Page 9

9

HAILEY

I adjusted my blouse and settled into the office chair, giving Flint a gentle nudge as he curled up on my shoulder.

His tiny claws pricked my skin through the thin fabric as he trilled happily, clearly pleased with his perch.

I sighed, equal parts exasperated and charmed by my little dragon sidekick.

At least someone was excited about this council video call.

I glanced over at Jax, who seemed engrossed in shuffling through his notes, brow furrowed in concentration.

No rest for the wicked, or the leaders of the vampire world.

"You ready for this?" I asked, reaching over to straighten Jax's collar. He looked up, eyes softening as they met mine.

"As I'll ever be," he replied wryly. "Though I'd much rather be doing this in person."

"You and me both," I muttered, clicking the link to join the call. "But duty calls, and Milan will have to wait. We just don’t have the time."

The screen flickered to life, revealing Dominic and Amaya already seated at the conference table. I bit back a smirk at the sight of them, practically cuddling in their chairs. For a couple of ancient master vampires, they could be downright adorable in their budding relationship.

"Hailey, Jax, thanks for joining us," Dominic greeted, his Scottish brogue warm even through the digital connection. His eyes landed on Flint, and he chuckled. "I see you've brought a little friend."

"Flint insisted on attending," I replied lightly, reaching up to scratch the dragon's head. "Apparently he didn't want to miss any important vampire business."

"Well, he's certainly livening up the meeting already," Amaya said, her features softening into a smile. She leaned into Dominic's side, their ease with physical affection still new. Seeing them like that made me want to giggle.

We quickly filled them in on the situation with the daggers, Kit, and the dragons. "We'll keep you posted," I concluded after giving them a general run-down of what had happened over the last few days.

"So, shall we dive into our usual business?" Jax said. "It's been a hell of a few weeks."

"That's putting it mildly," Dominic agreed, his expression sobering.

"The dragon situation seems stable for the moment," I reported, absently petting Flint's scales as I spoke.

"But it's opened up a whole new set of complications. We're in uncharted territory here."

"Agreed," Amaya chimed in.

"And with Arric serving his penance, we're short a council member. Tobias's seat can't remain empty for long."

Jax leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "I've been giving that some thought. We need fresh perspectives, but there's still the question of Soran and Gretchen's bloodlines. Do we extend invitations, knowing what their progenitors did?"

Dominic frowned, exchanging a weighted glance with Amaya.

"It's a tricky precedent. While I believe in judging individuals by their own merits, the sins of the maker do linger."

"Corruption doesn't flow through every branch of their line," I argued, perhaps a bit too forcefully.

Flint chirped in apparent agreement, and I had to resist the urge to smile.

"We can't hold entire families accountable for the actions of a few bad seeds."

"You make a fair point," Amaya allowed, though her tone suggested she wasn't entirely convinced. "But the risk remains. One rotten apple can still spoil the barrel."

Jax cleared his throat, drawing our attention. "What if we tried something new? Instead of defaulting to bloodlines, we could have the region leaders hold elections. Appoint members to serve limited terms, bring in new voices every decade or so."

I sat up straighter, mind whirring with possibilities. "I like it. Keeps things from getting too stagnant, and it gives the regions more direct representation. Helps keep things running smoothly on the ground too."

Dominic stroked his chin thoughtfully. "It's a radical departure from tradition. But perhaps that's exactly what we need right now. A chance to evolve."

"We four would remain at the helm," Amaya clarified, her expression calculating. "With the elected members serving as advisors, yes? Their votes would hold weight, but the ultimate authority would still rest with us."

Jax nodded. "That's the idea. A balance of stability and progress."

"It could work," Dominic mused. "Amaya, darling, could you draft up a proposal? We can circulate it to the region leaders, get their thoughts."

"Consider it done," Amaya agreed, jotting a note on the pad in front of her. "I'll have it ready by the end of the week."

I beamed at the computer screen. "This is good. A step in the right direction. Speaking of progress, how's the jury lottery system working out?"

Dominic grinned. "Splendidly, actually. We've only had to convene once since the trial for Arric and the twins, but it went off without a hitch. Smooth, fair, and efficient."

"Music to my ears." Jax leaned back in his chair. "I think we could all use a bit of quiet after the recent chaos."

"Hear-hear," I agreed fervently. "Though actually, while we're on the subject of making amends, what's the status on compensation for the necromancers? The ones Soran and Gretchen had locked up for years."

A heavy silence descended, the weight of past mistakes hanging thick in the air. Dominic sighed heavily, rubbing his forehead. "It's proving a delicate matter, haggling over price. They've suffered immensely, but there's debate over the council's obligation to make restitution."

I could sense my temper rising, frustration simmering underneath my skin. Flint made a soft noise of concern, a tiny paw patting at my cheek. I took a calming breath, reining myself in.

"Debate?" I repeated flatly. "Those necromancers lost years of their lives, subjected to unimaginable cruelty, because of the actions of council members. Soran and Gretchen's betrayal is our responsibility to bear. We make this right."

Amaya held up a placating hand. "We're in agreement, Hailey. Truly. Perhaps the solution is simple—we finance the reparations directly from Soran and Gretchen's estates. Their assets should more than cover what's owed."

"Fitting," Jax remarked, a hint of dark satisfaction in his eyes. "Let their ill-gotten gains fund a bit of justice for once."

Dominic scratched at his beard, a habit I recognized from countless council sessions. "It's a start. I'll reach out to Ava, and come to a fair arrangement. With luck, we can put this sorry chapter behind us."

I exhaled slowly, trying to release the last threads of anger. Flint cooed soothingly, and I managed a small smile. "Good. It's long overdue. While we're on the subject of cleaning house, I have to admit, the enforcer team could use some new blood."

Jax shot me a questioning glance. I shrugged, feeling oddly sheepish. "I haven't been giving it the attention it deserves. Too many plates spinning lately. We need someone else to head it up."

"I'm sure we can rustle up some qualified candidates," Dominic assured, his gaze knowing. "Why don't we each draw up a list of recommendations, and bring them to the next meeting?"

I flashed him a grateful look, relieved to have the support. We lapsed into a companionable silence for a moment, the heavy conversation settling around us. Flint took the opportunity to clamber down into my lap, turning in a tight circle before plopping down with a contented sigh. I chuckled, giving his eye ridges a gentle scratch.

Jax cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "I think that covers the most pressing concerns. Anything else on the docket?"

Jax and I exchanged a meaningful glance.

"No official business," Dominic replied.

"Just to prepare you, I'd wager a hefty sum that Grim and Nash make moves to turn Cleo sooner rather than later." I grinned. "They'll likely be petitioning the council soon."

Amaya quirked a brow. "Really? I thought they were still playing coy."

"Oh, they're well past coy at this point," Jax scoffed, rolling his eyes. "The way those three have been dancing around each other? I give it a month, tops, before someone makes it official."

"Ach, young love," Dominic sighed theatrically. "Centuries may pass, but some things never change."

"On that philosophical note," I drawled, "I should probably go check in on Kendra."

Amaya nodded understandingly. "Give her our best. And Hailey? Take care of yourself too, yeah? You're no good to anyone if you run yourself ragged."

I mustered up a wry smile. "I'll do my best. Same goes for you both."

Amaya waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, I'll make sure he relaxes," she declared with a salacious wink.

I groaned, making a show of covering Flint's ears. "And on that note, I bid you all adieu. Save the kinky stuff for after the meeting, lovebirds."

"No promises," Dominic retorted cheekily, pulling Amaya close with a grin.

The screen went dark, and I slumped back in my chair with a gusty exhale. Flint chirped quizzically, cocking his head.

Mama okay? he asked, his childlike voice echoing in my mind.

I scooped him up, nuzzling his snout affectionately. "Mama's fine, little man. Just tired. What do you say we go see Aunt Kendra, huh? I'm sure she could use some dragon cuddles."

Flint trilled eagerly, flapping his wings. He paused, considering. Cookies too?

I laughed, rising from my chair and settling him on my shoulder. "Sure, why not? After a meeting like that, I think we deserve some treats."

With a determined smile and my dragon companion babbling happily in my ear, I headed off to face the next challenge. The council could handle the big-picture problems for now. I had a witch friend in need of help, and a bottomless dragon belly to attend to. All in a day's work for this vampire dragon.