Chapter 1

After what happened the last time I was here, I did not plan on returning to New Orleans for a very long time, if ever. Then again, I had not planned on Amelia Broadway becoming my room mate and best friend.

She needed to see to the repairs on her apartment building and, she really, really did not want to see her father without backup. In short, I was guilted into it.

I can't say I resented it too much. The truth was I needed a change of scenery. I had been working non-stop since Arlene quit. Sam had just found a permanent replacement, but in the interim I was happy to fill in. I needed the money and, frankly, I needed to keep busy. I had seen neither hide nor hair of a vampire in the four, nearly five, months since Pam and Eric came to offer me the king's protection, although I could feel plenty of vampire anger and frustration through the bond. It left me feeling raw and hurt.

To make matters worse, I found myself avoiding certain other social situations because I knew my brother would be there, and I was still having nothing to do with him. In fact, I was not sure how I was going to handle the christening for Tara and JB's baby. I knew Jason would be invited, and as I was asked to be the godmother, there is no way I could avoid attending.

All in all, I was running on fumes, physically and emotionally. I needed to get away and recharge the batteries so to speak. Amelia told me that the French Quarter and Garden District were still relatively unscathed, so we would be able to enjoy the city. I really didn't have an opportunity to do any sightseeing on my last trip, and decided I was going to enjoy what the old girl had to offer, while doing my best to contribute to her rebuilding.

So there I was sitting at the Café du Monde, drinking coffee and eating a beignet, with Amelia. I was enjoying the feeling of the sunlight on my face, when we were approached by a really good looking man. I heard Amelia's thoughts easily. Wow! Now there's a cool drink of water. I giggled lightly, and Amelia grinned at me conspiratorially. Should we pretend we're a couple and send him away or, do you wanna go for it? I rolled my eyes at her.

I should go for it, I thought. What have I got to lose? Really? Nothing. Eric had nothing to do with me for months, and no one else was interested, well other than Bill, but no way was I going to make that mistake twice.

I looked up at him as he stopped at our table and gave him a big smile. "Hello," I said, somewhat shocked at myself for speaking first.

"Hello Ms. Stackhouse," he replied.

Crap. I felt my smile fade. I checked his mind, but he was definitely human.

"Who are you?" I heard Amelia ask coldly. All traces of the flirtatious gone from her voice. She was involved enough in the supernatural world to know the risks as well as I did.

"Craig Sutherfield, please call me Craig. I am Mr. de Castro's daytime assistant. I was sent to see to any needs you may have while you are in our city and, to extend an invitation to you from the king." He handed me an envelope.

Shit. How the hell did de Castro know I was here? Was he having me followed? Was my house bugged? I began to feel my skin crawl.

My questions must have been plainly written on my face because Craig went on, "you were spotted last night checking in to the hotel. Mr. de Castro owns many businesses in the city. Of course, your rooms will be taken care of."

I probed him and knew he was telling the truth. I felt some of the tension leave my shoulders. At least I was not being followed. We were staying at a hotel, Amelia's treat. Since she was the one who dragged me here and, it turned out her place was far from ready to be occupied, we were forced to seek out other arrangements.

Wouldn't you know it? Out of the hundreds of hotels in New Orleans, we wind up at one of the ones owned by a vampire and, not just any vampire, but Felipe de Castro, King of Louisiana, Arkansas and Nevada.

My fingers ran over the fine linen of the envelope, before I opened it. The invitation was handwritten, on the same fine paper, in a beautiful, flowing script.

Ms. Stackhouse,

It would be my great pleasure if you, and your lovely companion, would honor me with your presence this evening. I am hosting a small gathering at my home and, would appreciate your unique talents. I look forward to seeing you.

Felipe de Castro

I passed the note to Amelia and, as she read it, Craig once again offered his services as guide or, anything else we may need.

"Thank you Craig, that is sweet, but Amelia here is a local and knows her way around the city just fine."

"Well then, if you do not require anything else of me, may I inform his highness that we can send a car for you, at say eight o'clock?"

I looked at Amelia, who nodded imperceptibly, and told Craig that he may.

After he left, I took a deep breath and exhaled. "Crap." I stated rather flatly. I looked at Amelia, "you don't have to go hon. Obviously this isn't really a social affair. He wants me for work purposes, not social ones."

"Sooks, there is no way in hell I'm letting you go in there alone." She gave my shoulder a squeeze. "I guess we need to go shopping. I know I didn't bring anything to wear to something like this."

We finished our breakfast and headed out to do some shopping. Several hours later, we returned to the hotel in much higher spirits. For the first time I really understood Amelia's fondness for "retail therapy."

The plan was to go de Castro's (looking fabulous), try to get out of there as soon as was politely possible, and then head to some clubs Amelia knew where we could have fun and leave vampire politics behind.

Since when does anything ever go according to plan?