by Helen Harper
I pivoted round and changed direction once more, this time leaping up and sailing over his head. The second my front paws landed back down, I bounded forward and away. I was now going in the opposite direction to the Front Gate, however. I’d either have to make another U-turn or complete an entire circuit of the Tower.
Eeeny meeny miny mo...
My Lord?
Nothing. How long until transport arrives?
They’re six minutes out.
I growled. That was too damned long. It was my fault for sending Leah off home with the car, of course. Change of plan. I’ll meet them across the river. Directly opposite.
I could almost hear Staines frowning. Before he could say anything, however, I broke off the link. I didn’t need the distraction. More guards – both Beefeaters and their armed counterparts - were starting to appear. I wouldn’t be able to dodge them all. I had to get up high. If I could have grinned, I would have. The second I spotted the taller Beefeater hanging nervously back by the wall, I knew exactly what to do. I sprinted forward, using all the power from my back legs to gain as much ground speed as I possibly could. Another of the security men took aim. I couldn’t afford to switch direction and lose momentum this time though. I forced myself to go even faster. Even then, however, the bullet still nicked me, grazing across my left haunch. Thank goodness for adrenaline. I ignored the pain and prepared to jump. I had to get the timing just right.
The Beefeaters at the Tower weren’t the fluffy busby wearing men who were often seen around Buckingham Palace. The ones here still wore fairly tall examples of millinery though, even if they didn’t quite meet the height of the traditional furry hats. These ones did, however, possess a conveniently sturdy flat surface. It was what I needed. Ignoring the panicked shouts and the hollow sound of yet another shot, I focused on the ground, ensuring I had the perfect angle and the perfect spot to launch from. The very split second that I hit it my mark, I took off into the air.
The Beefeater barely had time to react. It was just as well. If he’d started to duck or had flailed his arms around in fear, I’d have been screwed. I pushed my legs together so both my front paws landed on top of his hat at precisely the same moment. Whatever material it was made out of, it was strong stuff. It didn’t yield more than a half an inch before I was bouncing off and vaulting even higher up into the air and the outer wall.
The shouts below grew even more frantic. Time seemed to suspend itself as I flew upwards. The problem was that what goes up has to come back down sooner or later. If I didn’t get high enough to get over the wall, I’d end up in an animal bodybag. I didn’t think I was going to make it. I stretched my paws up until they hurt. And then my claws clipped the stone and I was over.
I crashed down with a painful landing on the other side. Traitor’s Gate, the waterway entrance once used for the city’s worst offenders, wasn’t too far to my left. It was a simple matter to scramble out of the shallow moat, leap over the handrail and plunge into the icy River Thames. The shock of it took my breath away. Unlike most domestic cats, panthers don’t mind taking a dip in water. Werepanthers like myself enjoy it. Except, of course, when it’s a polluted city river with temperatures that would freeze the barnacles off a ship’s hull. By the time I reached the other bank, and hauled myself panting onto the walkway above, I was both frozen and numb.
Fangs chattering, I opened another Voice link. Staines, where are they? I’m about two hundred metres down from Tower bridge.
Near City Hall?
I blinked ahead, icy drips falling from my black coat. Smack bang in front of it.
You don’t sound well. I’ll rouse the Doc so he can look at you when you get in.
That won’t be for a while yet, I growled. We need to get to the vampires.
Staines tutted. I don’t think that’s wise, my Lord. You should make your way back here. Tell me what needs to be done and I’ll ensure someone capable is sent in your place.
A sleek limo pulled up in front of me and the door sprang open. I closed my eyes in relief and shifted back, my fur melting back into naked skin. I’d dry faster as a human. You don’t understand. I need everyone to get to the vampires.
There was a moment of silence. Tom jumped out of the car and took my arm, helping me inside to the warmth. I was shivering all over.
You’re sure? Staines asked finally.
Oh yes.
Shall I speak to the Arch-Mage again? Ask for his help?
We don’t need it. Just make sure he sorts out the humans at the Tower. I leaned back in the car seat, cupping my hands round a hot cup of coffee poured from a thermos, and trying to absorb its meagre heat.
He assures me it’ll be done before the hour is out. Lord Corrigan, he made it very clear that he is going to want some considerable aid in return.
Whatever he needs. Right now we have more pressing matters to worry about. Because if I didn’t find Corux and the rest of the Tower ravens, and that damn prophecy came true, it wouldn’t matter what the bloody Arch-Mage wanted.
*
All the Brethren vehicles were well equipped with standard issue clothes. Ending up naked, vulnerable and completely bereft of so much as a single sock with which to protect one’s modesty with was somewhat of an occupational hazard. I slipped into the dark jogging pants and t-shirt while Tom made sure that the heating was cranked up.
‘You’re fortunate you’re not coming down with hypothermia, my Lord,’ he commented, once the colour started to return to my cheeks. ‘That wound you’ve got is bad enough.’
I glanced down at my thigh. I’d not bothered with a bandage and there was already some blood seeping through from underneath the soft fabric of the trousers. ‘It’s barely a graze.’
‘You’re as bad as Red. I mean, Mack. Whenever she got injured she’d pretend it was nothing. It made Julia go mad.’
I looked at the young wolf for a long moment. I’d avoided pressing him for any details about her, even when she’d turned rogue. Whatever she’d done and whoever she was, I wanted to hear it from her lips, not his. Curiosity, however, eventually killed the cat. ‘Did you and she ever ... you know ... were you ever romantically involved?’
Tom gave me an astonished stare. ‘No way! She was like my little sister. Well,’ he amended, ‘big mean sister actually. Besides she was all loved up with that stupid copper for ages.’
‘Nick.’
He started. ‘You remember his name?’
‘I have a good memory.’ I said, and coughed. ‘What about others? Other men, I mean. Her and the mage who came to Cornwall after John died. Floride. Or perhaps a Fae? What kind of men does she go for?’ My tone was casual but I had the distinct impression that I was coming off as a wimpish needy guy. This was ridiculous.
Apparently Tom thought I was being ridiculous too. ‘Just how badly hurt are you, my Lord?’ he asked in concern.
‘I told you. I’m fine.’
‘The vampires...’
I gritted my teeth and pushed Mack out of my head. ‘The vampires are going to get every damn thing that’s coming to them.’
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
We fanned out, covering the entire street and the one beyond that. I wanted every single possible exit and avenue covered. I was impressed with how quickly all the Brethren had galvanised themselves into action, especially considering the late hour. I supposed, however, that it had been a while since we’d all had a good fight. I thought of my tussle with Mack and smiled. Well, I amended to myself, it had been a while since the Brethren had been required to fight as one unit anyway. At least the vampires would be easier to deal with than the insubstantial form of a wraith. Speaking of...
‘Have you seen this, my Lord?’
I crouched down beside Logan. We were less than fifty feet away from the vampires’ lair although we were in the opposite direction from where the wraith had attacked after the gathering. I didn’t need to touch the gloopy mess in front of me to know what it was.
‘Has it rained r
ecently?’ I asked.
‘Yesterday,’ he informed me.
I frowned. That could only mean that Tryyl had been back here since then. If all he wanted was a chunk of wood then, frankly, Aubrey should just give it to him and be done with it.
‘Is there any sign of the wraith now?’
He shook his head in denial but there was denying the flicker of nervousness in his wide eyes. I clapped him on the shoulder. ‘Don’t worry about it.’
The wraith had nothing to do with us. In fact, if Tryyl had a hard-on for the bloodsuckers, it could only be a good thing for us. I was starting to think that ever caring about their involvement had been a total waste of time. They might be powerful but they were undead, soulless creatures. There was little point in appealing to their better natures. They didn’t have any. I pursed my lips and nodded to myself. Brute force was probably the only way to go.
Motioning to everyone to stay put until called for, I strolled nonchalantly up to the vampires’ door. What I saw there gave me some pause, however. Tryyl had most definitely been making his presence known. A hastily erected barricade was in place; it actually looked as if the wraith had breached the house at some point earlier in the day. I rubbed my chin with my thumb. That could work in my favour. The vampires would already be vulnerable.
I raised my fist to knock but the makeshift door swung open. Aubrey, looking paler and meaner than I’d ever seen him before, gazed coldly out at me.
‘What do you want?’ he sneered.
‘You look rather harassed, Aubrey,’ I commented lightly. ‘Having a bad night?’
He hissed under his breath. ‘What’s it to you, furball?’
I leaned back slightly and folded my arms. ‘This is what happens when you piss off lots of people and don’t have any friends. I’m here because I care about the Otherworld, the human world and all that lies within. It’s a symbiotic relationship. I get in trouble, the Ministry helps me. The Ministry needs a favour done, I help them back.’ Given the state of our relationship with the mages of late, I was stretching the truth somewhat here. But the Arch-Mage had helped me with the Tower and tomorrow I was going to see what he wanted in return. It wasn’t exactly a lie. I smiled unpleasantly at the vampire and continued. ‘Even the Fae, despite their contrary natures, are not above a little quid pro quo. And yet,’ I drawl, ‘here you are, the strong, powerful vampires with a foe who appears determined to hurt you, and no-one is jumping to your aid. Surprise, surprise.’
Aubrey gave me a look that could have frozen hell. ‘So you’re not here to offer us your services then?’ His tone implied that our’services’ would be useless. Considering my previous encounter with Tryyl, he could be right. Not that I was about to admit it, however.
‘Funnily enough, no.’
‘Well, get to the point,’ he snapped. ‘There has to be a reason for why you and your little army are here.’
I met his eyes. ‘The ravens,’ I said flatly. ‘Release them.’
‘I have absolutely no idea what you’re babbling on about. Ravens? I can only imagine you mean the ones from the Tower. They’re nothing to do with me,’ he dismissed. ‘They’re vermin.’
I wasn’t about to back down. The only group who would have had the audacity or the motive to kidnap Corux and his colleagues was the vampires. ‘I don’t believe you. Either free them or you can expect some more damage to your little house.’
Anger flashed across Aubrey’s face. ‘Little house? How dare you? Until those bloody birds agree to retrieve the seal for me, they’re staying here. Besides,’ he spat, ‘I’d like to see you try doing any damage. We’re stronger than you.’
‘No. You’re not.’ I took a step back. ‘I’m going to count to three. Either you set them free before I finish or we attack.’ I shrugged. ‘Simple as.’
The vampire threw back his head and laughed. ‘I’d like to see you try,’ he repeated. He slammed the poor excuse for a door shut in my face. It rattled in the frame, echoing down the street.
‘One,’ I said, without so much as raising my voice, ‘Two.’ I took another step backwards. ‘Three.’
The vampires’ house remained silent, and no-one appeared.
Now. I instructed the waiting shifters. Three seconds later, all hell broke loose.
The vampires had been lying in wait. Whether this was for us or for Tryyl, I couldn’t say. Either way, as soon as every single member of the Brethren shifted in a muted explosion of snarls and howls and yelps, a long line of bloodsuckers appeared on the roofs in front and behind. They swooped down like ominous birds of prey. I growled, twisting to face three attackers of my own. When I saw who it was, I bared my panther teeth in what I hoped was recognised as a grin of glee. Vincent the vampire and his two buddies back for more. They’d attacked me not long after I’d returned from Cornwall, in the time-honoured tradition of testing the new Lord Alpha’s mettle. I’d bested them in less time than it took me to brush my teeth. I didn’t think they’d be any harder to bring down this time. Trusting that the other shifters around me had their own fights under control, I leapt at Vincent, knocking him to the ground. Before I could spring back up and make sure the other two weren’t trying anything funny, he gave me a nasty grin. There was a flash of metal and then a sudden searing pain in my side. I managed to pull away before he could stab deeply but I was still in agony. I snarled and looked at the weapon. Sneaky bastard.
Don’t let them touch you with their weapons, I threw out as Vincent’s buddies came at me. They’ve got silver.
There were already several anguished howls filling the night sky. I flipped a hundred and eighty degrees, using my tail to whip the knife from one vampire’s hand while I latched on with my jaws to the wrist of the other. He screeched in pain, a high note that an opera singer would have been proud of. Dark, foul tasting blood filled my mouth. I held on, however, dragging both him and myself out of Vincent’s reach. Then, in one swift movement, I released him, kicking back with my hind legs. There was the satisfying crunch of several ribs breaking.
Vincent came at me again. ‘Come on little kitty cat.’
I narrowed my eyes and let out a loud purr. Alright then. I launched myself at him, dodging the sharp lethal blade. The adrenaline coursing through my system helped me to dull the pain of my wound. Claws extended, I raked through the bared flesh on his face and throat. As he flinched, I completed the action in an entirely uncat-like move by headbutting him.
Above the growls and sounds of fighting from around the street, I heard a tutting. I spun round to see Aubrey himself had emerged again from the house. ‘They begged to be given a second chance against you. I told them they shouldn’t have taken their first beating so personally. They’re young though.’ His mouth curved into a thin smile. ‘I’m rather more experienced.’
I made a show of licking my lips. Bring it on.
‘Cease.’ A cold voice rang out. It was imbued with power and, while the majority of the shapeshifters completely ignored it, the vampires came to an abrupt halt. Unfortunately their obedience caused several of them to lose limbs to sharp shifter teeth. I made a mental note to remind myself be very wary of when I used the Voice for compulsion and turned to meet the new threat.
It was another vampire. Despite her smooth features and alabaster skin, I could still tell she was old.
Wait, I commanded everyone. Stay focused on your opponents but don’t attack them unless it looks like they’re going to attack you again first.
The bloodsucking woman, whoever she was, glided down the street towards me and Aubrey. The vampires fell away, some going so far as to prostrate themselves on the ground as she passed. She ignored every single shifter; it was as if we were beneath her concern.
She moved up to Aubrey, planting herself between the pair of us. Her red taloned hands cupped his face. ‘Aubs,’ she cooed. ‘What have you been doing?’
I hadn’t thought it was possible for the vampire to look paler but his skin had actually managed to grow several shades
lighter. ‘Natalia. What are you doing here?’
She laughed, the sound cutting through the air. An involuntary shiver ran down my spine. This woman was seriously scary. ‘Why wouldn’t I be here?’ She drew back and slapped him on the face with harsh, venomous power. I was impressed that Aubrey remained standing, although he did rock back on his heels. ‘You have fucked up,’ she hissed. ‘What is the meaning of this business with the wraith?’
‘He ... he ... wants his statue back,’ Aubrey stammered. I blinked at him curiously. This was not a side that I’d seen to him before.
‘Why do you have thing in the first place?’
‘I made a bet...’
Natalia raised her thin, arched eyebrows. ‘A bet? And these shapeshifters? Are they part of that bet?’
‘In a manner of speaking.’ His eyes dropped. ‘Double or nothing.’ His voice was almost a whisper. ‘Retrieve the Albus seal which is of importance to them.’
My mouth fell open. A bet? That’s what this was all about? It had nothing to do with believing in either the Palladium or the seal’s magical properties – it had all simply been a way for Aubrey to pass the time. What an idiot. I closed my eyes and shifted back to human. After my dip in the Thames, the freezing air against my naked skin was not particularly pleasant.
If Natalia noticed my shift, she didn’t comment on it, keeping all her focus on Aubrey. ‘You will discard yourselves of the Palladium.’
‘I’ve been trying to!’
Her expression hardened. ‘Try harder. And give them back their seal.’
‘I don’t have their seal.’
‘Then why are they here?’
I cleared my throat. It was time to step in. ‘My Lady, in order to gain the seal, they have kidnapped the ravens of the Tower.’
Natalia stiffened. She didn’t, however, turn. ‘You poor excuse for a vampire,’ she hissed. ‘Quickly.’ She snapped her fingers at Vincent who had scrabbled his way to a kneeling position. ‘What time is it?’
He fumbled with his sleeve, looking at his watch. ‘Er, about half past four.’