by Lauren Dane
But maybe you didn’t name them, or get close to them. Better to think on them like farm animals.
Rowan had never been able to do that though. She loved the people she was sworn to protect. Carey and David were very much hers. Her family. And Thena had been her friend, the sister of her heart.
Still, she wasn’t offended by the way Genevieve and the Devils spoke. Especially because it had piqued their interest in the situation, which meant they’d cooperate with her and share information. Information she’d be hard pressed to get on her own, even if she had known what to look for.
Darius frowned, one of his long, twisted locs falling forward. “Some things are not very well known anymore for a reason.”
“They probably weren’t known very widely back then either.”
“Most practitioners couldn’t do this work anyway,” Darius argued with her.
“Enough can. And have,” she countered.
“Spells like this would burn through any practitioner who attempted them more than a few times.”
“You know a lot about magic,” Genevieve said.
“So do you.” He looked to Rowan. “You have leave to hunt in our territory.” And then back to Genevieve. “If I hear anything about this I’ll contact you. You’ll do the same.”
All gruff like. An order even.
Genevieve laughed. A pretty, sharp sound that settled around their table. “If it suits me, I will. And it does. I’ll be in Los Angeles for the Conclave Senate for a few days next week. But until then, I’m here in town.”
There wasn’t an actual exchange of information like phone numbers, but Rowan figured Genevieve had this guy’s number in a metaphorical sense. They both wanted information and would share if for no other reason than they wanted whatever the other had as well.
“Why don’t you finish up that shot?” He tipped his chin at Genevieve.
It never failed that when more than one powerful being was in a space, they had to start comparing and one-upping. Genevieve did something similar with Clive from time to time as well.
Rowan preferred to come in knowing everyone’s weaknesses so she could establish her authority and simply be left alone and obeyed when the laws of the Treaty between magic users, the Hunter Corp. and the Vampire Nation were in question.
Dick measuring pissed her off. Probably because on her own she’d be weaker than most of the creatures she had to deal with. And for decades of her life she’d been under the rather heavy hand of The First.
Having enough confidence and ego to get through constant Vampiric dick measuring wasn’t just important, it had been necessary for her survival. It had made her believe she was a badass because she had no other choice.
Brigid flared in her chest. Approval. Pride.
Darius’s gaze left Genevieve’s and locked on to Rowan.
She gave him her gaze for a few moments, letting him know she was respectful, but not a victim, before shifting focus to his eyebrows. No use pissing anyone off or getting herself into trouble if he’d been able to overcome her personal magic.
He’d sensed the Goddess when she’d surfaced. Some beings could because they were constant prey and they knew a predator when one was near. Others knew something was happening but not exactly what. And some were magical practitioners. Genevieve had known. And so had Darius.
Rowan tucked that information away to think on later.
Just because she was good at dick measuring didn’t mean that every time she engaged, an echo of who she’d been before didn’t make her chest ache. Back then, surrounded by immortals, she’d always been the weakest.
No longer. She was strong in her own right now, which is why she stifled a sigh and a sarcastic reply. Darius had far more magnetism and sheer power than his predecessor, Rex, ever had. He was also ancient. And she knew from personal experience just how unstable ancients could be.
“I’ve never seen a Vessel in person before,” he said to Rowan. “When I was young, there was a Vessel of the goddess Kauket. She lived high up in the mountains. There were pilgrimages to her.”
This dude was way older than Clive. Older than Genevieve too. Though, he and Genevieve seemed to be of generally equal power.
“Your magic flares when the Goddess inside you surfaces,” he said.
“I’m told that.” While it wasn’t a secret in the paranormal community that she was a Vessel and that she had a unique sort of power, the intricate, specific details of her makeup weren’t something she broadcasted widely. The more information others had, the greater the opportunity they had to find her weaknesses to exploit.
Genevieve tossed the shot back and finished her beer in several long swallows before she stood. “We’ve got things to do. Your information was helpful.”
Darius stood as well, slowly uncoiling himself until he towered over them all broad shoulders and muscles stretched and bunched beneath taut skin.
As Rowan and Genevieve left, the entire place, which had grown raucous, quieted, watching.
Once outside they both took a breath as they kept walking to the car.
“I’m glad the car is okay,” Genevieve said as they approached. “I should have spelled it.”
Rowan paused, slowing down, sending her senses out a little farther. “There are three Devils to the northeast. Sitting in the brush. Watching. If anything had happened to my vehicle they’d have told Darius. They can’t have anything bringing the human authorities out here.”
“Makes sense.”
Of course once they’d gotten into the car, her phone came back to life, buzzing texts and messages from David, Clive and Susan, along with a few of her contacts at the fire department.
“Looks like the bones broke and crumbled into ash when they tried to move the bodies.” Though most assuredly, the bodies were of people she knew, Rowan couldn’t help but think that holy fire business was pretty damned handy wiping evidence. “The arson squad is investigating but they’re already looking at who else lives nearby, thinking it might be a case of mistaken identity.”
“I’ll be doing some meetings for the Senate tomorrow. But I’ll be back before you wake up most likely,” Genevieve told her as they pulled up to Genevieve’s hotel. “Call when you awaken and we’ll arrange to meet up.”
“Okay. Just do your thing with the other magic users. See what you can find, if anything, about that old magic and maybe opinions about who might be strong enough to survive those spells.”
“All right. Why don’t I drive you to Clive’s office?”
Rowan shook her head as she got out. “I’m just going to walk over to Die Mitte. I need to think.” It was only a few blocks anyway. Las Vegas blocks, but even though it was late, there were plenty of people about.
Genevieve kissed her cheeks and stood back. “See you later.”
Chapter Ten
“If Rowan comes in, please don’t let her skive off. Tell her to come in to my office, even if I’m on the phone.”
He needed to connect with his father on a number of issues but he didn’t want Rowan to feel like she had to wait in some antechamber.
And she’d use the opportunity to run off and he didn’t want her to run off. She’d been running and on the defense for months now and he was tired of it.
Clive couldn’t give her total safety. That simply wasn’t possible and not who she was. His wife would always be getting into trouble. It was part of her makeup. But this was different and he wanted her to have as many safe spaces as possible.
“Dad, is this a good time?” Clive asked as his father answered.
“Of course. How is Rowan? Your mother and I have been concerned.”
His mother absolutely adored Rowan, which had been a surprise, though a welcome one. They’d welcomed her to the Stewart family in a way his wife had taken to. Which was something that mattered far more than he’d imagine
d ever could.
“She’s back at it.” Clive paused, thinking about how helpless he’d felt in the time after Carey had been murdered. She’d been the most emotionally devastated that he’d ever seen.
He’d held her broken pieces together as she fell apart in his arms.
“She’s just lost more friends today.” Clive told his father about Thena and her husband and the arson.
His father took a deep breath. “Sounds like something large is on the horizon, then. These sorcerers of hers are growing very bold to attack her protected in such a fashion.”
Clive’s father had been a warlord in his time. A powerful leader and a brilliant strategist. Clive sought his advice regularly. He also knew nothing he said would pass beyond his father’s office door.
“It gets worse. The witch, Genevieve Aubert, she’s here and working with Rowan.” Clive explained not only the age of the spellwork, but the relative rarity of it. “And it also adds more weight to the idea there’s a leak here or within the Nation very high up. These sorcerers were in my city for some time. Casing her apartment. Watching Carey and all the while laying down bits and pieces of very powerful magic. And I just happen to have been in Europe at the time. As was she. That’s no coincidence. And there are other details about her security protocol they were able to obtain.”
“The First just punished entire family lines for such a thing. You’d think Vampires would learn. I’ll look into it on my end. Could be someone here at the house. Or at your house, for that matter. I suppose she’s already got someone on those who might be culpable over at Hunter Corp.”
Clive grunted. He didn’t want to get overly specific about the situation at Hunter Corp. That was Rowan’s business and she’d told him as his wife. If it were urgent, he’d have said but otherwise, he respected those boundaries.
“This will be a situation with multiple leaks. And someone pulling the strings at the very top.” To what end he didn’t know. “I appreciate the assistance.”
“Naturally, Scion.” His father chuckled. Then he sobered. “You must cut out anyone whose loyalty can’t be trusted. You can’t lead an army of soldiers you can’t count on. On a personal note, I expect you’ll be taking extra care. Before you say anything, yes, I’ll put more security in place as I’m running this check.”
“Excellent.”
A pulse of bright, vibrant energy banked low in his belly. Rowan had just entered the building’s lobby. The strength of their bond had him pausing simply to marvel at his blessings.
“May I ask you a personal question?”
“Of course,” his father said. “Though if it’s how to manage a woman like Rowan, I have no advice. You’ve met your mother. Women like them do whatever they like and men like us hold on and enjoy the ride.”
Goddess wasn’t that the truth.
“Is it normal to feel a mate as they entered a building and you were on the twentieth floor?”
“I’ve been with your mother a very long time. If I’m concentrating, or if she’s feeling any strong emotion or is in pain, I can feel her miles away.”
Clive had been feeling some of Rowan’s stronger emotions even across the city but he’d never noticed her coming in downstairs when he was in his office. He smiled to himself. She’d chafe at that. Knowing he could feel her emotions. Her presence. Made her less sneaky when it came to him, she’d said.
But he felt the pleasure emanating from her as well. She liked their bond. Liked that he enjoyed it too.
“Interesting. Thanks again. My wife has just arrived and I’m going home with her.”
“Tell her we send our regards. I’ll get back to you soon.”
They rang off as Rowan came through.
“Heya, handsome. What’s shaking?”
“I’m glad to see you with no obvious signs of blood or scuffle.” He stood, not bothering with the suit jacket he just folded over his arm as he led her out.
“The meeting was weird as hell. I’ll tell you all about it later.”
Clive remembered he had a leak and it pissed him off all over again. Alice gave them both a smile as he walked Rowan past on their way out.
“Good night, you two. I’ll be sure to lock everything down when I go,” Alice told them.
Not only would he trust his longtime assistant with his security, he’d trust her with his life. She wasn’t the leak and she was just as offended and outraged about it as he was. She’d watch his back and because of that, her defense also extended to Rowan.
“Night.”
They nodded to several Vampires as they headed out and he withheld a snicker when the elevator was full and she had to ride down in a car full of Vampires. Vampires who wanted to impress the boss.
When they got to the secure parking level where his car was located, she spilled out as fast as she could. Sucking in air that didn’t stink of suck up to the Scion.
“Man, how many times could they compliment you? Do they do that all day long? No wonder you’re so insufferable. Clearly, I need to knock you down a few pegs.”
“I think there’s a compliment, an insult and a complaint in that. All at once. My.” He kept his delivery dry, knowing it got her back up.
Her harrumph had him reaching for her hand and in doing so, his jacket slipped so he skidded to a stop to right it and keep it from dropping.
She turned to face him, an affectionate tease on her lips as that melted away into panic as she leapt his way, shoving him to the ground just moments before an explosion ripped through the parking deck.
Instincts taking over, Clive flipped her quickly, half running, half rolling to get into the notch of the stairwell door as flaming bits of debris pelted the parked cars, setting off alarms that weren’t already blaring.
The air was hot and very dry as Clive held her, backing her into the wall, protecting her with his body.
* * *
Rowan’s heart thundered, the sound in her ears louder than the remains of the explosion. Clive held her tight and she let him. Needing that reassurance that they were both alive.
Motherfucker!
They could have killed Clive.
No. They. Were. Not. Going. To. Kill. Clive.
He spoke against her ear, continuing to hold her. “Are you all right?”
“Aside from the ringing in my ears and the certainty of some bruises, I’m fine. What the fuck blew up?”
He managed to help them both to stand straight, stepping out from their cover as Vampires came running down the stairwell. The sprinklers had come on so the smoke wasn’t so bad, but the stench would be stuck in her clothes forever.
“It appears my car is what the fuck blew up. Fortunately we were not in it.”
Her knees went wobbly again at the thought.
Rowan turned and walked a few feet, taking in the wreckage and where it had been worst. If he’d been driving he’d have died, old ass Vampire or not. She most certainly would have.
“Rowan?” He got close, examining her face. Looking for signs of concussion, clearly reassuring himself she was all right. The fear of losing him had her in its jaws and squeezed so she gathered up all her will and shoved the terror into a small, icy ball and tucked it away.
She shook it off, focusing on his beautiful face and how adorable he was, even with a smudge of ash on his cheek and a rip in his fancy shirt.
“I’m all right,” she repeated. “Are you?”
“I’m nearly five centuries old. I can handle an explosion. Especially when I was several feet away and my wife had the good sense to knock us both down and out of the direct path of the blast. But you? Damn it, Rowan. You’re not nearly impossible to kill.” He pulled her into a hug again and she let it go on for a few seconds before she squirmed a little and he let go.
Alice showed up just moments later, ordering Vampires to secure the scene and begin to collec
t whatever evidence they could. She searched the area until she found Clive and Rowan and headed over.
“The damned elevators are out. The human authorities are handled. I pulled all surveillance video and we’ll begin to go through it. I also have the records of all the vehicles parked on this floor and everyone who came in or out has to log in.”
“Who the fuck tried to kill the Scion of North America? I call dibs on killing them,” Rowan growled. She snapped at a Vampire sifting through the wreckage as if he were a bear hunting through a trash can. “Hey, dumbass, that’s not how you collect evidence. Goddess, I thought you guys were well trained? Patience?”
The Vampire formerly known as China came over. She wasn’t wearing her usual sneer though. This time she looked pissed off.
Good.
Rowan slid on the gloves Patience held out. The two bent to examine the wreckage.
“You were right. There’s a leak. No one could have gotten access to this floor without clearance,” Patience told her, holding the flashlight so Rowan could see better.
Of course she’d been right. But it wasn’t the time for I told you so. Rowan shrugged.
“It’s not me,” Patience added.
“If I truly thought it was you, I’d never let you near him. I’d have lopped your traitorous head off without a sweat,” Rowan said.
“Oh.”
“Yeah. Oh. Anyway, I don’t care if you pine for him. As long as you know who he belongs to. Which is me. Me, the Hunter with the sword.” Rowan flicked her gaze up to Patience, underlining that point. “I don’t think you’re the leak. But you have one. And for damn sure, your people aren’t trained as well as they should be. You need to clean house. And you need to build a better one. Stronger. Embrace the freaking modern world because it’s here and sooner or later, it could be the thing that enables you to live while your opponent dies.” Or Rowan’s husband lived, which mattered far more to her than Patience’s existence.
“Rowan, we’re leaving now. You’ve had enough for one day,” Clive said as he approached.