He glances down the table at me. “I have a couple more things before you make your announcement, Corvinus.”
Descallia looks to each one of the masters around the table before speaking to them and the others on the phone. “As you’re aware Lord Corvinus has been helping with the management of the lords and was asked to reassemble the warriors recently. Master Slobozia has been the official second in command, at the same time trying to oversee his region.
As we all know that region and the Romanian region are going to become more intense and demand more attention and resources. Slobozia can’t be everywhere, and he’s asked me to let the group know tonight that he would much prefer to stay in the masters’ group. I’m trying not to take it personally,” Descallia says with a grin.
The masters send up cheers around the table and a couple masters clap him on the back. Clearly they couldn’t be happier for the colleague they’ve worked with for centuries.
The masters around the table and others on the phone begin to talk, but Descallia doesn’t miss a beat, quieting them again as he begins to speak. “As Slobozia continued to get pulled away, Corvinus has been working in dual roles as well. Both of them have done exemplary work in a time of crisis.”
Corvinus, as many already know from years of working with him on various projects, he has always exceeded every call of duty, every request, handling all the details, the decision making when I or Slobozia was unable to do it ourselves.”
I give him a nod. “Thank you.”
“A true leader must know when to trust the talents, insights, and skills of their team members, be there to protect, but not toovershadow. You have shown me and the others what that looks like in the most applicable sense.”
“Something’s clearly in the fucking water tonight because this is hardly like Descallia at all. The gruff fearless leader is not known for long winded speeches, just the opposite in fact.
“Lord Corvinus, I need a second in command, not as an assistant, but a fierce and powerful ruler to govern by my side, and to join the vampire court. I’ve spoken to each master, and each lord, and we would all like it to be you.”
Out of all the things I thought I knew were coming, this was not one of them at all. Sure, maybe one day in the future I saw it being the right position, but never did I expect this. A promotion of such caliber, a restructuring of our highest leaders to include me, chokes me up with emotion as I look around the room. “It would be my honor.”
Lucianna’s green eyes begin to glow so bright the entire room turns to a light green hue while everyone around the table and on the phone cheers and claps. Embry squeezes my hand under the table.You are perfect for that position.
My eyes meet Overmaster Descallia’s. The tricky son of a bitch knew I was going to resign and knew the position I believe should be Embry’s and now he’s officially cleared the way. He smiles at Embry. “And Embry, now that we have a vacancy, I’d like to officially ask you to step into the position of head of the Society of Warriors. Lord Corvinus and I have spoken with the masters and lords, and we all unanimously agree, that position, rebuilding and setting strategy to protect the vampires, is where you should be.”
Embry’s purple eyes begin to glow and this time the emotion spills from her eyes faster then she can wipe the tears away. “I would be honored to accept the position. Thank you.”
The cheers go up around the room and on the phone, and even Descallia’s playful gavel does nothing to downplay theircelebration. He is an insistent leader though and bangs it again to get his boisterous leaders under control. “Alright, we do have a couple more things on the agenda, and then, we’ll break early tonight so everyone can get back to your mates.”
First, and of great importance, we need to discuss the sacred land, the shadow books, their secrets, and the very real threat of Devora.”
Chapter 19
Embry
Corvinus buckles my seat belt before sliding in next to me in the back seat of the limo. I grasp his hand in mine as he puts the privacy glass up and places his arm around me. He kisses me gently on the lips. “I’ve been wanting to do this all night long.”
“How much did you know about tonight before we left?”
“Descallia and I talked about the warrior position, and when we spoke with the masters and lords, everyone agreed. You are a perfect vampire to lead this group. I was actually going to resign to make way but didn’t get the chance. Descallia had tricks of his own.”
My mouth gapes. “I would not have let you resign. We would have found a different way. One that made sense for both of us.” It’s hard to control my grin though. “I can’t believe it, all that worrying about my application, whether to apply or not, whether the committee would accept it or not. Whether it would impact your job, and if so, what I would do. I’m back where my heart belongs. And I’m going to be a warrior.”
He kisses my lips. “Not just a warrior, Embry. You are going to be the leader of the most elite vampire society that we’ve ever had.”
I hug him tight. “It’s like a dream come true. My gramma would be so proud that we learned the truth and that I found my powers and caught Devora in her sneaky little game.”
Corvinus pushes a wayward strand of hair from my face. “She would indeed, as are we all. You’ve managed to unlock secrets that will help us continue to shape our destiny, and I think everyone including me was shocked at your restraint with Devora after all the pain she’s caused you, all she’s done to try and meddle in your life. It couldn’t have been easy.”
“Oh, don’t worry. That bitch is going to pay.”
He smirks. “I have no doubt at all that she will pay dearly for crossing the likes of you. But I was impressed that you were able to put your feelings aside and let her walk away so that Descallia and the masters could decide how they want us to proceed. It was the right move, Embry. It earned you a hell of a lot of respect from each and every one of them tonight.”
I kiss his lips, slip my hands around his neck, and draw him closer. He nuzzles my neck, grazing the length of my throat with his fangs as I whisper in his ear. “I love you, vampire.”
And you, to be offered the most prestigious job next to Overmaster Descallia himself. Did you catch that he was quick to point out that this job would not be to assist him, but instead help him govern? A definite change in the way things were between he and Lucas. I am so proud of you. He and the masters and other lords clearly trust you to have all of their best interests at heart.”
“That part I was not expecting,” he admits.
