Currents of Silver: Alliance of Silver and Steam Book 5

by Lexi Ostrow

  She sat behind a glorious oak desk, and it drew his attention to the details in the room. One large desk sat practically against the back wall, and two wingback chairs sat opposite it touching the wall. The room had no candle lighting, yet it was bright, and without the purple glow, the hallway had. It was the photos on the wall that truly caught his attention. A rather regal looking man with dark hair and eyes hung next to a portrait of the last king.

  “I can see you have questions just from sitting in this space.”

  “How?” he asked, confused as he had not spoken one aloud and had been informed she could not hear his thoughts.

  “Why, by the look of wonderment crossing your features as you look around. You are a man of science, so I will start with what I deduce is one of those questions.” She pointed to a wall fixture. “The light in my space does not have the frightful purple or green glow because there have been very rare yellow crystals brought to me by the Pure Angels in the service to me. My father did not have access to give them as they were far rarer than the ones we began with. It is the same reason I cannot share it with other spaces in the guild.”

  Both her demeanor and her intuitiveness impressed him. She spoke regally, with all the power of a ruler, and yet, she was so delicate to look upon it shocked him she could lead such a bunch.

  “The photos you see pay homage to the founders of the Alliance of Silver and Steam, may they both rest in peace.”

  He nodded. “Yes, I was told of the Crowns engagement, but who is that man.”

  She didn’t even flinch as she spoke. “He was the man who pretended to be my father and then the man whose shoes I fill as Guildmaster to the Alliance, Thomas Agardawes.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “Not as much so as I. That is the thing about this lifestyle, Hugo. We lose people. The numbers are not as large as they once were, but we do suffer loss on a far greater scale than most. Even as a scientist, your life will be intertwined with the hunters as you get to know them. It is not an easy life for any, but it is a mandatory life to complete what was begun.”

  He couldn’t be certain, but it sounded as if she was providing him one last opportunity to change his mind and find Tesla. There was no questioning joining was the act of a madman, yet, scientists were oft considered mad so it wasn’t too difficult to believe he could be seduced by their inventions.

  “I understand. My parents have both passed. Pneumonia took them nearly eight years past. I have a younger sister whom I would like to still communicate with. Aside from that, as long as I may stay safely tucked away in this rather dungeon seeming building, I would like to join. I would like access to the knowledge that will help me create great things.”

  A sliver of a smile graced Odette’s lips. “Very well then. We are honored to have you with us. I know Jacob and McKenna granted you the basics for your time with us. I will now provide the rest. Your chambers will be on the third floor. All those that work within the Alliance without family to care for live in these walls. It is for protection, not imprisonment. The communication device on your wrist has no doubt been explained to you, but I will further that knowledge.”

  She gestured for him to give it to her, so he quickly unbuckled it and passed it over.

  “These devices have been programmed to react to the heated frequency of the crystals. Each dial will have a tiny letter on it, helping you to know whom you are sending a transmission to.” As she continued to speak, she pointed to each knob. “This one will reach one. The one next to it goes to Eliza, your employer so to speak. Next to that is one to Greyston Westham. He is not oft free to us, but he can send help if ever needed. Finally, the last one goes to a general communicator left in the council room should we be needed. Please keep in mind, should any be in my office the device will not work. My fathers put a safeguard in place to protect the leader, and Layel is in no hurry to remove it, despite how oft I tell him it inconveniences me.”

  “Understood.”

  “Brilliant. Lastly, for the beginning of your time here your nights will be split betwixt learning and creating. Eliza will see to it that you receive the education you need to help us, and we will see to it that you have the tools you require to create. I heard of the inventions Tesla presented earlier. If light, true light, is within your grasp, I encourage you to work on it first.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.” He nodded, still feeling slightly strange taking orders from a woman. “Am I to start this eve?”

  “Oh heavens no. Lucius will show you to your chambers and take you around the guild. You will need to become acquainted with our physician, Tate, as he is oft down in the labs fro many hours at a time.” She winked at him. “That will be all.”

  Clumsily, he stepped away from the desk and turned to leave. His mind was swirling with questions about the work he would do, but he had an inkling that the Guildmaster did not spend her time answering the questions of those beneath her. With an awkward bow to a woman who wasn’t even looking, he opened the door and left, closing it carefully behind him.

  “Well then, ready to begin?” Lucius asked with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

  Five

  “Thomas, something landed, just back there.” Clara uttered in a hushed voice, pointing into the unlit alley as she dismounted from the bike and leaned it against the entrance to the alleyway.

  “Oh, course it did because we couldn’t possibly have a quiet evening to enjoy ourselves.”

  “We’ve had this conversation before. You know your mother doesn’t like me bedding you.” She grinned, even though the real reason they had not slept together on patrol was that she couldn’t stop seeing the wheat-colored haired man that just joined the Alliance.

  He grinned at her before sliding a dagger out of his boot. “After you, my lady.”

  Snorting, she unholstered the gun from her waistband and crept forward. This was the third night of her time with Thomas, her punishment for losing control of herself in the labs, and they took turns investigating first. According to Thomas, it was because his mother, Felicia, had demanded he treat women as equals.

  Stepping briskly into the alley she wished her eyes had the power to illuminate, but only one demon did, and that was an Angel. A shape shifted position at the end of the alley, scarcely visible against the shadow of night. Instead, she lifted a crystal from her pocket. It was cooling, but still warm enough to produce a green glow that provided a meager beam of light in the space.

  “By order of the Alliance, show yourself.” The command would have sounded better from a booming voice, but they couldn’t risk that.

  The creature moved stealthily, exposing a black wing.

  “Fallen,” Thomas snarled and lunged.

  Clara grew momentarily dizzy with the heady scent of his desire. It made no difference to their kind whom they bedded with their gifts, and Thomas never hesitated using his to win a battle.

  The Fallen crashed into the ground with a thud, and Thomas straddled him, grabbing hold of the black wings to stop the Angel from being able to flash out, a trick Seraphina had enlightened them of during their training.

  “If you have that bloody mark, now is the time to show it before I allow you to worship my body and sustain me.”

  Clara bit her lip to not roll her eyes. Thomas enjoyed employing the threats of his father, threats Greyston would never commit, but very few knew that. It sounded silly coming from Thomas’ young mouth. He was built like his father, but his face still betrayed his youth.

  “I have it,” the Fallen gasped as he reached for Thomas’ crotch, intoxicated enough to be unable to control the desires an Incubus could stir.

  Thomas’ words were strained when spoke, a clear indication that he was in need of a lay, and soon to retain his strength. “Show me.”

  Still fondling Thomas, the demon lifted his left arm up, exposing Seraphina’s mark, a small clover with fide inscribed over it, the Latin word for loyalty.

  Groaning, Thomas controlled his scent and pulled back
from the Fallen. His prick pushed against his trousers, tenting them. He was farther gone than she’d realized.

  Placing a hand on his shoulder, she helped him to his feet. “Go. Do it the correct way, waggle your beautiful blue eyes and thrust that engorged member of yours at someone, and sate yourself. Control your power, you know the rules.”

  He said nothing, merely walked out of the alley to find a human, or lesser demon, willing to bed him. It would not be a hard task for him.

  Turning her attention to the Fallen that was still regaining control over his desires, she pinned him with a stare, leaving the crystal light on him.

  “Why are you out?”

  “I wished to enjoy myself. My wings were sheathed, and I harmed none, in accordance with the laws. I imbibed and fucked a very willing young lady, but injured none.”

  “Fallen are not allowed out without written consent from Seraphina,” she kept her tone commanding.

  “Yes, well, she’s been rather ungiving with that, for all species.” His embittered tone was not missed.

  “That does not mean you may break the accords.”

  His fangs flashed in the low light, and she swallowed. She could potentially take on a Fallen by herself, but it was unlikely she would fare well in such a small space. Tricking a creature into lust twice in such a short time was not always possible.

  “These accords are blasphemy. You lot think them fair because once more you control those of us you deem to be monsters. You and your partner are little better than I.”

  “We. Control. Ourselves.” She said through a firmly clenched jaw.

  The Fallen grunted. “I’ve had my fun. I will gladly leave now.”

  “See that you do, and see that you pass a message along to any who, like you, think they are above the accords that have maintained the peace for so long, that the Alliance will be made aware of the treachery and will not hesitate to destroy.”

  Gnashing his fangs at her, he pushed her backward with his wing as he took to the sky. Slamming into the building wall knocking the breath from her body and made her unable to fire her weapon at him. Attacking an Alliance of Silver and Steam member gave her the right to maim or kill if needed.

  Swallowing deeply, she calmed herself. She was alone, so no harm was truly done. Without even glancing down she twisted the knob on her communicator and waited for McKenna to receive the transmission.

  “This is McKenna.” A friendly voice came from the device.

  “McKenna, I have reason to believe the demons are growing tired of the accords.”

  She had heard a weary sigh before the queen spoke. “Yes, the attacks have been occurring more oft from members that bare Seraphina’s mark. Year’s prior I would have accused her of leading a rebellion. My age has brought me wisdom. I am no longer the impetuous youth who almost lost the love of her life to a vile demon. I am Queen of a country and Councilmember alongside her. I will send a courier with notice to Odette as she is likely out of your communicator’s reach.”

  The transmission cut, not from a lack of power, but because McKenna had ended it. Tilting her head back, Clara blew out a breath and closed her eyes. She could not leave until Thomas returned, which left her alone in the dark alley with her thoughts.

  It was unnerving that McKenna was already privy to the knowledge that the demons were breaking the accords, and yet the hunters had not all been informed. She no longer danced in the dark of night with demons, her position, as queen did not allow for it. It was not her life in danger, it was the hunter’s lives.

  “Leave it, Clara.” She whispered.

  The accords had kept the peace between most of demonkind and the humans. Seraphina took back Hell, well Kellan returned power to her, after the great battle. Within a year, all demons had been given a choice, accept regulations and Seraphina’s mark, or remain enemies of the Alliance. Nearly all lesser demons had taken the offer of loyalty. Human in appearance, they were oft attacked by stronger demons. Living amongst humanity was better than life in Hell. Many Fallen had accepted the branding as well, as most had fallen due to a love of the drink or a love of the human form, not a malicious murder or attack.

  For years, they had experienced fewer attacks because so many demons were frightened to attack humans. She knew Seraphina’s trips to Hell were filled with torture and punishment for those not aligned with her, but she was also certain the woman still enjoyed exacting her rule.

  If the accords were being broken, a full-scale war could break out. Not to mention demons could decide to remove Seraphina from power. She would have guessed the Queen of Hell knew of the predicament, but she felt it her responsibility as a demon to inform her.

  Twisting the fourth knob that went directly to her ruler, she leaned against the cold wall, allowing the winter chill to seep into her.

  “This had best be pertinent.” Seraphina snapped.

  “It is Clara.”

  “Do not be foolish. I cannot know all of the demons with communicators.”

  Sighing, she rolled her eyes. “I work both for Eliza and Odette. I have news of dissent.”

  “More of my demons were caught tonight?

  So, she is aware. “Yes, a Fallen. We did not exchange names, and aside from a small assault, he left without a real fight.”

  “Very well. Thank you for reporting. Kellan, much as I hate to do this, I need to leave.”

  “Aye, so it would appear. Dinnae worry, I will see tae meself whilst ye are gone.”

  Clara winced realizing she’d obviously interrupted a personal moment betwixt them and quickly ended the transmission.

  She caught sight of small white flakes as they began to fall. If the elements kept up, they would have a very white Christmas next month. Wishing she’d grabbed a cloak for over her bustier, but thankful she had donned a long skirt to warm her legs.

  “Come on then, Thomas. Sate your fill and get back so I might get out of the cold.” Much as she wished to return without him, she could not risk returning without her partner, and in this instance, Thomas would be scolded for needing to take care of himself during hunter business.

  The sun would up in less than three hours, and she was not interested in walking back, which meant he needed to hurry, so they had the cover of night to return on motorbike.

  The yawn that passed from her was unavoidable. She had waited for Thomas until near dawn, which had meant they’d needed to discard their transportation in the alley under rubbish and walk back to the guild to report in.

  It was half past eight, and she was more interested in her bed than in morning meal. A choice she knew she would regret later, but couldn’t care about in her exhausted state.

  “Why in the bloody hell couldn’t they have given Alliance members a different floor?” She grumbled as she walked past the lift to the stairwell.

  In the past, the members were segregated completely, but since the Great War, and the announcement of the secret projects, Odette had decided to co-mingle them. It made them less of a target if their enemy couldn’t launch a scaled attached against one level of the guild—even if it were a well-known fact that two levels below the entrance are where they held their prisoners.

  Shuddering at the thought, she twisted the gold knob on the stairwell door, closing it gently behind her, as many would be sleeping just after dawn. Her back ached with sleep, but she forced herself to trudge up the spiral stairs and carefully push open the door to her floor.

  She was surprised to hear two male voices somewhere near the back of the hall. As she grew closer, an undeniable French accent filtered out of the third room from the end.

  What could Philippe be doing here at such an hour? She wondered as she went closer to investigate. Philippe and Odette typically left before dawn to report to McKenna and Jacob before they started their day.

  “Should you need anything, Eliza makes certain the labs are open all day, and an Alliance member is always stationed at the lift exit. Odette and I do not return until just before nightfall, but
we return every night. Before this, you were not privy to such information. Please see to it that should you venture down, you are not followed.”

  Realizing he must be making certain Hugo knew all the regulations, she contemplated returning to her room. Except it would be rude to not introduce myself to him now that I am here. A smile curved over her lips as a picture of him filled her mind. His blond hair appeared to be a fashionable length, but it was his eyes that fascinated her. They’d sparkled with green, grey and brown when their gazes had locked outside Odette’s office. She’d likely been airing her Succubus talents, but he’d stared at her the way a man stared at something he desired, hungry. Had she not seen to her orgasm mere minutes prior, she would have pinned him to the wall and allowed his fantasies to come true. Succubae were always better in bed, no inhibitions and centuries of practice made them perfect.

  As she thought about him, she found her feet moving closer to the open door, stopping only when Philippe emerged.

  “Miss . . .”

  “Borrowes,” she supplied, not shocked he didn’t recognize her. He oft hunted, but only with Lucius, and he rarely concerned himself with the apprentices.

  “Miss Borrowes, what is it that you are doing so far down the hallway?” He fixed her with a stare that ages ago might have sent fear through her.

  “I thought I’d see fit to introduce myself to the American. I will be on hunting rotation for some time, and I find it better to let humans know a demon works amongst them in the labs sooner rather than later. I have not had a spare moment to see him prior.”

  “Quite thoughtful, and intelligent. I can see why you work both rotations.” He nodded and passed by her without any further words.

  Whether Philippe had realized who she was or had merely acted as such did not matter. She knew her place in the Alliance, and it was not amongst the upper echelon, even if she was a regular companion to Thomas.

  “ ‘Ello?” She called before stepping into the doorframe. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw him.