Free Blood Legacy: The House of Alexander by Kerri Hawkins Page A

between Ryan and the Council Head was not entirely cordial, and there was a predatory aspect to it on both their parts. The proximity of the two created a sudden influx of sensations that swirled through the room, dark, complex, and unfathomable.
    Ryan gazed up at the man who had so brutally seduced her centuries before. Even now, she could feel his influence settle over her, his persuasion circling, seeking prey. He had been overwhelming four centuries before; the years had done nothing to diminish that advantage.
    Aeron stared down at the creature in front of him, captivated. He knew that the “boy” he had met centuries before would grow more powerful. But he had no idea the child would grow into the being in front of him.
    “I’ve missed you, my dear. I had no idea that you and I would have so much in common.”
    Ryan knew instantly to what he was referring. “Ah, but you were wrong. Despite my best effort to consume him, Victor lived.”
    Aeron smiled as if the thought gave him great pleasure. “If I had known you wanted to kill him, I would have joined you for the meal.”
    There was dark humor in Ryan’s reply. “Attempts on my father’s life are my privilege.” She paused, and there was warning in her voice. “And mine alone.”
    Aeron did not miss a beat. “Ah yes, your ‘father’.” His emphasis on the word left little doubt to his meaning. Aeron had not been present at the trial, but the facts of Ryan’s birth were now well-known. “Another little impossibility that we shall have to examine in greater detail. Another time.”
    He took his seat, as did the other four members of the Grand Council. Each of the four was intrigued by the exchange between Aeron and Ryan. None was aware of any previous contact between them, and it was now evident that something substantial had occurred. Abigail and Marilyn, who knew Ryan as well as anyone could, were surprised and fascinated by the dark eroticism between the two.
    Aeron raised his hand, indicating the twelve witnesses could be seated.
    Or they could try. All but Edward made the attempt. He knew better.
    Ryan stared insolently at Aeron as the twelve stood at involuntary attention. She very slowly settled into her seat, smoothing non-existent wrinkles from her clothing. Without breaking eye-contact, she crossed one long leg over the other, then casually raised her hand. The subtle influence she was exerting over the witnesses was withdrawn, and several stumbled as they were released. There were confused murmurings as the twelve took their seats.
    Aeron was unsurprised, more amused than insulted by the display of power. The more the girl revealed her strength, the more it excited him.
    Ala gazed down at the creature in front of her. She had been curious about this legend, this extraordinary crown prince of their Kind. Thus far, she was not at all disappointed. In fact, she was strangely pleased at the girl’s insolence, although none of these thoughts were revealed in her impassive expression.
    Kusunoki’s expression was also inscrutable, his emotions and thoughts as closed to the room as his body language. His pupil had changed much over the centuries, and he had yet to determine if that change had been good or simply exceedingly dangerous.
    Ryan turned her gaze to Abigail, who gazed at her intently.
    Be careful Little One.
    Ryan inwardly smiled. She was aware of the undercurrents passing through the room. She was rarely in the presence of so many Old Ones, especially at this proximity, and she was enjoying the subtle push and pull of power. But Abigail was correct, this was a very dangerous situation.
    Aeron quickly underscored that fact. “So,” he said, pausing for effect, “How is your father?”
    Ryan did not react, but it was rather the force of her non-reaction that attracted the attention of all members of the Council. It was as if a huge shutter had slammed downward, closing all access to her mind. Where there had been a current and constant