A Council of Betrayal by Kim Schubert Page B

stood, raising a hand, buttoning his
jacket as he gave a princess waive.
    The speaker continued, “Governor Hash has
been sent here to assist the government in drafting their
legislation regarding our rights in the human realm as
Supernaturals.”
    Several individuals shifted uncomfortably in
their seats, watching Hash closely. He was off limits and any death
matches would have to be conducted behind closed doors. I wondered
where he was last night.
    I let my gaze wander from Hash, anger
pressing against my shields, wanting an outlet, wanting to destroy
Grams. Pain was a close second. She knew he was going to be here
and said nothing—hell, she might even be the reason he was here in
the first place. It was another strike against her and while I was
willing to forgive a lot, it had to stop. We had to be on the same
page.
    When my brain started registering what my
eyes were seeing, I almost laughed at the protection he had
gathered. From my vantage point I counted ten humans packing heat
and high tech earpieces, watching the group of killers surrounding
them.
    I blew out a breath. At least while in Hash’s
company I was safe. Too bad I wouldn’t be staying there.
    The speaker was still going on when I tuned
back in, “…please enjoy breakfast and continue the meet and greet
that last night’s unfortunate sewage leak called a stop to
early.”
    I laughed. “Sewage leak?” I asked Logan.
    He shrugged. My gaze cut to Grams, seated
three seats down from me. She met my gaze this time, her steel gray
eyes against my own sea green ones.
    I wanted to ask her what she had done, what
she had used my organization to do, but there were far too many
ears listening.
    Jerry broke the tension at our table. “Let’s
eat before the witches take all the good food.”
    I nodded, following him and Logan to the
already growing line. The vampires had little use for food, and the
drink being served to them was undoubtedly warm blood. I touched my
neck absently, thinking back to Blake.
    Hudson slung an arm over my shoulders,
leaning down to whisper in my ear, “Now that you’re cleaned up, my
dear, I’d be happy to help you over those anger issues.”
    I watched Logan’s shoulders stiffen, but he
didn’t turn around.
    I moved forward with the crowd, picking up a
warm plate with gold trim. “You watch the video again?”
    He had the decency to pretend to be slightly
ashamed, and I do mean ever so slightly with that wide-mouthed
grin. “Let’s just say it’s not every day one gets to try out the
succubus who ruined a vampire.”
    I piled donuts, waffles, maple syrup and a
giant glob of butter before I answered him. I gave thought to being
an asshole and denying once again the claim that Blake needed my
blood to sleep with Angelina, but I was done carrying around that
shame and that pain.
    Instead, I smiled. “I’m thinking of making my
own web series. ‘How to Fuck Like a Succubus.’”
    Hudson roared laughing, throwing his head
back and almost upsetting his precarious stack of bacon and
sausage. He unapologetically bumped into the witch behind him. She
sent him a murderous glare before clearing her throat and turning
to me.
    “Actually, I’d like to discuss a business
opportunity with you,” she began.
    My mouth hung open and Logan turned, raising
an eyebrow.
    “Um, what opportunity would that be?” I
asked, moving aside from the table with my full plate.
    Logan and Hudson followed me closely.
    “I’m aware of your dance establishment,
Kitten, and I’m opening a similar business venue. It’s a hotel, and
the rooms are magically charged to enhance a couple’s
pleasure.”
    My eyes widened. “That’s kinda brilliant, but
it would need to be well controlled.”
    She smiled under my unintentional praise. She
was a witch, and I had no love for that brand of Supernatural after
my run in with Destiny and her brand of crazy. I couldn’t help but
agree, though, it was a good idea. I kinda wish I had thought of