calm. He trusted Aiden, always had. Whatever Aiden decided, he would follow because he knew it would be what was best for him and the family. Best for everyone.
A smile slowly spread across Aiden’s lips, and his shoulders relaxed slightly before he looked over at Winter. And then he winked. Winter couldn’t guess what Aiden had planned, but he was sure it would be an adventure.
“You’ll probably think me gauche and predictable, but I have a different favorite of Delacroix’s paintings,” Aiden said.
“Really? And which would that be?”
Aiden spun around and nodded to the painting on the far wall that was supposed to be in the Louvre, but it was his understanding that the original actually hung in The Gallery. The French palatial museum held the fake.
“Liberty Leading the People,” Aiden said. The famous painting was a bare-chested woman leading fighters over barricades and dead bodies with a musket in one hand and the French flag in the other.
Damon sneered at Aiden, almost immediately turning his back on the classic. “And you would make me to be the fallen King Charles X in this little lesson?”
Aiden smiled. “You remember your French history. But no, you’re no fallen French king. I like the painting because it is a reminder that people will always fight for their freedom and will follow a leader who believes in their cause.” The smile fell away, and Aiden’s voice turned to ice. “And you will never have my son.”
Winter tensed while his heart sang at Aiden’s angry words. He would have gone to Damon’s clan if it was what Aiden wanted, but he had no desire to ever leave his family.
But there was no explosion of rage. Just laughter.
“I expected as much, but I did have to try,” Damon said with a shrug. “I will slaughter all the Variks as well as the Montgomerys. You’ve caused me nothing but trouble.” Damon’s gaze snapped over to Winter and his grin turned particularly cruel. “And before this night is over, I mean to take back what you stole from me.”
“Fox!” Winter snarled. He didn’t think. Rage and fear swept over him in massive engulfing waves. Sliding his hands along his waist, he palmed the two slender knives hidden on his person and started to launch himself at Damon.
He didn’t get far. Heavy footsteps pounded across the marble floor, the sound echoing through the art gallery. Damon grinned triumphantly at him as his loyal followers stormed The Gallery. It was clear they were about to be significantly outnumbered. Winter needed to kill Damon, but he also needed to get home to Fox.
“Winter!” Aiden shouted.
He flew to his father’s side, putting his own body between Damon and Aiden.
“It’s time to leave,” Aiden said calmly.
As much as Winter wanted to stay and fight, it was best they beat a quick retreat. He tapped his powers and pulled aside the veil. Aiden automatically grabbed Winter’s hand and followed his son into the world of the dead. The moment they vanished, Damon screamed and lunged at where they stood. Winter shoved Aiden to the side while attempting to slam his blade down into Damon’s neck. The sharp metal simply passed through his flesh like it wasn’t even there. Or rather like Winter wasn’t even there.
“Winter?”
“They can’t see us or hear us. We’re safe,” Winter growled, glaring at Damon as he screamed for his men while waving his arms about, still trying to locate them.
“Could he grab you or me?”
Winter shook his head. “His hand would pass through us, but I wouldn’t advise allowing it if you can. It’s extremely uncomfortable, and I may lose my hold on my power.”
The guard who had been in the doorway entered and looked awkwardly at Damon, confused as to what his master was doing but also probably stunned that Winter and Aiden were now missing.
“Dead! I want all the fucking Variks dead!” Damon screamed.
“We need to get out of here and warn your brothers,” Aiden said.
Shoving one of the knives back into his holder, Winter grabbed Aiden’s hand and led him through the gallery. There were a few more ghosts passing through the open space, but it was the dozen new vampires that filled the gallery that caught his attention. All were heavily armed and searching the area for him and Aiden.
Didn’t matter. They weren’t going to be found.
“I need to return home. He’s gone after Fox.”
“I’ll go with you. We’ll protect your witch,” Aiden promised.
Winter could only nod. The lump of fear that had formed in