The Vampire Queen's Rebirth

Chapter Seventeen

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Dinner was filled with neutral conversation that stretched on over the course of the evening. The three men were now more comfortable around the Queen of Vampires who seemed more so neutral and conversant than they had anticipated. They could, however, tell that the olive branch had been stretched as far as it possibly could.

Zero could tell that Reina was an inherently guarded individual and would not be opening up any time soon. His gaze and curiosity had been fixated on her the entire time as she contributed ocassionally to the conversation. He knew she could tell that he was staring but she made no point of stopping him, choosing instead to cast glances over at him ocassionally.

Although their phones had been going off for most of the dinner, none of them dared to answer or check. They knew who it was and they knew that they probably would have hell to pay once they returned to Black Manor.

"According to the information we have gathered so far, the Hunter's Association is planning to move against us. This will make any form of true investigation into this whole mess a problem."

William commented, prompting Zero to tune back in to the serious conversation they had now lapsed into. This is what had brought them here in the first place and was the true reason behind their visit.

"I shall talk to Clark and have him hold off on any sort of stupid ideas. It will be difficult but he is not too stubborn as to not listen to reason."

Father Ramone stated, earning a shake of the head from Reina. It was her first time participating in the conversation after delegating the task to William. Her thoughts were swirling, a plan slowly forming as she watched her guests closely.

"That will not be enough. They have already called a meeting of the families to flag through their bloodbath of a plan. Had they not charged forward on this path, then your talk might have worked. This is different, though. They have a lot of support from the rest. If you want to change the course of this trainwreck then you must insert a trump card- a way to forcefully stop them and have them back off."

Reina's gaze fixated on Zero who immediately understood where she was going with her train of thought. It was the best course of action and tied in perfectly with the question she had asked him earlier. She was leading up to this moment- a test of his true devotion to the tasks ahead of them all.

"You're going to have to attend that meeting and stop them."

Mason commented, voicing what was already on everyone's thoughts. Zero nodded, already formulating the words he would express and how he would besiege them all to stop their plans and give them time to investigate. It would be difficult but he had to find a way.

I've convinced shareholders to do some pretty crazy stuff...This won't be easy but it will work- somehow...

"And the only way they will listen to you is if you take your position at the very top. If you reclaim your birthright as the Heir of the Black Household and subsequent Head of the Hunter's Association."

Reina's words rang true and yet Mason and Ramone could not help but glance at each other, apprehension clear on their features as they turned to Zero who said nothing, his expression neutral. Neither one of them were enthusiastic about that particular plan for it would mean Zero giving up on his life in New York and dedicating himself to what he needed to keep the Supernatural world safe and balanced.

"I don't think we need to go that far, Reina... Clark will listen to Zero as his godson and my input will prompt him to hold on his decision. Let us not completely change Zero's life course..."

"His life course has already shifted, Ramone. He is now on a path that will lead him right where he needs to be as the heir to his family's legacy. We cannot change that. All we can do is utilize it to ensure the safety of each of our people. It is the more efficient path."

Reina responded, her logic and reasoning ringing true for all of them. Zero's claim to the position would be a sure fire way of stopping everything and solving a number of problems. He could control the Hunter's Association and ensure they all had leeway to investigate the true culprits behind this mess.

"I agree. To that end, I shall attend the meeting and stake my claim to my position as Head of the Association. I would request that you attend so that we can iron out any issues and ensure that we are all on the same page."

Zero responded, earning a thoughtful frown from Reina before she released a small sigh and nod. She knew that his suggestion would ensure less animosity between their people. Temporary peace would reign as they all tried to figure out what to do next and how to find the people behind the chaos in their world.

"Fine. I will attend but I plan to leave Caldwell for my territory soon after...Unless there is information you have that is linked to this place?"

Reina added the last part after noting Zero's shake of the head and stunned expression. It was clear that he did not want her to leave. He was enamored by her, a mistake that would be his downfall- and Reina knew exactly how she would do it.

"My father left me a journal detailing his life and the days before his death, he suspected that someone was hindering his efforts and investigation. I believe he was murdered and it may have been someone within the Association. Which is part of the reason why I agreed to take my position within it. I want to investigate the people there and figure out who could have done it. I believe that will bring me a step closer to the true culprits. Your assistance would ensure that this process is expedited."

Reina mulled over this revelation, knowing full well that Zachary was intelligent and intuitive. If he suspected what Zero had said, then it could mean that someone wanted to eliminate him before he could figure out who they were and their betrayal. They dealt with him before he could find them and share the information with Raiser.

And that could mean that they were the same people who sent that 'Wraith' after my brother...

The mere thought enraged her but she centred herself and her emotions, knowing full well that she was in too much of a volatile state of mind to allow her emotions to reign free.

Especially when there are three humans in my midst...now that would be a disaster...

Reina thought back to the funeral and what had been revealed to her. She knew that Zachary was alive- she did not know how but she knew that he wasn't gone...

Should I reveal this important piece of information to Zero?...Will his knowledge of this ensure that my own plans move forward?

Reina mulled over this dilemma before releasing an inward sigh. She knew what needed to be done and she was prepared to take that step- all for the fruition of her main goal which was the safety of her people and the distraction of those who dared threaten her people and hurt her brother.

I need him to continue to fuel his hate and need for revenge...that is the only way to ensure he reaches his full potential and is useful to me and my plans...Besides, I have someone I need to look for within this town according to Zachary...

"Alright. Should you require my assistance then you can contact William and he will deliver the message to me."

Zero smiled genuinely, the sight taking Reina aback as she, for a moment, felt the wisps of a memory shut from her mind try to make its way back to the fore. She shut it down as quickly as it came, though, reminding herself of the task at hand. She didn't have to fight herself for too long, though, for the three men were soon saying their goodbyes.

Clark Grant must be losing his shit...How amusing...

Reina chuckled inwardly at that, visualizing the Hunter throwing a full on tantrum as he has done in the past in her presence. It almost always left her amused and satisfied.

"Thank you for meeting with us, Reina. And thank you for agreeing work with us to stop this evil. I hope to see you soon so that we can share information and discuss next steps further."

Zero stated as he stopped beside her at the door's threshold- their gazes however trained on Ramone and William who were standing beside the car.

"I agree. Thank you for coming, Lord Black. I look forward to seeing you take your position at the top of the Association as your Father did before you."

Reina commented, knowing full well that her words would motivate him further and keep him from changing the path he had set course for. It would ensure that all her plans came to fruition and continue to grow his silent curiosity of her.

"Please, call me Zero...Goodnight, Reina."

He stated, granting her yet another small but warm smile that threatened to unravel her once more. He was getting dangerously close to doing just that but Reina was prepared to do everything in her power to stop that. And so she turned away from him and began to make her way back into the Manor where Trixie was waiting, bowing slightly at the sight of her approach.

She knew he was watching her. She could feel his gaze on her back and the emotions it elicited within her. She refused, however, read into them or let them in. She, however, knew exactly what to do to ensure he continued to keep her in his thoughts.

"Sleep well, Zero."

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