Page 99 of Call of the Blood

“He won’t be close to as powerful as Everly. I think my estimation of three months will be accurate for him.”

“Since you had trial by fire with her, I bet you’re right. She's from far more powerful blood than you and I realized.”

Then it was normal between them again. Alexius went to him and helped Isaiah up.

“Is she a lover or a fling? Or a convenience?” Isaiah asked him.

“Lover. Publicly claimed, as you know,” Alexius answered immediately. “Monogamous by agreement, as well.” For two ancients, that second piece of information had to be stated. Alexius never had an official lover before, but Isaiah had Jacob. For Isaiah and Jacob, a third was possible at any given point. It was someone he would either share with Jacob or someone who was fine being second fiddle to Jacob. Jacob was always Isaiah’s priority, even when they were angry with each other.

“She’s the first lover you’ve ever publicly claimed… Jacob would be happy for you, so I will tell you congratulations. For now.”

“Thank you. Now, tell me all you learned from your prisoner. While Everly and I help her brother, we can also start helping root out the villains trying to undermine your rule.”

“They’ve been suspiciously quiet, haven’t they?” Isaiah said, sitting down now in a guest’s place at Alexius’s desk.

Alexius went back to his chair, sat down, and leaned back, relaxing.

“They have. Probably trying to make their next plan foolproof after their last was ruined by a new vampire only six months into her immortality.”

“Yes, they certainly wanted their plan at my home to do much more damage. If they had succeeded, the entire power structure of the vampires would have shifted in chaotic ways.” Isaiah rubbed his eyes. “I need to feed.”

“Let’s get you something.”

They made sure Isaiah fed, then talked. It was a good conversation, even if it was just going over what they had already known and Alexius giving Isaiah new details about California that Isaiah hadn’t heard. They discussed Declan, how he would be up that night, and Alexius laid down rules for Isaiah to leave the man alone for Everly’s sake. Five minutes before sunset, Isaiah left, using his power as a member of the Tribunal to do so, just as he’d arrived.

Alexius went back to his room and sat on the edge of the bed until Everly woke up.

Her face when she opened her eyes was almost funny.

“I thought Isaiah was in here for a minute. What the fuck?” she groaned, rubbing her eyes.

“He was here in the house, but not in the room. We talked,” Alexius said simply.

“We can talk about that later. How’s Declan?”

“He’s waking up tonight. I can tell.”

She jumped out of the bed and ran off to get ready. He could only smile and hope Declan was ready for this new life.

It was three hours later when Declan rose.

“Here,” Alexius said, holding out a robe and a mug of blood. He could tell Declan hadn’t realized what was really going on as he sat up, his eyes red as they locked onto the mug.

“Declan…” Everly’s small voice was hopeful and scared. Declan looked at her sharply, frowned, then back at the robe when Alexius shook it.

“Here. Take these, Declan,” Alexius said, motioning for him to take them.

Declan chose the robe, his eyes going to Everly, who was looking away and wouldn’t come closer until her brother was wearing anything. He took the blood next, chugging it. Alexius was slightly impressed.

Then he went to his sister, and they hugged.

“I’m so sorry!” Everly cried out, holding him. “I failed you, and I⁠—”

“I love you, sis. Don’t do that. Don’t say that. I was conscious with Henry until the end. He was the one to blame. Actually… why am I here? No. Where am I?” Declan pulled away, frowning. Alexius saw the reality crash into Declan. It was nice to see Declan’s first need had been to check on his younger sister. She was the older vampire. He was the older brother. It was quite the interesting situation.

“My Savannah home,” Alexius answered. “Everly and I live here with my staff.”

“Oh. Wait⁠—”