Page 46 of The Feeder Legacy

“So we think Vampremacy are doing this? Why?”

“Blood Reign,” he corrects, because he might hate them, but he hates nicknames more. “We weren’t certain until they began accusing me of orchestrating it.”

“What?” I blink a few times, trying to understand. “They think you organised to have vampires illegally feed and send the victims to the Association?”

“Yes. They claim that I’m trying to frame them for crimes against humans, and that it’s obviously me because who else would leave the humans alive and send them to the Association.”

This is getting ridiculous. “Could someone be framing them? Not you,” I add quickly. “But, like, could some wanker think it’s taking too long to get rid of them and be trying to help? Because the alternative is that they’re attacking people to frame you by accusing you of framing them.” I pause. “Wait, I don’t think that sentence is right.”

“Your meaning is clear enough, and yes, it’s possible that someone is framing them. Our investigators are exploring all avenues, but Geoffrey has taken advantage of this to go on the attack. He claims that I have shut down negotiations and refuse to reopen them, and that this is my attempt to discredit his organisation.”

“What a cunt. He’s smarter than I want him to be.”

“Agreed.”

“So this visit is you showing your face and assuring people that everything’s under control?”

“Partly damage control, yes. I also want to personally oversee the investigation, and it seems I may have to reopen negotiations.”

I bite my lip as Anna slows the car and turns into a driveway. There’s a big gate but it’s open, and a man in an all-black suit is standing in its place. Behind him, I can see a wide forecourt and half a dozen people crossing it to the mansion beyond.

“He’s playing you,” I murmur, leaning closer to Tristan in an attempt to keep our conversation private as Anna lowers the window to speak with the security guard. “They’re not going to change their demands, which means negotiations are going to stall again.”

Tristan nods. “Yes.” His eyes flicker to the security guard, then back to me. “Your presence tonight will hopefully remind others that humans are people, and that the introduction of feeders was necessary to save us from annihilation.”

“So I should be charming.”

The tiniest chuckle, barely a breath of air, accompanies his eye roll. “You should also listen. There is a very good chance that someone here tonight knows something about these attacks.”

Pride spreads through me like a warm glow as I realise Tristan is asking for my help. He trusts me to help. I’m not just his snack—he sees me as a person with intelligence. I hold back the urge to offer a high five.

“Got it. Smile on, ears open.”

He seems like he’s going to say something else, but Anna turns around at that moment.

“This is where I leave you, I’m afraid. Parking is down the street.” She doesn’t sound happy about that, and I would bet real money that once the car is parked, she’ll be back to loiter around the front of the property.

“Thank you, Anna. That’s fine.” Tristan opens his door to get out, and I follow suit on my side.

“Remember what I said,” Anna hisses at me, and I pause to smile reassuringly at her.

“I will, I promise. See you later.”

In line with her many, many security protocols, I wait exactly where I am until Tristan and Pierce have reached the front of the car, and then I go to join them. Anna waits until we’re well beyond the wall enclosing the property before she backs out of the driveway, and it’s stupid, but the second she puts the car in reverse, I feel vulnerable. I haven’t been anywhere without being in her line of sight since that visit to my parents’ place.

Tristan’s crossing the cobbled forecourt with a brisk stride, and I keep up, sticking to his left. Pierce is on his right, and I wonder—not for the first time—why his feeder didn’t come on this trip. Is he using temps? Why? I keep meaning to ask Anna, but the timing is never right.

The front door of the mansion is open, and an attractive, well-dressed couple with that charismatic aura I’ve come to associate with vampires is standing just inside. Those would be our hosts for the evening, Paul and Selene DeMarte. They’re a vampire power couple but still young, only in their eighties. Officially they haven’t shown a preference for either side in the current conflict, but based on things I’ve seen on the Dish, my guess is that they’re on Tristan’s side. They’re apparently very good to their feeders, which is telling.

It occurs to me that if the members of Vampremacy are so anti feeders existing, they probably don’t have any, and that means they don’t have access to the feeder gossip network. I’m barely in it myself yet, but it’s still been an incredible source of information. I can only imagine how much better it would be if I was in active contact with more people. I make a mental note to talk about this with Tristan… or maybe Anna first. It could be a good way to get some of the information we need.

Tristan ascends the wide steps to the front door, and Pierce gestures for me to go next. I take a breath, straighten my suit jacket and cuffs, and step into my first ever vampire party.

Chapter 23

I so don’t belong here. That’s not me putting myself down, either, because I don’t want to belong here. For one thing, who the hell thinks it’s a good idea to go to a party in a suit? Unless it’s a wedding or something, and even then everyone knows the fun only starts after guys take off their jackets and women take off their shoes.

From the looks of this crowd, nobody will be taking anything off.