Page 38 of Meet Your Maker: Part One

Tomas shakes his head. “I don’t know how. But whatever she is, she has issues with vampires. She believes Sunday and the twins are part of her matrilineal line.”

I know three of us are thinking about the time Cady blew up Grayson’s travel pod with her magic. Not exactly a friendly act.

Rurik exhales a long, frustrated sigh, his fingers pressing against his temples. “So what are we walking into?”

I smirk, sharp-edged. “You’re not walking into anything because you’re not getting off this plane.” Something about Rurik always brings out my need to push back. He’s just so damn sure of himself.

“I most certainly am going to greet your father and any other Prescotts present.” Rurik straightens, chin lifting, daring me to challenge him.

“Why, so you can get one of your very own?” I raise an eyebrow, leaning forward.

“Why would I need to do that, Solnyshko, when you’ve already agreed to become mine?” His smile is cold, his eyes narrowing with amusement.

“You know what? I take it back.” I wave a hand, my voice dripping with mock indifference. “You no longer have my permission to turn me. I’ll find someone else, thanks.”

“You don’t mean that.” He studies me, and when he sees I absolutely do, his composure cracks ever so slightly. He turns to Grayson. “Grayson, talk some sense into her.”

Grayson laughs, low and unhurried. “No.” He pauses, then adds with a hint of seriousness, “I do think introducing him to your father—just your father—is smart.”

I scowl. “Why? So he can turn my Daddy and see if he’s extra delicious?”

Rurik interrupts, his voice firm. “Killing or turning humans isn’t something I consider harmless, Sunday. I gave you my word, and I mean it.” He runs a hand through his hair, frustration bleeding through his otherwise calm exterior. “We land in ten minutes. Will you at least listen to what I have to say before deciding I’m unwelcome near your family?”

I cross my arms, mulishly. “Fine. Start talking.”

“You’re in a very vulnerable position.”

I open my mouth to argue, but Shadow nudges me, jerking his chin toward Rurik, silently urging me to listen. I bite back my retort, turning back to the pompous vampire with a reluctant nod for him to continue.

“To Louisiana and the Supernatural Council, you look like an unknown supe bonded and mated to a very powerful group—the notoriously difficult Marchese, his wolf, a renowned true shifter, and an Omega jaguar.”

He pauses, his expression darkening. “And let’s hope the implications of the dragon incident never go public.” He leansforward, his tone heavy. “You’re in her backyard, stirring things up, gathering power. How do you think she’ll react to that?”

“I’m guessing I won’t be invited for tea?” I say tartly, then ask the million-dollar question. “But why are you here? Won’t DuFour see you and your chyldren as more proof that I’m dangerous?”

“Hopefully.”

I blink, shaking my head as I turn to Tomas. “Explain.”

Rurik cedes the floor—a rare point in his favor.

Tomas takes a breath, but I hold up a hand. “And explain it in a way that doesn’t make me feel like I’m back in school, please.”

He sighs, giving me a look that’s equal parts exasperation and affection. “You’re seen as part of the Argyros line now, which gives us some backing.” His expression hardens, the softness giving way to steely resolve. “But your family is in danger because of what happened in Europe. Louisiana, Texas, and the Council—they’re all going to see us as a threat. We need a plan.”

Just as he starts outlining the finer points, it hits me: this conversation is better suited for the house, away from little ears and this increasingly claustrophobic cabin.

“Let’s pick this up when we get home,” I interrupt, cutting through Tomas’ strategic flow. “We need space and time to come up with a strategy—not while we’re crammed on a plane.”

The words barely leave my mouth before the wheels touch down, the sudden jolt snapping me back to the moment. My eyes drift to the edge of the tarmac, where my family waits—the family I’ve just put in more danger than they can imagine.

Chapter Fifteen

A Hollow Space

— Ben —

Two small figures bounce excitedly at the edge of the tarmac, and Mishka pushes past us, trotting down the steps for a better look.

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