Page 138 of Claim of Blood
Adam set down his fork, commanding attention without saying a word. “The solstice is four days away,” he said finally. “I trust everyone has prepared for the necessary rituals?”
This launched a discussion of solstice traditions, safer territory that carried them through dessert—a delicate mousse marbled with blood that resembled raspberry swirls. Leo’s version contained actual raspberry, Adam noted, with appreciation for Marie’s attention to detail.
As the evening drew to a close, and guests dispersed, Adam noticed Raj lingering. Once the others had left, Raj approached him, his usual flamboyance tempered.
“Your hunter is charming,” Raj said quietly. “Though my dear sister and her protégé could stand to learn some manners.”
Adam’s jaw tightened. “You noticed.”
“Hard not to. I heard them earlier as well—their suites adjoin mine in the north wing. They weren’t particularly careful with their opinions about your choice in companions.”
A cold anger settled in Adam’s chest. Four hundred years of family dynamics, and they still thought they could question his decisions in his own home. “Thank you,” he said sincerely. “For making Leo feel welcome.”
Raj waved a hand dismissively. “He’s good for you. Anyone with eyes can see it.” He glanced toward the door. “Is Maja truly meeting with Nathaniel, or is she hiding from me in the stables again?”
Adam smiled slightly. “The stables. East paddock, specifically.”
Raj’s face lit up. “You’re a terrible brother, but an excellent wingman.” He squeezed Adam’s shoulder before departing with a spring in his step.
Leo approached as Raj left. “Should you have told him where to find Maja?”
“Maja can handle herself,” Adam replied. “And Raj is harmless. It’s a game they’ve played for centuries.”
Lander joined them, looking exhausted. “The staff situation is sorted for tomorrow, but we’re still short for tonight’s rotation.”
“We’ll manage,” Adam said, suddenly feeling the weight of the day pressing down on him. The chaos, his siblings’ disrespect, the underlying threats—everything felt like variables spinning beyond his control. He needed to regain his center, to feel grounded amid the uncertainty.
“Come upstairs,” he said, his voice carrying a note of command that made both men look at him sharply. “Both of you.”
They made their way up the grand staircase, Lander slightly ahead while Adam guided Leo with a hand at the small of his back. The simple contact helped, but it wasn’t enough. When they reached the master suite, Adam closed the door behind them and took a deep breath, letting the familiar space settle around him.
“Strip,” he commanded, his voice dropping to a low growl that made both men straighten. “Both of you. On the bed.”
Leo immediately began unbuttoning his shirt, eyes darkening with desire and understanding. Lander hesitated only briefly before following suit, his movements more measured but equally compliant.
Adam watched them, feeling the tension of the day transform into something primal and possessive. These two were his—his to protect, his to command, his to cherish. Whatever chaos tomorrow might bring, tonight he would remind them all of that fundamental truth.
As clothes fell to the floor and two very different but equally beautiful bodies moved toward the bed, Adam felt equilibrium returning. In this room, with these men, he was exactly where he belonged. For now, that was enough.
Chapter Thirty-One
Adam
Victoria’sarrivalonFridayafternoon brought a welcome return to tradition after Thursday’s chaos. Her motorcade comprised exactly twelve people—eight vampires and four humans—as Court protocol dictated. Adam watched from the entrance, genuinely pleased to see his second-made child.
“Victoria,” he said, stepping forward to embrace her warmly.
Despite her small stature, barely reaching his shoulder, Victoria’s presence dominated the space around her. Her chestnut hair was swept into an elegant updo, her piercing brown eyes missing nothing as she surveyed the entrance hall with the practiced awareness of someone who ruled her own Court.
“Father,” she replied, returning the embrace before stepping back to examine him. “You look... different.”
Adam smiled slightly. “A claiming will do that, I’m told.”
“So the rumors are true.” Victoria’s eyes brightened with interest. “I’ve been eager to meet this hunter who’s capturedyour attention after all these centuries. The New York Court has been buzzing with speculation.”
“You’ll meet him shortly,” Adam promised. “First, let’s get your people settled.”
He led her through the mansion, noting her subtle reactions to the numerous guests already filling the halls. Unlike Bai and Jian’s overwhelming entourage from the previous day, Victoria’s people moved with practiced efficiency, requiring minimal direction from Gaspard’s staff.
