At Risk

by Gayle Parness

“You’d be surprised how many human children are abandoned or how many run away in our part of the world. Everywhere, really.” Garrett shook his head, his shoulders slumping. The children had been living as refugees in his territory, and we could have helped them, even as humans. Now as vampires, they may have to be put down. Lives lost that could have been saved.

  “That is unfortunate, but what you describe still does not seem possible. They must have gone to bars or parties where vampires were known to exist and consented to the transformation. Many weak humans grow addicted to the bite of a vampire.”

  “That isn’t what happened in this case.” All of the kids had told the same basic story. “And even if that were true, they were still underage.”

  “For one couple to control so many vampires speaks of a power we at NAVA would have been aware of. You should have been aware of.”

  “I don’t dispute that claim. I take responsibility for the state of these young vampires. But surely you will take action against the vampires who transitioned them against their will.”

  “I will not, as there is no proof the children’s story is true.” Gregory signaled for his wine glass to be refilled. A server appeared immediately.

  “The evidence is clear,” Garrett said.

  “The young changelings are desperate. They’d say anything to keep from being left out in the sun to burn. I don’t believe a word of it.” Dane rose to pour himself a glass of wine from a decanter on a nearby side table. He held up the decanter but none of our party wanted a glass.

  “Pardon me, Master Gregory, Master Dane, but Rick and I have seen the safe houses,” Sash said. “The refrigerators were stocked with bagged blood. Price tags were still hanging from clothes in the closets and some of the furniture. Vamps that age wouldn’t have credit cards for purchasing those items. The rental agent said an adult female took out a three-year lease and paid six months’ rent in cash on each home.”

  “Perhaps one of them has a wealthy relative willing to support the children. To keep them off the streets.” Gregory crossed one leg over the other, completely unconcerned.

  “They’re only in the houses during the day.” Garrett leaned forward, fisting his hands on his knees. “They roam the beaches at night. Hide in the caves.”

  “Have they committed any crimes?”

  “The police say no one has been attacked, but the children who came north to us left because the older children were starting to hunt the human runaways.”

  “So they say, but where is the proof harm is being done? You say those children had been cast out by their families. Their master provided for them.”

  “It is your duty as the head or our organization to send someone to my territory with the skills to investigate further. To find the couple we’ve so far been unable to locate.”

  “If they exist. Which I do not believe.”

  “Nonetheless…”

  “You and your team are capable of managing this problem yourself.”

  “Not at this particular time.”

  “Oh? So the rumors are true.” He turned to Farrell once more. “Your people are determined to use our realm as your battleground?”

  “The archdemon has declared war. We wish for peace.” Farrell’s tone was flat.

  “Will the battle take place in northern California?” Dane sipped on his wine, looking to Garrett.

  “We’re hoping to create a space where outsiders will not be impacted,” Garrett said.

  “But in your territory?”

  “Most likely.”

  “I have heard Naberia wants to bargain. Is this true?” Gregory asked.

  Garrett’s tone lowered, his eyes darkened. “She’s bargaining with our son’s life.”

  “You keep referring to him as your son,” Dane said.

  “Charles is my son.”

  Gregory huffed out a breath. “We have not been contacted by another master regarding these issues. Your evidence points to nothing.”

  “Investigations are costly,” Dane added.

  I couldn’t keep my mouth shut a minute longer. “The maker should be imprisoned at least. The teens are underage!”

  “So you say. But this is no concern of yours pretty lady.” Gregory turned away to speak to Dane.

  I pulled up a picture of the three teens on my phone. “Do they look like they’re over eighteen?”

  “No, but do I look like I am over four hundred years?”

  Manuel chuckled at Gregory’s jibe, but I saw it for what it was. A threat. Gregory was almost twice Garrett’s age. Most likely a sun walker and possibly a vampire able to change shape along with any number of other powerful gifts. As the leader of the North American headquarters of a powerful organization, he had the jurisdiction to imprison Garrett or even call a vote to have Garrett executed.

  Gregory was not a guy to fuck around with. But then neither was my mate.

  Garrett’s voice turned icy. “This isn’t a joke.”

  “I’m not saying it is.” Gregory raised his hand, attracting the attention of a group of vampires positioned near the far wall. They began to move forward.

  Garrett stood, as still as a cobra about to strike. “I formally petition the NAVA board for help with the problem I have described. Will the board send representatives to investigate?”

  “Not at this particular time.”

  “Then my team and I will be leaving.”

  “You will sit, please.”

  Garrett hesitated, then obeyed.

  “As a master in the conclave of NAVA, I suggest you drop this matter regarding the castaway children and run your territory according to our regulations. Fifteen was very much an adult in the time when I was born and I don’t see why we should coddle these males and females. Let them survive or not as they will. NAVA has allowed you and others to make your own laws for long enough. Live by ours or walk into the sun. Your choice.” Gregory rose and began to pace as if readying to deliver a lecture.

  I stood, my fists clenched and my stomach in knots. “You can’t…”

  Garrett pulled me down again. “Not now,” he sent.

  “He threatened you.”

  “He won’t listen to anything you say. You’re not a male and not a vampire.”

  “He’ll listen to my damn magic.”

  “Which would end in disaster for all of us. There must be over a hundred vampires working or living in this building. Leave it to me.”

  “I will do as you say and drop the matter.” Garrett took my hand, then stood and bowed our goodbyes to both vampires. They watched with amused expressions as we moved away from the couch, slowly making our way to the exit. Sash, Rick and Farrell immediately took positions behind and to the sides. We had a wall to our left with a door we could break down in an emergency. Unfortunately, the door we’d originally entered through was on the other side of the large room.

  The other vampires in the room, who’d been carrying on their own conversations, slowly got to their feet. We kept the wall to our backs and halted at the closest door. Only the stars knew where it led.

  Gregory smiled, scanning our group with eyes beginning to dance with silver. His stance was relaxed, while we stood ready for a fight.

  “Garrett, you will send your mate and her fae guard back to California. You, your second, Sasha Vodinski, and Heinrich Schultz will stay as our guests. Much has changed since your maker, Eleanor Howard, brought you here to plead her case to take over her territory, the very territory you inherited. Did you know she murdered the territory master in order to gain control? Does that sound familiar?” Gregory was outright smirking. “You are no different than the rest of us, no matter whom you associate with…” He glanced at Farrell. “…or chose as a mate.” His gaze skimmed to meet mine.

  Silver danced in Garrett’s eyes. “As you are aware, I did not murder Eleanor. She demanded a duel and I gave it to her. She was executed in an appropriate manner.”

  Gregory walked closer, eyeing our three guards warily. “We mean you an
d your nest no harm. We are meeting with other territory heads this week and next. You would have received a call to attend in the next few days, but since you’re here now, you will stay.

  “You control one of the richest and largest territories in the west. There is much to discuss regarding your rule. The two members of your nest will not be allowed into the meetings you are attending, but like Manuel here, they will be made available to serve refreshments or to see to any of the attending territory masters’ other needs,” Gregory added. He allowed his gaze to take in Sasha and Heinrich. “They will be much in demand.”

  Sash and Rick knew enough not to react to anything Gregory said. Garrett would be seen as too weak to control his underlings. Garrett remained silent, waiting for what Gregory would say next.

  “If you don’t wish to obey our orders, we will find another master to take your territory and your nest.”

  A chill snaked down my spine. He’d take Garrett’s territory away, and only the gods knew who he’d put in Garrett’s place. My mate had worked hard for years to keep the nests he controlled following fair laws he’d set down and not murdering innocents. And what would happen to Sash or Rick?

  “You’ve taken matters into your own hands without asking for our approval or permission many times in the past. The team you have formed consisting of many creatures not vampire is a breach of the new code. However, if you cooperate and accept our revised platform, you may be permitted to continue. Our final decision should only take a month or two. In the meantime, you shall stay here.” Gregory gestured toward a group of vampires in black cargo slacks and black long-sleeved tee shirts. Probably not the usual gear for NAVA Headquarters.

  “I cannot be away from my responsibilities for a month.”

  “You are a powerful male with an ancient bloodline. Crime is not only occurring in your territory. You will work for us directly for a short time. Your subordinates as well.”

  A silver fury streaked across my lifemate’s irises. “Our son’s life—”

  “Is not our concern. And he is not your son. He is fae and shifter and demon and has no true connection to our organization.”

  Garrett clenched his hands at his sides, taking a step toward Gregory. “You don’t need me here. You simply want to split up my team. To keep us away from Faerie and out of the battle. Who’s paying you?”

  I clenched at my neck in the silence that followed. They worked for the archdemon.

  Gregory’s dark eyes shone with silver. “I could lock you up for that comment. I take payment from no one.”

  “I have shown you only respect, Master Gregory, Master Dane, in asking for help as any vampire in the organization has the right to ask. In any other instance I would stay and help in any way I could, but to keep me here against my will at a time of crisis in my territory and in my personal life is untenable.”

  “Do not push me, Garrett. I have not requested anything of you I haven’t asked others to do. And if you think François will get you out of this, he is not who he once was.”

  “François doesn’t flaunt his strength. He doesn’t have to.” Garrett’s words were bitten out, tension riding his body.

  I threaded my fingers between his, calming him with my energy. “We have many powerful friends,” I whispered.

  “It’s a sweet gesture to defend your mate, but you have no idea who we are or what we can do.”

  “That goes two ways, Monsieur.” Farrell spoke up for the first time, his French a hell of a lot better than mine. I was in shock, but then Farrell studied our world voraciously, immersing himself in different human cultures. “Garrett and Jacqueline are allies of my people. Faerie will respond if he is harmed.”

  I wasn’t sure that was true anymore, although Liam and Kellie would come. But their strength was needed for the war. Which was exactly the point of all this, wasn’t it? Charlie and Isaiah were off the grid. Brina and Jay, too. Someone meant to split us up. Weaken our alliances. Divide and conquer.

  I was no rocket scientist, but all roads faced the DR as far as I was concerned. Naberia knew she was in trouble. Faerie was strong again and our team was kick-ass. Even if some of the fae turned against us, most would be grateful for our support. It made sense to do everything she could to split us up.

  As the other vampires gathered together behind their master, Gregory stepped closer, speaking only to Garrett. “I will ask once more. Tell Jacqueline and your fae lacky to go back to Crescent City or wherever they desire. You and your small nest are safe in my care as long as you cooperate. I cannot guarantee the safety of any species outside of my authority.”

  I glanced at the vampires behind Gregory and shivered. Farrell and I would be offered up as a yummy treat. The demon lines were weak on this level and the fae lines were non-existent. I might have to drag Farrell out of here myself unless they allowed us to take the elevator.

  “I understand perfectly.” Garrett turned to me and gestured Farrell closer. “You two must go. Get your things from the hotel but leave mine, Sash and Rick’s.”

  “We have rooms set aside here in the building. Your mate should have the hotel send your things. Oh, and leave the bill to us. It’s the least we can do.” Dane’s smile was first-class phony.

  Farrell nodded deeply to Garrett as if he was obeying orders but sent us a mind to mind at the same time. “Liam, Kellie, Jackie and I will put our heads together. As always, know I will protect your family with my life.”

  “You don’t need to say it. You’re family too. But thank you.”

  I clutched at Garrett’s arm. “How can I leave you here? Any of you. What if they lock you up? Hurt you?”

  “You know who to call. Mention his sire as well. No one else will be of any help in this situation.”

  “But…”

  “Jacqueline. Please. Neither of you can come back. He meant what he said about not protecting you.” Garrett tilted his head toward the growing group of well-dressed but hungry looking vampires.

  “You’d never leave me here.”

  “If I thought it was your only chance to be released, I would. It would kill me, but I would do it.”

  He switched to speaking out loud. “I’ll be fine, mon ange.” It was important Gregory thought he was cooperating. “Go back to the hotel and get your things. And please call Joseph to tell him we won’t need the plane.” He switched back to mind speech. “Travel directly to Liam’s. Pick up Elle so she’s not alone.”

  They’d be prisoners, probably held here on Naberia’s orders. Kept out of the fight for as long as possible. Garrett pulled me closer, wrapping an arm around my waist and kissing the top of my head. “My love, please.”

  I was powerless. Again. “I’ll go.”

  Sasha was white as a ghost, and he was pretty damn pale to begin with. “Tell Ellie…”

  “Of course I will. She’ll stay with me.” Elle would help us plan our next move.

  “Thank you.”

  “Hurry along. They’ll be fine.” Gregory had flashed a fang when he’d said that. Another threat.

  Garrett leaned down to brush his lips over mine, but I didn’t give a shit who was watching. I pressed my lips harder against his, stepping into his body so he could hold me tight as we kissed.

  “I’ll get you out,” I sent.

  “Make the calls, then leave it to them. Charlie is our priority. We’ll survive whatever they have planned for us. Gregory is throwing his weight around, testing my loyalty. And don’t forget. Sash, Rick and I survived Eleanor. I survived Fionna. Nothing could be worse than that.”

  I stepped away slowly, our hands smoothing down each other’s shoulders, arms, and hands until only our fingers were twined together.

  “Je t’aime.” I blinked back tears.

  “Je t’aime, my sweet love.” Garrett kissed away the drops I couldn’t hold back.

  I turned to Gregory and Dane. “I won’t forget this.”

  “We will be home very soon. Do not worry.” Rick waved and smiled as they led him
away, trying to reassure me. Sash gave me a thumbs up and Garrett and I locked eyes, only losing the connection when he was pushed through a door behind the others.

  “Watch your back, demon,” Gregory whispered to me as he moved toward the door Garrett had used.

  Farrell stepped beside me, placing his hand on my shoulder and giving it a squeeze. “Your family is strong. Stronger than the corrupt vampires of NAVA can imagine. We’ll get Garrett back safely. Try not to despair.”

  I smiled at my friend, laying my hand on top of his. Farrell had truly become family over the years. Like Liam and Kellie and so many more. “I’ve rarely despaired in my life. My stubborn streak won’t let me sink to my knees and give up without a fight. Let’s get to the hotel.”

  We dissolved and arrived in our hotel suite, only to hear someone fiddling with the lock. I slipped into the bedroom and snatched up my passport and the two ancient daggers. Farrell picked up a fireplace poker and tucked his body to the right of the door, ready to take down whoever was trying to break in.

  A hotel employee entered and scanned the room, looking for something in particular. He caught site of Garrett’s phone and moved to pick it up. Farrell slid behind him, looped his arms over the male’s shoulders and pressed the poker into his neck. I closed the door behind our visitor.

  “Who sent you?” Farrell asked.

  “The manager told me the owner of the phone had left it accidentally and would be picking it up in half an hour.”

  “What’s your manager’s name?” I asked.

  “Uh…Mr. Jones.”

  I picked up the hotel phone and pushed the button marked desk. “Could I please speak to Mr. Jones, the manager? Oh, I’m sorry, I must have gotten the name wrong. Could I speak to the manager on duty?” Our captive tried to squirm but Farrell pressed the poker closer. “Yes, hello. Did you send an employee to room 8099 to pick up a cell phone? No? Is there another manager on duty who could have asked him to do this?” I looked at the male’s tag. “The employee’s name is Curtis Phillips. Oh, you don’t. No, no. Everything is fine. We didn’t let him in. He must be gone by now. Thank you.”

  Farrell pressed the metal rod even more firmly into the male’s throat. “Who are you and who sent you?”