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hair in plaits and as often as possible donned their family kilts. Ryder himself had found them in the Scottish foothills during one of the many Scotch uprisings. He’d been the one to teach them the rules, to train them in the ways of the Immortal life. Ryder found it quite odd that Roane had selected Kell and Pollux for this meeting, whatever his intention may be. He grinned broadly at the pair, both sporting stylish kilts and plain white tees with loosely laced biker boots. As usual, their outfits were coordinated nicely. Two pair of emerald green eyes twinkled back, admiration apparent.
     
    “What happened to basic pleasantries? Right in to business these days, Roane? That’s never been our way, brother.” Lucian moved to embrace Kell and Pollux, held his hand out to Roane who looked at it blankly for a moment before shaking it.
     
    Leave it to Lucian to not only break the tension but also give Ryder a moment to strategize. Roane’s steely gray eyes bored into him as he exchanged pleasantries with the brothers. Ryder took a step back and offered his hand to Roane. He was met with the same blank stare and a stiff handshake.
     
    “In my brief I detailed the entire situation Roane. I would have thought that sufficient for the Council.” Ryder held Roane’s gaze, neither one betraying their thoughts. The silent standoff continued for several minutes, each trying to glean something from the other.
     
    “We frown on the part where you left a Sullivan alive and lost one of our familiars. The Council has sent me to review the situation in person and to offer assistance in the matter of the familiar.” Roane looked for a moment as though he tasted something sour. Ryder knew well the man’s distaste for familiars. He disagreed vehemently with the Council’s decision to continue the practice of employing familiars; insistent that nobody outside the brethren should have knowledge of their existence. Roane preferred to reside in a monastery with the monks who maintained and protected the Immortal doctrines. He even disliked the monks, refused to dine or socialize with them at all. Ryder wondered at what divine plan would offer immortality to such a man.
     
    “It was unfortunate to lose a familiar in the effort, but as is the way with mortals, he fell in love with the wrong woman. Trin Sullivan was not without her charms.” Roane forced his face to remain smooth, “as for the Sullivan girl, she shows no sign of having the Sight. Trin put her out of the family home several years ago and the child never learned their ways or their history. Still, I have eyes on her just in case. If she shows signs of the Sight then I will put her down as well.”
     
    “Excellent. Nicely done Ry. Kell, Pollux, care to join me inside for another drink? There were some lovely females just ravenous for your attention.” Lucian wagged his eyebrows at the brothers and pulled the steel door open. “Ry, Roane, shall we take this party inside and enjoy this glorious evening?”
     
    The brothers shrugged, Roane grimaced, and Ryder felt himself stifling a laugh. He felt gratitude for Lucian’s presence. Ryder nodded in agreement and followed Lucian back into the club, the brothers on his heels and Roane bringing up the rear.
     
    In their brief absence, the club had become even more packed. For a brief moment Ryder considered occupancy codes but let that thought go and forced himself into the situation at hand. He felt Roane watching every move, something was still wrong. He could not put his finger on it, but something about Roane’s visit seemed off. Ryder motioned to Baron for five drinks and herded his visitors back to the corner booth. The youngsters were eyeballing the crowd, their eyes clearly betraying their intentions. The football team took their blondes and slipped out the VIP exit, clearly tired of corralling the ladies and knowing better than to take on the five Immortals. At least a dozen more scantily clad women acknowledged