Drake hesitated, seemingly debating within himself before giving a harsh laugh.
"You tempt me, Sebastian, but luckily for you I have more pressing concerns this night.
Consider this a gift. On the next occasion I will not be so kindly disposed."
Sebastian regarded him steadily, forcing himself to put aside his fear for Amelia and even his lingering fury at being so ruthlessly attacked. This was a vampire. A brother.
"And then what? Drake, you are not unintelligent, Nefri and the other vampires will never allow you to gain command of the Medallion."
A snarl twisted the handsome features. "They will have no choice."
"No." Sebastian gave a slow shake of his head. "You fight a losing battle. Still, it is not too late to give up this madness and return to the Veil."
"I am no eunuch." He stepped back, his arrogance shimmering in the air about him. "You may be satisfied with your cold bed and dusty books, but I am destined for far greater rewards."
There was a sudden chill in the breeze before Drake was abruptly shape-shifting into a dark shadow that disappeared down the lane in the blink of an eye.
Sebastian made no effort to follow the renegade. He knew where to find his lair, if the time became necessary. Instead he remained standing at the edge of the garden with a frown upon his brow.
There was something he was missing, he realized with a pang of aggravation at his unusual lack of perception. Drake was always overly confident and certain of his powers. Even behind the Veil. But whatever his arrogance, he was not without some sense.
Why was he willing to risk utter destruction when he must know that there would be others who hastened to stop him? He could not battle every vampire. Not even with the Medallion.
So what did he know that Sebastian didn't?
And what did it have to do with his mysterious companion?
And how dangerous was it not knowing the answer to those questions?
Chapter Seven
Drake paced the cramped cottage with quick, restless steps. He was furious. More than furious.
He was no dupe, he told himself savagely. Nor was he a fool.
When he had left the Veil it was clearly understood that it would be his task to retrieve the Medallion. As well as to put a stop to Sebastian, or any of the other vampires, if they should stand in his path.
To have this sudden interference was unbearable. And more than a bit suspicious.
If the plans had changed he should have been consulted. He would not be left dangling as bait while the prize was snatched from beneath his very nose.
Oh no, he would not tolerate such blatant interference.
He turned about and abruptly froze. The approaching sense of the vampire was filling the dark, dank air and Drake swiftly smoothed his hands over his fine emerald jacket. It was about bloody time, he seethed. He had been waiting at this hideous cottage for near three hours.
Holding himself steady, he watched the fog thicken and swirl beneath the door, shimmering in the darkness with an evil glow of its own.
"At last..." he began to complain, only to have his words roughly choked off as the fog reached out to wrap about his neck. For long, agonizing moments he was held in its ruthless grip, his feet actually leaving the dusty floor before at last he was tossed disdainfully against a wall.
"Never," the fog rasped, "never summon me in such a manner again."
With painful movements, Drake forced himself back to his feet, his fury now mixed with fear.
How he longed to put an end to this vampire, he seethed with black hatred. A slow, torturous end.
"I had to speak with you," he said in a tone roughened by his aching throat.
The fog stirred the dust restlessly upon the floor. "You risked exposing my presence to Nefri, you dolt. Not to mention alerting the Great Council that I have discovered a means of traveling through the Veil undetected."