Fated In Secrets (Nocturne Vampire Clan #2)

Chapter 13

13

BLAKE

I ’d barely gotten through last night, half-mad over Valaine’s attack.

At least the fury kept me from obsessing how close I’d come to running Evie down and sinking my cock into my own mate like a fucking rutting animal, blind with hunger.

Nobody responded until long after Valaine vanished and I’d spent most of last night trying not to cannibalize my own mind with nightmares of what would have happened if I hadn’t felt that strong, painful tug in my chest.

My mate’s pain, her fear, her utter rage had driven me to the castle.

I’d barely reached her in time, and then failed to kill the slippery bastard.

And yet last night’s attack took a back seat to right now, to the reason I stood shoulder to shoulder with Lord Romaric and his two sons, waiting for proof Riordan had the strength required to lead this clan.

Wasting valuable time, when I should be eviscerating Valaine with one of those pointy little swords he loved so goddamned much.

“Impressive.” Romaric couldn’t keep the awe out of his voice.

Riordan stood in the shadow of Darkmore Castle, his figure silhouetted by flickers of otherworldly power that crackled around him like whips. White fire laced with veins of deep crimson twisted in his hands, like blood and starlight merged into a living flame. Waves of energy pulsed out from him, filling the early morning dim with strange, wraithlike creatures forged from fire. The hairs on the back of my neck rose.

My friend had become the most powerful vampire I’d ever seen in my lifetime, and I knew right then he’d fed from Evangeline.

Heated fear tipped over into glacially cold rage.

The bastard had given me his fucking word he wouldn’t touch my mate, but the proof was right in front of my eyes. The sheer amount of power he wielded required greater strength than any ordinary vampire was capable of.

Her blood was the only explanation.

Nash shifted his feet behind me, “Incredible… I’ve never seen anything like this,” he murmured. “Once the other royal houses see what he’s become, the stragglers will fall in line. The one thing vampires respect is strength.”

“Strength is all they care about.” Romaric agreed, his eyes glued to Riordan. “The only language they understand.”

I frowned, picking up on the conviction in his voice. “Strength is important,” I said, keeping my voice low. “But that’s not what Riordan’s really about, my lord. He is so much more.”

Romaric tore his gaze from the spectacle. “All the dreams in the world are worthless if he can’t hold onto power.”

“And what is power without vision?” I replied. “Riordan doesn’t want to dominate; he wants to build something better. That’s his real strength.” I glanced back at Riordan, watching him channel his power, and as though he sensed my words, his energy crested in response.

A whip of magic snapped over our heads across the front lawn, like a razor-sharp ribbon of pure light, the point tinged red, the exact color of that blood pouring out of Evie’s shoulder…

The pulse of power slammed into my chest and knocked the breath from my lungs, sending Romaric and his sons careening back a step, Nash cursing softly.

I blinked the front lawn back into view in time to see Riordan sever every ancient tree in half, enormous gnarled trunks bursting into flames as his magic felled them in one mighty blow, leaving behind a wreckage of smoking wood and crushed branches strewn across the once-immaculate grounds.

Snowflakes danced in the air before they melted away, a touch of frost coating the once-green grass.

“Is that enough power for you?” I asked Romaric sharply. “Or do you require another demonstration?”

“I must admit, that was…impressive.” Zachary, Lord Romaric’s son whispered. “Fire and…whatever the red was. Very impressive indeed. I believe my sire has seen everything he came here to see.”

But Lord Romaric wasn’t looking at Riordan at all.

He was gazing up at the window in the nearest turret, at the pale face that was barely a smudge behind the glass. That goddamned knot in my chest tightened down to a snarl of pain, Evangeline’s eyes skimming over our guests, then Riordan, before finally landing on me, a frown curving her mouth.

A rush of bloodlust snaked through me, insidious and vile, and I closed my eyes, took short, cleansing breaths, telling myself to stay right the fuck where I was . This was a mistake, I shouldn’t have come today, I shouldn’t be this close to her.

“A better Nocturne Clan…I thought they were just words before, but now…now I wonder.” Nash’s expression turned thoughtful as he looked at his king.

“I believe in him.” I said loudly, hoping my words would stick in Lord Romaric’s head. “He’s trying to change things. That’s the reason people will stand by him in the end—not out of fear, but out of loyalty.”

The frozen air still thrummed with echoes of Riordan’s power, the red-streaks casting an ethereal glow over his face, and my faith in him deepened. Because while Nash was right about one thing—every vampire would respect Riordan’s power—I hoped they’d see something greater.

They’d see the strength of his vision, one that could lift the Nocturne Clan into something worth fighting for.

After I managed not to look at Evie again, I escorted Lord Romaric and his sons to their car, I headed for Riordan’s private study, the weight of my news settling like a lodestone in my chest. I stepped inside, finding him by the window, looking out over the grounds. Nash waited in front of his desk at full attention, two soldiers by the door.

So we’d be making this an official announcement, then . I squared my shoulders.

"Your Majesty," I began, steadying my voice, "Lord Romaric of House Hawkmere has pledged his fealty to the new regime."

Riordan turned, a faint smile lifting one corner of his mouth. “I didn’t think he’d come around so fast, truth be told. And yet, you sound uneasy.”

I nodded, choosing my words carefully. “Romaric’s loyalty isn’t unconditional. He’s willing to fall in line, but there’s a condition. He—and the others, to be frank—need further proof. A show of strength. Romaric heard about Valaine’s visit last night. He wants assurances you are committed to eliminating your enemies before they’ll commit.”

“We’ll find the bastard.” Nash shifted his feet, glowering. He’d taken Valaine’s intrusion onto the ground personally, vowing to check every entry point.

Riordan’s eyes darkened, before he barked out a humorless laugh. “Of course, he does. Romaric has always respected strength, but he’s quick to turn if he senses weakness.”

“Exactly,” I replied, leaning forward, I had to finish this and get out of here, because Evie was directly above me. “Right now, we have Romaric’s loyalty. This is our chance to bring the other houses on board.”

“Agreed.” Riordan folded his arms, “If Romaric wants a spectacle, we shall provide one. But it has to be witnessed by the other royal houses—along with our enemies.”

I nodded again, watching his expression shift. “If we can arrange an event, where they all bore witness to your power firsthand, that would send a clear message.”

Riordan’s face hardened as he thought it over, his expression calculating. “A show of power, but one that’s rooted in fear, respect… and strategy.” His gaze met mine, “Strong enough that it’s clear I will protect this clan, but also destroy any threats.”

“Something that brings the houses together, and puts them all under one roof for the night. We do that, Collum’s bound to make his move, he wouldn’t be able to resist.”

Riordan’s brows went up. “Are you suggesting a party?”

I shrugged. “It worked with Tyrell. Why not set a trap of our own? Give me two weeks to prepare, time for Nash to secure the castle, for me to arrange for a witch to strengthen the wards around the grounds. Then we give the entire clan the spectacle they crave.”

“Enemies and allies?” Nash asked. “Under the same roof on the same night?” He shook his head. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea…my king.”

“Blood and betrayal go hand in hand.” Riordan looked eager.

“Exactly. And what’s a king’s coronation without a little mayhem?”