The Black Rose Chronicles, Battle and Betrayal: Book 3

by A. K. Michaels

  “Jealousy blinds people to the truth, Cass, and I think that’s what’s at the root of all this.” Valentine leaned forward in his chair. “At least we know Francois isn’t involved. Damn, Cass, you should’ve seen him. He was devastated and obviously torn, but as soon as he knew that Calix was in league with someone else, his loyalty to him disappeared. He’s definitely on our side and I’m going to go down with some of my men when he’s having his meeting with his guards. If any of them look to be on Calix’s side, then we’ll move in and lock them up until this is all over.”

  “If that happens, I’ll deal with them afterward.” Cassius shook his head, frowning. “I still don’t understand what’s happened to him, Valentine. He was one of my closest friends. If anyone had asked me a few days ago if I trusted Calix Ryn, I would’ve answered, ‘yes, with my life.’”

  “I’m sorry.” Valentine’s voice was full of sadness at seeing Cassius so upset. “I know you and he were close, but we have to decide what to do.”

  “I’m going to hold off on making any decisions until Francois has his meeting with the elite guard.” Cassius stared over at Valentine. “I’d like you to bring Francois here as soon as the meeting is over. We can then discuss what to do with Calix.”

  Standing up Valentine looked around. “Where’s Rose?”

  “She’s sleeping.” Cassius actually blushed. “She’s a little tired.”

  “Oh–” Valentine noticed Cassius’ red face. “Oh, I see.”

  “I think it’s time you left and take care of the Francois meeting.”

  “I will.” Valentine chuckled. “Try and not tire yourself out while I’m gone.”

  “Away with you.” Cassius waved his hand as Valentine left, still laughing.

  Cassius leaned forward, placing his head in his hands as sorrow engulfed him. The mere thought that his friend would betray him hung heavy inside him. Then a new emotion took hold: anger.

  He snarled as he sat up, furious with Calix, and pondered on how to approach the problem. A wrong move could alert Basilius that Calix had been caught out, and that wasn’t something he wished. Not if it could impact their chance at success. No, he’d think things through and only take action that would not put their mission in jeopardy. What that was he wasn’t quite sure, not yet, but he would come up with something in time for meeting with Valentine and Francois.

  He had to. The entire human realm was at stake.

  Valentine slowly, and carefully, moved along the back hallway leading to the front of the hotel. Making sure his steps were silent as he stealthily made his way forward. His men behind him, armed and ready in case any of Calix’s elite guards decided to cause trouble. He hoped not. They couldn’t afford to lose any men this close to the showdown with Basilius.

  Either his or any of the guards. They were supremely fit and deadly, and they were needed for the fight ahead.

  Valentine held up a hand, motioning his men to stop as he pushed open the swing door leading to the foyer. The bar was off to the left and he saw the door was almost closed so he whispered. “Stay here until I check they’re all inside.”

  Not bothering to wait for any confirmation from his men, he slipped through the door, and slid along the wall until he was right at the double doors leading to the bar. Listening intently, he smiled when he heard Francois’ voice.

  “Now that you’re all here, I’ll get started.”

  That was all he needed, confirmation that every member of the elite guards was inside the bar. The double doors was the only way out, apart from a door behind the actual bar, which was locked. The simple lock wouldn’t stop a Vampire from breaking through, but they’d hear the door being destroyed if anyone took that route. If they did, then they were in for a little surprise. Another dozen of his men waited along the hall behind the bar.

  Nobody was going anywhere without a fight, but he hoped it would not be necessary.

  Cautiously stepping backward, he silently opened one of the doors and nodded to his men, then made his way back toward the bar. His Vampires were just as silent as they took up position either side of the entrance to the bar as Valentine tuned into what Francois was saying.

  “I understand what I’ve just said may be shocking to some of you. I know it was to me when I realized the truth, but I am telling you the facts. I have never lied to any of you and I don’t intend to start now.”

  There was a pause and Valentine could almost see in his mind as Francois eyeballed every guard before continuing. “I’ll tell you up front that I’ve made my decision. I’m still going to do my best to defeat the Demons in the upcoming battle. I am still one hundred percent behind Cassius Allarde and his goal of obtaining peace for all. Now I know this is all a lot to take in, however, I need you to think hard on my next words.”

  Again there was a pause before Francois’ strong voice rang out. “I need each one of you to tell me, here and now, are you with me or not?”

  A few seconds passed before a voice asked. “What if Calix discovers this little coup d’état? He can destroy us easily so what say you to that, Francois?”

  “If we’re careful, he will not know and if he does find out, then Valentine has assured me he will be dealt with. Cassius and Valentine are both more than capable of taking on Calix, and winning.”

  “I see,” the unknown voice replied, uncertainty clear in it.

  “I assure you that if you choose the right path then you will not be in danger from Calix.”

  Valentine’s breath caught in his throat when he heard Sydney’s firm voice. “I’m with you, Francois.”

  “Thank you, Sydney.” Francois waited a beat before addressing his men. “I’ll make it easy for you all. If you do not wish to join me then raise your hands now. I guarantee that you will not be harmed and after this is all over you can walk away, free and clear, of your duty to the guards.”

  There was silence for a few moments before Francois spoke again, relief evident in his tone. “Thank you. I’m proud to have you by my side in this and all you need do now is go about your business and keep quiet about what’s been discussed here. If I, or Valentine, hear any of you blabbing about this, you’ll be taken into custody until this is over. Am I clear?”

  There was a group, “Yes, sir.” And Valentine waved his men back. The last thing they needed was for the guards to appear and see him and his men laying in wait. When they’d disappeared, Valentine pushed open the door, smiling. “Have I missed the meeting?”

  Francois turned and nodded. “Yes, sorry, they were all here a little early so I started. Hope you don’t mind?”

  “Not at all.” Valentine joined Francois. “I hope things went well?”

  Sydney caught his eye, her eyebrow raised in question. Ignoring her, he focused again on the other guards, trying to gauge if any of them had lied to Francois. He saw no sign of deception, although several gave him wary glances.

  “Yes, everything is fine,” Francois reiterated calmly.

  “Wonderful.” Valentine clapped his hands. “Now we have to go and meet with Cassius and see how he wants to proceed.”

  “Lead the way,” Francois said as Valentine took one last look at the guards.

  “He’s waiting in his office.” Valentine nodded to Francois and led him away.

  As soon as they reached the door, a multitude of voices started, mostly along the lines of “I fucking knew he was going nuts.”

  Francois stopped, turning back to his men. “Enough! You never know who’s listening and we don’t want this getting back to him. No talking about this at all. Understand?”

  A few “sorry’s” echoed around the room as the group started to split up.

  “Good. Now go and spend your time in a more useful endeavor, like training, instead of gossiping. You’re like a group of old women.”

  “Hey!” Sydney’s outraged voice yelled causing Valentine to smirk.

  “Sorry.” Francois waved at her before turning to rush away.

  When they were safely in
the elevator, Valentine grabbed Francois’ hand, shaking it hard. “Thank you. That could have gone so much differently if not for you and the respect those guards have for their leader.”

  “Be quiet.” Francois snatched his hand back. “I did what I had to, doesn’t mean I like the situation. In fact, I fucking hate it.”

  Valentine stepped back, feeling the emotions rushing from his friend in waves. One of which was guilt. “Hold up, friend.” Valentine shook his head. “Don’t do that, don’t feel guilty for what needed to be done.”

  “I can’t help it.” Francois scowled. “I’ve served him for such a long time and now I’m a turncoat.”

  “No, you’re not.” Valentine shook his head, glowering over at Francois. “And if you can’t see that then you’re dumber than a damn donkey.”

  “I know the course we’ve taken is the only way, but it doesn’t stop me feeling the way I do, Val.” Francois shrugged, sadness in his eyes. “I always thought he’d join with Cassius to help him rebuild this ravaged world, and now I realize he is far too selfish for that. He wants something, and the only thing I can think of, is that he wants Cassius’ power. I dread to think what he would do with that at his fingertips.”

  “You and me both,” Valentine agreed. “Let’s see what Cass has come up with.”

  “All right.” Francois nodded as the elevator doors pinged open. “Let’s do this.”

  Rose turned over, waking in the warmth of their bed, a smile tugging at her lips as she thought on just how she was tired out. Hugging the pillow, she sighed in contentment. “Damn,” she breathed out as she did a rerun in her head of all that she and Cassius had done.

  “Inventive.” She laughed as she forced herself from the bed and headed for a shower.

  After languishing in the hot water, she dressed in jeans and a tee, and went in search of her mate. Rose stopped in the lounge as the door opened, after a soft knock, Valentine walking in.

  “Hi, Rose, I’m here for a meeting with Cassius.”

  “Sure, I’m just about to go and join him.” Rose went ahead looking over her shoulder to spy Francois behind Valentine. The Vampire looked decidedly unhappy as they went into Cassius’ office.

  Cassius was sitting behind his desk, writing on a large pad. “Hello,” she said as she went around to kiss his cheek.

  “Hi.” He smiled up at her. “All rested?”

  “Yeah.” She felt a blush creep up her face as Valentine snickered.

  “Valentine, Francois, please sit and we can discuss the meeting with the elite guards.” Cassius’ tone was grim and Rose cocked her head to the side.

  “What’s up?” she asked, looking between the three men.

  Cassius pulled her down to sit on the arm of his chair. “We now know for sure that Calix is up to something.”

  Rose shot a glance at Francois nervously, but Valentine shook his head as he said, “It’s all right, he’s on our side.”

  “I don’t mean to be rude–” She stared at Francois for a second, “but are you sure?”

  Francois sighed. “I understand your suspicion, but I can assure you I want the same things that Mr. Allarde does. I won’t jeopardize his plans, Rose, I promise you that.”

  Cassius gave her a slight squeeze as he told Francois. “Call me Cassius, and I appreciate your loyalty to the cause. Now,” he looked at Valentine then back at Francois, sitting in front of the desk. “what happened with the meeting with Calix’s guards?”

  Valentine leaned forward. “It went far better than I’d hoped. All of them have pledged allegiance to Francois and will join us in battle.”

  Cassius exhaled loudly. “I’m glad to hear that. I must admit I was a little worried about it. I would hate if anyone, your men,” he nodded to Francois, “or ours,” he nodded to Valentine, “were hurt or incapacitated due to Calix’s actions.”

  “I’m relieved too.” Francois shook his head sadly. “I’m also still shocked at Calix being a traitor. I never imagined he’d do such a thing, but there’s no doubt. How else would he have the information on when we were meeting with Basilius?”

  “There is no other way he could have that information, unless he spoke to someone on the other side.” Cassius sighed unhappily. “Francois, when this is over, I’d like you and your men to stay on here. I could really use your expertise and that of your men.”

  “And woman.” Valentine smirked.

  “Yes, I forgot about Sydney.” Cassius shook his head. “I must admit I was a little surprised when I saw her. She must be a hell of a fighter if she made it into the elite guard.”

  “She is,” Francois said firmly. “She’s faster than most of the men, strong too, and when the situation calls for it, she’s lethal. I’m glad she’s on my team because I’d be very happy for her to have my back at any time.”

  “Good.” Rose grinned. “I’m glad she’s part of your team. There’s not enough of us women in those kinds of positions and we’re not all ‘crying in the corner’ and waiting on a big strong man to come rescue us.”

  “So,” Valentine sat back, crossing his legs, “have you decided what to do about Calix?”

  Cassius frowned, looked off to the side, then back again. “I suspect neither of you are going to like what I say, but don’t bother arguing. My decision has been made.”

  “And that is?” Rose asked quietly.

  “Nothing.” Cassius waited a moment before carrying on. “I’ve known him for centuries, and we were close friends, so I’m going to give him the chance to do the right thing. Unless he addresses his guards and asks them to do something against me, or Rose, then I’m going to wait him out and see what happens.”

  “Are you insane?” Rose jumped up as Valentine shot to his feet.

  “Boss, you can’t do that! It’s nuts,” Valentine said outraged.

  “I’d advise against that course of action, sir,” Francois said, shaking his head.

  “I know it may seem strange, but I can’t throw away all the years of friendship,” Cassius said sadly. “We’ll keep a keen eye on him, and as I said, if he addresses the guards and asks for them to do anything untoward, then we’ll arrest him. If he doesn’t, then we wait and see what happens. Maybe he’ll rethink things and stay true to us.”

  “And if he’s planning on working alone?” Rose snapped. “We have no clue what’s going on with him. He may be here to assassinate you, Cass, and he can get close enough to do that!”

  Cassius smirked up at her. “If the legendary Black Rose didn’t succeed, I’m sure he won’t. Anyway, I’m aware of the potential problem and will be on my guard. Please don’t worry.”

  “Do you believe this?” Rose glared at Valentine. “He says not to worry. Is he insane? How the hell are we supposed to not worry?”

  “Rose is right, boss.” Valentine started to pace. “I’m not happy about this. He could attack you while you’re alone, take you by surprise, and I cannot allow that to happen. I’m not leaving your side until this is over.”

  “Don’t be stupid.” Cassius chuckled. “Firstly, it would be very suspicious if you were with me all the time. Secondly, I think you’re forgetting I am more powerful than he is. And, thirdly, but definitely not least, is the fact that I have Rose here with me. She’s just as deadly as any of us and I’m sure if Calix did catch me off-guard, which will definitely not happen, but if he did, then Rose would be there to take up the slack."

  Rose threw her hands up in the air. “Oh, now you want me to kill your friend. Just great!”

  “No.” Cassius smirked. “I don’t want you to do anything, other than keep an eye on things if Calix is around.”

  “Yeah, right,” Rose huffed out. “Next time I see the bastard I’ll want to rip his throat out.”

  “And you cannot allow him to see that’s what you feel, honey, or he’ll know we’re onto him.” Cassius looked at her indulgently. “I can understand you being angry, hell, I’m angry, but we can’t do anything to jeopardize the mission. Okay?”

>   “I still think this is the wrong course of action,” Francois muttered.

  Rose nodded over at Francois. “And I agree with him. This could end badly, Cass, and you have to know that I won’t hesitate if I think he’s going to do something. I have no loyalty to him, heck, I just met him and don’t like him, so if he does anything at all to set my alarm bells ringing, then I’ll end him.”

  “I know you will,” Cassius said grimly. “I hope it doesn’t come to anything as severe as that, but if his actions merit the punishment, then so be it.”

  “Shit.” Valentine stopped pacing to glower angrily at Cassius. “This feels all wrong, Cass, and I for one am not happy.”

  “Me two,” Rose mumbled.

  “Me three.” Francois joined in.

  “I agree with all of you but I have to give him a chance.” Cassius looked around at all three of them. “It’s who I am, and you should all know that.”

  “Can’t I just go deal with him?” Rose asked eagerly.

  Valentine chuckled as Cassius shook his head. “No, Rose, you are not to seek him out, and if he comes here, or we meet him in the hotel, then try and be civil and don’t alert him to the fact we know something is wrong.”

  Rose sighed dramatically, huffing out, “Fine!”

  Francois smirked as Valentine laughed out. “You’re a little bloodthirsty today, Rose.”

  “I was fine until I learned all this nonsense.” Her hands on her hips and a foot tapping. “A snake in the grass is in our home and I’m not even allowed to stamp on the thing.”

  “I understand how you feel.” Valentine looked over at Francois. “Sorry, I know how you feel about him too, but damn, the man is plotting against us and we’re not doing anything about it. It feels wrong, boss.”

  “We’re going round in circles,” Cassius said firmly. “I’ve made my decision and that’s the end of it. Now, can we go over who’ll be with us for the showdown with Basilius?”

  Valentine reluctantly sat back down. “All right, well we have a squad of my men together with Francois and his men. Then there’s the few Fairies that are going to join us and, of course, we have Kuan and his friends, the Dragons.”