She would stop grieving and go on with her life, for her people, and for Cain.

Slowly Faye turned her face back to Abel and nodded. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

Abel took her hands into his. “You’ve made me the happiest man on this earth!”

When he leaned in to kiss her, she turned instinctively, offering her cheek. “I’d better leave you to your business,” she said quickly, not ready for anything more than a kiss on the cheek.

“Of course,” Abel said and released her.

When she rushed outside, she tried to breathe, but her lungs didn’t seem to be able to get any air. Had she made the right decision?

***

Abel motioned for the guards to clear the room. “Send all of them out, except Robert.” When a moment later, the guards closed the door, he was alone with the accused vampire and his personal guard Baltimore.

“Thank you, Abel, for your generosity,” Robert started.

Abel chuckled. “Oh, don’t thank me yet.” He exchanged a look with Baltimore, who had a smirk on his face.

Noticing Robert jolt, Abel continued, “Don’t worry. I won’t kill you. Nor will I torture you. You’ll remain free and in your position. However, you’re in my debt now.”

Robert bowed. “Yes, Abel. I understand.”

“I don’t think you do.” Abel moved closer and flashed his fangs at the other vampire. “You’ll do what I say from now on. I’m your master, the only one whose orders you’ll follow, no matter the law. I’m the law you’ll follow now. Or Baltimore’s stake will find its target.”

The light from the lamps in the room reflected on the six-foot-five-inch tall vampire’s bald head. He didn’t have an attractive face. He was downright unappealing, but that suited Abel fine. People feared Baltimore because of the way he looked, when they should fear him for the things he did. Brutality was his way of life, sadism his favorite pastime. A criminal during his human life, Baltimore had perfected his profession after becoming a vampire.

Robert nodded, clearly frightened. Abel had always found that frightened subjects made obedient subjects.

“Good. Now go! I will call upon you when I need you.”

With a quick bow Robert opened the door and disappeared outside. When the lock clicked shut again, Abel turned to his guard, concerned with another matter.

“Where the fuck is he? Have your men found him yet?”

Baltimore shook his head. “John is nowhere to be found.”

Abel slammed his fist onto the desk. As much as he couldn’t stand the guard who’d been so loyal to Cain, he needed him. John was the only one left now who could pass on information only the king and the leader of the king’s guard were privy to. He needed John at least until the coronation, until he’d passed on that information to Abel as the new king. “I don’t like it.”

“I figured that. That’s why I kept looking. It appears that John isn’t quite as devoted to his duties as he used to be.”

Abel whirled his head in Baltimore’s direction. “What are you saying?”

“I found his Achilles Heel.”

Abel let a genuine smile curve his lips as his guard’s words sank in. He could always count on his loyal Baltimore to come up with something useful. “Perfect.”

7

Cain stepped into the private jet and looked around. There was space for a dozen passengers. The leather seats looked roomy and comfortable, just like they should in this specially equipped Learjet that transported vampires associated with Scanguards around the country. This was more luxurious than flying first class on any commercial airline.

The door to the cockpit stood open, and he could see the pilot and co-pilot go through their pre-flight check. They were human and fully aware of the precious cargo they were transporting. And for their loyalty and secrecy they were compensated more than handsomely.

“That’s very generous of your boss to let you borrow this plane,” John said from behind him.

Cain nodded, turning.

“Though I guess he’s not your boss anymore.”

“It’s to be seen if I’m king and your story checks out.”

The other vampire inclined his head slightly. “I understand your caution.”

“Good.” Cain motioned to one of the comfortable leather seats. “Make yourself comfortable then while we wait for the others.”

“The others?”

“You didn’t think that I would go to New Orleans without protection, did you?”

John puffed up his chest. “But I’m your protection. I’m your personal guard.”