“Interesting choice,” he points to the gaping hole and I giggle.
“Redecorating. It is good to see you again. It has been too long. But please, call me Liv now.” I pull Cole to my side and say, “This is my husband Cole, and this is Devon Savant.”
He shakes hands with them both and says, “Hm, indeed, Liv. We should pay no mind to our sire and meet more frequently. Nice to meet you both.”
They nod.
“I would like that, especially as I have a favor to ask of you.”
“Oh? It wouldn’t have anything to do with your new position in our community, would it?” he asks coyly.
I give him a wide smile. “Actually, yes. Please sit.”
The three have been watching this pleasant exchange with suspicion and then relief that one of us isn’t going to try to kill the other.
We sit, while CK glowers at us, and the other two watch carefully.
“May I begin by saying congratulations,” he says, inclining his head gracefully.
“Thank you. It has all been quite sudden, but now that it is here, we need to act. Quickly.”
“I agree. I assume you are looking for a new Council from what Constantine has said?”
“Yes. I need people I can trust.”
“Well, I am honored that you thought of me. Although, I have a terrible feeling that Lance may have, how do you say, stuck his oar in already?”
I laugh into my hand at that one. “Yes, somewhat.”
“I can only assume that is not acceptable to you, under the circumstances.” He scowls at Constantine. I’m somewhat surprised that he has been apprised of that whole situation. Then again, I have no idea how close he is to his other charges, so I have nothing to go on.
“Off the record Dmitri, I want you to be the Ambassador for Eastern Europe. However, I am going to offer it Lance first so that I can gain control of his magick bearers. I then intend to kill him, and you will then have your rightful place.”
“Ah, the Romani. A loyal bunch. You will find it most difficult to turn them.”
“I know. But I will. I, we, are going to see Lance tomorrow at Castelul Negru to start the ball rolling.”
“You are going back? To Castle Black?” he asks in horror.
“Yes,” I say warily, wondering just how much he knows and why.
“Do you think that is a good idea? I was there when we pulled you out of that dungeon. I don’t think you should go back,” he says forcefully.
I look stunned as CK growls, a very low feral noise, deep from his throat. Flicking my eyes to him, his face is, as always, unreadable. Looking back at Dmitri, his has gone the same. Like sire, like charge, indeed.
“You were there?” I ask hesitantly.
“It is of no consequence,” he mutters.
Oh, where have I heard that before? Infuriating beasts, the pair of them.
“Humph, well, no matter. It has been decided. We are going,” I say quite rudely, then smile apologetically.
He smiles back, a forced one, and says, “I accept your offer. I will keep it to myself once word gets out about Lance,” he spits the name out, “and I look forward to you finishing him off once and for all.”
“Wonderful. Thank you so much for coming here to meet me today. I would, under ordinary circumstances, have come to you, but we have a lot to accomplish in the next few days.” I stand, as does he, and we shake hands.
“It is not a problem. I have some recommendations if you would be interested,” he adds slyly.