Free Burning Both Ends by Ally Shields

mean, they weren’t ready for the rest of the world to know it existed.
    Oliver looked doubtful over the vague explanation, but all he said was, “It all went down so quickly that I don’t think Sebastian knew what was happening.”
    “At least not in time,” Andreas agreed. “Now I think we should join the others. I do not anticipate more fighting tonight, but stay alert. We are badly outnumbered.”
    When Ari and her companions arrived in the court hall, no one appeared to be in a mood to fight. In fact, Sebastian’s former court members, looking fed and contented, were celebrating with music, jugglers, and wine.
    Gabriel approached them with a wide smile on his beautiful face.
    “Gabriel and I have been friends a very long time,” Andreas explained, before turning to greet his friend. He introduced everyone.
    “Welcome to you all.” Gabriel’s eyes danced at their reaction to the scene before them. “The entertainment was already scheduled, and we saw no reason to send the performers away. Um, except for the donor girls,” he added, giving Andreas a sideways look. “As you can see, Sebastian was obsessed by feudal court functions.” Gabriel waved his hand. “Come, allow me to introduce you to the others.”
    “You have not changed much,” Andreas murmured with amusement. “Always ready for a party.”
    “Ladies and gentlemen,” Gabriel announced, raising his voice to gain everyone’s attention. Even the musicians and jugglers paused and waited. “May I present Andreas and his lovely lady, Arianna. This fellow here is Oliver, and Andreas, you will have to introduce the rest of your company as I don’t remember all the names.”
    Andreas did so. When he finished, everyone remained quiet, clearly expecting something more. He did not disappoint them.
    “Tonight’s events have been as surprising to us as to you. Sebastian’s defeat was not something I sought or foresaw.” He paused and looked around the room. “Over the next few days many decisions will be made that affect you. I am sure you have opinions about those decisions, and I am interested in hearing them.”
    Murmuring started among the crowd. Ari could see the surprise and confusion on their faces. Having been under Sebastian’s dictatorial thumb, Andreas’s style of politics would be foreign to them. It remained to be seen whether they would embrace the new freedoms or see them as a sign of weakness.
    “Perhaps I should clarify,” he said as the murmuring turned to chatter, “I do not want to hear all your ideas tonight.” A laugh erupted, followed by several others. “For now, just enjoy your evening.” He smiled and turned to Gabriel. “I think it is time we met some of your friends personally.”
    Ari couldn’t remember most of the names she heard throughout the next hour. She wasn’t good with names, but Andreas more than made up for her deficiency. He appeared to assimilate and use the name of each vampire or werewolf, as if he had a teleprompter. Maybe a photographic memory was a secret vampire trait. Or Andreas had inherited the talent of group socializing from his well-bred family, along with the Italian estates and vineyards. In his genes, so to speak.
    Ari watched his aristocratic figure move around the room and imagined how his life had been as a wealthy landowner, caring for the land and the people. He must have been good at it. His estates were still intact, and he’d earned such loyalty that his weretiger families had followed him to America. Their descendants were still in his employ. He had a gift for managing businesses and the people who made them work. Club Dintero, his supper club, was clear evidence.
    Ari almost choked on the wine she was sipping when the truth suddenly hit home. Andreas really was the prince here. He wouldn’t be returning to Riverdale. By killing Sebastian, they’d created a power void in Toronto, making this court his responsibility. Andreas would never shirk his duty. Her chest