“As you are already aware, one of our own has betrayed us. We don’t believe that any of the attempted conversions have been successful, but nevertheless, it is against our code.”
“And against Council law,” I added, “considering the attempts were non-consensual.”
Grinaldi shifted uncomfortably in his rocking chair, but he didn’t deny it.
“Have you spoken to anyone on the Council about this?” I asked.
Grinaldi’s eyebrow twitched—the only sign the question had even remotely unsettled him. “If that is a threat, Mr. Beaumont—”
“I assure you, it isn’t. You asked that we speak freely, so that’s what I’m doing. It’s a concern, plain and simple.”
“Yes, but I don’t see how it’s a concern ofyours.”
“You’ve got a rogue vampire on your hands, one who’s aiding and abetting a murderer. The witch under my protection is in danger, as are others in Blackmoon Bay and potentially elsewhere.”
“Since when are vampires and witches such strong bedfellows?”
“Since their presence maintains a delicate power balance. Their disappearance could easily create a situation dangerous for humans, which could ultimately create a situation dangerous for all of us.” It had already begun. The episode in front of Black Ruby could not have happened otherwise, and Emilio had been updating me all week on other crimes unfolding in the Bay.
I shared a little of the information with Grinaldi, just to drive the point home.
“So you can see why the Council might have cause for concern,” I said.
“They might have at one time, yes,” he conceded. “But those impotent fools have long since turned their backs on such matters. Frankly, I’m not sure why they insist on perpetuating this charade of power and control when it’s quite clear they’ve lost both.”
I raised a curious eyebrow. The Council was imperfect at best, but they were the closest thing to a government we had. If Grinaldi had insights about their inner workings—especially if something had gone afoul—I wanted to know.
Unsurprisingly, Grinaldi waved away my implied inquiry, turning the tables back on me. “If you wish to bring concerns to the Council, perhaps you should begin with those unfolding in your own backyard.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Word is you’ve been—shall we say—shitting in your own sandbox.”
The image was crass and so far from his normal manner of speaking that I had no doubts he’d heard the exact phrase from someone else.
“I’m not certain I know what you’re referring to,” I said.
He leaned forward in his chair, pinning me with a cold glare. “I’m referring, Mr. Beaumont, to the slaughter of numerous vampires at the behest of your witch. You are supposed to set the example, not give in to your baser instincts.”
My mind was reeling. The fact that word of our recent conflicts in the Bay had reached Grinaldi—and via an unknown source at that—suggested that the situation with the hunter and the witches was only the tip of a much larger, much more dangerous iceberg.
Just like Emilio, Gray, Ronan, and Asher feared.
“I am loyal to family over species, Mr. Grinaldi,” I said, refusing to offer any details beyond that. “Rather than misdirecting me with thinly-veiled threats and vague accusations about which you’re severely uninformed, I would appreciate it if you would answer my questions about the vampire your family seems to have lost.”
“Family over species?” He sneered at me, his eyes full of disdain. “I never thought I’d live to see a greater vampire name a common witch his kin.”
Rage ignited in my chest, pushing me to my feet. “Nor I to see a respected family such as yours allow a rogue to dirty your name and elude your capture, yet here we are.”
He glared at me another moment, then gestured for me to take a seat once again.
“Forgive me,” he said. “It was not my intent to ambush you with rumors and speculation, nor accuse you of disloyalty.”
I narrowed my eyes, scrutinizing his face for any signs of treachery, but finding none.
As strange as it was, I believed him.
“Apology accepted.” I reclaimed my spot on the settee.
