An hour later Bones had a full stomach, their bags were unpacked, and Cat was in his arms, mouth on his neck, sucking carefully in preparation to bite him. Her fangs broke his skin and he groaned softly, but made no other gestures of intimacy. It was not the time.

When Cat was finished, a soft knock on the door separating their room from Katie's brought their attention around.

"I'm hungry," Katie said.

"Let's visit the kitchen then," Cat said.

"I'll stay here and freshen up, if you will take her," Bones said.

Cat and Katie went downstairs, passing Justina on the stairs. She told them where her room, and Tate's, were, and continued on her way. She'd been downstairs to feed and was heading back up to shower.

"We should shower too, but Katie is hungry first."

"Well in that case, please come and have a seat, and we'll have a plate prepared for her," Vlad said, standing in a doorway on the floor beneath them.

"Thank you, Vlad," Cat said, following his gesture to the kitchen. He followed and took a seat as well, placing the tablet he carried on the table.

"Do you live here?" Katie asked.

"No. I live in Romania, but Bones and Menchares asked if I knew of a safe place for Bones to use to surprise your mother. I said yes."

Cat's eyes were wide. This was a favor to Menchares and Bones?

"Not to worry, Reaper. I haven't gone soft. As I told them both, this is a favor for you…" a nod at Cat, "... And Katie. It has been a long time since we had the opportunity for a visit, and what better time than the holiday season?"

"I am truly grateful, Vlad. It is a beautiful house, and I can't wait to show Katie how to build a snow man. There's a lack of opportunity for such things in New Zealand."

"I imagine so. I assume you excel at sandcastles." His tone was gently teasing.

Cat laughed. "We've been to the beach a few times."

A woman in a grey maid's uniform and a grey cardigan brought a plate and sat it in front of Katie.

"Thank you," Katie said politely, and tucked into the scrambled eggs and mixed fruit.

"So how have you two been?" Cat asked.

"Very well. No one has tried to kill Leila recently," Vlad answered dryly.

"That's good," Cat said. "It's a bitch when you have a big red target on your ass."

Vlad laughed. "It is indeed, Reaper."

Vlad's phone chimed and he checked the screen. "I should take care of this. If you ladies will excuse me."

Cat nodded and Katie piped up, "Thank you for the eggs."

"You are welcome, Katie."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"I'd like to speak with you alone."

Vlad suppressed his irritation at the text from Bones. He assumed Bones wanted to discuss plans without Cat overhearing and that was reasonable. Vlad knew if it were Menchares sending the text it wouldn't bother him.

Vlad knocked once and entered the room, closing the door behind him.

"Tepesh," Bones greeted him.

"Bones. How can I help you?"

Bones was buttoning his shirt, hair still wet from the shower. He began to buckle his watch on while he spoke.

"Firstly I need to thank you for your assistance with this."

Vlad lifted a shoulder. "You don't like me. I don't like you. But we both care for Cat. I told her long ago that if there was something that was in my power to do for her, I would do it."

"Never reckoned a big Christmas to-do would appear on that list, eh?"

"No, I did not. But there are far more arduous tasks I could be asked to undertake, even if it means spending a week with you."

Bones took the barb with a feral smile. "What we do for those we care for, mate."

"Menchares should arrive tomorrow. When will Spade be here?" Vlad changed the subject, sprawling in the stuffed chair and watching as Bones put the final touches on his appearance.

"Any time. Didn't tell me how they plan to travel."

"Menchares is flying commercial, God help him. He'll fly himself and Kira the rest of the way, and one of my people will be picking up their luggage. He labeled it 'Christmas decorations.'" Vlad's tone was dryly amused.

Bones snorted a laugh.

"Does Cat know why you're here?"

"A surprise Christmas trip. She doesn't know the others are coming. I wouldn't be surprised if she suspects things what with picking Ian up in Dubai."

"Cat is a smart woman. I'm surprised she didn't suss out your plans days ago."

"She went with the badger me to near tears route."

Vlad laughed. "Leila took that class as well."

The conversation turned towards the holiday meal. Vlad's chef would prepare it, a traditional spread of turkey, dressing, potatoes, vegetables, plus a few English delicacies like plum pudding and a Yule Log. While only Denise and Katie ate human food, they'd all participate for the fun of it. Bones told Vlad to send him a bill for the food.

They were nearly finished when Bones' phone rang. "Menchares?" Bones answered it.

Vlad's ears perked.

"Are you certain that's safe?" Bones asked after a moment. He was quiet, listening, and then sighed. "Fine, Grandsire, but you need to impress upon her that she must mention this to no one. Yes, yes. Alright. Until the morrow." He disconnected and his lips turned down.

"What is it?"

"You'll find out shortly, I expect he'll ring you next."

And Vlad felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. "Hello?"

"Vlad, it's Menchares. I just spoke with Bones, and I need to speak with you as well. As you know, Kira and I will arrive tomorrow for Bones' Christmas celebration. Kira informed me today that she wants to bring her sister, Tina. She just learned that the holiday cruise Tina had planned was canceled. She won't allow her sister to be home alone for the holidays."

"This is very unusual, Menchares. What did Bones say?"

Bones raised a brow at that, but Vlad ignored him.

"He said she is welcome but must have the importance of secrecy impressed upon her. She knows of our existence, I do not think this would be that much more to ask."

"Very well. Still arriving tomorrow?"

"Yes. The travel plans have not otherwise changed."

Vlad and Menchares finished the conversation and his disconnected.

"Someone else who will know about Katie." Bones looked less than thrilled.

"Yes. Perhaps after, Menchares can alter her memory."

"Perhaps." Bones stopped. "The girls are coming."

Vlad stood and nodded, opening the door to a stunned Cat.

"Vlad! I didn't expect you and Bones to be visiting."

Vlad waved his hand. "Business." And with a smile and nod at Cat and Katie, he breezed out of the room.

"What are you two--" Cat began but he cut her off with a stern "No. No questions."

Her eyes flashed but he caressed her with his power. "You'll see."