And that brought Grayson’s mind to the fact that Balthazar wieldedbothBloodlines’ gifts.And he did itwellandpowerfully.Which meant that he had a reason–a cover–for doing the thing that he wished to do in his heart.This weakness, being human, had him feeling hemmed in, unable to do all he needed to.He had to decide who was to turn him.And then… then they would still have to wait.He glanced up at Ryder who was gazing down at him, smiling at him, loving him.
Ryder moved a lock of hair back from his forehead.“You really are exhausted.”
“I should take offense at that.But you’re right.”Grayson sighed and nodded.“I am.I remember myself as an Immortal.I remember my strength and vigor and act as if those things are still mine.But they arenot.”
“They will be yours again,” Ryder promised him.“As soon as you wish it.”
Grayson nodded.“But you saw how well it’s worked with the Sect thinking I am the naive little boy, didn’t you?”
Another roll of those silver eyes.“I have always loved your feistier side.The meek, sweet child has its place, but I enjoy it when you are in charge.”
“Yes, because I do love to be in charge.”Grayson laughed as he hooded his eyes at Ryder. Being in charge was something he so adored to be with his powerful Soldier.“And what about you?I’m not sure which side of you I love more.The puppy side.”
“Puppy?!I am a wolf!”Ryder snorted and tossed his head.
“Or the side that breaks someone’s ankles simply for looking at me, seeing the part I’m playing and drawing the correct conclusions from it,” Grayson chuckled.
“He wanted to hurt you!Given any chance, he would have.If you were not who you are, Grayson, you would likely be dead.The academy would be indelibly stained.King Daemon’s great plans potentially ruined, or, at least, set back,” Ryder said.
“Yes, it is true, which is why I must keep playing this role for now,” Grayson sighed.
It had been interesting to take on that role.Even when he had just been Grayson, he had never been weak.Not even at the start.But a human among Vampires would be wise to be that way.They were prey.Even the ones they turned.There was something predatory about that too.
“I should desperately wish to bring you to the Weryn Palace tonight.But, as you said, you are still playing this role and you used too much of your power today.You can’t afford to lose any more energy.”Ryder caressed his cheek.“And the Ashyr Palace is simply too close to mine for it to be completely safe, especially in sleep.Your Palace may drain power from you.”
Grayson ducked his head, frustrated by his weakness.The palaces were opposite one another.They were even physically connected below.While he had felt fine in the Weryn Palace earlier, what would he feel now.
“I–I didn’t think of that.”
“I can feel my palace reaching for me.Does yours?”Ryder asked.
“I definitely felt it doing so when I was closer,” Grayson admitted as he bit his lower lip.
He had nearly passed out back then and he’d been much stronger then.He could very well imagine going anywhere near it now it might at least nip at him and he couldn’t even afford to lose a nip.
“And all your defenses were up then, too.In sleep they won’t be,” Ryder said, running a hand through his hair.“It’s too dangerous.”
Grayson nodded.“You’re right on all counts though it pains me.”
“I won’t be sleeping there until you can,” Ryder said.
Grayson’s heart beat harder.He couldn’t help it.“I would have you nowhere else.And, as a little naive boy, I should be at the dorms.”
“I think on page 132 of the rules, under certain conditions, I am allowed to sleep over, but there must be a chaperone.”Ryder flashed a brilliant smile.
“Let me guess?Balthazar!”
“Who else?”Ryder snorted.“Can you imagine how it would be to have Balthazar sitting there, watching the happy couple?So not happening.”
“And it is on page 132?A lot must happen before that!Did we get through all of that already?”Grayson chuckled.“But I’m pretty sure for me to sleep over with you it’s probably on page 355.”
Ryder snorted.“Undoubtedly, so we aren’t completely following the rules.”
Grayson saw the fountain up ahead.The graceful avenue that led up to it was surrounded by trees, and the blue-white lamps that cast pools of eerily light every ten feet or so.Ryder was walking at a leisurely pace, but Grayson found it challenging and tugged on the Vampire.
“Slower, I’m just a poor human, remember?Your little potential fledgling who needs to hide behind you can’t walk that fast,” Grayson protested.
“Then I shoulddefinitelycarry you.”
