Correctly.

  “Clive says a lot of those things too.” Rowan grinned. “Still, all those someones of his rank? Man, they are so fucking heated up that I snatched their perfect Scion up and tied him to my bed.” She laughed at that a bit. “What does Konrad think?”

  “He’s of the mind that it makes me, and thereby the Aubert line, stronger. More influential. After all, who else’s family has a priestess serving a Trick of chaos demigods? He wants to host some sort of family gathering over the winter holidays to celebrate and also introduce the Auberts to the Dust Devils and vice versa. He’s got an estate large enough to host such a thing, so as long as I don’t have to plan it, I’m in support. I want the Dust Devils to be treated with the respect and honor they deserve.”

  “You’re very sweet on them,” Rowan said, pleased her friend was so happy.

  “I really am,” Genevieve admitted. “They’re all so lovely to me I just can’t tolerate any of my family not being equally lovely. We’re all a bunch of black sheep anyway. I think it will be fine.”

  They finished up eating and headed back to the office. Rowan didn’t want Clive arriving while she was still away. He’d be nosier and bossier without her around to keep him in line.

  Chapter Seven

  When they’d arrived back at the chapterhouse, Genevieve and Aron got down to their magical business, David had gone to deal with other administrative stuff, and Rowan had gone to her office, where she could have a few minutes to think about everything she needed to be doing over the next week.

  They’d have to leave for Prague in a few days. She wanted to poke around in Elmer Marsc’s life before they did. David was coordinating with the other chapterhouses to compile all the data they’d need for various meetings. The official itinerary had been decided upon a week prior and she’d already put together notes for everything she was responsible for. They were in the process of hiring or transferring in all the support they’d need. Now that she was responsible for a far larger territory and had consolidated most major administrative positions to be run from Las Vegas, her tiny three-person staff from the old days wouldn’t do at all.

  Which meant more interviews that whole week while David helped settle all the transfers from various Motherhouses across the globe, including his new assistant, Vihan, who was starting in two days’ time. Rowan and David both had worked with him in London. He’d helped manage Susan’s office and though Rowan’s friend was affectionately miffed they’d recruited her employee, he came with only the highest of recommendations from everyone he worked with.

  It annoyed her that she had to leave the country right as everything was coming together but that was simply how things worked in her world and everyone working for Hunter Corp. knew it. They might as well be starting while she was on a whole different continent.

  Clive arrived just minutes later. Their bond sizzling and shimmering the closer he got. Rowan didn’t wait to be told he’d arrived. She simply headed downstairs, pausing near the stairwell to watch her man stroll in.

  That night he wore a black suit with a deep gray shirt. No tie, though she knew he’d probably started off his work night with one. He looked stylish and handsome. And very dangerous.

  Though she hadn’t announced herself, he barely glanced at Malin as he headed to Rowan, taking her hands in his, lifting them both to his mouth to brush a kiss over her knuckles. A year ago, she’d never have allowed such a public display.

  She wasn’t the same woman she’d been a year ago.

  The flash in his gaze sent heat racing through her. He knew exactly what he was doing. How lucky was she?

  Still, she was the boss and all, so she gave him one last moment and stepped back. He kept one of her hands, and after calling out her thanks to Malin, Rowan led Clive upstairs and into her office, closing the door at her back.

  “Thank you,” she said. “He’s in with Genevieve right now. When that’s finished, she’ll bring him here. He knows a Nation Vampire is reading him, but I didn’t say it was you.”

  “One does like to keep one’s hand in the game, so to speak,” he said.

  “And you get to be nosy.”

  He smiled. “Curiosity is an important trait, darling. What would you like me to read for?”

  She and Clive had basically the same type of conversation she’d had with Genevieve, only emphasizing all the Vampy stuff rather than magic.

  “Before he comes in, I need to tell you something about his Maker. Aron wasn’t even seventeen when he was Made. And that was 1917 so I understand things are different now than they were then, but I also have intel that hasn’t stopped him. Looks like there have been at least two Makings of underage humans since then. I’m going to be looking very closely at Elmer Marsc. I thought you should know.”

  “I assume this hasn’t been reported officially to anyone within the Nation?”

  “Who would they have gone to? Part of it happened during Jacques’s term as Scion, and from what I’m told, they were close. We both know Jacques never gave a shit about humans anyway, so if Elmer was a buddy and sent Jacques money or women or whatever struck his fancy, Jacques wouldn’t have done a thing to stop underage Making. There was no profit for him in it.”

  Clive adjusted his cuffs as he considered what she’d said.

  “Will your source be willing to speak to me about it? Make an official report?” he asked carefully.

  “Maybe. And don’t get mad,” she added at his expression. “You know how this goes. Why should any of them trust the Scion? Not you, obviously you’re not Jacques, but the office. The power structure that has created this very problem. I’ve already started putting together a dossier on Elmer. I’ll find him and if he’s doing anything I don’t like, he’ll know.”

  “And will I know? This is a Vampire-shaped problem.”

  “With a sword-shaped solution, so back up there,” she said, pointing at him with her pen. “I’m going to look at him and see what I can find. Me. Hunter person. I’ll forward whatever I discover that connects to you.”

  “The Vampires who’ve been wronged deserve to have the Nation solve their problems. Having Hunter Corp. do it estranges the Nation from those who need us most.”

  “I agree they need you. I agree it will do them good—the Nation as a whole—to be able to count on you. But that’s not going to happen overnight. I’ve already told Aron you would never tolerate such violations of the Treaty and I told him that because I believe it to be true. I want the Nation to be better at dealing with those who are at the very bottom of your hierarchy. I’m happy to push in that direction but I too have a duty to protect people. So I’m doing that. And then, when the time is right, I’ll include you and help bridge that gap because I have my own work to do.”

  He growled a sigh but didn’t argue. Because she was right. She was sad to be right because it hurt Clive too. He was a Vampire with all the annoying things that came with it. But he was a good leader who truly cared about those Vampires he was sworn to protect, and she wanted to help him continue that.

  She changed the subject. “Did you have a meeting about me today? Are all the fragile Vampires all ascared of the big bad Hunter?”

  He gave her a put-upon sigh but the smile lurking around his mouth told on him. “Not a Scion meeting. I spoke with Nadir to relay my opinion of several aspects of the official response. From what I understand, I wasn’t the only Scion who called out the way the response was only sent to London and Paris. Nor was I alone in pointing out our behavior was pushing our allies away.”

  She harrumphed. “Did you tell her I was hiring Vampires during your call?”

  “No. That’s your business to share. But you did alert them it was coming so I doubt anyone will be surprised when you announce. Though I’m certain the aftermath will be quite diverting.”

  She barked a laugh. “I’m working on that. We don’t make press releases when we hire Hunters. I may as well put a neon target on their backs, for Goddess’s sake. I told the Nation we were hiring and that’s what is happening. I don’t plan to keep Vampires up to date on personnel matters within Hunter Corp. and that’s not even because I’m being petty or difficult. However, I need to extend official protection to the Vampires we hire. Easiest way to do that is official contact between us and the Nation. So I’ll notify Nadir’s office and she’ll tell the Scions. I don’t like it, but I think it’s the best way given the options I have.”

  Rowan looked up to catch her spouse pinching the bridge of his nose and tossed a paper clip at his head. “Stop! You’re going to wrinkle all that suave British handsome and you won’t be my trophy husband anymore.”

  * * *

  If anything could give Clive wrinkles it was his wife’s penchant for finding trouble anywhere and everywhere. Still it was a relief she saw the need to inform the Nation and the reason why.

  And it was a great relief she’d turned to him to read her new employee.

  “What do you think of Aron?” she asked.

  If she began to develop a mind reading gift he’d riot. She was canny enough as it was.

  “Because you obviously looked into him yourself when you went into work today. Especially after I asked you for help,” she said, answering his semi-panicked unspoken worry.

  “My impressions remain the same as they were when I looked at your dossier.” Which had been far more detailed than his own. He needed to speak with Patience and Seth, his top lieutenants, urge them to pay closer attention to all the Vampires in his territory, especially the rogues. Not to take on trouble, they had plenty already. But rogues still had the same powers and thus posed similar problems as affiliated Vampires. It was simply good sense. And perhaps if they felt looked after in some way, less would choose to eschew the Nation and declare themselves rogues to start with.

  “Shall I keep it private that you did the read on him?” Rowan asked. “You know it’s better if I tell Nadir it was done. Like I said, I don’t want war with the Nation, and it’ll underline that Hunter Corp. is doing its best to screen out all troublesome candidates. But there’s no need to say it was you.”

  “I’ve no doubt you’re right about that. I considered the point of anonymity, but I believe if it’s known, at least to Nadir—who will guess anyway—it only strengthens your case here. You’re not trying to hurt the Vampire Nation. You even let a Scion in to part of your screening process. It’s a win.”

  “That’s very savvy, Scion. Thanks.”

  If only she took all his suggestions so easily.

  David brought in a pot of tea, Prince of Wales, one of Clive’s favorites, and let them know Aron was ready for him.

  She didn’t tell him to behave or be nice or ask if she could stay. She trusted that he would never abuse his position—as her husband and as Scion—and that meant everything to him.

  “Give me a moment with him. I’ll introduce you two and leave. I’ve got to deal with some other stuff anyway.” She went to the door, but paused a moment to drop a kiss at his temple. It was absently affectionate and therefore he was glad to be sitting or he might have gone a little weak at the knees. This feral creature who’d started off their relationship with so little trust now came to him freely to touch or comfort. Goddess willing, he wanted to continue this sort of coming together. Wanted to be worthy of her.

  * * *

  Rowan was admittedly relieved when Aron approached and neither he nor Genevieve appeared to be upset in any way. Though she had a gut feeling that told her Aron was exactly what she thought he was, trust but verify would be her motto.

  “Are you ready for the Vampiric part of the screening?” Rowan asked him. “Genevieve assures me there’s no danger in being read by two different beings in a short span of time. The process is confidential. Nothing he or Genevieve learn will go any further unless it poses harm to someone.”

  “I’ve never met the Scion. It will be my honor to be read by him.” Aron dipped his chin slightly.

  “Figured you’d guess,” she said with a smile.

  “There are many powerful beings here in this building just now.” He nodded in Rowan’s and then Genevieve’s direction. “But the Scion’s power signature, well, there’s nothing else I’ve ever felt the like of. Even from his predecessor.”

  Clive would love that.

  “All right, then. Genevieve, I’ll be with you in a moment. I’m just going to introduce Aron to Clive,” Rowan said.

  “Young David has some tea in process for us, he says. And Lorraine has been by to bring food she’d prepared and ordered me—and you—to eat.” Genevieve nodded to Aron. “It was a pleasure, Vampire.”

  Aron’s features had gone a little softer as Genevieve seemed to float away in her flowy, flowery dress, her hair done up in some sort of complicated braid. Roses and lavender hung in the air in her wake.

  “Yeah, I get it.” Rowan winked and then indicated he follow her into her office, where Clive rose, tall, suave, handsome as fuck, haughty, aristocratic, and undoubtedly powerful. Usually her Scion toned himself down, which meant this was a display. A pretty hot one.

  “Scion Clive Stewart, this is Aron Jimenez.”

  Aron kept his direct gaze from Clive’s and tipped his chin in a measure of respect. Not as deeply as a Nation Vampire would have, but more than enough to show respect of the Vampire and his office.

  Finally Clive eased it back and held out his hand. Aron grasped his forearm instead. As warriors. But when the clasp ended, Aron turned his hand, wrist up. Showing respect. This was a Vampire who understood the world he stood outside of.

  Clive nodded, satisfied and even a little pleased. Rowan left them to it and headed to Genevieve’s office only to nearly walk into the door when she caught sight of Darius reclining in one of the chairs, a teacup cradled in his hand. He was turned, facing Genevieve, nearly all his attention—certainly he knew Rowan had approached—on the witch. Genevieve leaned against the desk, a smile on her lips as she sipped her tea.

  “I didn’t know you weren’t alone. My pardon,” Rowan said. She didn’t know how to address any Dust Devils much less the one in charge. They were all so unearthly in the way they held themselves, in the sheer wall of energy that seemed to swirl about their bodies like the twisted winds named after them.

  She generally treated beings that ancient and full of power with wary respect. The same way she handled Theo. You never knew when something you thought was innocuous would end up pushing a button for something with enough power to level cities.

  Genevieve regarded Rowan and gave a lazy wave of her wrist, sending her bracelets jingling and clacking where beads or stones met. “I made Darius come inside to have tea with me. He’s my guard for the evening and there’s simply no reason to be out there when I’m in here.”

  “She lured me with Madam Lorraine’s cooking. If I could steal her from Genevieve to cook me such delights I would,” Darius said in a dry tone.

  * * *

  Genevieve noted Rowan’s surprise at Darius’s humor. He must feel comfortable around Rowan to reveal that part of himself, which pleased her because if he liked Rowan, Rowan would relax around him, and they could like one another. And since Rowan was her close friend, one Genevieve spent a great deal of time with, she wanted them both to be at ease.

  And she found herself wanting Rowan to loosen up and get to know Darius. Her friend was funny and though sarcastic and blunt, truly loyal and courageous. Such bright fire for someone who’d only been alive the blink of time’s eye.

  “Anything we speak of here will not leave these walls without your permission,” Genevieve said. “Fill a plate and let’s talk of Aron.”

  Rowan did, pouring herself a cup of tea and settling at the chair nearest the desk.

  “He was open to be read. I sensed no lurking spells. No compulsions or geas. I’m no lie detector, but my power says he is genuine in what he portrays himself to be. He spoke some of his life when he was with a Maker.” Genevieve sniffed, vastly agitated by the way Vampires could be toward those they should protect instead of victimize and use up.

  “He’s got a strong moral core. He believes what he says he does. He’s not coy. His past doesn’t weaken him. Rather it gave him focus and direction. A cause. He doesn’t hate all Vampires. But he does loathe his Maker and those like him.”

  Rowan said, “Can’t say as I blame him on that. It’s my perception that he’s taken what happened to him, and more importantly, how he got through it and out the other side, and crafted a life for himself where he can help others who, like himself, got tangled up and may not know how to get free. Vampire or not. He just feels to me like a being who seeks meaning in what he does.”

  “I concur with that.”

  “You’d be comfortable working with him? Having him at your back if we were in the field or in some sort of confrontation?” Rowan asked.

  “Yes,” she said without having to think on it overlong. The Vampire had read clean to her. Not pure. He had burrs and snags, bitterness and anger here and there. Most beings did, especially ones over a hundred years. But his driving force was one she admired. It was genuine.

  More than all that, there was a sense of purpose. As if he was meant to be there. Needed to be.

  Rowan nodded and then finished up her tea. “Clive is done. Please thank Lorraine. These little lemon butter cookie things are so good I could eat two dozen in one sitting. It was nice to see you again, Darius. Please be welcome here any time. Genevieve, your skills are much appreciated.”

  Genevieve walked out with Rowan. “I am left with one certainty. He’s supposed to be here right now.”

  Rowan sucked in a breath. “I need to talk with you tomorrow about a few things. For the moment, yes, I agree.”