Chapter 39

One Month Later

From within the private bathroom, Scarlett's humming echoed in a pleasant song. Julian leaned against the wall to listen to her soft voice. Her belongings were strewn around his office, with a pair of shoes under the expensive leather chair and a makeup bag on his polished desk. The contrast of color against polished woodmade him smile; he quite liked her in his space.

He'd resisted for long enough, but after another six weeks of rebuilding its security, the Durendal Court was reclaiming Infinity, and he had taken over Eduardo's office.

No, not Eduardo's.

His office.

The office of the court Elder, the man who shouldered the burden of caring for and protecting all his family. This space was no longer too large for him, no longer too big for him to grasp.

And tonight, they would make it official. This space belonged to the Durendal court, under his protection and leadership.

He quietly adjusted his shirt cuffs before finally tapping his fingers on the bathroom door. "Scarlett?"

"Almost ready!" she called.

Safira had been right about her; Scarlett had taken quickly to dressing up for court functions. He'd thought she would balk, but she had a feminine streak that flourished now that she didn't have to hunt every night.

She emerged from the bathroom and spread her arms. "How do I look?"

Heat spilled into his veins, down his spine to pool like gasoline in want of a match between his thighs. He cleared his throat. "Good enough to strip you naked and fuck you up against the wall. Or perhaps on the desk. Maybe both, just to be sure."

Her eyes widened, but then her dark-painted lips spread in a wide grin. "I'll take that as a compliment," she said, smoothing the snug sequined dress over her hips. Her red hair hung in long waves over her shoulders and down her back. Frilly layers of the skirt skimmed her thighs in an asymmetrical spill down to the floor, baring her right leg nearly to the hip.

When she sauntered toward him, her scent washed over him. Slender fingers smoothed his collar, then lightly traced his goatee.

"Did my barber do a good job?" he asked.

She smirked, then kissed his lips lightly. "Perfect. You look divine."

He smiled against her lips. "As long as you're happy."

"Very happy," she said. He watched with amusement as she gathered her stray belongings and tossed them into a duffel bag. She cast a longing glance at her sneakers, then slid into a pair of high heels and winced.

He raised an eyebrow. "There's no rule saying you have to wear uncomfortable shoes. In fact, I can make a rule that forbids uncomfortable shoes in my court."

With a laugh, she stood up and tested her weight. "They make my legs look good."

"Your legs always look good. They look absolutely marvelous naked and wrapped around me," he said.

Her cheeks flushed, but she smiled at him. "I want to look good next to you."

"Again, you don't need the shoes for that. But if they make you feel good, I won't stop you," he said.

Rounding the desk, he gave her a kiss and offered his arm. She took it, and all became right with the world. Just past his office was Olivia Pierce's renovated office, which smelled of her perfume. It was dark, so she was either finding a snack with Nikko or already making her way downstairs.

It had been months since the court gathered for an evening at Infinity, and he was surprisingly nervous about it. Not so long ago, he'd sat within these walls as he counted the months till he saw his Brigitte again, till he suffered the greatest heartbreak. And now…now the world was full of possibility.

Holding Scarlett's arm, he helped her down the spiraling stairs. There was a low hum of the music from within the lower level and club proper. Several of his Nightwatch lingered outside. Phoebe McFadden was at the lobby with Karl Muller, both dressed sharply as they welcomed arriving guests. "Sir," Phoebe said warmly.

Paris and Olivia waited at the double doors into the main hall of the club, where he'd spent so many nights at Eduardo's side. Olivia's red eyes raked over him, and he fought the urge to step back. She'd always possessed a certain ferocity, but growing a pair of fangs had brought it out in spades. Somehow she seemed taller now, her shoulders always high and proud.

"You look great," she said, carefully adjusting his tie. "You're going to make an entrance."

"We don't have to do all the ceremony," he said.

She scowled. "Paris. Please offer your assistance here."

"After all we went through, you are going to do all the damn ceremony this lovely lady desires," Paris said. "You're going to walk in with your sexy dhampir on your arm?—"

"Thanks," Scarlett said eagerly.

Paris grinned and continued, "And make everyone happy with how beautiful you both are and the fact that we are all still fucking alive. You will give us a proper toast, tell us to drink ourselves silly, and start the party. And that's all. Got it?"

"Got it," Julian said. He bowed his head and kissed Paris's cheek, smiling as the other man kissed him back.Warmth prickled through the Covenant bond, and for once, he returned it, hoping that Paris felt his gratitude and affection.

Blue eyes shone as Paris pulled back and bowed his head in a show of deference. "I'm very happy about tonight," Paris said. "You should see Misha's suit."

"He looks great," Olivia said appreciatively.

"That man has an ass that defies physics. It's literally impossible for pants to look bad on him," Paris said. Then he smiled at Olivia, offered his arm, and pushed the doors open. "You're up after us."

In they walked, the two people who had unexpectedly been his closest advisors and dearest friends over the last months. One wielded the sword, the other the pen, and both had refused to take his shit. Both had been brutally honest with him, refusing to let him give up on being their Elder, and he could never be appreciative enough for the pair of them. If they wanted a bit of pageantry, it was a small ask.

As the doors swung open, the music rose, then faded again. Julian glanced down at Scarlett. "Are you ready for this?"

"I think so," she said. She pressed her left hand to his heart, and a familiar warmth pulsed there. And even knowing that she was safe, he still felt that instinctive sense of fear, the cold dread that this was going to fall through his fingers, that he would still lose her.He hadn't burdened her with it, but Armina Voss still appeared in his nightmares, swooping in to claim her as she laughed and said, You didn't really think I'd let you win, did you?

But Scarlett was still here. The curse was broken, and she was free. Shoshanna had told him so a hundred times, and had gently informed him she'd be glad to tell him a thousand more that things would be all right.

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. The taste of her bloomed on his tongue, sweet and sharp as wild berries. "I love you, and I am so proud to have you at my side," he said.

Scarlett's dark lips pursed in a smile. "I love you, and it is my honor to be here."

Ahead of them, the double doors swung open, and the music grew louder. The smell of dozens of vampires, each triggering familiar memories, each tugging at their shared bond all at once, overwhelmed him. Inside, faint lights glowed from the rafters, casting a hazy glow over the gathered court.

Conversations faltered, leaving only the noise of clinking glasses as he strode in with Scarlett at his side. As he passed the raised dais where Alistair sat at the piano, he nodded. Alistair nodded to him, and Julian rose onto the dais, offering his hand to Scarlett. They had a table at the back of the club, but he had promised Paris a proper ceremony. Alistair put a glass in his hand, then descended.

Their court was still small, with no more than three dozen vampires and dhampir allies gathered in the dark space. At the edge of the crowd was Elsa Wolfe and her wife, who had come as guests. His mouth went dry at the sight of Ophelia Klein, who had come on behalf of the Sanguine Crown at Misha's request.

Red gazes turned to him, and he slowly took in the strange sight. So many expectations upon him. What would he say?

Scarlett's slow, steady heartbeat reassured him. Each pulse sent a little burst of her scent wafting into the air, and he gently brought her closer with one arm around her waist. Raising his glass, he said, "It has been far too long since we could gather this way. Over the last weeks, I have spoken to all of you at length, and I will not bore you with droning speeches this evening," he said. "Our court is small, but proud. You are here because you chose your integrity over easy comfort. We are bound by a vow to stand for what is right, and to stand together. All of you have given much to be here, and I thank you for those sacrifices. I pray that the darkest of times are behind us, and that tonight is the beginning of a time of peace and flourishing. Please, drink and be merry, and be proud of what you stand for."

"Hear, hear," Dominic called aloud from the edge of the room. Julian caught his eye, watching as he rose with his glass. Around the room, the rest of the Nightwatch followed, along with the other members of the court.

His chest tightened at the sight of them, low light glinting off those still, raised glasses. The air hung thick with expectation, as they waited for him. They waited to follow him.

With a nod, Julian drank deep, then bowed to his court. With a growing murmur, his court drank. Scarlett rose and kissed his cheek, and the conversation rose to a buzz. He turned to meet her gaze. "My queen," he murmured, kissing her softly.

"Damn right," she replied. "I love you."

He nodded to her, his throat tightening as he led her down the dais. Her words still pierced him, even all these weeks later. She said them easily, multiple times a day, but they were no less potent.

This was impossible. And yet, here she was.

Below the dais, they were immediately intercepted by Olivia, eager to bring them to their table in the back of the room. Elevated to look down over the rest of the club, it was where Eduardo's seat would once have been. Julian preferred to be among his people, but Paris had reminded him that the court liked to look up and see someone there.It was reassuring, a sure sign that all was well.

And so he took his seat, with Scarlett pressed into his side like a proper queen. Below them, the club spun to life, with soft music playing as couples danced and the blood flowed at the bar.

He was pleased to see Kova spinning Lucia around the floor, her eyes gleaming with excitement. For all of Kova's deep dread at facing her after all these years, she had welcomed him back with open arms as all of them knew she would.

Over the last few months, Misha had worked with Shoshanna to rebuild the protections both here and at the compound. Even knowing that their location was no longer secret, Julian refused to uproot and find another place yet again. Their enemies would eventually find them again, and they would be prepared. The protective wards on Infinity were stronger than ever, thanks to Shoshanna's out-of-body experience expanding her magical power even further. They still didn't understand how much she had gained, but Misha Volkov had confided in him that if the blood witches of Thanatos heard how powerful she was, they'd be concerned. Which was why he was keeping things quiet until Shoshanna was ready.Anyone who wanted to get their hands on her would have a wall of vampires to get through.

Scarlett was another story. In the breaking of her curse, someone had shoved a ‘big spark of power right up her cute little butt,' as Shoshanna put it. They'd been spending time together, split equally between Shoshanna studying her and Scarlett learning to control it. Those little red lines brightened when she was angry—or aroused—but they'd left no permanent mark.

For a moment, he wondered if he'd struck his head, as Danielle and Olivia Pierce sauntered up to his table in black cocktail dresses and nearly identical hairstyles. Danielle slid a pitcher onto the table and poured him a glass, giving him a knowing nod. While she'd been pleased to be the bartender, they'd put her in charge of running the club at Infinity, and she was quite good at it. "Do you need anything?" Olivia asked.

"Did my speech fit your itinerary?" he teased.

She glanced at her watch. "You were within an acceptable margin. I padded my schedule to account for it."

"Of course you did," he said indulgently.

Then she smiled and said, "Well done. I'm glad we're back."

"And your first time here since you changed," he said.

Her smile faltered, but she nodded. "That's right."

"Are you doing okay?" Scarlett asked.

They didn't talk much about it, but Olivia's transition had been hard. She'd been brutally attacked before Nikko turned her to save her life, and her emotions were explosive in those first few days after waking up. Julian had finally pulled her aside to tell her that her feelings were understandable, but she couldn't take it out on Nikko, whose greatest nightmare was taking her choice away. She'd burst into tears and gone to him immediately. Things had been better since, but he knew Nikko would blame himself for a long time.

"It's not what I expected, but this is my family," Olivia said. Her nose tilted up, and her head whipped around. The smile on her face and the brightening of her eyes gave her away; Nikko was across the room, speaking quietly to Dominic.

"Go ahead," Julian said. "Enjoy your evening."

"I'll be back," she said.

"Don't rush," he replied, taking Scarlett's hand. While he was unfamiliar with being in this particular seat, he'd sat at Eduardo's side countless times as he watched the proceedings from afar. People would come by to fawn or seek his aid, and Eduardo would talk politely to them before Hugo sent them away brusquely.

The court was much smaller than the Blade of Auberon, though he rather hoped it would grow. As his court came to speak with him, he welcomed them and their questions. Alistair returned to the piano to entertain for a while, and he watched proudly as his people mingled. Newly vetted veravin joined the gathering, quickly cozying up to hungry vampires in the private booths around the club.

Well past one-thirty, he was startled when Paris came up and tugged on his hand. "We need you down here," he said. "You too, Red."

Julian took Scarlett's hand and followed Paris down to the main floor of the club. Several large tables had been pushed together, and his Nightwatch was gathered around. He was pleased to see that Rhys was sandwiched between Paris and Safira. Though not a member of the Nightwatch, he'd put them all together so many times that he had more than earned his seat at the table.

Paris pointed to an empty chair and said, "Sit."

"Oh, thank God," Julian muttered, sinking into the seat. Alistair pushed a glass of whiskey in front of him, and Julian downed it.

Even Sasha and Kristina had joined them, though they were still reserved. They had been secluded for weeks before Shoshanna was able to untangle the spells Lux put on them, and they were wracked with guilt until Julian sat them down to tell them to get over it and be a part of the family again.

For the last few weeks, the Nightwatch had continued to patrol the city. After dealing with Armina, he had extended a formal invitation to Charlotte Oliveras, their dhampir contact who'd been run off by Carrigan Shea. She and her mother were granted protection, with a secure residence on the compound, while Charlotte returned to work. Now they had eyes on the police force again, giving them first look at suspicious disappearances and bodies.

While his Nightwatch was divided over it, Julian had put his foot down over the dhampir hunters. After Shoshanna broke the arcane bindings on them, he'd had them drugged and transported across the country. After getting Jack Eslinger on a conference call, he'd told the man in no uncertain terms that this was his last act of mercy toward the Shieldsmen. If he saw Jordan or Marlee on his territory again, he would kill on sight.

The world was slowly returning to normal. Paris had spent most of his last few nights in his office, and was even planning a weekend away with Misha. Julian and Scarlett had joined Dominic and Rachel to see their daughter in a school play. While the dramaturgy was somewhat lacking, he was enrapt by the sheer joy radiating from Dom's face as he watched her.

He'd put Kova on the Nightwatch, on the condition that he stopped apologizing every damned day. The others wanted to forget the past as much as he did. It would take Dom some time to come around, but it would happen eventually.

They hadn't been a family like this since before the Midnight War. And they hadn't been happy like this…ever.

He kissed Scarlett on the cheek and said, "I'm leaving you for a moment. We'll head out soon."

She smiled and nodded at him, taking a sip of her cocktail as he rose and approached Shoshanna. Bowing deeply, he offered his hand and said, "May I?"

"You're the Elder, of course you may," she said, rising from her seat.

"I am also your friend, I hope," he said, holding her hand and guiding her out to the floor. Keeping a respectable distance, he placed a hand at the small of her back and guided her across the sleek hardwood.

"You are," she said. "You know they can all hear our conversation."

"They'll pretend they can't because they're polite," he said. As if on cue, Paris began talking loudly about how he thought there was a market for a vampire hotel in Las Vegas. Julian focused his gaze on the human witch, squeezing her hand gently. "I cannot tell you enough how grateful I am for you. You changed everything for us. For me."

She smiled up at him. "It was my pleasure. Really." Her eyebrow arched, and he laughed.

"I'm glad. If there's ever anything you need or want, you only have to say the word. I don't know what plans you had for your life, but there are surely things you can't do now that you're entwined with a vampire court. Anything you need to make up for what you lost, I will do my best to provide," he said.

She shrugged. "Not really. But I'll keep it in mind," she said. She rose on her toes and kissed his cheek. "I'm happy for you. And for Scarlett. You're going to let her do a girls' trip with us, right?"

"Your first mistake is thinking I will let her do anything," he said wryly.

Her grin dazzled him. "That's why you're a good Elder."

He was taken aback. "Am I?"

She nodded. "You are. I know it's hard. But you can handle it," she said, kissing his cheek.

"Well, I am certainly blessed to have a very wise and powerful witch at my left hand," he said.

"Yes, you are," she said amiably.

Drinks and laughter drew the night past him in a blur. It was past four when Olivia nudged him and said, "You should go. Then everyone else will take the hint and get out so we can close the place down."

He chuckled, kissed her cheek, and said, "Gladly."

Eyes followed him as he rose, took Scarlett's hand, and sauntered out of the club. Paris was close behind him, along with Avery Martin, who had proven to be a capable bodyguard and eager to find his place. He didn't protest, but let the men escort him and Scarlett home to their private apartment on their newly secured compound.

"Good evening, sir," Avery said cheerily as he opened the door for Julian. He gave a little bow, and Julian nodded as he walked past to open Scarlett's door. Holding her arm gently, he waited for her to get her footing, then led her inside.

"Bon soir," Paris said wryly.

As soon as the glass doors sealed behind him and Scarlett, Julian glanced at his lover. "We have about an hour before the rest of the court starts rolling through this place."

"We need a penthouse," she said, already kicking off her high heels.

He nodded his agreement, then quickly threw her over his shoulder. Her laughter echoed off the corridor as he bolted down the hall, nearly bouncing off the wall in his hurry to get her upstairs and quite naked.

Heat bloomed across her skin, blazing against his cheek as he reached the door to their small apartment. These humble quarters were not, as Olivia frequently reminded him, fit for an Elder. But they smelled of Scarlett, and given that they'd slept together here for the last month, it was as good as a home as he'd ever known.

She squirmed off his shoulder, backing away as she shimmied out of her sequined dress. Fine red lines glowed across her chest, down her arms like fine threads in a chaotic pattern of lace. Her chest heaved, and the scent of desire perfumed the air. "Next time, we should sneak out during the party," she said.

He started to take off his tie, then jolted with surprise as she lunged for him and yanked it off for him. "Everyone will know," he said.

With a little play growl, she pulled off his belt and tossed it aside with a clatter. "Oh no. What would people think if they knew we were fucking?"

He caught her wrists as she tried to unbutton his shirt, then leaned in to steal a hungry kiss from her. A soft sigh tinged with a moan vibrated against his lips, and he growled with pleasure. Gently grasping her hair, he teased his teeth against her throat, prompting that lovely little shiver and sigh.

Leaving his shirt half-buttoned, he lifted her by the waist and tossed her back onto the bed. Her slim legs parted for him, revealing the lovely flushed pink of her sex.

"My queen," he said, sinking to his knees. Her hips rose, and he shivered in anticipation of that first taste. Sweet and hot, bursting across his tongue like good whiskey. Fire crackled through his nerves and ignited in his veins.

Her pulse was strong and steady against his lips as he teased and lapped at her. Fingers tangled into his hair, guiding him as she desired. Any king would be delighted to kneel for her, to let her steer his course.

Her thighs quivered against him, surging as her pleasure mounted. He nipped lightly at the soft, sweat-sheened skin at the crease of her thigh.

"Yes," she moaned.

Holding her tightly, he sank his teeth in. Sweet, cool venom dripped from his fangs, melding with the warm drops of blood welling from her thigh. She shuddered, then let out a tiny, clipped squeal as an orgasm surged through her. He did not drink from her, but let that little rivulet trickle over his tongue, savoring the way it changed and richened with her pleasure.

She shuddered again when he kissed that soft bite and rose over her. Her eyes were heavy-lidded, her skin glowing with the fine ruby glow of magic. The faint light pulsed with her heartbeat, and she watched him eagerly as he shed his shirt.

He kicked off his pants, laughing boisterously as she hooked her legs around him and brought him down to her. "Eager girl," he said.

"Obviously," she drawled, stealing his retort with a kiss. In a move that she had been eager to practice, she rolled them over, ending up astride his hips. He watched, utterly entranced, as she guided his cock into her. Her eyes closed as she sank onto him, engulfing him in that searing warmth.

"Scarlett," he groaned as she began to move slowly. She lowered herself to him, letting him grab onto that long, fiery hair.

Her breath was sharp and fast as she rode him. "Yes," she said breathlessly. "I love you."

"I love you," he bit out, holding her tight, keeping her gaze on him.

His vision blurred, his head spinning as the soulmate bond ignited. She was always there, a soft little heartbeat at the end of the tether. But now, they were waves crashing against one another, two flames that danced together and surged white hot against the dark.

He could not speak, could only grab the curve of her hip to drive into her. Each thrust brought a little gasp of desperation and yearning and pure satisfaction.

You are mine.

Her gaze bored into him, as if she heard him. Wordlessly, she nodded, driving her hips back to meet each savage stroke. Her legs squeezed tight around him, and he could feel her pulse thundering through him. Drowning in her scent, deafened by her short, sharp gasps, he was utterly consumed.

Pleasure ripped through him, and he fell into a sweet oblivion. Her soft cry echoed off the walls, and he was barely aware as she lay against his chest. Long hair tickled across his skin, and she buried her lips in his neck. Soft breath puffed against his cheek.

He could have lay forever inside her, listening to her heart pound against his. Her skin felt almost painfully hot, and there was a palpable thrum in the air from the strange magic that swelled in her.

But he did not shy away. He gently stroked her back, prompting a soft laugh. Some things did not change. His Brigitte, his little bunny all those years ago, had loved this, too.

"Are you happy now?" Scarlett asked.

"I'm always happy after that," he said.

She laughed and sat up, resting her arms on his chest. "I mean in general. After everything…are you happy?"

Her green eyes were full of concern.

"What are you really asking? I can see that clever mind spinning," he said, gently stroking her hair.

"You suffered so much, and you lost her over and over again," she said, averting her gaze. "Are you really happy, or does it still hurt?"

Gently, he grasped her jaw and turned her face toward him. "Those things aren't mutually exclusive. I did suffer, and sometimes it still hurts. Sometimes I still mourn all that I lost, and all that my family lost over the last hundred and eighty years. But that doesn't mean I can't be happy now."

A smile flitted across her lips. "You're sure?"

"I'm very sure. Tonight, I was so happy to see my family gathered. Seeing them together, no longer suffering from curses, many of them in love. How could I be unhappy?" he said. "Knowing all that we lost makes me appreciate this infinitely more. I am happier than I have ever been in my life."

"Really?"

"Really," he said. "Because I thought I would never have any of this. I know how much it is worth."

Warmth pattered against his chest, and she quickly swiped at her eyes. "Good. Me too."

"Truly?"

"Yes. Did you know that Olivia and Shoshanna want to take me on a girls' trip? I've never had girlfriends before." Her smile faltered. "Sometimes I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. I had a purpose before, and now I don't."

He nodded. "You'll find it."

"What is your purpose?"

The question stunned him, and he was quiet for a while. For so long, he might have said loyalty, and if he was being honest, vengeance. Finally, he said, "To make the best of the life that's been given to me. I have power and resources, and it's my duty to use them wisely. To make a safe place for my family, and to keep this city safe. To help those in need when I can. That's my purpose."

"I like that," she said.

He pinched her ass, and she squirmed against him. "And of course, my purpose is to give you whatever you want."

"Including all the sex I want?"

"Obviously," he said.

She laughed, pushing against him. "That's an excellent purpose."

He grinned and held her close. "I thought so, too."

The End