“Not denying your head is so huge we could separate it in half!” Lucian taunted, and the women rolled their shoulders, as now all seven men were throwing insults. Including Jeremy, who’d been pulled into it by Tristian, who was still offended Jeremy had married Lavinia, Tristian’s cousin. Daniel dragged Harcourt in by insulting the man for marrying Emile.
“Come,” Emile said with a smile. “They will throw taunts for half an hour before settling down.” Emile linked her arm through Maggie’s, and they strolled to a quieter seating area.
“Are they always like this?” Maggie urged as the men stood toe to toe, swapping insults and names.
“Yes, we’re so used to it now, we let them get on with it. Or at least until one of them throws a punch,” Sabine replied.
“It’s wonderful to see you, but I wasn’t expecting you?” Maggie asked.
“Oh, we’ve come to take you shopping. Allow the dunderheads to shout and posture while we escape.” Lavinia grinned. Listening to the rising voices, the women swapped glances and escaped.
Lucian
“How is it going?” Daniel sought when they finally stopped arguing. Lucian eyed him with suspicion before explaining the previous night’s events.
“And you’re convinced Margery intends to open a portal to hell and release demons?” Tristian asked once Lucian finished his story.
“Yes. She informed me of the plan. Margery is pure evil. She’s killed or been responsible for thousands of deaths,” Lucian answered.
“I know our stories. But to accept vampires and those sorts of creatures, it’s a bit beyond my comprehension,” St John admitted.
“I grew up with it. My family didn’t have a chance to believe or disbelieve. What is truth is fact; I’m not here to convince anybody else of it. It’s our way of life,” Lucian said.
“You know, I always thought you were an irresponsible bastard,” Tristian commented.
Lucian inclined his head.
“You were meant to. Nobody was allowed to know what we were doing. Secrecy was imperative, not just for our survival. If knowledge of the supernatural got out, we’d have Van Helsing wannabes everywhere,” Lucian said.
“Van Helsing wannabe’s? Isn’t he a bit after your time? And 'wannabes’ is not a word I’d expect to come from your mouth.” Jeremy grinned.
“I read, and someone once left Dracula here. Wannabe is a word I am familiar with, although I don’t honestly like it. They got a lot wrong. It’s not like there aren’t honest vampires, and other supernatural’s out there. Their races shouldn’t be decimated because some idiot gets it into his head to be some sort of ridiculous hero. Thousands could die. The Nortons aren’t just Dark Mass hunters; we are protectors of the innocent.”
“So, you played the carefree lord to its maximum and walked alone in the dark at night?” Tristian mused.
“No, we had our siblings and cousins. I pray our cousin’s lines stay strong and the world is not invested with evil creatures. There are also our other family trees; I hope they have recovered from the last great war,” Lucian responded hopefully.
“Would you like us to investigate them? And how else could we aid you, Lucian?” Nicholas asked.
“I enjoy research,” Jeremy said, chipping in.
“I’m unaware of how you can help further. We weren’t friends, but we were not enemies. I appreciate the time you’ve taken to support Maggie and me. Just sharing your own stories gave us hope.”
“No, we were not allies. If there were an illegal card game, we’d find you there, Lucifer. If a race was planned, Nortons were at the starting line. But the tasks you fought needed an outlet, and I understand. We can build a friendship now. Should you regain your life, you will be a man out of time, like Nicholas and I. I would propose Jeremy, Daniel, and St John tutor you in today’s society. They grew up in it.
“Nicholas and I were apart from the world, so everything was strange and wonderful and terrifying. Daniel and Tristian kept some foot in the world. I would suggest allowing myself, Tristian, and Daniel to help rebuild the Norton fortune. We can’t find any sign of your businesses nor of Wollscombe Hall. That isn’t weird because it happened to us. We don’t understand what the Angels have planned. Nor should we assume we do, but it would be worth progressing as if what occurred with us will happen to you,” Harcourt said.
“You want to help me? The Rakehell Six? Harcourt, you forget I was around when you courted Emile, and I witnessed what they did to you!” Lucian exclaimed and laughed. Harcourt glowered.
“They still do. But none of them has a sister you are courting; therefore, you shouldn’t suffer as much as I did!” Harcourt admitted.
“I have been alone so many years, I am unsure how to take the help offered,” Lucian declared.
“Takes a powerful man to admit he’s overwhelmed,” Tristian said.
“Oh, I’ve not got a problem admitting I’m overwhelmed. Maggie is so comfortable in this era, and I am displaced.”
“Lucian, that feeling will fade. Will you reach out and accept our hand of friendship?” St John asked.