The Vampire Queen's Rebirth

Chapter Nineteen

***

"What are you doing here, Zero? I thought we agreed that you would leave for New York today."

Clark seemed genuinely stumped at the sight of his godson, confusion flittering across his features at the sight of Zero's nonchalant shrug and shake of the head.

"I changed my mind. There is unfinished business here and I am not leaving until I am able to get it done. I'm sorry, Uncle, but I must defy you. I have to stay in Caldwell in order for me to finish what my father started."

Zero responded, his voice coming out clear and strong as his words were received by the gathered men and women in the grand conference hall. The Ten Families that represented the Aristocratic Houses of the Hunter world had gathered, each of them seemingly taken aback by the new developments before them.

"I come today, not only as a friend of the Black Household, but as the Head of the Martinez Household- the Third Aristocratic House. Zero Black is the son of our late Pioneer, Zachary Black, and I have come here with him today to endorse him as the next Head of the Hunter's Association, as is his birthright."

Ramone spoke up, his words prompting a loud surge of conversation at the grand turn of events. No one clearly had expected this- including Clark who simply glared at Ramone who did not back down from the look. The two had clashed before on ideals and more but they were inherently brothers- not by blood but by the years of experience they had shared together.

"What are you doing, Zero? Your Father did not want this for you. Please, reconsider. I don't know what Ramone or any other person has told you, but this is no simple task. Your entire life will shift from this moment on."

Clark tried to reason with his nephew but his words were met with a shake of the head and small smile.

"I know, Godfather. I understand the implications of my decision but I am ready to take my place at the Head of my Household- and that includes taking the mantle and finishing what my Father begun. I hope I can receive not only your support but your guidance through this. Please, Uncle."

Zero tried to reason with his Godfather, and for a moment, he could see the warmth in his eyes as well as the understanding. For a moment, he had thawed and seemed ready to accept his decision. But that moment was gone as soon as it came with the opening of the double doors and the entrance of four individuals that none of the people gathered expected to see.

Clark's expression shifted from surprise, to betrayal and hurt directed at Zero- before it morphed into anger and detest as his eyes landed on the woman standing tall in the middle of the group.

The Hunter's gathered were also going through a similar host of emotions, each of them confused but still on high alert as they awaited what was to come. A gathering between Hunters and Vampires almost always ended in disaster and bloodshed. Each side was ready for whatever was to come.

The air around the room crackled with intensity as well as unease at being cramped up. They all paused the heated conversations they seemed to be having, staring at her. Reina looked around, noticing the frustrated and angry looks on most of the Hunter's faces as well as the slight smirk on Zorin's lips and disturbed expression on Saber and Maya's countenances as they watched their companion gain sick satisfaction from the fear he induced in the men and women before them.

Her gaze settled on Zero, eventually, noting the light that shone through in his gaze and the smile that seemed to make him all the more handsome. Reina refused to acknowledge this emotion, though, despite the surge of feelings she could sense from him. His anxiety was gone, replaced with contentment and excitement at the sight of her.

His downfall will be somewhat bittersweet...

Reina mused inawardly, noting that it had been centuries since she had seen such genuine emotion from a person who barely knew her. A person who was supposed to hate her as much as she hated him...

He must sense that there is animosity between us so why then does he still desire to be around me?...Is he some sort of masochist?

Reina did not know how to comprehend his emotions, choosing instead to nod slightly at him in acknowledgement of his presence and his silent welcome. She filed away all her questions for later, choosing to dedicate time to assess him and how he made her feel. Only then could she perfect her plan for his destruction.

''Queen Reina... What an unpleasant surprise. It seems your subordinates have failed in their duties to keep you from walking into the Lion's den.''

Clark Grant said, standing up from the head chair where he had been perched. The sight of this and his approach irked her. That had been Zachary's seat. He had been the upper most head of the council, and although the decisions and actions were overseen by the rest of the Aristocrats, he had the final say.

Calm yourself, Reina...Remember, you are here to make sure that Clark Grant does not ruin your plans. Zero will sit on that chair today, no matter what...

Reina muttered to herself as she dug her nails into her palms, trying to control her anger. She did not why the sight of it irked her so but she refused to dig too much into her volatile emotions. She knew that her lack of control had something to do with her refusal to feed but she knew better than to think about that with the tense situation she was currently in.

"It's funny that you think that you are anything other than Prey when you stand before us. As delusional as always, Clark Grant. You'd think age would have made you mature but alas, you are still as pathetic now as you were years ago when I took you down a peg or two and reminded you of your position in this world. Your privilege to speak to me or my companions comes solely from your last name and not any sort of respect either one of us has for you. You'd do well to remember that before you make any stupid comments."

Reina's words silenced everyone, each of them stunned as they watched her face off with the enraged Hunter. Her dead eyes spelt a cool detachment that was a sure sign that she was ready to do anything should anyone be stupid enough to make a move. Anxiety engulfed not only the Aristocrats but Zero and Ramone as well who watched the exchange in silent awe and worry respectively.

Zorin, Saber and Maya were however of different opinions from the rest as they smiled at the exchange. Neither one of them was stunned by the animosity between the two. It had existed for centuries yet and it would not change simply because of the events that were currently unfolding.

This is actually a calmer, more civilised exchange than the usual...Each of them are holding back quite a bit...

Maya mused inwardly, observing their body language and comparing it to what she had expected it to be. They were all still ready, though, for any kind of altercation. With such a tense gathering, anything was possible and neither one of them wanted to be caught off guard.

''That's enough. Both of you need to calm down."

A man spoke from the gathering of Hunters, one Ramone and Zero were quick to recognize as the head of the Thorne Household and the Fourth Aristocratic House. He also had sway within the Association and his position seemed to grant him a semblance of confidence and assurety that calmed the others down. None of them were ready to interfere in the face off between the infamous Queen of Vampires and one of the strongest Hunters in their world.

Clark seemed to listen to the man as he backed off and calmed himself somewhat, reminding himself of the position he was in and the importance of the meeting ahead.

Satisfied with the sight of his brother seemingly calmer and collected, Thorne turned back to the Queen of Vampires before bowing slightly at her which took everyone aback, including the Queen of Vampires who had not met the man before him- rather had met the Household Head who had come before him.

"We welcome you, Your Majesty, to this gathering. I apologize for the informal greeting you have received thus far. My name is Parker Thorne, son of Asher Thorne who was the previous Head of the Fourth Aristocratic House. We were not expecting you and were actually handling a sensitive matter with regard to Lord Black's ascension to the position his Father held before him."

Reina shook her head, turning to meet Zero's gaze as he watched her from his position a few ft. away from them.

"I know. That is one of the reasons for our visit. Lord Black requested my presence and my endorsement of his claim to his birthright. I believe I speak for my people as well as many of the other Supernatural facions when I say that we would be more comfortable with the Black Bloodline keeping this position as they have for centuries and centuries."

For all those who knew of the long standing enemity between the Valentine Household and the Black Household, shock resonated through them as they listened to her words and mulled over them. Whispers erupted from the room as everyone seemed to contemplate the words she had said and what they meant- especially considering the reason for their gathered meeting.

The Declaration of War against the Vampires for their participation in the murders being orchestrated in the Supernatural world...

Clark's gaze shifted from Reina to Zero, a kind of realization dawning in his eyes as he immediately turned to a silent Ramone who had stepped to the side and allowed the events to unfold in an even better format than they had planned. There was hurt in Clark's gaze as well as the sting of betrayal. Ramone knew that Clark was angry at him for letting the two interact, let alone align themselves with each other and yet Ramone refused to feel guilty or to apologise for it.

They would have met in one way or the other regardless...That is Fate and destiny and none of us can change it...

"Then I believe it is time for a vote....All those in favor of Zero Black taking his position as the Head of the Hunter's Association as is his birthright and as stipulated in the Old Laws, please raise your hands."

A sea of hands were raised at Ramone's prompt, prompting a wide grin from Zero and satisfied smiles from Reina and her companions. Clark revealed nothing, choosing instead to release a small sigh and nod in understanding.

"It seems our brothers and sisters have spoken, Clark. We acknowledge the new Head of the Hunter's Association, as is his birthright. Lord Zero Black is now and forevermore the Head of the Black Household and the Association until the last of his days....Welcome, Zero. Take your position at the head of the table."

Ramone stated, gesturing at the chair that Clark had vacated. With slow but sure steps, Zero did as asked but only after he glanced at Reina for acquiescence and received a reassuring nod in return. It was only when Zero had sat on the chair that his ancestors had before him that the Hunters bowed low before him in respect, including Clark and Ramone. The Vampires simply watched, neither one of them saying anything but their expressions conveyed how pleased they were by the events unfolding. The plan was going accordingly.

"And now, we shall begin the second part of this meeting- The declaration of war between the Hunters and the Vampires for the murders being committed in our world."

***