by Imogene Nix
“You should have made the disclosure.” She turned in his direction, needing to read his face. “It isn’t a secret you can keep, not now, when we need everything, every tool to defeat Creedar.”
“Cressida, I couldn’t tell you because I didn’t know…” He stepped forward, and the scent of him invaded her senses, heady and male.
“But you told Celina?” A small seed of hurt, the one she’d buried during the Council session, raised its head. It made no sense. She was his half-sister and Cressida was so far removed from day-to-day interaction with Daniel. Yet the pain remained.
“She’s my sister.”
On a quick move, Cressida turned her back to him. It wasn’t quite a dismissal, she rationalized, but time marched on and the meeting was due to start soon. “We should go in now.”
For a moment he remained still. The burn of his gaze cut through her. She wondered if he could read minds, then loosed a sigh.
This wasn’t the time or the place, and Daniel wasn’t—couldn’t—be the man to change her ways now.
“Is that all you wanted to talk to me about?” His words came from her shoulder. Close… Too close for comfort.
“Of course it was.” They remained still, while inside her the hunger she battled to bank roared to life.
“Fine.”
Cressida waited as Daniel turned away, then tried to block out the sound of feet on gravel. She failed.
* * * *
Cressida hadn’t told him everything that she was thinking, he was sure of it. Over the years, he’d learned to read people’s reactions. Right now that intuitive radar was buzzing off the scale. Of course, he allowed, it could be because he found her intensely attractive. Her golden hair and wide, generous mouth, her sapphire eyes and cool demeanor intrigued him. He felt sure there was more than that, though.
Now, as she stalked into the room, her eyes held a frigid quality. Sometime between their brief discussion and this very moment something had upset her. He wanted to soothe her and had to work hard to distract himself from the overwhelming emotion of cold fury. It was surprising and unsettling to realize that his interest in her delved to such deep levels.
Cressida took a moment to look over the attendees in the room, her presence commanding as she waited for silence to descend.
“Thank you for your attendance on such short notice. As you know, our Australian friends have been under attack, their nests facing annihilation and their human partners slaughtered. This morning I received a request for assistance through our Overlord, Caridad.” As her eyes roamed the room once again, he could feel the cool wind of her glance. Those gathered in house groups clearly found it unnerving, as more than one person flinched.
“Now, I understand the situation is difficult. I am aware of the financial constraints many of you face. I’m aware that giving such support to our brothers and sisters could leave us open to similar attacks. We must prepare, as we know this is not the first, nor is it likely to be the last, such attack. It is clear Creedar, since his awakening and the Slaughterhouse Rout, has amassed a band of followers to wage war for him. My fear is that with the strength of his forces growing, we are going to be overrun.”
Now Daniel looked at the vampires and their Yeux Secondes nodding. They watched and waited, some whispering among themselves, but Daniel didn’t detect any note of disagreement.
“Even so, we must help our brothers and sisters. The scourge of Creedar must be checked.” Javed spoke clearly and Daniel, seated to his left, watched heads swivel to the speaker.
Cressida’s eyes glittered in the low light. “Indeed we must. My concern is that we don’t endanger our own nests while doing so.”
Daniel surged up out of the seat he’d been filling during the meeting. “As much as this is of import, we also need to address the other issues, Councilor.” When Cressida turned her gaze on him, he had to check the breathlessness that assailed him.
“And they would be?” Her tone was glacial and he grimaced.
“On the public relations front we’ve failed. It is imperative that we promote both vampires and nests as peaceful. Since we’ve been outed, the growth in ill feeling and outright anger against our lifestyle has increased, and I’m only talking in the last twelve months. Since the rout, businesses have actively avoided dealing with the nests and the humans who serve them. People refuse to acknowledge nestlings, and this has flowed through to schools, medical facilities and so much more. For those of us who serve, our very way of life as humans has been endangered just as much as that of our vampires.”
An audible gasp spread through the room at his tense words, but as much as some were professing shock, he spoke only what others had been thinking. He knew many of his peers had spoken quietly of these things. “Something must give.”
“Indeed, Daniel. Then perhaps you have a plan to deal with this?”
He squirmed at Cressida’s tone.
He had no idea what he’d done to deserve such derision from her or how her attitude toward him had soured since they’d talked in the garden. “Not yet, Councilor, but with your permission, perhaps myself and my peers could construct some kind of campaign to address this?”
“Fine. Do so. Report back to me as soon as possible.” His dismissal was clear, so he gave a sharp, deep bow and resumed his seat.
For the rest of the meeting he watched and listened, but refused to speak again.
Chapter Two
Cressida detested contacting the witches’ Conclave, but with the news of Daniel’s powers there was no help for it.
Even as she reached for the phone, her stomach pitched. There was an unwritten rule that a vampire did not change a witch without the consent of the Conclave, yet Celina’s turn had been the only thing that would save her life. Something the Matron—the woman who headed the Conclave—refused to accept with equanimity.
After the fiasco with Celina, and her change, there had been a distinct frostiness to the relationship between the head of the magical community known as the Conclave and the Council. In fact, it had taken a lot of promises and hard work to encourage them to continue their diplomatic collaboration.
There was a chance this encounter might make things worse—something she wished she could have avoided.
The number rang several times before she heard the click of the phone.
“Councilor, to what do I owe this dubious pleasure? You are about to turn another of our kind? Or maybe you need our assistance with securing your nests?” The sickly sweet tones of the Matron of the Conclave set Cressida’s teeth on edge.
Be calm, and above all, courteous.
“Matron, I am ringing you to make you aware of a member of one of our nests. He’s a magic wielder, but I’m not sure—”
“Then he would be one of ours. We will require him to relocate—” The woman spoke rapid-fire and Cressida raised her hand to her already aching brow.
She’d hoped to be pleasant to the woman on the other side of the line. Obviously the Matron wasn’t reading from the same song sheet, Cressida surmised. Every conversation she’d had with Elena, the new Matron, since their run-in had left her in the same state.
“Well, that’s where the problem lies. You see—”
The woman interrupted her again and Cressida ground her teeth together.
“No. I don’t care what problem you might be imagining. The magical belong to the Conclave. You will surrender him immediately.” The words were cold and demanding.
“He’s not got normal magic. And he’s a Yeux Secondes, so I cannot hand him over, as you are aware. That is why I am contacting you personally. One of your people, or you, Matron, will wish to come here and assess the situation.”
For a second there was silence on the line, then it was broken by a hiss. She could almost see the woman glaring at her, eyes narrowed.
Another second ticked by and Cressida curled her hands into fists, ready to battle for the livelihood of the new nest if necessary. She knew, too, that she also battled for
Daniel.
“Very well. However, Councilor, you will make preparations to surrender him to his peers with all due speed once a replacement has been found and I have undertaken his evaluation. Expect me there tomorrow.” With those words, the line cut off and Cressida raised her aching head, then pushed up from her seat.
Stalking from one side to the other of her office didn’t dampen the anger that roiled inside her. A knock on the door stopped her and she spun to face it just as it opened.
Samra, her second and guard, entered the room. “So it’s done?”
Cressida nodded without a word, knowing Samra would pick up on her frustration. They’d been friends for a long time, and when Cressida had assumed her position on the Council, she’d requested that the female warrior join her.
“You know dealing with the Conclave is difficult, particularly when it relates to a Yeux Secondes. But that isn’t the full explanation for why you’re sitting here nearly burning with anger and have a splitting headache.”
Cressida glared at Samra, who stood just inside the door.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Cressida. You’ve been watching him like a glass of fine blood wine since you met him. Why not take him as a lover? Get it over and done with.”
“Do you honestly think I haven’t considered that?” She rose, anger vibrating in her veins. “But I won’t. I don’t take human lovers.”
“Then find a vampire who you can—”
“No.” The thought soured her stomach and she turned away, unable to face even the thought of another touching her.
“Fine.” Samra hissed and advanced into the room. Cressida sensed steps and moved to stand behind her desk, reinforcing that the discussion was completed.
“So when are they due to arrive?” Samra’s voice carried an understanding that nearly tore the emotions Cressida was ignoring from her chest.
“Tomorrow.” She choked out the words and placed her fingers on the glass of the window before her. “Leave me.”
For a moment there was only silence. Then, “As you wish.” The door closed behind Samra. Cressida loneliness assailed her. If only…
* * * *
Daniel watched the imposing gardens flash by as he gazed out of the window. They’d arrived, the driver steering through the imposing gates then the car purred up the long drive. while he’d been lost in thought.
The house before him glowed like a beacon in the night—one he’d rather be passing by, he thought with frustration. Or visiting so he could come to terms with the enigma that was the Councilor.
Inside was Cressida. He’d dreamed of her the night before. All golden skin and luscious curves he’d run shaking hands over. The warmth he’d experienced then suffused him again.
“Get your head in the game, Daniel.” But, as with every other time he’d told himself that, it made no difference. He’d woken aroused, his body bow-tight and aching, in the wee hours.
He wanted her—and that wasn’t nearly a strongly enough worded description of the burn deep inside him. Every time she was near, since he’d first laid eyes on her, his reaction remained the same.
He’d first met her in the house meet and greet, where he’d merely been a contender to the position of Yeux Secondes in Javed’s house. A nestling without a future. Since then, he’d seen her on a regular basis. Each time the flame within him grew hotter and more demanding. If he didn’t do something to quell his hunger soon, he was sure the conflagration would devour him.
The car pulled up outside the house and he inhaled deeply. He’d need all his wits for the interview that lay ahead with the Matron and the Councilor.
The door creaked as he opened it and he stepped out, then closed behind him with a thud and the driver pulled away from the steps.
“Best done quickly, Daniel.” He hastened toward the door but before he could knock, it opened to admit him.
“Come in, Master Daniel. Cressida is awaiting you in the Council Room.” Samra, Cressida’s second, indicated the large oak door ahead. Copper spikes stood proud and he couldn’t contain the smile at the sight, as he always did. Only a vampire like Cressida would have a door impregnated with a metal that was poisonous to them.
He pushed through the entry and there she sat, regal and distant, her figure nearly swallowed by the deep ruby leather seat.
She looked cool and in control. Beside her sat a large blowsy woman—the Matron, David thought, swiftly noting the body language. Both women lounged, but where Cressida rested her hands lightly on the arms of the chair, this other appeared to be forcefully gripping her hands together. The Matron sported a beige pantsuit, which highlighted her brassy red hair, making it seem tacky and altogether cheap. The overwhelming impression he got was that she couldn’t compete with the composed but remotely lovely woman seated beside her.
“Is this him?” Without waiting for Cressida’s answer, the woman rose, and Daniel stepped forward, as a frisson of power rippled through the air.
He inclined his head. “You must be the Matron. My name is Daniel and I am the Yeux Secondes of the house al bin Habbad.” He bowed as appropriate to her status.
“Good.” She hovered, gazing deeply into his eyes, as if all the secrets he carried were hidden in view. “Now show me what you can do.”
Before he could open his mouth she held up her hand. “Not yet. Just let me…” She walked a circle around him, making him feel like bull on display.
She laid her fleshy fingers on his wrist and pressed. Her touch was cold and he tugged away, recoiling from the oily sensations that traveled through his nerves.
The Matron frowned. “I don’t sense any vibrations of magic.” The mutter was teamed with a shake of her head.
Daniel glanced to Cressida, who gave a tiny shake of her own head. He read the unspoken command. Stay still.
Daniel kept his counsel and watched as the Matron turned in Cressida’s direction. “You are sure?”
Cressida’s smile was thin. “Oh yes. He’s demonstrated his powers, but they aren’t like the normal warlock’s skills. Not as I’ve ever encountered, anyway.”
He remained silent, given he had little to offer the discussion at this point.
“But surely…” The woman turned back in his direction. “Show me something you can do.”
At Cressida’s nod he made a tight fist, clenching his fingers until the knuckles whitened. The Matron had watched the quick byplay and scowled. Daniel couldn’t help the tiny hint of satisfaction that flared deep inside his gut.
With a flick, he opened his hand and imagined a tiny flame blazing. It burst to life on his palm.
The Matron stepped back. “How…? Have you learned a silent incantation?”
“No, Matron. I imagine it there, dancing on my palm, and it appears.”
The Matron shook her head and Daniel chanced to look back to Cressida. She didn’t smile, but the tight lines at her mouth had eased somewhat.
“No warlock or witch can do that. The use of magic must be conscious. It is the first of the Tenets of Wielding. Capturing and using it cannot be unconscious. It’s never been found to be like that.” Genuine surprise filled the Matron’s utterance.
“For me, it isn’t. I just think and it happens.”
The Matron’s lips thinned, white pressure lines appearing at the corners of her mouth. “What else…? Do something different.” She turned and pointed to a small wooden item on the desk. “Make that ruler fly.”
Daniel bowed, then inhaled deeply and imagined it rising slowly, before setting it dancing and tumbling end over end around the table. After his slow circuit he set it to slowly descend to the leather tabletop before removing his glasses and rubbing his eyes.
“So? Is he a warlock?” Cressida rose as he opened his eyes.
“I… No.” Her tone was filled with frustration and anger. “For a witch or warlock to do such things they need an incantation. It’s clear he isn’t using one. He… Our charter is only for witches and warlocks…” The Matron shrugged sharply
.
He could tell she was at a loss as to what came next. A spurt of satisfaction bloomed before quickly dying away.
“Then if he isn’t a warlock, what is he?” Cressida laid both hands on the arm of her seat and leaned forward.
“I-I would need to consult the Oracle. But he’s a magic wielder, so he should be with us.”
Cressida snorted, which he considered to be highly unusual. “He doesn’t fit your charter. That means he isn’t one of yours.”
“I never—”
Cressida surged from her seat and bowed to the woman. “I thank you for your time, Matron.”
She shooed the woman toward the door as Daniel watched with a mixture of dismay and amusement in equal parts. So, if he wasn’t a warlock, then what was he? Some kind of aberration? An abomination? It was now clear that something odd ran in the family, with Hope’s and Celina’s skills lying somewhere outside the normal boundaries of magic too.
The door banged shut and the thud tugged Daniel from his thoughts.
“Daniel… I’m sorry she reacted as she did.” There was uncertainty in Cressida’s voice. He ignored it, his gaze rested on her face.
He shrugged. Fury rose. He’d had to perform for the Matron, then Cressida had once again become the soft woman he’d met in the garden. The ups and downs of her reaction cracked open the seeds of anger.
“We need to work out what you are. To find out—”
Daniel raised a hand, stopping her from speaking. “I wish I knew what the hell I was. Then you might be able to—” He bit off the words he’d regret.
See me as your equal. The thought had been there, right on the tip of his tongue. One unguarded second was all it would have taken.
He knew better. She was a vampire. A Councilor. He was merely human and a Yeux Secondes.
It was all too much and he needed to escape before he betrayed himself and his fascination. Daniel refused to face that humiliation, so instead, he bowed deeply. “With your permission.” It wasn’t a question.