Blood Match

Chapter 30: Welcoming Committee

Author’s Note

This afternoon, I’m doing something special — instead of a single chapter, you’ll be getting a three-episode marathon. The schedule is simple:

• 12:00 noon – Welcoming Committee

• 1:00 pm – A Gathering of Power

• 2:00 pm – In the Heart of the Hall

Consider this the start of a feast, a burst of momentum as we move closer to the Longest Night.

And this is only the beginning. Next week will be a special event week:

• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday → three chapters each afternoon, building intensity across nine episodes.

• Friday → the main event: The Yule Gala. Three explosive chapters dropped at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm, ending on the cliffhanger of the Longest Night.

The pace is quickening, the stakes are rising, and the story is pulling us deeper into its heart. We’ve built slowly and carefully — now comes the rush.

Settle in. This afternoon the Feast begins.

Gustavo and Aurelio arrived right on time, their presence announced by a subtle knock on the door. Liam didn’t need to see them to know they were there; he could sense them approaching, their energy distinct and undeniable.

“Leo, Gustavo and Aurelio are waiting outside. Are you ready?” he called softly.

“Just a moment more, Sunshine. You go ahead and make your entrance—this is your moment. Don’t worry, I’ll be watching and listening,” Leo’s voice came from the dressing room off the bedroom, a note of reassurance woven into his tone.

Tonight, they had chosen to lean into the contrast between light and dark, each playing their role with a twist. Leo would be dazzling in a pristine Brunello Cucinelli white tuxedo, while Liam, the embodiment of sleek elegance, had opted for Cucinelli’s Nero evening suit in jet black.

Liam smoothed his lapels one last time, exhaled, and opened the door. Gustavo and Aurelio, ever composed, bowed slightly as he appeared.

“Mr. Von Anderson, we are here to escort you to the dining hall. The guests should be arriving momentarily,” Gustavo said, gesturing toward the grand staircase.

“Thank you, Gustavo. Please, call me Liam. May I call you Gus?” Liam asked, a small smile softening the formality.

“As you wish, Liam,” Gustavo replied smoothly. The two men fell into step behind him, flanking him a step back as they descended the grand staircase toward the dining hall’s entrance.

Francisco awaited them at the doors, flanked by two maids ready to take the coats of arriving guests. Everything was in place, every detail meticulously arranged.

Liam took his position at the entrance, nerves bubbling under his composed exterior. Gustavo and Aurelio stationed themselves on either side of the entryway, their stances seemingly casual, but Liam could feel their energy—alert and coiled like cobras waiting to strike at any threat. He drew in a deep breath, centering himself.

Don’t worry. You look fantastic, and I’m right here with you. Leo’s voice resonated in his mind, calm and steady. I can see everything through your eyes. Relax, I’ve got you.

An image flashed across Liam’s vision—Leo’s reflection in a mirror, as though he were looking through Leo’s own eyes. The sensation was disconcerting for a moment, but Liam instinctively adjusted. A grin formed on Leo’s face within the vision.

See? This link thing is getting easier to handle. This is going to be fun!

Liam sighed inwardly, trying not to smile.

I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, Leonidas, but maybe focus a bit? Let’s avoid causing an international incident, shall we?

At that moment, Francisco opened the door, ushering in Don Antonio with Señorita Vasquez elegantly on his arm. Following closely behind was Don Bernardo and, bringing up the rear, the unmistakable and not entirely welcome presence of Harrison Sinclair. Francisco and the maids moved with practiced efficiency, collecting coats as the guests stepped inside.

“Don Antonio, Señorita Vasquez, Don Bernardo—welcome. Thank you for joining us,” Liam greeted warmly.

“Thank you for inviting us. This is…” Don Antonio began, but Liam’s attention had already shifted.

“Mr. Sinclair, welcome. I trust you’re enjoying your time in Spain,” Liam interjected smoothly, flashing a diplomatic smile. Alexi had already briefed Leo about Harrison’s arrival and the likelihood of him making an appearance.

“It is good to see you again, Mr. Von Anderson. I thoroughly enjoyed your gallery opening and I hear that it was a very successful opening,” Harrison said, shaking Liam’s hand. His eyes flickered briefly to Aurelio and Gustavo who were still standing casually in the doorway. His smile faltered as he felt the age of them press down on him. Even Señorita Vasquez seemed to grow a bit paler; only Don Antonio was unaffected, being slightly older than both Aurelio and Gustavo.

“Yes, it was a great success. Please, feel free to head inside and enjoy some refreshments,” Liam said, gesturing toward the dining hall. Maria was already there with Mirena and Reynaldo, speaking quietly to them. Liam watched as Don Antonio went over to embrace Maria and kiss her on both cheeks.

Liam had just turned his attention back to the entryway when a stunning African couple entered. They walked—no, they glided gracefully through the foyer.

Kwame and Adana, the coven leaders for Africa, Leo told him through their link. Kwame rules West Africa and Adana rules East. They are two of my closest friends. I introduced Kwame to his wife and blood match, Nkiru. Adana was a young vampire who needed my help to unify her Southern coven a hundred years ago. She has grown into a capable leader and fierce protector of both mortals and immortals in her domain.

Kwame and Adana were both dressed in stylish and modern clothing, with clean lines and bold colors that reflected their African heritage. Kwame wore a tailored suit in rich, earthy tones while Adana donned a flowing dress in vibrant tribal patterns. The fabrics were luxurious and adorned with intricate beading and embroidery, adding a touch of their cultural roots to their modern attire. Their clothing was a symbol of their pride in their heritage.

Liam stepped forward to greet them.

“Mr. Nwa Ugwu and Ms. Dube, it is a pleasure to meet you. Leo has spoken fondly and often about you both. How is Nkiru? I hope she is well. Ms. Dube, congratulations on your consolidation of the Eritrean covens—that was a feat of diplomatic mastery. I am Liam Von Anderson, Leo’s partner.”

Kwame extended his hand with a gracious smile. “Thank you for inviting us, Mr. Von Anderson. Leo hasn’t celebrated Yule in quite some time. I have a feeling this will be a gathering to remember. And thank you for asking about my Eje Okan—my Blood Soul. She is very well.”

“Mr. Von Anderson,” Adana began, her voice soft and melodious, “where is Leonidas? I thought he would be welcoming the coven leaders personally.”

“Yes, that was the plan, but something came up and I volunteered to stand in for him,” Liam said, improvising on the fly.

Good catch, you would have made a formidable vampire.

Leo’s voice rang in Liam’s head, amusement and admiration clear.

Oh, you are so going to owe me one—and don’t worry, I have several things in mind on how to collect!

The thought that blossomed in Leo’s head was positively obscene. Liam heard the soft rumble of a growl in Leo’s mind-voice.

I see Mr. De La Cruz approves.

Damn the reception, maybe we can make an excuse, Leo growled.

No, no—anticipation and delayed gratification. Be a good boy.

Liam…

Liam choked back a laugh at the whine that came through in Leo’s mental voice.

Focus, Leonidas. We’ve got more leaders to greet!

“Mr. Nwa Ugwu, Ms. Dube, please go in and help yourself to some refreshments. Leo should be joining us shortly.”

As Liam watched them enter the dining hall, Francisco opened the door again.

Logan!

Leo’s mental voice was filled with sheer joy. Liam felt himself pulled into the emotion before he understood what was happening. The man who stepped through the door had decided to flout convention and eschew formal wear for more comfortable attire. He could have been off the cover of an LL Bean catalog in his cable-knit sweater, black jeans, and vintage Viberg hiking boots. Even without Leo’s excited thoughts in his head, Liam would have known this man anywhere.

“Hi, I’m—”

“Logan Mercer! You are a legend in the ecological world, your advocacy of the preservation of our natural habitats is heroic and awe-inspiring. Leo is going to be so pleased that you came—I can tell you that it will give him so much joy to see you.”

“Joy, get out! The last time I saw him, we were fighting over who caught the biggest fish and I pushed him in the river. Joy! Oh ya, no.”

My fish was bigger!

Leo’s indignant thought rang through their link, so childlike in its tone that Liam had to fight the urge to laugh.

“Mr. Mercer, it is an honor, and I guarantee you Leonidas is overjoyed that you came. Please go in and help yourself to refreshments.” Liam gestured toward the buffet tables.

Just then, a loud shout echoed from the top of the grand staircase.

“Ogi!”

Liam glanced up just in time to see Joseph barreling down the stairs. In seconds, he was in Logan’s arms, enveloped in a bear hug.

“Cubby! How the hell are you, boy?” Logan exclaimed, grinning as he released Joseph.

“Doing fine, Papa Bear. How is the rest of the family?” Joseph asked, stepping beside Liam, his own grin matching Logan’s.

“Everyone’s good. The girls send their love and want to know when you and Leo are going to come up for a visit,” Logan said, smiling.

“Liam, Leo and I spent a decade with Ogi when he was establishing his coven. I was still a bit rebellious and Papa Bear and Leo helped tame my wild streak. I owe him a lot—his coven is practically family.”

Joseph grabbed Logan’s arm and began to pull him toward the dining room.

“Come on, Ogi, Mama is here with Mirena and Reynaldo. I know they definitely will be surprised to see you.”

As Liam watched Joseph pull Logan into the reception, Kara descended the grand staircase in a stunningly elegant green velvet dress, resembling a majestic pine forest. The floor-length gown was adorned with sparkling diamonds, twinkling like newly fallen snow along the hem. Her hair was styled in loose curls, framing her face and reflecting the light in a soft, ethereal glow. She was the epitome of grace and poise as she made her way down to join the reception.

Doesn’t she look magnificent? Leo’s whispered thoughts echoed in Liam’s mind. I asked Maria to design the dress, and we surprised her with it this afternoon. Wait till you see the one she will wear tomorrow night. Joseph isn’t going to be able to keep his eyes off her!

Leonidas De La Cruz, are you matchmaking? Liam sent back, the thought laced with teasing skepticism.

Me? Matchmaking? Never. Just giving nature a gentle nudge in its natural and completely obvious direction, Leo replied, his tone mockingly innocent.

“Kara, you look absolutely amazing!” Liam said, stepping forward to embrace her warmly.

“Thank you, Liam. I have Maria to thank—if fairy godmothers exist, she’s definitely mine,” Kara said, her smile radiant.

“Joseph just went inside with Logan Mercer. Maria, Mirena, and Reynaldo are already there too. Go on in and enjoy yourself. Leo and I will join you shortly, once I’m done with my stint as the welcoming committee.”