Page 143 of Claim of Blood
“We all have our methods,” Adam said smoothly, redirecting before the conversation could turn darker. “The important thing is maintaining the balance.”
“Balance,” Raj mused, twirling his fork theatrically. “Such a tedious concept. Where’s the fun in balance?”
“Says the vampire who once started a war between two colonial powers because he was bored,” Victoria said with fond exasperation.
“That was diplomacy!” Raj protested. “And profitable diplomacy at that. The spice trade routes were completely monopolized until I introduced some healthy competition.”
“You armed both sides and sold to whoever paid more,” Maja pointed out.
“Like I said, profitable diplomacy.”
As the main course arrived, the conversation continued to flow around various topics. Adam observed the subtle dynamics playing out across the table.
“The solstice is approaching,” Adam said as dessert was served. “I trust everyone has prepared?”
“Everything is in order,” Victoria confirmed simply.
“As always,” Bai added with a slight nod.
The others murmured their agreement, the discussion mercifully brief. Leo listened without asking questions—perhaps sensing this wasn’t territory for outsiders to explore, even claimed ones.
As the evening concluded and guests dispersed, Adam thought over the dynamics that had played out over dinner. Leo had held his own admirably, earning Victoria’s approval and even grudging respect from some others. The various Courts had established their relationships for the gathering ahead.
The tension between certain family members remained—Bai’s disapproval, Oren’s discomfort with Asili’s presence—but the foundations were set for the days to come.
Adam caught Leo’s eye across the table. Despite everything, the danger, the uncertainty, the complex family dynamics, he couldn’t regret claiming this man. For the first time in millennia, he felt a genuine connection with another being.
The solstice was still three days away, but already he could feel the pressure building. Something was coming—something that would change everything.
No one had expected Claudia to actually arrive when she said she would. She’d sent a message the previous day stating she would arrive at midnight on Sunday, but Adam had explained to his staff that Claudia’s sense of time was flexible at best. So, when the ancient converted school bus rumbled up the driveway at precisely 12:01 a.m. on Sunday morning, the entiresecurity team was caught off guard. Claudia, for once in her long existence, had done exactly what she said she would do.
Adam was in his study with Leo and Lander when Oren called to alert him. By the time they reached the front entrance, Claudia’s entire Court was spilling out of the garishly painted vehicle, laughing and talking over each other in a chaotic jumble.
The bus itself was a sight to behold—a 2030s school bus, one of the last gas-powered models ever manufactured, transformed into a mobile hippie palace. The nearly 50-year-old vehicle sported a psychedelic paint job in swirling purples, oranges, and golds that seemed to move in the moonlight. A chimney had somehow been installed through the roof, smoke still belching from it in great heaves, along with the engine’s exhaust. The smell of burning oil mixed with incense and what Adam strongly suspected was marijuana.
“BROTHER!” Claudia’s voice boomed across the driveway as she emerged from the bus like a force of nature.
She wore a flowing silk dress in vibrant blues and purples that barely reached her knees. The thin straps left her shoulders bare, and the fabric bounced around her thighs as she moved with cheerful energy. Her dark hair hung loose to her waist, decorated with small braids and silver charms that caught the moonlight and jingled with every step.
“We made it!” She threw her arms wide, jewelry jingling on her wrists. “Isn’t it WONDERFUL!”
Her entire Court wore similarly revealing, casual outfits. Flowing skirts, loose pants, tank tops, and sandals dominated their wardrobe choices. Adam kept his face neutral, though he wished his sister would dress more appropriately for Court gatherings. Claudia had never believed in “stifling her spirit with confining clothes,” as she’d put it centuries ago.
Leo stared in undisguised shock. “That’s your sister?”
“The Roman,” Adam confirmed, unable to keep the fondness from his voice despite himself. “Second-oldest after me.”
Claudia bounded up the steps and threw her arms around Adam with typical exuberance. “Look at you! Still so serious!” She pulled back, examining his face with bright eyes. “But something’s different. The claiming suits you, brother.”
Adam returned her embrace with considerably more restraint. “Welcome, Claudia. I see you’ve brought everyone.”
“All eleven!” she confirmed proudly, gesturing toward her colorful entourage. “We bought this beauty at a flea market outside Denver. Fixed her up ourselves!” She turned to gesture at the smoking, rattling bus. “Isn’t she MAGNIFICENT!”
“She’s certainly unique,” Adam managed diplomatically.
Claudia’s attention shifted abruptly to Leo, her eyes widening with delight. “And this must be him! The hunter who stole my brother’s heart!” Without warning, she enveloped Leo in a crushing hug that lifted him off his feet. “Oh, I like him already! Such a beautiful aura!”
Leo shot Adam a helpless look over Claudia’s shoulder.
