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I am his most trusted.
His most loyal.
“There’s a rising coven from out of town causing trouble nearby. Sources tell me they’re due in our city tonight. Likely trying to challenge us for territory.” He frowns. He doesn’t like decimating covens unless necessary, but his demeanor tells me he already thinks it will be without meeting them.
“I haven’t heard any rumblings. You’re sure they’re here so soon?”
Finishing his drink, he turns to look at me. “They’re from out of state. They’re coming here specifically because I’m back, and my coven is here. I’ve had my eye on them for some time because their leader is…” He threw his glass into the fire, shattering it into dazzling pieces as the fire flares from the alcohol still stuck to its sides. “It’s Emerson Holt.”
That pit in my stomach is back.
Emerson Holt is my brother, Leland’s second-turned-vampire, and he is bad news.
“I didn’t even know he’d left Europe.” Surprise colors my voice. We haven’t seen him in at least three centuries, not since there’d been a major disagreement on proper vampire etiquette. I close my eyes, remembering the bodies. The things he’s done.
“He slipped out two months ago, and I only heard about it a week after he’d left. Another week after, a new coven popped up in Delaware of all places.”
I snort.
Fucking Delaware?
Emerson must be desperate.
“I sent Naritaka to infiltrate and join the coven some time ago to see if Emerson could be tracked and stopped. They never met before, so it seemed like the perfect fit. Taka told me last night they are coming. Emerson knows there’s a mole and didn’t tell the group until the last possible second.” Lines tighten around his eyes. “I’m going to finally kill him, Oz.”
He has to kill his son, my brother.
Good.
“I’ll go with you. I can help protect-” Leland cuts me short with a stern glare.
“You will do no such thing. You will remain here and keep our home protected. You know what he’s capable of.” I nod. There is no use arguing about this.
“Fuck me.” I down my scotch, and we sit silently, studying the fire. I may not be able to go, but I can send the next best thing. “Take Rolando with you. And please bring heavy armament. Somegunsthis time, Leland.”
A grimace flashes across his kind features. He hates guns. “Rolando can bring as many as he and the others like, but I’ll be fine with my sword.”
“You won’t always,” I caution. We haven’t been around Emerson in so long, and I doubt he will pause before using automatic weapons against our creator.
“Fine,” he concedes. “I’ll bring the damn guns.”
We’ve acquired a decent-sized armory over the years, so we might as well put it to good use. I need to send someone for another haul as soon as possible. I like having many backups should the occasion call for it. With Emerson around, who knows what will be next?
“When are you going?”
“Leaving tomorrow just before sunset. We’ll feed on the way and arrive fresh.” I feel much better knowing that Rolando will be with him. No doubt, several of my brothers and sisters would be assisting as well, but I know Rolando will make Leland his priority. It seems business has finally concluded, and the sun will rise soon. I want to make sure he gets plenty of rest.
“We should all settle in for the night. Recharge before you head out.” He sighs unhappily. There are usually celebrations when he returns from his trips, but now he is going off to slaughter one of his own making. I can’t imagine the pain that puts him through.
“I suppose we shall. But before we do, we have one other matter to discuss.”
My ears perk up, sensing this is going to be about Wren.
“Oz, you have certainly found yourself an enchanting creature,” His eyes have that glint in them that I am so used to seeing. I beam. She is precisely that, enchanting. “The matter of your bond, though,” my smile falls. “It’s bordering on obsession, and I know you can’t help it. It’s already in your nature to worry over those you care for, and the bond has exponentially increased those tendencies where she is concerned. I already explained this to Wren, and I’ll explain it to you now. It’s normal. The compulsion and obsession will ease, and you will ultimately be left with something pure and strong.”
Obsession.
That sounds about right.
