about Monique. I thought she was loyal,” he said as he looked down at Elizabeth’s beautiful face. “I wish for you to once again serve at my side.”
“Of course, Volod.” She looked extraordinarily pleased to be returned to her station.
Monique’s duplicity and Rodán’s attempt at starting a revolt caused Volod to consider wiping out all Vampire paranorms.
He had expressed to his Vampire paranorms that they would enjoy self-rule as soon as their takeover was complete. His words had been greeted with agreement, He saw no dissension.
He should have seen the signs with Rodán, however. The former Proctor had questioned him and had not liked how Volod had taken Nyx.
Of course he had no intention of allowing so many paranorms to live once he reached his goal. It was far too dangerous. At most he would determine his most loyal individuals. The others he would lay waste to.
Volod schooled his expression as he escorted Elizabeth across the marble floor to the double doors of the drawing room. It would not do for the members of the conclave to harbor any doubt in Volod, his leadership capabilities, or his judgment regarding the Vampire paranorms.
Two Vampires flanked the entrance and two more were stationed inside the drawing room. He acknowledged each with a look that clearly instructed them to maintain their posts.
When he entered the drawing room, the occupants quieted for a moment. And then he was greeted with applause.
Pleasure swept through Volod at the recognition of what he had accomplished thus far. Of course they would applaud him. Truly there should be no question.
The members of the conclave who had made the trip at Volod’s request were seated in a semicircle at one end of the drawing room, as if in session.
Excellent. Nine, a simple majority of the seventeen-member North American Conclave, were in attendance. There could be no dissent from those who had chosen not to show up. It had been their choice.
Prolocutor Nicholas smiled at Volod. “You have done well,” he said with a deep nod. “You are to be commended.”
Volod bowed in return as he played along with the idiotic formalities. “Many thanks to the conclave for the support that has been give since this endeavor began.”
“Now tell us of your progress and your plans,” Nicholas said.
“The city of New York is almost mine,” Volod said. “We will take our forces into the city and overcome all paranorms by eliminating the Trackers and any others who choose to fight us.
“Once New York is captured,” Volod continued, “we will focus on Chicago in the Midwest, New Orleans in the South, San Francisco in the West, and Toronto in Canada. These cities will be taken as well, and their Tracker forces wiped out.”
Volod looked from one member of the conclave to the next. “We will use those areas as our planning centers to control each region. When we control these cities then we move to places like LA, Seattle, Atlanta, and Montreal. We will control this continent and eventually we move on to Europe.”
“Ambitious, are you not?” said Marcus with a scowl.
If Marcus had been prolocutor, Volod would have a more difficult road ahead. Fortunately he wasn’t.
“I do only what will benefit our people,” Volod said while choking back the reply Marcus deserved.
Marcus had a smug expression as he said, “You put much stock in your Vampire paranorms. Tell us about the uprising led by a newly turned Vampire paranorm named Rodán.”
Despite a momentary shock, Volod kept his expression placid and his tone even. “There was no uprising. We had one individual who attempted to stir up trouble. She murdered Rodán and Monique.”
“Who was this?” Nicholas said with a frown.
“A paranorm who is half Drow.” Volod cleared his throat. “Drow are immune to the Vampire bite. I had hoped her human half could be overcome, but it was not to be.”
“That was a significant error in judgment,” Marcus said.
“It was determined within twenty-four hours of her arrival that she was not under my control.” Volod held back the fury he still felt. “She has been dealt with.”
Nicholas did not look like the news bothered him. He seemed to be fully in line with Volod. Marcus on the other hand deserved a stake in the heart.
“What forces have you assembled to date?” Nicholas asked.
“Our forces are sufficient to take out the opposition. They have no idea of our numbers,” Volod said. “No one does but me.”
Nicholas said, “I have heard figures of close to two hundred fifty Vampires, over seventy Vampire paranorms,