Page 68 of Claim of Blood
“So this,” Lander said, gesturing at the missing camera, “is just the beginning.”
Leo swallowed. “Yes.”
“When should we expect their next test?”
“Soon,” Leo said. “They won’t wait long. They’ll want to keep you off balance.”
Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose, power coiling under his skin. “Let’s return inside.”
They walked back in silence, the gravel path crunching beneath their feet. Leo wrestled with the consequences of his actions: betraying hunter protocols and divulging tactical knowledge to the very creatures he was raised to hunt. But for the first time in weeks, he was useful rather than ornamental.
When they reached the parlor, Leo noticed all the windows and doors stood open, servants discreetly airing out the room. Heat crept up his neck as he recalled exactly why that was necessary.
They walked back along the gravel path, each step echoing in the hush. Leo felt the weight of his choices pressing down. He’d crossed the line. Betrayed the last of his family’s secrets. But for the first time, he felt like he’d done it for something that mattered.
When they reached the parlor, the windows and doors stood open, servants quietly airing out the room. Heat crept up his neck at the memory of why.
Adam guided him to the couch again. Lander settled beside them without hesitation. The familiarity of it all was surreal—like he belonged here. Like he’d always belonged.
Adam texted Oren, and within moments, the security chief materialized in the doorway. Leo shifted, acutely aware that this vampire had seen him naked and thoroughly used not an hour ago. Oren’s expression remained professionally neutral, but Leo caught the subtle assessment in his eyes.
Adam outlined what Leo had shared, his deep voice calm but edged with menace. Oren’s frown deepened, his hands already moving over the tablet.
“I’ll speak to Nathaniel about increasing patrols,” Oren said. “And have alerts sent to the Court, the pack, the Coven. No unnecessary travel.”
“They’ll be targets too?” Lander asked.
“We’re all connected,” Oren said quietly. “If they want to unravel this Court, they’ll test every thread.”
“Agreed.” Adam caressed Leo’s spine as he spoke. “Summon everyone home. Including Ilona, I know she just left.”
Leo sensed the magnitude of that decision settling over the room. Even with his limited understanding of vampire politics, he recognized what it meant for Adam to pull his people close. That they were including him in these discussions, asking for his input rather than just keeping him as decoration, sent a warm sensation through his chest.
“Is there anything else I should know?” Oren asked, his attention focusing on Leo with sharp intensity.
Leo drew in a breath and spoke before he could second-guess himself. “They’ll want to know about any unusual abilities among your Court members. Daywalking. Influenceover humans. Any alliances they haven’t documented. Business holdings that could be used as leverage.”
Oren nodded, already making notes. “I’ll compile a risk assessment based on that framework and expand it where I can.”
Adam dismissed him with a nod, returning to his work. Beside Leo, Lander pulled out his tablet. Familiar animation flickered across the screen.
“Is that Archer?” Leo asked, surprised.
“You know it? I loved it when it first came out. I enjoy rewatching it.” Lander’s smile carried a hint of relief.
“Love it. It’s a classic.” Without thinking, Leo leaned against Lander’s shoulder, drawn by the simple normalcy of it. The vampire stiffened, and they both glanced at Adam, but he remained intent on his laptop. Well, Leo thought, in for a penny... He shifted closer, making himself comfortable against Lander’s side.
After a tense moment, Lander relaxed. They settled into an easy rhythm, sharing quiet laughter and sidelong glances whenever a line landed perfectly.
Outside the windows, the sky deepened to velvet, stars peeking through the trees. A yawn escaped Leo before he could stop it.
“Do vampires really need as little sleep as we were taught?” he asked, voice thick with fatigue.
Adam finally looked up from his screen. “How much were you told?”
Leo shrugged, still resting against Lander. “Few hours during the day for second generation. Practically none for the first.”
Adam’s laugh rumbled through the quiet. “No, beauty. Remember? We’re mostly human, though I don’t need eight hours. I usually retire around two in the morning. I adjusted my schedule to overlap with the Court’s younger members—those who can’t walk in the sun. But it gives me time for Nocturne’swork as well.” He checked his phone. “If you’re tired, it’s only ten. I can send Lander to bed with you.”
