Page 11 of Sweeter than Honey
Lavinia Nox is the High Priestess of the coven of Hecate-worshiping witches. It’s the largest witch coven in the region, and they’ve maintained consistent power for the past few decades. They’re the ones that imprisoned our Creator, Tudor Thornblade, for attempting to attack one of their strongholds. Celine went against Tudor by refusing to support him with his plan, which is why the good witches didn’t throw us in prison along with our Creator. But the witches arenot very happy with any of the vampires right now, and Celine’s been trying to smooth things over for the past six months.
“Lavinia is concerned about the magical clans in the northern region,” she continues. “Ever since Tudor and the wolf shifters attacked Elmwood Academy, the good witches have been tense about another uprising. They want to call a meeting of the Triple Council, and they’d like us to attend to represent the northern vampire alliance, now that Tudor is imprisoned.”
“That’s a good sign.” Damien nods hopefully. “It means they still trust us, even after what Tudor did.”
“It’s certainly promising,” Celine says. “Although I think ‘trust’ is a bit of a stretch.”
“To be fair,” Xia adds with a smirk. “Lavinia Nox doesn’t even trust her own familiar, never mind a bunch of vampires.”
“Still,” replies Celine, firmly. “We have to go meet with them, to demonstrate our fealty and keep the good witches happy.”
“I’m sure you’ll be able to win her over, after all this time dealing with Lazarus and the vampire mafia kings,” I say with a snort.
“I’d like you to come, too, Renata,” Celine says.
“Me?” I give my sister an incredulous look. “Why do you need me?”
“We have to show Lavinia that we’re a united front. I’d like you and Damien to come with me.”
I huff, but I know I won’t be able to get out of it. “When is it?”
“Next week…”
“Nextweek? My meeting calendar is booked out three weeks in advance!”
“The witches meet on the full moon. You know how they are.” Celine rolls her eyes. “But I need you to be there, Ren.”
“Fine. Lily, make room in my calendar,” I mutter. My assistant gives me a dutiful nod with a sweet smile. At least there’s one person in this room who is actively making my life easier, rather than piling work on me constantly.
“Can I come?” asks Lexi.
“No,” Celine replies.
“That’s not fair, you twoneverinclude me!” Lexi moans.
“Someone needs to stay behind at the hotel,” Celine says, giving our younger sister a sharp look. “Especially with me, Damien, Renata, andXia all away.”
“EvenXiagets to go?” Lexi whines.
“You can take my place if you want,” Xia says, getting up to leave. “If there’s one thing I hate even more than these manager’s meetings, it’s a Triple Council meeting with those boring good witches. No offense, Renata.”
I glare at her. Xia and Damien both take their leave, so it’s only me, my sisters, and Lily.
“Is that all?” I ask Celine curtly, more than a little annoyed that she came in lateanddumped another commitment on me.
“One last thing,” Celine says. “Hallie’s school year is almost over, so she’s coming back to the hotel.”
Finally, some pleasant news. Hallie is our youngest sister, a newborn vampire. She was turned only last year, and she’s currently studying at Elmwood Academy.
“It will be nice to see her, especially if she can help with some of the workload,” I say. “Lily, can you make sure her crypt is ready?”
“I’ve already made the arrangements,” Lily confirms.
“Make sure there’s a bed in her crypt, as well as a coffin,” says Celine with a coy grin. “She’s bringing hergirlfriendhome.”
Lexi raises an eyebrow jealously. “Sounds like someone had fun at university. Let me guess, some rugged wolf shifter? A mermaid, maybe?”
“She’s a witch,” Celine answers.