"You asked Tepesh?" Bones' voice was incredulous. "Grandsire, with all due respect, have you lost your mind?"
Humor tinted Menchares' tone ever so faintly. "You may think so. But no. Few would be insane enough to attack one of Vlad's homes, especially when he has guests."
Bones had to admit that was true. Still, Tepesh was the last person he'd go to for anything short of a life or death situation where the powerful vampire's pyrokenetic abilities were needed. He grudgingly trusted Cat's life with him, for the most part, but to say they did not get along was the most incredible understatement.
"And there is something else you are not considering. He is Cat's friend. You've invited Ian, who Cat has certainly had a checked past with, but who she now accepts as your friend and your family. Vlad has been there for Cat in the past, and they care for one another. Don't you think, if she had a hand in the guest list, she may put him on it?" Menchares continued.
Dammit, he was right, Bones knew. He blew out a sigh and resigned himself.
XXXXX
Vlad's mobile phone rang. Bones flashed on the display and he signed before he answered it. Things one does for friendship, he thought.
"Bones. How can I help you?"
"Tepesh. I just spoke with Menchares. I trust he shared my desire to give Cat and Katie a Christmas celebration?"
"He did. He also brought up the need for a safe venue for such a gathering."
"Yes. And he suggests that you might be able to… assist."
"Yes. I assume you would like snow, as well?" Vlad's voice was somewhat condensing, but with businesslike brusqueness.
Bones made a sound of assent.
"Very well. You may use my home in Norway. What did you have in mind for them?"
Bones outlined a few of the things Cat had mentioned.
"Perhaps we could make a few days of it. That would also decrease the chance of drawing too much attention, because your guests could arrive piecemeal." Vlad's voice had become entirely businesslike, planning and weighing the possibilities. Truthfully, he didn't like Bones and he didn't like Ian, but most of the other guests were friends and wasn't it life to mix the bad and the good?
"Good idea. Say, December 20th through the 22nd for people to arrive, and stay through the 27th?"
"That is acceptable. My people will be in residence, do you have property that will accompany you as well?"
"No, we have no humans with us. Fewer people mean less chance for someone to betray us."
"True. Does Katie have any specific needs?"
"No. Bloomin' girl is a perfect little soldier." Bones' voice was bitter at that, clearly expressing his opinion of the upbringing that had made her so obedient at only eight years old.
Vlad grunted quietly. "Shall I make catering arrangements?"
"No, I'll see to all that. You've done enough by allowing us to use your home." Bones hesitated. "Thank you, Tepesh."
Vlad felt surprise ripple through him. "You are welcome."
