Night's Honor by Thea Harrison

then she wasn’t sure about anybody’s real age on the estate. His dark, restless gaze swept over her, taking in her appearance. “Are you settling in all right?”
    â€œYes, thanks. Jordan brought me a supper tray with the most amazing carrot cake for dessert.”
    He nodded. “Jordan’s a great cook. And don’t worry about the dessert. You’ll be working off the calories soon enough.”
    It was her turn to glance down his lean, muscled body. He looked like an athlete in the peak of condition. While a regular blood offering to Xavier would give him a lot of enhancement, she bet those bicep guns and washboard abs came from good old-fashioned, hard training.
    â€œLooking forward to it,” she said. “Hey, it is okay if I walk around outside?”
    â€œSure it is, chica. Use the gym, swim in the pool, walk the beach. You’re home now. Just don’t help yourself to Xavier’s wine cellar without permission.” His gaze went back to his closed laptop.
    Taking the hint, she backed away. “Okay, thanks.”
    She went upstairs, grabbed her jacket and slipped out the front door. The lawn was wet and the breeze felt damp on her face, even though the night sky had turned clear with just a thin film of cloud on the horizon. A moment later, an underground sprinkler system kicked on, and she smiled. Lawns that were this beautiful took some upkeep.
    Exploring the gym could wait until daylight. Keeping to the paths, she made her way to the edge of the oceanside bluff. A wide, simple set of stairs had been carved into the rock. With a sense of incredulity and pleasure, she descended to the beach.
    The ocean was a vast dark blue, lightly touched with ripples of silver, while the beach was a deep, shadowy ocher. She felt the urge to pinch herself. The scene was too idyllic. There had to be a catch.
    Well, of course there was a
catch
.
    It was an idyllic scene, with Vampyres. Or at least one courteous, yet quite autocratic Vampyre.
    Tucking in her chin and wrapping her jacket close, she strolled down the beach and let the stress of the day melt away.
    A shout came from some distance, and she turned to look behind her. A man stood at the top of the bluff. As she watched, he leaped down the stairs and raced toward her.
    It was Raoul. When he came near, she said defensively, “Did I do something wrong? Diego said I could walk the beach.”
    â€œUsually, you can, but not tonight.” Raoul’s voice was grim. “Get back to the house now. Run.”
    Her heart kicked. Man, her adrenal system had been overworked for days now. Jogging along the sand while he kept pace beside her, she panted, “What’s wrong?”
    â€œWe’re getting company.”
    He didn’t say anything else until they reached the attendants’ house. When she turned to ask him questions, he opened the door, put a hand to her back and propelled her inside.
    She went without resisting. After experiencing his calm, unflappable behavior earlier, his attitude now seriously scared her.
    The other attendants had gathered in the large living room, some sitting and others standing. It was the first time she had seen all eleven together. Everyone watched Raoul, expressions tense.
    Without preamble, he said, “The council has broken off for the night. Melisande is coming to stay here until tomorrow evening, and Justine is coming with her.”
    While Tess didn’t recognize either name, she watched a ripple of reaction pass through the others.
    Diego said sharply, “Justine. She’s coming here?”
    â€œCorrect.” Raoul turned to Jordan. “Justine usually travels with two attendants, and Melisande will have a couple of bodyguards with her, which means you’ll be preparing food for at least five people.” He said to everyone else, “Only senior staff is allowed outside this house until they leave. Tess, the senior staff is Diego, Jordan and his