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“Stand straight, Michael and Sloane.” There was a long pause. “I just do not have enough time to fix everything that is wrong with you. Where is your handsome brother?”
Michael turned to Tegan and pulled her forward, saving Sloane from the constant criticism of grandmother. “Grandmother, meet Tegan.”
The whole room seemed to hold its breath in anticipation as Tegan met her formidable paternal grandmother for the first time. They both eyed each other sceptically. Had they been cats, they would be circling each other.
Tegan stood tall and proud. Drenched in sweat from her training, she regarded her grandmother with the same scrutiny she was receiving.
“Your spirit is strong,” Talia said admiringly.
“As is my heart.”
“It will have to be, child,” Talia said as she stepped forward. “It will have to besostrong. But what about your mind?”
“My mind?”
“Yes, you are strong in body, heart and soul, I do not doubt. But it is your intelligence that you may need to defeat this enemy. You are nothing if not strong in all of them.”
“You know this how?” Tegan asked as she considered the older female in front of her.
“Because I am Talia Holt, and I, my dear child, am the Priestess of Arflyn.”
Tegan considered the older Akrhyn in front of her. She did not seem to be mentally impaired. Tegan glanced quickly at Salem, who was watching her with apprehension. “My father, Leonid, never mentioned Priestesses.”
“I would not imagine that the vile Vampyre would,” Talia said with derision.
“My father is not vile.” Tegan took a step back from the elder female, distancing herself.
“He is not your father.” Talia turned to look at Salem. “Thatis your father. The quicker you forget this stupid loyalty that you have to theVampyre, the quicker we can start your training.”
“My training?” Tegan cocked an eyebrow as she considered the female. “I am fully trained. I am an Elite Sentinel.”
“You are an infant in a war that’s been raging since the beginning of time.” Talia sighed as she looked back towards Salem. “She knows nothing,” she said with disappointment.
“Perhaps instead of insulting her family and her education, you try and get to know her first?” Sloane suggested, coming forward and taking Tegan’s hand in support.
“Incest will not be tolerated,” Talia snapped, looking at the combined hands in horror, clearly misinterpreting the gesture.
“By the Ancients, you are truly horrible.” Tegan shook her head in wonder. She tugged at Sloane’s hand as she moved to walk away. “Come, cousin, I am hungry.”
“You do not walk away from me until you are dismissed.” Talia narrowed her eyes on the two Akrhyn.
“You have not earnedmyrespect for me to consider your feelings.” Tegan pulled Sloane harder with her. “Until then, I will treat you as badly as you have treated me andmyfamily.” As Tegan and Sloane left, Tegan did not look over at Salem or Marcus. When they got out of the room, she turned to Sloane. “I did not think it was possible to have such a strong dislike to family members so soon!”
Sloane laughed as he slung his arm around her shoulders. He was pleased that over the weeks in which Tegan had been here with them, now she did not shy away from his touch. If Talia knew how amazing his cousin was once she let her barrier down, she would wish she had treated their first meeting better. “She is a wicked old hag,” Sloane murmured quietly.
“Why do you not like her?” Tegan asked as they headed to the kitchens.
“She listens with rapt attention every time my father talks.” Sloane tugged Tegan’s braid. “She opposed my union with Zahra, as I was not deemed good enough for the granddaughter of Talia Holt.” Sloane grinned at Tegan. “She believes I blacken Michael’s good name with my less than stellar qualities.”
Tegan huffed out a grunt of disapproval. “The day anyone thinks you are the bad influence compared to Cord is the day the world stops turning.”
“You know,” Sloane said hesitantly, “you keep defending me. I think it may be that we are friends now, Tegan?”
Tegan stopped and looked at her cousin. “Friends more than family?” She considered it. “Well, some of my blood family is leaving a lot to be desired.” She frowned as she thought of Tove. “Some of my adopted family too.” Shaking her head, she resumed her walk to the kitchen. “Yes, I think we are friends.” She smiled shyly at him. “You can be my first male friend.”
Sloane hid his smile at her declaration, she was so earnestly happy with the idea. “Your brother is pretty great too,” he reminded her.
“Yes.” Tegan nodded in agreement. “I do not have difficulties with my brother.” As she glanced at Sloane and over her shoulder, she leaned into him more. “Or Salem, he means well. I think he genuinely cares about me.”
