Blood and Blade (Goddess with a Blade #6) - Lauren Dane Page 0,64
digest what he’d said before he continued.
“This is not over. Not yet. There’s some being at the head of a chain of siphon and energy trap spells. A being that’s been feeding on the life force of paranormals for at least the last year, maybe two. We’re narrowing down, taking out each and every being that has given succor to our enemy. And once we identify it, we will erase it from this world and the next. I tell you all this because I need vigilance. Think carefully on whether or not you’ve been asked for information that person or Vampire normally wouldn’t need. Or if you’ve lost keys or data access passwords. There are still leaks we have not found. Some of those leaks might have been from unwitting victims. If you think of anything, let Patience know.”
As one, the Vampires in the room got to one knee and bared their throats. In obeisance. In a gesture of loyalty. It said they trusted him with their lives.
He thanked them in the old language and ended the meeting, heading back to his office.
“That was very good, Scion,” Alice told him as she closed the door at her back. “To the point. You were reassuring, which they all needed. I never doubted their support of you for a moment.”
She wouldn’t give him condolences over his uncles. She’d never speak of it again unless directly asked in a necessary situation.
“How’s Rowan and the new dog?”
He barely avoided a snort. “She’s on a hunt so she’s focused and more cranky than usual. She’s likely to figure this out before anyone else does because she’s offended by the existence of these conspirators. We’re nearly there. I can feel it.”
He took his suit jacket off, hanging it. And when they finally figured it out his wife was bound to be right in the middle of it. Blade drawn, in a killing mood.
“We had to leave so quickly after Star came into the household you haven’t met her yet. She goes everywhere Rowan does so I’m sure that’ll happen soon enough.”
“Her brief visit with her father went well?”
Clive sent Alice a look that said everything and nothing at once. Even Rowan rarely spoke ill of her father, especially in public. And they’d been keeping his mental and emotional state as quiet as possible. Alice knew all that and really cared about Rowan. Her question was genuine.
“He was very pleased to see her, even for just a short period. He announced that he’s putting on a Yule Ball and a New Year’s Eve dinner in our honor. My parents will attend as well. So clear your calendar. You may bring a guest if you like.”
Alice was normally very calm. The perfect person to have as his assistant because very little ruffled her feathers. But he understood the pleasure on her features to his very soul. To be included in such company at such an important event was currency in their world. It would raise her profile considerably.
Knowing Alice, she’d also figured out Rowan had thrown herself in front of Clive and offered up her attendance at such an event as a way to soften the anger of The First at the situation as it’d played out.
He still couldn’t quite take it in and Rowan was his wife. It could have been worse. It had been worse for Rowan over the course of her life at the Keep under her foster father’s iron rule. And she’d done it without even blinking.
His restitution to her would have to be well thought out.
“I’m honored to be invited. Thank you.”
“Tell me everything we know about this Vampire we have in custody and then I shall go in to speak with her.”
* * *
It was nearly two in the morning when Genevieve texted that she was outside, and was Rowan still awake?
Rowan opened the gate for her and told Genevieve to come in through to her office where she and David had been working.
“I know why I’m still awake,” Rowan said once Genevieve had settled. “But why are you?”
“You’re a bad influence. My schedule is slowly shifting to Vampire time just so I can hang out with you.” Genevieve rolled her eyes.
“I’m not a Vampire!” Rowan protested. “I’m just on their schedule a lot because of work. I kill them best at night. Oh and I suppose there’s Clive. I like to be up when he gets home.” She wasn’t even sure why she’d shared that.