Page 27 of Betrayed in Blood
Devon nodded. “It has to be here. He needs to read the translation then he can take the samples with him. It has to be soon.” He turned to Lucas. “Where are you with the translations?”
“The first half of the book is complete, but I need assistance with the second half.”
Devon’s brow quirked. “What’s the problem?” Everyone glanced at each other. So, everyone knew but hadn’t bothered to tell him. He had to remind himself that it had only been three days since Lucas received a copy of the book, while Devon had been on a beach with Cressa.
“The second half is written in a different language. Philipe Renaud and I both believe it to be written in an unknown dreamwalker language.”
Devon sat back and turned his chair to look out the window. Their own language. It made sense. They were a different race, why wouldn’t they have their own language? That meant the book wasn’t written solely by vampires and required both species to translate it. “Have you reached out to Colantha about this?” He remained staring out his window, his thoughts racing through the possibilities and the best approach.
“I considered it,” Lucas responded. “Then I thought it best if Cressa contacted her.”
Yes. That was the best option. Cressa had wanted to contact her the minute they arrived home, but he’d asked her to wait until they met with the cadre. He swiveled back to the group but looked at Lucas.
“I’d like to read the master text you’re working from. I’m not questioning your translation, but I’d prefer to read it in vampiric. I’ll ask Cressa to contact Colantha this afternoon.” He picked up the white crystal. “I want Remus to read the entire book, not just half of it, but I don’t want to hold onto the blood any longer than required.” He turned to Sergi. “Let’s see what Colantha says, then I’ll decide how soon to invite Remus.”
When Sergi nodded, he turned back to Lucas. “Provide Cressa with a small sample from the book. Let’s see if Colantha recognizes it. Is that the book Philipe gave you?” When Lucas nodded, he grinned. “Do you mind if I read it this afternoon?”
Before Lucas could answer, the phone on the desk rang. Simone answered it.
“House of Trelane.” Her gaze flashed to Devon. “When?” After another minute, she nodded. “He’ll be there.”
“What?” Devon asked.
“The Council has requested a meeting. They expect you within the hour.”
ChapterEight
Simone immediately called for a motorcade,but Devon took his time. With the House on lockdown and the focus on securing their defenses, there wasn’t any reason for the Council to request his presence. They shouldn’t know anything about the case Devon was building against them and Venizi.
After the raid on Shadow Island, he’d expected an immediate attack from Lorenzo. The vampire either couldn’t find a weak point, was planning a larger attack, which was unlike him, or would try to use the Council against him. Since no attack had come in the four weeks since rescuing Hamilton, it appeared the Council would try to rein Devon in.
Was it possible Venizi had changed his strategy, finally understanding his hit-and-run attacks didn’t work against House Trelane? What was he up to?
Devon ran up the stairs to Lyra’s room, where he found the women. He only took a few steps in before waving for Cressa to join him.
“What’s up? We were getting ready to come down.”
“A change in plans. The Council has requested my attendance.”
Her brows drew together. “The timing seems suspect.”
“I agree, but I don’t have a choice. And it’s better to know what they’re up to.”
“This is Venizi.”
“Most likely.” He lifted her chin so she’d meet his eyes. “Don’t worry. I just wanted to tell you rather than you hearing it from Simone.”
“She’s not going with you?”
“No. I need her to remain in charge, just in case the Council does something stupid.”
“Do you need me to go with you?”
“I need you to help with security should Venizi decide this is a good time to attack.”
“Then who’s going with you?”
“The motorcade is waiting for me. Lockdown procedures. Bella and Sergi will be coming along with twelve others. We’ll be fine.”
