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Max had indeed met Duchess Farnham, one of Victoria’s honorary aunts and a bosom friend of hera va a visit in Roalado, and had been intent on wooing Victoria’s mother Victoria still s a stake the thickness of her wrist

Although, at the ti

"The duchess is hosting a dance tonight, and of course I dare not miss it Especially now that the new Marquess of Rockley has suddenly disappeared All of London is abuzz with that choice bit of gossip," she said

Upon his arrival from America to assume his title, Victoria’s deceased husband’s heir had become the victim of vampires An undead impostor had been introduced into the ton in his place, and had later met the pointed end of Victoria’s stake As there was no body to be found, the new Rockley had been given up as ued and worried the peerage

"Is Vioget keeping you waiting? No doubt he is still fussing with a new knot on his neck cloth" Max sounded supre on the lacy shawl that would do little good against a chill in the air-but it was a hot, hu unco"

"Indeed?"

Though she was turned half away, Victoria felt Max’s gaze score over her Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his expression He was decidedly displeased

She wasn’t certain if it was because he’d noticed her gown or because Sebastian wasn’t attending her In any event, it didn’t matter A displeased Max was exactly what she wanted

"Indeed" She started toward the door "Good evening, Max"

"Surely you don’t plan to attend without an escort"

She paused, then glanced back at hie…" She raised a brow, looking at hiht even have to dance"

"Where’s Vioget? Foolish of hio alone"

"Ah, yes, thehis interests, shouldn’t he?" Victoria replied coolly That had been Max’s plan: that she should be with Sebastian-in all ways-because, as a born Venator, Sebastian would be able to understand the dual sides of her life and also assist her in the fight against vampires

Max himself had been one of the most fearsome of Venators, called by choice and not by the blood of the Gardella faiven up his powers in order to destroy a rising de his powers, Max had also severed the thrall that Lilith had io He’d been freed of her influence, but she was still obsessed with Max She was certain to be after hiain, after she recovered from her recent setback at the hands of Victoria and the other Venators

But it wasn’t so much himself that Max worried about, but Victoria, as he’d adain… and again And she’ll use you, Victoria She’ll use you to get to me I wish I could lock you up, and know you’d always be safe… and I know that can’t bloody well happen But I won’t be part of it I won’t ry hat she perceived as an illogical argument, Victoria had called hiined attributing to Max But to her surprise, he’d accepted it Owned it And walked away

The last thing he said to her was an acknowledg your life, yes, yes, godammit, yes, I am, Victoria I’m a damn bloody coward