by Cat Miller
“I choose to hand my seat down to my eldest child, as is the tradition. I have spoken to all of my children, and they are in agreement with this choice.”
“You spoke with the children but not your elders?” Adele asked, annoyed.
“That’s correct,” Griffin replied. He knew his parents would be more upset about being left out of the loop than anything else. They would be angry, but they’d get over it. “I meant no disrespect to either of you,” Griffin said to his parents. He was actually glad his mother spoke up when she did. This was an unpopular decision, and he didn’t want them to be held in contempt. Danielle would also need her grandparents to have her back when Griffin finally stepped away.
“You cannot do this! We will not rule with a mongrel!” Kane shouted and slammed his fist on the table.
“Then I suppose you will be abdicating your seat as well.” Griffin wasn’t swayed.
“Griffin, I think you need to reconsider. It’s been a very stressful time for all of us,” Seleste suggested.
“I’ve submitted my formal heir selection. I will begin training Danielle as soon as is possible. She also has Chase to help her along.” Rising to his feet, Griffin gathered his things. “There’s nothing else to say. Good day.” He strode from the chamber with a smile on his face. Angry shouts followed Griffin until they were cut off when the soundproof door slammed behind him.
Tessa was waiting for Griffin in the corridor looking anxious. She jumped up off the bench seat across the hall and hurried into his arms. Having Tessa back in his life was a dream come true. She’d given him a second chance he knew damn well he didn’t deserve. Griffin knew this day was coming and Danielle would need the love and support of both of her parents and her mate when she began training for her seat on the council. Griffin had used this impending event to induce Tessa to hear him out when he tracked Tessa down in Colorado. Tessa might not have listened to his plea for her to return home if it were only for his sake. Danielle was a different story. If Tessa hadn’t decided to forgive Griffin she still would have come home to stand by Danielle’s side while she made the transition into council life. It wasn’t going to be easy. Griffin knew half of the council would fight Griffin on this decision every step of the way and Danielle would be caught in the crossfire. She had to remain strong and never crumble under council pressure. Griffin, Tessa, and Chase would be there to be sure that never happened.
“It’s done.” Griffin kissed his mate and took her hand. Tessa nodded in acceptance of this news. No words needed to be spoken, as they had a strong bond that allowed Griffin to feel with his mate. Tessa was worried about how Danielle would handle this massive responsibility, but being the precognitive Tessa was, she knew there was no turning back. It was a new world. The Vampire Nation was changing, and the council had to change with it like it or not.
Griffin thought of the sister who had died at the hands of the rogue. She left them a prophecy before she was murdered that stated, “A child from the house of Vaughn and a child from the house of Deidrick would bond in love and bring an end to the fear of their children and the pain of their loss.”
Chase Deidrick and Danielle Vaughn-Deidrick would rule together on the council for their respective houses. They were the change needed to bring peace and equality to the Vampire Nation.
Everything was in order. J.R. was spending time at the Enclave with Gage. The boy wanted to learn self-defense and Griffin thought it was a fine idea. J.R. was safe with Gage and Koren. The rest of his children were safe with their respective protectors. Griffin was ready to enjoy some time with his mate. A honeymoon was long overdue. Griffin and Tessa walked hand in hand to the limousine waiting to take them to the airport.
“I love you, Tessa Vaughn,” Griffin said once he was settled into the back seat of the car with his mate in his lap.
“I love you, too,” she responded with a soft smile.
“I’m glad that’s over with.” Now that he’d announced his intentions to the council he could relax.
“Oh Griffin,” Tessa said, and tears filled her icy blue eyes. “It’s not over. This is only the beginning.”
THE END