"Miss Montgomery has arrived, m'lord," the servant says, bowing his way out the door and closing it quietly. Leaving just the two of us. The behemoth I'm staring at could kill me before I even screamed, and wouldn't think twice about doing it if I disappoint him. Diplomatic immunity may save me from the vampires outside, but not from the rogues inside the city—or, more important, the one within this room.
With hints of gray, his long hair is pulled back into a conservative ponytail, held in place with a braided strip of leather. He exudes power. A tidal wave resting in every subtle movement. With a motion of his hand he can topple vampires.
Please have a seat," Lord Valentine says, his deep voice filling the room. His hand, holding a golden goblet—full of blood, no doubt—indicates the chair across from him.
I take my seat, folding my skirt beneath me. His gravity is overwhelming. I place my briefcase on the table, careful not to scratch the wooden surface.
"I'm pleased, Dawn. You've exceeded my expectations," he says.
I jerk my head up, but he's not looking at me. His gaze is lost somewhere in the dark corners of the room. I'm tempted to tell him that I don't care if I please him. Exceeding his expectations is an empty compliment. But I'm not here as Dawn Montgomery. I'm here as a delegate. So instead, I just say, "M'lord?"
"You embraced your destiny. You became a full delegate in a shorter time than most."
"I had an advantage. I learned a lot from my parents."
"And there is a great deal more you have yet to learn," Valentine says, "things that your father failed to share with you. You are very special, Dawn, in ways you can't fathom."
His arrogance infuriates me. He doesn't know what my father taught me—or failed to teach me. He's pointing out my weaknesses with backhanded compliments. He's trying to unsettle me, and I expect nothing less from him on this crucial night. But I'm ready. My parents taught me that he talks in riddles and circles. They taught me how to stay calm, to stay focused. To change the subject…
"I would like to discuss the recent abductions from the city," I say, unsnapping the hinges on my briefcase and pulling out some paperwork that lists the names and includes photos of those who have gone missing. Just as I did when Rachel gave me the information, I hesitate at the top photo. Shaggy Guy is staring back at me. Swallowing hard, trying not to think about how much danger Vivi and I were truly in, I slide over copies of all the information. Valentine doesn't move to take it. "Over the past week, four of our citizens have been abducted."
Valentine slowly places his goblet on the table. "Do you believe my underlings are responsible?" he asks, his hands clasped at his lips, eyes not on mine.
"We have witnesses who saw the abductions who say vampires are responsible. We know that a great lord such as yourself would not condone such actions, but we also realize that Lesser vampires are not always in your control." They are always in my control," he reminds me with a stern voice that can silence cities. Silence lives.
"Of course," I say. I fight the urge to apologize. He might see it as a weakness. I have to show him I'm strong. But if I don't comment, he might see it as rude and snap my neck. I'm thinking too much. Just get the first night over with; that's what Rachel said. She taught me everything I know about protocol. Tonight is a test for her as well. If I fail, my blood is on her hands. "Then who do you believe is responsible for the abductions?"
"Those who are foolish enough to step outside the city at night have only themselves to blame. The VampHu makes them fair game for the Lessers."
People younger than twenty-one aren't allowed beyond the walls at night. But anyone older than that is not detained by the guards at the heavily armored gates. They know the risks. After what Vivi and I did last night, it's a little harder for me not to be sympathetic at the notion of wanting more freedom, but it's so much more dangerous beyond the wall. Out there people are hunted down by roaming vamps. Sometimes vampires drain them immediately. Sometimes they take them captive and feed on them over time. Since the war, VampHu prohibits vampires from turning humans, and most vampires obey that little rule. They finally figured out that the more vampires there are, the less human blood there is to go around.
"But these are happening within the city," I say, realizing this challenge may end my life. I think about the four who attacked me. I could tell him about them, but that will only complicate matters and show my stupidity and defenselessness.
"Are you implying that we've broken the VampHu Treaty?" he asks. "That's a very, very serious accusation."
The heads of the fourteen Old Families would convene to pass judgment if I filed an official complaint. As far as I know, no one ever has. "No, m'lord."
"Rogue vampires are to blame. They travel from city to city, looking for weak walls and even weaker humans. They killed your parents, did they not? So do not blame the great House of Valentine for your reckless behavior. Your citizens make themselves victims. I will hear no more of this."
I'm angry that he's blowing off our legitimate concerns. But I can also sense the fury rolling off him because I dared to question his authority. I'm surprised he's allowed me to continue breathing. I look through my agenda at other topics to address. This one is obviously over.
"Is the blood supply adequate?" I ask.
"No."
Of course not…
"How much more is needed?" I ask.
"At least double," he says.
Double! Has he gone insane in his old age? I fight not to let my shock show. No emotions. I can't show him any emotions or he'll take advantage of the situation.
"I'm sorry, Lord Valentine, but that will be extremely difficult." Then I cannot guarantee the safety of your city or its citizens," he says, finally turning toward me. His eyes are dark. So dark I can't tell if they're staring straight into mine or at my neck. It's a threat. Not an empty one either. This conversation, my life, could be over before my next heartbeat.
"I'll see if I can increase the supply," I say to placate him for now, until I can talk with Rachel.
"I hope, for your sake, that the citizens of Denver find their charitable side," he says in that icy, dead tone.
My heart jumps when I hear the door open. I assume it's the servant coming to escort me out, but I dare not look; it's bad form. I'm just relieved the meeting is over.
"You're late," Valentine snaps.
"My apologies, Father," a deep voice says. "I only just got your summons."
My breath backs up in my lungs and I manage somehow to remain still. I know that voice. But it can't be. It can't.
I hear the quiet footfalls. I see movement out of the corner of my eye. Suddenly he's standing there. Beside Valentine.
My savior from last night. Victor.
He's not a heralded Night Watchman. He's a damn vampire!
"Dawn, I don't believe you've met my son, Victor Valentine. Victor, allow me to introduce Miss Dawn Montgomery, our new delegate."
I feel as though I've dropped into the seventh level of hell. It's taking everything I have not to display any sign of recognition. To keep my face impassive. To reveal absolutely nothing at all. What games are being played here?
Victor bows slightly. "Good evening, Miss Montgomery." His manner has changed. He's more like his father, more refined and formal. It doesn't fit him. He's wearing a black shirt beneath a dark blue silk suit, and the corner of a red handkerchief—decorated with two embroidered Vs—peers out of the pocket over his heart. He's definitely projecting Old Family. It explains so much. The car. The carbonated drink. He's filthy rich. It also explains why he was so insistent that I not tell anyone about him or the theater. He's a vampire, living in the city. Maybe spying for dear old Dad.
I want to strike out at him for deceiving me, for talking with me as though we had things in common. For making a fool of me. He had to know that I assumed he was human. Instead he's a bloodsucker.
But I'm pretty sure none of my thoughts, my sudden hatred of him, is showing on my face, because Lord Valentine continues as though nothing is amiss.
"We were discussing the blood situation," he says. "Miss Montgomery assures me that the supply can easily be doubled."
That has me snapping my attention from son to father. I did no such thing! But I'd be a fool to contradict Valentine.
"I'm sure that will be much appreciated," Victor says. "We have many starving vampires."
Like the ones last night? I want to ask. But I don't. I hold my tongue.
Valentine swirls his goblet, the blood dancing in it. "As you can see, Miss Montgomery, my son understands the value of blood." I hear pride in his voice and something more. The blood he's referring to isn't only that which comes from humans. He's talking about bloodlines. The blood of family.
Victor takes a seat beside his father. I can't tell what he's thinking. Then a sudden thought pops into my head. Maybe Valentine summoning Victor is part of tonight's test. Maybe he knows that I've met his son before. I hate the games vampires play.
"Now, Dawn, where were we?" Valentine asks.
I don't realize I've been holding my breath. I'm not looking at Victor, but I can feel his gaze boring into me. I despise that he's witnessing my first night alone, without Rachel. I need her to guide me through this. I need…
No. I don't need anyone. I just need to remember who I am. I'm smart. Brave. I'm a delegate. The city's only connection to Valentine. I think about people on the street. To Valentine, they are merely sacks of blood. But to me, they have hearts and souls, and each one is depending on me right now.
"The blood supply can be increased," I say. "But it will take time."
Valentine gives a small, calculating smile. "I have all the time in the world."
Beheading, stake through the heart, sun, engulfing fire—we've discovered those things can kill a vampire. I'd give anything to have one of those means at my disposal right now. I'd go for Victor first.
I quickly discard the thought. I need to focus on the powerful vampire in front of me. But that's a little difficult to do, because I'm distracted by Victor's presence. I have to wonder whether he's using his powers to influence me. It's never been proven, but it's long been suspected that vampires can control us with their thoughts. Can bend us to their will. Some call it being vampire struck. I imagine it's nothing but hundreds of years of practice in the art of subtle manipulation. Victor may have toyed with me last night, may be messing with me right now, but when I get back to Denver, I can mess with him. I'll tell Rachel about him, about the theater. His sanctuary in the city will be destroyed. Maybe I should wait until he's in it.
But then I remember how he saved me, and I feel a stab of guilt. How much do I owe him? Loyalty? To keep his secret? I don't know. But neither do I trust his motives for coming to our rescue. Vampires never do anything without an expectation of gain.
"Miss Montgomery?"
I snap my attention back to Valentine, only then realizing that I've been staring at Victor. "Yes, m'lord?"
"I see my son intrigues you."
"No, I … I've just never met a young vampire before."
"Four hundred years. Hardly young by your standards, but you are correct that he is young by ours."
"Did he fight in the war?"
"It's rude to talk about me as though I'm not here," Victor says, and I can hear the irritation that so often marks his father's voice.
I turn to him. "Did you fight in the war?"
"I'm not sure what bearing that information has on the blood supply."
Valentine chuckles, and I realize we're entertaining him. The last thing I want to do. I angle my chin defiantly. "In your absence your father and I discussed the abductions that happened last week. Maybe you know something about them." I shove my folder of photos toward him.
To my surprise, unlike his father, he doesn't ignore them. He opens the folder and turns the pictures over slowly, one by one. Then he lifts his gaze to mine. "I'm sorry. I don't."
"They were attacked in the city. We know there are vampires within the walls. They're fair game if we find them," I say, giving an emphasis and meaning to my words. You're fair game.
"I'm well aware of the conditions of VampHu, of the dangers that vampires found within the city face," he says.
"Your Night Watchmen are apparently useless," Valentine suddenly barks, "and I stated earlier that I was finished discussing the abductions."
"I thought I should enlighten your son about them—since he was tardy."
Victor narrows his eyes at me, but Valentine chuckles again. I give my attention back to Valentine. "Other than the blood supply, is there anything else that displeases you, m'lord?"
"That you do not trust the house of Valentine."
I don't trust any vampire. I want to remove the black gloves he makes me wear and scrub at the skin that Victor touched last night when we were running through the alleys. I want to forget every word we shared. His smile, his concern. None of it was true. It was all a ploy. Vampires lure us in and then destroy us.
"Perhaps if you were more lenient in your requests, m'lord, the citizens' trust could be more easily gained."
"What exactly do I demand, Miss Montgomery, that is such a burden?"
Victor appears more interested in my answer than Valentine.
"More blood than is reasonable. If we charted the minimum amount that a vampire needs to survive and then got a census of the number of vampires in the area, we could get an accurate projection of the amount of blood that is truly needed."
"Charts and censuses won't be necessary. My word is all you need. And I have told you exactly what is required. Double."
"Based on what, m'lord? We don't even know how many vampires we're supplying."
"Are you trying to calculate the number so you can plan an uprising against me? Has the Agency sent you to determine the extent of my following? If they feel that my position has weakened, they will quickly find that they are in error."