Page 136 of Claim of Blood
“He’s handling it, but he’s not happy. Every additional person is another potential vulnerability.”
Adam nodded, watching the vehicles pull up to the entrance. He placed a hand on Leo’s lower back, guiding him forward. “Stay with me,” he murmured. Leo nodded, nervous but determined.
The lead SUV came to a stop at the entrance. Both Bai and Jian emerged from it. Bai wore a sleek charcoal suit, her longblack hair pulled into an immaculate chignon. Jian, by contrast, embraced modern American fashion, wearing designer jeans and a cashmere sweater that probably cost more than most people’s monthly rent. Behind them, personnel in matching black suits began forming a protective perimeter.
“Sister, Nephew,” Adam said, stepping forward to greet them. Leo remained at his side, shoulders squared.
Bai inclined her head slightly. “Brother. Your home is as lovely as ever.” Her gaze finally settled on Leo, cool and assessing.
They embraced briefly—a formality rather than affection. Bai had always maintained a certain distance, even from her siblings.
“Uncle Adam,” Jian said, arms spread wide for an embrace. “It’s been too long.” His eyes flicked to Leo with mild curiosity before dismissing him entirely.
Adam accepted the hug, noting how Bai’s face grew slightly more reserved at the display of affection. “Jian. We weren’t expecting you until after the solstice.”
“Plans change,” Jian said cheerfully. “When I heard about the potential threat, I couldn’t leave Bai to handle it alone.”
Adam gestured to Leo. “This is Leopold von Rothenburg. My claim.”
Bai’s gaze returned to Leo, her acknowledgment brief and formal. “Mr. Rothenburg.” The words carried no warmth.
“A hunter,” Jian remarked, offering a perfunctory nod rather than his hand. “Bold choice, Uncle.”
Adam’s jaw tightened fractionally. Centuries of Court protocol demanded basic courtesy toward a ruler’s consort, yet his siblings treated Leo as barely worth acknowledging. Leo’s posture remained steady despite the obvious slight, his hunter training serving him well in hostile territory.
Before Adam could respond, movement at the top of the grand staircase caught their attention. Raj appeared, dressed in animpeccably tailored suit that somehow managed to look both ancient and modern at once. The fabric rippled like silk as he descended, drawing all eyes.
“Sister! Nephew!” He embraced Bai warmly, then turned to Jian with a critical eye. “Good heavens, Jian, that sweater. Eight thousand dollars for something that looks like it came from a shopping mall? Your taste remains... consistent.”
Jian’s smile grew strained. “And you remain trapped in the last century, Uncle.”
“Children,” Adam interrupted smoothly before the exchange could escalate further. He’d witnessed enough of their legendary spats over the centuries. “You’ve brought quite the entourage.”
Bai’s demeanor remained unchanged. “Precautionary measures. We intercepted information suggesting a threat against you specifically.”
Adam raised an eyebrow. “Against me?”
“Against the Court,” she clarified. “But as you are its head...” She left the implication hanging.
“We have everything well in hand,” Adam assured them, even as his concern deepened. “Oren has implemented comprehensive protocols.”
Bai nodded, but her eyes suggested skepticism. “I’m sure. Nevertheless, we brought additional support. I’d like to settle in. The flight was tedious.”
“Of course,” Adam replied. “Gaspard will show you to your rooms. Please join us for dinner this evening in the main dining hall. Eight o’clock.”
As Gaspard led Bai and Jian away, Raj moved to Leo’s side. Unlike the others, he extended his hand warmly. “And you must be the famous hunter who’s captured my brother’s heart. Enchanted, truly. My apologies for not greeting you properly last night—my flight arrived abominably late, and I was hardly fit for civilized company.”
Leo smiled, visibly relieved at the friendly reception. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
“The honor is mine,” Raj replied with a theatrical bow. “Anyone who makes my usually dour brother smile has my eternal gratitude.”
Adam cleared his throat. “Raj—”
“Don’t worry, I’m being perfectly appropriate,” Raj said, winking at Leo. “For now.”
“Perhaps we could adjourn to the parlor?” Leo suggested, looking between the brothers. “There are still a few hours before dinner.”
“Excellent idea,” Raj agreed enthusiastically. “Does that antique billiards table still dominate the west parlor?”
