“When will it be time?” Dani’s concern seeped into her voice.
“Hopefully, once we get answers from Legion, Shaela and Roan,” Grayson said. “We’ll understand their plans, positions and people. Then we can make a decision about whether it is a good idea for me to reveal myself.”
“How long do you think that will take?” Dani asked and then grimaced. “I just realized I sound like a child that asks if we’re there yet. It happens when it happens. Yet I cannot help but hope for it to be soon when I see you like this.”
Grayson grinned at her, but it quickly faded as if it was too much energy to keep it going. “But there’s also the issue with the structures. Elgar was so lucky that these three didn’t have any, but we need to find those who do.”
“Are you sure that the structures really mean danger for us?” Dani pressed.
“I’m not looking for a reason to stay mortal, Dani,” Grayson assured her. “While I’m not 100 percent, I’m not willing to risk it.”
Again, Dani’s eyes flashed to Ryder and then away. “You take so much on yourself. I can check for structures now too.”
“Yes, but there is still a risk that if a Vampire touches them then they may… go off or whatever,” Grayson said. “Your gift and mine are different. Not because I’m Ashyr reborn, but because I’m still human, I think. I don’t know. Just there’s something in the back of my head telling me that now is not the time to be turned or to let our guard down.”
“And you’re certain that you’re not just avoiding…” again, that flicker of eyes to him and then away, “making a decision?”
“I thought you wanted me to rest.” Grayson lifted an eyebrow at her.
She sighed and lowered her head. “You’re right. I do. And I truly want whatever you want, Grayson. You know that, don’t you? I’ll support you.”
“You’re worried if I don’t choose another Ashyr that I won’t have my own gift,” Grayson said, acting more like he had Eyros’ gift rather than his own.
She sighed. “I can understand why you’re leery about having anyone in our Bloodline turn you. The most powerful of us are your Children. And though it would be an act ofserviceandworshipfor us to turn you… I can see why you wouldn’t want to change things between us all.”
“I feel I let you down before by walking into that trap Kaly set for me,” Grayson told her. “You need a full Master and Immortal back, not a Childe that needs you to feed them.”
Ryder’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of feeding Grayson. He imagined those new fangs on his wrist, his throat or even nipples. Grayson would not have the emotional needs as a Childe did, but he would still likely have to feed from his Master for a time as all of them had. They could make it fun.
He imagined concocting a hunt where his beautiful Grayson would have to find him to win the prize of his blood. They dart between trees, up on rooftops, along the tops of walls. There would also be those times when they would simply sit in front of a fire, Grayson pillowed on his chest like he was now, and Grayson would simply nurse for comfort as much as sustenance. His fingers would card through that thick hair and Grayson would make soft, happy sounds.
It wouldn’t last for long as Grayson would, undoubtedly, be up and about, knowing that there were a million tasks for the General. But they would have those fireplace times. Those quiet moments. And if he turned Grayson, that would mean just, in general, more time for them. Wouldn’t a connection to all living creatures be useful to him? Or what about the joy of simply shifting into an animal or two or three? He bet that Grayson would not be limited to one animal form if he were to turn him.
“Let’s just put the issue of my turning to the side,” Grayson said. “How is everybody out there? And what about Hue and Rachel?”
“Hue is here. In Mairead’s room, I think. Yes, she is.” Dani brightened at Hue’s name. “I should let you know that your group was victorious, finding all of the treasures.”
“Really?” Grayson lifted his head up, beaming. “I knew they would!” He sobered then. “But that was likely helped in part by the fact that a bunch of the students had been compelled to think those bugs were treasure.”
“I don’t think it mattered. They were simply more aligned and together,” she said with a wave. “Nero is crowing everywhere about it.”
Grayson settled back down and Ryder put a gentle hand on his upper back to keep him there.
“That’s great. I’m so glad,” Grayson said with feeling. “Do they have any… ah, questions?”
“They have nothing but questions,” Dani sighed. “Your position as Ryder’s fledgling is explaining some of it. Since Eiji and Nero are also bound for all intents and purposes, that is explaining the heavy Ashyr Bloodline presence here. But none of your roommates are stupid.”
“No, they aren’t,” Grayson agreed.
“But we cannot tell them,” Ryder said. “Not because we don’t trust them, but I’m sure that there are Eyros Vampiresotherthan Roan who could read their minds. It’s best if they know nothing. Or, at least, nothing more than we can possibly help it.”
“And Rachel?” Grayson’s voice quavered a little on her name.
Another sigh. A deeper one. “She definitely had questions, but she managednotto take out her pen and notepad though Ididhave to promise her that I would ask you about meeting her when you’re able.”
“Somehow I don’t think she saidwhen I’m able,” Grayson said dryly.
“She wanted you immediately, but if she gets to speak to you at all, she’ll get you when you’re able,” Dani said sweetly.
