Victor shook his head at her optimism and told the police captain, "Lucian is the head
of the council and Elvi's broken at least two of our laws."
"The biting and the rest of us knowing about her being a vampire," Brunswick said with
a nod, and explained to Mike, "According to Mabel, that's against their rules."
"Laws," Victor corrected. "Laws Elvi could be sentenced to death for breaking."
"Hmmph." Mike scowled at the approaching couple. "Maybe you should take this."
Victor stared at the crossbow that was now being offered, his mind boggling. Minutes
ago the man was aiming it at Elvi, and now he was offering it in her defense. This had
to be the craziest town—
"Should I go get the rifle Dad got me for my birthday?" Owen asked worriedly,
reminding him of his presence. "I could take the car. I'd be back in minutes."
Victor scowled at the lad who had nearly got Elvi killed and said firmly, "No."
"Mr. Argeneau's right, son"—Karen patted his arm—"Leave this to us adults."
"Don't worry, Owen," Brunswick said firmly. "Nothing will happen so long as I'm here."
Victor rolled his eyes. Brunswick still didn't get it. Badge or no badge, he had no sway
here. His authority and even his gun would be useless against Lucian's position and
abilities. He didn't say as much, however, but simply pushed away the crossbow Mike
was still holding out and hissed, "Put that away."
"It's tempting, though, isn't it?" DJ muttered and he didn't deny it. He loved his
brother, but would kill him in a heartbeat to save Elvi. And he knew DJ was feeling the
same way about Mabel.
"Victor," Lucian said in greeting as he and the woman reached the other side of the
counter.
"Lucian," he said warily, his gaze curious as he noted the smile on the man's face and
the affectionate way he now slid his arm around the brunette's shoulder.
"Hello, what's this," DJ murmured under his breath. "I've never seen Lucian smile. And
who's the squeeze?"
"I don't know," Victor repeated as Lucian urged the woman forward into the booth
before him.
They fell silent, waiting, and Victor tried desperately not to think about how bad this
could be.
"You cut your hair," Lucian said with a grin.
Before Victor could respond, he found himself pulled into a quick hug. His eyes
widened incredulously and he was a tad slow in responding to the greeting, his hands
belatedly rising to weakly pat Lucian's back as he released him. His oldest brother
hadn't been one to show affection in all the time he'd known him, though Victor had
been told the man had been openly affectionate before the fall of Atlantis and the loss
of his wife, Luna, and their daughters. It seemed that man was back.
As Lucian turned his attention to greeting DJ, Victor found his gaze sliding to the petite
brunette at his brother's side, sure she was the reason for Lucian's softening.
"Brother…" Lucian stepped back to slip his arm around the brunette again and draw
her forward. "I'd like you to meet my lifemate, Leigh Gerard, soon to be Argeneau."
"Lifemate?" DJ gasped incredulously. "Well, hello dragon slayer."
"Dragon slayer?" Leigh laughed as she shook the hand the immortal offered.
"Hmm. You must be a dragon slayer to have claimed this guy's rock‐hard heart," DJ
explained as he stepped back to make way for Victor to greet her. However, when
Victor offered her his hand, she merely used it to pull him forward for a hug.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Victor," she said. "Lucian's told me a lot about you."
"Welcome to the family," he murmured, hugging her back. He then stepped back,
squeezing Elvi's hand when she slipped it into his. He almost introduced her then, but
put it off by asking, "When did this happen? The last I heard you were headed to
Kansas to deal with Morgan."
"A lot's happened since I last talked to you," Lucian said with a grin, then added more
seriously, "I'd have told you all about it over the phone but I couldn't get you on your
cell."
"I forgot the charger and the battery ran out," Victor muttered, hoping his brother
didn't read him and learn that he was lying through his teeth. The truth was that he'd
shut the damned thing off once he'd realized he was attracted to Elvi. He hadn't
wanted to have to report what was going on here until he figured out the best way to
do so. He knew DJ had done the same in an effort to protect both Elvi and Mabel.
"Hmm." Lucian nodded and glanced to DJ. "And you? I couldn't get through on your
number either. I suppose you forgot your charger too?"