Viktor stepped forward to stand beside his mate, his hand finding the small of Ant’s back. The gesture was possessive and deliberate - a clear signal to every vampire watching that Ant washisand under his protection.
Claudius’s gaze tracked the movement, his expression unreadable. “Nathaniel,” he said without looking away, “show our guests to the east wing suite.”
One of the guards - a vampire who looked to be in his physical forties, with graying hair and the bearing of a soldier - stepped forward with a curt nod. “This way.”
Viktor kept his hand on Ant’s back as they followed Nathaniel toward the estate’s entrance. The other guards parted to let them pass, but Viktor could feel their eyes tracking every movement.They’re doing what I would do, assessing threats and calculating the odds of taking me out.
They walked through massive double doors into an entrance hall that could’ve been transplanted directly from the eighteenth century. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, oil paintings in gilded frames showing long-dead vampires in their finery. The air smelled stale, as if no one ever bothered to open a window. Able’s nails clicked against the marble as they crossed the space. The sound echoed off the tall ceiling, unnaturally loud in the oppressive silence.
Nathaniel led them up a sweeping staircase, then down a long corridor lined with more portraits. Viktor recognized a few of the faces - vampires he’d known during his time there, most of whom were probably still in residence. The thought made his skin crawl.
You okay?Ant sent through their bond.
Yep. Just remembering why I left.Viktor pressed against Ant’s back gently.Thanks for the mental slap back there. I was about two seconds from doing something we’d both regret.
I noticed.Warmth flickered through the connection.Though I will admit, the image of Claudius’s face if you’d actually transformed was mildly entertaining.
Viktor snorted quietly. Only Ant would find humor in a near-diplomatic disaster.
They reached the east wing, which was - as Viktor already knew - as far from the main living areas as possible while still technically inside the estate. The message was clear -You’re not really guests. You’re an inconvenience we’re tolerating.
Nathaniel stopped in front of a heavy wooden door and produced an old-fashioned iron key. “You’ll stay in this suite,” he said, his voice neutral. “You’ll have a bedroom, sitting room, and private bath. The sitting room adjoins the guest room where Mr. Finch was found.” He paused. “Lord Claudius requests that you not enter the crime scene until he can be present to observe.”
Ant’s expression didn’t change, but Viktor felt the spike of irritation through their bond.
“That’s not how this works,” Ant said mildly. “I conduct my investigation independently. Lord Claudius is welcome to review my written report when I submit it to the Justiciary.”
Nathaniel’s mouth tightened. “I’ll convey your response.”
“Please do.” Ant took the key from the guard’s hand. “We’ll settle in, and then I’ll begin the scene reading within the hour. I trust someone will be available to unlock the crime scene if it’s been sealed?”
“It hasn’t been sealed.” Nathaniel’s gaze flickered to Viktor, then away. “The door’s been kept closed, but there’s no wardon it. Lord Claudius felt that would interfere with your magical examination.”
Or he doesn’t want evidence of him trying to tamper with the scene,Viktor thought darkly.
“Understood,” Ant said. “That will be all.”
Nathaniel hesitated, clearly unused to being dismissed by anyone other than Claudius, but finally nodded and retreated down the corridor.
Viktor waited until the guard’s footsteps faded before taking the key off Ant, unlocking the suite, and ushering Ant and Able inside.
The rooms were exactly what he’d expected - expensively furnished in a style that screamedold money,with heavy drapes, antique furniture, and the kind of art that belonged in museums. The bedroom featured a massive four-poster bed that could’ve comfortably slept six people. The sitting room had a fireplace with logs set up but not lit, several chairs arranged in conversational groupings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the estate’s rear gardens.
On the far side of the sitting room was a second door - the door to the room where Ronald Finch had died. Claudius couldn’t have sent them a more obvious warning message if he’d spray-painted it on the door in neon pink paint. Ant headed in that direction, and Viktor pulled him back. It was natural his mate would be focused on the crime scene and doing his job, but Viktor seriously needed a moment to get his thoughts together.
Chapter Five
“Not yet,” Viktor said quietly.
Ant blinked, pulling his focus away from the locked door and the investigation he was keen to get started. Viktor’s face was tight, his jaw clenched, and through their bond, Ant could feel the roiling mixture of anger, protectiveness, and anxiety churning beneath his mate’s controlled exterior.
Right. Viktor lived here. This isn’t just a case for him.
“You’re correct,” Ant said, redirecting his attention fully to Viktor. “We should assess the room’s security first and allow Able to establish a perimeter.”
Able, who had already begun a methodical circuit of their assigned suite, paused to sniff along the baseboards near the windows. His ears were flat against his skull, and a low growl rumbled in his chest as he investigated the sitting room’s far corner.
The sound sent a prickle of unease down Ant’s spine. Able rarely growled at empty spaces.
