I look between the two vampires. “Who the fuck is Callum?”
THIRTEEN
a pack of wolves
“What does he want?”Cyrus asks, ignoring my question.
“Recompense,” Harrison answers.
I move between the vampires. “Recompense for what?”
“Iowe Callum nothing,” Cyrus answers, ignoring my question once more.
Harrison slides his hands into his pockets, looking very human for the moment. “You are correct. However, your investment,” he nods toward me, “has everything to do with you, and my blood flows through her, which means you do owe Callum something.”
“Have I suddenly gone invisible?” I wave my hands above my head for effect.
“Apologies, Violet,” Cyrus says, lowering his head. “You are not invisible, and Callum is an ancientvampire who…how shall I say this…isn’t a fan of your maker.”
“What does that have to do with me?”
The two men share a look. “I made an arrangement with him several centuries ago,” Harrison answers.
“Tell her, Chamberlin,” Cyrus demands.
My maker sighs. “Callum has rights to my children.”
I stare at Harrison, allowing his words to sink in. “Is that what I am? One of yourchildren?”
“When we make a vampire, we are considered a parent of sorts,” Harrison says with a smirk.
“Wow,” I answer, not sure what else to say. “Ignoring all of the screwed-up family thoughts running through my mind, what does that mean forme?”
“It means Callum wants you and, through our pact, has the right to take you,” he answers simply.
“What the hell?” I move inches from my maker, anger radiating from my body. “Is there anything else you need to tell me,Dad?”
The look on Harrison’s face is a mixture of amusement and disdain. “No, my child. That is all you need to know at the moment.”
“Did you tell him about me?”
“Callum and I have not been in communication for the past century. Of course, I didn’t tell him about you.”
“Am I the only one curious about how he found out that I exist?”
Harrison looks at Cyrus. “Someone told him.”
I follow Harrison’s line of sight. “Did you…Did you…”
“No,” Cyrus interrupts. “However, I’m pretty sure we both know who did.”
“Aurora,” I answer.
“Ah, Aurora. I haven’t heard that name in a few decades.” Harrison laughs softly. “Sounds like she hasn’t changed in that time,” he says, moving across the room. He lifts his head toward the staircase. “Cyrus, I do believe you could use an air freshener in here.”
“It’s a pleasure to smell you again, too, bloodsucker,” Simon says, coming down the stairs. “A hint of urine mixed with copper always alerts me to your presence. Seems we’re both great at identifying odors.”
“Your puppy has grown quite bold since the last time we met,” my maker says to Cyrus.
