Page 10 of Ever Dark Academy: Volume 6

Pack

Earlier…

“All right, ideas for our time with the students! Anybody? Anyone?” Ryder gazed around at the packed front room of the Weryn Palace with satisfaction.

The room was full to bursting. The fire was lit. Blood wine was flowing. Vampires of every age were leaning against the walls and sitting on the floors or, if there was room, the furniture. He was standing in front of the fireplace, pacing a bit, as he asked for their input on how to court the students.

“I realize that, for some of you, in the past, you were told that we weren’t supportive of the school. But, obviously, that’s changed,” Ryder said to the few familiar faces from his old House. “So now I want you to think outside of the box–”

“Or palace!” Demos laughed. “I vote we do something outside.”

There were a few ayes and hoots of agreement. Shining silver eyes tracked him. The atmosphere was relaxed and festive. He felt no tension in any of his Bloodline. Siban gave him a comforting nod. He was doing fine, they seemed to say. Everything was fine.

But he was sure that there must be a few from the War times that wondered if he was going to suddenly lose it again. Could they trust his normality? Or was it really just a thin veneer that could be pulled off with one wrong move or word on their part?

Time will show that’s not the case.

“Okay, outside!” Ryder clapped his hands together. “That does sound like a good suggestion even as we huddle around the fire here.”

“We do put together pretty damn good parties though,” Amaris pointed out as she took a sip of her blood wine with evident relish. Ryder had broken out some of the old stuff that had a strange magical kick.

Kayne looked a bit disgusted as he said, “The Mirryr did their night of debauchery. People would compare the parties.”

“There’s no comparing us to Mirryr!” Someone said and stamped their foot. “They’re all surface and no substance!”

Glasses were raised high as people shouted, “WERYN! WERYN! WERYN!”

Ryder grinned, but gestured for them to settle down even though he was thrilled to hear the pride in their voices. “While parties are good–and we will have plenty of those–I don’t think they truly express us as a Bloodline. This is the students first introduction to us. I’m thinking more of an outdoor adventure. A night in the Ever Dark.”

He actually longed to do that himself. Just take him and Grayson out into the wilderness and spend time lounging around when they weren’t making love. Staring up at the stars instead of a ceiling. He imagined cradling Grayson against one of his furry bodies. The animal court inside of him was pleased. And Grayson really needed the rest. Maybe being away from the hustle and bustle of Nightvallen where so many things drew his attention or needed his input would be good.

And we need to talk about what he’s going to do about being turned. I need to know. Whatever his choice is, I will accept it, but we need to plan for it.

“So camping?” Demos chuckled.

“Glamping!” Someone else shouted.

“Fine, glamping,” Demos said with a shake of his head. “We’ve all grown soft. Just think of the student of your choice cuddling with your animal form when they’re cold! But that won’t happen if we’re in a safe and warm tent.”

“I don’t think my wings will do much good against the chill!” Another laughed.

“My antlers might get in the way!” Someone else grumped.

“Not all of us are adorable kitties!” A third teased Demos.

“Naughty kitties, according to some,” Siban cough-laughed.

Demos actually ducked his head. “Hey, now, that’s a secret.”

“Not anymore!” Someone shouted.

There was a huge round of laughter there.

“Secrets are not our forte,” Amaris said with a shake of her head. “Gossip most certainly is.”

“We’re just in everybody’s business. Kindly,” Siban said. “You can’t know if someone needs something if you don’t know what’s going on with them.”

“Fair enough,” Ryder laughed. “Can’t get anything past all of you. But back to the important business at hand. So outside. Glamping. What else?”