Every light of every room to the front of the property burned brighter than the moon, illuminating the well-tended grass lawns and the welcome party who stood either side of the entrance steps. The formation of men drew the eye to the expensively dressed vampire standing at the door. Alexander bowed, sweeping his arm across the front of his body in greeting. He straightened before he disappeared into thin air.

"What the hell? Where did he go?" Felix asked, looking all around. "How the hell did he do that?"

Sam chuckled. "A cheap parlour trick, he rolled your minds so you'd think he vanished. I'm surprised he didn't go the whole hog and add a puff of smoke along with it."

"Wow! That's a neat trick," Joel remarked in wonderment. "I didn't know vamps could roll other vamps."

"There are no doubt a lot of things your young mind doesn't understand about us, Joel. It just means that his power runs to illusion and stems from the Belle Maanasa blood line."

"Oh..."

"Shall we?" Sam interrupted, pointing at the doors. "He's waiting for us in the sitting room, second door on the right."

All eyes turned to look at Sam in confusion. "How do you know where he is?" Ben asked.

"When he failed to capture my mind, he told me where I'd find him when you lot snapped out of it." 

Sam pushed open the door to the sitting room, where Alexander's loyalists took up one-half of the room, outnumbering Sam's people two to one.

"Come now, Alexander, have I not already proved that I have no interest in unseating you from your territory?"

"One can never be too careful," Alexander replied.

Sam shrugged. "Too true," he conceded. "I can assure you my only interest is in Devon Aston and his new servant."

"What servant would that be? Come to think of it, why would you assume that I have any concerns regarding Devon?" He motioned for Sam to sit and snapped his fingers to summon a butler. "Would you care for some refreshments Samuel? Judging from the dishevelled appearance of your legion you have not had time to freshen up after your flight."

"Thank you, I'm sure my men would appreciate a decent meal after the junk the airline have the audacity to call food."

"Good. The dining room is already set up, Peter will take you all through, please feel free to... what is that expression? ...Fill your boots?"

His loyalists, bar one, all stood and left the room in single file without uttering a word. Peter, the butler, waited by the door for Sam to give the okay for his men to leave. Felix remained behind with Sam.

"Peter, when you're ready, please bring a little something for us; something lively I think." Alexander turned to face Sam and Felix, resting his elbow on the tall mantle. "Now, where were we?"

"Devon's new servant is my mate's sister and has been marked by force."

"Straight to the point of your visit? What does this have to do with me?" Alexander asked.

Sam blew air through his nose in exasperation. "I was coming to that. I have it on good authority that he has plans to challenge you..."

Alexander laughed, a full belly laugh that jiggled the gold chains hanging around his neck. "Absurd. Even while he had the backing of that cretin Demetrius, he was no match for me. Besides, I have it on good authority that you are responsible for Demetrius's disappearance."

"Regardless, I would appreciate, should anything happen, that you not injure the girl."

"Samuel, I know you are well aware of the rules of engagement. Any follower of the opposition is fair game during battle and at the mercy of..." The ringing telephone interrupted him. He reached for it impatiently, snarling into the receiver. "What is it? I told you not to interrupt me... Really?" His eyes flicked to meet Sam's. "Then you had best show him in. We cannot leave the Governor of Colorado standing in wait."

Sam stood as the sitting room door opened and Bill Hooper strode confidently into the room, extending his hand and clasping Alexander's.

"Alex, I'm sorry to interrupt your evening, but I have a delicate matter to discuss with you." Bill turned and addressed Sam. "You don't mind giving us a moment do you?"

"Not in the slightest." Sam replied and bowed his leave from Alexander. "Once Bill here confirms what I've already told you, we'll be outside enjoying your gardens." He stopped at the door to face the vampire again. "If I were you, I'd listen to his advice."

Bill frowned. "How do you know what I..." the click of the door closing cut him off mid-sentence.

"You really are full of surprises tonight," Felix commented once they were clear of the house.

"Is it really such a surprise to know my power levels have increased? I mean you're bound to have felt the boost in your own around the time Callie and I bonded."

"Yeah, we all felt the effects of your bond, but I didn't realize it was such a huge enhancement. Even without Sydney here, you've masked it extremely well."

"That's good to know... Alexander is on his way." Sam warned, turning to watch Bill Hooper's car speed away, spewing dust in its wake.

Alexander strode purposely to Sam's side. "Bill has confirmed what you said. In fact, he assured me that Devon has gained more power than should normally be possible for a vampire of his age and lineage. I have a favour to ask?"

"You may ask, but that doesn't mean I'll agree." Sam replied.

"Devon has requested a meeting with me early next week, Bill seems to think I'll be in need of your assistance."

"I'm in no doubt of that. And the favour?"

"Help me and I will spare the girl."

"Agreed." They shook hands sealing the agreement. "Give me the details of the meeting time and place, I'll make sure we're ready."