"That's how it is, so I hope your pea brains got the cue, and you won't do anything reprehensible during your time at the main house, although I doubt demons know anything about respect and refinement. Let's not even talk about a blood sack."
I stare at James, and he averts his eyes.
…Don't pretend you haven't felt my gaze, I know you have! Other than you, are all vampires disrespectful little bitches?! 'Cause seriously, this one is taking the cake in condescending manners!
The question is burning my tongue, but I refrain from asking it. I can't say whatever's on my mind right now, not with Sir Akerley's lackey still present in the room. I can always ask later, when the dimwit is gone.
A deep breath, and I calm down.
Fucking hell, the guy's annoying.
That aside, I can't believe Jordan, James, and I have been summoned, and saying no is apparently not an option.
How hilarious. No, seriously, it's hard not to laugh, and I have to clench my jaw to keep quiet. I mustn't react, no matter how ridiculous the situation is. The dunce might not understand and only see it as an affront, but James is different. He has a functional brain to start with, and he doesn't need much to figure things out. Or at least, that's the impression I got after working with him for a few days.
In theory, no one would frown upon the vampire clan head summoning a demon over to his territory. Even a noble demon wouldn't dare show an ounce of displeasure, no matter how insulted they feel deep down, as Sir Akerley is a patriarch.
The thing is, summoning other patriarchs out of the blue isn't, let's say, well-seen, especially if said patriarch is from a higher-ranked species.
Surprise, surprise, that's what Jordan is.
But no one knows about it. Otherwise, I doubt Sir Akerley would be this blatantly disrespectful. There's a limit to stupidity.
"We expect you to be on time."
"We will be," Jordan smiles, impassible.
"Of course you'll be!"
The envoy snorts and turns on his heel, leaving now that he has said his piece. He's not waiting for Todd. An almost imperceptible frown creases his brow, but the demon says nothing. Instead, he nods at us before following the vampire downstairs, carefully closing the door behind him.
Now that we have a bit of privacy, I'm tempted to ask that question. Are vampires goddamn dense or full-blown pricks? Hard to say, but probably both.
"…I'm sorry."
James's apology shatters the silence that had just settled. I quirk an eyebrow. What is he sorry for? He's not the asshole in the story.
"Don't worry about it," Jordan shakes his head, answering for both of us. "Considering Sir Akerley's personality, it was to be expected. On the bright side, the envoy showed up after I woke up, and not before, so everything's fine."
Good point. It'd have been a pain in the ass to handle if my husband were still lying in bed, as Sir Akerley could have considered Jordan's absence from the dinner as an insult, no matter the reason behind said absence. I wouldn't be surprised if Sir Akerley used it as an excuse to go on a crusade against demons—again. The guy's known for his pettiness for a reason.
"Everything is fine, you say…? How is everything fine?! You were supposed to help me catch the kobolds and put an end to the murder spree in my territory, not get dragged into my clan's affairs."
"To be fair," I can't help but snort, "your family's affairs are intrinsically linked to the kobolds' case, so..."
"That's not the point…!"
"James, it's fine!" If he keeps apologizing, I feel like I'll get a proverbial headache sooner rather than later. "I personally don't mind this little invitation of his. It can't be worse than a supper with my own family, anyway. Don't look at me like that, it's true! In any case, I've got some beef to resolve with your cousin, so I won't spit on the opportunity."
Thanks to that asshole, Melissa died, I got abducted and almost froze to death, and Jordan was bedridden for days. You bet I've got one or two things to tell the guy.
Admittedly, I'm also interested in how this farce will end. These idiots are inviting a wolf in sheep's clothing into their house, and they have no idea. It's like watching moths being drawn to a flame, and there's this morbid curiosity sprouting in the pit of my stomach, wondering when exactly they're going to burn their wings, 'cause I'm sure they will.
I doubt Jordan is any happier with them than I am, and at the end of the day, he's still a demon, no matter how gentle he might appear at first. The two traitors in the basement can attest to his brutal side.
James sighs, massaging his temples, "Scott, as a human, you're going to be the object of ridicule during the supper. Let's not talk about Jordan."
'Cause you believe I wasn't the object of ridicule back at home? I'm pretty sure whatever his family has to say, it's child's play compared to Miria.
"Stop worrying. I'm good at turning a deaf ear to people's nonsense. If Sir Akerley wants to comment on this premium blood sack, he might as well; I don't care."
"Actually, it's not Sir Akerley who's going to be annoying, isn't it?" Jordan smiles knowingly at James. "It's those who want to get into his good graces or want to impress Oliver who are going to be pesky."
"Oh, most definitely." I feel like James is about to rip someone's head off. Chill, pal. "To begin with, summoning you over for dinner to 'thank you' for your good work is clearly an excuse Oliver brought up. Sir Akerley is just playing along to see how I will handle it."
"He's also giving you an opportunity, though." Is he, now? "You can enter the main house under the pretence of responding to his summoning and get some of your business done. The factions in your clan are a mess right now, and you need to be present if you want to sway them to your side. Your absence is doing you more harm than good, so this dinner could allow you to regain some footing. More importantly, no one's going to attack you during that time, lest they want to offend Sir Akerley."
"Yeah, I know. It's a good excuse. I'm just not enchanted by the prospect of dining with the whole family. You'll understand once you meet them."
If they're all like Oliver, I guess it's going to be an interesting evening, indeed.
But as long as you don't add a Miria in the lot, it shouldn't be all that bad.
"I also feel like things could go horribly wrong, depending on how Oliver spins things. Being rescued by a demon, even if he's a special investigator, isn't getting me brownie points in my people's hearts. The prejudice runs deep."
So, they're ok with your rival crucifying you, but not with a demon saving you? How screwed up.
"First things first," Jordan stands up, closing off the subject, "let's go buy some more, let's say, proper outfits for you two. You can't attend that dinner in casual clothing now, can you?"
How about attending in my underwear then? I kind of don't feel like dolling up for the occasion, but Jordan's amused gaze makes me think twice.
Erm, the guy sees right through me, doesn't he?
Alright, fine, I won't do it this time. Eve's high heels are too high for me, anyway.