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One by one, they agreed, even Ruyan—if only to avoid Xavier.
“We also ask it for the time being in regard to our search for Samuel.” His gaze landed on Xavier. “We’re asking for all the hope we can get, and as I understand it, you denied access to Saint last night.”
Xavier shrugged. “He looks too much like his brother for my liking. Besides, the Covenant states that assassins have access for agreed-upon justice, not so you can take out your own trash.”
“That trash is likely to take out half the supernaturals in this town if we don’t find him,” I answered, holding the demon king’s stare. “I’ve known Samuel for centuries. He’ll kill with single-minded focus. He won’t mind slaughtering every demon he can get his hands on if he thinks it will get him closer to the vampire throne.”
“You somehow think that dealing with bloodmad vampires is something demons are strangers to.” Xavier sipped at his drink. “I remember when your kind—your order—was created, Ajax.”
“And you forget that if Samuel is coming for the throne, then he’s—” Benedict started.
Alek put up his hand, silencing Benedict.
Ajax. I heard Alek’s voice in my head and immediately threw time into a halt around the three of us, pausing the other members of Conclave.
“He’s being obstinate,” Benedict said, folding his arms across his chest.
“He can hear you.” Alek said, staring at Xavier.
“It’s always funny how you vampires assume your powers affect us.” Xavier smirked. “I’d even go so far to call it cute.”
Alek stood, removing a parcel from under his jacket, and without speaking, Benedict and I followed him across the room toward Xavier.
“The longer Samuel remains free, the longer the throne is in danger, and you and I both know that you don’t want extra danger placed onanyoneunder my protection.” Alek raised an eyebrow at Xavier.
“There you go assuming again. As if I don’t have eyes on Daphne.” He swung his legs over in a motion too quick to be seen by even vampire eyes and sat up.
“Well, just to keep things…amicable, seeing as she’s still a minor.” Alek handed Xavier the parcel. “Consider it bribery for allowing my assassins access. It’s from Daphne, obviously.”
Xavier blinked, then took the brown-paper-wrapped package with his name scrawled across it in feminine handwriting and a note I quickly made out that said,“For the next time we meet.” He opened it and laughed out loud. “Do you know what she sent me?”
Alek shook his head. “I asked her if she had anything to send given the situation.”
Xavier thumbed through a book, a smile widening on his face. “It’s a copy ofMen Explain Things to Me, by Rebecca Solnit. It’s considered a modern feminist tome on the propensity of men to mansplain.”
Alek groaned.
Xavier shook his head and put the book in his lap. “Sweet little Daphne.”
Alek’s eyes flashed at Xavier. “She’s still a child, you know.”
“Not for long.” Xavier waved him off. “And I have no intentions of removing her from your custody as long as she’s safe. And as for anything else…” He shrugged. “She’ll have to come to me when she’s ready.”
“That’s never going to happen,” Alek said with a certainty I didn’t share. Valor’s little cousin had a mind of her own, and I’d caught her reading a history of demonology more than a few times.
“We’ll see.” He leaned back, and that was that.
We returned to Alek’s seat, and once we were all in place, I released time.
Every eye in the room darted between Xavier and Alek, not realizing the exchange that had happened.
“You have whatever access you desire to my land.” Xavier held up his hand. “Only the hunters in your little order of assassins.”
Benedict’s jaw dropped.
My eyebrows rose.
“Accepted,” Alek said without question.
