Page 132 of Claim of Blood
Maja’s voice softened. “They know we’ll still gather. Solstice is sacred. The Mother worshipped Re—sunlight at its peak holds meaning for all vampires.”
“Which makes us predictable,” Oren added.
Adam’s face hardened. “Show me what we have in place.”
Oren stood and walked to the corner, grabbing a small table. With one hand, he hauled it to the center of the room, and with the other, he unrolled a large map across its surface.
Adam rose first, moving purposefully to the table. The others followed, gathering around the map in a tight circle.
Oren pointed to the marked sections. “We’ve doubled patrols at all boundary points. Vampires covering evening and overnight shifts.”
“The pack handles daylight hours,” Lander added. “Nathaniel assigned his strongest members.”
“And the wards?” Adam asked.
“The coven completed them yesterday,” Oren confirmed. “Full perimeter. In exchange, our people patrol their warehouses.”
Adam moved away from the map first, returning to his armchair. The others followed his lead, settling back into their places around the parlor. Lander sank into the chair to Adam’s right while Oren returned to his post near the window.
“We should finalize plans for the full court meeting next week,” Gaspard said, checking his tablet. “Friday afternoon?”
“Make it Thursday,” Adam replied. “I want an extra day to adjust if needed.”
Gaspard made the change. “And what about our visitors? The family arrives starting Wednesday.”
Ilona consulted her phone. “Raj confirmed for Wednesday evening. Victoria and her New York Night Court arrive Friday morning.”
“Bai and her made-son Jian both arrive Thursday,” Gaspard added. “They’re coming together from the LA Night Court.”
Lander looked up, surprised. “I thought Jian and his Court weren’t coming until the week after the solstice?”
“They changed their plans when they heard Bai was attending,” Ilona said.
“Wonderful. We’ll need more staff,” Lander said. “I’ll ask Emilia and Nathaniel for recommendations. People we can trust.”
“And Claudia?” Maja asked, her voice flat. “She claims her Court will be here tomorrow.”
Ilona smiled. “I bet they show up Wednesday. Claudia likes to be in the middle of everything—including the week.”
Adam’s expression softened slightly. “We’ll prepare for tomorrow and be surprised if she actually arrives on time.”
“She won’t,” Maja said without looking up from her notes.
Oren’s face soured. “I’ve already received Bai’s security team schedule. Not Victoria’s, not Raj’s—just Bai’s.” He shook his head. “I’d forgotten how much fun dealing with her team was.”
Adam cocked an eyebrow. “Was that... sarcasm, Oren?”
Lander’s mouth twitched. “Did hell freeze over when I wasn’t looking?”
Oren’s face remained impassive, but his eyes narrowed slightly.
“There’s one more request,” Ilona said. “Asili Uhra, the New Orleans Ruler, has asked permission to attend.”
Oren shifted uncomfortably.
“Asili is your child, yes?” Adam asked, though he knew the answer. “The first of three, if I recall.”
Oren’s expression remained carefully blank. “Yes.”
