“Obviously I was just a pawn in her little game with him.” I twisted off the top of my fresh bottle. It was some of my expensive stash that I hadn’t wanted to bring out in front of Lucky. “It’s great that she cared about his Sirens, but he’s still treating them like his personal slaves. I don’t know how Aggie stands it century after century.” I took a swallow and savored the smooth slide of the rich liquid down my throat. “I realize now how lucky I was to escape, even if I did lose my song and love of the water.”

“Those are big losses. But when he wiped your memory, Achelous actually did you a huge favor. Think how horrible you would have felt all these years, wanting what you couldn’t have.” Laurie and I were quiet for a few moments, each thinking deep thoughts.

Finally, I spoke my thoughts out loud. “But why did he leave me with any powers at all? I obviously can still draw men to me, can freeze people in their tracks and burst through mind blocks. Maybe I can do even more. I’ll have to talk to Aggie about that. The bottom line is that I have plenty of good stuff inside me that Achelous didn’t take.”

Laurie moved over to sit beside me. She put her hand on my shoulder and stared into my eyes. “Seriously? I think Achelous did all he could do to you, Glory. He couldn’t reach any deeper. And that, my friend, is news that Aggie and the sisterhood really should hear. You might hold the key to their freedom.”

We smiled at each other. Yes, Achelous was a bastard and I’d like nothing more than to pay him back for what he’d done to me. Free the Sirens? Suddenly I had a plan.

It was a beautiful night, not a cloud in the sky, but I still shivered. Maybe because I was on the shore next to a lake again. Too many memories haunted me as I stared out at the calm water. That boat ride when Ray and I had met Aggie in the first place. Achelous’s temper tantrum on a terrace not far from here. I could go on. But tonight I’d called Aggie and arranged a meeting. Without telling Ray about it. He wouldn’t like it when he heard, but this was my business. I’d give him a report later if there was anything he needed to know.

A quiet splash signaled that my date had arrived. Aggie emerged from the lake, for once bothering with a bathing suit. I knew she didn’t usually hide her assets when she was out trolling for victims. How, I didn’t know. Instinct I guess. Had she killed someone tonight?

“Quit staring at me like I’m some evil creature from a horror flick.” Aggie wrung out her wet hair, blinked and she was dry and dressed in a pair of skinny jeans and a snug red T-shirt. Her hair was dry too and it was beautiful, with golden waves down her back.

“Neat trick. Why didn’t you use it the other night when we were with Achelous?”

“I was going for his sympathy. Not that I got any.” She frowned. “And I hoped the wet look would take his mind off my misdeeds.”

“Snooping for my records in the archives?” I sat down on the blanket I’d brought along. “You’ve got to know the kill numbers you trotted out blew my mind.” I stared down at my hands. “God, so many.” I looked at her again. “How can you deny you’re evil, Aggie?”

“You used to kill too. Though your numbers were puny.” Aggie sat across from me. She materialized a leather bag and pulled out a compact and lipstick. “Guess we’re both evil. Deal with it.”

“I’m trying to.” Not that I was making any progress. Killing for sport? I just couldn’t imagine being part of that. I swallowed a nausea that had been with me ever since I’d found out I’d been like her once, able to kill and then just… powder my nose before looking for my next victim. God. I tried not to let her see how much all this was getting to me and lifted my chin. “Achelous is a piece of work. You really have to debase yourself like that every time you meet with him?”

Aggie closed the compact with a snap. “I pander to his ego. It’s a game the Sirens play, to keep the peace. I don’t appreciate your attitude.”

“Sorry if I’m upsetting you.” Of course it had humiliated her that we’d seen her cowed by that god. The Aggie who strutted around Austin in her designer duds took no prisoners.

“Like you could.” She tossed her hair, determined to play the tough girl.

“Yeah, well, humor me. I have questions about myself. And maybe an answer for you. We could exchange information—if you care to share.” I put my hand on her arm. This was important, and I knew she could tell me to just stuff it and take off at any moment.

“I came here, didn’t I? I’ve actually felt kind of sorry for you, Gloriana. The sisters and I talked about you. We realize Achy did you dirty. All of us have had bad seasons when our numbers were down. The idea that he could toss any one of us out and wipe our memories? Hon, it’s sickening.” Aggie shuddered then carefully put away her lipstick and compact. “So I’ll cut you some slack. What do you want to know?”

“First, about my blood. I’ve made a vampire, then she turned Ray, Israel Caine. They have Siren blood now. Will that give them any Siren powers?”

“Don’t they wish. But we don’t get our power from the blood, it comes through the mind and the body.” Aggie ran her hands down her own perfect shape. “Which is one reason I was so freaked when Circe cursed me that time and took my beauty away. Bitch. But I have to admit she came through for us the other night. Women should stick together. Tell Ray and that other vamp they get nada, zip, from their Siren blood.” Aggie grinned. “Except maybe a little status. It’s a rare thing, don’t you know.”

“Of course.” I hit her hand when she offered it for a high five. Why not? She was right. But it made me wonder about Ian’s claims. Clarity. If nothing came from blood, then how could he make a drug from it? I’d have to think about that later. Right now I had Aggie here and more questions.

“We’ll have to experiment to see what powers you’ve got now. This vampire change is bound to have done a number on your abilities.” Aggie frowned at me.

“Well, I’ve still got my body and my mind, even if my memory’s shot. I’ve figured out that I can turn people to statues, just like you can. Alesa the demon showed me that one. And blast through mind blocks, though anyone more powerful than I am seems to be able to stand up to me on that score.” I made an attempt to read Aggie’s mind and hit a wall.

“You’d better believe I can resist your little foray into Aggieland, sweetie. But you can resist me too, when I come at you. Firm your wall. Not even I can read past your block if you’re really determined to keep me out. Try it.” She focused on my face.

I threw up the Great Wall of China then thought about Ray and how we’d made love. I saw Aggie frown as she concentrated and actually felt her shoving at the barrier.

“Nice job, Glo. I think you’ve got it.” She turned to look at the lake. “Still scared of the water?”

“Terrified. Achelous must have planted that idea in my head.” I looked out at the reflection of a moon on the shimmering surface but didn’t see beauty, only danger hidden beneath the water. “I don’t suppose we can do anything about that.”

“Doubt it. He’s a real son of a bitch.” Aggie sighed. “And he took your song. That’s a killer. But surely…” She stared at me for a moment. “Try to sing. Right now. I want to hear what you’ve got.” Aggie leaned back on her elbows.

“Seriously, you don’t. I can’t carry a tune. It’s pathetic.” I shook my head but she just kept her eyes on me, daring me. “Okay, you asked for it.” I raised my chin and belted out one of Ray’s love songs. I knew every word and had sung along to his CDs in the privacy of my car and in the shower. But I knew my efforts were painful to listen to. I didn’t even make it to the chorus before Aggie stopped me.

“Please!” Aggie had covered her ears. “You make it hard to believe you were ever a Siren. Girl, this is the worst. Achy should go to hell for what he did to you.”

“It’s odd, but I don’t miss singing. Ray’s about to go into a deep depression over it. As an artist, he says it’s ‘tragic.’”

“Ray’s right. It is.” Aggie wiped at a tear and cursed fluently in several languages. “Wait till I tell the sisters. This is unforgivable. We each have our own special song and it defines us. It’s our signature, I guess you could say. Damn it. Achelous took your identity, Gloriana.”

I felt tears pop into my own eyes but blinked them back. Wait a minute. I didn’t need a song to know who I was, did I? I’d managed to create a life, make friends, develop a personality and all without singing a single note.

“It’s okay, Aggie. I’ve coped, but it wasn’t always easy. Luckily, I did have help along the way. Not sisters, of course. Like you do.” I couldn’t believe it when Aggie actually patted my hand.

“They’re my family, Glo. It’s a shame Achy cast you out without one.” She sniffed, then pulled out her compact again.

“How does the sisterhood work? Aren’t you scattered all over the world?” I leaned back on the blanket.

“We communicate telepathically.” She tapped her head. “Though we can get together in a blink of an eye. Doubt you can teleport. It takes a pretty powerful psychic connection to each other to get us into a group. And an emergency. We’re too vulnerable when we’re, um, clustered.” Aggie appraised me. “I feel funny sharing Siren secrets with you, Gloriana. You’re one of us, but you’re not. Swear to me right now that this stuff stays with us. Or I’ll hunt you down, girl. And you know I can make your life a living hell.”

I held out my hand. “Aggie, I never had a sister that I remember. And a group of murdering Sirens isn’t exactly what I had in mind. But I won’t betray you. I’m here to help you. Other than the powers I’ve already showed people, what we say here, stays here.” We shook hands and I let Aggie read my mind to reassure her.