“Then
you’ll still never know…”
“Never know what?”
I squeezed the trigger, a sneeze away from firing. “That’s it, Belle. I’m fed up with you. Get the fuck out of Edward, and this time stay out.”
A low chuckle came from Edward, and goosebumps stood up on my arms. Normally Edward’s laugh didn’t contain so much power, but my skin crawled as he straightened up and smiled coolly at me. “Ma petite, you are good.”
“Do not call me that.”
“As you wish. How did you know I remained in your friend’s mind?”
“Because he wouldn’t react the way he did. You fooled me the first time, but I’m smarter than that. So who do you want dead, Belle? Me or Edward. I still can’t figure it out.”
Edward/Belle took a slow step toward me. I tightened my stance and held my aim steady. “At first I would have been satisfied with your life. Then I thought, why not kill Death? He is almost as much a threat as you are, Executioner. With two major adversaries out of the way, we of the Council may have an easier time taking over this country.”
“You will never rule in America,” I said. “The Masters here would never let you. You’ve got all of Europe and who knows where else. If that doesn’t make you happy, then maybe you need some therapy.”
Belle frowned. “Therapy?”
I shook my head. “Nevermind.” My arms were starting to get tired. “Now be a good little vampire and leave Edward alone. We’re all on to your plan. Give it up already.”
“I will leave on one condition.”
Fighting the urge to say, the hell with it, and shoot her, I sighed. “What’s that?”
His/her eyes were hard, mouth set in a hard line. “When I send my people to visit this fair city, you do not kill any of them. You or your master.”
“Jean-Claude isn’t my master,” I protested.
“As you say. We are getting impatient with you, ma petite.” I glared at her. “Anita. You kill too many whom you should not. One day soon it will get you in a great deal of trouble.”
“And if I promise to leave your entourage alone?”
Belle smiled, and it seemed sincere this time. “Then I will leave in peace. Do we have a deal?”
I thought about it. “Your people will be fine as long as you stick to the guidelines that Jean-Claude has set out. But I want permission to defend myself if needed.”
“Done.”
“Good, now leave.” I hoped she didn’t notice the faint trembling in my arms. There was a backwash of power and I heard her sigh as she departed. Edward staggered and I hurried forward to steady him. “Edward?”
“Anita? What’s going on?”
“It’s
a long story. I’ll fill you in on the way to the main room.”