“Sure it is, chica. Use the gym, swim in the pool, walk the beach. You’re home now. Just don’t help yourself to Xavier’s wine cellar without permission.” His gaze went back to his closed laptop.
Taking the hint, she backed away. “Okay, thanks.”
She went upstairs, grabbed her jacket and slipped out the front door. The lawn was wet and the breeze felt damp on her face, even though the night sky had turned clear with just a thin film of cloud on the horizon. A moment later, an underground sprinkler system kicked on, and she smiled. Lawns that were this beautiful took some upkeep.
Exploring the gym could wait until daylight. Keeping to the paths, she made her way to the edge of the oceanside bluff. A wide, simple set of stairs had been carved into the rock. With a sense of incredulity and pleasure, she descended to the beach.
The ocean was a vast dark blue, lightly touched with ripples of silver, while the beach was a deep, shadowy ocher. She felt the urge to pinch herself. The scene was too idyllic. There had to be a catch.
Well, of course there was a catch.
It was an idyllic scene, with Vampyres. Or at least one courteous, yet quite autocratic Vampyre.
Tucking in her chin and wrapping her jacket close, she strolled down the beach and let the stress of the day melt away.
A shout came from some distance, and she turned to look behind her. A man stood at the top of the bluff. As she watched, he leaped down the stairs and raced toward her.
It was Raoul. When he came near, she said defensively, “Did I do something wrong? Diego said I could walk the beach.”
“Usually, you can, but not tonight.” Raoul’s voice was grim. “Get back to the house now. Run.”
Her heart kicked. Man, her adrenal system had been overworked for days now. Jogging along the sand while he kept pace beside her, she panted, “What’s wrong?”
“We’re getting company.”
He didn’t say anything else until they reached the attendants’ house. When she turned to ask him questions, he opened the door, put a hand to her back and propelled her inside.
She went without resisting. After experiencing his calm, unflappable behavior earlier, his attitude now seriously scared her.
The other attendants had gathered in the large living room, some sitting and others standing. It was the first time she had seen all eleven together. Everyone watched Raoul, expressions tense.
Without preamble, he said, “The council has broken off for the night. Melisande is coming to stay here until tomorrow evening, and Justine is coming with her.”
While Tess didn’t recognize either name, she watched a ripple of reaction pass through the others.
Diego said sharply, “Justine. She’s coming here?”
“Correct.” Raoul turned to Jordan. “Justine usually travels with two attendants, and Melisande will have a couple of bodyguards with her, which means you’ll be preparing food for at least five people.” He said to everyone else, “Only senior staff is allowed outside this house until they leave. Tess, the senior staff is Diego, Jordan and his assistant Peter, Angelica and her assistant Enrique, and myself.”
“I’ll get weapons,” Diego said.
Weapons? Tess tilted her head. For houseguests?
Another of the young men—Marc, she thought his name was—said, “I’ll help.”
“Hurry,” Raoul said.
The two raced out the door.
Raoul turned to Tess. “I know you don’t understand what’s going on, but you don’t have to understand to follow orders.”
“Someone dangerous is coming,” she said dryly. “I got that much.”
“Yes. Melisande is the Light Fae heir. She’s being accompanied by a very old Vampyre who sits on the Nightkind council. Be clear about this—Justine is an enemy. The only reason why Xavier would allow her on the property is because he wouldn’t have had any other choice.”
She gave him a jerky nod. “Got it.”
“The rest of you, go over the protocol with Tess.” He strode out, and Angelica, Jordan and two others followed him.
Slowly Tess eased out of her jacket while she eyed the others who were left. Aside from her, there were four young men. The door opened, and Marc came inside, carrying several handguns that he passed out to the others.
She raised her eyebrows. “You didn’t bring a handgun for me?”
He looked at her. “Do you know how to shoot?”
Her mouth tightened. “No, but I can learn fast when I have enough incentive.”
He shook his head. “Raoul didn’t say anything about arming an untried, unknown trainee who could be a danger to herself and others. If you’ve never fired a gun before, you’re not getting one from me. Besides, this is all just a precaution.”