“Your manners are lacking, young one,” Leonid murmured as he walked in after Tegan.
“Not so,” Sloane grinned as he took a seat. “My cousin is a Sentinel, I enter first to check the room is clear of danger.”
“Of course,” Leonid’s tone was mocking as he held a chair out for Tegan.
Marcus and Salem had been silent throughout the exchange, but Tegan noticed, Marcus was struggling to hide a smile at the young male’s quick wit.
The meal was pleasant, the cook didn’t make an appearance which surprised Tegan, but she was keen to see the servers because she knew they weren’t house staff; they were Sentinels. She caught a few of them casting her curious glances and she watched them back.
Dinner conversation was very much the Marcus and Sloane show, Tegan realised. Sloane knew how to make anyone feel at ease but had an uncanny ability to rile Marcus up about most things. She couldn’t determine if it was because he had such a good relationship with both Elders or because he didn’t like the Lycan. However, it was amusing and kept the conversation on lighter topics. Unfortunately, it couldn’t last all night and sooner than she wanted, her father had risen from his seat.
“Daughter,” his voice was low as he looked at her. “It’s time.”
Tegan’s head had been down, focused on her place setting but she nodded when Leonid spoke, pushing her chair back, she rose and went to stand by her father.
“Do you need anything for the journey?” Salem asked as he rose too.
“No, I have everything I need on me,” Leonid said as he pulled on his long travelling coat. “You’ll walk me out?” he asked, turning to Tegan.
“Of course, father.”
“I would be lying if I said it was good to see you, but you brought me a gift, so I will wish you a safe journey,” Salem’s words were quiet in the room.
“I am sure it wasn’t good to see me,” Leonid acknowledged. “Look after my daughter. Remember what I said.”
“I will,” Salem’s expression betrayed his thoughts on Leonid calling Tegan his daughter. “Tegan will be here upon your return.”
Leonid nodded and looked at Marcus, his eyes ran over the Lycan swiftly before he glanced at Tegan. “She trains daily in Krav Maga along with other martial arts. You were one of my most advanced students in my teachings – I would like you to train with her.”
“How advanced?” Marcus asked as he appraised Tegan.
“She reached black belt level when she was nine.”
“Nine?” Sloane asked. “What were you doing the rest of the time, playing with dolls?”
“Dolls?” Tegan frowned as she asked him.
“By Delfar, please tell me she knows what a doll is?” Sloane whispered to Marcus.
“I’m counting on you, Sloane,” Leonid addressed the young male, “to look after your cousin. She is innocent in the ways of Court and she has been sheltered in terms of social events. You will need to coach her, she is your family.”
Sloane had lost his relaxed manner as he listened to Leonid. “I take my responsibility to my family seriously.”
“I hope so. You need to shield her from your father.”
“That may be a job for us all,” Salem admitted dryly.
“Indeed,” Leonid conceded. “Tegan, come.” He walked from the room with Tegan close by his side.
“You are worried for me, father?” Tegan enquired as they headed to the main doors.
“Of course.”
“I have been hunting and killing for some years.” Her tone was slightly defensive, and Leonid smiled fondly at her.
“Your hunting skills I amnotworried for, your people skills… may be lacking,” he admitted. “Your cousin, and I think your brother, will guide you. Listen to them.”
“As you wish,” Tegan sighed. She knew she didn’t have a lot of experience in social environments, but it wasn’t until this evening that she realised her father considered her to be so poor at it. “You will send a fire message when you are there?”