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A snort sounded from across the chamber as Xavier walked in, the demon king offering Ruyan a mocking smile as he slow clapped. “A little melodramatic, but I’ll give you points for attempting to make an intimidating first impression.”
“Attempt—” Ruyan’s growl cut off and my eyes widened slightly at the visible impression of what looked like invisible fingers crushing his throat. The lycan clawed at his own neck, leaving horrendous red streaks.
“Xavier,” Alek lectured, walking between Benedict and I nonchalantly. “Stop hazing the new guy.”
The corner of Xavier’s mouth quirked upward, his gaze intensifying on Ruyan, and for a second, I wondered if he’d let the Lycan alpha go. One never really quite knew when it came to Xavier. He was millennia older than every single one of us, and his cruelty was more than notorious, it was legendary.
He sighed, as if bored, then strolled forward to his seat across from Alek’s.
The invisible fingers released from Ruyan’s throat and the lycan took a series of gulping breaths as Alek found his own seat, completing the council of five.
“And you call him melodramatic?” Alek asked, leaning back in his chair as Benedict and I took our respective sides around our king.
Xavier shrugged, a golden goblet magically appearing in his hand. “I’ve been watching Star Wars in my downtime.” He took a sip from the chalice and glanced at Ruyan. “Learn how to respect your elders and it won’t happen again.”
Ruyan’s escorts lunged toward Xavier, their hands forming claws, only to freeze in place. Their eyes darted comically back and forth as their bodies remained immobile.
Xavier tsked them. “Play nice or you won’t be invited back.”
Alek rolled his eyes.
“Xavier,” Luna sighed, rubbing the bridge of her dainty nose.
“Fine.” Xavier took another drink, and the lycans stumbled forward. They quickly regained their balance and at the look on their alpha’s face, retreated to his side. “And to think, you’re the best the lycans have to offer.”
“Can we get started? I have matters waiting at home,” Luna said sweetly.
Conclave was called to order and went through the usual business. Who had violated the Covenant, who would need to be brought to justice. What concerns each leader had.
Patrick cleared his throat when it was his turn. “The Sons of Honor are slaughtering human families.”
Luna’s eyes widened. “You’re certain?”
“We can corroborate,” Alek added. “Two families so far. Night Thistle bullets were found at the scene.”
“That tells me they weren’t looking for humans.” Xavier lounged, throwing one leg over the armrest.
“Agreed,” Alek stated. “We had some intel come in last night—a list.” He glanced at me, and I walked copies of the list to each of the thrones before returning to Alek’s side.
“There are two witch families on this list,” Luna said, scrolling down the dozen names.
“Where’s the rest of the list?” Xavier asked. “It’s clearly cut off.”
“It’s all they had on them,” I answered.
“We think they’re targeting half-bloods, or those with vampire ancestry,” Alek said. “Which is why I need to formally ask for your temporary permission for unfettered access to your territory.”
“The fuck you—” Ruyan started, then grasped for his throat.
I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing.
“Manners,” Xavier said without so much as looking Ruyan’s direction. “Learn some.”
The sound of gasps filled the chambers and Ruyan fell back in his seat.
“You were saying?” Xavier looked Alek’s way.
“We need unfettered, temporary access to your territories not only on Conclave business for agreed-upon justice, but to investigate and protect these listed families.” Alek glanced from throne to throne.
