Suddenly Lucius’ fear of other vampires reared its ugly head, erasing his previous eagerness, reminding him of another foolish decision he made fifty years ago. That one cost him his family and the life he enjoyed as a human. The current situation was eerily similar, only this time he wasn’t that naïve person who blindly trusted strangers.
Lucius quietly snorted at his foolish thoughts because it was apparent he was still doing it. Asking Vasile to meet his coven without telling Brady, or anyone else for that matter, was just dumb. But then, actually doing it, well, that was the height of stupidity. And it appeared he was an expert at that.
That realization led Lucius back to what he was facing. His urge to disappear was growing by the second—the only thing holding him back was his promise to stay with Vasile until Brady returned. Chewing on his bottom lip while glancing surreptitiously at the vampire by his side, he thought about Brady, wondering what he’d do if he were in Lucius’ place.
Vasile quickly spotted Lucius’s nervous hesitation and anxiety. Deducing the cause, he murmured, “Young friend, as my guest…and because you are also under my protection, I guarantee none of my coven members will harm you.”
Eyes widening in surprise, Lucius blurted out, “You can read my mind?”
Chuckling, Vasile shook his head. “No,trayhor…just a lucky guess.”
“What doestrayhormean?”
“Little one…it’s found in our ancient language,” Vasile replied.
“Brady calls meleelan. He said it’s from the Vampire’s old language…is that the same as your ancient language?”
“Yes it is…they mean the same thing, but Brady’s description is the one most used.”
Vasile’s gentle voice calmed Lucius, reminding him of Brady’s and, in an instant, his fears dissipated. Shifting his gaze to the castle, he said, “I’m ready.”
“To meet my coven? Are you sure?” asked Vasile.
“Yup,” Lucius replied, nodding his head emphatically.
“Good… Nikolai has been eager to meet you ever since we arrived and I’m afraid he can’t wait much longer.”
“Who’s Nikolai?”
“My Second…and a busybody if there ever was one,” Vasile chuckled. “He’s a fountain of coven gossip.”
Hearing the affection in Vasile’s voice, Lucius smiled; his mother had been the same way. Over coffee and her home-baked apple turnovers, she was eager to share all the community chit-chat he missed during each week he was away. Those were good times; times he missed terribly after Valerian turned him. Before sadness could take over at the memory, Lucius asked, “Do you suppose Nikolai would tell me the latest gossip? I think it would help me understand your coven.”
Surprised at the request, Vasile examined Lucius’ face, and after finding the reason for the request hidden deep in the violet eyes, said, “I can’t think of anything he would love to do more.”
“Maybe he could do it over coffee and apple turnovers?” asked Lucius eagerly.
“I’m sure that can be arranged,” Vasile said, smiling. “But first, the tour.” Leading Lucius over to the tall, wooden doors, he opened one, ushering the young vampire inside and closing the door behind them.
Glancing around the entry room, Lucius found four archways, each containing a set of stairs leading upward. Then his eyes settled on the grand archway in front of him through which he caught a glimpse of a room filled with plush furniture. From everything he could see, Vasile’s castle was amazing—but then so was Valarian’s—that was until one got past the highly decorated rooms and deeper into the castle. Only then did one discover the evil that lay within.
“The castle is divided into four wings, each with its own purpose,” Vasile began. “The east wing belongs to me and those members who are involved in overseeing the day-to-day coven matters. The west wing is reserved for families and contains spaces for day care and schools for older vampire children. The North wing houses single vampires while the south wing houses the coven guards and their commanders. In the center are common areas used by all coven members.”
Lucius then realized the staircases must lead to the different wings and was eager to visit each of them, but first he wanted to see another vampire in particular. “Where’s Nikolai? I thought he wanted to meet me.”
Before Vasile could answer, Nikolai appeared in front of him and, by the smile on Vasile’s face, Lucius knew Nikolai had been eavesdropping on them. Shaking his head at Nikolai’s antics, Vasile said, “Lucius, meet my Second, Nikolai…Nik, this is Lucius, Brady’s mate.”
Looking up at Vasile’s Second, Lucius’ eyes widened at Nikolai’s size. To describe him as huge was an understatement. He was just as tall as Vasile but his shoulders were much wider, giving him an air of someone to be reckoned with. Lowering his eyes, alarm bells began to ring in Lucius’ head, making him move slightly behind Vasile.
“Hello, Lucius,” Nikolai said softly, seeing the apprehension in the newly arrived guest’s face.
When his silence became too much even for him, Lucius finally whispered, “Hi.” It was the best he could do given his nervousness at the thought of the damage Nikolai could inflict on him if he chose to.
If Nikolai wasn’t mistaken, Brady’s mate was petrified of him even though they were both vampires. Lucius’ reaction reminded him of a young vampire child who was still unsure of his place in their world. If that were true, then he knew what to do. Ignoring the young vampire, he looked at Vasile and said, “Welcome home…I didn’t expect you back so soon. The little ones will be happy to see you again.”
Chuckling, Vasile replied, “They’re going to be disappointed this time, I’m afraid. After the dressing down I received the last time from their parents, I won’t be bringing them any more candy…at least until I can figure out a way to sneak it to them.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” Nikolai said, solemnly.
