Blood and Blade (Goddess with a Blade #6) - Lauren Dane Page 0,55

the trouble in their territories as well,” he said, indicating the Scions holding those lands.

Rowan had felt very strongly that if they spread out all this trouble across several Scions’ lands, it would make them all safer. As everyone but Paola, the Scion holding South America, had been implicated in this whole thing, it meant it wasn’t just about one Scion not paying attention. It was a big picture problem that demanded a big picture solution.

Theo was silent for long moments, taking everything in. Weighing each piece for how much it hurt him or what it could do for him.

Planning just how much he could get out of her in return for what he would do anyway. She knew how sneaky Theo was and she knew he saw this as a chance to manipulate her.

And he knew she loved Clive enough that she would allow it.

“The Vampire Nation accepts the restitution offered by House Stewart. Which will be allowed to continue on within the Nation as before.”

Okay then. Theo wasn’t going to execute Charles or Antonia or Clive nor would he divest them of their holdings as a House within the Vampire Nation.

“However, we are concerned about the apparent lax security within the Scion’s lands.”

Oh that fucker.

“Clive, can you excuse us, please?” Rowan asked.

He paused and she made a shooing motion with her hands. He looked to Theo and she groaned inwardly.

“I would like to speak to my father privately for a moment,” she said.

Theo chuckled, pleased with himself. He gave his attention to Clive. “Scion, if you please.”

The tension within Clive radiated between them and she patted his knee. “We can’t keep Cook waiting so we won’t be long.”

He couldn’t openly glare at her. Not in front of Theo. And he couldn’t argue because Theo had told him to move along.

That told Rowan Theo was ready to bargain.

It also told her that her husband was going to be pissed and snippy but she found it amusing in her own petty way as she kept her expression bland.

Once he’d gone she turned back to Theo. “Okay, let’s get to the point because I wasn’t kidding about Cook and being late for dinner and even though I’m sort of terrified you’ll react badly, let’s cut to the point. We both know he did everything he was supposed to and beyond. We both know you were going to accept restitution and let him get back to his investigation. So what do you want from me to seal the deal so we can just move past this?”

For sure it was Brigid who helped Rowan get all that out because even as a Vessel and a Hunter and armed and trained he scared her. But she had to face him. For Clive and his family. Her family now.

But his smile was little boy charm. Because he was getting what he wanted.

“I’m quite sure I don’t know what you mean. However, perhaps if you came back here in December. Stay from Christmas through the New Year. Have Charles and Antonia come. I should know my daughter’s new family. And at least two feasts I think. A Yule Ball and a New Year’s Eve dinner. The next Joint Tribunal happens between now and then too. Perhaps give me another day or two. Yes, that would be lovely.”

He sipped his tea.

In the background, Rowan heard a yip at the doors and knew Star had arrived and was telling Recht to let her in. Goddess. She’d really hate to die protecting her dog from Theo but Star knew her own mind and if she was there demanding to be let in, she had her own reasons.

Rowan held up a finger. “On one condition. There’s someone I want you to meet. And you have to be nice and gentle.”

He narrowed his eyes at her as she went to the door to open it and let Star in.

Star stayed close to Rowan’s side and when they got near Theo, Star sat, ears up, on alert, at Rowan’s left. “This is Star. Star, this is The First.”

Star cocked her head with a little growly yap. She could be so vocal when she pleased and Rowan dearly hoped this was the right time for such noises.

Theo clapped his hands with a delighted laugh. It was so startling Rowan couldn’t contain her slight jerk in response.

He bent a little to get a closer look at the dog. “I have not seen the likes of you in many, many lifetimes, Mistress Star. Welcome to