Page 126 of Cosmic Power

Bane gave a small shrug. “I just wanna see if I can get another glimpse of the Ancestrals. Maybe get an autograph. A picture. My sister would lose her mind.”

Luther felt an extreme urge to put his hands on his hips and glare at the light mage like a disappointed parent. He didn’t, but he was very close to doing so.

“Get up and get your people in order,” Luther commanded, pointing towards the door.

Bane rolled his eyes but did as he said. He got to his feet, gave a gallant bow and walked away.

Luther faced Draego. “Why are all mages such giant pain in the asses?”

Draego chuckled, taking a sip of his drink after one of his Elite Guards filled it back up. “Must be a side effect of all that power.” His dark eyes studied Luther closely. “You seem…different since the last time I saw you.”

Luther searched his memory. The last time he’d seen Draego was when he’d come to New York hunting one of his vampires that fled his territory to avoid punishment. It didn’t work. When Luther was on the hunt, no one could hide from him.

As the rules of their society dictated, Luther had to inform Draego he was hunting in his territory, even though it was one of his own men he was hunting. That was roughly fifteen years ago. Luther didn’t think he’d changed that much.

Apparently, he was wrong.

“Different how?” Luther asked, a frown on his face.

“It’s hard to explain. You’re just…different.” Those eyes probed more and more, like he was trying to see into Luther’s soul. “I wonder if it has anything to do with that little shifter you were panting over.”

Luther stiffened. His eyes blazed red.

“Ah, yes,” Draego laughed. “Definitely her then.” His throat worked up and down as he swallowed more of his drink. “I certainly can’t blame you. She’s a pretty little thing. Feisty too, from what I saw. Best keep her close, though. I know how your ex is with women you’ve taken an interest in.”

Now it was Luther’s turn to chuckle. “That won’t be an issue. She’s dead.”

Draego’s eyes widened. “You finally got your revenge?” Draego knew of the history between Luther and Leilani. He was one of the vampires who had come to his rescue all those years ago with his maker. He’d seen the state Luther was in, had helped in his long road to recovery. And because of his loyalty, Luther had helped him secure the position of Regent in America. A position he’d held for over five-hundred years unopposed. “Your maker allowed you to kill her?”

“He’s the one who gave her to me,” Luther smiled at the memory. “Let’s just say, she finally got what was coming to her.

Draego whistled. “I wish I could have seen it.”

“Don’t worry, you will.” Luther planned to let everyone see what he’d done to his former lover, the punishment one should expect if they go against him.

He finished his drink and placed his glass down on one of the empty seats. He checked his watch, ignoring Draego as he pocketed Luther’s glass. He’d known the vampire wouldn’t be able to help himself. He’d have to tell Zvetari to lock up anything he didn’t want stolen before letting Draego run free. Otherwise, he was likely to lose anything of value.

“Are you still having problems with the shifters here?” Luther asked, sitting down across from Draego.

The rift between the vampires and the shifters was even stronger here than it was in Australia—and it definitely wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows in Aus. But Luther had worked hard to come to a somewhat amicable place with Theodora, the Shifter Regent of Australia. They had an understanding. He kept his people away from her and them and she kept hers away from him and his. Sometimes interactions couldn’t be helped, but it was handled with care.

Out of all the wars between the supernatural, the vampires and the shifters were responsible for about eighty percent of them. The two species just didn’t get along and it always resulted in death and bloodshed. Shifters were hot-headed, with short tempers and violent, homicidal tendencies. Vampires were arrogant, egotistical, with a vindictive streak a mile long. Those explosive traits just clashed with one another— and nine times out of ten, they resulted in some sort of fight or argument breaking out.

Draego’s brows slammed down in an angry frown. “That’s putting it mildly. A large chunk of the shifter community wasn’t happy we voted against rescinding the Exposure Law. They’ve been acting out in support of Barnabas. Even his death hasn’t slowed them down.”

“Can Baizin get them in order?”

“If he doesn’t, I’ll take matters into my own hands.Afterthis fae situation has been dealt with. I’m sure we can all agree we have more important things to deal with right now than a small dispute between the vampires and the shifters.”

Luther leaned back comfortably in his chair, resting his ankle on his knee. “And what of Bane? Do you think he’s ready to handle the responsibility of Regent?”

“Ready? No.” The vampire shook his head. “He’s still a child in so many ways. But he’s powerful and has his father to guide him, if need be.”

Luther nodded in understanding. Felix—Bane’s father—was an exceptional man. Luther had no doubt he would be there to help his son fulfill his duties as Mage Regent.

“And you, Draego?” Luther gave him a suspicious look.

Draego grinned playfully. “What about me, old friend?”

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