Page 54 of The Vampire and the Tattooist (The Vampire and Series Book 4)

Hunter was surprised when he and Gavin walked into the kitchen the next morning and saw his parents sat at the table eating breakfast.

“Morning, everyone,” Hunter said, sitting down and pulling Gavin down next to him.

After a round of ‘mornings,’ he looked at his parents. “You’re here bright and early.”

Charlotte nodded. “Yes, your father wanted to get an early start on your room, and Annie, Louise, and I still need to do more shopping for Jack and Spencer.”

“Lissa is coming over, as well,” Louise adds. She looked at David. “I’m so glad you made friends with the wolves, darling.”

“Me, too, Mum,” David replied, smiling, before looking at his father. “Who’s going with you to the council building?”

“I’ve asked Mowbin to meet me there,” Stefan replied. “I want you to come, as well.”

David groaned. “I’m busy. Take Gio.”

Gio snorted. “Don’t look at me. I’m overseeing the arrival of more soldiers, both mine and the King’s guards.”

David nodded. “I should be here for that, as well, seeing as this is my house and coven.”

“You would really let your father and King go to the council building without either you or Gio, knowing there are killer people there?” Dave said, feigning shock as he looked at David.

“Yes,” David replied as laughter rang around the table.

“For shame, David. No more desserts for you,” Annie told him.

Stefan smiled at her. “Thank you, Annie, but I’d include Gio in the no desserts, as well.”

“Me?” Gio sputtered out. “But I really am busy. I need to protect my son and little brother. No offence, Dad, but you can wipe the floor with anyone.”

“You can go if you’re needed,” Jack said, leaning against Gio’s side. “Seth will still be here.”

“As will Gio. No, David shall be coming with me. It will be good practice for when I retire,” Stefan said, grinning at David. “I was going to wait a few more decades, but no, I think I’ll pass the crown to you sooner. It will serve you right.”

“If I come without an argument, will you stay on?” David pleaded.

“Too late,” Stefan said with a laugh. He stopped laughing and said, “Seriously, though, we’ll be staying until we uncover all the people involved in this underground network that work at the council. While we’re there, Kevin will be around doing his thing and your coven can do what they do best.”

“We can,” Seth said. “I’ll hold down the fort until you get back, bossman.”

Gavin taped the table, and when everyone looked at him, he signed.

“Yes, Mathis will be there with Gabe, Sean, and Kayden,” Stefan said. “I’ll keep him safe.”

“Pretty sure Gabe has that covered,” David added. “You realise what we are doing has never happened before? Vampires, wolves, and witches working together in the council building.”

Stefan nodded. “Times are changing. If you need to pack, go and do it now. We leave in an hour.”

David nodded. “We’ll go and do that,” he said, standing up and pulling Dave up with him. He looked at AJ. “Dave, Seth, and Gio know what needs doing here. Once you’ve finished Hunter’s room, can you speak to them about fixing the wall and other things?”

AJ nodded. “I can. You worry about what’s going on at that council of yours. We have this covered.”

“Thank you,” David said before dragging Dave out of the kitchen with him.

“Packing, right,” Cairo said, laughing. He stopped laughing and looked at Stefan. “Do you want me and the kitty to come, as well? Having Troy with you would be an added bonus.”

“I’ll come if you want me to, old bean,” Troy said.

Stefan nodded. “I think that would be wise. Thank you, Cairo, Troy.”

“In that case, we’re off to pack,” Cairo said, standing up and pulling Troy up with him. “Meet you in an hour.” And with that, they both left the kitchen.

“Seth, Gio, have you given Jack’s adoption papers to your father?” Louise asked them.

“I put the paperwork on his desk when we came down this morning,” Gio said to Louise. “I also sent copies to your phone, Dad.”

“Excellent. Once both adoptions have been finalised, we shall have a celebration. Also, Louise, my love, can you contact the jewellers? We need four new crowns made,” Stefan said, smiling at his wife.

“How exciting. We can play around with designs, as well.”

“Four crowns?” Annie asked, looking confused.

“Yes,” Louise answered. “A crown for Seth, as he is Prince Seth.”

Seth gasped and looked shocked. “I am?”

Gio grabbed his hand. “Of course you are, my Seth. I’m a Prince, and as my mate, so are you.”

“Wow,” Seth said, still looking stunned as if he’d never considered that.

“A crown for Dave, as he is a prince, as well, for now,” Stefan said.

“Our boy, a prince,” Annie said happily, looking at Willard and smiling.

“Always knew he was destined for greatness,” Willard added.

“I can’t wait to see his face when he finds out,” Hunter said with a laugh.

Chuckles were heard around the table.

“The other two crowns are for Spencer and Jack,” Louise said, smiling at them both.

“Us?” they both said at the same time, looking shocked.

“Of course, you’ll both have crowns. Once adopted, you’ll both be princes of the vampire royal family,” Stefan said.

“But we’re not vampires,” Spencer pointed out.

“Like we care about that. You are our son, Jack our grandson; therefore, you are both princes,” Louise said, pulling him close.

“Thank you,” Spencer said, leaning into Louise.

“Yes, thank you,” Jack said before grinning at Spencer. “We’re gonna look awesome.”

“We should have a mini coronation or investiture for the four of them,” Taha said. “Is that a thing?”

“That is a thing and a wonderful idea, Taha. We can start planning it today,” Louise said happily. “There is so much to organise. You’ll help, won’t you Annie, Charlotte?”

Annie smiled. “Of course! This will be fun.”

“How exciting! Of course, I’ll help.” Charlotte said happily. “I’m sure Lissa will, as well.”