Kyla couldn’t hide her jolt of surprise.
He continued, “Alexander, along with other counterparts around the world, and Adrian, along with Adrian’s medical council counterparts, have worked together closely to solve problems of a medical nature as well as ensure our population continues at healthy levels, despite the challenges we’ve faced in that area. There are regular ongoing clinical trials as well as contingency plans in addition to this plan for Tristan. Tristan, you have the allegiance of myself, of Sam, of the entire leadership team. You have the ability to do amazing things for our kind. You’ve already done impressive things for Kovac Capital as well as on the councils you’ve participated in. Breeding is the next step, a royal responsibility. You have already demonstrated the skills and you have the lineage to lead. Your offspring are essential to our future. Your bloodline with hers? This blended bloodline, it will ensure strength. We can only imagine what kinds of results we’ll get with a blend of Kovac and Constantin blood. I know Adrian has outlined a variety of options for you. I want you to know that myself, Sam, and Adrian are here to help. All our resources are at your disposal to ensure success here.” Claudio kept looking at her during this little speech.
“I’m still reviewing options, Claude. I’m not jumping the gun.”
“Kyla’s too important, Tristan,” Claudio said, still looking at Kyla, “I know this. And we will take every precaution we can. As mentioned, there are alternatives if you want her taken out of the equation but you need to make some decisions and I hope that logic and the usual foresight you display will prevail over emotions.”
Tristan looked like he was carefully controlling his anger, “Well, given the course of events I’m sure you’ll understand if I’m not immediately jumping on board. I’ve been deceived. For a decade I’ve been deceived. And after finding out what Alexander went through…”
“We’ve learned,” Adrian said,” We’ve learned from those errors and we need to move forward.”
What the hell was he talking about? Failed experiments? Errors?
That didn’t sound like it boded well for Kyla.
“Tristan?” she asked before she could stop herself.
His eyes moved to her and he jerked his head in a “No.”
She moistened her lips with her tongue and gazed around the room in a quick sweep but then her gaze doubled back to Sam.
Sam was staring at her and his chest was rising and falling rapidly.
Kyla’s eyes met his and his widened. She felt an incredibly sharp sense of impending doom. Sam was struggling with knowledge of her blood. She knew it. She felt it.
Tristan went wired, “Kyla?”
“Stop him! He’s gonna…” Kyla shrieked at Tristan at the very same instant Sam’s fangs shot out and Sam sprang from his seat, looking like he was heading toward Kyla.
Tristan jumped up. Sam wasn’t heading to Kyla, though; he was heading for the door. He was a blur and he was gone.
“Excuse me,” Adrian said and zoomed out behind Sam.
“Clearly,” Tristan motioned toward the door Sam and Adrian had left from, “the science isn’t refined enough. I’m not taking chances with her.”
“Sam’s bloodline is what makes him a wildcard. Believe me, he’s loyal to you. I’ve been working closely with him for 25 years and he is the most trustworthy friend you’ll ever have. There will be safeguards in place for you.”
“Regardless…” Tristan shook his head and sipped Kyla’s wine again.
Servers moved in and began clearing the soup bowls.
“Tristan,” Claudio said in an attempted placating tone.
“Why not you?” Kyla spoke up.
Claudio’s eyed darted to her.
“Why haven’t you been mated with an enchanted pet?”
“I have two,” Claudio answered, “Mating attempts have not been successful. We’ve had repeated miscarriages and stillborn births.”
Tristan’s body locked tight in response. Claudio continued.
“All true vamps, often referred to as super vamps, those who are vamps with vamp DNA rather than just being turned vamps, are given enchanted pets at their ten-year anniversary. Vamps aren’t informed of this until they receive their pet and demonstrate to us their common sense by the acts that follow. We do not want news of this to travel. Tristan’s case was handled differently because of what was at stake with your blood as well as due to who he is. Your lucidity was also an unexpected twist. I expected a phone call when he tasted you. I expected my protégé to confide in me. He didn’t. So we watched him to see how things would progress. It has all been very enlightening.” Claudio’s expression was sour, “If Tristan were any ordinary vamp it would not have been looked on favourably. But based on who he is, I’ve overlooked a few missteps.”
“So you haven’t killed any pet by accident?” Kyla asked, not sure how to respond to Claudio’s comments.
“I have not. Being a true vamp, I have the control necessary.”