Page 61 of Lucas
He grumbled. “I thought for sure Rom and I would tromp them, but apparently, House Trelane has a wide array of skills.”
I squeezed his arm as we arrived in the dining room where the others waited. I leaned over and whispered, “We call that beginners luck.”
He seemed to appreciate the sentiment and was more cheerful when he addressed the rest of the room. “I’m surprised you were able to change faster than I was able to walk two beautiful women to breakfast.”
The food could have fed an army, and I stuffed myself to the point that going back to bed to sleep it off seemed a great idea. The conversation was lighthearted and avoided any talk of the book, war, or Venizi.
As breakfast wound down, Lucas broke the news. “As much as the four of us would like to stay and enjoy a couple more days of your incredible hospitality, we have pressing business to return to.”
“Of course,” Philipe answered. “We have a security team ready to take you to a car rental. I’m afraid the airport is too far.”
“A car rental is fine. Shall we say an hour?”
Philipe nodded. “Fiona has a few things she wants to send with you. We’ll meet you in the foyer.”
We didn’t have much to pack, so we spent the extra time sitting by the window staring at the valley. Then we grasped hands and walked down to the foyer, where everyone waited except for Rom.
“Rom has decided to stay another few days. It’s been decades since we’ve seen each other, and he’d like to read one of the copies of the book.” Philipe nodded to the small package that lay on the table behind them. “I’ve provided a different dust jacket to disguise the book I’m sending with you. It won’t bear up under close scrutiny, obviously, so I suggest you keep it wrapped in the small satchel. I ask that you never leave it out of your reach until you’re behind the gates of the Trelane manor. I’m sorry to be so paranoid, but…”
Lucas waved his hand. “I agree with your precautions and wish I had a plane of my own to fly directly home. We’ll remain low-key until we reach the safety of the manor.”
Philipe seemed somewhat appeased. “You’ll contact me the second you’re home to let me know the book arrived safely. Oh, and I’m sure Sergi will think of this on his own, but I suggest a secure place where a very limited number of people have access, or quite frankly, even know about it.”
Lucas smiled. “I can assure you all precautions will be put in motion to secure it.”
Philipe chuckled. “Of course.”
“You’re like a mother hen,” Fiona teased. “Based on what we’ve heard last night, and their harrowing story in searching for us, I don’t know of anyone more aware of the book’s importance.”
“You know the real one will be required for the Council.” Lucas wasn’t telling them anything they didn’t already know, but he wanted to cement the point.
Philipe nodded. “When it’s time for the Council to review it, it will be made available. However, it will be done in the most secure of environments with the Council, Sentinels, and Eliminators present. I will also ask for specific House leaders to be present.” He paused and seemed to be considering something. “With Devon working with The Wolf, I might also request Remus’s presence. If there’s a decision to sweep this under the rug again, it won’t be just the Council making that decision.”
“I agree.” Lucas glanced at me before adding, “But I would also suggest that Colantha Dupré be present. It’s only fair that at least one dreamwalker be included since this impacts them the most.”
“Of course. That was a clear oversight. I can’t wait to meet her myself.”
The two shook hands, and Fiona kissed each on their cheeks.
“I assume Rom is already reading one of the copies,” Lucas said.
“He said you’d understand.” Philipe walked them through the doors and down the steps to the van where Bella and Jacques waited.
“We said our goodbyes earlier this morning.”
“While the seats aren’t the most comfortable, you won’t be required to wear the restraints or head coverings. My security sometimes gets too heavy-handed.”
“I appreciate everything you’ve done to make our stay pleasant.” Lucas shook his hand and climbed in behind the others.
The drive to the nearest car rental agency was three hours away, though I thought they drove us that far to make it more difficult to pinpoint where the retreat was. None of us minded.
It took another couple of hours to get to the airport in Atlanta. After Jacques and Bella entered the airport, I pulled Lucas aside.
“I was wondering if we could make a stop before going home.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“I should have called first.”Lucas stared up at the mansion as the rental car crept up the long, winding drive. The grand manor sat in the middle of heavily landscaped acreage behind eight-foot-tall brick walls.
