Although there were whispers of unease and growing concerns throughout the Assembly that the Morrigan would strike, she had not. There were rumors of a lack of confidence in Steel’s position, to the point Lady Tenille had relayed her thoughts at the internal unease to him. Marcus studied the crowds, disliking the fact most were strangers, and his back stiffened, waiting for some sign or signal.
“So why invite so many?” Marcus said, eyeing the various creatures before him.
The vampire followed his eyes and flicked his hair away from his face to study the sea of mixed races. “The crème de’ la crème in the vampire world. Roman De’ Luca is well respected and from one of the oldest families in Italy. It would have been rude and considered a slight, if he didn’t invite them all.”
“I see. Do you not think under the circumstances, if the Morrigan wished to send a message right into the heart of the vampire world, that there are enough here to make an impact? I think it’s foolish to have gathered so many.”
A hiss came from the vampire next to him as he bared his long white teeth and pressed his face right in his. Marcus held still, not wanting to escalate the vampire’s quick temper further. But the creature’s volatility increased his concern and distrust for Roman’s second-in-command.
“Vampires are not foolish creatures, Drayton. I would be careful how you speak about us. We are fiercely loyal to our own species, always. It’s a crime to work against our own kind and the penalty is death.”
Marcus crossed his arms and longed to needle the vampire further, wanting to know whether he would reveal anything more. “And yet, you speak freely of your dislike for Isabella, who is a vampire just like yourself. You are also clearly upset by your leader’s preoccupation with the witch. I do not consider your behavior very loyal.”
Lucius narrowed his gaze, but the vampire didn’t flinch, analyzing him as if working out his response. “It’s no secret I find the witch takes up too much of Roman’s time, but like you say, she is one of us, now. I would defend her to the death. As for my concerns, Roman knows where my loyalties lie. He is my brother, to the death, but I value my life.” The vampire stepped back, holding his mouth in a tight line.
The vampire’s words hinted at a precarious situation among the creatures and he made a mental note to discuss what he had learned with Roman at the earliest opportunity. He didn’t trust Lucius and his words did little to change his opinion. Changing topics, Marcus asked, “How do you kill a vampire?”
The vampire smirked and arched an eyebrow. “Might I know the reason for the inquiry?”
Marcus smiled. “Rest assured, you have not offended me enough. I do not seek to harm you, but you mentioned you would defend Isabella to the death. I simply wondered if someone had a mind to assassinate a vampire, how they would go about doing so.”
After a long pause, Lucius glanced over his shoulder and around at the crowd before directing his attention back at him. “Vampires are powerful, immortal creatures. But the need to continue our legacy is inherent in each of us because our very existence is always under threat. While we are immortal, we can be destroyed. Garlic does nothing, nor your holy water. But certain ancient metals, however fashioned, can turn us to dust. The importance of survival is ingrained to us at birth by our maker.” The blue-eyed vampire snorted and revealed a jeweled dagger, which he twisted in his hands, staring down the length of the sharp blade.
“It’s why our instinct is always to protect what belongs to us, as it is for most creatures. As for your question about safety, Roman insisted the witches place protection wards around the perimeter of the island. Controlling who enters and who leaves. No living soul, supernatural or not, will be allowed in without permission. The goddess has no power here.”
The vampire bowed and spun away, leaving him alone as Steel and Raine strolled toward him, smiling, arm in arm. Marcus followed Lucius’s departure, still uneasy about the man as he joined a small group of vampires who just arrived in the courtyard. The circle unfurled to reveal a slim man with light-blond hair and boyish looks. His dark eyes sought his out as Lucius whispered at his side. A shiver of awareness that their conversation was directed at him heightened his regard. Marcus was certain this new vampire had heard their words. Something about the vampire was familiar, but he did not know why.
“Marcus, you haven’t heard a word I’ve said,” Raine urged at his side and he shifted his focus back to the present. “Come on, we need to take our seats. The ceremony is about to start,” Raine continued as she slipped her arm through his, drawing him away from the vamps headed for the sea of white chairs and the wedding ceremony.
“Are the vampires why you’re so distracted? Anything I should be concerned about?” Steel asked as he walked on the other side of Raine, nodding at passersby, greeting each one like long lost friends, ever the diplomat—unlike him. He glanced at his boss, pausing before shaking his head. Now was definitely not the time.
“Nothing I can’t handle.” He took a seat. Glancing back, he noted each white chair was decorated with a silver ribbon and dainty purple flowers, no doubt Isabella’s choice. They were in the front row. All the other guests and dignitaries filed into position, filling up the seats.
