Chapter Four #2
“I’m not human.” Ant’s voice remained perfectly flat.
“Did you not hear me when I explained I’m a Level Twelve mage?
I have sufficient power to dismantle every ward on this property and reduce this building to its original molecular structure, if I so desire.
The fact that I choose not to do so is a courtesy, not a limitation. ”
One of the guards made a strangled sound. Another shifted backward half a step.
Claudius’s smile had frozen on his face, no longer reaching his eyes. “Of course. My apologies, Doctor Channon. I wasn’t aware the Justiciary was sending someone of your...caliber.”
Liar, Viktor thought viciously. You knew exactly who was coming. You just didn’t expect him to have a spine.
“Now,” Ant continued, “I understand Ronald Finch’s body was discovered in one of your guest rooms. I’ll need access to that location, as well as any security records from the evening of his death.
I’ll also require a private room where my mate and I can stay during the investigation - separate from the main household, if possible.
Able doesn’t do well in crowded environments. ”
As if on cue, Able sat down next to Ant’s leg and stared at Claudius with the judgmental expression that only dogs could truly master.
Claudius’s gaze flickered to the dog, then back to Ant. “Naturally. We’ve prepared accommodations in the east wing. I’ll have someone show you to your rooms, and then we can discuss access to the crime scene.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Ant’s voice sharpened just slightly.
“I don’t need to ‘discuss’ access. I have legal authority from the Justiciary to investigate any and all locations relevant to Ronald Finch’s death.
If you attempt to obstruct that authority, I’ll be forced to note it in my official report.
I imagine the Justiciary would be very interested to learn why a coven leader felt the need to interfere with a murder investigation. ”
The threat was delivered in the same mild, academic tone Ant used for everything, which somehow made it more effective. Claudius’s jaw tightened.
“Of course,” he said after a long pause. “You’ll have complete access. I’m sure you understand, however, that certain areas of the estate contain sensitive materials unrelated to your investigation. Ancient artifacts, private quarters, that sort of thing.”
“I’m only interested in locations relevant to Ronald Finch’s death,” Ant replied. “Unless you’re suggesting any of those things are somehow connected to the murder?”
“No.” The word came out clipped. “I’m not suggesting that at all.”
“Excellent. Then we understand each other.” Ant glanced at Viktor. “Shall we see our accommodations? I’d like to settle Able before beginning the scene reading.”
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 was his and 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 ward on 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 screamed old 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.