by Pace, Pepper
Alexis cocked his head as if listening and then nodded once. Immediately the orbs rose and shot towards him, settling into him as if a vacuum had sucked them in. Alexis closed his eyes and when he opened them instead of the all black pupils that I had become accustomed to, the eyes that looked out were white with absolutely no pupils at all.
Alexis no longer controlled Ran’s body; whatever had been in those orbs did. “There is much interest in this Council.” The thing inside Ran’s body spoke. “You have caused a ripple of change that now effects the entire Vampire Nation. Change is not welcomed.
“You will rectify this matter at once and all will be settled.” The Ran thing turned to Paul.
“Alpha, your Wolves are our allies. We will have you seek out those that mean to do us harm.”
Paul glanced at Malarias who seemed a bit smug. I was not happy with his sudden loss of fear. Paul’s eyes finally settled on the Ran-thing.
“I would like to know to whom I’m speaking.”
“That is not important. You are Lukoi and do not understand the ways of the Neratomay.”
“I might surprise you.”
“Your only importance lies in your usefulness, Alpha. If you do not wish to be useful than you and your Wolves will cease to exist.”
“The Neratomay does not control the Wolves. You don’t give me orders. But if you make a request … than I might honor it.”
The Ran-thing seemed to be at a loss for words. It regarded Paul, no doubt taking in his fearless stance.
And in the blink of an eye, the Ran-thing was replaced by something formed of smoke and fire and it was gripping Paul by the throat. It didn’t look like Ran any longer yet it still had a recognizable human quality. For instance its teeth were real enough and so were the eyes that resembled redhot coals. I reached out to push it away from my husband but my hands went through it. Where was Ran’s body?!
“You think yourself stronger than us, Werewolf?”
“Smarter,” he growled, his face turning red with the strain of having his neck gripped by a demon fist. “Because now you just lost your allies.”
The grip on his neck loosened and Paul slumped, I pulled him into my arms and he hugged me while keeping his eyes glued to the monstrosity before him.
“We can just as easily join forces with the Rogue Werewolves and pick you off one by one.
“Is that why you sent them overseas? Because you thought we would not detect them? Yes, we found this thought in the minds of this Council.”
“I didn’t send the Wolf Pack overseas,” Paul replied. “But they are spread out, stationed at the homes of each Council member in every sector of the country.”
There was silence from the Ran-thing.
Paul continued. “Waiting to either protect them or destroy them. My Beta will make the decision based on what happens here.”
Phase three, I thought, hoping that Paul’s plan would work.
“Wolf, your kind can not win a war with the Neratomay-”
“And you can’t afford to have your existence exposed to the world. That would benefit neither of us. But if every Council in the states fell apart then there would be chaos as all of your Vampires go Rogue. And there is no way that without Councils you can maintain any control of the multitude of Vampires in the country.” Paul glared. “And they will go Rogue, because you’ve left them with impossible standards and harsh punishments. All because you hate this Council.”
“This Council is responsible for the attacks on Neratomay due to your unsanctioned battle with the shifters!”
“Just like you will be responsible for the collapse of the Vampire Nation.” Paul cracked his knuckles and I could tell that it was hard for him not to change. I could feel his desire to attack but he controlled it.
“You are less than two hundred strong. Even now our Elders could enter the bodies of their Council and destroy you!”
Paul nodded. “Thought you might consider something like that. So let me tell you about The Omegas.”
Huh? Omegas … ?
“When we turned members of the pack, we discovered that some of them bore such a strong hatred of the Vampires that they couldn’t be members of The Wolf Pack. All they wanted was to hurt the Neratomay the way that they had been hurt by cruel Masters.” Paul paused. “If we had tried to assign these Wolves to Council members … well there really would be a Werewolf/Vampire war.
“So we released them from the pack and only I know where they now roam. Only I know their numbers. And I’m not telling.”
“Alpha, you think yourself smarter than the Elders. But when we skin your wife and child before your eyes you will tell us whatever we want to know!”
I felt faint. They would do it because they are just that cold blooded-
Paul narrowed his eyes. “It doesn’t work like that. What will happen is that I become the Wolf and he will kill you or die trying. When I die there is no one to turn off the Omegas. Did I happen to mention that they are the ones that I sent to Europe? We call them sleeper cells. And what that means is that they are happy to go about their day-to-day business of not harming the Neratomay. But certain events will trigger them to activate. If that happens, they will destroy one Master level Vampire after another until the Old World Councils are nothing but chaos.
“My Omegas are not the unorganized band of Rogues that are taking pot shots at your rank and file Vampires. The Omega’s sole purpose is to hurt you and the entire Vampire Nation.”
A mirthless smile crossed Paul’s face. “If I go down I’m taking as many of you bitches as I can and you can kiss all your little secrets goodbye.”
Uh oh. Maybe he shouldn’t mention secrets. It was a touchy subject with the Vampires.
Ran’s figure suddenly appeared. He yawned and the three orbs flew from his mouth and bounced about the room. Ran’s body slumped.
“Alexis?! Are you still in there?”
His lip twitched into a slight smile. “Yes, my love, but no talking. They hear everything.”
I watched the three orbs move about the room, following each other and this time they flew at Malarias, who no longer looked as confident.
The old man shuddered as he took the three beings. And then Malarias, now controlled by the orbs faced Paul.
“We would like your Werewolves to aid us.”
Paul took a long time to answer. “No. You nullified the agreement when you attacked me. If you want our help then you will have to negotiate a new agreement.”
Phase three. Phase three. Phase three. Paul’s plan was working!
Malarias’ face contorted in ill-concealed dislike. “And what are your terms, Alpha?”
“No. Not with you. I’m not negotiating anything with you.”
“But is that not what you-”
“I’m not stupid. This isn’t some secret little side deal like the one you have with Malarias. This is a deal that is between The Wolf Pack and the Neratomay.
“And what of the Omegas?”
Paul shrugged. “You will have to negotiate your own deal with them. I am not their Alpha-“
“But-“ Malarias began.
“Omegas have no Alpha. I don’t control them. They do what they want … it just so happens that they want what I want. I am their creator after-all. You always love the one that sires you … “
Malarias grew quiet and I grew even more hopeful.
“Call the other members of your Council so we can make this a reality. We’ll wait.” He glanced at the other Vampires in the room. “Though if you wait too late than some members of this Vampire Council will learn one big secret, and that will be all your fault for keeping them here past dawn.”
The Malarias-thing sagged, but immediately there appeared seven more black ribbons of mist that swept around Malarias-thing like a shroud. Oh what I wouldn’t give to be able to hear that discussion.
They circled Alexis and attempted to circle Paul but he swept his hand out and waved it away as if clearing the air of annoying sm
oke. For some reason I felt a giddy, hysterical laughter bubbling up through me. Wisely I kept it squashed.
Eventually the ribbons of fog entered Alexis who seemed to expand. And now there was not only a Malarias-thing, but a new Ran-thing—this time filled with opposing Council members.
“You are aware that the attacks on the Neratomay are being perpetrated by shifters that formed a type of alliance to seek revenge for the annihilation of your previous Wolf pack?” Ran-thing directed his question to Paul.
“I’m aware that you believe yourself to be above reproach.” Paul replied.
“We would like for your Wolf Pack to help us find these Rogue shifters and to either exterminate them or the threat they pose to us.”
“We were planning to do that anyway.” Paul growled. “Before that one,” he gestured to Malarias, “began making plans to sabotage this Council. We had our own agreement to protect the American Councils and to locate the threat overseas. We had already planned to help protect the Neratomay. And now, I’m seriously thinking about letting the Wolves join in on the attacks!”
Ran-thing turned to Malarias-thing and they seemed to be squaring off. Slowly the Malarias-thing fell to his knees and stayed there with his head lowered to the floor.
“It is against our ways to discuss matters that concern the Neratomay but on this matter we will make an exception. We are the Watchers. Elders report to us and we decide the course of the Nation.” Ran-thing looked at the stooped figure of Malarias. “But we act as a whole and do not form secret factions that do not serve the whole.”
Malarias-thing spoke although it seemed that he was unable to move from his prostrate position. “This Council is an abomination! It is due to them that we are hiding from lowly shifters!”
“We attacked those that had attacked us first.” Paul stated.
“Without permission.” The Ran-thing turned its attention back to Paul. “But had you asked we would have granted permission and the outcome would still not have changed. What are your terms?”
Paul got down to business. “One; no aggression against The Wolf Pack and Omegas and in turn we will agree to the same.”
“Agreed,” Ran-thing nodded.
“Two; there are no re-negotiations or side deals with members of The Wolf Pack. All requests go through the Alpha, including becoming blood donors.”
“Agreed,” Ran-thing stated.
“Three,” Paul’s eyes swept over Malarias. “He leaves this Council. There’s no need to have an Elder that’s treachery against his own Council means that they don’t even trust him enough to tell him their plans to protect themselves!”
“Agreed.”
A tremble began to run through the Malarias-thing and it was clear that the Elder was in there somewhere throwing a big-ass hissy fit.
Paul’s eyes returned to the Ran-thing. “Four; return Alexis to his position as Elder to this Council.”
The Ran-thing hesitated. “That cannot be done. The decision to imprison Alexis was made on a higher level than even ours.”
“Five,” Paul continued as if he hadn’t heard them. “We agree to protect the American Council members only. Since the overseas Vamps threw the Americans to the proverbial wolves … it seems only fair that we protect our own.”
“And what of-?“ The Ran-thing stated.
“Six,” Paul continued. “We neutralize the threat against the over seas Vampires. Period. Those are my terms and it is not negotiable.”
The Ran-thing’s eyes turned red. It’s face began to waver and I thought, ‘uh oh … here comes the smoke and fire monster.’ But it turned enraged eyes on Malarias. I heard him scream and then he was lifted from his position on the floor. He began spinning like a top before being slammed to the floor in the sound of breaking bones. Ugh, the sound of a body being slammed to the hard floor with enough force to shatter bone is a sickening sound.
But I kept my expression impassive. I reminded myself that I had been burned by these fuckers, and Alexis imprisoned over some trumped up charges to get rid of us. Yeah, fuck them! Let Malarias shatter into a million pieces!
The limp form of Malarias, as well as the orbs inside his body vanished.
The Ran-thing turned back to Paul. “We agree to your terms, Alpha.” Its voice sounded much calmer than it looked. “When will you be ready to act?”
“As soon as Alexis’ body is flown to the states and delivered here. I will make my reports to him, who will then report back to you.”
The Ran-thing nodded his head. Seven black ribbons withdrew from Ran’s body which sagged to the floor. They vanished and the atmosphere immediately returned to something recognizable.
“Is it over?” Frank looked around warily. He was as white as a sheet.
“For now.” Paul and I hefted Ran/Alexis to his feet.
“Alexis? Are you still in there?”
“Yes, but it will be nice to return to my own body.” He looked up and smiled. “Thank you Paul.”
I blinked. He thanked my husband by name!
Paul nodded. “Friends close, enemies closer … “ he reminded Alexis quietly.
I nudged Paul. This was a great step and he was flexing his muscles!
Paul rolled his eyes, “Baby, can you let me just have my moment?”
I raised my hand and left them. I walked over to the rest of the Council.
“I cannot believe the Wolf’s plan worked,” Cyrene said in amazement.
“Yeah, now you and Kaniji don’t have to go through with whatever plan you had cooked up,” I said.
Kaniji’s face darkened and I knew that I had guessed right. Whatever they had planned would not have been good for me that was a certainty.
“Kim,” Monica spoke. “I would like to talk to you when … things have calmed.”
I studied her face, searching her expression, which revealed nothing. “I can arrange to meet you at the Manor tomorrow evening.”
She nodded and then vanished.
I met Tony’s eyes and he shrugged. He headed to Paul and Alexis and I stood back and watched the three men, who at times had been my lovers, my protection, my food, my friends. They talked. They were actually talking.
I smiled. One chocolate, one Vanilla and the other Caramel; my three favorite flavors.
Chapter 19
Alexis returned to Ran’s home. I suppose he had some good news to tell my First Lieutenant.
Paul and I went home and made love until the sun swept through the blinds and flooded our bedroom with its warming rays. I blinked and smiled as I listened to my husband’s regular breathing and I was thankful.
I was thankful for friends that loved me, my family that kept me close, my spirit for never deserting me, and that I finally realized that I am happy. I am finally happy.
~***~
Sam returned home and Paul, BJ and I spent the day together. I had the time of my life picnicking in the back yard and chasing our daughter around the flower garden. While she slept we released the succubus and the Wolf allowing them to enjoy their own playtime.
Although I was beyond tired, I had one more stop. I had to pay a visit to my progeny.
“Do you want me to go with you?” Paul asked.
“No because then we’ll need to leave BJ with Tyler and Jason and they need their alone time after all the hard work they put in.”
Paul rubbed my shoulders. “I can’t get to you if something happens … maybe you should invite her here-“
“I don’t want her near BJ.”
Paul nodded. “I don’t either.” He sighed. “Call Ra-Alexis if you need to. Understand?”
“Don’t worry. Alexis will be there without me having to call.”
Paul’s lip twisted in displeasure but he nodded. “Okay.”
“Okay.” I vanished and reappeared in Monica’s home. And despite y previous words to my husband, quite literally Alexis was there sitting on Monica’s sofa with one leg crossed over the other.
It was still hard to think of him as
Alexis when he looked like Ran, wore the other man’s clothes and was even as relaxed as My First Lieutenant. I nearly asked if he really was Alexis. But he rose and clasped his hand behind his back as he nodded in my direction.
“Hello Alexis. Hello Monica.”
“Hello Kim. Thank you for agreeing to talk to me.” Monica was dressed casually in jeans and a nice blouse. I hadn’t seen her dressed so casually since being turned and I studied her face noting that she was nervous.
“We put that other episode behind us, didn’t we?” I asked.
She nodded. “Yes. Paul was wonderful in the way he handled The Watchers. It really put things into a better perspective for me.”
I relaxed a bit. Good, I wouldn’t have to fight over her proclamations of undying love. “So what did you want to talk to me about?”
“I … I wanted to ask your permission to bond with Alexis.”
I think my face stiffened. I can’t be sure. I felt frozen as if ice had invaded my veins. I looked at Alexis who wouldn’t even meet my eyes.
“Alexis.” My voice sounded much cooler than I felt. He looked at me. “You want to form a third bond?”
“Yes. I intend to form a third bond with Monica.”
I looked at Monica. “Why?” I wasn’t dumb! I knew that they were probably fucking in all the time that they spent together but … this?!
She looked at me quickly. “Because he can make me strong. He can show me things.” She looked at him. “With him inside of me we can be powerful. We can become a force that none will ever cross!”
My heart sank at those words … words that I had thought at one time. I raised my head in Alexis’ direction not sure if I would be able to form a coherent sentence.
“And why do you want this?”
He met my eyes and something in them flickered.
“The four of us can share each other’s powers.” He turned his head and looked at something other than me; the floor, the window … but not me. I wanted to scream at him to look at me but I just stared at him, waiting.