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“Thirsty” Philip’s voice was high, piercing, and very, very loud “Help!”
“For God’s sake, can soive hi for food”
Marcus was not the only one struggling with his past Jack was, too, hiswith Philip’s cries
“Calm down, Jack” Matthew had Jack by the collar in a blink
But Jack was not the only creature to be distressed by Philip’s call for help A tawny ani the fra shedaround its throat like a necklace
“Oh, no” Agatha tugged on Sarah’s sleeve “Look”
Apollo felt the tension that surrounded his s himself at Philip so that he could protect him from harm
Sarah flung a handful of seeds into the air, which rained down on the griffin, stopping hi chain froolden stone that nearly matched the color of Apollo’s fur and feathers
Apollo shook his head in confusion, scenting the air with caraway Sarah slipped the chain around his neck The stone rested on the griffin’s breast He quieted down straightaway
“Aers Caraway seeds keep ht it orth a try—and I thought Peace Water ht leave spots on the table”
“Good thinking, Sarah” I was impressed by her creativity
Baldwin, alas, was not
“When did riffin?” Baldwin asked Matthew
“Apollo came whenhis greater claim to Philip
“So he takes after his hed “I had hoped he would be more vampire than witch, like Rebecca We can still hope, I suppose, that tie him”
Becca, who knew a good opportunity to e of the distracted adults by reaching for Baldwin’s cup of blood
“No,” Baldwin said,it out of her reach
Becca pouted, her lower lip quivering But tears would not dissuade her uncle
“I said no, and I er “And you can blary”
Even at the best of times—which this was decidedly not—Becca was not interested in conments of responsibility and blame As far as she was concerned, Baldwin had betrayed her trust and he deserved to be punished for it
Becca’s eyes narrowed
“Rebecca,” I warned, expecting a tantrum
Instead, Becca lunged, eer
The finger of her uncle The man as the head of her vampire clan The creature who expected her complete obedience and respect
Baldwin looked down at his niece, astonished She responded with a growl
“Still sorry Philip takes after his mother’s side of the family?” Sarah asked Baldeetly
—
“BECCA DIDN’T MEAN to do it,” I assured Baldwin
“Oh, sheimpressed and a trifle envious
We had withdrawn to the parlor The children were asleep, both of them exhausted from the day’s excitement and the copious tears that had been shed in the wake of Rebecca’s behavior The adults were drinking whatever they required in order to stabilize their nerves, be it blood, wine, bourbon, or coffee
“There” Sarah finished placing a superhero bandage over Baldwin’s already-healed wound “I know you don’t need it, but it will help Becca connect actions with consequences when she sees it on you”
“This is what I feared ht happen when the two of you announced your wish to strike out on your own, Matthew,” Baldwin said “Thank God I’m the first creature Rebecca bit”
I looked away And, just like that, Baldwin knew
“I’m not the first” Baldwin looked at Matthew “Did the tests I ordered show blood rage?”
“Tests?” I stared at my husband Surely he wouldn’t have tested the children’s blood for genetic ano me
“I don’t take orders from anyone when it comes to my children” Matthew’s voice was cold, his face i to be poked and prodded and labeled”
“We need to know if she inherited your mother’s disease, Matthew, as you did,” Baldwin replied “If she has, the consequences could be deadly In the meantime, I want her kept away from Jack in case his symptoms make hers worse”
I glanced at Ysabeau, who looked dangerously calm, and at Jack, who looked devastated
“Is itbadly?” Jack asked
“I’ to you, Jack” Baldwin turned to me “Need I remind you of your promise, sister?”
“No Brother” I was trapped in a web ofI had promised him that I would spellbind any e threatened the well-being and reputation of the de Clerht be forced to do so to hter
“I want both Jack and Rebecca spellbound,” Baldwin announced, “until their behavior stabilizes”
“She’s only a baby,” I said, nuht have for her “And Jack—”
“I forbid it” Matthew’s voice was low, but there was noin it
“Not on hts of Lazarus won’t allow it”
“Here we go again” Baldwin ju—without the support of the de Clermont family”
“Do you want to test that theory?” Marcus’s question was quietly challenging
Doubt flickered in Baldwin’s eyes
“You could, of course, say the sa without the brotherhood,” Marcus continued
“You cannot raise a vampire without discipline and structure,” Baldwin said
“The ere raised won’t work for Rebecca or Philip” Matthew, in the unlikely role of peacemaker, stood between his son and his brother “It’s a different world now, Baldwin”
“Have you forgotten howfailed Marcus?” Baldwin said, striking back “I cannot believe you would want the vampires determine the course of their own lives, they leave death and chaos in their wake”
“I ondering when you’d bring up New Orleans,” Marcus said
“Philippe would not have allowed you to compromise Rebecca’s future—nor will I,” Baldwin continued, his attention focused on Matthew
“You’re no Philippe, Baldwin,” Marcus said softly “Not by a long shot”
Every creature in the room held their breath Baldwin’s only reaction was to twist his lips into a smile that promised retribution Philippe’s son had not survived the Roman army, the Crusades, torld wars, and the ups and downs on Wall Street by being hasty when it cae
“I’ back to Berlin You have teeks to run the tests, Matthew If you don’t, I’ to hold Diana to her promise,” Baldwin said “Sort your family out—or I will”
—
“WHY ON EARTH DID PHILIPPE choose hione
“I’ve never understood the attraction,” Ysabeau adave her a sympathetic smile
“What will you do, Matthew?” Fernando asked quietly Tabitha sat in his lap, purring like a motorboat while he scratched her ears
“I’m not sure,” Matthew said “I wish Philippe were here He would kno to e Baldwin—and Rebecca”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake!” Marcus exclai Philippe up as the perfect father?” o;Thirsty” Philip’s voice was high, piercing, and very, very loud “Help!”