I didn’t say anything. There wasn’t really anything I could say, as I didn’t know his friends. But I certainly knew firsthand that Hunter wasn’t above playing dirty if it meant getting what she wanted. It was also a sad fact that the desire for power sometimes struck the most innocuous people.
They were given a clean death, Stanford said softly. I did that much for them, at least.
Markel took a deep breath and released it slowly. Thank you.
Stanford’s gaze returned to me. Do not be surprised if Hunter contacts you to demand the key be found sooner rather than later. And I would warn your uncle to be wary; she has more support in the Directorate than he imagines.
He knows that. I hesitated. How soon will you be ready to move, if needed?
It will take a few more hours to prepare the wards, Stanford said. I will arrange to have the address sent to you as soon as we are ready.
I frowned. Why not just meet here on the astral plane again?
Janice Myer takes over the watch in one hour, Markel said. While I am willing to take her out if absolutely necessary, to do so would alert Hunter of not only where my allegiances lie, but also that her opposition is on the move.
It is better she believes us caught flat-footed, Stanford said. Besides, I would not put it past her to place her own people on the plane, watching the watchers.
I hadn’t thought of that possibility. How do I contact you if something goes wrong or I decide to accept your help?
Your reaper can always contact either of us, Stanford said. Myer cannot track him, and as long as you keep your discussions with him in regards to this matter telepathic, no one will be the wiser.
Fine, I said grimly. But accepting your help will only be an absolutely last choice.
Stanford bowed, the movement holding a slightly mocking edge. I will nevertheless be prepared, as I believe we both know that your last choice is the only choice you actually have.
With that, he disappeared. I glanced at Markel. He’s an arrogant bastard, isn’t he?
Not arrogant as much as determined that Hunter’s shadow will not linger over the council longer than now necessary.
I snorted. And, of course, he’ll just happen to step into her shoes once she’s gone.
If you mean he would assume her position on the council, then no, he wouldn’t. Markel’s mental tones held a hint of censure. That can only be done through direct challenge, and he has no intention of doing that.
No, because he wanted me to do it for him. Then what happens when she’s dead?
The rules of ascension come into play. If there is more than one candidate, they will fight, with the survivor taking Hunter’s place. Harry is not old enough to ascend to her position so would not be in consideration. The censure that had been evident in his voice appeared in his expression. Do not judge those you do not know based on your experiences with Hunter. Not all vampires—or indeed councillors—serve their own interests first and foremost. Not even Hunter did that initially.
And that was me told, I thought with amusement. I’m sorry if I misjudged your friend, Markel, but it’s kinda hard not to, given all the contacts I’ve had with Hunter and the council have not exactly been great experiences.
He nodded. And I’m afraid that is likely to continue until Hunter is gone and equilibrium restored. In the meantime, be careful. There are still those within council ranks who believe the simplest solution to the current situation would be to kill you.
Isn’t that just what I need at this point in time—the fucking council coming after me rather than the madwoman they’ve left in charge of the whole zoo.
You, Markel said with a smile, are seen as the easier option. You are not, of course, but Hunter has kept them relatively unaware of that.
Then they are bigger fools than I’d already thought. I hesitated. You’d better be careful yourself, Markel. If she is the slightest bit aware of your friendship with Stanford, you may well be next on her hit list.
Of that, I am well aware. But thank you for the concern.
I nodded. Talk to you later.
And with that, I returned to my body. As awareness of my immediate surrounds began to return, I did nothing more than breathe deep in a vague attempt to wash the tiredness and the need for sleep from my limbs. But after several minutes, the rather enticing scent of coffee mingling with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread invaded my awareness and made my stomach rumble. I opened my eyes and sat up. Azriel leaned against the front of my desk, his arms crossed and amusement in his expression. Beside him, on the desk, was a large mug and the thickest steak sandwich I’d ever seen. My mouth began watering just looking at it.
“You could have told me you’d arranged food,” I said, getting up. “I would have stirred faster.”
“You needed the rest, however brief, more than you needed the food. Besides, I figured your olfactory senses would kick in sooner rather than later.”
“And you were right.” I picked up the sandwich and bit into it as I parked my butt on the desk beside his. It was every bit as delicious as it looked.