by Quinn Loftis
“I’ve no doubt of it. Vampires will align themselves with whomever will let them crawl out of the sewers and hunt openly,” Dillon said.
“No one has ever known the location of the Order’s hideout, or who was in charge. But I’m thinking Phoenix might just be the location of their headquarters,” Tyler said.
Dillon thought about it for a moment. With the body count as high as it was in Phoenix, there was no doubt a large population of vampires must be living there. Perhaps it was also the Order’s base of operations. “I’m going to head out there and have some wolves spread themselves across the city and see if we can sniff out some supernaturals.”
“I can send some of my wolves as well,” Tyler offered.
“Give me a chance to evaluate the situation first, and I’ll let you know what’s going on. I need to call Jeff Stone over in Coldspring, and I need to get in touch with Vasile.” Dillon had no doubt the Romania Alpha was keeping tabs on everything happening in the States.
“Call me when you’re ready to make a move. You have the full support of my pack,” Tyler said.
“Thank you. I’ll be in touch.” Dillon ended the call and immediately pulled up Jeff’s contact information. He pressed the call button and didn’t have to wait longer than one ring.
“Dillon,” Jeff’s voice rumbled through the phone. “Looks like all the leftover vamps that escaped the rain have migrated to Phoenix,” the Coldspring Alpha said before Dillon could even get a word out.
Dillon told Jeff everything he’d told Tyler and promised to be in touch.
He had one more phone call to make. He knew Tanya had tried to get in touch with Vasile as soon as she’d seen the news about the first dozen bodies. He’d been sound asleep and, according to her, she’d been unable to sleep and was playing a game on her phone. A news advertisement had popped up, and the bold words had grabbed her attention: Police won’t confirm, but is there a serial killer in Phoenix?
But she didn’t wake him. Not because she didn’t believe him capable of handling the situation, but because he’d been in the fae realm helping Peri with the wolves and new healers. She didn’t want him leaving again so soon. Tanya knew Vasile’s wolves had led the raids against the vampires and would, no doubt, want to know what was going on, if they didn’t already.
The line rang three times before Vasile answered. “Hello?”
“Have you seen the news in the U.S.?” Dillon asked without preamble.
“Yes,” Vasile said. “I was actually going to call you. I’ve met with a few supernaturals, and we decided to call a summit with the leaders of each race.”
“Putting together a battle plan?” Dillon asked.
“Exactly,” Vasile confirmed. “It’s going to take the cooperation of all of us if we want to take out this threat. They’re powerful and bold. Those two things together are dangerous.”
Dillon agreed wholeheartedly. “Where is the summit taking place?”
“The sprite realm,” Vasile said. “In five days. Peri will send fae for you and the other U.S. Alphas.”
“Sprites?” Dillon asked, his brow drawing down. “Since when have the sprites joined the realm of the humans?”
“Since we found out your daughter’s mother is a sprite.”
Dillon choked on his swallow at Vasile’s words. “What?”
“You heard me,” the Romania Alpha chuckled. “And before you get your fur ruffled, I just found out. The sprite queen paid us a visit. Apparently, Sally’s mom is also a sprite.”
“Um, wow.” Dillon sputtered like a pup. “Did not see that coming.”
“Who did?” Vasile said. “Alright, we’ll see you in five days.”
“Hey, hold up Vasile. I want to run something by you real quick.” Dillon explained his thoughts on the Order headquarters and Phoenix.
“If you can confirm that there is a significant supernatural presence in Phoenix before the summit, then I say do it. Let me see if Peri can get a fae to come to you to expedite your travel. No sense in wasting time on a plane if you don’t have to.”
“I’ll be waiting to hear from you.” They ended the call, and Dillon’s mind was still trying to wrap itself around the fact that his daughter was half sprite. He wondered how Jacque had handled the news. How had Lilly handled the news? He was sure it must have been a relief to finally have some answers about her past and where she came from. For that, he was happy for her.
Dillon was just about to reach out to his mate when a man suddenly appeared in his living room. Dillon’s wolf didn’t like how easily the fae was able to enter their territory, but it wasn’t like there was anything he could do about it. He knew it was futile to worry about something over which he had no control. Still, it didn’t stop his beast from being irritated. His wolf had control issues, but then, what alpha or dominant male didn’t.
“Vasile sent you by way of Peri I presume,” Dillon said.
The fae bowed slightly. “I am Vale. Peri has asked that I assist you and your pack with travel.”
“Vasile is nothing if not efficient,” Dillon muttered. “I haven’t had time to get my wolves organized. Could you give me half an hour?”
“As you wish. I can wait here or come back,” Vale said, his voice formal, making it clear that he was old, much older than he looked.
“Make yourself at home,” Dillon said, hoping the fae wouldn’t flash out only to flash back in and remind his wolf that he could pop into their home any time he wanted.
Vale gave another bow and then took a seat on the large couch. Dillon shot Vale a final glance before he left the room in search of his mate.
“I’m coming with you,” Tanya said as soon as his mind reached for hers. “Don’t you think for a second that you’re leaving me behind this time. You can leave Lee in charge.”
Dillon could tell he wasn’t going to be able to dissuade her. “I love you,” he told her, instead of telling her he didn’t want her near the blood suckers and demanding she stay where she’d be safe. That wouldn’t go over well.
“I always knew you were smart,” Tanya said, the sound of a smile in her voice. “I love you. Oh, and quit worrying about how I feel about Lilly being a sprite. I’m happy for her. She deserves to know what she is and where she comes from. I don’t begrudge her anything just because you love her.”
“Tanya,” Dillon started but his mate cut him off.
“We’ve talked about this before, mate. I know how you feel about me. I’m inside of you, so I can feel it. I am not insecure in our relationship because of your past. And I wouldn’t want it to be different because then you wouldn’t have Jacque or Slate.”
“And that is why you are amazing,” Dillon said, and he meant it. She’d never once held his past over his head even though she had every right to.
“Don’t you forget it,” she teased. “Now let’s go kill some vampires. I’ve been bored while you were in Farie.”
Lilly paced the length of Cypher’s office as she chewed on her bottom lip. She’d been trying to see something—anything—about what was to come, but the most she could get was a vague sense of foreboding. The sprite had no idea how long she’d been pacing when large arms suddenly wrapped around her and pulled her back against a broad chest.
“Wearing a hole in the floor isn’t going to make a vision happen.” Cypher’s deep voice vibrated against her back.
“Maybe not, but wearing a hole in the floor does make it less likely for me to lose my mind,” Lilly pointed out.
“Everything is going to work out. Good will prevail, evil will fall and then we can work on putting my child in you.”
Lilly turned in his arms and looked up at the warlock who’d taken her heart, a heart she’d thought forever broken. He’d captured it and pieced it back together. “How do you know I’m not already with child?”
Cypher went completely still. “Are you?” He practically whispered.
“Unfortunately not and I’m positively evil for teasing you but that’s what h
appens when I’m worried and I can’t figure out how to save everyone,” Lilly sighed.
“I should spank you for pulling that.” Cypher growled, though he tempered it by pressing his lips to her forehead.
“I’m sorry,” she said with a repentant smile “I didn’t mean to get your hopes up. I know how badly you want little ones.”
“Lilly,” Cypher said as he tilted her chin up so her eyes met his. “You realize I don’t just want little ones, right? I want little ones with you. I want you and I to make children out of the love we have for one another. I want to see pieces of each of us in their faces, their personalities, and one day in our grandchildren. I don’t want children just to have heirs. I want children because I love you and I love the idea of creating something with you that is a combination of both of us.”
Lilly felt her chest clench around her heart as she stared into the eyes of her love. “I want that too, so very much.” She prayed she would be able to give that to him.
“But even if that never happens,” Cypher continued. “I will be forever grateful you are my mate, my bride, and my queen. I am so very honored you’ve chosen to spend your life with me. Please, my love, stop worrying and trust me when I say all will be well.”
Lilly let him wrap his arms tighter around her and laid her head against his chest. The sound of his heartbeat was comforting to her as she tried to push away the sense of loss she was feeling. She wanted to believe him, wanted to trust they would all be fine and their future as parents and grandparents were set in stone but something was chipping away at the solid future she was so desperate for. Something deep inside her was telling her their days were numbered.
“I love you, Cypher,” she whispered.
“As I love you, my precious Lilly.”
Chapter Fourteen
“Enjoy the world as you know it. Stop your complaining and whining. Recognize that this is as good as it gets because soon, very soon you shall bow at my feet. You will look up at me and wonder why you didn’t glory in the life you had.” ~ Ludcarab
* * *
Ludcarab watched as the bows, arrows, swords, and daggers he’d found in the castle’s weaponry were unloaded from the plane. He’d managed to hire a private pilot who happened to have a large plane that not only carried all the cargo they needed but also all one hundred of his warriors.
“My lord, our spies report there has been no sign of your son,” said Rone, one of Ludcarab’s faithful elfin warriors. “And there’s been no activity from Prince Thalion’s camp. I do not think he knows we’ve left the palace.”
The king of the elves gave a sharp nod and dismissed the warrior as he watched them finish unloading the last of the weapons. He’d tried to ensure that Thalion would not learn of his departure for America, but Ludcarab wasn’t ignorant enough to think his son would never find out. He just hoped he’d be long gone once Thalion did realize it.
“Ah, Ludcarab, I see you’ve arrived safe and sound.” An oily voice entered the elf king’s ears. He turned quickly to face the small pale figure at his back. Ludcarab cursed inwardly. The vampire had gotten extremely close, and Ludcarab hadn’t even realized he was there. He needed to stay focused.
“Cain,” said Ludcarab simply.
“Welcome to my humble realm,” said the vampire spreading his arms wide. “We certainly don’t have all the amenities enjoyed by the elves, but I like to think the humans have their own charms.”
“Forgive me if I don’t make plans to build a summer home here,” the elf replied.
“Ah, you just can’t see the beauty of the humans. You think them weak and worthless. And you might be right up to a point.” The vampire inched closer. The man didn’t look a day over forty, but Ludcarab knew him to be centuries old. In fact, the elf couldn’t remember a time when Cain wasn’t the worldwide coven leader. “But you’ve never felt the exhilaration of having one’s flesh between your fangs. Feeling them wiggle beneath as the life drains from their eyes. You should try it sometime. I bet you’d like it.”
Ludcarab turned up his nose, making no attempt to hide his disgust. Though he and his elves were technically allied with the bloodsuckers, Ludcarab didn’t trust them, especially since he no longer commanded the host of warriors he once did. In one-on-one combat, no vamp would stand a chance against an elf, but Cain, as king of the vampires, had legions at his disposal, and they were clever, always scheming ways to increase their power among the supernaturals.
“Doubtful,” replied the elf king. “When did you arrive from Canada?” he asked, hoping to change the subject.
“A week ago,” Cain answered. “I brought four hundred displaced vampires. Thanks to the recent raids by the wolves, I’ve had nearly a thousand vampires show up at my coven seeking refuge.”
“So why did you only bring four hundred?” Ludcarab asked.
“I’ve had to kill many because they were out of control. And I left behind the rest to help take care of things up there. As soon as the United States is subdued, we will move on Canada’s government as well,” the vampire explained.
What a luxury the man can simply kill off his own kind and manufacture more warriors whenever they’re needed. “Who is left to arrive?” Ludcarab asked.
“Well, we didn’t get the pixie king, but his brother was an easy recruit, though he’s not yet arrived. We have representatives from almost all the other races.”
“Almost?”
“Warlocks, fae, wolves, elves, vamps, obviously, and a few sprites. We are still attempting to locate a djinn. We have a dozen trolls who will be showing up any day now.”
“It’s too bad there aren’t any witches to join,” Ludcarab said.
Cain grunted. “Yes, and it’s a travesty that we lost the healer.”
Ludcarab’s eyes widened. “You had a gypsy healer? She agreed to join?”
“Not exactly,” Cain admitted.
“You captured one?” he corrected.
“Yes. But she got away.”
“How?”
Cain sighed. “The wolves, how do you think? She had a mate and was under the protection of Perizada. Alston failed to mention that Perizada was watching over the healer. The high fae found her, and her mate killed our people and took the healer away.”
“The power circle won’t be complete without the representation of every supernatural species. We have to get a djinn and healer,” Ludcarab said.
“I know that and so does Sincaro and Alston. We will worry about that. Your job is to get all the warriors ready for battle,” Cain reminded him.
Ludcarab clenched his jaw, forcing back a retort. Having dissension among their ranks wasn’t going to help the Order achieve its goals. He could hold is tongue until they’d achieved their rightful place in power but then … then he would take the place that he was due. He would remove anyone who kept him from being the ruler of the human realm, and he wouldn’t share that power with anyone.
Ludcarab knew he wasn’t the only one planning a coup. All the leaders in the Order desired one thing: absolute power. None of them liked to share. He had no doubt Cain, Sincaro, Alston, and the other supernatural leaders were planning their own strategies on how to oust the others. He just needed to make sure his plan was one step ahead of theirs.
Alston closed his eyes and focused his thoughts on the Skender. The distance between them had been a bit of an issue, even for his magic, but it wasn’t something that a little blood magic couldn’t fix. Alston had been concerned when the Order decided to send Skender on a mission to return to his pack in hopes of retrieving the healer. A wolf’s loyalty to his pack was a strong thing. The high fae wondered if Skender would desire to give up the Order and stay with his old pack.
“Skender,” Alston said when he felt his mind connect with the wolf’s.
“Alston?”
“Why do you sound confused? Did you doubt my power?”
“I’m just surprised,” Skender said.
“Explain your situation. How did Vasile resp
ond to your return and to your mate?”
“He doesn’t trust me. None of them do,” Skender said. “We are currently being held in a cell in the basement.”
“Is there any chance of escape?” Alston asked, his irritation growing with the lack of progress from the two wolves.
“I’m sure they will let us out soon to tend to our personal needs. Would you have me attempt to break free and grab the healer when they do let us out?” His voice sounded skeptical.
“Your assignment was to obtain the healer at any and all costs. One of you gets the healer while the other distracts the pack. You are not to return without her unless you are ready to leave this world.” Alston didn’t give the wolf time to respond. He simply pulled out of his mind and left him.
The high fae was irritated his plan for Sally hadn’t worked out. He had underestimated Peri’s power and, frankly, had thought she’d be distracted with her new mate. Now they needed to come up with a different plan to get the healer. It shouldn’t be so difficult to gain control of one, sort-of-human girl, and yet it had proven to be their biggest challenge.
The door to his study opened and Sincaro walked in. The cold, dead eyes of the vampire met his own and momentarily flashed red—the bloodsucker was in a temper. “We’ve located the djinn veil,” Sincaro said.
“Then why don’t you appear pleased?” Alston asked.
“Because that damn high fae is one move ahead of us. The veil is being guarded by four fae warriors.”
Alston sighed, a much-too-human sound for his liking. “Must I do everything?”
“Perizada is powerful. You don’t have to admit it for it to be true, but you must acknowledge it. You are the only one who can deal with the fae warriors. Take some of the fae warriors here, get rid of the fae guarding the veil, and procure the djinn. We will be that much closer to our goal,” Sincaro said and then turned to leave.
“What will you be doing?” Alston asked before the door closed.
Sincaro’s eyes were red again and his fangs had descended. “Hunting puppies. I think it’s time we start dealing with the wolf packs in the U.S.”