---- 428, STAY AWAY FROM SALVATORE! KATHERINE After that encounter in the garden, despite Elliot and Voraths tantrums, I managed to convince them that my approach was the right one.


    We had to create an opening, gain his trust so he would talk otherwise, he might resort to more extreme measures.


    In the end, one day, we arranged to meet in secret from the Duke of Everhart so I could introduce him to the Dowager Duchess.


    ad "[ truly appreciate all the effort you''re making to help me.


    Im afraid the Duke doesnt have much tact when ites to women," he said, seated across from me.


    We were in the same tavern where Brenda had arranged for him to spy onus.


    Elliot is very busy, thats the only reason he hasnt been able to give you much attention, Mr.


    Max.


    Rtions with the Dowager Duchess are also a bit...


    plicated..." I told him, offering a slightly awkward smile.


    Since he was supposedly an outsider, he pretended not to know that Brenda had been my husband''s mistress.


    "Well, have some wine.


    I tried it, and its delicious," he said, pouring a ss for me with great attention.


    ---- As I reached for it, his fingers lingered for a few seconds, brushing against mine with subtle intent.


    A shiver ran down my spine, not from pleasure, but from the fear sparked by the low growl rumbling in my mind.


    Goddess, if this vampire were paying more attention to finding danger instead of flirting with me, he would have already uncovered everything Iraised the ss to my lips and took a sipor at least, thats what Imade him believe.


    He may be a vampire, but he is no sorcerer.


    True, Im still a novice when ites to magic, but being well-fed by a powerful lycan and learning a few tricks from that journal and the little spellbook, I am no longer the helpless Katherine.


    As always, he watched my every move.


    I could swear a maniacal smile curled at the corner of his lips as he saw me drinking his bewitched liquid I knew what he had done.


    He learned it from Be, and I had a strong feeling he would use it.


    I suppose her loveless spirit whispers warnings in my ear.


    The door suddenly creaked open, and I lowered my ss.


    Of course, the final actress of this grand theater had arrived.


    "Duchess of Everhart, good evening.


    I received your invitation.


    What is this all about?" Brenda entered the private area of the tavern.


    Her gloved hands lifted the ckce veil covering her facethe ---- image of a grieving widow.


    Hypocrite.


    "Former Duchess, this is Mr.


    Max, the Regents inspector.


    He wanted to ask you a few questions and asked me to arrange the meeting since you two dont know each other, correct?" Of course not," she said, standing at the entrance, staring directly into his eyes.


    "I have never met this gentleman in my life." She said it without even blinking.


    Goddess of the supernaturals, what kind of scum did you create? She sat at the table, and they spent the entire time pretending to discuss cases.


    Twas about to yawn in their faces and tell them to cut to the lies already.


    Finally, the moment came.


    "Duchess, I need to ask you a question, and I want you to bepletely honest with me.


    What is your name?" The vampire suddenly leaned forward, his deep eyes shifting to a glowing red, filled withpulsion and control.


    "My name? I...


    my name is...


    Rose...


    Katherine, my name is Katherine," I confessed the truthwhat he wanted to hear to.


    confirm that the spell he had slipped into my wine was taking effect.


    That the confusion in my mind was growing, and my thoughts were bing unclear.


    Easy to manipte.


    Theard a chuckle beside methat bitch Brenda, enjoying her victory.