They waited until he was gone.
Then Jolie faced the music.
Viktor approached. “Are you ready?”
Jolie and Jacques moved toward the designated sitting area. Other family members who weren’t hurt were already there.
“What was this about?” Viktor asked. They deserved some answers. They’d lost members in this mess.
“Arian has been having an affair with the hunter, Detective Montclair,” she said, pointing at where he once stood. “His mind was bent to do her will. That smoldering pile of ash is the human who hunted us.”
They all gasped. It was horrifying to know one of their own had turned on them.
“Why?” Viktor asked.
“I’d guess power. Her mate mentioned she was trying to build up her family. People only do things like this for love or power, Viktor. By eliminating as many families as possible, she moved up the food chain.”
He stared, unsure what to say.
“Think about the family who died. Where did they sit in their level of power on the council?”
He thought about it. It finally hit him. “They were right above Arian’s family.”
Jacques continued, ignoring his pain and the stares of his father and mother, “Do you think that’s a coincidence?” he asked.
“No. I just can’t believe she’d do this.”
“Well, here’s your proof,” Jolie began. “She called the meeting, and we tracked the hunter to her house. My mate saw him enter.”
Viktor nodded. “I see. Was her mate involved in all of this?” he asked.
This was the slippery slope.
“We don’t believe so. It appears that she met with Montclair during the day, but we’ll know more when we get to her, and we will.”
“I’ll send my guardians,” he said, checking out the state of their wounded bodies. “You’ve done enough.”
She couldn’t let that happen.
“No, we’re going to finish this. Arian had Montclair's buddies eviscerate my mate. I take that personally. I could have lost him tonight, so I demand my revenge.”
“Jolie, you’re both hurt and need to heal. The bullets will not kill you, but they need to be removed, and soon,” said Viktor.
“No. I’m calling on my right, Viktor. Arian has brought us nothing but misery, and I deserve this. We saved quite a few of your council tonight. By old law, we can ask for this.”
Viktor sighed and closed his eyes. “Okay, it’s yours.”
Jolie knew they had more questions than just that. She could see it on their faces.
“Ask.”
“How did you save your mate? How did you know that this was going to happen?”
Jolie started at the beginning, explaining the warning Death sent to her when something bad was going to go down. The societies listened with awe, and some were mortified.
She didn't flinch.
This wasn’t new.
When she relayed how she was able to save her mate, she felt the fear from many of them. Just because they all belonged to Death, as her children, that didn't ease their worries that she was their personal killer.
“What’s owed now, Jolie?” he asked, feeling sorrow for the woman before him. This had to be a heavy weight to carry on her shoulders.
This wasn’t a gift.
It was a curse.
“I promised Death more victims later and in exchange, she’s granted my mate his life.”
There was a gasp as more elders surrounded them. “You are truly Death’s harbinger if you can make such bargains,” stated Jacques’s father, Mordechai.
“I prefer Death’s angel. It’s why Belladonna is after me.” Jolie then had to tell them the whole sordid story. She left nothing out, knowing that councils got testy when you did that.
Viktor spoke, “We’ve just recently found out that she made an attempt on your life. We’re sorry that you’ve been dragged into this.”
“Well, I’m getting used to it,” said Jolie. “The minute you said Arian called this meeting, I knew she was setting us all up to be killed.”
“Well, you have the council’s permission to execute Arian and Alexzandre.”
“What if her mate is innocent?” she asked.
“He has to die. We can’t risk that he’ll return to avenge her.”
“So it shall be done,” she stated.
Well, sort of…
“I offer you our gratitude for your aid, Jolie and Jacques. Please know that if you ever wish to return here, you’re welcome with open arms.”
Jolie knew that wouldn’t be happening. Flynn was going to shit a brick before coming back to Paris. She could tell.
“I need to feed before going there. Did anyone bring a donor I can use?” she asked.
When no one volunteered, Jolie knew why.
She was tainted.
Viktor stood. “I’ll do it. You’ve earned it.”
She was grateful.
“Now, who will feed Jacques?” he asked, waiting for one of them to come forward.
Finally, Morganna started toward her son.
“Not happening,” interjected Mordechai, as he placed his hand on her arm.
Jacques just sighed, not having the energy to fight at this moment.
“I’ll feed my son,” he stated, shocking them all.
Jacques stared at his father, still wary of the possible trap. If he was going to get his revenge from the other evening, now would be the time to do it.
Mordechai moved toward him, unbuttoning his shirt so his son would have access to his neck.
“Thank you, Father.”
Jacques felt Jolie touch his mind, ever so softly. ‘Let me feed first in case he tries anything. Then I’ll be ready.’
‘Oui.’
Jolie stood and Viktor knelt in front of her so she could feed comfortably. Her fangs slid into her mouth, and she bit into Viktor’s flesh. She let the blood fill her body and revive her. He was just as ancient, and it was needed.
When she had finished feeding, she released the man. “Thank you, my old friend.”
He stood and smiled at her. “No, it’s us who should be thanking you for what you’ve done for us.”
Jolie nodded at Jacques.
It was his turn.
Mordechai moved into the same position, and Jacques began feeding. When he was done feasting, he spoke, “Thank you, Father.”
Mordechai hoped this would be a peace offering. He’d done a great deal of thinking. His son was a warrior. In the end, that’s all he ever wanted. It shouldn’t matter how he got there, just that he did.
“I’m ready,” Jacques offered, taking Jolie’s hand. “Let’s go to Arian’s home, kill her, and then go home to heal with our Flynn.”
“Another exciting date night in the Degaul-Harcourte-Brogan family, I see,” Jolie teased, going with him.
“What if I bring the wine? Does that make it better?”
Jolie noticed that the societies stared at them as if they were unhinged, which made it even funnier.
He may be joking with his mate, but on the inside, he knew one thing to be certain.
Someone was going to suffer tonight, and it was going to be justified.
CHAPTER twenty-six
They watched the house from the shadows, knowing that the hard part was yet to come. Both vampyres still had to get access and get inside. It was unlikely that Arian was going to open the door for them, knowing they had just survived her murder attempt.
It appeared that they had one ace in the hole. Jacques had already been in the home, so they could break in if need be.
“Let’s try and be civil.”
She laughed. “Oh, okay. There’s a method we don’t often try. Don’t forget that I have to make this kill bloody and gory. You have to let me do it. I owe Death.”
He was well aware.
Jolie rang the bell before stepping back. She was ready for an attack when the door opened.
It surprised her to see her broth
er.
“Mon Dieu! What’s happened to you both?” he asked incredulously, as he took in the blood and ruined clothes.
“Can we come in and talk, Alexzandre?” she asked, trying to keep her emotions in check. “Something bad has happened at council this evening, and it concerns you and your mate.”
“I guess,” he said, stepping back. “Welcome, Jolie, to my home.”
They entered.
“Are you hurt?” he asked, leading them to the sitting room.
“More than you’ll ever know,” she quipped, well aware that her words would sting. Saying them hurt.
Alexzandre said nothing.
Taking their seats, Jolie remained by her mate’s side.
“What’s happened?”
“Council was ambushed by the hunter during a meeting. They lost a few members, and they’re pissed.”
Alex’s mouth dropped open, and he looked genuinely surprised. “How? I don’t understand.”
“Why were you and Arian not at council this evening?” asked Jacques.
Alex shrugged. “I don’t attend council. I rarely intervene with their meetings, and I find no need to get involved. On occasion, at Arian’s request, I’ll attend a ball with her. Arian must not have known there was a meeting this evening. She’s been in her quarters all night.”
“Her quarters? Not yours?” Jolie asked.
“I told you. We don’t have a conventional mating.” Alexzandre wished he’d found his soul mate, but life hadn’t given him that blessing. Instead, this was his karma for selling his future to the family he swore to protect.
He was miserable as sin.
Jolie’s heart softened. Maybe his life hadn’t been any easier than hers. Abuse to the heart hurt just as much as physical abuse. A scar was scar, and she understood that.
“Alexzandre, she called Viktor and requested the meeting,” Jolie answered, staring into the mirror of her own violet eyes. She watched as her brother tucked his own black hair behind his ear in confusion.
“That can’t be. If she called it, she would have gone.”
Jacques knew what had to be said next would be the hardest, so he said it fast, almost like ripping a bandage off a wound. Quicker was always better. “Arian was having an affair with the human who attacked the society tonight.”
Alexzandre Harcourte stood in anger. “You’ve come to my home to make such accusations?”
“It’s the truth, Alex. We were sent by council to end both of your lives.”
“No! This is some petty attempt to hurt me because I walked away from you. You’re looking for any reason to break me. This is unfounded retaliation because I left you with Goethe the Grim.”
Jolie couldn’t have flinched more if he’d slapped her. Jacques was about to intervene, but instead she simply placed her hand on his arm.
“No, Alex. I came to save your life. Council wanted to send guardians. You’re marked for death, and so is Arian. This was me giving you mercy because we’re blood.”
“It’s lies!”
He stood, his anger flowing from him as he took a step menacingly toward Jolie. Jacques moved protectively between them, ready to defend his mate.
“I’m afraid they’re right, Alex,” said the voice sweetly from the doorway.
He turned, feeling sucker punched.
“What are you saying?” he asked, stunned by his mate’s comment. It was said so nonchalantly, as if she were stating something like the weather outside.
“I was indeed having an affair with a human male. I don’t know why everyone is so shocked. It’s not all that odd. Look at your beloved sister and her mates. She takes two to her bed so why can’t I?”
Alex just stood openmouthed. “Why, Arian?”
She took a seat and crossed her legs. “I had a few reasons why the human, and a few reasons why I ordered the obviously disastrous attempt at the council.”
Alexzandre was perplexed. “I don’t understand this at all.”
Jolie entered the conversation. “She’s not only sleeping with a human behind your back, Alex, but the human was a man named Montclair.”
Her brother sharply inhaled. “Montclair? Aren’t they…”
“Hunters,” answered Arian. “I’m aware of his family history.”
“Why?”
“Why did I have sex with him, or why did I use him?” she asked casually, winding a piece of hair around her finger as she watched Jolie.
“Both,” her mate said.
“As a human, it intrigued me. I was curious as to what it would be like. I’ve been with you for a very long time, Alex, and frankly, I was bored. Let’s face it--our sex life leaves much to be desired. I always wondered what a human would be like in bed, and it’s much different than with one of our own. It’s quite pleasant in fact, just ask your sister.”
At that point, Jolie knew she would enjoy killing her. Jolie took a stand, placing her hand over her brother’s. Despite their past, she would protect him now.
“As for using him, the human mind is very malleable, and I knew he would do as I asked. It was entertaining knowing that he was the hunter, and I the prey, and yet, he never had a clue. We’d meet here in the afternoon as you were with death, and I’d use him mentally and physically.”
Alex shook his head, ill at the idea of what had all gone on under his own nose.
“Oh, yes, dear mate. I had a human lover, and it greatly entertained me. The human body is different from ours. It reacts, feels, and tastes…different. He won’t be my last.”
Jolie begged to differ on that last part, if she had anything to say about it.
“But a hunter? Why, Arian?” Alexzandre couldn’t get past the betrayal. His mate had signed the entire family’s death warrant with this one act of treachery.
Jolie interrupted, “Because he was a weapon ready to go off, and all she had to do was give the command, He would kill on request. After all, she was in his mind. Arian wanted power. She killed our kind to move up the ladder.”
“I see you got close enough to him to feel my presence.”
“And if I’d met you sooner, I would’ve known who was responsible for his madness.”
Arian laughed. “He was mad, wasn’t he?”
Alexzandre sat there in amazement that this was going on around him.
“We were confused as to why a whole family of our kind was destroyed, but then again, my mate sniffed it out. He suspected the undead from the start.”
“He’s smart. Now your detective is a worthy human. I should have taken him to my bed instead. I assume he’s dead, or he’d be here at your side.”
Jolie said nothing.
Arian laughed at the look on her face. “I didn't think you’d figure this out so fast. Are you always so practical, Jolie?” asked Arian, leaning forward. She couldn’t help but smile. She was holding one more ace in her hand.
“Yes, I am, especially when it comes to killing betrayers. This is what I do.” Arian’s voice grated on Jolie's last nerve, and she wanted to twist her head from her shoulders.
“Well, since the cat is out of the bag, I might as well come clean,” Arian stated, staring directly into Jolie’s eyes. She was going to enjoy this.
“Well?”
“I was only trying to gain power on the council, but when you popped up, I had an epiphany. You see, we have something in common.”
“Somehow, I doubt that,” said Jolie in disgust. “You and I couldn’t be more different even if we tried.”
“Oui, one would think so, but we share an acquaintance.”
“Who would that be, Arian? “
Jolie knew it was going to be bad. The woman was reveling in something, and it was going to be brutal--she could tell.
“You knew my father…well, not my biological one, but the man who supported my mother and me.”
Jolie felt the room spin. “Who?”
“Goethe.”
Jolie stood from her chair and it all seemed to fall into place. The dreams she w
as having, Vanth, and the little girl warning them. It was all connected in a big circle--all because they came back to Paris. The betrayer was Goethe’s daughter. Death had given her the nightmares not to punish her, but to warn her. It was all another gift to protect them.
Shit!
She’d been a fool.
“Let me tell you a story,” Arian stated, enjoying the power this gave her. She would break Jolie Harcourte when her old man never could.
“Before you came to the household, my father and mother found a human family they took as servants. He was drawn to the human woman, Lorelei. In fact, she looked so much like you. He always liked dark haired women--they got him off.”
Jacques felt his anger brewing as he watched Alexzandre for any indication of whose side he was taking. He was carefully blank at the moment, as if taking it all in.
“Daddy dearest played with her for a while, but he broke her. You see, human women couldn’t handle the rigorous sex he liked. One day, he nearly killed her during his playtime. You remember those moments, don’t you?”
Jolie went still as if trying to hide in plain sight.
Yes, she recalled it well.
“While he raped and played with her, my mother was entertaining herself with the husband. He impregnated her, and thus I was born.”
Jolie stood her ground, refusing to let this vampyre take her back there. She had a new life now.
Mates.
Love.
Peace.
“Goethe wasn’t happy, but accepted that his mate had gone to a human for a child. He took me in as his own, but right before you were… acquired, he became interested in me. My mother refused to let it happen every night, so she made a decision and had me sent away to a friend’s family.”
Jacques would do anything to stop this. He knew that Jolie was hurting because of Arian’s words.
“He was a pervert with an insatiable appetite.”
Jolie fought to recover on the inside, while showing nothing on the outside. “Yes, I’m aware of his appetite and his perversion.”
“Oh, I bet you are. I only had to deal with him for one night, and that was my worst nightmare. I’m sure one hundred and fifty years was a long time to feel his touch.”
Alexzandre wanted to be sick.
“It was character building,” Jolie stated.
Dangerous Misery (The Harcourte Vampyre Society Book 3) Page 42