Blade to the Keep Read Online Free Page A

fine. She’s been dealing with the Vampires a long time. She can be a pain in my ass, but she’s not stupid. She’ll be a support when I need it, and I won’t have to worry about her every time my back is turned.”
    “But that’s a concern you have with Valerie? This is the first time she’s attended a Joint Tribunal held at the Keep. If you think so, I can use my pull to get her removed from the trip.”
    Rex gave his wife a look. “Stop that. I know you want to protect Rowan. But in case you can’t see it, she’s quite capable of handling this herself. And she should. Valerie isn’t very bright, despite whoever is pulling her strings. On the other hand, our Rowan is smart and vicious. She’ll be just fine. Showing the Vampire Nation that she’s capable of handling her own business will only make her stronger, and heaven knows there are a few Hunters who need that lesson too.”
    Rowan loved them both so much she sort of stumbled across it sometimes, like an unexpected gift. That knowledge warmed her, filled her with happiness.
    “Thank you both for that. She’s a problem for me and will continue to be until I underline who’s the superior between she and I.” Valerie had no idea who she was dealing with, and until Rowan showed her up close and personal, Valerie would continue to nurse this idea that she could outwit Rowan or take her power away.
    “Clearly someone’s feeding her a party line about the Treaty, but she’s not clever enough to understand it very well. Which makes her a pain but not an effective challenge to my work. Theo will see that, and he’ll amuse himself by entangling Valerie in so much superfluous activity and endless, pointless meetings she won’t have the time to be in my way. She has no power there. None of the Vampires will listen to her or take her seriously because Theo doesn’t.”
    Rowan would have been lying if she denied how amused she was just imagining Valerie’s face when she figured out she didn’t matter at all. Theo was firmly in charge. He wanted Rowan there, and that was how it would be.
    Rowan had proven herself with him and, through him, to all his staff. All the Vampires around him had watched her never, ever break under his idea of discipline. There was nothing Valerie could ever do to diminish Rowan’s power with those Vampires in the Keep.
    “I will send her home if she steps one toe over the line. And don’t worry, I don’t consider her being herself as being over that line. If being a bloated twat was a problem, half the people who’ll be at the Keep would be sent home. But if she’s a risk to my job, I will send her back. It’s my job, and despite her silly screeching otherwise, I am fit to do it and I will make sure it’s done right.”
    Susan patted her hand. “Of course, darling. You know I have your back. And I know things can be tense between you and Celesse, but she’s on your side in this. Now that we’ve decided you’ll do just fine and amused ourselves imagining The First playing with Valerie and keeping her in circles, let’s move on to something enjoyable. Tell us about Clive.”
    Rowan groaned, embarrassed but pleased they’d asked. “Do I have to?”
    Rex laughed. “Yes, of course. We want to know if we should send a squad out to dispatch him or invite him for tea.”
    “God, he’s...you’d probably enjoy it if he came for tea. He’ll know which oolong is smokier or whatever. He’s charming and has great manners, and he’s all British like you two. He’d know who painted the stuff on the walls and all that junk.”
    Rex’s expression was pleased. “Is he officially your boyfriend, then?”
    “We’re...dating, I guess. He’s all right.”
    “Does he know what your favorite color is?”
    Surprised, Rowan looked to Susan. “What?”
    “Just answer the question.”
    “Yes. He...he sends me peonies. Deep red ones.” He’d also sent her a ridiculous necklace of rubies and diamonds she’d had no idea where to