Xavier didn’t mind the gesture. Contrary to popular myth, religious symbols had no effect on vampires.
“Walk with me,” Xavier said, as the two of them started across the wide courtyard. “I’m as confused as you are. We need to find out who’s driving these attacks. Someone is programming people to risk their lives, but for what? Until we discover who, we won’t know the answer to why.”
Ferran gave a slow nod, as Xavier’s lieutenant, Chuy Bolivar, joined them. “Chuy,” Ferran said, echoing Xavier’s own greeting.
“My lord. Ferran,” he said, then slid into place next to Xavier, without missing a step.
“Ferran was just briefing me on today’s attack,” Xavier said.
Chuy’s lips tightened in anger. “Those people. They die for nothing.”
Xavier disagreed. “I’ve dealt with too many humans in my life to believe that. It’s possible they’ve been brainwashed and don’t know the truth, but they don’t believe it’s for nothing when they take up arms against us. Humans don’t risk their lives for no reason. Not if they’re sane. And there are too many in these assaults—men and women both—for all of them to be insane.” He shook his head. “No, someone is behind this.”
“Then we must discover who,” Chuy insisted, not bothering to conceal his frustration. He’d been sworn to Xavier for over a century, more than long enough to understand that Xavier didn’t want sheep among his followers, he wanted wolves. Especially as his lieutenant.
“I’ve inquired some,” Ferran said, as the three men took seats in the commander’s office. Ferran sat on a worn leather couch to avoid assuming the seat of authority behind his desk. Xavier ruled this Fortalesa, but Ferran had an authority of his own, and they all knew it. “But I must be honest,” the human continued. “I’m unwilling to deplete the Fortalesa’s daylight security contingent by sending too many fighters out at one time. Whoever these attackers are, they must be living locally—though they aren’t necessarily local people. I suspect they’ve been brought in, perhaps even masquerading as ordinary tourists, to stage these attacks. Lord Xavier has lived here peacefully for too long to have that many enemies among the locals. Nor does he have any with so much hatred that they’re willing to die in the effort.”
“You’re saying you need more men,” Xavier commented. “But how can we trust new recruits? It would be too easy for our enemies to slip some of their own into the mix.”
Ferran was nodding. “Agreed, my lord. I’m in discussions with someone I trust to bring in a team of skilled fighters who are also experienced in reconnaissance and investigation.”
Xavier gave him a silent, inquisitive look.
But Ferran shook his head. “I’d rather wait until they’ve agreed. I still might hire someone else, subject to your final approval, of course.”
Xavier scowled lightly. “Don’t wait too long, Ferran. So far, we’ve been lucky. That will not last. Now, gentlemen, what else do I need to know tonight?”
Barcelona, Eleven years ago
LAYLA’S NERVES danced as she waited in the shelter of the trees for Lord Xavier to return from his patrol around the outside wall of the Fortalesa. He and at least one of his vampires did a sweep of the perimeter every night. Usually his lieutenant, Chuy, was with him, sometimes a few other vamps, but he was never alone. She’d made an art form out of eavesdropping on the vampire lord, and so she knew that the others were there for Xavier’s protection. She also knew he didn’t think their support was necessary, but went along with it for decorum’s sake. Apparently, powerful vampire lords never went anywhere without security. Which seemed odd to her, since it was the vampire lords who least needed someone else’s protection. Her papa had tried to explain it to her, and she’d listened dutifully. But it seemed there were still things she didn’t understand, even though she was always being told how mature she was for her nineteen years of age.
She only wished her so-called maturity extended beyond the assignment of extra duties—specifically to the realm of love and relationships. Which was why she was currently lurking in a dark forest, with the night mists swirling as she waited for Xavier to return. Because he was hers. Not formally, not yet. But she’d always known they were meant to be together, even though she’d been too young. She’d accepted their age difference, accepted the truth that had kept them apart for so many years. But now she was an adult. Today was her birthday, her nineteenth birthday, old enough to make her own choices, to pick her own boyfriend. Her own . . . lover. She shivered when she thought about what that meant. She’d kissed other boys. She’d even touched a boy’s penis two months ago, feeling it grow and harden beneath her fingers, while he squeezed her breasts. It had all been more weird than passionate, but, you know, interesting. She hadn’t known boys’ penises could do that, but when she’d thought about it later, it had made sense. I mean, she knew where babies came from, for fuck’s sake.
And why the hell was she thinking about that? She wasn’t waiting in the dark forest for some boy. She was waiting for Xavier, Vampire Lord of Spain, and the love of her life. Not like in some fairy tale, either. She wasn’t stupid. She knew they had differences—some of them big—like how old he was. But that couldn’t change the way she felt, the way she’d always felt about Xavier. She couldn’t even explain it. She’d simply always known he was hers. And tonight, they’d finally be together, the way she’d always known they would be.
Okay, so he was a lot older than she was, but he was older than everyone, even though he didn’t look it. He was tall—which was really important, because she was, too. And he was beautiful. One of her friends insisted only women could be beautiful, but that was just stupid. If there’d ever been a beautiful man, it was Xavier. And then, there was his voice. Not harsh or grating, like some men’s. Not raspy or high-pitched like others. It was low and melodious, the words flowing from one to the other like a song. A love song just for her. She sighed at the thought, knowing tonight they would finally acknowledge the chemistry between them and admit that their destinies were entwined, that soon she would stand by his side, sharing his responsibilities, lightening the burden of duty that came with being a vampire lord. And not just for the Fortalesa, either.
She went to school with kids from the surrounding towns, and they all said how their parents and grandparents thought Xavier and the other vampires in the Fortalesa were great neighbors. And how wonderful it was to have such a strong protector on the hill. She’d been so proud of him then, so proud to know he was hers, and that someday, she’d fight by his side, protecting both the Fortalesa and the people in the town below.