Page 151 of Claim of Blood
“I don’t know,” Leo admitted. “I wasn’t told the details. I only found out because Claudia mentioned it at the pool party.”
“You weren’t told,” Felix repeated slowly. “They kept it from you.”
“Adam probably thought it would upset me,” Leo said, but even as he spoke, he felt the sting of being excluded from something so significant. “And they’re right. It does upset me.”
“But you understand why they did it?”
Leo was quiet for a long moment. “If he was really planning to kill them? Yes. I understand.” The admission felt strange in his mouth. A few months ago, he would have been horrified by the idea of supporting vampire justice. Now... “Felix, this roomisn’t a cell. It’s a safe room. Adam is making sure his more... enthusiastic relatives don’t decide they need another hunter for tonight’s ceremonies.”
Felix looked around the space with completely new eyes. “A safe room,” he whispered.
“They’re protecting you,” Leo said firmly. “From vampires who might see any hunter as fair game.”
Felix slumped back against the wall, the full weight of his situation finally hitting him. “I could have been that hunter Victoria brought.”
“But you’re not,” Leo said. “You’re under Adam’s protection. My protection.”
“Your protection,” Felix echoed, studying his cousin’s face. “You really have authority here, don’t you? This isn’t just about being someone’s... companion.”
Leo felt the heat rise in his cheeks. “It’s complicated. But yes, I have a voice in this Court. Adam listens to me.”
“Are they treating you well?” Leo asked, changing the subject before Felix could probe deeper into his relationship dynamics.
Felix nodded, seeming grateful for the shift. “Better than I expected. The food is excellent—better than I ate at most hunter gatherings, honestly.” He gestured to a stack of books on the desk. “They’ve given me reading material about vampire history and culture. Academic texts, not propaganda. And there’s a TV with streaming access.”
Leo smiled at his cousin’s enthusiasm returning. “Still thinking like a researcher.”
“This is the opportunity of several lifetimes,” Felix said, his eyes brightening. “I’m getting firsthand access to vampire society during one of their most sacred celebrations. The anthropological implications alone...” He paused. “Though I suppose I should be more concerned about survival than publication opportunities.”
“You’re safe,” Leo assured him. “I promise.”
Felix studied his face. “You really believe that.”
“I do.”
“And you’re happy here? Truly?”
Leo considered the question seriously. “Yes. Happier than I’ve been in years, actually. Maybe ever.”
“Even knowing what they are? What they do?”
“Especially knowing what they are,” Leo said. “They’re not the monsters we were taught to hunt, Felix. They’re people. Complicated, ancient, powerful people, but people nonetheless.”
Felix nodded slowly, processing this. “I can see it in your face. You really mean that.”
“Do you need anything?” Leo asked. “I could try to bring you something.”
“I have what I need,” Felix said, gesturing around the room. “Books, entertainment, regular meals, and apparently a cousin who’s become part of vampire royalty.” He smiled. “Just... come back when you can? I’d like to hear more about what you’ve learned.”
“I will,” Leo promised.
A soft knock interrupted them, and Oren opened the door without waiting for a response. “Time’s up. The evening preparations are beginning.”
Leo turned back to Felix. “I’ll check on you tomorrow. After everything settles down.”
“Be careful tonight,” Felix said seriously. “Whatever this ritual involves, it sounds significant.”
“I will be,” Leo said, though he wasn’t entirely sure what he was promising to be careful of.
