I wouldn't bet on that. I just nodded at a friend's living room chair.
- Have a seat. I'm gonna make some coffee and tell you what happened.
Nadia blurred in a smile, not even trying to deny the obvious. You think she was worried about me?! Bullshit! Her curiosity was chewed up!
- Curiosity was born before you," I twisted as I went into the kitchen.
But the coffee was quickly brewed. I, too, wanted to share my sickness with a friend.
Nadia knew how to listen like no other. When I finished, she sat silently for a while, and then nodded.
- So far, things are going better than I thought.
I didn't argue. Better? No doubt about it. But...
- Mecislav is smart enough not to pressure me...
- You mean, right away, you got a friend's idea.
- That's right!
Nadia scratched the tip of her nose.
- Look, if we're talking about exchanging sewing for soap, then Mechislav is really a great option. I heard it from guys and girls - shivers! By the way, about Ramirez, too.
- And from this place, more details. - I crawled up in my chair and got ready to listen.
- There's a lot of detail to tell. It's tough, like all vampires. Star. Very clever, otherwise he wouldn't have reached his current position. Cunning. He's capable of any meanness to achieve his goal. And at the same time, he can flirt. Do you understand? He can't control his excitement if there's something very big at stake.
I remembered a gray blade flying down Daniel's throat. I remembered Maria throwing herself across, and the bright red blood. To people, she seems black in the dark. Vampires are good at discerning colors, even in total darkness.
- I understand. Is that it?
- Pretty much. All I have to say is that in bed he prefers blue-eyed brunettes and whips. And he's never had a last name before.
I nodded.
- Thank you, Nadiaz. Is that all?
- I think that's it. It's about Ramirez. Now it's about your stomachs.
- What?
- Tonight, Mečislav made an official request to Valentine to take your brother and his flock under temporary protection until their case is heard.
- And what does that mean?
- That Clara can make a good impression on the Wolps. That your brother can choose to initiate if he wishes. That they become part of our pack, albeit unofficially, so it's not just your freaks who will testify against Ivan Tulsky's pack. If we see that Clara suffered without guilt, we will support her. But only in this case.
- Thank you.
- You can't thank me. Mecislava and Valentina.
- Thank you," I snapped. - Or don't you think they'll remind you of themselves? Especially a vampire. Would you like some more coffee?
But no one has ever managed to get Nadia off the subject.
- You'll call Valentina quickly and gladly. I know that. And your vampire?
- It's not mine.
- That's right. In terms of our law, you're more of his. And yet?
- Tonight," I sighed.
- Why is it so sad?
- Because it involves another personal visit," I sighed. - Don't you think I understand?
- Well, you do. But you don't want to.
- I don't want to. I'm sick of all this vampire dancing. We'll have to call Vadim, ask about the whereabouts of his boss at that time, then wait for him to report everything to Mieczysław... Busy!
- But alive and well!
It was difficult to argue with that. The IPF wasn't sleeping.
After learning everything she wanted to know, Nadia started to take a turn for the worse. I didn't hold her much. She closed the door and dialed Valentine's number.
The shape-shifter picked up the phone almost immediately.
- He did?
- Valentin? Hi! It's Julia!
- Hi, Curly.
I made a swear, but I didn't say anything. I can't help it! Of all the vampires and werewolves who depended on Mečislav at least the tip of their nails, one Nadjuska dared to call me by my name. Valentin - only sometimes. But I appreciated that, too.
- Didn't I wake you up?
- No, you didn't. An hour earlier I would have invited you to join me, but now I even took a shower!
- Next time I'll call you at six in the morning," I snorted. - But now I'm calling to say thank you.
The voice of the leader of the pack got serious in an instant.
- You can thank the Prince of the city for that.
- Thank you for that. But you, too. You could've said no!
- Julia, these are your family. And I owe you something.
- That's enough! - I'm boiling.
- Yes, Curly.
- You're a bastard, thoughtfully I gave it to you.
The despondency in the werewolf's voice was instantly replaced by a discreet laugh.
- We're standing on that one, sunshine.
- And your ears are cold," I continued in the same thoughtful tone.
- Warm! I swear by my tail!
- I can't believe it!
- It's my tail! I am mortally offended! Do you want to check?
- I do," I laughed.
- Well, then, come to practice!
- To the werewolves?! I'll make a profit from the inferiority complex! Don't you feel sorry for me?
- Don't you? No, I don't feel sorry for you.
- You bastard!
- Whose cow would mooch!
- Wait, I'll show you a cow when I see you!
- Please, please, please!
I was smiling. Valentine's a sweetheart. If you talk to him, you'll be in an upward mood like a dollar.
- Okay. When and at what time?
- Gym. At 2:00. Is that okay?
- It's a deal.
I took a look at my watch. Just get dressed and get there. It's perfect.
- I'll see you later?
- I'll see you later.
I slammed it against the lever. I didn't want to pick it up at all. I could be anything... but! I didn't want to be an ungrateful creature. I wasn't raised that way!
I sighed surly and dialed Vadim's phone number.
- Hello, this is Vadim Sokolovsky. I'm not home right now, but if you leave a message, I'll answer it as soon as I want. Talk after the beep.
I snorted a snort. Well, it's not serious for a vampire. There's no funeral tone to broadcast something like: "Mortal! You called yourself..." You can't expect this from Vadim. He, like me, firmly believes that if she laughs at the situation, she will be ashamed and corrected.
- I greet you, O beautiful and wise servant Vadim Ibn Mechislav, may your name and house be blessed, and you yourself with a loaf of aspen on your forehead three times - I turned up after the beep. - And don't be a pig, call me back on my cell as soon as possible. Julia.
I rumbled the pipe on the lever and went to change. I put a tracksuit in my bag, pulled my hair down my ponytail and slammed the door. Valentine can be a terrible bastard if you keep him waiting. Otherwise, he's the sweetest man and an even more charming tungsten, but he can't be late. Neither his own nor anyone else's.
I was at the gym for two minutes. Valentin was already waiting for me.
- I knew you'd be here early.
- I'm happy for you," I snapped at you.
Wolpe looked at me carefully.
- What's wrong?
- Life did not work out," I sighed. - Let's go practice, eh? At least I'll calm down a little. Then we'll talk. I'm on a rampage right now, and I don't wanna take it out on you.
Valentine picked me up at my elbow and dragged me with him.
Two hours went by without much trouble. I was running, jumping, practicing punches on a boxing pear and dodging Valentine's punches. Of course, he wasn't hitting at full strength, or I'd still have a wet spot. But what I got, too, was enough for me to flop on the bench after practice and wail.
- Izzie! Sadist! A murderer!
- And why do you love me so muc
h," smiled Valentine.
- Really, for what?!
- For my good heart," said the werewolf, with two rows of fangs. - And a charming smile. Go and rinse yourself and come to the bar and have a chat.
When I went down to the bar, Valentine was already sitting there. And he was barmanning for bad tomato juice. It's not good, there's not enough salt, no vitamins, and it's better to serve freshly squeezed. Cooked right in front of the client. The bartender listened and nodded like a Chinese dummy. You bet he did. If werewolves have been holding this bar for five years. I splipped next to a friend and ordered myself a glass of mineral. I hate this crap, but I have to restore the water and salt balance somehow. I got seven sweats off of me during practice.
- Tell me about it," said Valentine.
I lowered my eyes and told him in every detail about the appearance of my brother in my house.
Valentine listened silently, without interrupting or asking again, and then spoke briefly and very emotionally.
- Dude, your brother is a jerk. And I didn't even know that he was. I'd have to keep an eye on him all the time.
- I know," I sighed. - I mean, it's not a cure.
- Why not? There's a couple of ways...
- Yeah, we treat the migraine with our heads," I left. - That's not the point. Val, he's my brother. That's shit, you bastard, creature and moron. But I can't leave him to his fate.
- And you can't remind me of your help either.
- No, I can't. You know I can't.
- I know. You should have been born in another era," the werewolf sighed. - Why don't I summarize? For the dubious kinship that your brother's forgotten about for ten years now...
- Less!
- It doesn't matter! So, for the sake of dubious kinship, you're willing to sacrifice your freedom, your soul, and perhaps your life. Isn't it a little fat for him?
- He is my brother.
- But you weren't the first to disown him.
- Remember the Bible.
- Julia, don't rub it in my head. You only quote this book when you realize you're wrong.
I knew it, but it's no use.
- Valentin, what should I do?! Give it up? He's going to his grandfather's! And if my grandfather gets involved, I won't forgive myself.
- Why should I say no? Give it to vampires with heads. They'll figure out which pine tree has the bumps. And your grandfather's not gonna get anywhere. Never.
- And then I'll blame myself for the rest of my life.
- I've never seen you feel guilty. How many corpses have you had on your conscience?
- That's different, I blushed. - It was war.
- Isn't it now?
I couldn't answer that, so I took a glass of mineral. The shape-shifter looked at me with sympathy, and it made me angry and even more annoying. I'm such an idiot.
- Yulia," he finally spoke. - You said we were friends. Is that so?
- Yes, - I answered firmly.
- Then try to listen to me. And don't interrupt, even if you don't like it.
- Okay.
- Your brother's not a bad person. But, alas, he is weak. Very weak. I spoke to him this morning, though not for long. Mecislav threw your family at me before dawn. Well... Your brother is a slave. No more than that. This paddy is much better at navigating the situation than he is. Wait! - He raised his hand, killing my objections to the root. - I know what you're trying to say. That God himself told werewolves to know the situation better than a man on the outside. Yes. And yet, yet, yet... Look. Because of these two, our clan is getting into a serious fight. And, you know, it's not morally sound.
- And what do you want?
- Your brother is weak. Yes, he is. But he also has a certain notion of honor. Besides, I hope for your shared blood. I want, - Valentine didn't even blush with those words, - I want your brother to be initiated today. As a member of our clan. As .
my
Wolpe.
I turned the glass in my hands.
- What do you want to do with it?
- A guarantee of safety for yourself. If Mecislav loses, they'll still try to steal you. And then you will be able to protect us. I'm sorry, but I have to think about my tulips.
I nodded. Yes, whatever was done to Mieczyslaw, I'm too valuable a prey. And I can say, "Don't touch my brother, or I'll do something to myself." And my brother's immunity means his Wolpe clan's immunity. Except...
- Do you realize that in this situation, they can just get rid of you? The Volps will stay and you'll be gone?
The blue eyes haven't trembled. Valentin didn't lie to me. And he didn't lie to himself.
- I want to live, Julia. But I'm also responsible for those who trusted me. I got into this mess. Let it be. But it's not their fault.
I nodded.
- I respect that. Val, I'm glad I'm your friend. Let's go and talk to my brother.
- Do you agree?
It's like they took a brick off a werewolf's shoulders. A ton of bricks.
- Yeah, I agree. I think the initiation should take place today.
- Shall we go convince your brother?
- Let's go. By midnight, the mutation should be irreversible.
- It's only technically possible if I do. Or someone else from the prima wolps.
- Then you will be. I don't have a choice.
- No. Do you want to be there?
I didn't want to be there.
- Can I say no?
- Yes, you can. But it's better if you don't. You are our Prince's surname after all...
- Are you gonna remind me of that, too?
- Yulia, I don't want to upset you - the blue eyes looked straight and calm - but it doesn't change anything, does it? No matter how much the wolf scolds, and you can't put the whole herd on it... Not only Mechislav is to blame for your condition...
- Go away, if you say one more word to me about this, we'll have a big fight.
I wasn't kidding. I just couldn't take it anymore. And the werewolf figured it out.
- Julia, can we reschedule our conversation?
- Let's do it. And I'll be there for your ceremony, if you'll settle in by midnight tonight.
- I'm a strong wolf, I can turn over and initiate your brother. Why is there such a time limit?
- Because... Are we finally going, or are you going to blow my nerves all day?!
- Let's go. Where's your stuff?
- The bag's in the locker room.
- Okay. Go to your car, I'll get it.
- I can get it myself.
- Yes, you can. But you won't. Am I a gentleman or not?
- Gentleman, I snapped at you. - Werewolf.
- I've been terribly insulted! - Valentine grabbed his heart, pretending to be wounded. - I demand satisfaction!
- What's that?! - I frowned. - I'm going to Mieczysław to get it. He will explain to you in detail what you shouldn't demand from a decent girl.
- From whom? Where have you seen such girls?
The shape-shifter had a demonstrative look around. I punched him in the cheek and jumped out of place. In two hours, I'll be limping like a sick turtle. You bet that kind of strain makes a regimental horse limp. But while sport has filled me with strength and energy... So, go!
* * *
The Three Sixes was as quiet and peaceful as on a moonlit night in the almshouse. My two problems didn't go away either. They let us through without any problems. Mecislav definitely gave everyone valuable instructions. Well, let him.
The "guest room" at the club pissed me off. And the lilies didn't smell childish. But my brother and Clara got along pretty well. Padi got up when we arrived and bowed down. Slava followed her example, but did not bow. He just leaned his head a little. A kind of White Guard bow. Lower your chin, raise your chin. The whole art of doing it so you don't get all the creases on your neck. My grandfather taught me and Slava to do it. He said so much to everyone - "gracious tilting of the head". I was still doing this bow when I met him. Slava... Yesterday it
seemed to me that he got rid of that habit. But when my brother was nervous, everything came out. Yes, run away from yourself, and the childish habits will come out sooner or later. I tilted my head politely.
- How are you doing?
- Fine," said Slava.
Mm-hmm... I put a lot of horseshit into it. I wonder why my brother is not trying to express his displeasure.
- You have everything, and you are happy with everything?
- Yes, - my brother still did not look away.
I sat down comfortably in the chair and nodded at the sofa across the street.
- Have a seat. We are about to have a serious conversation.
Brother and fall have obeyed. And I noticed a strange spark in Clara's eyes. Some kind of... mockery?
We'll see about that. I called for what I had. And there was very little. In a way, my...
power
was like a huge hammer. I could have crushed the same Clara like a caterpillar, but I couldn't get into her mind and pull out the information. There is a way, though. And I inherited it from Daniel.
Danielle, my love...
Danielle could always determine how a person treated him. It was a kind of art, akin to drawing. When Danielle painted my portrait, he saw me as I could become. When he painted a portrait of Nadia, he saw what was inside of her, in her soul. If I paint a portrait of Clara, even with a pencil, I know what to expect from her. If I can trust myself and let a pencil slide freely on paper.
That pencil wasn't said for the red word. I had been carrying a large drawing pad and a pack of sharpened pencils in my bag for months. At any moment, I could notice something interesting - and stop right in the middle of the street trying to draw what I saw. At home there were already eight such notebooks, and behind a closet there were at least twenty paintings made from pencil sketches.
I shook my head and looked at Valentine.
- Shall we begin?
Wolpe was attached to the armrest of my chair.
- I salute the first volp to you, sweetheart!
I winked at my friend.
- Gentleman, damn it!
- My dear, for you, any whim...
- You're pretty yourself...
- Does the Prince of the city know how you feel about each other? - My brother asked.
I shrugged my shoulders.
- Mecislav? I'm sure he even knows the size of your underwear. And I don't even have to talk about my life. Complete control, though in a way that I wouldn't notice. You could get a little rude, too.
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