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a step backwards, then another. He made a small bow and said, “My apologies, Sir. If I overstepped the mark, it was in response to the extreme attractiveness of your companion. I meant no disrespect, and of course, your word is law.”
    “See that you remember that.” The Devil continued to glare at the satyr, as he slowly but determinedly backed away. When he was well out of striking range, he turned and ran.
    As the satyr disappeared around a corner, the Devil relaxed. He pulled Jess from behind him and smiled at her. The creatures on the lawn shifted positions and resumed their conversations.
    Jess had just been given a potent reminder of who was in charge in this kingdom. The power and control emanating from the Devil was entrancing, especially since he’d used it to protect her. Who knew possessiveness could be so very, very sexy?
    He ran a hand over her face. “Are you all right?”
    She rested her cheek on his cupped palm. “I was just a bit frightened, that’s all.”
    “I will never let anyone hurt you. Never! Do you understand?”
    Jess nodded. She knew with complete certainty, for as long she was with the Devil she was safe.
    Together they entered the castle. Little of the outside sunshine penetrated the walls. The interior was shadowy and murky.
    A tall, thin man, with an unnaturally pale complexion, came forward and made an obeisance. “Sir, how pleasant to see you here. May I offer you and your companion a glass of wine?”
    “Thank you, Vlad. We’d like that.”
    The man turned with a swirl of his crimson-lined cloak. Over his shoulder he said, “We only drink reds here. I do hope that will be satisfactory.”
    The Devil smiled and replied, “Exactly what we expected. Of course that will be fine.”
    Before they reached the door, a huge animal hurtled around the corner and charged towards them. Jess gasped, and again the Devil instantly placed her behind him.
    Vlad spoke sharply. “Hubert. Behave yourself.” He gestured to where the Devil stood protectively in front of Jess. “Can you not see it is the Master?” He looked at the large clock standing against the wall. “Besides, it’s not the full moon for another two days. What were you thinking?”
    The wolf-like creature stood and straightened. Hairy limbs took on a human appearance. Within seconds the only animal attribute that remained was the sheepish expression on a very young man’s face. “Sorry, Sir. It’s just that I enjoy my work so much I sometimes get carried away.”
    The Devil patted the young man on the back. “Enthusiasm is a good thing. I’d hate to see you lose it. Just be careful not to let it cause you to scare the wrong people. A werewolf has an important role to play in a lot of fantasies. You don’t want to let your natural enjoyment of the job cause you to behave in a manner detrimental to the profession.”
    “Yes, Sir, I mean, no, Sir.”
    The gentle rebuke had been given and accepted without loss of authority on one side, or self-respect on the other. It was a masterful display of expertise in management.
    The werewolf turned apologetically to Vlad. “I won’t let that happen again. Metamorphosis on the night of the full moon only. No exceptions.”
    He bowed deeply to the Devil and loped off with a long, easy stride.
    Vlad watched him go then moved to the table and poured the wine. He also offered a rich borscht soup, thick and blood red. The serving spoons he placed before them had extended handles.
    Jess picked one up but found it awkward and hard to manipulate. “Do you have any more normal spoons?” she asked politely.
    “We do,” Vlad replied. “But for some reason, whenever we sup with the Devil, we use the long spoons. I don’t know why. It’s just habit.”
    He went to a side board and drew out some ordinary silver ware. “Why don’t we all just use these? With your permission, Sir?”
    The Devil nodded graciously. “I never understood why you did it anyway. I thought it was a cultural