Page 139 of Claim of Blood
“Bai and Jian have brought quite the army,” she observed, her tone neutral but her disapproval clear as they passed several of their security personnel in the hallway.
“Fifty-seven people in total,” Adam replied. “Operational concerns, apparently.”
Victoria’s mouth tightened slightly. “Leaving myself exposed in New York to come here, and they arrive with a small militia.” She shook her head. “The Lauder Coven is circling like vultures, waiting for any sign of weakness. I had to leave Manuel in charge, with strict orders to kill anyone who challenges our borders.”
“You’ve handled worse,” Adam reminded her, pride evident in his voice. “Remember the Blackwood incident?”
A smile flickered across Victoria’s face. “Vampires, who called themselves a Court, thought they could overthrow me because I looked like ‘just a girl.’ They learned otherwise.”
“You’ve built something remarkable in New York,” Adam said seriously. “I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished.”
Victoria’s expression softened. “That means more than you know, Father. But it also means I can’t stay long. Three days, perhaps four at most.” Victoria sighed, as though she truly regretted her brief visit. “And what of Raj? Has he arrived yet?”
“Yesterday. With his usual disregard for safety, just three vampires as his entire staff.”
“Irresponsible,” Victoria muttered. “Even for him. Though I suppose Singapore is more isolated than Manhattan.”
Once her people were settled, Adam led Victoria to his private study. As soon as the door closed behind them, her formal demeanor softened completely.
“It’s good to see you,” she said, genuine warmth in her voice. “New York feels very far away sometimes.”
“You could visit more often,” Adam suggested, pouring each of them a glass of bloodwine from the crystal decanter on his desk.
Victoria accepted the glass with a graceful nod. “The New York Court demands constant attention. As one of the financial centers of the human world, it attracts power-hungry vampires like moths to a flame. Every month brings new arrivals, thinking they can claim territory in my city.”
“And they learn otherwise,” Adam said with dark amusement.
“Eventually.” Victoria’s smile was sharp. “Though the lesson is often permanent.”
Adam settled back in his chair. “Which makes me wonder why you’ve come now, with the city in such a delicate state.”
Victoria sipped her bloodwine, her expression growing serious. “We intercepted hunters passing through New York last week. Three of them.”
“And?”
“My people questioned them thoroughly.” Victoria’s tone became matter-of-fact, but her eyes darkened. “It took two days. They were well-trained—better than usual. Professional grade equipment, military-style coordination.”
Adam leaned forward. “What did you learn?”
“They were headed to Peoria, Illinois. But here’s what’s interesting—they had no idea what their final mission was. Just orders to report to Peoria for a briefing.”
Adam set his glass down. “That confirms what Bai and Jian mentioned at dinner last night.”
Victoria leaned forward. “Peoria wasn’t their final destination. Just a staging area. And they weren’t the only family.”
Adam’s interest sharpened. “How many others?”
“At least a dozen other families, possibly more. All converging on Peoria.” Victoria’s expression grew grim. “They spoke of a ‘final gathering’ before moving to the actual target.”
“Where were they going after?”
“Somewhere north. The hunters didn’t know the exact location themselves—they were operating on a need-to-know basis.” Victoria’s eyes dropped briefly. “And unfortunately, they died before revealing more. The interrogation was intensive.”
“North of Peoria?” Adam frowned. “That would take them further away from Porte du Coeur, not toward it.”
“Indeed.” Victoria traced the rim of her glass thoughtfully. “But to where? And why? That’s what troubles me. If they’re not targeting us directly...”
Adam studied her face. “Did they also speak of revealing the supernatural world? Bai and Jian mentioned something about a ‘revelation’ and ‘demonstration.’”
