Free Scarlet Night (Limited Edition) by Megan Parker Page B

I need you to nurture these and guide her in the right direction to ensure our survival. Her lack of involvement with the clan’s affairs has kept my son silent and hidden, but there is no doubt in my mind that Keith will see this transfer of power as an insult and a challenge. The promise of controlling Vail will surely motivate a response upon the news of my death and he will stop at nothing to find his sister before we do to see whatever plans he has come to fruition.
    Be warned: he is cunning and manipulative and will use her and any others he can coax however he sees fit to achieve his goals.
    The recent rise in activity from the neighboring therion tribe has me concerned that he’s planning something with them and using his authority as a Council member as a means of gaining momentum. His influences with the Mythos government have grown noticeably stronger, and trusted sources have informed me that he’s using these influences to his advantage. Needless to say, this is due cause for concern. While nothing would make me happier than to see Keith put down, killing him will motivate a tactical response from our superiors. If The Council sees Vail as an enemy, nothing will stop them from taking us apart and Keith’s standing in their ranks will only be strengthened by his claims; he will become a martyr to his own cause and we cannot allow this to happen.
    There has never been a time when it was more imperative that you keep your rage under control. Serena will need guidance and Vail will need stability, and, while none are better suited for the task, your steps in this matter will weigh far heavier on the outcome than any you’ve taken before.
    You’ve come so far and learned so much, and while I commend you on your progress, I see so much more that can be achieved. I apologize if this letter finds you before I can help you reach those achievements, but there is not a single doubt in my mind that the raging curse within you is nowhere near as powerful as your own resolve.
    You’ve never failed to make me proud , and I feel now is the best time to tell you that you’ve become something of a son in my eyes. It’s time you show your brothers and sisters what you’ve made so very clear to me.
    Deepest sincerities,
    Gregori Vailean
     
    He felt the beast roar from deep inside of him and he grimaced at the internal tremor, clenching his teeth until it had finally passed. As the riot in his head died down, he was reminded of the burning itch in his body as the curse tried to sneak past his defenses; he growled at his own body, rubbing at his forearms in an effort to dispel the sensation. Try as he might, though, he couldn’t calm himself, and another violent growl crept from his throat as he shook his head. Gregori must have known he was going to die when he wrote that. All formalities set aside—any sense of forethought or planning that Gregori was renowned for not being taken into consideration—Zane knew that the old vampire wouldn’t have dropped this shit on his lap if it hadn’t been the right time.
    He was expecting to die; expecting —and, as he could now see, planning —how the clan would run without him.
    The memory of Gregori’s body the night they found him , riddled with magic-laced bullets and decapitated, sent another violent tremor through his body and he howled in rage and pain.
    He’d known!
    Gregori had known his life was in danger!
    That steps had to be taken—actions ensured—for when that happened!
    And that meant it could have been prevented!
    And that meant Zane had failed him…
    Snarling at the realization, he glared down at the letter and every word that now shrieked accusations in his mind and frantically began tearing it to shreds. With every fury-fueled tear, his claws grew from his rapidly warping fingers that eventually were too gnarled to grip the pieces any longer. As the confetti ribbons of Gregori’s dying request rained down on Zane’s floor, his body surged forward and