Ryder looked down at him and Grayson realized he shouldn’t have said that.Because it was on offer if he wanted it.And hedidwant it.He wanted it so much.But tonight had shown him that he needed to be as strategic as possible in who he chose to turn him.Not let love alone guide him.
Why not let love guide me?Doesn’t Ryder make me feel complete?I know he’ll treat me with respect and adoration.Maybe I’m thinking of this all wrong.
“So tomorrow?”Julian beamed.
“Tomorrow.”Ryder nodded.
Grayson’s gaze swept over the party and the students.It was still roaring.There was no sense that it was going to end anytime soon.He wondered how many would be sleeping the whole of the next day away.There were no classes.Balthazar had been very wise about this. How many students would have absorbed anything about Vampire history with their heads throbbing and their eyelids falling closed?
He caught sight of Eiji, Mairead and Amara.Somehow Eiji and Mairead had convinced the doctor to dance.She actually hadn’t left the party like Mairead had thought, but kept to a quiet corner sipping wine this whole time.She wasn’t a bad dancer at all.She was even smiling and laughing.Grayson wished he could be with them, to learn more about them, especially Eiji.The man’s actions tonight had helped with the plan immensely.He seemed like someone that Grayson might be able to trust.
I should be thinking of who I want to join my Bloodline.That’s just as important as who will turn me.We’ve lost so many since I lived before.
“I can tell by your pensive look, Grayson, that we need to get to work.We should all make our way over to the Kaly Palace.Dani has already joined Caemorn there,” Balthazar said with a sigh.
“We should.While I don’t doubt Kaly security, I wouldn’t be surprised if these Sect members have poisoned teeth or something,” Grayson sighed himself.
“There’s no sign of Legion though, is there, Ryder?I assume you would have said,” Balthazar asked.
Ryder shook his head.“No, I think the Mirryr Vampire had been with them not too long ago.”
“You have no memory of Legion, do you, Ryder?”Fiona asked.“Scent can usually inspire vivid memories.”
“None.They are the biggest blank in my memory.Not even Weryn wants to remember them evidently,” Ryder said.
“Sophia and Dani might know who they are.Or one of the other older Vampires in the Weryn,” Grayson said.
“I will be asking them for all they know,” Ryder stated simply.
“I can teleport us all to the Kaly Palace.Well, to the front doors, that is,” Fiona offered.
While the others agreed, Grayson had waved her off and taken Ryder’s arm.“We’ll meet you there.I just need a moment to clear my head.”
That was how the two of them found themselves alone on the streets, the faint sounds from the Mirryr party echoing through the air, but otherwise silence reigned.It was so peaceful.
“Are you all right?”Ryder asked.
“Me?Yes, I’m fine,” Grayson answered.“I admit I’m surprised it took you so long to ask.”
Ryder grimaced.“I was trying to remind myself how capable you are.But I was scared to death of losing you again.”
“Caemorn was there.He would have saved my soul and–”
“Don’t even suggest it.I can’t hear of him sucking your soul into one of his gems as if you are a bauble,” Ryder said with a shake of his head.
“I am not too keen on the idea either.I can’t imagine it’s pleasant,” Grayson admitted.“I really should be asking ifyouare all right.”
“Because of Legion’s involvement in all of this?”Ryder asked.
Grayson nodded.“Though you don’t seem surprised.”
“Demos and I were tasked with hunting the Weryn War Children that broke the rules, which you know.I kept waiting for Legion’s name to come up on that list.It never did.Which means they are clever.Actually, Iknowthey are clever,” Ryder said as he finished off his champagne in one long swallow.
“How so?”
“They were Lawson’s Sire, my Grandsire, but I never even knew what gender they go by,” Ryder said.“Lawson never spoke of them.Ever.”
Grayson’s forehead furrowed.“Not at all?”
