"We'll begin meetings again once we've resolved this situation with the vampires in the area. Until then, they suspended the meetings, at least for those who are involved in something like this until things are resolved."
She was really interested in the idea. “I’ll need to join, so I can see what’s going on behind the scenes, so to speak.”
“I haven’t had a first session,” Zachary said, “so it’s something I look forward to. Let’s get some breakfast and relieve Crystal’s brothers of their watch.”
After they showered and dressed, they entered the kitchen to find the brothers eating scrambled eggs, ham, and toast.
“Rachael and Michael went on a food run so we’re not eating the homeowners’ food. Well, except for some of the stuff that might spoil while they’re gone. We’ll replace anything we eat of theirs when we’re done with this business,” Victor said.
“That sounds like a good idea. I take it was quiet the night through,” Pasha said.
“Yeah, or you would have heard us yelling. We didn’t see anyone at the house across the street, no lights coming on,” Boniface said, “then again, they can come and go at will by just dropping in, sight unseen, and can see in the dark like we can.”
“Well, we’re off to sleep.” Victor finished his eggs.
“We’ll get the dishes.” Zachary began to take them off the table.
“Thanks. See you in a few hours,” Boniface said.
Daemon suddenly came out of another guest bedroom and sighed. “While you were sleeping, I came here for some rest. I’ll eat with you and then retire for more of the day.”
"Who is in charge of your clan for now?" Pasha asked Daemon.
"My brother, Atreides. So far, he says everything's fine. I have a couple of my loyal men watching the situation also, just in case things get out of hand there and Atreides doesn't want me to know he's losing control. Basil owns a pub and Colt owns a ranch. They’re good friends of his and will keep me informed if anything goes wrong. Atreides is a good leader, but sometimes things happen, and—"
"You can't let go of being in charge," Pasha said.
Daemon smiled. "That has been said of me a time or two. Rachael said that Adonis wants to stay here after everything is resolved."
Pasha nodded. "We will. I've discussed it with Zachary, and I hope he'll stay as well.”
“I will.” Zachary finished cleaning the dishes. Then he started making eggs and ham for the three of them.
Really glad for that, she smiled to hear him say so. “Did you have trouble with your people when you turned Tezra?"
"Some. People don't like change and so we have to learn to deal with it in the best manner possible. Don't give up. Keep up the fight and you'll be the winner for it. Zachary, you’re a good hunter. I've seen you fight. I know what you did to protect Pasha and her family. Pasha, it wouldn't hurt for you to be with a man like that. I know you have reservations about what he's become, but just keep an open mind."
"I will. If I hadn't been imprisoned and threatened by Piaras and his minions, I might have felt differently, but it's been difficult to let that go."
"Time will make a difference. Believe me. Tezra was dealing with so much grief relating to her earlier years as a child and teen on her own, but then she and I became mated, knowing that was the only way to actually keep her safe."
"From the vampire who wanted her?"
"Correct."
"Do you ever think that it was the wrong thing to do? To turn her, I mean?" Pasha had wondered if the vampire had regrets or if the hunter turned had any.
"Never. She would have been turned if I hadn’t stopped the vampire who had claimed her. She was asking anyone to turn her because she didn’t have the strength to fight him on her own. After we were mated, she left me to sort things out between her and her younger sister. All I thought of was Tezra. I knew she'd come back to me."
"But she didn't." At least that’s what Rachael had told Pasha.
Daemon smiled. "Yeah, I had to go and see her, convince her she couldn't live without me and she couldn't. Even her sister said she was difficult to live with because she truly longed to be with me. But she also felt she owed it to her sister to get to know her again, to take care of her, to protect her. Tezra is as stubborn as me, but I can be even more so. I wouldn't let her be without me for long. You never know how you will feel about someone until that moment comes when the mate you know should be yours decides to break away."
Pasha could understand it. She thought she would feel the same way if Zachary returned to the hunt with his Dallas clan and left her behind. And she would have to choose between staying with her decimated family or returning to Dallas with him. She couldn't help but feel she needed to protect Zachary if any hunter tried to harm him because of what he had become. She couldn't allow it. Not after he had saved her life. Not after she had fallen for the hunter. She wanted this more than anything. To be with him. She couldn't imagine leaving him like Tezra did Daemon, but their situation was different. Everyone's was different. As individuals, they'd have to learn to cope. She could do it, she thought. She hoped she could, and that Zachary would be agreeable.
"The two of you'll do fine, or not. It's up to you. Both of you. It's a team effort. I'm sure you'll do what's right no matter what. I can't say enough how much this actually helps our kind. The vampire kind and the hunters, finding a balance between us, learning to co-exist."
They sat down to eat, but then Danai called Pasha and she worried there was trouble. She put the call on speaker. “Is everyone at the hotel okay?”
“Yes. Crichton came looking for us in the middle of the night. He couldn’t break through the night manager’s defenses, thanks to Zachary making sure he didn’t say anything to Crichton or his followers except that he hadn’t seen any hunters, nor vampires.”
“That’s good news,” Zachary said. “I guess Crichton’s worried or he wouldn’t be leaving his hidey-hole to check on the situation himself.”
“I agree with you there. Crichton was already gone before Crystal and I could appear in the lobby,” Danai said. “I’m wondering if he’s about all that’s left.”
“I sure wish we had an accurate count on them,” Zachary said.
“I wish we knew exactly where he was now. We could eliminate him and be done with it,” Pasha said.
“I’m afraid the other ancient vampires may still want to take charge,” Daemon said. “As long as there are ancients in the area who were part of this whole situation, we’ll have a problem. They don’t like to lose. Even some of the newly turned could think they’d stand a chance to take over. They wouldn’t, but some might be arrogant enough to believe so. Another thing to consider. If Rutherford is still alive, he might be doing what Crichton has been doing, staying out of trouble until he can enter the game again. Not for the same reason though. He has to be weakened from an injury, unable to obtain blood to heal, and he has to know Crichton would love to finish him off in his weakened condition. Just like we would.” He finished up his eggs. “I’ve got to lie down again and be ready for tonight.”