Page 90 of Bound in Blood

“They are aware something is afoot, but they do not wish to be a part of Giorgios’s coup. However, they have no desire to challenge him either, so they have left. And all members have been advised to return home until told it is safe to return.”

As much as I try not to let it, guilt returns to consume me. Safe to return? When will that even be? How long will Giorgios continue his ridiculous scheme? What the hell does he want with Montridge? With Malachi?

With me?

Axl comes to stand behind me and puts his arms around my waist. I lean back against him. “And what about the Dragon houses?” he asks.

“Nicholas Ashe was keen to side with Giorgios from the moment he arrived. All of his vampires have stayed behind.”

Alexandros clenches his jaw. “That figures. I should have taken his head five hundred years ago after what he took from me.”

My innate curiosity demands I ask for more information about what he took, but now isn’t the time to learn about thepast. Not unless it helps the present situation, and if it did, I’m sure Alexandros would elaborate.

Xavier’s lip curls up, baring his fangs. “Onyx has always hated us.”

Axl rests his chin on top of my head, his warm breath ruffling my hair. “But what about Opal and Lapis?”

“They have always sworn allegiance to House Drakos,” Osiris answers, looking at Alexandros. “And without word from you or your father, they have refused to accept Giorgios as the new Ruby head. However, they are not fully aware of the situation. I did not wish to involve myself in vampire affairs as I am unsure who we can trust, but I believe they will be our allies.”

“I understand your reluctance, and I concur. But they must be appraised of the situation as soon as possible.” Alexandros directs his attention to Axl. “When we are done here, you must make contact and tell them Giorgios has betrayed his house by bringing dark magic and the Skotádi onto campus. Let them send their members home if they must.”

Xavier scowls. “But we need some of them to stay behind and fucking fight, Professor. Giorgios has a whole goddamn army.”

“They must make that choice for themselves, Xavier. An unwilling soldier is little use to us. They can leave or they can fight for the future of their kind. It is up to them.”

Axl voices his compliance while Alexandros refocuses on Osiris. “And Jerome Ollenshaw must advise all other students to return home.” He glances at his watch. “It is not too late for them to leave, and as it is a weekend, it is likely to cause less chaos. Have him tell them the school is infested with cockroaches or some other such nonsense that will scare the humans.”

Before Osiris can reply, someone hammers on the front door. My heart leaps into my throat, and Alexandros snarls.

“You think that’s Giorgios?” Cadence asks, her eyes wide.

Alexandros cracks his neck. “No. It is my father.”

Chapter

Forty-Two

ALEXANDROS

Alexandros.His familiar voice rings through my head.

My jaw clenched tight, I fight the urge to roar my frustration. Do we not already have enough to deal with?

Alexandros!he calls again.

Aware of all the eyes in the room currently upon me, I answer him.What do you want?

His bellow shakes the foundation of the house.I wish to speak with you. I demand answers.

Does Giorgios know you are here?

Do you mean the new head of Ruby Dragon?He scoffs.No, he does not.

His powers are much greater than you know, Father. I would not be so sure of that.

I know when my own son is aware of my presence. I hid it from you until just now, did I not? Now let me in this damn house before I summon your brother here and ask him for the answers I seek.

I look at the anxious faces around the room. “He wishes to enter, or he will alert Giorgios to our presence.”

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