Jolie whispered in his ear, promising him so much passion. When she was done, his eyes had bled deep blue, and his fangs were peeking out.
“I still get your cookies?” he teased.
“You both do. Now have at them.”
Neither man waited.
Instead, they binged on the sweetest thing ever.
Their mate.
* * * H a r c o u r t e * * *
Two Hours Later
The men sat in the library looking very smug. Jolie knew she should be insulted, but did it really matter? They’d narrowly escaped on this one. Never again did she want to hurt either of her mates like she’d done to Flynn.
It was a horrible experience, and she barely got him back. This was a lesson for her. Letting anger into your life only got you hurt in the end.
After rolling around naked, laughing, and being a couple, they’d decided to relax in front of a fire. It was calming, and if they were going to discuss strategy, this was her favorite place to do it.
Jacques was on one side of the couch, lazily sipping from a glass of wine. Flynn was perched in the opposite corner, his eyes closed. He’d had an emotional rollercoaster of an evening, and in bed, Jolie had been all over him, trying to heal his heart.
She was between them on the floor with Mathew. When he sought her out, he had a French book in his hands, and she had promised to help him whenever he wanted some of her time. While Zola was their top priority, what would an hour hurt?
Jolie was just about to end the lesson when there was a knock on the door.
“Enter,” said Jacques, staring lazily into the flames in the fireplace as he twirled a blood red wine in a glass.
When Balzac peeked into the room, there was an audible sigh. Neither of her mates wanted to deal with him. They all knew he only came to them to cause trouble, or make their lives a total hell.
Great.
As he entered, his gaze was focused not on Jacques or Flynn, but Mathew.
Jolie already knew where this was going. If anything, Balzac, while loyal, was a one trick pony.
“What is it, Balzac?”
“Mistress, I need to speak with you privately, if you don’t mind,” he requested, crossing his arms in a hostile manner. “It’s a matter not suited for some people.”
All three men knew that was in reference to them. While Jacques and Flynn were accustomed to the venom, Mathew wasn’t.
Jolie glared at him.
This was the last thing she was in the mood for at the moment. “So speak,” she said, moving to sit on the couch between her mates. Mathew remained at her feet, his body filled with tension.
“Again, we should do this in private. The party concerned is in the room,” he said, glaring down at Mathew.
Yeah, she knew what this was going to be about. Word had gotten back to Balzac about Mathew’s first shot at being her guardian.
“We’re among my inner circle. I have nothing to hide and neither does the individual that you have your issue with, so speak freely.”
“Yes, Mistress. I’ve had a family meeting with some of the MANY worried family members, and there is a concern regarding your safety while being guarded by Mathew. We don’t feel that he’s guardian material and have voted to replace him. You’ll be happy to know we found a more suitable choice.”
At his words, Mathew glanced up at Jolie, his eyes full of fear and panic.
Flynn shook his head. Today was a bad day to even try to usurp control in the family. “You’re a dead man, Balzac. She’s going to serve you up in about three seconds.”
Jacques agreed. Tonight was possibly the worst time do this. Jolie was still recovering from her fight with Flynn, and they were shaken to their core.
The energy in the room changed.
Balzac looked worried.
“Excuse me?” she hissed, the anger building. She must have heard him wrong. Certainly, he had enough sense to not come to her and say those words.
He stammered.
“Did you just tell your primus that you had a family meeting and have decided to replace my guardian without my consent?”
“Yes.”
The room shook.
Flynn stroked his fingers down her arm to help calm Jolie. “Is he really that stupid?” he asked Jacques.
“Before this moment, I thought he was an ass, but I didn’t question his survival instinct.”
The chandelier above them shook.
Balzac took a step back.
“I see.” Jolie’s temper spiked as her gaze flickered down to a very scared Mathew.
“Please, Mistress,” he pleaded. “I’m still learning. Don’t send me away. I promise I’ll do better and make you proud.” He looked terrified that he was about to lose the happiness he’d recently found.
Jolie went to comfort him but Balzac started again.
“See? This is the problem. He cowers in fear like a child. He’s not sturdy or fearless, and where I thought Jacques was a horrible choice in mates, at least he was a competent guardian. He would stand his ground even when the odds were against him.” He pointed at Flynn. “Even a human was a better choice, and that’s saying a lot.”
“Gee thanks, Balzac,” muttered Flynn. “I’m going to get my gun.”
Jacques knew his mate wouldn’t need it.
This was Jolie’s breaking point.
Balzac would be lucky to leave alive.
Jolie had enough. “If I remember correctly, you told me the same thing about Jacques at the beginning. Here, he managed to protect me for six centuries without a single issue,” she said, watching Balzac like a cat about to kill its prey.
“He’s like a wounded bird, not a warrior. We can’t afford to lose our primus, and this last attempt was too close. We voted, and he’s removed.”
Mathew flinched as if slapped.
Jolie stared at him, struggling to keep her temper in check. Her anger nearly cost her Flynn, and there had to be a better way to approach this.
It wasn’t going to be easy.
“Mathew, please wait for me in your quarters,” stated Jolie. He didn't need to be privy to what was about to go down. She wouldn’t hurt him tonight too.
“Yes, Mistress, as you wish,” he replied, leaving the room with his head down. As he reached the door, he stole a quick glance over his shoulder at the family that was being taken away from him. One minute they were helping him speak French, and the next he was being sent away.
Life wasn’t fair.
Jolie waited until he was gone.
Standing, she began angrily pacing the room. The energy snapped around her like whips, licking at their flesh.
“Oh I can’t wait to see her fry your ass, Balzac,” said Flynn, staring down the vampyre standing in front of them. His cockiness was going to be the end of him. “This is going to be so worth it.”
Jacques crossed his arms over his chest and waited for the show to begin. Jolie was about to lay down primus law, and it was going to be VERY entertaining.
Jolie came to a stop in front of the vampyre. “You went behind my back and called a meeting, and then decided who I can have as my guardian? I just want to make sure I have the exact wording, not because I don’t understand what you are saying, but because you’ve obviously lost your mind.”
“You were, for all intents and purposes, with death. We didn’t expect you to return, so I stepped in as interim primus and took over the family. I do believe as your next in command, that’s my right,” he said, staring directly into her eyes.
“Didn’t we discuss this earlier? Do you remember the conversation we had, Balzac, where I instructed that in the event of my demise, Jacques and Flynn were in charge of the family?”
“You were under duress, and I assumed you weren’t in your right mind,” Balzac added. “No one hands over a family this powerful to a human and washed up guardian.”
Jacques went to get up, but Flynn stopped him. “Let her do this. We’ll gloat when she’s wearing his balls.”
That had Balzac’s attention.
Jolie was astounded by his nerve. “I see. Well, then why not?” she asked. “You’re right, Balzac. You should be primus.”
The men stared at her like she’d lost it.
“You can take over the job. You just got a promotion. It’s all yours.”
Both men on the couch stared openmouthed, not expecting what they had just heard.
“I’m now primus? You’re stepping down?” repeated Balzac, barely suppressing a grin.
Jolie wanted to kill him right there and then, but she reined in her temper. She’d learned her lesson. This was going to take a cool head.
Facing her mates, she spoke, “I believe, Jacques and Flynn, that you’ll agree with me when I say that it is indeed time that Balzac ruled over his own society.”
“Well, uh, sure,” said Flynn, not sure where she was going with this, but he had to believe that she was still in control. “You’re primus, and I completely support your decision.”
She appreciated that.
“Yes, it’s your place to hand out the power, Jolie. If this is what you want, we won’t question it,” Jacques stated.
Now this was why they’d rule in her place. These men got it. She was the damn boss.
“Then I’ll take over the family and rule here at the house?” asked Balzac, looking like he finally won a major battle.
Jolie started laughing.
“You’re an idiot and a pompous ass, Balzac. You do indeed deserve the right to lead, and I’ll give it to you, but you won’t do it with my family. I’ve killed and died for this family, so you won’t be primus here. Not now. Not ever. I’ll have Flynn move it to an island and let a bunch of poo slinging monkeys run this nut house before you!”
“I don’t understand.”
“Call the family together. I’ll explain to you all at once,” she stated, reaching for her mates. She waited until they took her outstretched offering.
Balzac stared. “Wait!”
“No. We’ll finish this there. Come, my loves. We have a meeting to attend, and I do believe you’ll enjoy this as much as I will.”
Flynn grinned. He knew she didn't lose her mind. This was her plan.
“Hurry up, Balzac. It’s coronation day for you, and Independence Day for us. We’re about to be free from your backstabbing tyranny. It’s about time.”
“Mistress!”
They ignored him.
Balzac looked ill, but followed anyway. The deep panic began setting in that this time he’d gone too far.
Inside the family room, everyone in the house had gathered at her call. They nervously looked around, but when they saw her smiling and calm, it seemed to relax some of them.
Well, those who were not planning to over throw her choices. Those individuals looked scared shitless.
Balzac must have warned them.
“Welcome, family, to this impromptu meeting. I’m sorry if I’ve interrupted anyone’s evening, but this won’t take long,” she promised, scanning the crowd of vampyres and humans she protected.
Jolie smiled at those she called her inner circle. They didn't look fearful at all, and that made her happy. That meant her loved ones didn't betray her.
That was a relief.
“There are a few things that we must discuss this evening, so let’s get it done. I’m sure, you, like me, have things to do.”
No one interrupted her.
They knew better.
“First, I want to address my mate, Flynn. He’s given me an amazing gift, and I want to share the news with you. Not only are we mated, but he’s asked me to be his wife.”
Jolie held out her hand for everyone to see.
All the humans got it, while the vampyres looked confused. They didn't get the premise of marriage.
“Will there be a ceremony?” Chloe asked, hoping she could plan it.
Flynn kissed her finger where the ring sat. “It’s just an engagement for now.”
There were congratulations all around--except from Balzac. He looked too scared. Maybe this ‘no anger’ thing worked better. The man was staying quiet, terrified at what was coming.
Victory for her.
“Next, you may have heard, but I am with child.”
The family began chattering excitedly. They now knew who would one day inherit the family. When Jolie was tired of leading, she’d have a bloodline. She was no longer the final Harcourte.
Balzac stared. “What?”
“You heard me,” she stated. “Only, that’s not all. I’m not carrying one child, but two. I’m having twins.”
The excitement level rose. Their kind rarely had something like this happen. It was hard enough to get pregnant with one baby, but two?
They began congratulating Flynn.
He shook his head. “Only one’s mine.”
Balzac paled. “WHAT?”
Jolie’s laughter filled the room. “You heard him right, Balzac. It seems, and death has confirmed, that I’m carrying a child from each one of my mates.”
A gasp went through the room and was followed by incredulous stares. They went from Jolie to Jacques, and then back to Jolie again, as if she was playing a joke on them.
“No, it’s true. Jacques is the first male of our kind to sire a child. We’re doubly blessed because our mistress allowed it.
The family began congratulating him, and Jolie couldn’t help but enjoy the way he was beaming.
“Sadly, that’s not all we need to discuss. We have an issue, and it needs to be rectified.”
They all looked around.
Some got it.
Some didn't.
Those who did were guilty of betrayal.
“Balzac and a few others feel that Mathew isn’t performing his job well, so they decided that he should be removed without first consulting with me. Anyone who feels that way, I need you to raise your hand. Since I wasn’t there, I need to see who voted with Balzac.”
Sheepishly, some did just that.
“Please go and stand by him.” Jolie waited for them to reach his side. “As I have just told Balzac, I’m making him a primus.”
There were more gasps and looks of pure shock, covering almost every face.
“He feels he can do the job better than I have the last six hundred years, so I’m allowing him to step into that role. For centuries, he’s continually questioned me, debated my every choice, from location of home, to mates, and it’s been exhausting. Finally, I’m giving in.”
The room was silent. There was a mix of fear and confusion.
Jolie touched her belly lovingly. “I obviously made a good choice on mates, as we are blessed with a miracle, but none-the-less, he feels I’m INCOMPETENT. So, I’m giving him exactly what he wants AND deserves.”
The only clue to her anger was the thickening of her accent. Yeah, Jolie wasn’t happy.
Another collective gasp echoed throughout the room.
“I don’t understand,” he said, staring at her. “Am I becoming primus of the family or not?”
“Oh, you are, Balzac. See the family surrounding you?”
“Yes,” he answered nervously.
“Think of them as a gift. They are now yours. You now have your inner circle.”
“What?”
Jolie approached him. “You’re being given what you wanted. I’ll give you startup money, and you’re free to go and become primus, or king, for all I care. I no longer want to see or hear you. I’ve tolerated much, but this,” she began, pausing to glare at him, “this has gone too far even for my magnanimous mood,” she added.
He actually looked ill.
“I could have overlooked your sins toward Mathew had you come to us privately, but to step in and have a meeting, while I was with Death--that’s treason. I have no patience for it. Take your followers and be gone.”
He stared openmouthed. “You’re kidding, right?”
Jolie turned toward Percy. He was standing calmly with the members of the f
amily who had enough brains to not pull this stunt. “Percy?”
“Yes, Mistress?” he replied, stepping forward.
“I happen to have an opening in the family hierarchy. You handled the family well while we were in Philly. Are you interested in leading in our absence and taking Balzac’s place?”
“Yes, Mistress.”
“First, a question. Think of this as a pop quiz. I don’t mean to pressure you, but this is for the family’s benefit, and your own.”
He waited.
“If I were to die, who would lead this family?”
He didn’t hesitate. “Master Jacques and Master Flynn.”
“Even if you think you’re next in line?”
Percy shook his head. “You’re having children. No one here is next in line. You have a bloodline. The masters would serve until one of your children took over.”
“You’re hired. See? That was pretty simple.”
Percy dropped to his knees and bowed his head. It was a sign of old vampyre respect. “Mistress, It would be my pleasure if you and your mates would have me.”
Neither man objected.
It was decided.
“The job is yours.”
He stood, approaching her, and then taking Jolie’s wrist. The kiss he left there said it all. “Thank you, Mistress, for all you do.”
Balzac began objecting. “Mistress you can’t mean this!” he pleaded, over the sobs of the few female vampyres who had voted with him. “We were doing it out of love and concern for you.”
“I do mean this Balzac. This…” She waved her arm, “is our home. We pay for it. We support all of you and make sure you’re taken care of in every way. Flynn, Jacques, and I supply clothing, cars, safety, and protection. We’ve bled for each and every one of you and sacrificed everything to lead this family. It’s not easy, but we still do it and ask NOTHING of you in return but your loyalty.”
Balzac stuttered.
“What do we get in return? Betrayed! Remember the last member of this family who betrayed me? You’re fortunate I’m handling this and not my mates because right when you brought this to me, they wanted you dead. So, yet again, you’re protected by me. Consider it my other final parting gift. I’ll allow you to live for your betrayal.”
Dangerous Retaliation (The Harcourte Vampyre Society Book 4) Page 43