As the others arrived my anger with the situation hadn’t diminished. She wanted me to call before I did my job. I shook my head, that wasn’t going to happen. There wasn't time, not if we were going to clear the city as fast as possible.
“Let’s talk strategy,” I began. “Ranulf and I up front as usual. Falk, I want you above us. And Zahur-”
“It wouldn’t hurt to have some magical back up on this one,” Ranulf suggested.
“She wasn’t interested,” I announced. “Besides, she’s not really trained.”
Ranulf scoffed. “I’ve seen her in action, she’s trained.”
“She wasn’t interested, and we need to move fast to get the city cleared,” I told them coldly. They all shared looks.
“Why?” Falk asked, his voice rough.
“Yeah, you’re being more of an ass than usual,” Ranulf added.
“Instead of talking strategy, we’re talking about her,” I snapped.
“He's right,” Zahur agreed.
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “We still need to get her back home as soon as possible. If she won't go-”
“She might be compatible with even more males, have any of you thought of that?” Zahur asked the group. “You might want to keep her away until you’re Mated.”
“Why would I do that?” I asked pointedly.
Zahur’s eyes narrowed at me. “What are you doing, Atticus?”
“We have a nest of Red Caps to take out,” I reminded them. “We need to clear the city. Now let's get to work.”
Evelyn
I was having a pretty off day. First the argument with Atticus, and then I remembered my appointment with Gumner was today. So when Zahur strode through the door with some green blood on his shirt sleeve, dread filled me.
He eyed me, his face growing concerned. “What's wrong?”
“What happened?” I asked immediately.
“There was a nest of Red Caps in a subway line.” He said, his eyes running over the almost half empty shelves and the stack of shipping boxes waiting to go out. My stomach dropped.
“Which line?” I asked carefully.
“Orange,” Zahur answered. I closed my eyes and counted to ten.
I dropped the book in my hand and headed for the door. When I opened it, I turned to him. “Come on.” I barely kept myself from snapping. Zahur came through the door. I locked the shop, then brought down the gate and locked it. I was headed up the stairs in a few heartbeats.
Noise came from the guys’ apartment, jeering and cheerful. It hit my temper hard. I opened the door and strode in. Ranulf and Falk were on the couches cleaning their weapons. Atticus was at his desk typing away on his laptop when he turned and met my gaze. “I told you to call me before you killed anyone or anything,” I reminded him.
“You had a nest of Red Caps in your city,” he said. "We took care of them." My veins boiled with fury.
“You have no fucking idea what you’ve done,” I said, my voice cold. The others stopped cleaning their weapons. Yeah, I cursed. I turned on my heel and walked out of their apartment and into mine. I went to my room to get a weapon. I was packing light today.
I pulled out my harness and slipped it on, then took out my short sword from the chest in the bottom of the closet.
“We got them all, lass, you don’t need to arm up,” Ranulf assured me as he came to the door. I just shook my head. I was too angry to talk yet. I pulled on my long, fitted leather coat to hide my weapons then strode out of my bedroom. Everyone was in my apartment now.
“You didn’t take out a nest,” I told them, my voice hard. “You took out an outpost.” I crossed my arms over my chest as my heart slammed. Ranulf moved away from my bedroom door and joined the others near the couches. “You see, I’ve had a deal with the Red Caps for the last forty-two years. They could stay as long as they followed certain rules and kept the subways clean of rats.” I met Atticus’s eyes. “I told you I had a balance here and to call me before you killed anyone or anything. What happened?”
Atticus’s face was hard as he answered. “We're clearing out the city of pests. We don’t make deals with these creatures.”
I scoffed. “You’ve had back up your entire life,” I reminded him. “Out here I’m alone. I’ve had to do things differently. The Red Caps were part of that.” My gaze ran over his blank face. “You just screwed me over in ways you can’t even imagine.”
“Tell us about this deal you had with the Red Caps.” Zahur’s face was worried.
“They could stay and colonize without fear of me as long as they followed my rules,” I told him before looking back to meet Atticus’s eyes. “And now, thanks to you, I have to go renegotiate with their King.” I looked at each of them. “And you’re all coming with me.” I headed for the door. When I didn’t hear footsteps following I turned back. They were still in the living room area. “Get your butts in the car,” I snapped. “You get to see the outcome of your actions.”
“We’re not going to feel bad for taking out some Red Caps,” Atticus said. I met his gaze.
“I know. Bring the big med kit.”
I was silent the entire drive to the nearest Red Line station. We took Atticus’s Mercedes, I had insisted. This whole thing was his fault, so he could deal with the mess afterwards. I had the guys park at the mouth of a ‘sealed off’ section of track that led underground. I got out and took a deep breath to find my calm again.
Negotiating with Novak was never fun. It didn’t take long, but what the Red Caps valued was vastly different than money or luxuries. I turned to the guys.
“Zahur, are you the squad's medic?” I demanded.
“I am,” Zahur said. I nodded.
“You’re coming with me. Bring the kit,” I announced. Zahur went to pull it out of the trunk. I looked to the others. “The rest of you? If you can follow my instructions and keep your mouth shut, then you come too.”
“Are you planning to tend the wounded?” Atticus asked dryly. I shot him a look.
“I doubt you left any,” I countered darkly. Ranulf sighed and joined Falk and Zahur.
“I can’t not go in with ye, lass,” Ranulf announced emphatically as he stepped forward.
“Just… don’t say or do anything, no matter what.” I looked at the three of them. “You don’t know their culture, and you don’t know the rules. Staying quiet will keep you safe.” They nodded. I didn’t expect Atticus to come, that’s fine. He’ll still see the aftermath. I turned and headed to the metal door. Opening it, I walked into the dark with the others a step behind.
The Red Cap lair was a fifteen-minute walk through the tunnels. I used those fifteen minutes to educate the others.
“The deal I made with the Red Caps was simple: War only with themselves, no kills outside their species, keep the subways free of rats, report any demon or strange activity immediately and act as back-up if I need it, which they don’t mind. They actually fight over who gets to back me up. It’s become an honor. Since they work better as a nest when they have purpose, they do my sweeps and report anything they find.” I stepped over the third rail and walked down the center of the abandoned line. “For that, they get to stay, nest and in general live their lives without fear of me hunting them down.”
“What do they eat, lass?” Ranulf asked directly. “Because I doubt rats be keeping 'em fed.”
“You’re right, they don’t,” I admitted. “Which is why I arranged for a butcher on the north end to bring in meat twice a week.” I looked over my shoulder. “The Red Caps even pay for it themselves.” I turned back around and kept talking. “But now that blood has been spilled, I have to renegotiate with Novak.” We were almost there. “And Red Caps don’t value the usual things.” The gate was up ahead. It was a patchwork of welded metal that made up a wall and gate. “Here’s the hard and fast rules. Don’t speak to anyone, only to me. Don’t touch anything and don’t stare. Don’t accept food or drink and if I bow, you bow. You stand up if addressed,” I whispe
red quickly. “This is a negotiation. Do not interfere, no matter what you hear. Got it?”
“Yeah,” Zahur said.
Falk nodded.
“I got it, lass,” Ranulf added. When we reached the gate, I knocked. I took a deep breath and let it out. I needed to be calm. The gate was opened by one of my favorite Red Caps, he was the only one I knew of with a sense of humor. Helix was a good 6ft 5 and over 260 pounds of muscle encased in black jeans and a black tank undershirt. A red cap’s skin was usually brown and as thick as a rhino’s. It looked about as good too. Some even had plates of armor sewn into their flesh. Helix’s red cap was shaped like a ski cap, only it came down to his jaw and had cut outs for his pointed ears. It was still sticky from his last kill. Helix’s four yellow eyes ran over my company before resting on me.
“It’s good you came, little one. Novak is furious,” Helix warned in his deep, growly voice.
“Hey Helix, I figured he’d be angry. That’s why we came,” I admitted. He smiled down at me with his razor-sharp teeth. I smiled back before hugging him. Helix was careful not to hurt me as he squeezed me back. Even though I could slaughter his kind, Helix was always worried about hurting me. It was sweet.
“I missed ya, big guy,” I told him as I pulled back. “When are you coming by for a movie night?”
“When are you going to serve good food?” he countered, gesturing for the others to come in.
“I’m sorry mister food snob, I don’t have the budget for Kobe beef tartare,” I said dryly. Helix chuckled as he closed the gates behind the others.
“Well, after today, it won’t be for a while,” he said, becoming serious. His eyes ran over the guys.
“These are the ones who killed my people?” he asked.
“All but one,” I admitted. The guys’ faces were blank, but their posture told me they were expecting trouble. Helix nodded.
“It’s good that you came,” Helix told them. “It will help Evelyn show her sincerity. And it takes a strong warrior to admit they fucked up.”
I looked to the guys and explained. “That you showed up will prove you are honorable. It’ll help my negotiations and give you standing. Without standing in the Red Cap’s world, you’re just meat.”
“And you don’t want to go through what Evelyn did to get that standing,” Helix offered. I rolled my eyes as Helix began to open the inner gates.
“It wasn’t that bad,” I grumbled.
“You almost bled to death and had to turn to stone until you healed,” he reminded me.
“I did not,” I denied dramatically. “I simply decided to hibernate when I was fed up with Red Cap rituals.” Helix laughed at my lie.
Helix led us through the nest, which was really more of a city. The Red Line nest was their main home, their presence in the other lines was simply to keep the vermin down and keep an eye out for demons. Their city was surprisingly beautiful. The streets were clean, and the buildings had a style all their own. Red Caps liked curved edges for some reason, and it was reflected in their architecture. What had once been pieced-together housing had become stone and plaster. What had once been a dark section of tunnels and unused infrastructure was now a bright home for a hidden species. I eyed the stained-glass window-front of a shop as we walked into the village.
“Remind me to ask Undy to price what it would cost him to create a stained-glass window for my apartment,” I said absently.
“How close are you to these Red Caps, lass?” Ranulf asked quietly.
“Well, Helix here is one of my favorite people in the world,” I admitted. He stopped asking questions.
As we got closer to the town square more Red Caps became aware that we were here. Glares and whispers filled the streets as everyone hurried to the town center to get a good seat for the show. Bloodshed for the Red Caps was their favorite entertainment. Especially when other species were involved. My stomach was knotting as we got deeper into town. I took deep breaths and let them out slowly. I had no choice. I had to do this thanks to Atticus, the arrogant ass. My anger came back. It helped me calm down. Helix stopped before we would step out into the square. He knew me well enough to know I was going to need a minute. Every Red Cap was already there, the stone amphitheater packed. I took several deep breaths and let them out slowly. Helix's hand came down on my shoulder and he squeezed gently, watching the amphitheater as Red Caps found a place to sit.
“You know what he’s going to want,” Helix reminded me. Yeah, I knew.
“He’s not getting that,” I assured him.
Helix smirked down at me. "Don't let Novak get under your skin."
I nodded. It would be a cold day in hell before I let Novak win. Helix dropped his arm before turning to the guys.
“If you want to help her, say nothing to anyone but her. And keep your weapons sheathed,” he warned them. All their faces were hard.
“How many did you kill at the outpost?” I asked them.
“Twenty-seven,” Zahur answered. My breath came out in a huff. Great.
“Let’s get this over with,” I growled. Helix nodded before leading us into the sand arena that was the town center.
King Novak was already on the low dais. Novak was an odd Red Cap. He was only six foot three, short for his species, but his armored body and incredible strength won him his crown centuries ago. It was hard to kill something when you couldn’t get past their armored skin to their flesh. Add his four, fully-functioning arms and you couldn’t even get close enough to try.
Novak’s three eyes were on me the second I emerged from between the buildings. He began to pace along the dais, his arms crossed over his naked chest. His long legs were encased in skin-tight leather and boots.
“Warrior Evelyn, of the Gargoyles. And the slayers of Outpost Lochlin,” Helix announced. While he stayed at the edge of the sand, I led the others into the small arena. When we reached the right spot, eight feet from the dais, I went to one knee and bowed my head. From the sound in the sand, the others followed suit.
“King Novak, I’ve come to rectify the grave error that was made this morning,” I announced, projecting my voice. Novak stepped off the dais and strode towards me.
“Get up Evelyn and explain yourself,” he growled in an extremely deep, harsh voice. I got up instantly, so that by the time he reached me I was on my feet.
Oddly, Novak would be a good looking human if it wasn’t for the three eyes and razor sharp teeth. He had a strong jaw and chiseled features. Even his pointed ears looked good on him. I looked up into two of his three eyes and explained the situation.
“A squad of gargoyles have come into the city. I warned their leader that we had a balance going and to contact me before they took any actions. He chose to ignore that,” I began. “They had no knowledge of our Treaty. I’ve come to make amends for their actions.” Novak’s gaze ran over me, a cunning light sparkled in his eyes. His gaze went to the guys behind me, still kneeling.
“Are these them?” he demanded.
“All but one,” I replied.
His eyes came back to me. “They came willingly?”
“Yes, once I explained the situation, these three wished to make it right,” I said calmly. Novak’s massive shoulders relaxed a degree. He looked down at them.
“Get up,” he snapped.
“Novak,” I growled. His gaze snapped to me. “They are my people, and if you speak to them that way again I’ll rip out your throat.” The corner of his lips twitched. Red Caps loved females that held their own. Especially, when they held authority.
“Please rise,” he said in a calm voice. Falk, Zahur, and Ranulf got to their feet. His eyes stayed on me as he added. “I want their heads.” He turned to walk toward the dais.
“No,” I stated in a hard voice. Novak turned back.
“They are responsible for countless deaths,” he began.
“Twenty-seven is hardly countless,” I countered before he got rolling. “I’m here to make amends, not to give you my people.” Novak st
rolled towards me, he only stopped when he was close enough that I had to strain my neck to keep eye contact with him.
“You’re not really a queen, but you could be,” he whispered to me. My stomach rolled. There was shifting behind me. I shot Ranulf a hard look. He settled back down, his eyes burning. He really hadn’t liked Novak’s offer. The Red Cap King had been trying to get into my pants for years. I was used to Novak’s proposals. Now they just made me feel sick.
“You know the answer to that, Novak,” I reminded him quietly. It wouldn’t be smart to deny him loud enough for the others to hear. I’d like to not have to fight my way out of here.
“You know what we value, Evelyn,” Novak reminded me.
I kept eye contact. “I haven’t forgotten.”
“One night,” he offered. “You, in my bed, and I’ll make sure all is forgiven.” This time there was no shifting behind me. It was actually a very sweet offer, by Red Cap standards.
“That’s an extremely generous offer. But you know my answer,” I stated. His eyes narrowed on my face.
“Are you sure about that?” he asked. “Twenty-seven deaths. That’s a lot more than what you went through for your standing.”
“I’m aware,” I said calmly. He cracked a grin that I hated.
“I could deny that choice,” he threatened. I smirked at him.
“I’d challenge you, Novak,” I reminded him. A challenge must be answered, and even though he was bigger than me, he knew I’d win. He cursed as he looked away from me only to turn back. “Wouldn’t one night be easier to give up than what you’d have to go through for twenty-seven deaths?” he offered. “It’d certainly be more enjoyable.”
It was flattering the way he kept going after me, but it wasn’t happening. “No,” I stated simply. He sighed.
“Fine,” he bit out. “A wing.”
“Novak,” I chided playfully, “you know your own laws. These circumstances don’t qualify for crippling.”
He growled. “The hip.”
“Too high for regeneration,” I told him. “How about two or three inches below?”
Found (Books of Stone Book 1) Page 13