Page 4 of Blades and Bone

Hamish stared at him. It was so easy to make things happen when there were family lawyers and doctors and whatever else was needed. Connections opened doors and smoothed paths; there were options available which he hadn’t been aware of before…but that didn’t mean he didn’t miss his old life. He glanced away. “Can these things not be arranged with a little warning?”

“This has been weeks in the making, and I have no control over what my mother decides.”

“And what has been decided? What are we doing?” What hadn’t Garrick been willing to put in writing?

“An alliance has been negotiated with the Ashbys.”

Hamish smiled. That was interesting. “Can I turn this down?”

Garrick drew in a breath. “No. Ann wants you there.”

Hamish scowled and slumped in the leather seat. What if he didn’t want to travel to the other side of the country to play bodyguard for Ann and potentially one of her daughters? “You’re going?”

“Of course, that’s why I know about it.”

“Why am I going? Did you recommend me?”

Garrick’s features tightened for a heartbeat. “No. Ann asked for you.”

Something was going on, and he didn’t like it. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“That this will be more dangerous than raiding the house in Albany. We could not get them to agree to neutral territory, which means we will be vulnerable. We’re only allowed six people. You will need to be on guard the entire time.”

“You’re really not selling it.”

“I’m not trying to. I’m trying to make you understand how serious this is.”

Hamish shrugged. “I get it. Why are we going at all?”

Garrick studied him for several seconds. Hamish fidgeted under the scrutiny, aware that he was dressed in jeans with frayed hems and a loose shirt while Garrick looked like he could walk into a courtroom.

“We cannot stop the Orlans on our own, and if they move north, the Ashbys will be erased. It is a strategic move for both families that neither particularly wanted to make.”

“Are we planning to attack the Orlans?” Hamish fiddled with the hem of his shirt.

“Not at the moment.”

“Fine. I’ll call in sick. You’ll arrange the doctor’s note?”

“I will make the call, and it will be emailed to you.” Garrick stood. “Go and pack.”

“Are we traveling in suits?”

“Yes.”

Hamish groaned. “Can we not get matching tracksuits or something?”

“Make sure you pack well.”

He rolled his eyes. “I will pack my weapons.”

“We won’t be taking anything more than fangs. It’s a resort, so you will need clothes other than a suit, as we cannot protect Ann around the pool looking like extras from a crime film.”

“We are extras in a crime.” They were usually the main characters.

“Hamish.” Garrick sat on the edge of the desk next to him. “Please take this seriously. Our future will depend on it.”

He glanced up at his uncle. Garrick was another of the reasons he’d decided to be blooded. They may have different degrees, but Garrick had always seemed immeasurably cool, like being a blooded vampire was the best thing, and Hamish had wanted that. While it had only been eight months, he hadn’t found that edge. He didn’t feel any different unless his fangs were out and his hands were bloody.