Chapter 7

I stormed back into Vlad's room, marching straight over to the wardrobe. Vlad followed behind me like a ghost as I changed quickly into some workout clothes then turned to face him as I pulled my hair harshly into a ponytail.

"Who the hell was that bastard insulting my father?"

Vlad watched me carefully before replying.

"That was just one of the councillors from one of the small islands round the world that is apparently an important part of our society. Now where the hell do you think you are going?"

I had turned and started packing up my slayers equipment into a bag, moving into the bedroom to grab my stakes, wood knives and other specialist equipment that I had hidden round the room and in various jackets or bags.

"I am going to train, you can come with me if you want but the number of weapons I have with and considering how pissed off I am you may get killed."

I slammed the door behind me as I made my way down to the gym, the few servants who caught my eye quickly moving on in fear.

I was happy to find the gym completely empty and had a room specially designed for target practice. I gave a smile that would scare children and opened my bag, setting up my equipment before setting the simulation as hard as it will go.

I stood in the middle of the room and calmed my breathing before the program started. I didn't hear the vampires gathering behind me during the next half hour of simulations, but when I finally finished the group behind me was over 50 strong, most of them council members.

I collected my gear quickly and walked out the door and into the crowd behind the glass panel, moving past the younger vampires who were struggling to hide the awe and fear in their eyes.

Suddenly my way was blocked by three of the vampires I recognised from the council chamber, one of which was the vampire I had verbally bitch slapped. I smiled at them politely as I spoke, making sure they couldn't see how much I wanted to put I stake in their hearts.

"Well hello there, how may I help you?"

"We were wondering if you would be interested in joining us for dinner tonight to discuss tactics with handling our joint peoples for when the council votes on your new motion. And we also wanted to congratulate you on becoming such a fine warrior in so few years."

I thought carefully before I answered, trying to decide if this opportunity was worth me risking my life for.

"Vladimir and I would be delighted to join you for dinner, along with two of my best slayers for my own protection of course. You wouldn't expect me to enter a large group of vampires alone would you?"

"Of course not. What time shall be expecting you at? I will need to know when to gather the other more important councillors and when to have my servants prepare dinner."

"I shall send a servant down to let you know after I have discussed it with Vlad."

The councillor bowed slightly as he stepped back, and I began to walk back to Vlad's chambers, before turning round for a second to ask one last question.

"You know, I never did catch your name."

"My name is Alexander Romanov, although unfortunately I am not actually related to the great Romanov family."

I nodded and turned away, gently sliding the stake I had been holding back up my sleeve.