Page 27 of Chains of Blood and Darkness

I glanced at Dimitri. “Keep an eye out for any trouble, especially from the wolves and the Unseelie or the dark Fae.”

“Yes, sir.”

The tavern was directly across the street from Crimson Stakes. With its rustic brick exterior and welcoming, antique-lamp-lit entryway, it offered an inviting contrast to its neighbor’s flashy presence. Also, in contrast to the casino, it was a legitimate business, not a money laundering operation.

The tavern was busy, but Petar and I went straight to the head of the line, bypassing people who were waiting to get inside.

The maître d’, Jean-Pierre, bowed slightly. “Ah, monsieur, your usual table is waiting for you, as always.”

I scanned the restaurant, looking for King Nico and Costin. “Have my guests arrived?”

He grabbed a couple of menus. “No, not yet. This way, please.”

Petar and I followed Jean-Pierre through the crowdedtavern to the private dining room I had on the second-floor balcony, with a window from which I could look down and observe the various comings and goings of the tavern. It was always kept ready for me—no one else ever sat there. I inhaled deeply, the rich aroma of Creole cuisine filling my nostrils, and enjoyed the live jazz, the heart and soul of the Quarter drifting through the cozy, wood-paneled dining rooms.

We took our places at the table and didn’t have to wait long to see King Nico and Costin Tarus arriving. Like me, they hadn’t come alone. The king had his son Dante plus a guard with him, while Costin was accompanied by his manservant, Ethan. Ethan might look like a butler as he followed Costin at a respectful distance, his eyes down, but I knew better. Beneath his submissive appearance, he was a powerful vampire in his own right, and his skills were legendary.

Luckily, the table was always set for at least eight of us.

I glanced sternly at Petar as I unfolded my napkin and placed it in my lap. “You will contain yourself this evening. I need to know that I can trust you at all times.” The implication was clear. If I couldn’t, he was dead.

Besides Petar, I had guards stationed throughout the establishment just in case I needed them, but I knew my guests wouldn’t try anything here, not with innocent patrons around. Like me, they didn’t like to draw too much attention to themselves.

The maître d’ appeared at the entrance to the private dining room and gestured for my guests to enter before retiring and shutting the door. They took their seats, andwhile most of them maintained a calm demeanor, Dante’s expression darkened when he locked eyes with Petar. A tense silence fell over the group, but no one flinched or showed any reaction.

I bowed my head slightly as they all got settled. “Good evening, Your Majesty. Gentlemen.”

“Santi.” Costin nodded curtly. I had no doubt he would be the spokesperson for the group. He always was.

I waved my hand and a waiter materialized with a bottle of Chosen Blood and filled everyone’s glass.

I cut to the chase. “I assume by agreeing to meet me so promptly, you think I have something to do with the two recently murdered girls?”

Costin sniffed his glass, then took a sip. “Their bodies were completely drained, so…” His cold tone had already convicted me.

Drained? This was news to me, but I hid my surprise well. “I assure you, my family didn’t have anything to do with it.”

King Nico finally spoke. “How can you be so sure?” His gaze wasn’t on me—it was on Petar.

“Because no one does anything in this family without my blessing. If you’re worried about Petar, I can assure you, he’s being watched.”

Petar blinked and stiffened, as if offended. “I am?”

I didn’t answer him and focused on the others.

Costin put down his empty glass. “The other problem is ownership of the Nephilim. King Trystan claims she’s his. We can’t afford another war.”

I swirled my glass, the bloodsloshing against the sides. “Trystan only wanted the girl after I saved her. That fool Simon had nearly overdosed her on diazepam. Simon agreed to my price, then tried to double-cross me.” That still rankled. It was something he would regret. I wasn’t done with him yet.

King Nico held my gaze. “My sources say that your men were ambushed, and your enforcer was badly wounded, nearly fatally. Is this true?” His voice was filled with apprehension.

I would have to discover who had such a loose tongue. I clenched my jaw, determined not to show any weakness in front of the king and Costin. “Your sources are mistaken. Enzo is perfectly fine.”

Costin pointed at the empty seat. “Then why isn’t he here?”

Showing that we were vulnerable was out of the question. I forced a smirk to my face. “Because I have another task for him tonight that doesn’t pertain to this discussion.”

“It’s not just the two drained girls. Another girl has just been found murdered. My sources say that you had a liaison with her—Camila Alto. Witnesses report that you were seen with her as recently as last night.” Costin’s voice was tight as he leaned in, his eyes searching mine for any sign of guilt.

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