Blood Match

Chapter 21: Morning In The Manor

Liam woke about 6:30 a.m., leaving Leo in bed, and went to shower and dress. He knew that Leo would probably stay in the room until sundown, preferring to follow a traditional vampiric routine even though the manor had full solar protection. When he returned to the room, he found Leo sitting up in bed on his phone.

"Good, tell him that I will expect him at 10:30 a.m. Thank you, Tristan." Leo hung up the phone and turned his attention to Liam. "Hey, Sunshine, did you sleep well?" He patted the bed next to him. Liam climbed back in and lay next to him.

"Like a rock. So who are you expecting at 10:30? I thought you would sleep in till sundown?" Liam asked, snuggling closer.

"Alexi Volkov, the leader of La Corona De Fuego," Leo said, kissing the top of Liam's head.

"La Corona De Fuego—the Crown of Fire?" Liam said, translating the words.

"Yes, it is the battle arm of the Divina legacy. It was disbanded officially after Don Fernando died. Unofficially, it went underground to avoid scrutiny. Alexi arrived last night and is in the guest quarters. I will meet with him today. I am going to need you to run interference for me and deal with any interruptions," Leo said, looking down at Liam.

"I can do that. How are you going to meet him? It's daytime—you can't just stroll across the property to the guest house."

Leo gave a little chuckle. "The entire estate has a network of underground tunnels that connect every building, so the vampire employees can move freely during the day without issue. It also cuts down on the prying eyes that are always on the manor."

"Do they really spy on the estate?" Liam asked, looking up at Leo.

"Yes, the Vampire Human Authority still keeps tabs on me even though I am not a threat to their rule. I allow it, but they know that I do not tolerate disrespect and they need to tread very lightly."

"So they respect you."

"It is a healthy attitude of self-preservation. DLC Industries is the largest corporation in Spain. Our tax revenue keeps the Spanish economy stable. So I will meet with Alexi, and you will take care of the manor. You have full authority to make whatever decisions are necessary. Tristan has informed the staff."

"Ok, no worries. I will handle everything—you go do what you need to do, I have your back," Liam said, smiling.

"Well, if you handle my back as well as you handled my front last night, I’ve got nothing to worry about," Leo said, smiling at Liam.

"Flattery will get you a repeat performance!" Liam said, pulling Leo down on top of him.

"I have about 30 minutes before I need to prep for my meeting," Leo whispered, leaning in for a kiss.

---

It was 10:15 a.m. when Liam entered the main foyer. He looked around and was amazed at everything that had been done. Stepping into the main dining hall, he noticed a buffet breakfast was set up and the staff were busy filing in and out, grabbing a quick bite before moving on to their daily duties. Liam appreciated the warm, casual atmosphere. One of the maids, who was just finishing her cup of coffee, came over.

"Mr. Von Anderson, may I get you something to eat?" she asked quietly.

"Thank you, but I can do it. I don't want to keep you from enjoying your breakfast," Liam replied, smiling.

Kara entered the hall and made a beeline for Liam.

"It's ok, Rose. I will take good care of him," Kara said, putting her arm through Liam's.

"Hey, Kara, sleep well?" Liam asked, planting a kiss on Kara's cheek.

"Magnificently! I could get used to this! Honestly, I tell you, I dreamt about Rembrandt, Cézanne, and Van Gogh! This place is an art curator's dream. Come on, let's get some breakfast and you can ask me about what I did last night." Kara practically dragged Liam to the buffet.

---

Liam was enjoying his time with Kara. She had a way of pulling you in and infecting you with her passion and excitement. It was like being a kid again on Christmas morning. For her, Leo's collection was the biggest Christmas gift she could get. As they were having a second cup of coffee, Liam became aware of a loud conversation happening in the grand foyer.

He and Kara got up and went out to see what was going on. Several maids had stopped what they were doing to watch the scene unfolding at the main entrance.

"I demand to see Mr. De La Cruz now! Tell him that Don Bernardo De La Hoya from the VHA is here."

Liam looked at the man who stood at the door. The man had a pointed chin and narrow features, giving him a weasel-like appearance. His black hair was slicked back and thinning, making his forehead appear even larger. The suit he wore was ill-fitting. His dark eyes were beady, and his lip curled up in a look of disgust.

Liam walked over and placed his hand on the butler's shoulder. "Francisco, I will take it from here. Can you get the maids back to work?"

"Yes, sir, right away—and thank you." The butler walked off and began to herd the maids back to their duties. Liam watched everyone go back to work and, taking a deep breath, turned back to the rude man standing in front of him.

"Mr. De La Hoya, I am sorry, but Leonidas follows the traditional vampiric routine and does not receive guests before sunset. I am sure that if you return then, we will be able to spare you a few minutes of our time," Liam said, smiling.

"Mr...?"

"Von Anderson, Liam Von Anderson," Liam said coolly.

"Mr. Von Anderson, I don't think you realize who I am, I—"

"Oh, I realize exactly who you are," Liam said, stepping closer to the man. Putting as much disdain as he could muster into his voice, he continued, "You are a low-level bureaucrat, puffed up on your own importance and self-entitlement. You entered making demands without realizing exactly where you are standing. You are in the ancestral home of Don Fernando De La Cruz and Lady Genevieve De La Fontaine, the last reigning Sanguinis Divina and Blood Match, demanding to speak with Leonidas De La Cruz, the chosen heir and son of Don Fernando. Your lack of respect and self-awareness is appalling. You make no demands here, and you will receive only as much as Leonidas deigns to allow you. You may return at 6 p.m. this evening, and I suggest you bring your superiors because you are not of sufficient rank to appear in Leo's presence alone."

Liam watched the man grow pale and his eyes widen.

"I, I—" Don Bernardo began to stutter.

"I will bid you good day, sir. You may leave now." Liam gestured for the butler, who had discreetly positioned himself at the front door, to open it.

Don Bernardo's face fell. He knew that he was outclassed, and the only thing he could do was leave. He turned quickly and left.

Liam turned back and walked over to Kara, who was standing by the dining hall doors.

"God, I hate pompous fucks like that!" Liam said, still fuming.

"Come on, tiger, let's get you another cup of coffee," Kara said, laughing softly.

---

Liam entered the bedroom.

Leo was sitting in a chair reading a book; he looked up and smiled as Liam came in.

"Tristan tells me that there was some excitement in the grand foyer earlier," Leo said, closing the book he was reading.

Taking a seat in the chair directly opposite Leo, Liam began to speak.

"So, I may have unintentionally caused an international incident," Liam said, a bit worried.

"From what I hear, you dealt with Mr. De La Hoya perfectly. I anticipated having to deal with the VHA, but I thought they would be respectful. The insult of sending a low-level functionary was a mistake. You handled the situation with the right amount of outrage. When they come calling tonight, they should be sufficiently chastened. But I will have to play the outraged Divina to make sure they realize their place. I will need your help—are you up for a bit of good cop, bad cop?"

"Absolutely. I will follow your lead."

"Good."

"So how did your meeting go with Alexi?"

"Rather well. He is bringing several hundred people to the Solstice ceremony. Most will be staying in the neighboring towns and villages and will come to the manor on the Solstice. We will have 100 coronados who will be residing in the guest building. Alexi will get them settled, and they will be responsible for security. Joseph and Tristan will be coordinating with Alexi. Tonight, after sunset, we will be hosting a family dinner. I had Tristan lay out clothes for you in the dressing room. So we will deal with the VHA, and then we can relax with family and have some fun."