As Liam watched Kara enter into the hall, a sudden commotion at the front door stole his attention. He turned back to Francisco as he opened the door, letting four vampires enter. Liam noticed that Gus and Aurelio immediately stood up straighter. He was just about to send a question to Leo, when the answer blossomed in his mind.

Astonishing, I knew that we would receive some vampire elites but I never expected that we would host the Maharaja Aditya Raghunath Singh; he is an elder and represents India! 1203 years old, he saw the hill forts and palaces of Ancient Rajasthan as they were built. He seldom leaves India, usually sending an aide to represent his interests. His companions are also very respected in vampire society.

Then there's Baron Friedrich von Rothenberg, the current representative of the European Union and one of the oldest European vampires at 782 years of age.

Lady Min-Seo Park, a noble of the ancient Goryeo Dynasty,and leader of a vast technology conglomerate based in Singapore. She is 537 years old and represents Asia and its vampire elite.

Nikolai Vladimirovich, 891 years old and represents Russia, he and I were sired in the 12th century. We have history and even religion in common since we were both Orthodox Christians. These are some of the oldest vampires still in existence.

Liam took a deep breath and waited for the quartet to approach him. Gus and Aurelio stepped forward and stood beside Liam, bowing deeply as the four stood before them. Liam bowed slightly before addressing the group.

"Maharaja Aditya, Comrade Nikolai, Baron Friedrich, and Lady Min-Seo, welcome."

Good Liam, you addressed them in order of age, that was inspired!

"On behalf of Leonidas De La Cruz, I welcome you to this celebration of Yule and thank you for gracing us with your presence. My name is Liam Von Anderson and I am Leo's partner," Liam said, smiling.

"Thank you for welcoming us Mr. Von Anderson, How did you know to address us in order of age? Most mortals would have overlooked that." Aditya questioned.

"I am the chosen of the Lion, it is my place to know such things. How else would I show I am worthy of him?" Liam replied.

Nikolai burst out in a great barking laugh and clapped Liam on the shoulder.

"Well said Tovarisch! I like this one!"

"Yes, I think this will be a Yule to remember! Mr Von Anderson, may I call you Liam?" Min-Seo said appraisingly.

"I would be honored my Lady!" Liam looked at the group before saying, "Please make yourself comfortable, Leo should be joining us shortly. May I escort you in?"

"Yes that would be lovely, thank you Liam." Min-Seo took the offered arm. Gustavo and Aurelio had returned to their place at the door while keeping eyes on Liam as he entered the hall.

After escorting them into the hall, Liam again bowed and took his leave to return to his position at the door.

Just then Francisco opened the door to three new guests. As Liam watched they relinquished their coats to Francisco who in turn handed them to the maids.

Diego Castillo, he represents Guatemala, he is the oldest of the three at 500 years of age, Anna Chamorro Flores, she represents Nicaragua and is 389 years of age, sired by a Spanish noble on the trip to the new world. And finally Sofia Menendez Rivas, she represents El Salvador and is the youngest at 250 years of age. Sofia is notoriously territorial, the VHA has been trying to get a foothold in El Salvador for decades. Every agent they send usually ends up in pieces on the border.

Liam shuddered internally.

Hold it together, you are doing fine.

"Mr. Castillo, Ms. Flores, Ms. Rivas, welcome. I'm Liam Von Anderson, Leonidas' partner. We are so glad that you decided to join us for this traditional celebration of Yule. I hope your journey here was pleasant."

"Yes Mr. Von Anderson the flight was satisfactory. And thank you for the welcome. I hear that Maria Santa Muerte is here with her children," Diego said, shaking Liam's hand.

"Yes, she is here with Joseph, Mirena and Reynaldo. You will see them inside, please go in and help yourself to some refreshments. Leo will be joining us shortly."

As Diego and his companions filed into the dining hall, Liam hesitated at the entrance, his attention caught by Francisco greeting three new arrivals.

Ahh, so they finally show themselves. Leo's mind-voice crackled with sharp revulsion.

I take it this is Gideon and Marlowe Pierce — and the poor soul dragging behind them? Liam sent back.

Probably food, Leo thought back in disgust

Liam steeled himself and plastered a smile to his face, waiting till Gideon approached him.

Gustavo and Aurelio continued to stand at the door seemingly bored and uninterested but Liam knew that was just an affectation.

"Saved the best for last," Gideon drawled, amusement dripping from his tone like venom. Marlowe clung to his arm, and the haggard man behind them shuffled along silently, his eyes hollow.

Gideon's gaze found Liam, and a sadistic smile curved his lips, flashing the faintest edge of fang. "Are you part of the welcoming committee," he asked, his Australian accent making the words feel sinuous, almost intimate, "or are you an appetizer?"

The air around them changed. Gustavo and Aurelio stilled, their energy sharpening like drawn blades. Marlowe noticed it too; Liam could see it in the flicker of unease that passed through her.

Her gaze darted between the two figures flanking him, and Liam caught the moment of realization in her eyes. She had clocked it — the vampires behind Liam were older than she and Gideon combined.

She flicked a glance at Gideon, then back at Liam, who kept his pleasant smile in place, though it never reached his eyes.

"Gideon," Liam began smoothly, "the last time you were in Leo's presence, I heard you behaved poorly and nearly earned yourself a spanking like a naughty child. Let's hope you'll exercise better control this time."

Gideon's grin didn't waver, but a shadow passed behind his eyes. He stepped forward, slow and deliberate, but Gustavo and Aurelio were instantly at Liam's side, alert and ready.

"Don't think I've had the displeasure of knowing what your name is," he said, his voice quieter now — low, lethal, and half a breath away from a threat. "But you're welcome to introduce yourself before I decide whether or not you're worth remembering."

Liam's smile thinned.

"Oh, Gideon," he said, his voice silk and steel, "I am very much worth remembering. Liam Arne Von Anderson, mate to Leonidas de la Cruz, beloved of the Lion. This is Spain, not Australia, and you would do well to remember that."

He shifted his attention to the gaunt man who trailed behind the Pierces. "Francisco, please take this gentleman to the kitchen, get him something to eat and make him comfortable."

Marlowe looked ready to object, but a single glance at Gustavo and Aurelio stopped the words in her throat. Her shoulders stiffened as she swallowed her pride.

Attempting to mask her unease, she asked, "What does a coven leader have to do to get a drink around here?" Her voice was warm and honeyed, but Liam didn't miss the brittle edge beneath it.

"Please," Liam replied, his tone cuttingly polite, "help yourself to refreshments. I'm sure the journey was exhausting."

He gestured toward the dining hall, dismissing them without breaking eye contact.

Marlowe's lips curled into something too sharp to be called a smile. She slipped her arm through Gideon's and leaned in just enough for her voice to carry.

"Exhausting?" she murmured, her breath a whisper of mockery. "Darling, you have no idea how far we can go without breaking a sweat."

"Oh sweetie, it doesn't matter how far you think you can go — as long as you remember there is always someone who can snatch you right back," Liam retorted, answering her with his own whispered sarcasm.

Gustavo and Aurelio remained stone-faced, but the glimmer of amusement in their eyes betrayed their thoughts.

Gideon lingered for a moment more, his gaze heavy enough to leave a mark. Then he flicked his silver ring, caught it mid-air, and turned on his heel.

"Come along, Marlowe," he said, already striding away. "Let's not keep the others waiting. We wouldn't want them thinking we're the kind to be kept out of doors."

The Pierces strode into the dining hall as though they were the guests of honour.

From the grand staircase, Leo descended, his eyes tracking the pair before flicking to Liam.

It seems my lamb has teeth, Leo's voice purred in Liam's mind.

As he joined Liam at the hall's entrance, he slid an arm around his waist. "Shall we go in and greet our guests?" Leo asked, smiling fondly.

"Absolutely," Liam replied, pressing a kiss to Leo's cheek. "I think I'm starting to get the hang of this."