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Had Leonid ever tasted Tegan’s blood? The thought startled him. It was said a Vampyre could track an Akrhyn anywhere if they had tasted their blood. Like a Lycan with a scent, the scent to a Vampyre was blood. His eyes flicked back to the two immobile Vampyres. Alexander, formerly the Russian Principal, was said to have been devastated when he was appointed. He was only asked because Leonid had turned the position down. Salem sat straighter. Leonid had turned the offer of an original seat on the Great Councildown. He looked at Alexander, and on closer inspection, he saw the Vampyre was not as indifferent as he seemed. He was watching more than Marcus, and he seemed to be listening toeverything.Could Cornelius really have the ear of aVampyre?
“You took your time,” Cornelius complained when Cord entered with Tegan. He stood close to her but did not touch her. He also ignored his father’s words as Tegan greeted the Great Council like they were old friends. Salem fought his surprise as she stood easily, completely calm, as if she were amongst her equals.Leonid’s teachings, no doubt, he thought bitterly.
“We need the other Heir,” the Sisters spoke as one. They turned to him again, expectantly.
Salem did not hide his surprise this time. “Michael? He is not ready to portal, he has been injured.”
“Castor Ivanov, can you collect the Heir from where he rests?” The Three turned to the young Crimson Castor, ignoring Salem’s protest.
Cord bowed low for them, and they beamed at him. “Of course, Sisters.” He blinked out of the room, and Tegan frowned slightly as she watched the Three titter at Cord’s flamboyancy. Salem saw her glance at Tove and resolutely turn her head away. It was because he was watching he saw the regret in Tove’s gaze before she looked over to Marcus who reached over and touched her arm.
“How many more do we need?” Salem asked the room.
“Just the Heir,” one of the Sisters spoke. Salem nodded. He had not seen Michael since the attack and was eager to see him, but not in the room with all these Akrhyn.
Cord walked into the room again and closed the door behind him. “He needs to change,” he said to Salem quietly. “Sloane is with him.”
“He is alright?” Salem asked, equally quiet.
“I think he would benefit from you seeing him first,” Cord told him softly. Salem looked at him in surprise, and Cord gave a slight shrug. “He had a rough time.”
“I cannot leave,” Salem hissed with frustration.
“You may go.” The soft voice startled him. He looked up and found the Three looking at him again.
“Agatha, you are as gracious as you are beautiful.” Cord smiled at her, and Salem knew his mouth was hanging open in shock at Cord’s charm. “Principal,” Cord said more loudly, catching the attention of the room where the others had split into clusters and were conversing amongst themselves. “I believe the kitchen needs direction.” Cord tossed his head arrogantly. “They would not listen to my request for treacle cake.”
“Because you are insufferable,” Tegan murmured from where she stood alone at the back of the room.
“Little tiger.” Cord grinned. “Shall we talk outside for a moment?” He took Tegan’s arm much to her squawk of protest and pulled her from the room.
Salem stood hastily, and with a murmured, “Excuse us,” he followed. Cord stood waiting patiently; however, Salem noticed the red mark on his face. “She hit you?” He couldn’t help the surge of glee he felt at the fact his daughter had struck the Castor.
“She tapped me,” Cord snorted in reply. Taking both of their arms, he portalled them both to Michael’s room.
“By the wrath, Cord,” Michael exclaimed. “I could have been naked!”
“But you’re not.” Cord shrugged, and with a side look to Tegan, he walked out of the bedroom. Sloane slipped out behind him, seemingly eager for a few moments with his brother.
“Michael!” Salem crossed the room, grabbed Michael to him and hugged him tightly. “Thank the Ancients you are alright.” He pulled back and looked at his son. His hand trailed the faint line on his neck. “It will fade.”
“Yeah.” Michael shrugged and rubbed his neck self-consciously. “Tegan.” He stepped forward and wrapped his sister in a hug. “It is so good to know you are okay.” He stepped back like his father had. “But you ever, I meanever, pull a stupid stunt like that again, and I will gut the Castor myself. Do you understand me?”
“I will never do it again,” Tegan said solemnly as she looked at the scar on her brother’s throat. “I am so sorry I was not here to fight with you.”
“And have your throat slit?” Michael shook his head. “I knew Cord would save me.”
“If I could just askbothof you not to take any more reckless risks, I would be a very happy father,” Salem said with a dry look to both of them.
“We are Sentinels,” Tegan reminded him.
“I know.” Salem nodded as he closed his eyes. “But you’re also my children.” He noticed Tegan flush but continued anyway. “I always thought it would be Zahra who would make me old before my time.” He grinned to soften the blow before he pulled them both into his embrace. “Just, please, for a while, stop jumping into danger.”
Tegan was stiff in his embrace at first, but she felt the worry in his voice, and surprising them all, including herself, she put her arm around his waist. “Maybe just a short while.”
Michael laughed and the group hug broke up. “I hear they want me there?” Michael asked as he pulled on his sword. “Do we know why?”
“No,” Salem answered grimly as he looked at his two Heirs. “You ready?”
