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He’s shown me no signs of hostility. In fact, he’s been charming all evening, and Law is, dare I say, funny. My mind is split in two. One side is screaming for me to wake up and recognize I’m amongst monsters. The other is whispering to give them a chance. Charming or not, he’s still a vampire. I’d best remember that.
“I’m sorry to intrude on your family dinner.”
My blood runs cold at the shrill voice of Julian’s other brother.
“Marcellus,” Julian grates, rising to his feet.
“Please, don’t stand for me. Isn’t it I who should bow to you?”
A creepy-crawly feeling descends over the room at the emergence of Marcellus. He’s just as handsome as his brothers, but something sinister lies just under the surface of his soulless black eyes and expertly crafted sneer. Disdain is oozing from him, and it’s directed at Julian. There’s a story here, but I couldn’t care less what it is. I want the hell out of this house and away from the battle royale that’s about to go down.
“What do you want, Marc?”
“So now the donors eat with you?” He laughs, but it’s completely lacking humor. He looks disgusted by the very thought. “My, how far you’ve fallen, brother.”
“What I do with my donors is my business,” Julian says with an edge. My eyes volley back and forth, though my head is screaming at me to lower my eyes and try to disappear.
“The Council sent me to check in, and it appears they weren’t wrong to worry.” Marcellus grins.
“Worry about what?” Law says, sounding bored and a bit annoyed.
“It appears that not all of the elders are comfortable with your reign. They’re certain you’re against our ways and looking to change things. From what I see here, they might not be far off.”
“Since when are you part of the Council?”
“Since I too question your loyalties. My God, Julian. You actually have that thing sitting at your table?”
My back stiffens at his obvious hatred of me. There’s no doubt in my mind that he sees us as being below the vampire race. What does that mean for Stacey? Is she still alive?
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking that because you’re family, I won’t end you, Marcellus,” Julian’s tone is lethal, but the raven-haired devil doesn’t seem at all fazed. “Leave. You have no business here.”
“This is my father’s house,” Marcellus hisses. “I have just as much right to be here as you.”
Julian stands, stalking toward Marcellus, murder in his eyes. The rift between brothers seems to widen by the second. As they stand toe to toe, I note that Julian is an inch or two taller than Marcellus. Julian looks down at his brother, his tone deadly.
“This is my house,” Julian bellows, causing the chandelier above to tremble.
“It won’t be for long. I’m going to help the Council dethrone you.”
“You’d turn your back on family for power?” Julian roars, causing me to slink back in terror. “I am your king.”
“You are no king,” Marcellus jeers, the words laced in venom and speared in Julian’s direction.
Julian’s face reddens to inhuman levels and, baring his teeth, he grabs his brother by the lapel and throws him across the room.
I gasp at the force of the throw. Marcellus is on his feet in an instant, stalking toward Julian, ready to fight.
“You really want to challenge me, Marcellus?”
Julian’s voice is stone cold and his gaze cuts like knives. To be on the other side of that glare would have me peeing my pants, but Marcellus isn’t deterred.
“Stop,” Law yells, stopping Marcellus’s advance. “Your words are treasonous, Marc. Stop.”
Marcellus considers Lawrence.
“What do you care, Law? You’ve only ever bothered yourself with females and liquor. Am I to believe you care about the state of this kingdom?”
“Aw, come now, brother, surely I’m not without booze.” Law raises his goblet in proof.
