Page 128 of Night's Reckoning
“I know. Gio says he’s not letting me watch any Christmas movies this year.”
“Blasphemy.” He rubbed her shoulder. “I’m going to miss Christmas this year.”
“No you won’t. Gio already bought you a Nocht-compatible phone and tablet. Top of the line. He knew you’d go crazy if you didn’t have your phone.”
“I love you guys.”
She smiled a little. “Because we brought you a smartphone?”
“No. Because you’re my parents—my real ones anyway—and you know me better than anyone, and you’re here.” He hugged her again. “I love you.”
* * *
Giovanni watchedthrough a crack in the doorway while Beatrice comforted their son. Because Ben was—no matter his biology—their son.
In Giovanni’s fondest dreams, Ben asked him or Beatrice to sire him. He chose a safe place to turn when he was ready, away from prying eyes and the curious immortal world. Someplace he could spend time in the sun before he said goodbye. Someplace he could spend time with family and friends. Someplace he loved and was surrounded by love.
Cochamó. Giovanni had wanted Ben to change in Cochamó, protected by Carwyn’s clan, in the house where he’d spent so many summers and holidays. A place away from the world, a place that felt like a second home.
Zhang walked down the hallway, carrying a tray of hot water and teacups.
“You didn’t have to bring it,” Giovanni said. “I forgot your human servants would be gone.”
“It’s fine.” Zhang said. “Tai is still waiting by the phone if Tenzin needs to call us. And no host should ever be ashamed to serve guests in his home.”
Giovanni tensed when Zhang said her name. “Where is she?”
“Looking for the vampire who killed your son.” The corner of Zhang’s mouth turned up. “Or did you think that was me?”
Giovanni waited to answer. He wanted to make sure he didn’t disrespect the eldest elder of Penglai Island, but there was something he needed to say.
“Many years ago,” he started, “we had a conversation.”
“Yes,” Zhang said. “When your ward and my daughter began working as partners. I remember this conversation.”
“If you remember it, why did you ignore my wishes?”
Zhang didn’t look offended. He lifted his chin and watched Ben and Beatrice where they sat on the couch. “He is your son in all ways but blood.”
“He is.”
The elder turned his gaze back to Giovanni. “What man is there, who if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?”
Giovanni’s heart hurt. It was more than sorrow he saw in Zhang’s eyes; it was understanding. Recognition.
“You could have told her no.”
“No,” Zhang said. “I couldn’t have.”
“And what did she offer you in exchange?” Giovanni knew it wouldn’t be nothing. That might have been how his and Ben’s relationship worked, but that wasn’t Zhang and Tenzin.
“In exchange?” Zhang turned his eyes back to Ben. “What my daughter offered is between her and me. But know this: she sacrificed far more than you could ever understand.”
32
Tenzin called Cheng when she arrived in Taipei and confirmed that Jimmu and his daughter knew she was on the island for the day but wouldn’t be staying long. All Tenzin wanted to do was question some humans aboutArion’s Flight, find as much information as she could, and take off again.
Normally Tenzin didn’t worry about her security during the day. No, she couldn’t be in the sun, but she didn’t sleep. She could protect herself. But since her short spell of sleep the afternoon before, she knew she could take no chances. She wanted a room with multiple locks and an entry completely exposed to the light. And she didn’t want anyone’s humans to know where she slept.
