by Sophia North
Malachai bowed formally to Alessio and Gabriel before joining the trio at the table. "Permission to remind Praetor Codona of his position, Gabe?" he requested. "The bastard's been driving me insane since our arrival and I really need to punch someone."
"As tempting as it is to say 'yes'," Gabriel replied, "I'd prefer you focus your energy in a different direction. Both of you," he added, sending Lash a stern look. He had not yet informed his vamps of his additional duty to find Alessio's sons. The existence of the Praetorian Guard being revealed as fact, rather than fiction, had to be done first.
The global Vampyre insurrection continued to rage and Alessio and Gabe both agreed the knowledge of the elite fighting force's existence would have the Rebels thinking twice about their next move. One Praetorian Guard could outmatch a hundred Watchers, twice as many untrained vamps - and a most daunting proposition to be faced with, which was the point.
"What direction might that be, your Worshipfulness?" Lash asked, his attempt to be conciliatory utterly failing.
"I have special assignments for each of you. Highly time sensitive and requiring complete confidentiality."
Lash's grin grew wider. "Thank fuck, I was worried you were going to assign me to government duty. Kai maybe, he seems to possess the temperament for grovelling to others."
The slur on his character was met with a steely silent glare from Malachai at Lash. Once a Romany Princeling, always a pain in the ass.
"I am at your service, Consul. But I beg you to guarantee that once I have completed my mission, you will not send me to help Lash finish his. He always gets so cranky about it."
Malachai's dig hit as intended. "It was one time. And I had things completely under control by the time he arrived. The oil fields incident was an unfortunate consequence."
"Are the two of you quite finished?" Gabe asked, his steely smooth tone indicating he had reached his limit. The two vamps recognised the sign and ceased their playful taunting. It was time to get down to business.
Satisfied by their silence, Gabe turned to Alessio. "Why would any sane vamp want to father sons? If this lot is anything to go by, I recommend letting male numbers dwindle more. The females are much more accommodating."
"You think?" Alessio snorted derisively. "Tell that to their new leader. I dare you. The female vamps are demanding all sorts of recognition and 'rights'. They feel their role in Lowerton has changed dramatically because of the restrictions on breeding being lifted. Thus, my absolute rule has yet another benefit. No more endless meetings that go round and round in circles and accomplish nothing!"
Gabriel may not know much about the female mind, nor had he particularly cared to explore it further, but he was fairly confident his ruler knew even less if he thought silencing the female vampyres was the right move. And if his inkling that the female leader in question was the attractive Page Roxy, and that she and Alessio were quite possibly 'involved', well his ruler was in for a very rude awakening indeed.
"Sounds like Eve, she's got all sorts of opinions about Praetor ways too," Lash commented.
"Eve is a Praetor?" Alessio asked sharply.
Gabe sent Lash a withering look. The recent discovery of the first female Praetorian Guard was not information he wanted bandied about. Especially not to Alessio. He and Eve had history. Unpleasant history.
"Yes," Gabriel confirmed. "But she is still in training."
"I would prefer she not be assigned to Lowerton," their Rex decreed. "I have enough trouble as it is."
Gabe bowed his head in agreement. He'd had no intention on summoning her anyway. "What are current Lowerton troop levels and security details?" he asked, happy to move the conversation back to business.
"Of the one thousand Watchers in service, two legions have been assigned to Lowerton's defence. The rest are dispersed in varying numbers to the most problematic colonies, with the bulk in America. The Council of Thirteen are being more obstinate than usual. It is why I believe Dante is there, despite their assurances of having not been able to locate him in the Colorado Mountains."
"I concur. Have your Watchers there found any sort of a lead?" Gabe queried.
"Their reports have not revealed any. Their efforts have been diverted into tracking down information about the Serpent Brotherhood. Like us, they are also intent on locating my sons. Especially Darius, as he hosts their esteemed leader, Haan."
Knowledge of the Serpent Brotherhood's continued existence had sent shockwaves through Lowerton. It was believed their order had been wiped from existence in the immediate aftermath of the Terrors. Yet, the reality was, it had simply disappeared into the shadows by recruiting other supernaturals who were convinced Haan would return and reward them for their devotion.
"Has Igor the Alchemist been captured yet?" Malachai asked respectfully. Gabe had brought both of his vamps up to speed on the situation following his meeting with Alessio during their first night in London.
"Vlad's efforts have turned up nothing, nor have the discreet team of Watchers I assigned the duty," Alessio replied.
"Vlad is the Watcher who turned human, right?" Lash clarified. "Now that's a fucker. To be human again? No thank you."
Alessio chuckled. "He does not share the sentiment. I have arranged to meet him at my daughter-in-law's for an update on his progress to locate Igor and Dante."
"Excellent, Lash and I will join you," Gabe said, rising from his chair. "But first, I need to question your prisoner about Mariam's location. Malachai, you will accompany me. Lash, make yourself useful and review the Watcher reports from America. You will be heading up Dante's rescue mission there shortly."
GODFREY DIDN'T SO MUCH as raise his head when Gabriel and Malachai entered his chambers. Seated next to a roaring fire, the former Elder and Head of the Lowerton's Archives, calmly read his book while sipping a drink.
'I know you can read my mind, Praetor. But I have nothing to say to you or your lackey.'
Godfrey's thoughts hit Gabe's mind like a shout. It was obvious he was a very old and powerful vampyre, despite his youthful looks and large, yet unthreatening, figure.
"I heard you were mute, not a mind-manipulator," Gabriel returned aloud. "Turn the volume down, if you insist on conversing this way. No need to shout. Malachai and I can hear you clearly. And if you have any hope of ensuring your Mistress stays in one piece, I suggest you let me help her. She may be powerful but she is playing a dangerous game."
Godfrey stiffened, his devotion to Mariam evident. Yet, even he knew she was in grave danger. Not just from the malignant force of Haan trapped inside of Darius, but also from the Serpent Brotherhood who sought to free him. They would destroy Mariam without a second thought to get what they wanted.
"Hmm, I see my words have penetrated that thick skull of yours. So why don't we start with you telling me what you know."
'Fuck you, Praetor.'
Wonderful. There was nothing like an unwilling ally to flex his slightly rusty abilities on. "Are you certain this is the avenue you wish to pursue?" he questioned menacingly. "As I said, I want to help Mariam, not harm her. Others will not be so inclined, I can assure you. And Wilhalf will only be able to do so much in his quest to find his sister."
Gabriel's knowledge of Wilhalf's involvement made Godfrey look up in surprise.
He hadn't known about it. Interesting.
"Where would Mariam go?" he pressed, sensing an opportunity.
The vamp narrowed his eyes obstinately and returned to reading his book.
Hard nut, this one, Gabe mused. Good. He needed the practice.
Gabriel was behind Godfrey's chair before the uncommunicative vamp knew he'd moved. Gripping his bald head between his hands, Gabe concentrated on invading Godfrey's memories.
'Where would Mariam go?' he asked intuitively, sending the silent command into his prisoner's mind.
It replied by flashing various memories of Godfrey and Mariam together. But they remained focused on their time here in Lowerton.
The vamp w
as fighting him telepathically, so Gabriel upped the ante.
'Not Lowerton. Where?' he demanded.
The imaged spiralled, blending into nothing more than an array of flashing streaks of colour. Until the smell of the Mediterranean and baked stone permeated his senses. Italy. He'd know its smell anywhere. Yet, as to an exact location, no image would emerge.
Breaking contact, Gabriel stepped back. "Mariam is somewhere in Italy. Looks like you get home ground advantage Malachai."
"You're right, Gabe. I'll be in the States helping Lash before he sorts out his jet lag."
Chapter Five
HANNAH GASPED IN DELIGHT as the blindfold she'd been wearing lifted to reveal her mysterious destination. Standing in the middle of a massive marble hall, she looked up to admire the large arched ceiling as it turned from twilight to night, its effect mirroring the outside environment exactly. Incredible.
Where on earth did Simone live exactly? No stranger to impressive surroundings, having grown up in the lap of luxury of her family's London townhouse and country estates, Hannah wondered if she was still in London. She'd never been anywhere in her circle of society that could even close to matching a private home such as this, unless one added the Royal family's residences into the mix. And not many lived in their post code with such square footage.
After meeting Horatio at Paddington Station at their appointed time, Hannah had been surprised when he'd escorted her to a far corner of the tube station and presented a black blindfold along with a request to 'trust him'. If not for him being an esteemed member of the OO, and Simone's father, she might have pepper sprayed him and run. But instead, she'd agreed to be his blind companion on their strange adventure. And strange was the only way to describe her journey here. She'd lost track of the number of times they'd changed trains before arriving at Simone's.
"Hannah, I am so pleased you agreed to come," Simone greeted warmly, crossing the marble expanse of the hall to join them. "Father, I trust you took all the necessary precautions. Vlad will be grilling you momentarily. Prepare yourself."
No sooner had the words left Simone's mouth when a booming voice followed with: "Horatio! Good to see you, mate. You made sure to double-back...twice, before the final leg of your journey?"
Hannah's gaze flew to the sight of an enormous man, with flowing blonde hair, striding towards them. Her greeting to Simone stuck on the tip of her tongue, thanks to being struck dumb by the gentleman in question. Towering well over six feet, he looked like he'd stepped from the pages of a Viking novel, except rather than being dressed in animal pelts, he was wearing head-to-toe black leather.
"I really wish you'd let Alfred handle the logistics of your visits," he continued, closing the distance between them. "But ever since his untimely death as Zack Bancroft, he's been a complete nightmare. Who the fuck knew cancelling his corporate credit card would result in such petulance? Fucking prima donna."
His aggressive tone made Hannah take a step back in trepidation. She really hoped his bark did not hide a nasty bite. He was far too intimidating for her liking.
"Vladimir MacGregor, stop intimidating the guests!" Penny MacGregor ordered from the door of the library. Miraculously the black leather Viking halted abruptly mid-stride.
"Sweetheart, you're awake," Vlad said warmly, turning to his wife, until his handsome brow furrowed in concern. "Should you be on your feet?"
"For the love of the goddess, I'm pregnant not terminally ill!" she fired back, sick at being treated like an invalid by her new husband.
Hannah gasped in recognition at the volatile red head standing in the doorway. "Penny, is that you?" she exclaimed.
"Aye, Bookworm, it's me. You couldnae have thought I'd not be right in the middle of this with Simone, did ye?"
Hannah could not help herself and burst out with, "You sound so Scottish?" before turning pink over her bizarre choice of observation. It had been over a decade since she'd seen either of them. And although technically Penny was Scottish, Hannah’s need to state it so incredulously was a rather silly thing to blurt out. It was just that Hannah recalled Penny's Scottish accent being non-existent at Godolphin's.
Simone laughed. "Don't worry, Hannah. My reaction to her recently returned brogue was exactly the same. What's even more peculiar is that it comes and goes for no particular reason. Most disconcerting whilst in conversation."
Hannah's head was spinning. Simone and Penny! It was like a Godolphin reunion. How had the two of them become embroiled in Ophanim Order business? And more importantly, what was she going to tell them about her involvement with the Order?
This whole double-life existence was getting more and more difficult to manage. She'd never shared her work for the OO with anyone. Not her family, not Pierce. No one.
And yet, here she was, meeting up with two women she'd briefly gone to public school with in the early 2000s, who seemed to know all about the OO and her work with them. Which then begged the question: how much did they know about her abilities?
"I think she needs a drink," Simone said to Penny, noting Hannah's pale expression.
"Aye, looks like a Martini woman to me," Penny replied. "Vlad, find Alfred and send him to the library with drinks. After that, you and Horatio amuse yourselves with...well, whatever men do to amuse themselves. Simone and I will speak to Hannah on our own."
After his initial outburst the intimidating giant responded quite unlike how Hannah would have expected. "Alright, my sweet. But don't get worked up again. Promise?" he said gently, pressing a soft kiss to his wife's brow.
"I promise. And no more fretting. I am sure Hannah will be able to help us."
"Come along, Vlad," Horatio instructed, gesturing to the long hallway leading away from the women. "I will amuse you by explaining, once again, the importance of having a birth chart done when your daughter is born. It will provide you with all sorts of insights into her development."
Vlad rolled his eyes and reluctantly followed. He'd never understand how a man of science could be so fascinated with astrology. These OO members were a strange fucking lot. But when it came to protecting his family he'd tolerate even the most nonsensical notions.
Simone turned to Hannah. "Shall we?" she asked, waving her hand towards the door where Penny stood. "We have a lot to discuss."
SEATED IN A COMFORTABLE leather chair, Hannah daintily sipped a Martini. Her third of the night. And she'd needed every last one of them. The tales of transformation, intrigue and passion her two friends had experienced over the past year had blown her mind.
Turns out that vampyres, werewolves and an array of other creatures from legend were not merely the stuff of fairytales. They were real. And if Hannah had any doubts about the veracity of their claims, Simone's fangs and Penny's fire and ice producing palms immediately dispelled them.
"You believe I will be able to find out how to break the curse your twin aunts cast against male vampyres?" she asked sceptically. "Ladies, you do realise I am an evolutionary anthropologist, correct? I haven't the first clue about breaking curses. I could perhaps enlighten you about your ancestors need to believe they could cast such spells, but not the spells themselves per se."
"Yes, yes," Penny interjected impatiently. "You have made it abundantly clear you haven't any experience in this area. What exactly do you know about the Ophanim Order, Bookworm? You are on the verge of choosing a life in service to them, but seem rather vague on details about what they actually do and know."
Maybe it was the three martinis or the tinge of condescension in Penny's tone, but either way, Hannah took exception. "Kindly refrain from speaking to me as if I was a child. It was insulting when I was fourteen, and even more so now."
"Hark, the wee lass finally found a backbone. 'Bout bloody time," Penny returned gleefully. "We need all the help we can get and shrinking violets need not apply. Vlad is never going to let me leave this house until this blasted curse is lifted. He fears the Serpent Brotherhood will not stop trying to kill me or the baby until then. A
nd to be honest, as much as I love Simone, after seven weeks together I can barely stand the sight of her."
Hannah couldn't tell whether Penny had just complimented her or not, but hearing the way her former schoolmate currently lived ruled out any continued petulance on her part. "Why must you stay here?" she asked with concern.
"The house is impenetrable to supernatural forces," Simone answered. "Penny is untouchable as long as she remains with me."
"My lady," Alfred announced from the doorway, interrupting the women's conversation. "Alessio has arrived with...guests."
Alfred, the house's sole servant, and Raven-shifter according to Simone, looked fit to burst with undisguised worry. The way he said 'guests' implied he'd been unaware of their arrival.
"Oh yes, Alessio did ring earlier and asked for Gabriel Rosetti and Lash Codona to be invited in to meet with Vlad. I made the necessary arrangements for my father-in-law, is there a problem?"
Alfred's cool demeanour nearly snapped over his Mistress's nonchalant admittance of strangers to the house, but somehow managed to keep it together. His Master, Dante, would not be pleased with him for failing to maintain order and keep Simone safe. A responsibility he took seriously. Very seriously.
But if his Mistress insisted on breaking all the House rules, what hope did he have?
Hannah's glass fell from her fingers and crashed onto the floor. The gentleman she'd met at Claridge's the other night had been introduced as Gabriel Rosetti. Surely, it could not be the same one? And if he was with Alessio, the Grand Elder of the Vamp Empire, did not logic decree he too was...her heart skipped a beat...a vampyre?
Her rapid heart rate at hearing his name again could not be laid completely at the door of learning he was a supernatural creature. Ever since they'd met the other night, Hannah hadn't been able to erase the image of his handsome face from her thoughts. Time and again, she would find herself distracted from her work when the thought of his sexy smile and sculpted good looks would drift into her mind's eye.