I straightened. “That’s exactly right—more school. We’ll invite our network to enjoy the hotel at Billy’s expense in exchange for sharing their expertise with the nest. Visiting adjuncts, if you will.”
“The Madame will appreciate an increase in guests, I imagine.” Billy rubbed a tired hand over his face. “What kind of experts do we need?”
“Hunting,” I said, immediately thinking of the exhausted night in the woods where the fanglings came home empty-handed. Every head in the room whipped to Billy, clearly looking for his pushback to get them out of it. But my fellow vampire nodded.
“And?” he urged.
“Compulsion—both offense and defense.” I ticked off the categories on my fingers. “And someone who can explain the more intricate workings of vampire society. Stealth, if hunting progresses well.”
“I’ll need your network in addition to mine.” Billy set his cup back on the tray, already standing and pulling his phone from his pocket.
“Consider it yours.”
“Then I best get started.” Billy turned to the fanglings, glancing only briefly at Rye. “It’s going to be okay.” But his voicefell flat, thin with fear. With that, he slipped through the door, phone already pressed to his ear.
“Is there anything I can do?” Leslee settled on the sofa next to me. “I know I’m not a vampire . . .”
“I’m sure your knowledge of natural poisons and herbs will help in some way. Let me think about how best to leverage your skills.” I squeezed her hand—part apology, part gratitude.
“I guess we should get back to work, then.” Benedict stood and, for the first time, the others followed. But before the room could dissolve into its usual flurry of chaos, I spoke up.
“One moment, gentlemen.” Six pairs of eyes settled on me. Six lost souls desperate for hope. “You’ll remember, a few nights ago, when I first arrived, I told you how the rest of the world would try to tell you you’re a lost cause—that you are monsters unable to control yourselves.” They nodded. “It appears your employer has made this decision for you, but that doesn’t make it the right one—or the final. We have the chance to prove her very, very wrong in the coming days. I do not envy you the work ahead, but it will decide how your very long future will continue—”
“Or our very short death.” Alex interrupted.
“Act with intention from here on,” I continued, ignoring him. I had to have optimism for them all in that moment, or there would be none to go around. “And remember that no one else can support you as you can each other. You turned together. You’re bonded now like brothers.”
“We are brothers,” Frederick chirped, the familiar smirk returning.
I nodded, giving him a weak half smile. “Dismissed then, gentlemen. Try not to let the evening’s news haunt you. There is time yet.”
The fanglings filed out in relative order, but I was relieved to see some light poking and prodding among them. They werebarely out the door before their teasing picked up volume, and their shrieks echoed down the hall.
I leaned back in the sofa and let my eyes drill a hole into the ceiling, focus softening, jaw slack, as I tried to work through the past hour. I don’t know how long I sat in that disassociated state before I felt the cushion next to me dip. A warm hand rubbed the back of my neck as the other tilted my gaze to Rye.
“You alright?” she asked, sharp brows softened in worry. “This all sounds pretty scary from the outside.”
“I’m furious,” I said, closing my eyes and leaning into her attentions. “And scared. And somehow already exhausted.”
“There’s a lot to do,” she hummed.
“We haven’t even begun, and already we’re out of time.” I let her guide me to her lips, let her reassure me with the press of her mouth to mine.
“I thought vampires had more ego than this,” she purred, flicking a cheeky tongue against mine before pulling away. “You’re just going to let this woman win? Just like that?”
“She’s already won—she holds all the cards.” I longed to disappear into Rye, let lust spread its enveloping haze over us for just a moment of relief. As if reading my mind, she lifted to straddle me, bracing herself on her forearms against the plush back of the sofa.
“I’ll bet you we have one thing she doesn’t.” Rye nipped my bottom lip, a sharp grin cracking her lips.
“Alright, cat.” I couldn’t help returning the bite, sliding hungry hands around her waist and down her ass to squeeze. “Where’s the canary?”
Rye ground into my hands and against the rapid hardening of my cock, kissing me between phrases. “I don’t know yet, but I know which cages to start with. That’s more than this madame can claim.”
“Where do humans get all their hope?” The question came out heavier than I’d intended, freezing the air between us momentarily. Rye paused, hovering just above me, musky and sweet, lips plumped from kissing, eyes half-lidded with want.
“It was in the bottom of Pandora’s box,” she said, matter-of-factly. “It’s our gift.”
“Unfair.” I grinned up at her. “Someone told you I’m weak for a woman who knows her classics.”
