Chapter Twenty-eight

They lay together, silent for several long moments. Jon not even knowing where to start. He hadn’t even told her about the Council yet. Slowly stroking her hair he began to explain the governing body of all vampires. How each member was elected for an indefinite term. Their term lasted until death or they chose to resign. They upheld the laws that had been passed down for thousands of years, and made new ones as they deemed fit, that all vampires must follow or be called before them for judgement. He told her about the time he had stood before the Council for staking Toby, and how he’d been found innocent of any wrong doing.

Then he told her about Caleb’s admission to the Council and their summons.

"What will happen when we get there?" she asked. He heard the fear in her voice.

"First, we have to get through tomorrow," he told her. "The Council’s emissary will surely show up first thing in the morning. You must pretend surprise at his appearance, Mac. Kristoff’s warning must not be discovered. He would face punishment too."

"I understand," she nodded against his chest.

"The emissary will not let me out of his sight once he tells me of the demand from the Council. He will accompany us to Kristoff’s home where the Council members have all convened. They will separate us then, Mac. You and Richie are being called as witnesses against me, and they won’t want me to influence your testimonies."

Suddenly, she realized where the desperation in his love making had come from. "Jon, how will I feed?"

"They will take blood from me, sort of like for a transfusion. They will bag it and bring it to you."

"So, I will be a prisoner?" she asked.

"No, most likely you and Rich will have freedom of the grounds and Kristoff’s home, except for the room where they will be keeping me."

"I won’t be allowed to see you once we get there?"

"Only at the trials. Caleb’s and then mine. Caleb will stand trial first, since they need my testimony to judge him."

"I’m scared, Jon," she admitted.

"Don’t be, bambina," he tried to reassure her. "This will all be over soon."

She raised her head from his chest and kissed him softly, as he slipped into her head. I love you, Mac, always. No matter what happens, remember that.

I’ll hold that thought close in the nights ahead, she told him.

Mac wasn’t sure how she would get through the next few days, but she would try to be strong for him. He would not see her fear or her tears. She would proudly stand before the Council and face down every one of them. She would even throw out a rhyme or two if necessary. She fell asleep nestled tightly in his arms, knowing this might be the last time for a long time.


The Council’s emissary arrived the next morning, just as Jon had predicted. The trio pretended surprise at the summons, but Jon wasn’t sure the dark brooding vampire bought it. Jon wasn’t surprised that the Council had sent Vincent after him. They had never liked each other. Jon knew without a doubt there would be no leniency coming from the other vamp. Vincent would stick to the rules with a vengeance because of his dislike for Jon.

They grabbed their bags, and Vincent escorted them to the airport. Vincent did concede that they could travel in Jon’s jet rather than travel commercial, but Jon knew that wasn’t out of kindness.

On the long flight to Russia, Jon caught Vincent’s eyes on Mac several times. Finally, in anger he told the other vamp, "She’s my life mate, Vinny, back off!"

"I’m very aware of who she is, Giovanni, but that doesn’t stop me from admiring a beautiful woman," the other vamp replied with bitterness in his tone.

"How ‘bout if I ask you to quit looking at me like your next meal?" Mac asked, uncomfortable under the vamp’s scrutiny.

"I’m only looking, I didn’t mean to offend you," Vincent told her.

"Well you did," she replied, "now stop it or I’m gonna bust a rhyme on your ass."

Vincent looked at Jon then, the question apparent on his face.

"She’s a witch," Jon answered the unspoken question.

"I see," was the vampire’s answer. He went silent after that and didn’t let his gaze rest on Mac again for quite some time.


They had a brief layover in Frankfurt, Germany to refuel the jet, but then were soon back in the air. Mac fell asleep soon after that, and Jon scooped her up in his arms and moved her over to the sofa where she would be more comfortable. He sat at one end with Mac using his lap as a pillow. Silently, he sat there stroking her hair and watching the other vampire. Every once in a while, he would look over at Richie. He had never seen his friend this quiet. Usually, Richie was the jokester that kept everyone laughing on a flight, but he guessed the guitarist’s spirits had sank as low as his own.

The jet landed in Moscow, and soon the four of them were in a car on their way to Kristoff’s home. Jon had explained to Richie and Mac that his old friend lived about 2 hours outside of the city in a several hundred year old castle. Mac had linked with his mind then to ask if they would keep him locked in the dungeon. He had assured her that his room would be as nice as hers, except for the two vampires that would stand guard outside the door.

Moglie mia, he told her as he turned his head to gaze out the window, try not to let Vincent see that we are talking like this.

Moving her gaze from Jon to her hands clasped together in her lap, she asked him, Why?

I would prefer that he not make us stop, Jon explained, and he will try if he knows.

I understand, she told him.

He didn’t know how to tell her what he knew she needed to know before they reached Kristoff’s home. Mac, the Council is made up of very powerful vampires. The first thing they would’ve done upon arriving at Kris’ home is to put up a magical shield. Once we walk inside the castle, we will be unable to talk like this.

What? her voice exploded in his head.

Mac, calm down, he cautioned, as he noticed she was squirming in the seat. She appeared ready to jump out of the vehicle.

Jon, I don’t know if I can stand that, she said. He could feel her fear and sadness. First, you tell me that we will be separated and that I’ll have to feed from a bag. Now, you tell me that I won’t even be able to reach out to you if I need you.

Moglie mia, it will be okay, he tried to reassure her, even though he wasn’t sure if it would be. Richie will be there for you and so will Kristoff, and I’m sure you’ll just love Maria and vice versa. There will be plenty of people around that will take care of you while I can’t.

Mac felt a stabbing pain somewhere in the vicinity of her heart at his words. She realized that she hadn’t been away from him for very long since she met him, except for when Caleb had her and even then they’d had the link. She had never wanted to be one of those needy, clingy women who couldn’t bear to be away from their man, and she wasn’t happy about feeling that way now.

Jon was well aware of her emotions and thoughts as they flashed through his mind as well.

I’ll be fine, she assured him, raising her chin slightly.

He smiled at the stubborn tilt to her little chin, but that didn’t stop him from worrying about her.

The car pulled into the circular drive in front of Kristoff’s home.

This is it, moglie mia, he said softly in her head. Be strong.

I’ll be fine, she repeated.

Once they had climbed from the car, he took her hand in his as together they walked toward the entrance. Jon stopped at the door and fully aware that Vincent, Richie, and their driver were watching, pulled Mac into his arms. Kissing her deeply, he told her, I love you, Mac. Remember that.

She looked up at the dark-haired man with piercing blue eyes that had just opened the door. I won’t forget, I promise, she told Jon as he pulled away from her.

With their heads held high they entered the door hand in hand, together.