Liam opened the envelop and pulled out a beautiful invitation. He as he read it, he realized that his name was on the invitation.

"The Honor of your presence is requested by Mr. Leonidas De La Cruz and Mr. Liam Von Anderson, The Yule Celebration December 21st, 2024 Pazo De Bentraces, Galicia Espana." Liam looked at Leo. "Spain Leo. We are going to Spain!"

"You said you wanted us to celebrate our traditions, so we are going to celebrate. I will open the Manor House and I will celebrate Yule for the first time in 60 years and I will do it with you by my side."

"Wow, Spain huh," Liam said hugging Leo and looking into his eyes. "Well I guess you got me beat, Christmas at my house is going to be quite a let down after this little adventure."

"Never, anywhere you are is my big adventure!" Leo said kissing Liam on the forehead. "Well come on, the gallery should be about to close and Tristan is going to set up dinner. Is it ok if Kara, Joseph and Tristan join us tonight?"

"Leo, of course, absolutely." Liam said taking his hand.

****

They all sat around the table laughing and joking as they digested the meal Tristan had laid out. Tristan had arranged for Claude to create a menu that catered to both human and vampire tastes. Tristan had prepared a long table in the back of the gallery. The deep rich red of the tablecloth contrasted beautifully with the white and gold china and the shiny silver and gold flatware. The candles cast a warm light, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere. The flickering flames danced across the table, adding to the enchanting ambiance.

The meal had consisted of dishes for both human and vampire consumption. The first course was a Carpacio of rare beef drizzled with a Blood Orange reduction and garnished with microgreens along with a Bruschetta of roasted bone marrow on toasted artisanal bread. A chilled Tomato Gazpacho garnished with cucumber and drizzled with Basil oil followed as a palate cleanser followed by spectacular main courses. Lamb heart Tartar and rare venison loin with a black cherry and red wine reduction for the vampires at the table, and herb crusted rack of Lamb with mint and rosemary for Kara, Tristan and Liam. Dessert was a Vanilla panacotta with blood red cherry sauce for the immortals and Tiramisu for the mortals.

"Tristan, as usual you have outdone yourself in planning this meal." Liam said, putting his hand on Tristan's arm. "Please extend my compliments to Claude and tell him that he is going to have to pay my gym membership for the next 3 months."

"Don't worry, I think I can find a few ways we can burn some of those pesky calories off."

"Leo!" Liam exclaimed with mock indignation, as he leaned over and whisper in his ear. "Any time you are ready for a workout Mr. De La Cruz, just let me know."

Joseph started chuckling and Liam looked over and immediately turned red. "Damn, I forget just how sensitive vampire ears are, not one word, Joey, not one word."

Joseph raised his hands in surrender as he tried to control his laughter.

"On a different note, I wanted to inform everyone that we will be closing the gallery for the month of December. Liam and I plan on celebrating Yule and Christmas, so our focus will be on the holidays. But, there's more." Leo reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved two shiny gold envelopes. Liam knew what they were and eagerly anticipated Kara's and Joseph's reactions. He watched as Leo handed them the envelopes and waited for them to open them.

As they opened them Joseph was the first one to respond. "Leo, you are opening the Manor house for Yule! You are really going back?"

Leo nodded. "I think it's time, time to honor the past and to make some new memories. I would like both you and Kara to join us."

"I would be honored to come," Kara said, smiling.

"Count me in pop, wild horses couldn't keep me away!" Joseph said excitedly.

"Good, but I also have a slight ulterior motive in inviting you both. I haven't returned to the Manor House in over 60 years, Tristan's family has taken care of it so it is well maintained but it is going to need some decorating for the Yule Celebration. Kara, you curate my art, so it will be your task to select the art that will be hung for the holiday. Joseph, you will be acting as my liaison with the local covens. My return to the estate is going to cause a stir and I want to keep things as calm as possible. The plan is to arrive on December 15th and open the house for the festivities on December 19th culminating in the grand ball on the Winter Solstice on the 21st."

"No worries, Leo, we would love to help," Kara assured him. "Plus I get to rummage through your main art collection which I have been dying to do since I began to work for you."

Leo looked over at Tristan. "Tristan, I would like to extend an invitation to the Corona De Fuego. Can you accomplish that?"

"Of course, the leader of the Coven is here in New York. I will contact him and extend your invitation."

"How many members are in New York?"

"Leo, there are 300 members in New York and more scattered throughout the United States. The Corona De Fuego has always kept a low profile blending in and hiding their numbers. They still hold to the throne even now when the world government holds sway."

"Arrange 2 planes for the 300 that are here in the city, I want to send a message."

Tristan let out a laugh and slapped his knee. "You are going to make a lot of people very nervous."

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