Page 82 of Feral Possession

He leaned forward as well, breath catching when he got a glimpse of the page. It was identical.

Dove turned to him, eyes wide with alarm. “It can’t be a coincidence. Do you think he knows about your demon?”

“I don’t see how. I haven’t seen him in months.” There was no way Victor could have spotted the mark on his chest. Could he?

Before Marcus could investigate further, knuckles rapped on the door and Victor Custodis, Clan Leader of the Eastern Realm, entered. Marcus rose to great him, motioning for Dove to do the same.

Little had changed about the clan leader since they’d last met. He wore a collar-less suit jacket with rich embroidery on the lapels. Around his neck was a chain of golden discs, a symbol of his powerful station. Silver-white hair hung down his back. His ageless, yet aristocratic face revealed nothing of his mood. Though the power rolling off the male warned he was ancient and not one to be trifled with.

“My apologies for keeping you waiting, Lord Steele.” Victor stuck out his hand and Marcus returned his handshake.

“No apologies necessary. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.” He touched the small of Dove’s back. “This is Dove, my Chosen.”

“Ah, yes. Vivian Laurent’s former ward if I’m not mistaken.” Victor’s keen gray eyes took Dove’s measure.

She dipped her head, more subdued than Marcus had ever seen her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Victor folded his arms while he perused her, tapping his lip. The vampire’s interest in Marcus’s Chosen stirred something deep inside of him. His shoulders tensed, shadows stirring in his soul.

“You’re a necromancer.”

Marcus cringed inwardly. This was why he’d been hesitant to approach Victor before getting a handle on his demon. The male was far too intuitive.

“That’s right,” Dove answered, her tone tight.

“Fascinating skill. One to be envied. I could envision a great many uses for such an ability. You’re fortunate to have this one at your side, Lord Steele.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Marcus said. No doubt, Victor would love to add Dove to his collection. It was rumored his menagerie wasn’t limited to inanimate objects.

“Sit. Please.” Victor indicated the chairs they’d abandoned, then walked behind his desk and seated himself in the large leather chair. He laid a ribbon between the pages of his thick book and closed it, then set it aside. That done, he propped his elbows on the wooden surface, steepling his hands. “Now, tell me. How may I be of service? Surely, you haven’t come to negotiate building rights for yet another investment.”

When last they’d met, it was to discuss the permit for the casino. Victor had been a pain in the ass, making him fight for every inch of land he’d approved.

“It’s nothing like that.”

“I hear your casino is doing quite well, despite the rough start.”

Marcus nodded. “It’s about that rough start that brings me here. I believe you and I share an interest in the woman responsible for the explosion at the casino opening.”

Victor’s polite façade did not waver. “Do we?”

“In addition to almost killing me, before Helen fled, she set things into place that implicated me as a Zion conspirator. The Council is considering charges against me.”

“Unpleasant business.” Victor’s even features darkened, exposing his irritation. “You wouldn’t be the first to be accused. For those found guilty, the ramifications are far-reaching. If you’re here seeking help with the Council, I’m afraid I can’t be of much assistance. Your uncle removed me from the investigation.”

“I’m aware. I’d prefer not to involve my uncle.” Marcus leveled him a pointed look.

“Understood. However, I too would prefer not to earn his wrath. He’s become rather”—he paused—“zealous in his desire to eliminate Zion. Any action on my part would be seen as interference.”

His uncle would love nothing more than to humble the clan leader. While Tiberius held the official title of magister, one of the most powerful positions in the underworld, Victor had earned just as much clout over the years.

“Also understood.” Marcus needed to tread carefully. “During the course of my investigation, I discovered Helen was intimately involved with one of your men, Adam. I understand that prior to his death, she’d recruited him into Zion’s ranks, leading him to betray you.”

“She did,” Victor admitted with little emotion.

“Then I believe we share a common interest in tracking the person responsible for that betrayal.”

“An interest, yes. However, as I said, your uncle has tied my hands in this matter.”

---