I’m at a loss for words. Fabian simply smiles again and stands. He approaches Victor and Richard.
“I have brought eleven Old Family with me,” he says. “Every family is represented, except the Ashers. Each representative here is willing to die in order to stop this madness that Sin has created.”
Twelve is one too many. Victor doesn’t seem surprised by the number. He must have expected one family to send two representatives. I wonder what the story is.
I look at the Old Family soldiers. Each one is young and dashing, rivaling Victor and Richard in looks. But I see no women. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Even if they are fast and strong, they’re simply too rare to risk. And speaking of Old Family women, I look over at Faith to see if she’s eyeing any potential suitors. But all I see is worry in her eyes.
“We brought human drivers and hunters to steer the carriages and protect us while the sun is out,” Fabian continues.
I can see through some of the glass panes into a few of the carriages, their human counterparts inside, stakes bandoliered across their chests. I know Old Family at times hire humans to protect them. They demand the best and are able to pay for it. Even if some of these humans fought in the war, like Ian, they’re willing to set aside their differences for the right price.
“Madame Montgomery, it is my understanding that you’ll be coming with us.”
“No, actually, Ian Hightower is going in my place.”
Fabian stiffens, looks past me to where Ian has been waiting. “Well, Slayer, I have heard stories of your heroics. You have no need to worry about us wanting revenge, as long as you don’t want the same.”
“It was war,” Ian says. “We were on different sides then, and we did what soldiers do. Now, it’s a different war, and we’re on the same side.”
“Then we are of like minds. Have you a carriage? If not, I would be honored to have you ride with me.”
“He’s riding with me,” Richard says. “But we’re going by car.”
I can tell from Fabian’s curled lip that he finds the thought of traveling in such a vehicle distasteful. He’s obviously embraced the Old Family’s dislike of modern conveniences and isn’t quite as rebellious as Richard and Victor are.
“Cousins!” a vampire shouts, striding toward us. From his black hair to his blue eyes and sharp royal features, he has Valentine written all over him. He stops before us. “You’re looking well.”
“Dawn, allow me to introduce Rayne Valentine,” Victor says. “I believe you’ve had the honor of meeting his father, Seymour.”
It wasn’t that much of an honor. He is Murdoch Valentine’s brother and expressed an interest in becoming head of the family once Murdoch was dead. But Victor quickly put him in his place. Diplomacy forces me to say, “I remember him well.”
“He did not speak highly of you,” he says. “But my father has always been a terrible judge of character, and I’m sure he made his usual mistake with you.”
He takes my hand and kisses it. Then kisses it again. And again.
“All right,” Victor says, playfully slapping his hand away. “I see that only
“Yes,” he says, “and the other half have kept their good looks.” He combs back his hair with his hands.
Victor laughs. “You’re just as I remembered.”
“Dashing?”
“Arrogant.”
“I’ll take it.”
They pat each other on the shoulders in the exact same way any cousins would at a family reunion.
“Why are you here, Rayne?” Faith asks.
He appears taken aback by her question. “I came at Victor’s behest to represent the Valentine family.”
Faith shakes her head. “No, I’m going on behalf of the Valentines.”
Uh-oh. Now I know why there was one more number than I expected.
“Faith,” Victor says quietly, moving toward his sister. “We can’t risk you going.”
She spins around, her face livid. “What are you talking about?”
“If anything were to happen to you—”
“Do I have to remind you that I’ve already been to Los Angeles?”
“We didn’t realize how bad it was then,” Richard says.
Faith glares at him. “I held my own.”
“You did.”
“Then why did Victor send for Rayne?”
“Faith—”
“Why?”
Richard moves with such quickness, just a blur, and he’s holding her, hands on her face, her tears running through his fingers.
“Because I can’t protect them if you’re with me. You’ll be the only thing I care about. You . . . you
“But who will protect you?” she asks, her voice just a whisper.
“They will.”
She shakes her head like it isn’t enough. “No one can protect you like I can.”
He pulls her into his shoulder and holds her. “I know.”
“I’d never hurt you.”
“I know.”
She isn’t talking about Los Angeles anymore or protecting him from Sin’s army. She pulls back, her arms around his neck. “Just return to me.”
When she steps away, Victor looks at Richard and I see the loyalty—even the love—they have for each other. A hundred years of a deep connection that few vampires ever experience. They hug, and when they part, Victor gives a final nod.
Before they can leave, I rush over to Ian, who is loading up the trunk of the car.
“Ian.”
He turns toward me and I can sense the bristling power, the excitement of the mission to come. But I also sense the recognition that it could be one mission too many.
“Don’t say goodbye,” he says. “It’s bad luck.”
“Then what should I say?”
Ian smiles and looks up at the sky, as if recognizing for the first time how clear it is tonight.
“Just say, ‘I’ll see you when you get back.’”
“I will. I’ll see you when you get back.”
He puts his hand on my head and rubs my hair, like a father proud of his little girl.
From the steps of the manor, Victor, Faith, and I watch the carriages roll out in a steady procession, led by the car that contains Richard and Ian.
“We need to get that Sin-worshipping bitch to talk,” Faith says. “I’m in the mood to take down some Day Walkers.”
Chapter 21
Faith stalks off to her room, probably to hurl some valuables around. Victor stares off into the night sky, his mind perhaps considering the methods they used during the war. What kind of things did he do then that made people talk? I have a terrible feeling in my gut that Victor can be much, much more
“Let me talk to Eris,” I say.
Victor turns and assesses me. “All right,” he agrees. “Perhaps she’ll be more willing to talk if you’re alone
