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Marcus spread his hands in front of him in a helpless gesture. “They are skeptical of the fact that we didn’t start the fight with the MacPhersons. The remaining members of the clan, from what I’ve been able to gather, have moved from Hartford. I think many of them that haven’t gone their own way are now gathering to form a new clan in the south.”
“Would it help if I went before the Ministry?” Philippe offered. “As a former clan leader, I can explain how I turned to the Variks to form an alliance, and the MacPhersons threatened and killed my people.”
Marcus’s smile was warm but a little sad. “I don’t know how much it would help us, considering you are now a Varik.”
“And our brother has very loudly advertised that you and he are lovers,” Winter added.
Rafe gave a little sniff. “I was told my Instagram account was getting boring.”
Ethan’s head flopped back against the couch cushion and groaned loudly. “Once! I said that once. I didn’t mean for you to post a naked pic of you and Philippe in bed.” Ethan groaned again. “Hashtag QuietNightIn, my ass.”
When Rafe had suggested taking a picture of him and Philippe cuddled up in bed, naked and still blissed-out after sex, he’d never expected Philippe to agree, let alone suggest he post it on social media. Who was he to argue with that?
Of course it was all tasteful, and nothing risqué was showing since Instagram would have slammed the ban hammer down immediately.
“We don’t need updates on what my brother is doing to your ass,” Bel mumbled and slapped his hand over his mouth as if he couldn’t believe what had just come out. His wide eyes darted around the room.
Rafe laughed so hard he stumbled, catching himself with one hand against the wall. “Finally! Years of being a positive influence on you has taken effect at last.”
Aiden pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger and rubbed. “Focus, boys.” He sounded half-annoyed and half-amused.
“The point being,” Marcus started again, “Philippe’s offer is generous, but I doubt it would have the desired effect.”
“So what? Are we being censured?” Winter demanded.
Rafe had no idea what a censure entailed, but he doubted it was good for the Variks.
“I don’t know.”
Winter shifted to the edge of his seat. “What do you mean?”
“Just that. I don’t know. The Ministry hasn’t indicated that it has decided on any course of action. And if they truly see the Variks as a threat to their power, then I don’t see them telling us what they plan.”
“Do we return to our original plan? Form an alliance with another clan or two?”
Philippe’s shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry.”
Rafe was at his side in an instant, wrapping his arms around him from behind, but Marcus spoke before he could.
“You have nothing to apologize for. While an alliance with the Arsenaults would have been a boon for the Variks, we can’t complain about how things worked out on our end. The Variks are a clan now. We’ve added five new members. We’re stronger than we were. We’re just sorry for what you have lost.”
“We could try reaching out to the Montgomery Clan. They used to have a grievance with the MacPhersons. They could be more agreeable to an alliance now that the MacPherson clan is gone,” Winter suggested.
“Moon and Novik are in Hartford now, and I think they are both sympathetic to the Variks. At the very least, neither were fans of the MacPherson or Black Wolf clans,” Rafe added.
Winter looked at him, his eyes wide and mouth hanging open a little. Rafe winked at him. “I’ve got sources too.”
Which reminded him that he needed to check in on Edgar. The money had been arranged for his granddaughter, but he could do a little more for the vampire. It didn’t hurt to have an ally who had ears everywhere around the city and was good at not being seen.
“Aiden?” Marcus asked.
Their father sat in the chair, his eyes on the coffee table in front of him, but his gaze was a million miles away. “There have been no other attacks on the Ministry?”
“None since this last summer.”
“Then we wait,” Aiden said with a small nod. “If clans make overtures, talking about alliances, we will listen, but we reach out to no one. We do nothing to draw the attention of the Ministry.”
“Why?” Rafe asked.
“Because several months ago, the Black Wolf clan started a fight with the Ministry, and severely weakened them. I don’t think this fight is over. The Ministry is vulnerable and someone will want to take advantage. It’s in their best interest to have the Ministry pick a fight with the Variks. Regardless of who wins, our next shadowy threat benefits. I’m in no mood to help this person or clan unless I know it will benefit the Variks as well.” Aiden’s eyes narrowed as he looked at each of his sons. “I need you all to keep a low profile. Behave. Draw no attention to the Variks. Particularly avoid the Ministry.”
