Page 7 of Call of the Blood

I did hurry. My hair was the biggest worry, so I quickly dried what I could with the diffuser and hoped it would lay halfway decent for me. I went simple for my outfit, picking out some of the basic but expensive things. A three-hundred-dollar long-sleeve turtleneck was still just a black turtleneck. I found black slacks next and a simple pair of black heeled boots. It would have to do.

I was still struggling to get one of the boots on as I hobbled out of my room and saw him waiting. He was so put together, his hair styled perfectly.

“You’re normally up much faster, so I thought you would see the note sooner,” he said, looking concerned.

“Well, we have nothing going on, so I felt like going slower today, not knowing we had an appointment right when the sun went down.” I glared at him. “Why didn’t you tell me last night?”

“Because their request came in right after the sun came up. I could have left you a message in your room, but…”

“But you don’t come into my room while I’m sleeping,” I said, nodding. “Sorry for being snappy. This is no one’s fault then, I guess.”

“We could blame the coven, but that wouldn’t go very far for you,” he said with a small shrug. He turned and held out what he had promised. I took the glass and drank, knowing even if I wasn’t thirsty, I’d have to. Meeting other supernaturals, younger vampire. Only proper to make sure I was fed.

“Are they nice?” I asked as I finished, noticing how he wasn’t looking at me at all. In fact, it was like he refused to look at me.

“Each generation comes with its own quirks,” Alexius said pragmatically.

“And this generation?” I asked, knowing I needed to pry out more.

“They’ve allowed more fae to set up in the city than previous generations. They have also been more social with other covens in the United States. The biggest or more powerful covens. Savannah is up there, so like calls to like, but it’s more… catty than previous generations. More social games than I like having to deal with. Similar to when I’m around Isaiah. Previous generations of the coven were quieter, more reverent of the powers we toyed with and great forces at play.”

“Oh, you’re not comfortable around them,” I said, knowing if there was one environment that Alexius didn’t vibe well in, it would be around a bunch of rich women who played social games. That was completely out of his element.

“Not the younger ones. The older members are just fine. It’s mostly women. They’re married, but the men don’t take an active role in the coven, and only a handful will be there. Probably some of the old men. Certainly none of the younger men. Most of them either don’t have any power, or they aren’t strong enough magically to be included. Sons often marry and leave when they realize they aren’t powerful enough to keep up. Husbands quietly know their place.”

“A world of women, got it,” I said, taking a deep breath. “Should we get moving? We want to get there on time, right?”

“We can leave now if you’re ready.”

With a nod, I started walking. We didn’t go to my little car. We went to his vehicle this time, and I said nothing. It was official business. The witches probably knew his vehicle, and mine wasn’t the nicest thing ever. It was just mine, and I enjoyed having my own vehicle.

“While we go, I’m going to tell you everything about the deal I have with them, the magic involved, and things like that. Since I don’t have pictures of them to show, names are somewhat useless.”

“Says you. Tell me the most important names just so I’m not taken off guard by any of them, like the oldest witch is this name and stuff like that,” I countered.

“Fair enough.”

He began with an explanation of the magic. A shroud hiding where protected supernaturals were, and supernaturals could be added but not removed. He would kill any violent supernaturals that tried to get into the city and cause problems. There was little Tribunal oversight because it was well managed by him and the coven. It made sense. I knew he lived here essentially alone, undisturbed by other vampires, and the moon-cursed didn’t establish themselves in Savannah.

“It hasn’t been violent in years,” he said. “Most people don’t look for fights with me. And it didn’t take too long for people to realize they were never going to find me in the city.”

“Of course not. But how do they not just follow you home? Like if they see you on River Street or out getting things?”

“The magic,” he said, looking over to me at a red light. “It helps me lose them. It makes it impossible for them to pick the trail back up, even if they just saw me. It also can make them… foggy. Less sharp. And no one stalks me in my city without me knowing. It’s worked out.”

“What if they see you leaving your house?”

“They would never find themselves on my street,” he said, shrugging. “Especially if they have ill intent. The magic knows.”

“Damn. And this protects the coven, too.”

“Yes. And every few years, they have a new witch or two they would like to add to the protection of the Shroud. They have to get my permission, so I know who is and isn’t protected by it. While it seems foolish, they don’t add their children to it.”

“What?” That stunned me. “Like babies and little kids? They don’t think they need protection?”

“Once someone is added to the Shroud, they can’t be removed… which means if a child starts making poor choices and isn’t worthy of joining the coven whatsoever, they aren’t protected by the very magic that protects the members who did follow the rules. The only problem I’ve ever considered in the system is what would happen if a witch turns down the wrong path after being fully inducted into the coven. It’s never happened, though. Let’s hope it doesn’t.”

“Yeah, that sounds bad. This sounds like powerful stuff. Wait…” I had a sudden thought. “How did Isaiah get his son to the house?”