Archangel’s Ascension: Chapter 44

Illium finally got a signal on his device two hours out from his new territory. The call went through without a hitch, Raphael’s face appearing on the screen. “Illium?” A frown. “What is it? A problem?”

The instant protective edge to Raphael’s tone made his heart ache. “Aodhan told me about Vivek’s request,” he got out through the roar of his emotions.

“Ah.” A faint smile. “I wouldn’t lose him, but fact is that most vampires of his strength and expertise would’ve already long flown the nest to experience other territories, other ways of life, if only for temporary periods.

“He’s only stayed this long because, first, it took considerable time for him to heal completely from his spinal injuries, second, he couldn’t find any other court that he both liked and that would encourage him to do the complexity of work he does at the Tower, and third, his intense loyalty to Elena.”

“Elena’s Guard should have someone like that on it,” Illium argued.

“But not at the extent of clipping his wings.” Raphael gave a gentle shake of the head. “Elena has always told Vivek that when he needs to fly, he’s to go. You know her, Illium. She’d never tie Vivek in place when his Making was about freedom.”

Illium nodded. “No, she wouldn’t do that.”

Raphael held his gaze. “Quite aside from his wanderlust, Vivek’s brain is astonishing and needs to be fed. You’re the first opportunity he’s had to leave and still end up where he wants to be.” A smile. “It helps that he knows you’ll let him do whatever he wants and will, in fact, enable him to rise to even greater heights.”

“You and Ellie, you’re both sure?”

“Yes. Even Dmitri left once. A time before your birth. While he returned, I don’t think Vivek ever will, and Elena and I couldn’t be happier for you, Illium, that you’ll have a spymaster of his caliber.”

“Then will you do me the favor of telling him to pack his bags and get to my territory asap?”

“He’ll be on a plane today. You know he won’t be coming alone?”

“Lady Katrina is welcome in my territory.” Illium grinned. “Even Jason says she has a way of knowing things no one else knows.” Vivek’s lover was a vampire old and with all kinds of murky connections.

, Aodhan said after the call ended, Illium had seen the way the other man looked at the mysterious owner of the Boudoir.

, Aodhan agreed.

A crisp wind, its fingers riffling their hair. And in the distance, the first smudge on the horizon that was land.

Illium took a deep breath, looked at Aodhan. “Ready?”

“With you? Always.”

Grinning, Illium raced forward, Aodhan by his side.