His first instinct was to say no and cancel.
And yet, fae witch protection wards were highly sought after and rarely used outside the fae witch territory—a few trigger traps alone had cost Laurie and Joseph a small fortune.
Plus, Meadow had grown leaps and bounds when it came to controlling her magic. If anything, she would probably be the safest among the three of them, especially with her secondary power of persuasion. He would leave the decision up to her.
However, an idea sparked about how his brother might turn this all to his advantage. “I’ll talk with Meadow and Joseph. However, if you and Yesenia are going, then you should lay a trap here at the Fated Wheel to maybe catch some traitors.”
Leo tilted his head. “What do you have in mind?”
The fact that his brother would even listen to him made Laurie sit up straighter. “Well, you could send nearly all of your guards from the gaming hell and make it appear an easy target. Keep some of the best ones hidden, wait to see if anyone breaks in, and if your most-trusted guards can capture one or more ofthem, we can get some information as well. Things that might help make the vampire territory safer.”
“Hm, it’s risky, but could work. Especially if Charlotte and John attend the festival too, then it would appear at least some of my top trusted employees were absent, making this place an irresistible target.”
John and Charlotte Sakamoto were siblings who’d worked for Leo for a long time. John was the second-in-command, and Charlotte was in charge of the books. “It wouldn’t seem suspicious, either, since Charlotte’s partner is half fae witch.”
Leo nodded. “True. Diana visits the fae witch territory at least once a month.” He paused to stare at Laurie before adding, “Whilst I’ve always known you’re cleverer than you let on, I wish you would’ve shown it more often, at least to me.”
He shrugged. “It’s better to appear the slightly foolish charmer and have people underestimate me.” He hesitated before adding, “And I never knew if you’d ever take my suggestions seriously.”
Leo leaned forward and propped his elbows on the desk. “I’m sorry you felt that way, Laurie. I was so consumed with making things better after Father’s death that I shut a lot of people out. Yesenia helped me realize that, and I’m trying to do better. Promise me that if you have a suggestion, you’ll share it? I can’t guarantee I’ll use everything, but it’s always good to hear differing opinions.”
Laurie whistled. “Yesenia deserves a jewel-encrusted crown for all she’s done to help you.”
Leo gave him a double-finger salute. “Sod off.”
Laurie laughed, and then Leo’s lips twitched before he said, “Meadow’s helped you, too. Joseph did as well, but I think Meadow was the missing bit you needed, that you both needed. I think I even saw Joseph laugh the other day.”
“She’s bloody amazing, Leo. Meadow’s so understanding and kind and loving, all whilst not letting me get away with everything.”
“Good. Hopefully, you and Joseph marry her someday and keep her around forever.”
“I’m working on it, but I won’t pressure her.”
Leo nodded. “Well, if River can win over Nora, then your chances are pretty good.” Leo leaned back again and tapped a finger on the desk. “If you go to the festival tonight, then let me know and just be careful. If you see or hear anything, anything at all, tell me straight away.”
Laurie nodded and stood. “I will. Thanks, brother.”
“Anytime, Laurie. Now, fuck off. I have a lot to do and not much time to do it.”
“Ah, and there’s the old Leo I know.” Leo opened his mouth, but Laurie beat him to it. “As long as Meadows says okay, we’ll be going. I’m sure the females all have plans about where to meet and all the rest, so I’ll see you tonight.”
After saying goodbye, Laurie exited Leo’s office and headed toward the back entrance to his waiting horse. As he rode home, he worried about leaving the safety of Nyx’s Kingdom. However, when he put the question to Meadow, she said she wanted to go. After all, she’d dealt with unpleasant people before and didn’t want to hide again. And so he and Joseph planned some extra security of their own, wanting to give their fae witch the night she dreamed of, and then got ready for the big event.
Chapter Twenty-One
Joseph didn’t like drawing attention to himself. He’d always been as invisible as possible when living on the streets, not wanting the people who’d killed his parents to find him.
And later, when he’d had to interact with more humans at Nyx’s Kingdom, it had been to avoid their prejudices because of his skin color.
Humans were less tolerant, and Joseph was used to that. However, whenever Laurie heard something disparaging about Joseph, he didn’t hold back and usually beat the person senseless.
Which had been bad for business.
Over the years, Joseph had learned to be on the fringes and eject the worst offenders more discreetly. He got upset, of course. But to risk his freedom, his business, and anything else over a human’s small mind wasn’t worth it.
Besides, given the web of contacts and favors Joseph had amassed over the decades, he could make their lives miserable from the shadows.
Still, he felt uncomfortable doing anything that made him stand out. So tonight, when Laurie had insisted they both paintdesigns on their faces and wear crowns for the festival, he’d fought it at first. However, as Laurie currently adjusted Joseph’s crown and then stood back to admire his handiwork, Joseph merely arched an eyebrow. “Well?”
