Nikolai took Abrielle to the airport to say his goodbye. Before her flight left, to her and Nikolai’s surprise, Anakin, Halyn, and Dimitri showed up to wish her well.
“Have you ever been on an airplane before, Abrielle?” Dimitri asked.
“No, I’m very nervous.”
“It will be fine Abrielle. Airplanes and quite safe.”
“Thank you, Dimitri. I feel a little better.”
Dimitri thought of Nikolai’s previous request. “Nik, I know where your friends would be comfortable during their visit. However, it’s in lower Manhattan.”
Nikolai looked at Dimitri. “Where?”
“Tribeca. I was thinking of the Cosmo. Clean, relatively expensive, and the staff will go out of their way to make you comfortable.”
“Tribeca?”
“They’ll be safe. All of the vampires in that part of town, are low life scum, and in no way a threat to any vampire with any type of breeding.”
“Tribeca is so far away.”
Dimitri sighed and rolled his eyes. “Nik, you asked me to do this for you, and I’ve done it. Don’t change your mind now. As it is I’ll need at least a week before they return to get four rooms in that hotel. I might have to spend a little extra money. Quit bitching about it, and take it for what it’s worth.”
“All right, all right, Dimitri, you win.”
“As I do most of the time,” Dimitri grinned. “Now, say goodbye to Abrielle, and wish her well. Come on boys. Give the man some privacy.”
Dimitri, Anakin, and Halyn walked far enough away from Nikolai and Abrielle so what they said between them would remain private.
Nikolai stroked her cheek. “Love, don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. I want you to go home and tell the truth to everyone. Be sure you check on the house, and say hello to Regan. I’ll see you in three weeks.”
“I love you Nik, always remember that.”
“I will.”
“See you soon, love.”
“See you soon,” Nikolai replied.
“I’ll miss you.”
Nikolai looked into her eyes seriously. “Show me.”
Abrielle reached up, grabbed him by the back of the neck, and pulled his lips to hers. She kissed him passionately, and he grabbed her around the waist, pulled her into him, and intensified her kiss with his own.
‘Now boarding flight 433 to New Orleans at gate 54. Passengers please have your boarding passes ready. Now boarding flight 433…’
It was time for Abrielle to get on her plane, and Nikolai didn’t want to let her go. He wished he was getting on the plane with her. He was going to miss her just as she was going to miss him, but in order for him to get on with his plans he had to break the embrace.
“Love, you have to go,” he whispered in her ear.
Abrielle looked into his eyes with sadness. “I wish you were going with me.”
“Soon we’ll be back in New Orleans where the weather is warm and we are equally loved. Take care, Abrielle. Call me.”
“Twice a day.”
“More if you need to.”
“I will.”
Nikolai kissed Abrielle on the forehead. She smiled at him, and turned to board her plane. Once she was safely on board, Nikolai turned and walked towards his friends.
“Well, she should be back in three weeks or less. I’m sure once her father hears about what’s going on, he’ll be up here faster than a New York minute to scold me for not taking better care of his daughter. He’s already going to wonder why she came home without me.”
“She didn’t tell her parents she was coming home?” Anakin asked.
Nikolai shook his head. “Nope. I wouldn’t let her. It’s going to be a total shock, and that’s what’s going to get Armand Benoit angry enough to get here faster than three weeks.”
“I certainly hope you’re right. Tristan is going to go crazy when he learns Abraham is dead, and his clan has already been claimed by another vampire. He’s really going to go ballistic when he finds out that vampire is you,” Dimitri said.
“Well, we’ll just have to cross that bridge when we come to it. Right now, let’s focus on one big fish at a time.”
Abrielle made it to New Orleans in a little over three hours. The first place she went was to see her king. She figured he would be able to keep her father’s anger at bay.
The cab pulled up to Michon’s house, and the driver helped her out of the car. He proceeded to unload her luggage from the trunk. As Abrielle stood there, she noticed the curtain in the front window of Michon’s house moved. Soon after, the front door opened, and Leon came out to greet her.
“Miss Abrielle, it is good to see you. Where is Mr. Thorn?”
“He didn’t come on this trip with me, Leon. Is Michon home?”
“Yes. He’s in the parlor. He saw it was you, and is waiting for you.”
Abrielle reached in her purse, handed the driver his fare, and went into the house. Leon followed closely behind with her luggage. Abrielle entered the parlor and there was her would be father in law standing in the middle of the room with a huge smile on his face.
“Come give me a hug, child,” Michon said, happy to see her. Abrielle walked across the room and hugged Michon. “It’s good to have you home. Where’s Nik?”
“He couldn’t come with me this trip,” she said breaking the embrace.
“Well, you must be thirsty. Have you fed?”
“No, I haven’t.”
Leon was in the middle of taking Abrielle’s luggage to her room when Michon stopped him. “Leon.”
“Yes, sir?”
“When you finish taking Abrielle’s things to her room please go and get her some nourishment.”
“Yes sir.”
Michon motioned toward a chair. “Please sit my dear, and tell me why you’re here without your husband.”
“Michon, what I have to say is of great importance. Nik sent me home with a mission. He told me I was only to say this once, and before I did, you, my father, and Master Amasai were to be present.”
“Sounds serious.”
“It is. Nik needs his family, and he couldn’t come and ask for your help in person, so he sent me.”
“Very well then. I’ll call Amasai. It’ll take him at least an hour to get here. Then we’ll call your father.”
“How is he doing by the way?” Abrielle asked.
“Your father? Oh, he’s fine. He and Andre are still working out the conditions of their partnership, but he’s well otherwise.”
“And mother?”
“She misses you.”
“It’ll be good to see her.”
“When she hears you are here, she won’t be able to stay away. Is it all right if she comes with your father tonight?”
“No. I’ll see the rest of the family tomorrow. Tonight is business only.”
“I’ll be sure to tell her when I call.”
“Thank you, Michon.”
“You’re welcome, my dear.”
Two hours later, Amasai, and Armand were sitting in Michon’s parlor with drinks in hand, both smiling at the sight of Abrielle. Armand thinking how good it was to see his daughter, Amasai thinking that it was too bad Nikolai got to her first.
“Well,” Michon started, “it seems that Abrielle brought us all here for something of great importance. Abrielle, now that we’re all here, why don’t you tell us what it is.”
“Masters Michon, Amasai, father, Nikolai isn’t here with me because he was forbidden to leave New York.”
“What? Why?” Armand asked.
“It seems our new master has some sort of plan to become master of upper Manhattan, and can’t do it without Nikolai’s help.”
“Why Nik? I don’t understand.”
“It’s a long story, father.”
“Well if you expect us to help your husband, I want to hear it all. It’s bad enough he had to send you here to tell us the story.”
“Armand, calm down,” Michon snapped.
“Well,” Abrielle began, “it seems we went to New York because Nikolai had some unfinished business to take care of.”
“Unfinished business? What could that have been?” Amasai asked.
“We went to New York so Nikolai could kill his old master,” Abrielle replied.
Armand stood up in protest. “He did what? You mean to tell me he took you away from the safety of your family so he could do something personal?”
Michon interrupted. “Armand, I won’t ask again. Calm down. Your daughter is sitting here in front of you without a scratch on her, so he has kept her out of harms way. I’m assuming that’s why you’re here now. Am I right Abrielle?”
“Yes, amongst other things.”
Michon smiled. “Well, go on. Tell us the rest of the story.”
Abrielle told the three elders in the room exactly what had gone on since she’d been away from New Orleans. By the time she was finished they sat in shock.
“He’s your son Michon, what do you think?” Amasai asked. “Do you think we should help him in something so foolish?”
“He only wants us to kill two very powerful vampires that he can’t deal with on his own. I don’t see anything wrong with helping him.”
“So then he puts himself and my daughter in harms way again to go after his former master? No. I don’t like it. If Abrielle is here, she won’t be in any danger,” Armand said.
Abrielle quickly glanced at her father understanding where he was coming from, but she wasn’t about to stay in New Orleans. “Michon, please,” she begged. “I have to go back with you. That was the only way Nik could get me to come home. I couldn’t bear it if I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to him.”
“No, Abrielle, you are to stay here until his former master is dead. Then Nik will leave New York and come home to you,” Armand demanded.
Michon also understood Armand’s thinking, but he was going to help his adopted son in anyway he could. “Armand, think,” Michon said. “It took them a very long time to get to this point in their relationship, and I don’t fault Abrielle for that at all. We all know how Nik felt about Regan, and I warned Abrielle of this a long time ago. But now it seems he’s finally come around. If we keep them apart when he needs her most, there’s no telling what he’ll do.”
“I don’t like it Michon,” Armand snapped, crossing his arms in front of him.
Michon looked at his close friend and was irritated. He had to remind Armand just who was boss. “I don’t care what you like or don’t like. Yes, Abrielle is your daughter, and she’s just as important to me as she is to you. However, I call the shots around here Armand, not you. We’re going to New York when we’re scheduled to be there, and Abrielle is coming with us. When this Abraham is dead, we’ll return here, and leave it up to Nikolai whether Abrielle is to stay in New York or not.”
Armand sat and stared at Michon, then looked at Amasai. “Are you okay with doing this?”
Amasai shrugged his shoulders. “It makes no difference to me whether we go or not. Granted, I think Nikolai is trying something he’s not prepared to try, but if Michon says go, I’m going.”
“You would,” Armand smirked. “You’ve always agreed with him.”
“With good reason. You know the history on how this coven got started. That’s why I follow him. If you were half as good a father as you are businessman, you’d put your daughter’s well being and happiness above everything else.”
Armand glared at Amasai, offended. “How dare you say that? I love my child.”
“I didn’t say you didn’t,” Amasai replied, sipping his drink. “I only said that you’re selfish. You’re only thinking of what you’d do without her if something happened to her. Well, what about all of the other people in her life? Unfortunately Armand, you’re no longer first, and haven’t been first in her life in a long time. She’s married, and her husband comes first in her life now, not you. Why don’t you finally let go of your little girl, because, look at her. She’s not your little girl anymore.”
“She’ll always be my little girl.”
Amasai rolled his eyes. “Ugghh! You’re a lost cause, Armand. Well Michon, count me in. Just let me know when. I have to go back to Baton Rouge and collect a few things. While I’m here visiting, do you mind if I stay here with you. It’ll be more convenient if I do.”
“Not at all Amasai. I think it’s about time that you got a house here anyway so you can come on extended visits without disrupting my privacy,” Michon said sarcastically.
“Okay, okay,” Amasai smiled. “Not welcome. Can I stay in your hotel then?”
“As long as you can pay.”
Amasai couldn’t believe it. His jaw dropped in surprise. “You’re gonna make me pay?”
“Of course,” Michon smiled. “You’re going to want to stay in the most expensive suite in my hotel, and I’m not going to forgo any revenue simply because you’re my second.”
Amasai smirked. “Thanks a lot,” he replied taking another drink from his glass.
“So, what have you decided?” Michon asked Armand. “Granted, I’m going to make you go with us anyway, but I’d like to know what you think.”
Armand was defeated. He realized Michon was gonna get his way no matter what. “I’m only going because you want me too. I’m still Abrielle’s father, and I still have some say so in her life. I don’t care if she’s married or not. If it were up to me, Nik would be alone in this crazy plan of his.”
“Just as I thought.” Michon turned his attention to Abrielle. “We’ll help your husband, child. You just have to say the word, and we’ll be on the plane. How long had you planned on staying home?”
“Three weeks. If the three of you plan on leaving earlier, let me know so I can inform Nik.”
“We will,” Michon replied. “Well gentlemen, I think for now we’re finished. I’m going to get in touch with Nikolai, and talk to him personally. From there, we’ll devise a plan. Tonight I have a date with a most beautiful human woman named Odette, and I’m late. She’s going to certainly give me a hard time for my tardiness, so I’ll see you all in a week, right here in my parlor, same time. Abrielle, that includes you.”
“Yes, Michon,” Abrielle said.
“Oh, and Armand, you aren’t to breath a word of this to your wife. You know how she worries about Abrielle.”
“I understand,” Armand replied.
“Good night everyone,” Michon said leaving them sitting in his parlor.
Amasai was the next one to leave. “Well, I have to get back to Baton Rouge. I’ll see the two of you next week.”
Armand nodded. “Good night, Amasai.”
Amasai got up and left Michon’s parlor. That left Armand to speak alone with his daughter.
Armand overjoyed to see her in one piece, couldn’t help but smile gently. “I’ve missed you, Abrielle. I wish you would call more.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t father. Besides what’s been going on in my life, New York is a wonderful place. I’ve simply been enjoying myself.”
“Have you made new friends?” Armand asked, genuinely interested.
Happy that her father was talking about something other than her well being, she smiled back at him and replied, “Yes, wonderful women. I’m very close to the women in my house, and also one in a different clan.”
“That’s dangerous Abrielle. Stick to your own,” Armand said without compassion.
Surprised that he was trying to tell her what to do, she replied, “I’ll do as I please.”
Armand was silent for a moment. It was either her new surroundings or her husband that changed her personality from what he remembered. “Did Nikolai teach you to defy your parents?”
“No, he didn’t. What’s the matter father, I thought you liked Nik,” Abrielle replied. Her anger was coming to the surface, but Armand didn’t care. He was still her father.
“I do like Nik. I trusted him until you told me this nonsense. He’s going to get one of you killed. That’s the only reason I don’t want you to go back to New York. Let him take care of this business that happened long before you were in the picture. You have nothing to do with his fight with his former master.”
Abrielle crossed her arms in front of her. “I’m his wife, and I’ll stick by him for as long as he wants me too.”
“Stop trying to compete with Regan,” Armand said without thinking. “You’re not like her and never will be.”
Abrielle stood up and looked her father in the eyes. “How dare you compare me with her? Regan is dead, and I’m his wife now.”
Realizing he hurt her feelings, he decided not to argue. “Abrielle, I’m not going to argue with you about this.”
“Good, because I’m not going to listen. Father, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve had a long trip, and I’d like to get settled in.”
‘This is not my daughter,’ Armand thought. “You’re not going to stay with your mother and me?”
Abrielle shook her head. “No. I’m going to stay right here.”
Armand stood up. “Very well then. I’ll see you another day. Be sure to call your mother, and Patrice. I’m certain they will be happy to see you.”
“I’ll do that tomorrow father, thank you. Good night.”
“Good night, Abrielle.”
Armand left Abrielle where she stood. She took a deep breath, and went upstairs to unpack her things.
The following evening, Abrielle went to the house she and Nikolai had shared. She looked at its beautiful architecture and hoped that one day soon, she would live in it again. From the looks of it, Andre and Patrice had taken very good care of the house. She walked up to the front door and rang the bell. James was very surprised to see her.
“Oh my goodness! Miss Abrielle it’s very good to see you! Welcome home!”
“Thank you, James,” Abrielle said walking into the front door. She found nothing had changed. It seemed Nikolai was right. Even though she hadn’t been gone that long from her home, classic décor does not go out of style, and everyone seems to love it. This made her very comfortable as she stepped into her former living room.
James, still very excited to see her asked, “Where is Master Nikolai?”
“He’s still in New York. I’m here because I was ready to come home for a visit.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. The staff has missed him.”
“He sends his love and promised he would come soon. Where are Patrice and Andre?”
“They aren’t here right now, they went dancing. However, you’re more than welcome anytime, Miss Abrielle.”
“When do you expect them back?” Abrielle asked, still looking around the room for any changes that may have taken place.
“Not until the wee hours, miss. It seems they are enjoying one another more often these days.”
“Oh, I see. Well, I won’t wait on them. I have something I need to do for Master Nikolai.”
“What’s that, Miss?”
“I need to talk to Regan.”
“Be my guest.”
James stepped out of the way, and allowed Abrielle to go to the backyard. Regan’s grave was still there, almost like a shining beacon to the vampire world. Abrielle could feel her old friend’s presence as if she were still alive. She wondered if everyone could feel what she felt.
Abrielle walked up to the foot of Regan’s grave and stood there for a moment before she spoke.
“Hey. Miss you. Nik misses you as well. I guess I could say he misses you a lot more than me. He knew you longer, and loved you more, but I must try to get over it. You were the light of his life, and I was warned I’d never be able to replace you. However, I’m trying to do just that.
“Nikolai is a wonderful man, and I now know why you loved him so. I only wish he could open his heart and love me like he loved you. Jealous? Yes, I am. He calls your name in his sleep. He can no longer hear you like he once did, but he tells me he still has a small hole in his heart. The hole was once huge and I had no chance with him, but I worked on him, because, well I found myself in love with him, and wasn’t about to let him go.
“Was it that way for you? Even though you were married to his brother, did you run with Nik because you couldn’t let him go? He told me this was the case, but since you and I never spoke about it, I can’t be sure.
“We are doing well, Nik and me. We’re happy together. If by chance you speak with Bijou, tell him I’m happy and not to worry about me. He may be angry to learn that Nik and I are together, but tell him anyway. I know Bijou was close to both you and Nik even though he rarely showed it in public. I was his wife and was privy to such information.”
Abrielle paused for a long time before going on. “Regan forgive me. I didn’t mean to fall in love with Nik, it just sort of happened. He sent me here to get him some help and also to say hello to you for him. He still misses you from time to time and even though we love each other, he won’t put away his memories of you. I guess I’ll just have to live with it.
“Nik has told me of his two dead brothers and I know they are with you, watching over you until Nik one day leaves me, which I believe will be soon. Between you and me, if he goes before I do, in the afterlife, I swear you have all rights to him. I’ll stay out of your way. I only want to remain your friend, because we did have that when you were alive.
“I’m going to go now. I probably won’t see you again until Nik and I return home for good. I just wanted to say Nik still loves you even though it’s just a little bit. Goodbye, Regan.”
Abrielle turned away from Regan’s grave with soft tears rolling down her face. Before she could get five feet away, she felt a familiar presence, and turned around to see Regan’s spirit sitting on top of her gravestone.
“Abrielle, wait. Don’t go.”
Abrielle couldn’t believe what she was seeing. “Regan?”
“Who else would it be?”
“What? How?”
Regan smiled. “I’m here because I wanted to talk to you silly. Why else would I be here?”
Abrielle was frozen in the place she stood. “Okay.”
“First, let me say I miss you as well. You were a good friend, and I hate that I was so stupid to trust Gigi, but, it was just in my nature to do so. She murdered me. I’m dead, so there’s nothing we can do about it now.”
Abrielle’s eyes were as big as saucers because she still had a hard time believing Regan was actually in front of her. “Regan, I’m sorry.”
“Abrielle, relax. Don’t sweat it. I had no idea I wasn’t going to live forever. Now that I’m dead, I couldn’t expect Nik to go on still mourning me and never be happy again. It was me who allowed him to get on with his life in the first place. I saw how he pined for you, yet he wouldn’t touch you. If it weren’t for me, he wouldn’t have allowed himself to love you. Don’t you get it? I gave him permission to love you.
“I saw how much pain he was going through. I saw he was confused. I’ve always wanted him to be happy, so I told him he could love you on one condition. He wasn’t supposed to mourn me. That hasn’t gone over so well, but I can only do so much from here. It’s you who has to convince him you love him just as much as I did. With the two of you so far away, I can’t talk to him anymore. I want you to be happy with him as long as you can.
“I will have to tell you one thing. If he loves you the way he says he does, and he strays from you if only for a moment, don’t give up on him. It’s those wretched powers of his taking over. He’ll eventually get them under control and realize the he loves you and you only. Never give up on him.
“Well, since you took the time to come out and say hello, I couldn’t let you leave without hearing what I had to say. Before I let you go, I only have to ask one question.”
Abrielle still astonished, asked, “Anything, what is it?”
“You said only moments ago that if he goes before you, he and I could be together here in the afterlife. Did you really mean that?”
Abrielle nodded. “Yes. I know I’ll never replace you in his heart. You were always the one he loved above all others.”
Regan smiled. “This is good to hear. Goodbye my friend. If you’re ever in need to talk to me again, know that I’m always here. Tell Nik I love him and miss him. Oh, and be sure to tell him you saw me, and I want him to be careful. Tristan is nothing to play with.”
Abrielle’s jaw dropped. How did she know? “You know what’s going on in New York?”
“Of course. I just can’t talk to him from this distance. Tell him for me will you?”
“Yes.”
Regan smiled as she slowly began to fade away. “Good. Goodbye Abrielle, take good care of Nik for me.”
“I will.”
And Regan was gone. Abrielle wished there were someone else in the yard with her to witness what she just did, but realized if there were, Regan may not have appeared to her. Abrielle went in the house and closed the door. She wanted to cry the entire time Regan was speaking to her, but with the shock of seeing her, she couldn’t. Abrielle leaned against the back door, and let the tears begin to fall. The longer she stood there thinking about everything that had gone on in her life the past few months, the harder she cried. Abrielle slid down the door, and sat on the floor until all of her tears were gone.
When she was finished crying, she got up and went to the parlor. As she sat, she began to think of how jealous she still was of Regan. She was not supposed to be jealous of Regan. She was dead. Abrielle just couldn’t help herself.
She sat quietly thinking, when James came in.
“Excuse me miss, I just wanted to check on you. How are you doing?”
Abrielle looked up. “Oh, James I didn’t hear you come in. I’m fine. Just thinking about some things.”
“Is there something I can get for you?”
“Sure. Can you bring me a glass of wine?”
“Certainly.”
“Oh, and I would like to talk to you for a bit if that’s okay.”
“I’m finished with my work so I don’t see how that will be a problem. I’ll go get your wine.”
“Thank you, James.”
Moments later, James came in and sat Abrielle’s wine on the small table that sat next to the chair she was in. He then took a seat himself.
“It’s good to see you miss. We’ve missed you around here.”
“I’ve missed all of you as well. Tell me James, are things working out for you? Are Patrice and Andre good to you and the rest of the staff?”
“Yes miss. It’s almost as if you and the master never left. Miss Patrice is the sweetest woman on the planet. She often helps around here even though I tell her she doesn’t have too.”
“Perhaps when Andre is away, she’s bored.”
“Master Andre isn’t away as much as Master Nikolai was, but I would agree with you. She seems to always want to have something to do.”
Abrielle smiled. “That’s my Patrice all right. So what else has happened since we’ve been gone?”
James hesitated and looked around the room to ensure no one else was listening. “I have seen Miss Regan,” James whispered.
“Really?”
“Yes miss. It isn’t uncommon for her to walk the property when the Mr. and Misses are out.”
“Has anyone else seen her besides you?”
“I don’t know. I’m afraid to discuss it with the rest of the staff. They might think I’m crazy. But I’m not crazy am I?”
“No. Not long ago, she appeared to me. She actually spoke to me. So no James, you’re not crazy.”
“She has never spoken a word to me; she comes in the house and goes to her room. Minutes later, she comes out, and goes back to her grave. I think she’s looking for Master Nikolai.”
“That is a great possibility. She told me just tonight she has wanted to speak with him. Perhaps she’s waiting for him to come home.”
“When are you coming home, miss? Will you be moving back here when you do?”
“I’m not sure when we’ll be coming home, James. Whether or not we move back into this house isn’t up to me, but Nik. I’m sorry I don’t have any answers for you right now, but perhaps I will soon.”
James sighed. “I hope you come home soon. I rather miss the charming banter between you and Master Nikolai. I know I wasn’t supposed to be listening, but sometimes I couldn’t help it. The two of you were right to wait to get married. I think it was good that you were best friends first.”
Abrielle smiled. “Me too, James. Me too.”
Two days later, Michon was ready to speak with Nikolai about what has gone on in New York during the time he was away. He was in the parlor waiting on Abrielle to finish her phone call with him, so he could get his turn.
“I love you, Nik. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Abrielle, you’ve only been gone for three days.”
“I still miss you. I’m not allowed to miss you?”
“Forgive me, love. Of course you’re allowed to miss me. I miss you too.”
“Oh yes, before I forget. Regan says she misses and loves you.”
“Regan spoke to you?”
“I saw her. She sat right on top of her gravestone and spoke to me.”
“She did?”
“Yes.” There was a long pause on the other end of the phone. “Nik? Are you there?”
“Yeah. Abrielle, I’m sorry. Look honey, I’m gonna go.”
“Wait. Michon wants to talk to you.”
“What about?”
“I don’t know. I love you Nik.”
“I love you too, Abrielle. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow then.”
Abrielle handed the phone to Michon.
“Abrielle, will you excuse me please?”
“Certainly,” Abrielle said leaving the room.
“Hello Nik, it’s good to finally talk to you. How have you been son?”
“Michon, if that’s code for what the hell is going on, I’ll tell you now. If it was a sincere question, I’ve been fine.”
“Okay, so what the hell is going on?”
“Michon, I should have never come back here. I’ve found myself in the middle of a war over territory, and I can’t get out. The only way for me to accomplish my original mission is to get some very powerful help. That’s where you come in.”
“All right son, tell me what you want me to do.”
Nikolai told Michon exactly what his plan was.
“Nik, that’s awfully risky. I think I can come up with a better way to dispose of this Abraham and his first seat. Will you let me take over from here?”
“Provided I can get the rest of my team to back off, certainly.”
“Talk to them, and let me know what they say. If you let me do this my way, neither you nor your team will have to be involved at all.”
“Michon, you’re a life saver.”
“You’ve become my son, Nikolai. I’ll be damned if I lose you.”
“I will call you back in a couple of days. You can let me know what you’ve come up with.”
“I will.” Michon sighed. “Well Nik, I must get my thoughts together if I’m going to save you. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“All right.”
Michon hung up the phone and didn’t even say goodbye. He immediately called Armand and told him to meet him at Amasai’s room in the hotel. Armand agreed, and he was on his way.
Armand and Amasai sat in the room waiting for Michon to speak. He paced the room for a moment and then sat down.
“Nikolai is in serious trouble.”
“I knew it,” Armand said. “Abrielle cannot go back to New York. She has to stay here until everything is settled.”
Michon shook his head. “Nik needs her close, so she’ll join us when we go to New York.”
“I don’t like it Michon.”
“I don’t care what you like. I’m going to bail my son out of the predicament he’s gotten into so your daughter can remain happy. When we are finished here, we’ll leave as soon as Nik says the word. I’ll not have any lip from you Armand, understand?”
“All right, all right.”
“Good.”
“What’s the plan?” Amasai asked.
“First I’ll say this is going to be relatively easy. From what Abrielle and Nikolai have told me, this Abraham is no pushover. However, between the three of us, he’ll be no problem. We’ll take care of both him, and his first in one sitting. Upon his death, we’ll also take care of Nikolai’s former master.”
“Nik will be angry with you, Michon,” Amasai disagreed. “He went back to New York to kill his former master himself. It’s almost as if he has something to prove.”
“I want him home. Armand wants Abrielle home. We’ll do this my way.”
“Michon, I don’t think we should do that. I think we should let Nik handle that part of the plan. He’s smart and strong. I don’t think he’ll get himself killed in the process.”
Michon still wanting to do things his way stood and stared at Amasai. Amasai continued. “Think about it. He dragged Abrielle away from her home for this very purpose. His mind was made up when he left. I don’t think it would be a good idea to take this from him.”
“All right Amasai, we won’t kill his former master. However, if he doesn’t get it done in a timely manner, I’ll go to New York and do it myself.”
“It’s within your right as his father to do so. I’m only saying not to interfere with that part of the plan right now. Let’s just do what he wants us to do.”
Michon sighed. “Fine.”
“What’s your plan, Michon?” Armand asked.
“Of all of us in the state, none are more skilled in spells than the three of us. My plan is simple. We don’t have to get our hands dirty. We’ll come up with some nasty spell to put on them, and we’re done.”
“How old is Abraham?” Armand asked.
“Nikolai says he’s three hundred years old.”
Armand clicked his teeth. “It’s going to have to be a complex spell. I myself am not as old as he is, and I’m no longer affected by simple spells.”
“Of course we can’t take him out with a simple spell. Hence the reason why I said, nasty.”
“I suggest, The Chants of Viciousness, and then banish him to the Sanctums of Suffering,” Amasai said.
Michon turned sharply to Amasai. “The Chants of Viciousness is enough to kill a vampire who is a thousand years old. If we were to do that spell, we wouldn’t need the Sanctums of Suffering. I want him to suffer and know it. Perhaps we scale the first spell back a bit.”
“How about the Circles of Strong Darkness in place of the viciousness chant,” Armand suggested.
Michon smiled. “This is good. I like it. However in order to invoke that spell, he must be immobile.”
“Titan’s Hypnotism should do the trick,” Amasai added.
“There is a reason why I keep the two of you around,” Michon said, his smile widening. “Very well. We hit him with Titans Hypnotism, followed by the Circles of Strong Darkness. Afterwards, we banish him to the Sanctums of Suffering, agreed?”
Both of them nodded. “Agreed.”
“What of Abraham’s first? He has to be almost as strong. What do we do with him?” Amasai asked.
“Depends on his age,” Armand said, looking to Michon.
“His first is younger. I believe he’s between one and two hundred years old.” Michon said.
“Ah, easy. I know the perfect spell. Endless Blades of Fire.”
Amasai smiled. “Oh you are so evil. I love it.”
“I rather like it myself,” Michon chimed.
“Michon, now that we know what we’re going to do to them, how are we going to get close enough?”
“We’re to wait on Nikolai’s call before we make any other plans.”
“Why?” Armand asked.
“Nikolai and his friends have a plan, but it’s got several holes in it. There are lots of, “what ifs,” and as you know, I don’t like any questions when it comes down to killing someone. When Nik says it’s time, we go to New York and meet with Abraham, without Nikolai. As far as Abraham goes, he doesn’t even have to know we are associated with Nik.”
“Ergo, keeping him out of the picture,” Amasai said.
“Exactly.”
Armand sighed. “My wife’s going to have a fit. Our one hundredth anniversary is coming up in a week. If I’m not here for it, I’ll soon find myself without her,” Armand said.
“You’re the one who suggested Endless Blades of Fire, so you’re the one that’s going to perform it. Simone will just have to be angry.”
“Let’s go now,” Armand said.
“Excuse me?” Michon asked.
“Let’s go now so I can make it back in time for my anniversary. One hundred years is a serious benchmark.”
“No doubt she has planned something huge and extremely expensive,” Amasai said sipping his drink.
Armand smiled. “That’s what my wife does. Don’t be jealous, Amasai. It’s not my fault you’re not married.”
Amasai chuckled. “No one wants a ball and chain attached to them at all times. I don’t have a wife, because I enjoy my freedom.”
“You’re a whore.”
“Am not. I just enjoy sex with many women.”
“Whore.”
“Michon, make him stop.”
Michon chuckled. “Okay, enough you too. Let’s just continue with the business at hand. When Nik says move, we move. Understood?”
“Got it.”
“I’m in.”
“All right.”
Exactly one week later, Michon’s phone rang.
“Michon, this is Nik.”
“How are you doing son?”
“I need you on the plane tonight. My friends have agreed to back off.”
“We can’t come tonight. We will be there tomorrow. Anything else?
“Just be sure Abrielle is with you.”
“We won’t come without her.”
“Good. I will see you tomorrow.”
“Nik, I just want you to know, I’m helping you because I don’t want to lose you. You’ve become my son, and you know I’ll always protect you.”
Something Michon said made Nikolai think of his mother. “In the words of my mother, in this, I am glad. She was always happy about something.”
“Be glad I care about you. If I didn’t give a damn, I’d leave you to suffer. What you have chosen to do is stupid, but I’ll help you nonetheless.”
“Such harsh words coming from you, Michon.”
“Take them as you wish. Just know I mean what I say.”
“As stupid as I may be, I’ll appreciate your help. See you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow, Nik.”
Nikolai hung up the phone and quietly sat in the chair in the hallway. In his mind he began going over his youth and wondered if he’d done the right thing. He decided that he did. Running away was better than death. He was certain that his mother would have died herself if he was executed. He nodded to himself, satisfied for the moment, and got up from the chair.
Moments after Michon hung up the phone, it rang again. It was Simone calling to give Michon a piece of her mind.
“Hello?”
She wasted no time on pleasant greetings. “Michon Moreau you cannot take my husband on this trip with you. Our anniversary party is tomorrow.”
“Hello Simone. Glad to hear from you.”
“Michon he can’t go. I can’t have an anniversary party without my husband here.”
“Simone, it can’t be helped. I need him with me.”
Simone rolled her eyes on the other end of the phone. “What are you going to New York for anyway?”
“Andre wants to try and expand the business a bit. He can’t go on the trip. Since Armand is his partner he must go in his stead. I’m going so Armand doesn’t screw things up.”
She paced the floor, frustrated. “Ugh! Always business with you two. You do realize the party I’ve planned has cost a great deal, and very important vampires have been invited. You’re included.”
“I know Simone, but we can’t postpone this meeting. The executives of the company that we are going to see had to move lots of meetings around just to meet with us. You can always change the date of your party.”
Simone couldn’t believe her ears. “Michon, the invitations went out a month ago.”
Michon shrugged. “Well then, I suppose you’ll have make lots of phone calls. I’m sorry Simone. I’ll tell you what. I’ll pay for your party if you stop complaining.”
Simone sat on the other end of the phone quietly contemplating. “All right Michon. I’ll have the invoices ready for you when you return. But fifty years from now, please be sure I’m not planning anything before you invite Armand on a business trip.”
“I will. Thank you, Simone.”
“You’re welcome. Say hello to Nik for me.”
“I will. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Michon.”
Michon hung up the phone and sighed loudly. “Leon!”
Leon walked into the parlor. “Yes sir?”
“Please get Abrielle for me.”
“Yes sir.”
Leon did all Michon asked. Minutes later, Abrielle walked into the parlor.
“You wanted to see me, Michon?”
“Have a seat.”
“What is it?” Abrielle asked, sitting down.
“We are leaving tomorrow at sunset. I want you to pack and be ready to go. Once we get to New York, I’ll call Nikolai and he’ll meet us at our hotel. From there my plan will be in motion. The both of you are to stay at the hotel.”
“I thought Nikolai was going to help you.”
“Nik and his friends will only be in our way.”
“I understand. Thank you, Michon.”
“You’re welcome, child. You know I’ll do anything to help my family.”