Big Game (The V V Inn, Book 3) by C.J. Ellisson Page A

away. “I’m not walking into a group of bloodsuckers with an erection.”
    “Fair point.” I sashay to the door and zip my hanging wardrobe bag. “I hear an engine outside, must be the hired car.”
    “Do you want a wrap?”
    I shake my head and step into my glittery heels. “I’m fine. I’ll touch up my makeup in the car. Let’s get on the road.”
    Rafe unbolts the outer door and a moist breeze pushes my hair from my face. The driver stands at the ready and opens the rear car door. I slide into the long limousine, across the soft leather seat, while Rafe stows the bags in the trunk and speaks to the driver. He’s a private hire not associated with the Tribunal. The two men speak in Spanish and in no time we’re rolling through the darkened city streets.
    We cruise past ornate, older structures, skyscrapers, the capitol building and the miniature Washington Monument known here as El Obelisco , which marks the 400 th anniversary of the city’s founding. Buenos Aires has changed much in that time, and I’ve enjoyed seeing it grow over the centuries. The area is a gorgeous mix of culture and European architectural styles.
    Finishing the last touches to my makeup, I snap my compact shut, slip my red lipstick into a handbag, and check the time. Almost nine. We should arrive before the party has truly begun. I fiddle with a glove and stare out the window at the various lights racing by.
    Worried, dear? Rafe’s soothing mental voice fills my head.
    Concerned would be more accurate. Best we stay on our toes tonight.
    A soft snort comes from the seat next to me. Yeah, you think? I dread these events at the best of times, but after Coraline’s Alaskan visit… who knows what den of vipers we could be strolling into.
    I rest a hand on his arm in reassurance. Nothing will be blatant or outright. Vampires are subtle in their steering of events, especially when dealing with their own kind.
    After twenty minutes, we pull in front of an opulent townhouse. Its stone veneer, intricate railings, and high arched windows are reminiscent of old, large London townhomes costing millions of pounds. Warm light spills from every window of the distinguished structure. The Tribunal owns the entire, very expensive, block and their underground lair below the street surface far exceeds the footprint of the buildings above. A lone doorman stands outside with no indication of a party going on through the windows.
    Rafe opens the car door and exits, offering a hand to me. As I emerge from the sleek black limo a shiver steals down my spine again. Is that apprehension I’m feeling or a tinge of excitement? I shake it off and pull my aura in tight, not wanting to broadcast, if I don’t have to.
    My rhinestone-encrusted spiked heels flash in the street lamps as I step to the curb, glancing up and down the sidewalk. A couple walks arm and arm from the next house down, and two more figures beyond them stroll in our direction. I brace myself and plaster on a smile to my perfectly made-up face.
    Show time, darling, I project to my husband. Be sharp.
    Rafe’s warm hand glides down my bare back, stealing some of the chill that’s settled at the base of my spine. Never you fear, liebling. I’ve got your back. We’ll do fine tonight.
    Fear? I wouldn’t call it fear.
    No, of course you wouldn’t. How silly of me.
    He’s trying to draw me out, but that shiver really surprised me. Was it intuition?
    It’s called ‘you should have worn a coat’, Rafe quips while motioning for the doorman on the steps to come to us. A younger vampire around the age of fifty saunters down, looking unsure if he wants to listen to a human or not. I turn to face the pony-tailed wall of meat and wait for him to recognize me. It only takes a second. His goateed visage shows genuine happiness at my arrival.
    “Alexandria?” He bows deep and takes my hand, delivering a perfunctory kiss to my gloved fingers. “I had no idea. You weren’t on the list