The method of address went over my head as I toppled onto my side from the force of my struggles.
“You should save your energy, Aileen,” Drake said, not looking at me. “Those chains are hunter issue. You’re not breaking out of them. At least not without some help.”
Whatever I was about to say was interrupted as a creak from the hallway warned of another’s presence.
I looked up to find Dad on the threshold of the room, taking in the bodies on the floor and the state of Jenna, Mom and I.
Drake’s manner was carefree as he pushed to his feet. “Uncle Patrick, so good of you to join us. I was hoping I’d get the chance to meet you.”
“Uncle?” I whispered softly to myself, a rising dread threatening to choke me.
Dad didn’t respond, his face hard and scary looking as he stared Drake down. “What’s the meaning of this?”
Drake twisted to take in the carnage. “Aw, this. My apologies. I’d hoped to take care of the last of the rogue hunters before they reached this far, but they slipped through my net.”
“What is he talking about? Why is he acting like he knows you?” I asked.
Drake went silent as Dad’s gaze met my accusing one.
I shook my head slightly. Dad wasn’t a hunter. He wasn’t. I would have known. And if he was, there was no way he wouldn’t have known I was a vampire. He would never have let me come around if that was the case.
An apology showed on his face. “Aileen.”
“It’s not true. You don’t have the tattoo,” I said.
“You mean this tattoo?” Drake raised his hand for me to see. A tattoo faded into view. “Sorry, cuz. These things come and go on our own whim. Magic, you know?”
The resignation on Dad’s face was all the proof I needed that Drake was telling the truth.
“How? Why?”
“That’s what Grandpa and Dad want to know too,” Drake quipped, fixing Dad with a probing stare. “Your dad held the record for every physical and weapons training test our clan gives to determine a hunter’s skill level. At least he did.” Drake winked. “I beat most of them a few years back.”
“I’m sure your dad is very proud,” Dad said dryly.
“He was,” Drake agreed. To me— “Your dad was considered something of a legend. At least until his first mission ended his career.” He nodded at the limp my dad had had as long as I had known him. “He disappeared after that.”
“I retired for medical reasons.”
Drake nodded. “I’m sure the rumors that you were a pacifist who didn’t agree with our calling had something to do with that too.”
Dad’s stare was flinty, giving nothing away.
Drake chuckled before shaking his head. “Your injury is why Dad and Grandpa never came looking for you. They figured you’d earned whatever peace you could find.”
“Then why are you here?”
“I told you—to clean up their mess.” Drake indicated the two hunters. “Meeting my cousins was just a perk.”
“You’ve done what you came here to do. I want you to leave,” Dad ordered.
Drake sent him a sunny smile. “No problem, Uncle. I’m sure you have a lot to talk about with everything that’s happened tonight.”
Drake started for the door, having to shift to the side when Dad didn’t move to make room. His voice issued from the hallway behind Dad a second later. “Oh, Aileen, I’d appreciate if you didn’t mention this to your lover or sire. Though if you do, no worries. I’m here with official approval from the council. See you around, cuz.”
The front door opened and closed as Drake left.
“Elise, release Aileen. Silver isn’t good for vampires. I’ve got Jenna.” Dad removed a pocketknife from his pants on his way to Jenna.
