Vincent's apartment had been chosen to host the magisters, and despite the less than pleasant circumstance, I felt a satisfying sense of returning home when we arrived. Only the Valentino females were there. Griffin and Amelia bustled around the dining table, setting up refreshments, while Wren and Lucy huddled over trays of freshly baked cookies in the kitchen. The whippets bowled me over at the front door, and I knelt to give them easy access to my face for kisses.

"Reese! You're here! I'm so glad you're here!" Griffin's voice preceded her as she ran over and slid across the foyer tiles on her knees, colliding with me before sweeping me into her lean but strong arms. "We made chocolate chip cookies because I remember you liked chocolate from the Kahlua chocolate cheesecakes. Bonnie and Clyde have missed you. Whenever I bring them home to feed them, they always look in the spare room before they go looking for Vincent. Isn't that funny?"

Griffin's habit of speaking as if she only had one breath to do it was endearing, and I hugged her extra tight, letting her know I meant it.

"The cookies smell delicious," I said, glancing at Wren and Lucy as they watched us from the counter. Lucy walked over and held out her arms, waiting for me to stand so I could receive her hug. 

"It's good to see you again, Reese," she said. "That turtle neck looks lovely on you. Is it cashmere? Let me know if there's anything I can get you. We're setting out heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages."

I fumbled self-consciously with the neck of my cashmere cover up, the one I'd used to hide the punctures. "I could go for a coffee. I think Vincent had a few hazelnuts in his stash before I left."

Lucy patted my arm, looking pleased that I'd asked her for something. "You just relax and leave it to me." She glanced up at Vincent, who stood in his foyer looking stoic and a little awkward. "Hello, Vincent. You have a healthy glow. Love looks good on you." Lucy lifted onto her toes and Vincent bent down so she could kiss his cheek, then she turned to hustle back into the kitchen.

I held out my hand to Vincent, and he blinked a couple of times before letting me lead him into his living room. His phone buzzed and he looked at the screen just as Amelia walked over to greet me.

"Hi, Reese. Welcome home." She pulled me into her arms and whispered at my ear. "We've all got your back."

I knew her comment was meant to reassure me, but it only reminded me about my approaching doom. "Thanks, Amelia. I feel better just being here with everyone. I'm glad the meeting is in Vincent's apartment. If things get out of hand, I can lock myself in his bathroom."

"Your scent is pretty strong, but with everyone in the room, there will be plenty to mask it. Nobody is going to go beastial, if that's what you're worried about."

"I was actually talking about the conversation turning ugly, but since you mentioned the scent... Is it that bad?"

"No stronger than it was before you went to the hive, but it's not the Lassiters or the Cromwells we need to be concerned about. It's Boris Seacrest."

Amelia left me with that comforting thought, joining Griffin at the dining table where more plates of food were being added to the spread. I felt a tug on my hand and Vincent pulled me onto his lap. 

"Don't worry about my grandfather," he said. "He may be a tyrant, but he would not lay a hand on a female."

"Even a female demon? Don't tell me he has never taken one down during battle."

"I don't recall the subject ever coming up. Speaking of my tyrannical grandfather, he's on his way to the apartment."

I stiffened and tried to pry loose from his iron grip. "Vincent, is it wise to flaunt our love in front of him? Don't you think I should be somewhere other than your lap?"

"I can't think of a better place for you than my lap, and I don't give a shit what Boris thinks." Vincent's voice carried into the foyer just as the door opened and two large bodies entered.

Charleton walked in first, greeted swiftly by Lucy, while the other stood at the open door, commanding the frame with a bulk that even surpassed Vincent, at least in girth. The gollum wore a thickly-lined, black trench coat with a black ascot tucked into a bleached, button down shirt. In one hand, he held a cane, which appeared to be more for show than a crutch. Vincent breathed heavily through his nose, and I took the opportunity to scoot off his lap, sitting next to him on the arm of the chair.

"Welcome, father." Wren pressed a sterile peck to the man's cheek as she took ahold of his coat sleeve, tugging him inside. "Make yourself at home. Can we get you a Cognac?"

Boris Seacrest's dark gaze had found Vincent and me, and everyone appeared to be aware of this as the air was sucked from the room. "If it's Rémy Martin, yes," he said.

Wren looked at Vincent, clasping her hands at her chest as if reciting a prayer. "Do you want to get that for your grandfather, Vincent? I know you keep your reserve in your office."

"Of course, but first I want to introduce him to Reese." Vincent pushed off the chair and held out his hand to help me up. He nudged me into the foyer and I was forced to stand face to chest with a mountain of a man. The heady scent of cigar smoke lingered in the lapel of his jacket, and when I held his stern gaze, I noticed his dark hair hung over one eye the way Vincent's often did. "Boris, this is my mate, Reese Kentwell. Reese, this is my grandfather, Boris Seacrest."

Boris grumbled as he stared down his large nose as me, and beneath that nose grew a bulky mustache, which twitched as he addressed me. "Hmm, Reese. So, you're the female who has my grandson acting like a fool."

I felt Vincent stiffen next to me, but I found my voice before he did. "Love makes us do foolish things sometimes, sir. I'm happy to finally meet you. I have heard a lot about you."

"Don't overdo it, girl. If you've heard a lot about me, then you wouldn't be happy to meet me." He made a sound that could have been mistaken for a chuckle, which was confirmed when Charleton chuckled next to him.

"Vincent, can I trouble you to bring out two Cognacs?" Charleton said. "The thought of a mild sedative is sounding better by the minute."

"No problem." Vincent turned to me and placed a quick kiss on my temple. "I won't be long. I think your coffee is ready." He gestured to Lucy, who stood in the kitchen holding up a mug.

Colin and Jonathan arrived shortly after I collected my coffee. They were in the company of the Lassiters and Cromwells, and Jonathan waved his greeting to me as he played host to the magisters and their wives. Colin pulled me in for a hug, although we just saw each other an hour ago, and Vincent happened to walk back into the living room during Colin's friendly welcome.

Colin chuckled when Vincent gave him the stink eye. "Your boyfriend needs to lighten up," he said loud enough for Vincent to hear, and I responded with a slap on Colin's arm.

"You need to stop antagonizing him."

"But I've been antagonizing him my whole life. Why would I stop now?"

Snacks were piled onto plates, and the chairs from the dining room got dragged over for additional seating in preparation for the meeting. Vincent and I ended up sitting on the stiff-backed chairs, which didn't provide much comfort, but it did allow me easy access to bolt to his bedroom if need be.

Charleton took a long draw off his Cognac before standing to address the assembly. "I want to thank everyone for taking the time to join us for this important discussion," he said, making eye contact with every face. He finished with a subtle smile in my direction, which may have been done to reassure me, but I didn't want to get my hopes up. "We have a couple topics on this evening's agenda. The first matter is the mating of Vincent and Reese. These two have clearly connected on both an emotional and physical level, which is something gollums covet above all else. It ensures a strong bond and the promise of future offspring."

"I would like to weigh in here," said Boris as his accusing eyes swiveled to pin me to my chair. "Am I to assume we are now promoting the pollution of the Valentino bloodline by allowing a hybrid into the domus?"

Vincent's fingers squeezed my knee, and I readied myself for his retaliation, but Wren wasted no time standing and giving her opinion on the matter. "I will answer that," she said, looking pointedly at her father. "I am prepared to restate all the documentation I brought to the table twenty-one years ago, when Roberto and I first considered sheltering Gabrielle and her daughter, Elise, who we now have come to know as Reese."

Wren offered me a kind nod and continued before the floor was taken from her. "The species we and our enemies have labeled hybrids, has its own legacy. Depending on the strength of the parentage, a hybrid can possess certain skills, one being a diviner of the supernatural, and the other being a source of the eternal flame. These gifts can be used by both gollums and demons alike. Given Cecile's particular interest in Reese, it would benefit us to consider this fact."

As Wren spoke, I watched Boris Seacrest carefully. The guy occupied the entire space of an overstuffed chair, standing out like a stony monolith, his facial features almost too large to be handsome, but the appealing lines were there, hidden behind a chiseled jaw and suspicious eyes.

"Are you asking me to accept a hybrid as a granddaughter because she can keep my fireplace burning?" Boris tamped his cane on the ground, making me jump.  

"Apparently, you missed the underlying theme of my closing point, father," Wren said firmly. "Reese's unique nature will allow us to access the repositories and return certain objects to their rightful place."

Boris waved his cane at the room. "We're among honorable company, Wren. When you say 'certain objects', you mean the artifact that is currently circulating among the domi. With the security protocols put in place to protect the whereabouts of the artifact, how do you expect to find it? Only two families know where it is at any given time."

Vincent cleared his throat as he usurped the floor. "The most efficient way would be to send a well-written request to all the domi. Most of them are connected by email."

Boris snorted, which sounded like a bull preparing for a fight. "You make it seem like a simple business acquisition. Just sign on the dotted line and my people will handle everything. Is that how you treat eons' old gollum tradition? By flaunting our shortcomings?"

"I don't see where tradition comes into play," Vincent said. "When the domi learn that a potentially dangerous artifact could be returned to its point of origin and not fall into the hands of a demon queen, they will surely see the logic in obliging us."

My attention turned to Vincent as he faced off with his grandfather. Clearly, Vincent had spent some time thinking about this since our discussion yesterday. It sounded like he could easily locate the amulet, and he wanted me return it to the convent rather than hand it over to Cecile.

"Tradition has everything to do with it," Boris countered, gripping the ball of his cane and shaking it threateningly. "The moment you take a hybrid as a mate, your credibility as a domus will plummet. Mark my words. The next time you ask your gollum comrades for help, you may find yourself without it."

"There are plenty of domi who hold a liberal view of hybrids," Wren said. "I think your concern for the Valentino's credibility has to do with your own pride. It is our duty as gollums to serve and protect those in need. Reese deserves the same treatment we give anyone in need. She is intelligent, kind and compassionate, and she has won the heart of my son. I will facilitate their happiness by any means necessary."

Although Wren's eyes were locked on her father's, I felt the passion behind her words like a hug around the neck. I may have had doubts about Wren before, but now I knew she had my back all along.

"I agree with Wren," Lucy said.

"So do I," Amelia offered.

"Me too." Griffin grinned proudly.

"Should I call for a vote?" said William, the corporate lawyer. "Does anyone else want to add to the argument?"

Sergio Lassiter raised his hand as he exchanged a furtive glance with Charleton. "I would like to make a point that Charleton and I have been over, but not everyone here is privy. This situation transcends tradition, or prejudice, or even true love. We have the opportunity to control the fate of a demon hive, a very large and prosperous one. A hybrid who is trusted by a demon queen could be an asset to the gollum community."

"I assume you're not forgetting the risk of putting your trust in someone who could stab you in the back." Boris made his statement as he stared point blank at Vincent. "There are two sides to a blade, and you don't want to end up on either of them."

"Reese was not raised to do battle," Vincent said in my defense. "She detests making the change. It's painful for her."

"She doesn't need lethal talons or fangs to take you out in your sleep. One well-placed swipe with an adamantium blade would do it."

"I would never kill Vincent. I love him," I said. "And, I am not in league with the demons. I wish they would leave me alone." I put in my two cents a little louder than I'd planned, but there it was.

"Would you be willing to help us return the artifact to the convent in Chicago?" Wren dropped her question like a smoke bomb in a bathroom, and she held a pose so still she could have doubled as a mannequin. The moment rendered me mute, as well as everyone else in the room. Did the Valentino's allegiance to me depend on this detail? Did I have an allegiance to them?

"If Reese doesn't hand over the amulet, the demons will continue to pursue her," Vincent said, coming to my rescue again. "She would never be safe, and I won't have her living like a caged bird."

"Are you suggesting we give the artifact to Cecile and Hadria so they can rule together?" Boris scrunched up his face, condensing his mustache into a bristly rope.

"No, but I do think we can use Reese's unique nature to our advantage," Vincent offered. "As Sergio pointed out, she has a rapport with the queen and several others, which gives her access to potentially useful information."

Boris lifted his thick brows. "So, you're suggesting we use your mate as a spy? Based on her sour expression, I'm guessing she hasn't been briefed on your little plan."

Vincent's intense eyes settled on me as he continued his defense. "Everything depends on Reese. I won't force her to do something she can't live with."

"Regardless of the artifact, we need to make the Valentino domus whole again," Charleton interjected. "And to do that, we need Vincent to return to his residence, which he is not inclined to do without his mate. How can we make this happen so everyone is happy with the outcome?"

Louis Cromwell, who seemed to be gradually losing his patience, snagged the opportunity to speak. "How do we know we won't be inviting demons to our door if we promote this unsound mating? Given Reese's connection to the hive, they aren't likely to let her out of their sight, irrespective of the artifact." He glanced at Charleton and Sergio before letting his gaze fall on Vincent. "I'm sorry, Vincent, but I don't see how any scenario that has Reese becoming a Valentino will keep the status quo for us."

Vincent stood, and the subtle action changed the vibe of the room. The captain had taken the helm, and he challenged Louis with a pointed gaze. "Nothing remains the same. Ideas stagnate and motivation withers when they are buried under the pursuit of the status quo. I ask that you give the situation time to develop while Reese and I share my home. We know there are demons tracking her, but so far, none have made any threatening moves. Their assignment is simple. Keep an eye out and make sure Reese follows through with their queen's request."

"And how long will they bide their time before they become a threat?" Louis said. "Can anyone answer me that?" His wife looked slightly embarrassed as she patted his clenched fist.

"A specific time frame has not been given," Vincent said. "But the situation will take precedence over all my other responsibilities. I promise this as magister."

A snort echoed from the overstuffed chair, causing everyone to look at Boris, and he shook his head condescendingly as he waited for his audience to focus on him. "You abandoned your commitment as magister when you followed that female to her demon hive."

"It is not my hive," I said, nearly lifting out of my seat. "I was taken there under duress."

Vincent acknowledged me with a nod, but his eyes conveyed the more subtle message of let me handle this before he turned his attention to his grandfather. "You have made your feelings about my reckless behavior very plain, Boris," he said. "I know you were opposed to my father's involvement in the rescue of Reese and her mother twenty-one years ago. And we all know where you place the value of love when it comes to maintaining domus traditions. So, if your intention is to drag my family into your campaign, why don't you take the floor. That way we'll know how best to ignore you."

Vincent waved his arm at his grandfather, while everyone in the room appeared to hold their breath. I wanted to kiss Vincent for his bravery, but I couldn't take my eyes off Boris. His face had bloomed into the most brilliant shade of magenta, and his bulky mustache twitched violently.

"You were a cocky son-of-a-bitch as a youth, and you are still just as arrogant and imperious," he said as his fingers whitened around the ball of his cane. "There was a time when I could not have been more proud of that cocky youngster. The first time his wings took him above the trees, his endless battle training, his first kill. When you were forced to step into your father's shoes, you took control like you had done it all your life." He paused to adjust himself in his chair, and I watched as Griffin clung tightly to Amelia's arm.

"It wasn't that long ago..." Boris continued. "You told me you were committing yourself to perpetuating the Valentino empire while your brothers handled the task of promoting the legacy. You had essentially given up on this love you now speak so fondly of. Given your limited experience with the concept, I can't help thinking you're mistaking love for lust."

The quiet that followed Boris' speech came like the prelude to a storm, and when one of the whippets sneezed, I nearly jumped out of my seat. I glanced over at Griffin, and she appeared to be suffering from the same bout of nerves. Several awkward seconds ticked by, and it seemed nobody wanted to speak up. Even Vincent appeared taken aback, so I decided to take the floor, since I didn't have much to lose anyway.

"I'd like to weigh in," I said, glancing up at Vincent to meet his wary gaze. "I have known Vincent about six weeks, so not as long as the rest of you, but in that short time I have noticed a big change in him. When we first met, he barely talked. He was more remote than Alcatraz. Our first date almost ended up our last. I didn't believe he was capable of opening up enough to have a meaningful relationship. Heck, at the time, I wasn't even looking for one, but there was something about Vincent that had me intrigued."

I kept my eyes locked on Vincent as he listened attentively, his face awash with curious wonder, and I couldn't help smiling at him.

"Of course, my demon nature kept being a problem. We were forced to suppress our affection for each other and rely solely on the other important aspects of our relationship. What a concept, huh? I think we both realized there was enough going on between us that we pushed through the rough spots to see where it would take us."

"Is that why you're hiding your neck from us tonight, because you're not suppressing your affection for each other anymore?" Boris pointed accusingly at my cashmere turtle neck. "You're not fooling anyone, girl."

Damn.

I knew I couldn't hide the truth from the Valentinos. These people were my family, at least in theory. I pulled down the neck of my sweater, letting everyone get a look at Vincent's handiwork. Griffin gasped just before she slapped her hand over her mouth, and Colin's eyes bulged.

"Christ, Vincent," Colin blurted, although he clearly regretted it when Vincent glared at him.

"It'll be healed in a couple of days," I said as I hid the wound again. "The point I'm trying to make is... Vincent and I are painfully aware of the obstacles we face as a couple, but our lives would not be worth a nickel if we weren't together."

Despite the number of faces staring at me with various expressions, I felt a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. There was something freeing about spilling your guts.

"So, true love wins over tradition?" Boris said nastily. "Where do you think that will put the domus in twenty years? Even if your bond produces offspring, the Valentinos will have to wait generations before their blood is pure again."

"There is evidence of hybrid pairings throughout gollum history," Vincent said. "Task me and I will find a link to the Seacrest name."

Boris sprung from his chair faster than I would have thought possible, scaling the space between he and Vincent in one large step until both their chests were touching. Was this where Vincent got his intimidation tactics from? "Before you make threats, Vincent, you better be prepared to carry them out."

"I am not making threats. I am making a point that you are passing judgment on others as if you have no faults. Whether you believe it or not, I do care about the health and happiness of the Valentino domus. That is why I have chosen Reese as my mate."

The following void sounded like a slap in the face, with Boris in the direct line of fire. Only an asshole would continue the argument. Apparently, Boris was an asshole. "You are a fool, and you will be choosing her without my blessing. Not that you've ever listened to your elders' advice."

Boris retreated back to his chair and lowered into it, while Vincent reclaimed his seat next to me. I reached out and squeezed his leg, and he placed his hand over mine.

"Well, if I have been following the conversation correctly..." William said with obvious relief in his voice. "There is a motion on the floor to allow Reese back into the Valentino domus on a pro tempore basis, with the domi maintaining close communication about their dealings with the demons. Vincent has agreed to take responsibility for locating the artifact, and once that is accomplished, we will reconvene to discuss the next move. Does that sound about right?"

"Sounds good to me," Charleton said. "I will initiate that motion."

"Okay. Charlton initiates the motion. Do I hear a second?" William looked around the room, as did everyone else. I expected Vincent to second the motion right away, but he appeared to be waiting for someone else to do it.

"I second the motion," Sergio said boldly, although he didn't look at me or Vincent when he spoke. He saved his stare for Boris.

"Great. Now we need a show of hands," William announced. "All in favor of the motion, raise your hand."

"A bunch of hands went into the air, including mine, although I didn't know if my vote counted, and when I glanced over at Louis Cromwell I saw his wife nudging his arm into the air.

"Thank you," William said as he wrote the number on the corner of his notepad. "Now, all opposed."

Boris' arm stood alone, but he didn't seem to mind being the odd man out. In his mind, we were all wrong and he was right.

"It's settled then. Welcome home, Reese," Wren said as she popped out of her seat and quickly swept me up and into her arms.

A moment later, well-wishers came at me from all sides, including the dogs. From the corner of my eye, I watched Boris tug Vincent away from the throng and into Vincent's office. Hopefully, the patriarch only had an interest in another shot of Cognac.