Page 36 of Tempt the Dragon

There was no rebellion on the Far Realm. With Theo as emperor, the Noble Drakon were working tomend the rift between the lands that was brought on by the former emperor’s demonic possession. But he didn’t have time to school Montoy on any of that.

“This same flag was also seen in the back of a car that one of your vampires was riding in. His name is Duncan Sankano. We have reason to believe Duncan is here in Burgess to, for lack of a better word, shake things up.” He could’ve just saidto raise a vampire army, but if Montoy could be dramatic in his décor and entrance, then Aiken could be too.

The Chief Lord’s bushy eyebrows, which were probably meant to look menacing, but came across as unkempt, lifted. “So you’re spending your time following a flag now?”

“We’re spending our time trying to keep the balance of power on all realms. Duncan’s attempt to raise dead vampiresmight tip the scale. And I stress the wordmightbecause you know we’re not about to let that happen.” It wasn’t a struggle to remain calm while speaking to the leader of the vampires. In addition to the others dubbing him Mr. GQ, he’d also claimed the title of being Mr. Cool. Aiken wasn’t easily rattled—when Mel wasn’t in town—and so his opponent never saw the blistering sting of his rage beforeit smacked them in the face.

Montoy rubbed a hand over his goatee. “Did Theo actually send you here to threaten me?” A chilling laugh filled the room and Mel moved next to him.

She wanted to speak or more likely run up on that stage and grab Montoy by the tie, squeezing until his eyes popped out. That urge had soared through Aiken’s thoughts, as well.

He clasped his hands, standingwith his legs slightly spread. A nonchalant shrug came next. “No threats. We’ll call this a fact-finding meeting. You give us the facts and we’ll do with them what we deem necessary.”

With the hand not massaging his beard, Montoy drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair. He didn’t speak for a few seconds, but nodded his head. The motion wasn’t directed to any one of the men in white specifically,but the one who’d remained closest to the door moved. He opened the door and in walked Enes.

Things had just gotten a little more interesting.