Page 140 of The Vampire's Storm

The king, queen, and prince Lucca also had increased security. In fact, there was some talk of heading back to Italy. Not that it was any safer there, but with the Maine castle on the Russian’s hit list, it was looking like a smart move.

So far, the mob boss hadn’t shared their location with the media after Brooklyn had ousted them.

Brayden wondered why.

It had been a discussion over dinner.

“We should head back to Rome,” Kate had said. “I would feel safer there.”

Vincent had looked over at him. Brayden hadn’t answered immediately, waiting to see if Ari would contribute. Or Sage or Willow.

Sage had been the first. “The lab would have to move if we did, delaying progress.”

“We don’t have to go with them.” Ari said, shifting his large body on the sofa, his arm laying along the cushions behind her head.

Sage had turned. “You know we will.”

Brayden had softly smiled. Now that they were reunited, there was a desire to remain that way.

“If we do, it wouldn’t be immediate. We need someone to remain in the United States for now,” Ari said. “Brayden?”

He glanced down at Willow.

“Wherever is safest for our daughter,” she replied, her hand tucked between his thighs as she sat curled up beside him.

Clingy.

Which, just quietly, stopped him from having to be.

“Ari is right. For now, I feel the army needs to remain here. This exposure won’t be covered up like the last time.”

The king shook his head in agreement.

“That said, Vincent, you should go.”

“I’m not separating from my family,” he growled. “Kate, I know you want to leave the United States, and we will. Just not today.”

Kate nodded and ran her hand down Lucca’s hair. The little prince was lying sleepily on her lap—a rare quiet moment compared to the usual chaos he caused.

Kate couldn’t keep him still for long.

One day, he would be a powerful king. What world he would be adopting from them was yet to be seen.

“I can’t believe this day has come.” Ari shook his head, staring out across the vast room.

For his uncle, it had been over fifteen hundred years. The length of time, almost impossible to comprehend.

“It was inevitable,” Vincent said, sipping his whisky.

“You’re so calm about it, nephew.” Ari observed.

“Not calm. Ready. As much as we could ever be,” Vincent replied. “The more I’ve thought about this—and I’ve thought about it a fucking lot— the more I believe there is only so much preparedness possible.”

“Swear again and I will cut it off,” Kate muttered.

“Tongue or my cock?” Vincent smirked.

“Both.”