Free DeLeina, Maya - Veil of Seduction [Ambrose Heights Vampires 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Maya DeLeina Page A

Wales, but Rhys is from Greece, Griffin is from Russia and everyone else is from here…America.”
    “Tradition, I guess…from Idris,” Eilian said as he shrugged.
    Steffan nodded in acknowledgment and rubbed his hand around his bracelet. How he missed Idris, his maker and his friend.
    Despite their banter, Steffan remained plagued with anxiety. As the leader of the family, Steffan always masked any apprehension or doubt in front of the family members, but Eilian was different.
    Eilian was his confidant.
    They had been turned in unison by Idris and had remained side by side ever since. When Idris passed, they sought to form their own family, seeking a society that would uphold civility and pursue scientific discoveries that would advance their kind. Their connection allowed Eilian to pacify Steffan’s racing thoughts and Steffan to ignite Eilian’s intellectual capabilities.
    “All right, so he remembered his name. His eyes turned black. So maybe his blackness is egotistically based,” Eilian announced
    With his hands cupped behind his back, Steffan walked slowly down the row of bookshelves lining one side of the room “I think he has a slight ability to shield.” Steffan stopped pacing the room and rubbed his chin. “This is a very dangerous ability for someone with blackness.”
    “Is that what worries you?”
    “Somewhat.”
    “Shall we rethink his purpose then?” Eilian voiced more of a solution rather than a question. “Have him train with Rhys so we can monitor the level of his ability?”
    Steffan leaned back on the bookshelf. “No. We’ll stick to the original plan of why he was supposed to be here in the first place. He’ll just be like one of us now all because of that damn accident.”
    “I still can’t believe that happened on his way up here. I mean, we were just talking about him earlier that day and making all of the necessary arrangements for his arrival and then…bam. He drives his car right off the side of the mountain.”
    “This is what fate has dealt us.” Steffan sighed.
    “Hmm…” Eilian sounded as he drifted in thought.
    “What?”
    “I was just thinking…can you imagine what you must’ve looked like that night, dressed all in black and with that hooded coat of yours, nonetheless? You probably scared the bejesus out of him,” Eilian explained.
    Steffan smiled. “Yes, I believe I gave him quite a stir, especially when we took flight.”
    Eilian chuckled. “I can’t believe I missed going out and getting in some air time with you and the guys. Catrin and I were…umm…busy.”
    “Yes, we know. You would’ve loved to have seen Rhys teaching Brynne—it was quite amusing. But look, winter hasn’t even officially begun…there will be many more storms for you to join us in. I’m sure of it,” Steffan remarked playfully.
    Then his demeanor turned serious.
    “About Ryan, he recalls pieces of his human life that centered on him—his car, the house, his name, and most importantly, his career. His lust for material possession will actually serve our family well. He’ll be loyal and devoted as long as he’s rewarded with the possession he desires.”
    Steffan moved to take a seat on the stool next to Eilian at the lab table.
    “But with this retention, he’ll be eager to get back out there again. Eilian, he was high profile in his community and we’re too close to the action. I don’t feel like moving the family just for him. We’re not even ready with another suitable location. We’ll have to craft a story for his absence, make sure to plug any possible holes. We cannot put the family in danger of being discovered.”
    “I know. I’ve thought about this, too. I’m figuring anxiety—a nervous breakdown with a little rehab stint. We can give the Tucson family a major discount on their next supply order in exchange for a patient entry record for Ryan.”
    Eilian entered comments in the Tucson family’s record on the laptop.
    “And I’ll make the necessary