They stood there in shock – probably from him saying thank you – while he turned in the direction of a long, coiling staircase. No one jumped in to agree or disagree with his decision to retire for the evening. They wouldn’t and they couldn’t. And he hadn’t asked for permission anyway. He heard the staff start to clamor behind him on his way up the massive staircase, then the sound of quick footsteps catching up to his long strides. It was his captain. Wick thought about using his flash speed, leaving Erman, but opted not to be a wanker. All he wanted was a long shower, warm blood, then rest, in that exact order.
“Wick. Tomorrow you have back to back meetings with covens in Reno, Indian Hills, and Lovelock.” His captain started to rattle off his itinerary, keeping pace beside him. Wick realized he was following one of the cute, red-headed girls he saw wearing a maid’s uniform. She was human, also. She kept looking back every few seconds either to see if Wick was still following – since he didn’t make a sound when he moved – or to see if he was checking out her rump, so she could add some extra sway.
Wick scoffed an incredulous laugh, he wasn’t close to being interested. This was the only reason he’d not wanted to come back to America. He’d established so much rapport with the covens in the east. They no longer tripped all over themselves when he was around. He had a life. And at one hundred seventy-two years old, that wasn’t easy to maintain. Ignoring the flirting maid, Wick finally commented on something his captain said. “Wait. Isn’t Lovelock only three hours away from here? I thought I was here to punish the vampires that caused a public spectacle and move farther through each state, visiting the most influential covens and letting them spread the word. It’s impossible for me to visit every city within every state, Erman.”
The redhead stopped at a set of cream double doors at the end of a long hallway. It smelled as if the cabin hadn’t been built that long ago. Wick could still smell the pine and sap mingling with the newness of the furnishings. The only reason he hadn’t already dismissed his captain was because he’d done so well choosing for them to stay in a five-thousand square foot timber and brick cabin rather than in a five-star hotel. The vampire already knew how to make his King happy.
“The vampires who got in legal trouble are from the Lovelock coven. Yes, you must go there and speak with the councilor there and rally with his officers to meet with Nevada’s officials. We need to get the vampires out of prison, Wick. Are they even being fed?”
“I doubt it. But that’s why you don’t do idiotic things that get you put in a place where you question and worry how you will eat,” Wick growled.
Erman’s words faltered, but he quickly regrouped. “I understand your frustration, Wick, and I agree one hundred percent. You should enact discipline within the Lovelock coven. Maybe even stripping the Lovelock councilor of his title and appointing a new one. It would be a powerful message to send to covens all over the country. Shows your new zero tolerance policy for behavior unbefitting of a vampire. A new legislation you’re implementing effective immediately.”
Wick walked around his suite’s amazing living area, which was full of light and color – while he listened intently. Erman’s input was supposed to be forthcoming and useful. As Erman stood there silent, letting his king absorb his idea, Wick realized it was a great suggestion. He liked the idea of enacting new legislation. It would be his first one.
He’d approved of new ways of life, ground-breaking inventions created by their own engineers, he’d even changed outdated laws. But, he never created one. “I like it,” Wick said smoothly.
“I’m pleased that you do, King. We can start on the framework of the new law after you’ve eaten and rested. However, I think the very first clause should pertain to shifters and posturing with them. That will do the most damage control. I’m sure many of the covens have plenty to say about this since it’s such a major dilemma here. As we visit other covens across the Pacific we can show our respect to the reputable councilors by including their contributions in the details of the law’s subsections. It will earn you even more favor.” His captain sat down in one of the high wing-back chairs in front of an empty brick fire place. After fifteen hours of traveling, his cropped dark blond hair lay undisturbed, his black suit and crisp white-collared shirt were still flawless. His tie was tight against his throat, pinching his Adam’s apple, and Wick wondered how the man’s fangs functioned with his throat so constricted.