Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 84864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
“That tells me they weren’t looking for humans.” Xavier lounged, throwing one leg over the armrest.
“Agreed,” Alek stated. “We had some intel come in last night—a list.” He glanced at me, and I walked copies of the list to each of the thrones before returning to Alek’s side.
“There are two witch families on this list,” Luna said, scrolling down the dozen names.
“Where’s the rest of the list?” Xavier asked. “It’s clearly cut off.”
“It’s all they had on them,” I answered.
“We think they’re targeting half-bloods, or those with vampire ancestry,” Alek said. “Which is why I need to formally ask for your temporary permission for unfettered access to your territory.”
“The fuck you—” Ruyan started, then grasped for his throat.
I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing.
“Manners,” Xavier said without so much as looking Ruyan’s direction. “Learn some.”
The sound of gasps filled the chambers and Ruyan fell back in his seat.
“You were saying?” Xavier looked Alek’s way.
“We need unfettered, temporary access to your territories not only on Conclave business for agreed-upon justice, but to investigate and protect these listed families.” Alek glanced from throne to throne.
One by one, they agreed, even Ruyan—if only to avoid Xavier.
“We also ask it for the time being in regard to our search for Samuel.” His gaze landed on Xavier. “We’re asking for all the hope we can get, and as I understand it, you denied access to Saint last night.”
Xavier shrugged. “He looks too much like his brother for my liking. Besides, the Covenant states that assassins have access for agreed-upon justice, not so you can take out your own trash.”
“That trash is likely to take out half the supernaturals in this town if we don’t find him,” I answered, holding the demon king’s stare. “I’ve known Samuel for centuries. He’ll kill with single-minded focus. He won’t mind slaughtering every demon he can get his hands on if he thinks it will get him closer to the vampire throne.”
“You somehow think that dealing with bloodmad vampires is something demons are strangers to.” Xavier sipped at his drink. “I remember when your kind—your order—was created, Ajax.”
“And you forget that if Samuel is coming for the throne, then he’s—” Benedict started.
Alek put up his hand, silencing Benedict.
Ajax. I heard Alek’s voice in my head and immediately threw time into a halt around the three of us, pausing the other members of Conclave.
“He’s being obstinate,” Benedict said, folding his arms across his chest.
“He can hear you.” Alek said, staring at Xavier.
“It’s always funny how you vampires assume your powers affect us.” Xavier smirked. “I’d even go so far to call it cute.”
Alek stood, removing a parcel from under his jacket, and without speaking, Benedict and I followed him across the room toward Xavier.
“The longer Samuel remains free, the longer the throne is in danger, and you and I both know that you don’t want extra danger placed on anyone under my protection.” Alek raised an eyebrow at Xavier.
“There you go assuming again. As if I don’t have eyes on Daphne.” He swung his legs over in a motion too quick to be seen by even vampire eyes and sat up.
“Well, just to keep things…amicable, seeing as she’s still a minor.” Alek handed Xavier the parcel. “Consider it bribery for allowing my assassins access. It’s from Daphne, obviously.”
Xavier blinked, then took the brown-paper-wrapped package with his name scrawled across it in feminine handwriting and a note I quickly made out that said, “For the next time we meet.” He opened it and laughed out loud. “Do you know what she sent me?”
Alek shook his head. “I asked her if she had anything to send given the situation.”
Xavier thumbed through a book, a smile widening on his face. “It’s a copy of Men Explain Things to Me, by Rebecca Solnit. It’s considered a modern feminist tome on the propensity of men to mansplain.”
Alek groaned.
Xavier shook his head and put the book in his lap. “Sweet little Daphne.”
Alek’s eyes flashed at Xavier. “She’s still a child, you know.”
“Not for long.” Xavier waved him off. “And I have no intentions of removing her from your custody as long as she’s safe. And as for anything else…” He shrugged. “She’ll have to come to me when she’s ready.”
“That’s never going to happen,” Alek said with a certainty I didn’t share. Valor’s little cousin had a mind of her own, and I’d caught her reading a history of demonology more than a few times.
“We’ll see.” He leaned back, and that was that.
We returned to Alek’s seat, and once we were all in place, I released time.
Every eye in the room darted between Xavier and Alek, not realizing the exchange that had happened.
“You have whatever access you desire to my land.” Xavier held up his hand. “Only the hunters in your little order of assassins.”
Benedict’s jaw dropped.