Page 12 of The Tenor's Shadow

Freddie rolled his eyes.

“I know. Not only that, but his first instinct was to get the police involved.”

Freddie let out a low growl. Too many unfortunate run-ins with the authorities. Even those who knew about the existence of vampires often only had their own best interests in mind. To say that Freddie was wary of them would be a vast understatement.

“We’re in agreement. You’ll need to make sure Anthony doesn’t involve them. More than that, he doesn’t know that his uncle is a vampire. He has no idea about us at all, and we can’t risk him finding out. I trust in your ability to manage his feelings as needed.”

It was good Master Hughes was confident, because Freddie wasn’t. He was at his best when he was alone on patrol, not when he was trying to persuade someone to act rationally. People skills were not his strength. Most days, he’d prefer not to speak at all.

Daniel looked up into Freddie’s eyes. “You and I don’t know each other very well, but…Anthony and my mother are the only family I have. Please take care of him.”

Daniel’s love for his nephew touched a deep part of Freddie. It made him think of his own family. The one he lost when he became a vampire, a mother and father that he loved. After the change, they had viewed him as a monster.

They weren’t wrong.

“Freddie?” Daniel’s voice brought him back to the present. “Are you okay?”

“I will protect him.” Not only for Master Hughes’ sake, but for Daniel’s. He could see why his master loved the man so much. He had a sweet honesty and directness that could cut through any barriers one might erect.

“Thank you.”

Freddie nodded and turned. He had to pack and book a flight. There was little time. Any moment he wasn’t with Anthony was a moment when the man was in danger.

As he was heading down the stairs to his quarters, his master’s voice whispered in his mind.

Freddie.

Sir?

I would have said this in person, but given vampire hearing, I thought it better to tell you mind-to-mind. Bernard is planning to retire as my First, sooner rather than later. You are under serious consideration to replace him.

Freddie stopped in his tracks. He was being considered for First?

I am honored sir…

But?

I’m not good with people. You know that.

I don’t know that. What I know is, consciously or unconsciously, you keep yourself at a distance. I believe you can overcome that. Traveling outside of London will be positive for you, I think. Being around humans may teach you some things. Anthony is quite the handful.

That was ominous. Freddie brooded for a moment before Master Hughes continued.

Plus, who knows, perhaps you’ll meet your mate out in the world somewhere.

Freddie stumbled as his foot missed the next step. His mate? He couldn’t think of anything he would be less suited to than having a mate. Who would want to be saddled with a silent, brooding mess? Who would stand by him as his need for violence overtook him? Hell, with a mate to protect, his demon would be driving him to rampage, to give into the crimson surge at the slightest threat.

I’m not looking for that, Master.

Perhaps you should. You are not a mindless weapon, Freddie. You care about the vampires here. Show me you can be the First the coven needs.

As Master Hughes’ presence left his mind, Freddie sighed in frustration. This whole thing promised to be both complicated and vague, two things that Freddie hated. As he reached the door to his room, he took a deep breath.

If Master Hughes believed he had it in him to be his First, then Freddie would do whatever it took to meet his master’s expectations.

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