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  "I think I would prefer to do what the ghosts want, too, Adrian."

  "I'll leave that decision to you, when you've gained more experience. Whichever way you decide to do it is fine, but take the self-defense classes first, and for now just back down if anybody gets upset in the family. I'll ask Dakota to take you along on a few of his cases. It will help seeing the different ways the ritual is performed. Some guides prefer more ceremony than I do. You'll find your own personal pace on how you like to do things."

  "I'll sign up for a class next week. It hasn't been too hard getting down the key phrases I need, and I'll learn to work the rest."

  "That's about how this business works. Most rituals are individualistic things, except for the main components. They can take upward of an hour or more to perform with due pomp and costuming. That's not my style though. Dakota can show you more of that. I can give you the practical advice, like wear only black robes; if you get blood on one, it doesn't show up as bad."

  That one made her laugh. Thankfully, the rest of the night remained quiet for them. Before dawn, he dropped her off at her apartment and returned to his own.

  Michael and Sarah were sprawled on the floor in front of the TV, and Kyle lounged on the couch. Shutting the door behind him, Adrian dropped his keys on the stand and moved to the closet to put his bag away. When he turned around, Kyle patted the place next to him in invitation, giving Adrian an endearing grin. It was Kyle's best I-want-to-be-petted scam. Laughing, Adrian settled next to Kyle. Instantly, Kyle scooted against him, stretching onto Adrian's lap and laying his head on the armrest. Adrian let him get comfortable, not saying anything.

  "You want to ask me about the tribe.” Kyle's tone sounded resigned as he held Adrian's hand between his. Adrian could see he needed the extra contact just to reassure him that Adrian couldn't go anywhere.

  Schooling his features to a more reassuring expression, and mentally trying to prepare himself not to be shocked, Adrian said, “It's about time you tell me everything, Kyle."

  "When you found me in the woods, it had nothing to do with me being weak. Roman had picked me to lead with him in the inner circle, and I refused to go along with it."

  "Why would you do that?” It wasn't hard to figure out that if Kyle had refused, then something had been seriously wrong. His action amounted to an act of treason, according to the tribe law.

  "They were killing people. Not just weres or our families either. They hunt them like animals."

  Adrian saw Michael and Sarah had crept nearer to them, both of them watching Adrian with the same look of fear in their eyes.

  He smiled at them, letting them know they could come closer. Sarah quickly tried to wedge herself between Adrian's legs as Michael approached him more hesitantly, nudging his body up against the side of Adrian's leg. Adrian tried to take in what Kyle had said and comfort all three of them at the same time. He felt somewhere beyond shock, but thankfully nothing showed. “What's Roman's last name?"

  "Kelly."

  "That's why we ran away. Kyle got away, so we thought we could, too.” Michael bent his head in shame, refusing to meet Adrian's gaze.

  Tugging his hand out from under Kyle's, Adrian reached over to Michael, grasping the were's chin gently between his fingers to make Michael look up. “Michael, it's all right, I understand. None of you is strong enough to take on your leader. Given that, you did the same thing I would have done."

  All of them were obviously afraid Adrian would see them as cowards, and he wouldn't understand about the situation. However, Adrian knew enough about their law to know they couldn't stand up to Roman.

  Michael lowered his head enough to rub his cheek against Adrian's palm, showing how grateful he felt.

  Once they realized Adrian wasn't going to give them any kind of attitude over the truth, they managed to let him go long enough for him to get to his feet and head to bed. Adrian wasn't surprised when the three trailed him to the bedroom. He'd already had a feeling he would be in for this one. As Adrian fell asleep, each one of the cats had some part of their body wedged against his, seeking the contact that told them everything was all right.

  * * * *

  Late afternoon, a knock at the door woke Adrian up. He got out of bed, trying not to disturb the slumbering cats.

  It surprised him to see India when he opened the front door, but he stepped back to let her in. “Anything wrong, Indy?"

  "No, I just wanted to talk to you."

  As Adrian moved to the couch to sit down, she shut the door behind her and began a pattern of pacing in front of him.

  After watching her restless movements for a few moments, he decided to speak as she hadn't said anything yet. “Indy, spill whatever it is that's bothering you."

  "This trip to Colorado. I already asked Gabriel's permission to join you, and he told me I could. Father wants as much protection around you as he can get away with. So both Skye and I will be going with you."

  "That's fine, Indy. The more the merrier, and hopefully more to occupy Nikolai's attention. But that isn't what is bothering you, is it?"

  "Nikolai is very powerful. That can be attractive to some, Adrian."

  "Fortunately, not for me. If it were, I would've fallen into Gabriel's arms long ago, just as he wanted me to."

  "It would hurt my Father very badly if you decided to stay with Nikolai."

  "We've already talked about things, Indy. I have no plans to remain with Nikolai. The only reason I'm doing this is to protect your Father from any further attacks. Nikolai told me the Romanorum knew he'd decided to remain here, and they had no problem with it. You know they wouldn't have supported Gabriel. Yeah, Nikolai blackmailed me, but by the terms of his agreement with me, if he doesn't back down from Gabriel after this trip to Colorado as he promised, then the Romanorum will support Gabriel."

  "Nikolai is confident you will remain with him. I heard him taunting my Father.” A glint of anger showed in her eyes.

  "Nikolai believes there is no way I could turn him down. He hasn't figured out that I already have enough problems in my life, and I refuse to invite more. If he breaks one part of our agreement, the Romanorum will let Gabriel have his revenge."

  Indy crouched in front of him, laying her hand down on the couch next to him. “Then you truly aren't interested in Nikolai?"

  Sighing, Adrian pushed back deeper into the cushions. “Honestly, if either Gabriel or Nikolai were mortal, I probably would be. Neither of them is interested in me, just these damn odd quirks of power I have. It isn't enough. It never will be for me."

  "And if there is more to it for my Father?"

  "Indy, he tricked me into this because of the power he sensed I had. I am a tool to him, his possession, as he sees it. He already admitted to me that he believed my power would increase when he ghouled me. And that would boost his power even more. It was why he beat Robert Niles.” Adrian had no illusions on that score and decided to be frank with her. “It doesn't appeal to me, it—” Adrian broke off, not wanting to complete the thought.

  "It hurts.” Indy's quiet voice broke across his internal reverie. “I know, Adrian."

  "I am no more to Nikolai either. He wants my power just as much as Gabriel does.” Having had enough of this conversation, Adrian stood, dismissing the subject. “I need to finish my packing and get ready for work."

  Indy straightened, moving silently for the door. After she left, Adrian picked up the phone, dialing Gray's number. Without saying too much, he asked Gray to run a check on Roman Kelly. Gray naturally wanted to know what was up, but Adrian didn't want to mention the full story or Kyle's knowledge of it. He told Gray he'd heard a few things and wanted it looked into. Satisfied with that for the moment, Gray agreed before he hung up.

  Adrian needed to get ready for work so, after checking on the three in his bed, he headed to the bathroom. He needed to leave early in order to stop by Allie's and pick up the charm she promised to make for him.

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Chapter 18

  For Adrian, the trip to Washington, DC had been a complete waste. Sure, Clara had gained two senators to her case, plus a few industrial types had shown an interest in funding her project. But overall, none of the committees had been the least bit interested in listening to either her or Adrian.

  By the time everything had finished, Adrian was able to relax on the flight before arriving in Colorado. The two-hour drive gave him a chance to nap before he got to Nikolai's home. Adrian had no comment on the road that took them from the airport to Nikolai's house. While the views were breathtaking, it was a once in a lifetime trip because if you did it more than once you were stupid. Million Dollar Highway couldn't be any reference to the amount of money the state might have spent building the damn frightening thing. Which explained why he curled up in the back seat and slept for most of the drive.

  His first glimpse of Nikolai's home left him speechless. The only place he had ever seen like it was in a book of Charlie's about European castles. It was definitely a castle; mansion didn't qualify. As they drove down the lane leading to the house, Adrian could see manicured lawns, gardens, and fountains. Nikolai had told him there were even mazes and an animal sanctuary, plus several temples there. You needed a map to get around. Something very close to complete amazement had Adrian trying to comprehend how the place had gotten to the mountains of Colorado. The view spread out in an incredible vista, and he could see for miles across a valley to another range of mountains.

  Once inside the house, a servant escorted Adrian through the entryway and upstairs. Adrian felt overwhelmed by the ‘from another world’ decor. The bedroom he was taken to was a suite of rooms including bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and huge walk-in closet. All of it looked larger than his apartment. The bed was the centerpiece of the room. Its canopy was suspended from the ceiling, draping around the bed in the sheerest cloud of gray. The warm wood and soft color made for an oddly tranquil effect, and the rest of the room was just as lavishly appointed.

  Skye, Indy, Xander and Kyle had arrived a couple of hours before Adrian had, and Indy already stood guard in his bedroom. As he unpacked, Adrian noticed the closet was already full of clothes, expensive clothes. Nikolai seemed to be as bad as Gabriel could be in the clothing department, but Adrian still preferred his jeans and T-shirts. Opening what he assumed was a chest of drawers to put his clothes away, it shocked him to find out it was an oversized jewelry case and a full one at that. He'd never seen that much jewelry outside of a jewelry store, and most of it looked like something from Tiffany's. Adrian never wore that damn much jewelry either.

  Indy, hearing his gasp of surprise, moved behind him, eyeing the display over his shoulder.

  Without knocking, Nikolai walked in.

  "There's a reason doors are closed, Nikolai."

  Nikolai smiled as if he hadn't done anything wrong. “I will remember that next time, Adrian."

  "Just knock, all right?"

  "I will do so.” Nikolai shrugged, apparently not getting the problem. “I thought you would appreciate an escort downstairs. The house can be bewildering at first. I see you have found my gifts."

  "Appreciate it,” Adrian said, nodding politely. The last part of Nikolai's comment had Adrian choking out, “Gifts?"

  Indy had a distinct pursing to her lips as she stepped back to stand with her brother, Skye.

  "Certainly, I thought you might appreciate them.” Seeming to think nothing of his own gesture, Nikolai asked, “Do you want to change before we go downstairs?"

  "I, ah, thanks but no thanks. I hardly ever wear jewelry, and I have my own clothes.” Adrian stumbled over the words. Talk about a magnanimous gift. Holy shit.

  Xander and Kyle came in from the connecting door between the two rooms. Both of them were dressed in jeans and T-shirts, the same as Indy, Skye and Adrian.

  A wry smile crossed Nikolai's lips at seeing them. “I made sure there were numerous outfits for everyone to choose from. I hope you will indulge me some evening."

  Nikolai earned himself a point of credit for not pushing it. Politeness would get you further. Given Nikolai had blackmailed Adrian to get him there, the vampire had a lot of points to make up for.

  Following Nikolai, with the others behind him, Adrian couldn't help noticing the servants as he passed by them. There were a large number of them, and they seemed well trained to stay out of the way. After walking down a flight of stairs and numerous corridors, they entered an enormous, lavishly decorated three-story room. Looking up, Adrian could see it completely opened to the ceiling with a gigantic chandelier suspended in the middle. Against one wall was a throne on a dais with several smaller chairs on each side. Several ancient coats of arms lined the walls, and tall pillars rose to the ceiling at strategic spots around the room. The vampires parted as Nikolai moved toward the dais. Adrian followed more leisurely, taking in the sights before stopping in front of the throne as Nikolai sat on it. I should have figured.

  Gesturing to the seat on his right, Nikolai said, “Please join me, Adrian."

  Adrian heard several snarls from the group nearby, which Nikolai silenced with a look. Adrian wasn't going to be a favorite there, big surprise. As he sat, Kyle positioned himself at Adrian's feet, wrapping one arm around his leg and resting his head against the side of Adrian's knee.

  Xander stood beside the chair, and Indy and Skye moved to stand next to Xander. As two other vampires approached, Kyle gave them a warning growl. Adrian almost laughed because Kyle had done it for show. Both vampires stopped abruptly before looking to Nikolai. He said nothing, so they turned their gazes to Adrian. Adrian leaned forward, laying his hand on Kyle's shoulder. “We'll find you a better snack later."

  He would give Kyle a big hug for this one, and a thank you to Nikolai later. Kyle had established Adrian's position in the group, and Nikolai had allowed it. Everybody else in the room watched them very closely, trying to ascertain exactly what to make of Adrian. Xander placed his hand on Adrian's shoulder, gazing impassively back at the others half circling the dais.

  Two of the vampires took another step forward, and one glanced at Xander with a distinct hungry intent before addressing Adrian with a patently fake smile. “I am Simone, Proeliatores of the fourth formula, 220, and this is my companion Saphon, Magi of the fourth formula, 152."

  Both of them were fair-haired, and dressed in the same tight, clinging silver jumpsuits. The fronts were left unzipped to their navels, and Adrian wanted to lay bets as to who would pop out first.

  Adrian didn't smile back at her, not with the way she had been eyeballing Xander. Raising his hand, he laid it over Xander's as he said politely, “Nice to meet you."

  His eyes locked with hers as Adrian touched Xander's hand. Normally, Adrian wasn't prone to this kind of display, but vampires understood actions better than words. He flat out told her Xander belonged to him, just as he had with Kyle a few moments earlier.

  Simone shot another speculative look at Xander, which he deliberately ignored, keeping his attention on Adrian.

  Chuckling, Nikolai waved her off. “I believe Simone would like to share your friend."

  "She wouldn't like what would happen to her if she tries, Nikolai. You probably wouldn't either."

  "Do I look worried about it, Adrian?"

  Glancing around, Adrian noticed the ones who were serving Nikolai's court wore a great deal less than the other servants did throughout the house. In fact, they wore nothing at all, and occasionally a vampire would help themselves to a little snack on the servants as they passed by. It all happened so casually, Adrian could hardly believe it. In response to the tension of Adrian's body, Kyle held tighter to Adrian's leg. He rubbed his face against Adrian, a low purr rumbling from him.

  Each member of Nikolai's court appeared resplendent in rich colors and twinkling jewels nestled against their pale skin. They were a totally indolent and beautiful group, lazing like sleek cats, enjoying the hedonistic pleasures before them. Nikolai's quiet voice brought Adrian's
attention back to him.

  "You have yet to cease to amaze me."

  "I amaze myself lately.” A couple of months ago, there were no men in his life, and now there were several. What have I done to deserve this?

  "I would think it overwhelming at times."

  Adrian wondered if Nikolai could read him.

  "It would give me an unfair advantage if I didn't answer that."

  Damn, Nikolai could read him; Adrian's shielding skills were going to get plenty of practice. “Mind keeping out of my head, Nikolai?"

  "My apologies, Adrian. I didn't mean to intrude where you don't want me.” The tinge of amusement in the words made the apology suspicious.

  Others of Nikolai's court moved toward the half circle gathered in front of the dais. They first introduced themselves to Adrian, and then spoke to Nikolai. Most of them didn't look too happy with the arrangement. Nikolai laid his hand casually over Adrian's.

  He felt Nikolai's nail lightly scratching back and forth over against his hand. Adrian would have liked to yank it away, but he knew better. Tolerating it would get him further than problems with Nikolai's court would.

  One vampire in particular had an extremely arrogant attitude as he strode to the dais. After acknowledging Adrian with a sneer, but no introduction, the man completely ignored him. That was fine with Adrian.

  Adrian could see a barely suppressed agitation in the guy's movements. His straight brown hair brushed the broad shoulders that seemed to stretch the green silk shirt at the seams.

  "Is everything in order, Ash?"

  "Yes, Father, Felix is in New York, working with Gordon. Prince Raleigh is contesting several of the claims, but he lacks the support of the Romanorum. His court refuses to back him as well."

  "Very good. I expect Simone to be in New York by the end of next week to settle things."

  "I can handle everything, Father. There's no need for Simone to go.” Ash sounded insolent, like a child denied a treat. A flash of annoyance lit his hazel eyes.