to a touch me all the time.

aYouare a vampire and Iam full of blood,a I answered dismissively.

aThat is not why I make you nervous.a aLetas talk instead about your fascination with the prophetess,a I said, pulling away from him, giving my feet a well-deserved rest and hoping some air might clear my head. I took another two steps back.

aI have no fascination with the prophetess,a Sinjin said and shrugged as if to reinforce his response as casual, unconcerned. aI believe the only person you could accuse me of having a fascination with would be you, poppet.a I laughed and shook my head. aOnly because Iave got a crown over my head.a Sinjin wetted his lips and narrowed his eyes as I felt my heart drop again. It was the expression of someone who was about to pounce on his prey, about to take whatever it was he wanted.

aNot quite, my love. You know I have sought you from the beginning.a He paused for a second and then took the two steps that separated us. aYes, from the very first moment you sauntered into my life, dressed in your little tutuaa"Iad gone to a costume party dressed as a fairya"amy interest in any other females was forever quelled.a aWhy do I find that hard to believe?a I asked, eyeing him suspiciously, propping my hands on my hips. Sinjinas libido was quelled? Yeah a No. Sinjin was the most s.e.xual creature Iad ever meta"he even rivaled Christa, and thatas saying something.

aI do not know, love,a Sinjin said as a secretive smile spread across his lips. aDid my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight. For I never saw true beauty until this night.a He ran his fingers down my cheek and chin and smiled again. His fangs were noticeably longer, and Iam sure I was just imagining it but they also looked sharper.

aNice, Romeo,a I said with a hesitant smile although I had to admit there was something a romantic about an incredibly handsome man quoting lines from Romeo and Juliet. But romantic or not, I had to ponder why Sinjin appeared to have such an a attachment to me. Of course, whether or not that perceived attachment was legitimate was anyoneas guess. Regardless, I wasnat the type to lead him on.

aSinjin,a I began in a serious tone. aI hope this is all a big joke to you because you know we can never be anything other than friends aa aShh, love,a he interrupted, bringing his fingers to my lips. aI know you imagine yourself to be enamored of the warlock.a I didnat respond because I wasnat entirely sure what to say. aEnamored of the warlocka didnat really even begin to describe my feelings for Rand. Then it suddenly occurred to me that maybe I should tell Sinjin Iad bonded with Rand in 1878a"maybe then he would understand how deep my love for Rand really was. As soon as the thought sprang into my head, I rejected it. Somehow word would get out. Rand needed to hear about our bonding from me firsthand, not from the vampvine.

Sinjin dropped his fingers but not the soul-searching gaze in his eyes. aI am well aware of the rules of this game, poppet,a he whispered. aTherefore, let us have just one more dance.a And so I did. I abandoned my hang-ups about Rand as well as my questions about what the h.e.l.l Sinjin wanted from Mercedes. Instead I just allowed Sinjin to hold me tightly, guiding me around the room. I allowed myself to enjoy the feel of a manas hands around me, Sinjinas hands, and pretended that maybe in an alternate universe somewhere, maybe in the vicinity of Kurt Vonnegutas planet of rolling tires, Sinjin and I could have our day.

It had to be midnight. Well, I wasnat sure what time it was exactly, but judging by the pitch black outside, I a.s.sumed it must be the dead of night. I found myself in Randas living room, awaiting the arrival of Varick and Sinjin who had gone out feasting a On whom, I had no idea. Odran and Trent sat on Randas leather couch while Rand stood on one side of the fireplace and I stood on the other, trying to thaw the perpetual chill that had lodged itself in my bones. I never could get used to cold English nights.

Rand seemed to be doing his utmost to avoid looking at me and I was doing my utmost to avoid looking at him. It was silly but obligatory because it wasnat like we could now get into the mega-conversation that we kept evading. It seemed that lately there was just too much going on for us to reconnect. I was either in dance lessons or otherwise preoccupied with equally fun tasks while Rand was a well, Rand was Rand.

Mercedes stood at the front door, searching for any sign of Sinjin or Varick. She turned to face us again, letting out a sigh as though she were eager to start our emergency meeting. Apparently, an hour or so earlier, someone had arrived at Pelham Manor bearing the news that the Lurkers had struck in Vermont. Theyad killed twenty Underworld creaturesa"actually the entire population of Underworld creatures who made their homes in Vermonta"eleven weres, two witches, and seven vamps.

After another minute or so, Varick and Sinjin appeared in the doorway and Mercedes hurriedly ushered them into the living room. Upon seeing me, Sinjin smiled and bowed low, whispering amy Queena in salutation. My heart rose up into my throat and my pulse thundered in my ears. I didnat smile but just glanced away, suddenly feeling uncomfortable about our dance. For some reason, it almost seemed indecent to mea"indecent that we had danced so closely and even more indecent that Iad allowed it.

I was meant to be with Randa"I convinced myself of that when he and I had our moment in 1878. Now I was doing a d.a.m.n poor job of keeping my promise that he and I would be together again in the here and now. While I didnat have the luxury of time when it came to picking a suitable moment to talk to Rand, dancing with Sinjin certainly hadnat moved me any closer to my goal.

None of that mattered now, though. What mattered was the twenty of our own who were now dead.

aWhat happened?a Rand demanded. I couldnat help but notice his gaze as it traveled back and forth between Sinjin and me. I almost wondered if his question was aimed at us or at Mercedes.

aI only know what the messenger shared with me,a Mercedes said. Evidently, the so-called messenger had come across the death scene in Vermont and immediately boarded a plane to England and Pelham Manor. Head announced the dire news to Mercedes, who just happened to be the first person he encountered.

aAnd where is this messenger?a Sinjin asked nonchalantly as he settled himself in an unoccupied armchair just beside me. He stretched out his long legs and crossed them at the ankles, looking comfortable and dashing in his customary black attire.

aHe seemed a bit a fl.u.s.tered a so I charmed him to sleep,a Mercedes answered with a smile. That had to mean the poor guy was so frazzled after seeing his friends and/or family ma.s.sacred and then traveling half a day, he probably had a meltdown. I know I would have. And luckily for him, he had Mercedes instead of Tylenol PM.

aBut upon my instructions, he was able to procure this.a Mercedes reached across the tabletop behind her and produced a b.l.o.o.d.y, wadded-up piece of clothing that appeared to be a shirt or maybe a skirt. I thought the fabric was pink, or maybe all the blood had just turned it pink.

aI guess weare on again tonight?a I asked, realizing Mercedes planned another reanimation for whomever the clothes had belonged to, and that shead probably intended for us to do it immediately. But the thought of attempting to reanimate anyone else left me nothing but worried. I wasnat sure I had the strength to go through it again. Not after what had happened last time.

aThat was my intention,a Mercedes said with finality.

aI donat think I can handle ten more,a I said hesitantly, biting my lower lip. aSomething happened to me with the last ten.a aYou are not aware of your own strength,a Mercedes said dismissively but Rand interrupted her.

aWhat do you mean, Jolie?a I shook my head. aI donat know what happened but it was as if I lost some of my power with each reanimation. I was exhausted like Iave never been before. It was like a like electricity went through me or something.a aIt is a difficult feat to reanimate more than one creature,a Mercedes started.

aIf Jolie isnat feeling well,a Rand interrupted.

But I knew wead have to reanimate at least one of the dead in this most recent incident. Otherwise, how would we ever find out exactly what had happened?

aI think Iam okay,a I said with an insincere smile at Rand.

He just frowned and c.o.c.ked a brow before facing Mercedes again. She held up the tattered piece of clothing shead managed to obtain from the messenger and studied it before facing us all expectantly. aThis is a sign, I hope you all realize.a aAh sign?a Odran repeated, reminding me that he and Trent were still in the room. Itas funny how whenever Rand and Sinjin were in attendance, everyone else seemed to fade into the background.

Mercedes nodded as she faced the fire, appearing to lose herself in the dancing flames. Worry gnawed at her features, and I had to wonder what was going through her head. Suddenly realizing she had an audience, she cleared her throat and faced us again.

aI imagine our enemies know what our weaknesses area"that our population continues to dwindle while theirs continues to increase. We are on the precipice of a disaster that could wipe us out entirely.a aAnd what do you propose we do?a Rand asked with tight lips. I glanced at him, despite my attempt to keep from looking at him all night. Seeing him did me no good. Instead it made me all nervous and fl.u.s.tered inside and increased my body temperature by about five degrees.

aWe need to continue reanimating the entire legion,a Mercedes said.

aWeare already doing that,a I pointed out, in a duh sort of tone.

aNo.a Rand shook his head as his eyes found mine. aWeare reanimating our side, not Bellaas.a Mercedes nodded as if to say Rand had hit the nail right on the head. aPerhaps we should reanimate both sides, ours and Bellaas.a There were lots of hushed tones as everyone reacted to the idea of reanimating our enemies. The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized there was no way around it. If the Lurkers really were growing in numbers, it was possible that they could wipe us out. Especially if we couldnat discover their weakness or, worse yet, if they didnat have any weaknesses. And as to whether or not our magic would work against them a aMercedes, does witch magic work against the Lurkers?a I asked.

She shook her head. aI do not know.a She seemed uncomfortable with that fact.

aBellaas soldiers could take the loyalty oath with truth serum to ensure they are on our side,a I said in a small voice, basically admitting that I agreed with Mercedes.

aIt is a risk,a Rand interjected as he started to pace back and forth. And he was righta"it would be a risk because it would mean that half our proposed legion had once been loyal to Bella. In effect, wead have a legion that was already polarized, already divided against itself.

I glanced at Rand again and noticed he was wearing a long-sleeved, white T-shirt and dark jeans. It looked as if he was in need of a haircut because his chestnut waves stuck out from behind his ears. I actually preferred his hair long like thisa"it gave him a rugged sort of look. But it wasnat like Randa"unkempt wasnat part of his vocabulary.

aBellaas soldiers would recognize the Lurkers as a bigger threat to their future than us,a Trent pointed out. aThat could be enough to get them on our side.a aAye,a Odran concurred. I glanced at him, wondering why head been so quiet throughout the meetinga"it wasnat like Odran. However, seeing he was almost pa.s.sed out on Randas couch, I guessed he was just tired. Hmm, had someone had a busy evening?

aRegardless of whether we decide to reanimate Bellaas legion, weare forgetting a major issue. We donat have time to reanimate more creatures,a I interrupted, suddenly very aware of how long it would take to reanimate another two hundred soldiers.

aIf we reanimated Bellaas soldiers, that would bring our number of soldiers to five hundred,a Mathilda said quietly.

aIs that enough to take on the Lurkers?a I asked, somewhat surprised to know we would only number five hundred. Of course, I guess it made sense: If Underworld creatures numbered in the hundreds of thousands, the society of humans would not exist as it currently did. The entire world would be subject to the powers and abilities of the Underworld beings, who were much more powerful than humans.

Mathilda c.o.c.ked her head to the side as if she were considering my question. aI do not know.a aHow many are on their side?a I asked, glancing at Mercedes.

She shrugged. aI believe their numbers are close to one thousand.a aOne thousand?a I repeated. aHow is that possible? That sounds much smaller than Iad imagined. I thought they had no issues with procreating?a Mercedes shook her head. aThe females are only fertile for a short time before they become Lurkers, that is, before their fangs set in.a aBut you said they were expanding at an alarming speed?a I argued.

aTheir rate of procreation is faster than ours, that was my point.a aHow do you know this?a Rand asked.

Mercedes frowned at him. aI have learned all I know of the Lurkers through visions and brief encounters with them over the hundreds of years of both of our existences. I admit my knowledge of them is hardly exhaustible.a She paused for a few seconds. aWhat I do know is that in order for us to defeat them, we will need Bellaas legion.a Everyone was quiet as they mulled over the possibilities of reanimating Bellaas legion. Before I could think of a solution for the time issue, I was plagued with yet another troubling thought. aWe donat have any pieces of clothing or anything personal from Bellaas soldiers, which prevents us from being able to reanimate them in the first place.a aWead have to get Bella on board,a Rand answered, sighing as if that task would be even harder than reanimating her entire legion. He was probably right.

aThatas virtually impossible,a I said, remembering how less than happy shead been to see me when Iad visited her. No, she would relish having us at her mercy and would love telling all of us to shove it.

aThere would be no other way,a Rand argued as he started pacing back and forth again. aShe must have created a ledger or something of that nature bearing the names of all her soldiers.a aI donat see Bella helping us,a Trent said.

aI think heas right, Rand,a I said.

aWeare not offering her a choice,a Rand interrupted, stopping mid-pace as he focused on me. aIf we donat give her a choice, she canat refuse.a aLeave Bella to me,a Sinjin said with authority. I turned to face him and found him staring at me. I frowned, remembering that head befriended Bella on false pretenses once before. When he and I had met, head been pretending to be allied with her and had also been boffing her, both of which made me feel ill.

aIf anything, she hates you more than anyone else, given the circ.u.mstances,a I said in response.

aIs not the line between love and hate very thin?a he asked with a devilas smile. I just shook my head.

Mercedes glanced at him and nodded. aDo what you must,a she said, ending the conversation.

aI believe step number one is to bring our victim back to life,a Mercedes announced and reached for the item of clothing again. She handed the clump to me, and I was immediately captivated by some sort of perfume that smelled like lilies. The scent was light but sweet and I guessed this victim was a woman. I glanced at Rand and offered one hand at the same time Mercedes took the other. Now the fun would start.

aDo you want me to help you focus, Jolie?a Rand asked.

I closed my eyes and shook my head. I concentrated on the black of my closed eyelids as I attempted to tune out the room around me and everyone in it. The darkness began to swirl and I felt as if I were floating in a sea of black nothing, riding the swells as reality began to erode into surreality.

My feet landed on something hard that felt like concrete. I opened my eyes to find that I was standing in the backyard of a one-story house. Surrounded by a forest of trees, I noticed that there were no birds singing or insects chirping. Instead screaming deafened my ears and appeared to be coming from the house. I wasnat sure what to do so I took a few steps forward, nearly tripping over a woman lying prostrate before me. A man stood above her, staring down at her lifeless body. I figured he must be a family member.

I knelt to ensure she was dead when I noticed that the man above her was suddenly wielding a wooden stake. The man smiled and revealed the tiniest fangsa"almost like sharpened Chiclets.

As I suddenly realized the woman wasnat dead and this jerk was about to finish her off, I lurched forward and dived for her. The Lurker brought the stake down in a split second, his speed and strength impressively fast, vampire fast. I felt a handful of the womanas hair in my palm. When I opened my eyes, she appeared to be fading, disappearing into the air. I glanced down at myself and noticed that the same thing was happening to me.

I donat think I pa.s.sed out this timea"the transition between reality and alternate reality was much faster than it had been earlier. I blinked and found myself in Randas arms as he, Mercedes, and everyone in the room focused on the woman who was huddled on the floor before us.

She seemed to take a deep breath and then stood up on wobbly legs, glancing around herself as if wondering where the h.e.l.l she was.

aWhere a what a,a she started in an American accent, a Texan drawl to be more specific. Her eyes fell to Sinjin and she heaved a sigh of relief.

aSinjin Sinclair,a she said and paused for a second or two. aWhy do I have the feeling I just died and you really are the devil himself?a Even though Sinjin merely chuckled at the womanas accusation, it was safe to say that the rest of us were shocked. It seemed as if even the fire in the fireplace was taken aback because it hissed, hurling a few sparks against the screen.

aAh, we meet again,a Sinjin said in his s.e.xiest voice as he looked her up and down appreciatively.

aWell, I canat say Iam really all that bothered by the fact that Iam dead,a she replied with a coy laugh as she approached him. I think the rest of us were too mummified by what happened next to even make a sounda"she simply leaned down, placed her hands on either side of Sinjinas face, and kissed him! Then, in the next split second, she pulled her hand back and smacked him right across the face.

aAnd thatas for taking off and never leaving word about where the h.e.l.l you went, you son of a b.i.t.c.h!a she shouted angrily, fangs indenting her lower lip.

And Sinjin, in true Sinjin form, didnat budge or resist. He merely allowed her to attack him and relaxed back into Randas armchair, unfazed. aI apologize, love, but I was much younger then and could not be tied down,a he said with a self-satisfied smile. Jerkwad.

aAs if you could ever be tied down,a the woman replied, some of her femme fatale wiliness sinking back into her tone.

aSo are you going to introduce your a friend, Sinjin?a I asked, not meaning to sound so put out. I even let my arms drop from across my chest in an attempt at indifference, as though knowing these two had a past didnat bother me in the least.

The woman turned to face me and I realized how pretty she was. She had long dark hair that reached the middle of her back, blue eyes, and a smile that seemed contagious.

aI apologize,a she said, shaking her head almost as if she were embarra.s.sed. aIam Klaasje Helgren, itas nice to meet you.a She p.r.o.nounced her name Klashaa"like Tasha with a Kla.

She offered me her hand and I shook it, figuring that since I was the one to bring her back to life, I should probably act the part of the good hostess. Of course, the one who knew her better than any of us was Sinjin, who was evidently responsible for the wham, bam, thank you, maaam, but whatever.

aIam Jolie,a I began, smiling while motioning to Rand, who merely tipped his chin in acknowledgment. aAnd this is Rand Balfour, owner of this manor. Mercedes Berg, the prophetess.a I turned to face Mercedes.

aThe prophetess?a Klaasje repeated with her wide eyes fastened on Mercedes. aI always thought you were just a fable.a aLuckily for me, that is not so,a Mercedes said with a little laugh. I was so unaccustomed to her making jokes that I didnat even really know how to respond. Instead I hurriedly continued with my introductions.

aThis is Odran, King of the fae,a I began as I suddenly realized I had no clue what Odranas last name was. Did the fae even have last names? Odran Fairy? Hmm, that sounded a well, it didnat sound good. aAnd this is Trent, head of the weres. And you probably already know Varick?a Klaasje just nodded and flashed Varick a quick smile. He dropped his head in much the same way Rand had, but somehow with Varick it seemed ice cold and unfriendly.

aAnd you obviously already know Sinjin,a I finished and frowned at the vampire in question as he beamed up at me, playing the part of an innocent.

aYes, Mr. Sinclair and I are well acquainted,a Klaasje announced as she presented Sinjin with another flirtatious smile.

aHow do you two know each other?a I was quick to ask, trying to sound like I was just making conversation.

Klaasje glanced at Sinjin once more before turning her full attention on me. aOh, Sinjin and I a well, we go way back, donat we?a Sinjin nodded and crossed one leg over the other. aI do believe it was August 1875 in Salado, Texas, when we met, love?a he asked. I wasnat sure why but the fact that he had now called her alovea twice irritated me a a lot.

Klaasje nodded, a broad smile glowing on her pretty face. aThatas right, Mr. Sinclair, the gentleman from Britain.a She had a faraway look on her face like shead just been transported back to 1875 and probably just met the debonair Mr. Sinclair. That is, before he left her and continued on his merry way, into some other womanas bed, no doubt.

aDid Sinjin turn you?a Trent asked.

Klaasje laughed at his apparent stupidity. aNo, I never did get that honor.a She rolled her eyes at Sinjin, as I realized her response was drenched in sarcasm.

aYou flatter me, love,a Sinjin said and shook his head, apparently not picking up on the fact that she was kidding. Or, more likely, he was disregarding her sarcasm.

aDid I ever tell you how jealous everyone got once you started coming around?a Klaasje continued, sounding sincere this time. Sinjin laughed and leaned forward but before he could reply, Rand cleared his throat and looked more annoyed than I probably did.

aThere are many subjects we still need to discuss,a Rand started. After frowning at Sinjin, he turned to face Klaasje. aMore specifically, what happened to you in Vermont?a Klaasje looked a bit confused and glanced at Sinjin as if her answer lay with him. Her eyebrows furrowing, she returned her gaze to Rand. aI think itas pretty simplea"some b.a.s.t.a.r.d staked me.a I glanced at Rand and shook my head when it seemed he was about to bombard her with myriad questions.

aShe might not realize what happened,a I suggested and faced Klaasje. aYou might want to sit down.a She took a seat on the leather sofa beside Sinjinas armchair. aIf youare asking me to sit, this must be some story.a She tried to sound jovial but there was an undercurrent of worry in her voice.

I nodded. aYou did die, Klaasje, but I brought you back to life.a aYou what?a She looked at me like Iad just sprouted another head.

aI brought you back to life,a I repeated. aIam a witch anda"a aJolie is also Queen of the Underworld,a Sinjin interrupted. Klaasje raised her brows as she appeared to reexamine me. Then she dropped her head in deference and stood up to curtsy before facing me again.

aMay I ask you a question?a she asked. It was almost as if shead had a personality switcha"the garrulous and confident woman now concealed by someone more humble and unsure. And it was all because Sinjin had just dropped the monarchy bomb on her.

I nodded. aOf course.a Not appreciating the fact that I was now being treated differently from everyone else in the room, I turned to face them all and sighed. aI donat want to be put on a pedestal. Iam Queen, yes, but to me, itas only a t.i.tlea"a mission I must fulfill in order to unite our people.a Mercedes humphed her disagreement but didnat argue with me. Point for her. I returned my attention to Klaasje and she nodded, clearing her throat.