“Because as the leader of the Elders, Mother shielded you and Chris from just that approach, not that any older vampires really want to attract Chris’s attention, mind you.”

“Senka believes that you and your hubby should be allowed to go forward and do as you will. That your instincts and angelic memories are a better guide for these times than the ancient wisdom of the Coven,” Lydia said.

“She’s never said a word of that to me,” Tanya said.

“Why would she? She doesn’t want to influence you or Chris, and even that little admission might be an influence,” Galina said.

“So now the other Elders are feeling that she’s wrong, but they still haven’t approached us?”

“First you set aside the leader, then you try to control the problem,” Lydia said, moving past Tanya and sitting across from Galina. The small vampire with the big attitude pulled another notebook computer across the table till it was in front of her. She started typing.

“It’s not just Tzao and Mausya. It’s all the old vampires who voted for Mausya. They’ve had no control and with everything happening, this is their attempt to rein it back in,” Galina said.

Lydia snorted suddenly and when the other two looked her way, she turned the computer so they could see. “Watch this. It’s from an episode of some stupid show called Night Hunters: Stalkers of the Supernatural. Same show as that article. The host, Justin Port, attempts to get to the bottom of vampires and weres with ridiculous results. This was filmed outside Demidova Tower. Wait till you see who he interviews. Must have been filmed over the summer.”

She clicked the enter button and the video segment started to play.

“We are outside the offices of the Demidova Corporation, digging to get to the heart of the vampire story. I’m your host, Justin Port, and let’s see what worms we can uncover here in the heart of the Big Apple. Let’s see if this young man will talk to us.”

The handsome host dressed in khaki adventure clothes walked directly to a young male sitting on the edge of a concrete planter that was filled with flowers just outside the Tower’s front doors. Tall and lanky, the college-aged kid was entirely focused on eating a foil-wrapped hoagie and didn’t register the host and camera crew till they were almost in his face. He looked up, mouth full, eyes wide.

“You’re eating your… late lunch… early dinner outside of the Demidova Tower. Do you work here?” Justin asked.

Swallowing mightily and looking slightly frantic, the young man nodded.

“Based on your diet, it’s safe to say you’re one of us. Tell us, do you actually work with or for vampires?”

The startled look changed to one of disbelief. “You do see the name on the building, right?” the young man asked, frowning.