Night's Honor by Thea Harrison Page B

daily—and nightly—traffic, even during the busiest times of the year. There was also a second parking lot underground, with a modest gravel drive that led up to a metal door with security cameras set on either side of the arched entrance.
    When Xavier pulled up to the door, it opened silently to reveal a lowered bar and a guard station located just inside. The guard raised the bar and waved him through, and moments later he pulled into a parking space.
    Leaving the computer in the SUV for Gavin to retrieve, he made his way through the lower levels to a stairwell that led up to a narrow gallery, concealed with a privacy screen. The gallery overlooked the Nightkind council chamber, where a shouting match was in progress.
    â€œI don’t give a good goddamn what your mother says!” Julian’s deep-throated shout filled the open area like the roar of an infuriated lion.
    â€œI’ll just text Mommy and let her know you said that, shall I?” Melisande shot back.
    The Nightkind King and the Light Fae heir to the throne stood several feet away from each other on the council floor, facing each other like gladiators in an arena.
    Scattered in a rough circle around the pair were the twelve members of the Nightkind council, each Vampyre the head of a major house. Xavier took careful note of their positions and expressions. Their geography and body language was telling. Most maintained a healthy distance from the confrontation while they watched with closed expressions, including Marged and Dominic, the two that Xavier considered the most compliant.
    Two of the Vampyres looked notably different from the others. Darius, a strongly built man with hawkish features, stared at Julian unblinkingly, the predatory hunger in his eyes naked and apparent. The other one, Justine, a beautiful redheaded woman, watched Julian as well, her face filled with avid amusement.
    Xavier turned his attention to the Light Fae princess. Melisande’s famous angular, golden-skinned features were suffused with rage. Standing six foot tall in sparkling silver stilettos, she wore a dark gray Donna Karan suit with a tuxedo jacket that flowed over her narrow body. Her long pointed ears were hidden by the thick, curling blonde hair that tumbled down her back. If looks could kill, her glare would have sliced Julian into several pieces.
    Julian threw out his hands. “What self-respecting hundred-and-sixty-year-old woman says ‘Mommy’?”
    â€œOh, fuck you, Julian,” Melisande snarled. “Just because you’re demon spawn and you have no clue what a sincere feeling is doesn’t mean you get to sneer at those of us who have real family ties.”
    â€œFor God’s sake, Melly, you’re a B-movie horror actress, not a diplomat,” Julian snapped. “Go home to Mommy, and tell Tatiana to send someone more qualified.”
    â€œAnd my mother is head of a major movie studio as well as being Light Fae Queen. Unlike you, most of us have the capacity to do more than one thing at a time.” Melisande crossed her arms. “Are you sure you want me to go home? Because if I do, I promise you can kiss all of this year’s trade proposals good-bye.”
    Xavier leaned one shoulder against the wall as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. Neither Julian nor Melisande could stand to be in the same room together without driving each other into a frenzy.
    Julian
, he said telepathically.
    On the council floor, Julian lifted his head to look toward the gallery where Xavier stood hidden. Julian’s eyes had turned red.
Where the fuck have you been?
    I got here as soon as I could
,
Xavier told him calmly.
You’re flaming out in front of the whole council. Has it occurred to you that this is exactly what Tatiana—or somebody—wanted to have happen?
    Julian lowered his head like a maddened bull, his jaw angled out.
If Tatiana sent Melly to drive me crazy, it’s working. I’m going to