“An interesting delegation,” he murmured, his gaze sweeping around the room. “How was it chosen?”
“A few weeks ago a sealed petition was sent to Sinjon, demanding that Peri be labeled as a threat,” Gabriel revealed, referring to the current head of the Vampire Cabal, who had remained in Greece. “The invitations were sent out to start an investigation into her powers, and here we are.” Gabriel shrugged. “Investigating.”
“I assume I can trust you?” Valen demanded.
“Only as far as you can trust any member of the Cabal,” the male warned. “But I will promise to inform Sinjon of the fact that I’ve spent time with your mate and while she’s outspoken and unwilling to submit to vampire authority, including your own—”
“No shit.”
“I’ve never detected any ambition in her to challenge our place as rulers of the demon world.”
“Ruler?” Valen snorted. “Her precise words were that she’d rather be dipped in honey and fed to ants than be involved in Cabal business.”
“More importantly, I have nothing to gain by undermining your control of this Gyre,” Gabriel continued, his gaze moving toward the vampire with pale hair pulled into a braid and a massive body stuffed in tight gray slacks and a white silk shirt unbuttoned halfway down his massive chest. Kane, the current Cabal leader of northern Asia. “I might not be as powerful as you, but I’m satisfied.”
“Unlike others.”
Gabriel nodded. “Civilizations rise and fall, just as the magic of the Gyres ebbs and flows. You currently hold the prized Gyre. That puts a target on your back.”
“It makes sense that Kane is hoping to kick me out and take my place,” Valen agreed, his attention moving from Kane toward the male with light brown hair trimmed short and dark eyes that surveyed the room with a visible intensity. He was wearing a blue suit with a yellow shirt. “And Ambassador Azra might say he’s only here to make sure that an outbreak of violence doesn’t threaten the stability of the Cabal, but it’s possible he has his own ambitions. He’s older than I am and has never had his own Gyre.”
“Doubtful.”
Valen frowned at the soft warning. “Why do you say that?”
“My contacts in Greece have told me that the ambassador has the ability to directly share his thoughts with Sinjon. Whatever he sees or hears while he’s visiting your Gyre is passed directly to our king.”
Valen grimaced. “A rare talent.”
“Yes. It makes him a perfect spy. Plus, Sinjon is wise enough to pay him a king’s ransom to remain loyal.” Gabriel shrugged. “And honestly, Azra’s never had the strength to become a leader. Not even of a small Gyre.”
“I can’t argue with that.” Valen turned his gaze to the remaining vampire, who stood alone next to the windows.
He was as tall as Valen, with lean muscles beneath his cashmere sweater and silk slacks. His curly black hair was buzzed close to his head to emphasize the chiseled beauty of his face, and the golden glow of his eyes contrasted with his light brown skin. If Valen was handsome and Gabriel was distinguished, this male was painfully beautiful. Like an ancient god brought to life.
“What about Micha?” Valen demanded.
Gabriel turned his attention toward the younger male. “What about him?”
“Is he hoping to expand his territory?”
“That’s a question you’re going to have to ask him.”