“You want a taste?” Evelyn confirmed.

Marc rarely spoke aloud, especially with Evelyn. From what Clara understood, those two two were linked by blood and could share thoughts, emotions, and words without outwardly appearing to do so… Evelyn avoids it when I’m around because she thinks it’s impolite to exclude others…

Evelyn’s sire was a beautiful man, with black hair, dark brown eyes, and sunburned skin. He was built like a strongman of old, but had the demeanour and bearing of an old soldier. He was only one inch taller than Evelyn, which meant he stuck out in an age where women were taller on average.

By then everyone else had taken a bite or poured themselves a glass of wine. Clara let the melted cheese, wine and bacon tickle her palette. It had been a long time since she prepared this particular meal, and she nearly moaned as the flavours mingled with her tongue…. So rich… so bad… so good!

As a surprise, Marc exited from out of the shadows. His movements were so silent that Clara may have missed him entirely had he not been facing her.

Evelyn faced him just as she wiped off a long string of melted cheese from her chin.

“You want a taste?” Evelyn confirmed.

The dish was known as a kitty birthday cake. It was two layers of chicken pate, covered in a thick gravy covering it. Cat treats were used as a middle layer and topping, then scattered around for effect.

Bastet extended one of her claws and sliced through the pate. She then licked her claw with that rough tongue and began to purr.

Clara and Hecate visibly relaxed. They knew that the cat goddess would play with her food, but Clara was not about to lure men for the goddess to torment and kill.

Bastet’s hands transformed back into a feminine form. She could grab the silverware and dig in.

“Why don’t we dig in,” Clara said. “There’s always more if anyone is hungry.”

Everyone reached for their utensils. It was Bastet who showed some hesitation, cocking her head to the side.

Clara’s lip curled to one side and Evelyn stifled a giggle.

“None of us speak ancient Egyptian, Bastet, so we could not ask,” Clara said. “So, I looked up delicacies for cats.”

The slits in Bastet’s cat-like eyes made her look like a predator. Clara knew from experience that in feline form this one was deadly and fast… even Hecate keeps a wary eye on this feline…

“You don’t happen to have Adonis in there?” Evelyn said.

“He’s already dead,” Ethereal said.

Even Evelyn reacted visibly to hearing that voice. A cold stare from both her sisters caused the translucent goddess to sink deeper into her chair.

“Shame,” Evelyn said. “Ah well, a girl can dream. Although, I could lose myself in Artemis’ eyes though… Is it true that you were considered one of the most beautiful Goddesses of your time?”

Evelyn flashed her trademark smile, and Clara could have sworn that Artemis was blushing. After all that goddess was known to have virginal women accompany her… There might be more to that lore…

“I love what you’ve done with your hair,” Evelyn said. “What’s your secret?”

“The blood of my enemies,” Artemis replied bluntly.

“Is that all?” Evelyn said. “I have a long list myself, especially men.”

Artemis remained silent, disappointed that her attempt to intimidate failed. The angel suspected that the silent treatment had ceased.

“You are special to me,” Clara said to Evelyn. “Like most older couples we come with baggage and a past…”

She had no desire to sound like she was insulting the goddesses. So far there was a detente, that could change if she began to alienate them.

Closest to Evelyn was Artemis who adopted the demeanour of an impudent teen… including crossed arms and a scowl…

“Lastly we have Artemis,” Clara said and left it at that.

“I love what you’ve done with your hair,” Evelyn said. “What’s your secret?”

“The blood of my enemies,” Artemis replied bluntly.

Until that moment, Clara had been getting the silent treatment exclusively. Even Silver confessed that their newest addition had yet to utter a word.

Evelyn giggled, while maintaining her impeccable composure.

“Is that all?” Evelyn said. “I have a long list myself, especially men.”

Clara went from a single individual to six. It was as though Clara was a prism exposed to white light. The transition was as quick as a lightning bolt, and just as suddenly every chair was filled.

Evelyn gasped, but quickly covered her mouth to conceal her slight. This was not something Evelyn expected, even if she saw something similar take place in the summer.

“You’re already familiar with Hecate and her three personas,” Clara began. “Silver, Sparky and Ethereal.”

The vampire played the game well, acknowledging them without staring. Although there was a pause on Ethereal, a hint that her translucency was off-putting.

“The one with feline features, and wearing the latest in ancient Egyptian fashion is Bastet,” Clara went on.

Evelyn quickly realised why the meal choice was different for Bastet. Clara caught her gaze and winked as the selection might be entertaining.

Clara sat at her seat and adjusted herself. She focused on those emerald, green eyes and smiled.

“No one that’s not already here.”

“Then why—(are there five other plates.)”

Clara went from a single individual to six. It was as though Clara was a prism exposed to white light. The transition was as quick as a lightning bolt, and just as suddenly every chair was filled.