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“Talk to the other vampires and hope I can convince them to side with us,” Cian answered.

“Any chance they’ll do that?” Cass asked.

Cian lifted his shoulders. “I don’t know.”

“So we’re done,” Jeff said.

“We know what we need to do,” Cass agreed.

Cian shoved the chair he had been sitting in back under the table. “Let’s get to work.”

As the group split apart, forming small pockets scattered across the room, Amaliya followed Cian along the short hall into a smaller room filled with bookshelves. Taking hold of her wrists, he tugged her close, kissing her deeply.

“You heard me in your mind,” he said in a soft voice when they parted.

She nodded.

Cian grinned. “Finally. I’ve been trying to break through that tough head of yours for months.”

“You hear my thoughts, don’t you?” Amaliya asked. She had always wondered, but was afraid to ask.

“Yes. Not always, but sometimes.” Cian slid his hands up her arms to rest on her shoulders.

Did you notice Aimee and Cassandra when talking about the blood bond?

Cian nodded.

Amaliya was both unnerved, but impressed by their new connection. They know how to break it, don’t they?

Maybe. I don’t want to push too hard...yet.

“Still trying to connect with her?” Amaliya said aloud. She pressed her hand to his cheek and he turned to kiss her palm. The pulse of his power enraptured her. She loved him so much.

“Yes, but it’s not easy. Though getting better.”

“Sorry to interrupt, but I’m leaving. I have much to do,” Rachon’s voice said from behind them.

Cian turned and nodded. “We’ll be in touch.”

“You do realize that most vampires have no reason to side with us, don’t you, Cian?”

/> “I can try to convince them otherwise.”

“You’ll most likely fail,” Rachon said.

“We’ll prepare for the worst.” As always Cian sounded reassuringly calm and confident.

“That’s good. Because the worst will probably happen.” Rachon’s maroon eyes settled on Amaliya. “Unless you have any ideas of what to do?”

This comment surprised Amaliya. “Why me?”

“Because you’re the closest thing we have to The Summoner. You’re more like him than any of us. If anyone can figure out how to destroy him and win this it’s most likely you.” Rachon’s gaze was unwavering.

Maybe Cian sensed her sudden panic for he took her hand once again. As always, her first instinct was to run, but she knew it wasn’t an option anymore. She cared too much about the people willing to fight with her against The Summoner. She loved Cian too much. And, if she was honest with herself, what Rachon said made perfect sense.

“I’ll see what I can figure out,” Amaliya said at last.

Rachon’s lips turned up at the corners just a bit. “You do that.”