by J. J. Bonds
“An oversight,” Nakamura says with a wave of the hand, dismissing DeVanie’s concerns about the failure to communicate. “I wanted to see what we could learn first. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been very cooperative, despite the Linkuri’s best efforts to persuade him.”
Nausea grips my stomach. I’m fairly certain their best efforts are tantamount to torture. I can’t imagine what kind of torment this vamp has been subjected to, and yet they haven’t managed to break him? If the determination of the one captive the Linkuri has managed to take is a testament to the determination of the Order, we are in for a long fight.
“Torturing mixed-bloods?” Garrott hisses. “That will really get the Order to back off!”
“We are at war!”
“Victoria is right. We cannot win a war when we do not know our enemy.” Lefevre crosses his arms defensively. “We must consider negotiating with them.”
“I would rather die,” Vlahos says, “than see a mixed-blood vampire sitting on this council.”
The discussion devolves into chaos once again. I look at DeVanie, my only real ally here. He looks exhausted and frustrated. Aren’t we all? “I think that’s enough for tonight,” he says, raising a hand for order. “We will take a break and reconvene tomorrow evening.”
**********
“We need to talk.” Viktor corners me as soon as I reach the top of the stairs and emerge from the basement
“Not now, Viktor.” I’m mentally exhausted, and my head is about to explode. I can’t take another lecture right now. Or any more yelling. Thankfully, he takes no for an answer and disappears.
As I make my way back to my suite, Lincoln falls in step with me. “Here,” he says, offering me a tumbler filled nearly to the brim. “Looks like you can use this more than I can.”
I eagerly accept his peace offering. “Fair warning, my fuse is pretty short this evening.”
He smirks. “And that’s different from normal how?”
“Touché.” Score one for the Golden Boy. I walked right into that one. That freak show in the basement has cost me my edge tonight.
“Sounds like things got a little rowdy in the Council meeting this evening. That your doing?”
“Not hardly.” I snort. “I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.”
“You? Silent?” he quips, his brown eyes dancing with laughter. “That’ll be the day.”
Before I can come up with a clever reply or call him an ass, my phone vibrates. When I pull it from the pocket of my robe, I discover I have a missed call from Nik. It’s only been ten minutes. If I hurry, maybe I can still catch him. “Excuse me. I need to make a call,” I tell Lincoln, bolting for my room and doing my best not to slosh any blood from the open glass I carry. “Thanks for the snack!”
When I get to my room, I speed-dial Nik, praying I’m not too late. He answers on the second ring, and my nerves do a happy dance, thrilled just to hear his voice.
“Where are you?” I ask, flopping onto my bed and curling up among the pillows. “What have you been up to?”
His hushed reply is barely audible. “I’m sorry, Katia. I really can’t say. It’s classified.”
“Have you forgotten who you’re talking to?” I fire back, grinning from ear to ear. I probably look like a fool, but I don’t care. I’m just so happy to hear his voice. Until now, I didn’t realize just how lonely I’ve been. I need this. I need normal so I can decompress, even if it’s only for a few minutes. “I’m not just your girlfriend anymore, I’m a full-fledged member of the Consiliul de Batrani.”
“So it’s official then?”
“Yep. Swore my oath tonight,” I tell him proudly.
“Congratulations, Elder Lescinka,” he says with mock formality. “Seriously though, how was it?”
I sigh. “The truth? Complete disaster. They squabble like children. Maybe worse, actually. It went on for hours, and we accomplished nothing. Not. One. Thing.”
He gives a low whistle. “That bad, huh?”
“You have no idea,” I say, echoing Wolff’s words from earlier this evening. “Without Aldo to hold them together, they’ll be ripe for slaughter.”
“Then you’ll have to do it.”
“Do what?”
“Help find a way to keep them focused on what’s important,” he explains.
“I’m not sure if I can. They don’t respect me, and even if they did, it would take a bloody miracle to undo hundreds of years of archaic thinking.” The fact of the matter is that these vamps are so set in their ways it’s unlikely I stand any chance of breaking through to them.
“Katia, respect is earned. You know that,” he admonishes me. I can practically see him shaking his head through the phone. “Besides, politics is a game of strategy and finesse. You can’t blast them and expect to get results.”
“What are your thoughts on backstabbing?” I ask, knowing any one of them would stab me in the back if they thought it would further their own agenda. After tonight, I’m even less convinced this group wants what is best for the masses.
“Well, backdoor negotiations built this world of ours. Maybe they can save it too,” Nik says, drawing on his inner poet. “None of these families, including the Lescinkas, was ever handed power. They took it. These are experienced politicians. You need to start rallying the allies you have.”
“Allies?” I laugh. “My only ally is DeVanie. But hey, one out of twelve isn’t bad, right?”
“Don’t forget there are those whose loyalties lie with Aldo. You can leverage that,” he points out.
I roll my eyes even though I know he can’t see me. “You sound like Viktor.”
Nik laughs, and the sound is like music to my ears after a night with the Council. “He’s a smart man. He’s moved in this political circle virtually unnoticed for many years. Don’t be too proud to use the resources at your disposal.”
I sigh again. I hate it when he’s right.
“Look, I’m sorry, but I have to run,” Nik whispers. “I’ll be in touch soon, okay?”
“Sure. I understand.” And I do. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck. I hate saying good-bye to him. I’d give anything to have Nik by my side right now, but I can’t tell him that. He has enough on his plate without me piling on.
“Watch your back.” He pauses. It’s the long, never-ending, what-the-hell-is-coming-next kind that sends my heart rate into overdrive. “And Katia? I miss you.”
I bite my lip before stammering a reply. “I miss you too.”
We hang up, and only then do I realize that he’s avoided telling me what he’s been up to. Hell’s bells!
Chapter Nine
I scour the mansion, searching for Viktor. Just when I’m about to give up, I see him in the garden. Relaxing. Or at least as close to relaxing as I imagine Viktor can get. I envy him this moment. I haven’t had a second’s peace since learning of Aldo’s disappearance, and I can’t imagine finding another until he’s been found. I lean against the patio door, the cool glass pressed to my forehead as I watch him. He sits on a stone bench, looking perfectly at ease under the glow of a full moon. A light spring breeze rustles the bushes around him, but Viktor doesn’t seem to notice. He looks peaceful, serene even.
Guilt tugs at my conscience. When was the last time Viktor had a moment of peace like this? Weeks? Years? I hate to be the one to shatter it. The news I bring will not be welcome. In fact, I’m bracing for a fight because I know Viktor will not agree with my latest decision. But it’s mine to make, and I know that ultimately it’s the right one. I just hope he can see it.
I steel my resolve and push the door open, slipping into the garden. Without a word, I join him on the bench. We sit like that for a while, drinking in the cool night air and listening to the crickets chirp away without a care in the world. Lucky little buggers.
“It’s time for us to go home,” I tell Viktor, mentally preparing the argument I hope will sway him to my point of view.
“Katia, I know you miss the manor, but it is
no longer safe.” The pain in his eyes is obvious. The manor has been his home for many years as well, and it’s his job to protect the grounds and the people who live there at any cost. A job he failed to do when Aldo’s safety was compromised. “If they could get to Aldo, then you’re also at risk.”
“Romania is my home now, and it’s as safe as anyplace else. Besides, I need to be with Lissette,” I remind him. “She’s the only family I have left, and she needs me.”
Viktor sighs. “You are an Elder now. Your safety is my top priority—my only priority—and I strongly advise you to stay here with Elder DeVanie. Aside from the additional protection he can provide, he can also help you with the Council.”
“Screw the Council,” I hiss, crossing my arms over my chest and lifting my chin. “Everyone thinks they know what is best for me!”
“Screw the Council?” he repeats turning on me incredulously. He scrubs a hand over his bald head. “Need I remind you that you are part of that Council and that your duties should be your top priority?”
“The only thing I care about is finding Aldo.”
“And you will need the Council resources to do that,” he reminds me. “You cannot do this alone.”
“You’re right,” I concede, rising from the bench and pulling myself up to my full five feet eight inches. Not that I’d ever waste my time trying to intimidate Viktor. The man is unflappable. “I didn’t mean what I said about the Council. I’m just frustrated. I thought they’d be… different. But I’m still going home, with or without you. Although, I’d much prefer the comfort of having you by my side.”
His eyes grow round at this last admission. “Please, hear me out. I’ve thought this through. If they can get to Aldo, they can get to any of us. My mind is made up, and there’s nothing you can say or do that will change it. Please make the travel arrangements.”
“As you wish,” he says, shaking his head to let me know he will obey my wishes against his better judgment.
“I’m going to find DeVanie. I’d like to thank him properly, and we have some other matters to discuss before we leave in the morning.”
“Well, at least I’ll have time to bolster the security,” he grumbles, not bothering to hide his sarcasm.
“Please don’t be angry, Viktor. I value your opinion, but we need to go home. The coven needs leadership, and the longer we hide here, the less confidence they’ll have in our leadership and ability to protect them.”
I pause, giving him a chance to agree. He remains silent, his eyes locked on mine. His silence compels me to keep going, pleading my case, the argument pouring from my mouth like word vomit.
“I cannot sit here and do nothing. I cannot abandon them. Is it not my duty to be there? To show strength? I will not give the Order the impression that we are afraid, that they have broken our will. They will not control us through fear. I will face them if it comes to it, and I will face them on my home soil in the arena of my choosing.”
“And I will be at your side every step of the way,” Viktor pledges, rising to his feet and towering over me. “Aldo would be very proud.”
**********
My next stop is DeVanie’s office. I find him behind his desk shuffling papers as he curses at his computer. He’s a bit more disheveled than usual, and I wonder if the stress of recent events is getting to him. Unlike Aldo, who retired from life in the human world ages ago, I’m told DeVanie is still very active in the management of his family’s business, which is really more of a global empire. Between the Council business and Wall Street, I imagine he’s working around the clock.
“Do you have a minute?” I ask, doing my best impersonation of a well-mannered teenager.
He glances at his wrist, checking the time. Talk about old school. Who wears a wristwatch anymore? “Sure, come on in.”
“Viktor and I will be leaving in the morning,” I explain, ignoring the look of surprise that registers on his face. “Before we go, I wanted to thank you personally for your hospitality. I cannot thank you enough for getting me out of Crossroads or for your unwavering support with the Council. It will not be forgotten.”
He gives me a long look, as though assessing my true intentions. “It has been my pleasure. I trust it goes without saying that you are welcome to stay as long as you like?”
“I appreciate the offer,” I say firmly, but politely, “but it’s time I go home. There is one more thing I’d like to ask before I go.”
He pulls a cigar from the box on his desk and rolls it thoughtfully between his fingers. Eww. What is it with rich men and their cancer-giving stogies? Not that DeVanie has to worry about the cancer, but still. The smell! I struggle to keep the repulsion from my face and hope he doesn’t light it until I leave. “If it is in my power, I will be happy to oblige.”
“I’m new to the Council, and I don’t want to throw my weight around, but mark my words, I will if I must. I realize the other members will need some time to adjust to my presence, but I will not be left in the dark while they come to terms with reality.”
“You’re a very shrewd young woman,” he says, dropping the cigar on the desk blotter and leaning in close. “It won’t take the others long to recognize why Aldo named you. Still, it doesn’t mean they’ll like it. Regardless of your intelligence, your age is an affront to them.”
“They don’t have to like it,” I retort. “They just have to deal with it.”
“What exactly are you asking?”
“I am asking that you keep me abreast of all dealings negotiated outside of the Council meetings. I understand that many deals are made off the record, and I don’t want to be blindsided. I would expect a man of your reputation to be very much aware of what is happening behind closed doors.”
“Ah, yes,” he says, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. “Keep your friends close, and keep your enemies closer. You will learn that having allies among the Council is very helpful, but nothing beats a good, old-fashioned spy.”
“I would also like a daily update from the Linkuri Commander with detailed reports on anything pertaining to my uncle or the Order.”
“I’ll see what I can do. Your uncle has helped me many times over the years, and it is a debt I will repay. I will help you as much as I can, but there are limits to what I can do for you.”
“Limits?”
“If Aldo does not return, I’m well positioned to take his place. This leaves me in a precarious situation in the interim. I cannot afford to lose the support of my allies. If I do, the Council will likely vote Caterina to the head, and while she is quite capable, I think you’ll find her a bit… cold.”
I find most of them cold but figure it’s best to keep that little tidbit to myself. The realization that DeVanie is the front-runner for the head of the Council is a relief. The Council could do a lot worse if Aldo does not return.
“We cannot allow Caterina to take control of the Council. There are those, like myself, who favor change, but most barely dared say it outright while your uncle was in charge. With him missing, it will be even more difficult to persuade them to consider a world in which mixed-bloods have a voice.”
As if this would be the worst thing that could possibly happen to our society. As if my rebirth as a vampire, or any mixed-blood’s, for that matter, makes us less? How quickly we forget our roots. It takes a herculean effort, but I manage to tamp down my frustration before answering. “I understand.”
“Do you?” He asks with raised brows. “Because I want to be very clear about this. If Caterina is elevated to greater power, you can expect a full-scale war to follow.”
“We will not allow that to happen,” I promise. It’s an easy promise to make. After all, have I not already pledged to protect my people with my life or death? I will do whatever it takes to put an end to the violence. “And when the Council votes, you will have my support.”
“Very well,” DeVanie agrees. “Is there anything else that you require?”
“As a matter of fact, there is one more thing
you can do for me. I want to speak to the Order member who was captured by Yao’s men. Can you find out where he’s being held? I’d like to pay him a visit before returning home.”
I run into Lincoln—literally crash into him—as I leave DeVanie’s office. I’m feeling pretty good about the meeting. At least that’s what I tell myself when I forgo my usual pain-in-the-ass commentary and simply apologize.
“And here I thought you were just looking for an excuse to cop a feel,” Lincoln teases with a cocky swagger, crossing his arms over his well-muscled chest and effectively blocking my path.
“Don’t flatter yourself, pretty boy,” I retort with a saccharine smile. “I didn’t see you standing there. Contrary to what your ginormous ego may believe, the world does not in fact revolve around that scrawny little butt of yours.”
“Be still my beating heart,” he says, clutching his chest dramatically. “Always the sweet-talker, this one.”
I roll my eyes and take a deep breath. I suck at emotional stuff, particularly saying thanks, but it has to be said. “Actually, I’m glad I ran into you. I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me while I’ve been here.”
“Just doing my job, Elder Lescinka,” he replies, waving off my gratitude and dropping into a low bow that’s only half mocking.
“Since when is it your job to bug the shit out of Council members?” I ask with a smirk of my own. It’s nice to have someone around who still treats me like me. I have a feeling Lincoln will never treat me like an Elder, and I’m okay with that. “Seriously, Lincoln. You did more than your job, and I won’t forget it. If there’s ever anything I can do for you…”
“You’re leaving, then?”
“Heading out in the morning.”
“Damn,” he mutters, shaking his head in dismay. “Now who am I going to dazzle with my unparalleled wit and charm?”
“Whoever she is, she has my unending sympathy!” We both laugh, and it’s another good belly laugh, the kind that eases some of the pressure and reminds you what’s important, what’s worth fighting for. “I’ll see you around.”