Hirpus winked and shifted a hank of long hair from her face. The thick locks bunched and changed color, from brown to black to gray and back again, when she moved. Like a camouflage of sorts.
“Yeah, I’m the top dog, so to speak.” She chuckled. “I hear you did us all a solid. Good girl.” She looked Riley over. “You kind of have the look of her.”
“Of who?”
“An ancestor. One of his too.” She nodded at Kraft. “The first nachzehrer came from a union between Remus and one of Ambrogio’s brats, you know. That’s why you’re so strong, Riley of the Crimson Claw. You carry bloode in that DNA of yours. Mine and Ambrogio’s. And Selene’s goes with out saying.”
“Seriously?” Riley blinked “I’m part fanger?”
Hirpus chuckled, and it came out like a wolf’s chuff. “Yep. But so is Ivan, and Gerald, and Heppa, and all the others in this world. A berserker is a direct line back to Remus and that vampire girl he sired a pup or two with.” She narrowed her eyes. “You two are going to help rebuild for our people. Not now, no. But years later. So be prepared for a few litters, is all I’m saying. That’s if we all survive the coming storm.” Hirpus leaned down and planted a kiss on Riley’s forehead.
“Blessings, child. Do your best to care for your mate. You know the males of any species tend to be weak.” She shot Kraft a critical glance. “But he’s a lot more wolf than you’d think. Good stock.” She smiled, showing a lower fang. “A lot like Remus, actually.”
“I feel a little funny.” Riley shook her head.
“That’s a bump in power,” Hecate said, sounding like a proud parent. “You’ll need it for what’s coming.”
“All those kids.” Hirpus chuckled. “Eh, better you than me.”
Kraft looked as startled as Riley felt, which made her laugh despite a future filled with a lot of supposed children.
“Will they all be berserkers?” Riley asked.
Hirpus and Hecate stared at them.
“Nope.” Hirpus laughed again. “That’s gonna be fun, eh Witch?”
“Yes.” Hecate grinned. “It’s going to drive them crazy. Especially when the others start having multiples.”
Riley had a feeling they meant multiplechildrenbut didn’t want to ask.I totally don’t want to know. Not yet.
Hirpus turned to Hecate. “Okay, you skank-nasty witch. I’m good now?”
“Are you serious? You still owe your bar tab!”
“I came all the way from Avalon for this.” Hirpus frowned. “Maybe you should consider travel costs, you cheapskate.”
“Cheapskate?” Hecate screeched and followed Hirpus when she shimmered and disappeared.
“Avalon’s real?” Riley asked Kraft.
He shrugged. “Maybe she meant New Jersey and not Arthur’s magical island. I don’t know. We have more important things to think about.”
“Like what?”
He huffed. “Like do I really have to show up to Noblewood next week and let you beat on me in front of everyone and my kin?”
She chuckled, relaxed, in love, and ready for something really fun. “Yes, you do. But for now, I have something for you.”
“What?”
She dragged him down with her to the basement, still getting a feel for a house that was more an outward shell holding a nexus of crossing points inside. However, this time, she joined the others rallying to party with a massive competition.
In a loud voice, Riley announced, “Dear folk of the Night Bloode, I invite you to partake in the many battles and jousts that accompany those who playArrow Sins & Siege.”
Kraft’s eyes lit up. “This. Is. Awesome!” He sat with her on the couch and stared at the large screen fantasy world on the huge monitors before him.
Behind her, she heard Khent sigh. “This is sure to be even more annoying than all thatMortal Kombatnonsense.”
