“They’ve arrived?”
“Yes, there are three of them, and they’ve checked into the Hilton downtown. I haven’t gotten all of their names yet. The European Ministry was only kind enough to send me Mara Schneider’s name as the head of the envoy. I don’t know who else is accompanying her.”
The name didn’t ring any bells for him, but his stomach still clenched at the mention of the European Ministry all the same. The ruling vampire body across the ocean wasn’t so different from the one that had overseen vampires in the Americas. Well, maybe they were a little more archaic and, if Aiden remembered correctly, a little colder and more bloodthirsty. He’d fully expected to hear from the European Ministry when it was reported that Damon James was dead and Aiden had seized control of the territory.
European vampires had no control over American vampires, but they had been known to wield some influence here and there. If things got too out of control in the Americas, the European Ministry would apparently get upset, fearful it was setting a bad example for their own vampires.
And despite the passage of centuries, American vampires were still seen as the rebellious, wayward children who’d run away from home. Or worse, mongrels with no lineage or breeding. He couldn’t imagine any of those attitudes would go over well tonight.
“I want you, Sofia, and Rafe trailing them all night, easing tempers as needed,” Aiden instructed. Sofia was a calming presence, and Marcus carried a strong voice of authority. And then Rafe, while the devil incarnate most days, was very good at distracting and unruffling feathers when he put his mind to it.
“I will as soon as Rafe gets here,” Marcus growled.
“I’m here! I’m here!” the vampire in question announced as he breezed through the bedroom door. He had a black overnight bag slung over his shoulder. “It looks like half the vampires are downstairs already, awaiting a peek at their new king.” Rafe paused and looked over at his brother. “Lovely, festive decor, Marcus. I’m assuming that’s Ethan’s handiwork.”
Marcus smiled at his annoying brother. “Yes, it is. He handled the party preparations with some help from Sofia. I think it looks perfect. A party fit for a king.”
“What’s in the bag, Rafe?” Aiden inquired as he slipped into his black suit jacket. It was better to head off an argument between Marcus and Rafe now. Tensions were running high ahead of the party. He didn’t want his sons snapping at each other when they had more important things to worry about.
Rafe set the bag on a small coffee table in the sitting area of the suite and unzipped it. “I thought I would bring a few things along to make sure that you’re at least looking like royalty.”
“Rafe!” Marcus snapped.
“This isn’t something Aiden can take lightly,” Rafe shot back at him. “Temporary or not, Aiden took on the title of King. Not president or prime minister. King. That title comes with certain expectations as well as responsibilities. He represents not only our clan, but all vampires. If he fails to live up to those expectations, how can he expect to hold their respect? A vampire should be proud that Aiden represents them, represents the best of them. Appearance is the first step.”
Aiden hadn’t thought of it that way, and he should have. He’d been more concerned with not lording this new position over the vampires. Of them thinking that he was just another cruel tyrant to control their lives.
“Rafe is right,” Aiden announced. He smiled at his son and extended his arms out to his sides. “What can you do for me?”
Digging into the bag, Rafe pulled out a handful of colorful ties. Each had bold colors and patterns that Rafe held up to Aiden, one after another, before tossing it aside. He finally handed Aiden a red-and-black tie—a pure power tie. While Aiden worked on the knot, Rafe returned to his bag and pulled out six small boxes. He opened them to reveal watches.
“Watches?” Marcus said, looking over his brother’s shoulder.
“A watch is a subtle sign of class, power, and wealth. It’s a wink to those in the know that you’ve got taste,” Rafe replied as he held up two watches to Aiden and returned them to the table only to grab another two. “I’d assumed you understood that since you own two Breitlings.”
Marcus placed his hand over the Breitling watch on his wrist. “I like my Breitlings.”
“Yes, but tonight I want you wearing the Vacheron Constantin with the four complications. Father is going to wear the Patek Philippe,” Rafe announced as he snatched up a box and handed the watch over to Aiden.
“Which one?”
Rafe testily waved a hand toward the table. “The navy-and-silver one on the far right.”
Aiden chuckled and glanced over at Marcus. “It’s like he’s speaking another language.”