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let loose a frustrated sigh that wasn’t all that reassuring, of course, but at least I thought I was the only one who heard it. We quickly grabbed the few bags we’d brought with us in case we’d have to disappear if things didn’t go well on the snatch and grab.
    Wasn’t that just the understatement of the year?
    As serious as the situation was, part of me wanted to giggle. No, I hadn’t lost my mind… Yet. When we’d pulled up to the entrance, I’d noticed something on certain overhangings on the building. Now looking up, I could make out the shapes. Gargoyles. Seriously? Were they trying to fit every vampire cliché? I mean they were gorgeous and expertly grafted, beautiful really, nevertheless the coven had gargoyles on their castle in the mist.
    Maybe I had cracked up.
    “I love a welcoming party,” Boston joked loudly. I glanced at him and followed his gaze to see four massive vampires standing at the top of the steps to what seemed one of the side or back entrances to the castle. And who would ever have thought there was a castle hiding in plain sight right outside LA?
    “ You’re always welcome around me, my old friend,” the one in front drawled, his eyes never leaving Seattle. “It’s certain people in the company you keep that I’m not particularly happy to see.”
    “That was a long time ago, Julus, and I apologized,” Seattle said in a tone that clearly implied he wanted to say more but he was holding back. “Besides, most of it wasn’t my fault.” We walked up the stairs, letting our oldest brother take the lead. “It wasn’t exactly a day at the beach for—”
    He was cut off by Julus’s fist to his face.
    “Not sure I deserved that,” Seattle bitched but made no sign of aggression or that he was going to return the favor. He slowly turned his head and spit out some blood before facing the man he’d apparently wronged somehow.
    Wasn’t I just learning tons about my family lately!
    “Maybe but I thought it only fair since my director has not let anyone into the coven for months without a thorough check. I had to personally vouch for you and my ass is seriously on the line for you and your brothers given you had human authorities on your tail and searching for you. I actually had to promise him a favor and you know how much I hate to do that.”
    My brother flinched and while it was subtle I was pretty sure everyone there saw it. “I do,” Seattle hedged. “Why would you do that for us, Julus?”
    The handsome vampire sighed and ran his hand over his head. “Because for all your faults, you’re not one to overreact, man. If Boston calls me saying the shit is hitting the fan at your word, than it’s hitting the goddamn fan, and we need to know what’s going on. My director is fair. If it truly is, he’ll owe me a favor, but seriously, don’t screw me. I went out on a limb on this. Is whatever going on really that bad?”
    “Much worse,” I blurted out. All eyes focused on me then, and I kind of wanted to melt into the ground. “We’re trying to do the right thing and help all paranormals, so I don’t know what’s up with you and Seattle, but you have lived up to what I have heard them say about you by taking this chance to help us.”
    Julus blinked rapidly before he schooled it. “They’ve mentioned me?”
    “Not that you were a vampire in LA nor—and I’m assuming this because we just found out about their past—that they knew you from their days in the guard,” I answered slowly, glancing at my brothers. They both sighed and nodded.
    “Just told them?” Julus gave a snort. “Good to see some things never change with you two. You’re as secretive as ever.”
    I didn’t want this to turn into pick on Seattle and Boston time so I got back to the question. “They’ve mentioned a good buddy Julus that they used to be friends with and there was no one they’d rather have at their back in a fight. I know they missed you. I’d think it’s not a common