Maybe I should’ve called, or showed up at her apartment . . . but with the way we left things, her running out and all. I thought she wanted some space. Now I’m worried that my space has given her too much time with that bastard, Mircea. Fuck.
I called Ion twenty minutes ago and he didn’t answer, so I haven’t been told I can’t make a visit to the Petran residence. I head up their cement stairs and ring the doorbell. Within a minute one of their men in black opens the door. “Do you have an appointment today, Mr. Dalca?”
I shake my head, “No, I’m afraid not. However, I did call and try to arrange one with Mariana and Ion. By chance are they home? I have something dire to tell them about.” I’m lying through my teeth, but this big guy doesn’t need to know that.
“Give me a moment,” He shuts the door in my face and minutes pass before he comes back and opens it. “It appears they have some time today, please come in.”
I walk through the doorway into their small foyer area, and then through the other door which leads directly into their open concept living room, dining room combo. The stairwell up to their second floor being directly on my right.
Though, I spot Bianca and Mircea at the dining room table. Mircea can’t see me yet, but Bianca can. She almost makes no reaction to seeing me, as if it’s something completely ordinary. God, how I miss her in my bed and vice versa.
“Stefan, you wanted to speak to us?” Mariana questions from the second floor.
I nod and head up. “Yes, I do. Sorry for the intrusion, though I did try to call.”
“Let me guess. Ion’s phone? We haven’t been able to find it today. He must’ve left it somewhere in the house.”
“That would be the one,” I reply, walking in behind her to the study.
Ion sits behind his massive chestnut brown desk, reading something on his laptop. “What’s going on?” he asks.
“I have some news regarding the Steele brothers. They’re in town tonight, and if it’s alright with you I’d love to meet with them on behalf of the Clans. Things have been a bit too quiet since Anton’s death. Considering Natasha and the kids are still in hiding . . . I think we should take this opportunity to get some help from them. They might be able to lend some resources we don’t already have. Add in the fact the trail is growing cold and . . . I don’t like it.” I speak from the heart, giving them honest answers.
Ion furrows his brows like he’s thinking about it.
“He’s right you know. We need the help, even if we don’t want to accept it. The Steeles have always been allies of ours, and in times of need they’ll lend a helping hand, like we would do the same for them. I think Stefan should meet with them while they’re in town.” Mariana jumps to my defense, her eagerness for justice showing plain as day.
“I’d prefer Melody meet with them, since they have a better relationship.” Ion comments.
“Melody’s in South Africa.” Mariana replies.
“Fuck . . . fine, Dalca, but Bianca will be going with you to make sure you don’t speak out of your ass like you’re always doing with us.” Ion grumbles, not even realizing he’s giving me exactly what I want— alone time with his daughter.
“What about Mircea?” Mariana asks her husband.
He scoffs, “I have a few other things he can do. He still has so much to prove being new blood and all. Don’t you worry about him. I’ll keep him busy.”
Mariana nods, understanding what her husband is saying. “Alright, well, I’m going to go take the kids out for a day in Times Square. And before you say anything about it, we’ll have some men with us. I promised the boys a fun day and to take them to the Nintendo store too.”
Ion waves, “Fine. What about Ysenia?”
“She said she was coming too, so you’ll be stuck here all alone.” Mariana teases him.
He scoffs, “No, I won’t. I’ll use Mircea for as long as I can. There’s still so much to go through.”
“Alright then, Stefan, can you set up a meeting for tonight?” Mariana asks.
I nod, “I’m sure I can. I’ll make a reservation at a restaurant in a private room for the brothers, Bianca, and I.”
“Sounds perfect. I’m sure it’ll be a late dinner, so give us a report sometime tomorrow morning on what’s transpired,” Mariana says with a smile. “Now, I’m going off to be with the kids. I’ll see you both later.”
“I’ll take my leave as well,” I comment, heading toward the study door. I hold it open for Mariana and she walks out before me. Going down the stairs, I follow her.
“Bianca, I’m going out with your brothers and sister. Tonight you and Stefan will be representing the Clans at a formal meeting. Talk with him and figure out what the details are and whatnot.” Mariana tells her, heading off into the kitchen area.
Meanwhile, Bianca cocks a brow . . . glancing at me with an unamused look on her face.
Perfect. If I’m going to be running in a competition with Mircea, I’m going to damn well show her why I’m the perfect man for her. Never will I let her forget how well I know her.
Chapter Nine
Stefan
“You are a foul snake,” Bianca snips as we’re in the elevator at a new restaurant in the city. It opened tonight and I managed to persuade the owner to give us one of their private rooms. Though, I
