by G. K. DeRosa
“Exactly what I was wondering,” said Celeste.
“We thought Brazen was dead, perhaps double-crossed by Alek, but maybe we were wrong all along,” said Roman, catching on. “Brazen’s reward was immortality.”
“So as usual Alek is to blame for all of this,” finished Celeste.
“Great, so now we have an immortal werewolf alpha running around the streets of Oak Bluffs,” said Brian.
“Not for long,” said Celeste.
***
“Mother, perhaps you would be more comfortable in some contemporary clothing?” asked Alek as he watched Lilliana struggling with her skirts. She was bent down over the television pulling on the cables. Since her return, she had solely worn the unwieldy Victorian gowns Alek had first given her. He had found the trunk of vintage women’s clothing among Fabian’s belongings some time ago.
“Why would I want to do that?” she asked straightening up.
“It might make ordinary tasks more manageable,” he said, suppressing a grin as he walked toward her. “And as I have explained, you do not need to fiddle with the cables to turn the TV on, you must simply use this.” He handed her the remote control, and she stared at it suspiciously.
“I don’t think I will ever get used to all of these modern contraptions,” she replied.
“Why Mother, you were a very powerful witch once, surely you can learn how to control these human technological inventions.”
She sighed and slumped down on the couch, looking defeated. “I don’t know that I am made for this time.”
“I know what will make you feel better. We’ll take a drive into St. Petersburg tomorrow. It’s no wonder you are getting depressed—you haven’t left the house once since your return,” said Alek.
“Are you sure that it’s safe?” she asked. “What if the Constantin boys try to take me away from you?”
An unfamiliar warmth ran through Alek. He was loath to admit it, but having a mother around had proven much more fulfilling than expected. He had been caught completely off guard by these new circumstances, and all his plans for his mother and the destruction of the Constantins had been placed temporarily on hold. He would get to it eventually of course, but for now, he was enjoying the novel experience. “You are safe with me, Mother. I will never let any harm come to you,” he said with a smile that actually reached his dark eyes.
“Then yes, I think that an outing into the city would be just lovely,” she responded. “Now if you don’t mind, I think I will first take a little nap.”
Alek nodded and placed a blanket by her feet before retiring to his study, as she stretched out on the sofa. Lilliana’s eyes closed almost as soon as she hit the pillow. As she sunk into a deep slumber, she was transported back in time. She tossed and turned restlessly as a vivid dream took hold of her subconscious.
“Dalla, I’ve met someone,” said a young Lilliana. She was back in her room at her family’s farm in Romania, pacing animatedly in front of the window.
Dalla’s eyes widened in shock. “What do you mean?”
“His name is Luka Constantin, and he’s wonderful!” she said, unable to hold back the huge smile. “He’s kind and caring and handsome, of course. And most importantly, he loves me with all his heart.”
“Lilliana, you know that you are promised to Fabian. You are to wed in a few weeks,” said Dalla grasping her shoulders, hoping to shake some sense into her.
“I won’t marry him, Dalla. I cannot! I never knew what love was until I met Luka. I can’t lose what we have, especially not for a lifetime of misery with Fabian,” she said obstinately. “After losing my son, I thought that I would never be happy again. I resigned myself to the idea of a wretched life with Fabian. But I can’t anymore.”
“What will you do? Your parents will surely disown you, the Albsurori will turn their back on you, and who knows what Fabian will do,” Dalla said worriedly.
“I don’t care. I will run away with Luka. He has asked me to be his wife!” she exclaimed, smiling joyfully.
“Oh Lilliana, you can’t!”
“I can! Luka is wealthy, and he promised to take care of me. He said we can go anywhere in the world we want,” she explained.
“Fabian can track you down wherever you go!” cried Dalla.
“The Council of Guardians will help me,” she said in a whisper, as if this were the ace up her sleeve.
Dalla’s brows knitted together. “Why would they get involved in this?”
“One of the Council members, Stellan, has promised to protect me. I believe you are well acquainted with him,” she said, suggestively raising an eyebrow.
Dalla’s cheeks flushed pink. It was no secret that Stellan had been pursuing her for a time, but whether she felt the same about him was uncertain. Lilliana even believed Stellan was offering his assistance partly as a way to get closer to Dalla. He was a young sorcerer, but already very powerful and just the help she needed to escape from Fabian’s grasp.
“I still don’t like any of this,” Dalla continued. “You have no idea to what lengths Fabian will go to get what he wants.”
“And you want me to marry a man like that? To be the father of my children?” asked Lilliana, taking her friend’s hands in hers. “Please, you must help me escape.”
Dalla’s stern resolve broke when she saw the fear mingled with hope in her friend’s penetrating blue eyes. “Of course. I will do whatever you need.”
Lilliana awoke with a start. She clutched at her chest as the intense memories of her past flitted through her mind. “Luka…” she muttered as the unexpected pain of loss resonated throughout her being.
***
“We need to go after the Black Devils,” said Marco as he watched Celeste rummage through her closet.
“We will,” she said. “Roman and Nico are updating Stellan on Brazen’s new immortal status, and hopefully they can find a loophole for us.”
“Good – the sooner the better. I don’t know how much longer I can keep avoiding my responsibilities back in Rome,” said Marco.
Celeste turned around to face him. “Oh, you have to go?” She noticed the disappointment in her own voice as she uttered the words. She had gotten used to having Marco around and realized she dreaded his leaving. Having another guardian to watch her back eased some of the tension she’d been feeling lately, and it helped fill the void left by Roman.
Marco shifted uncomfortably. “Not right this second, but I do have to get back soon,” he answered. “I hate to leave you right now with everything going on. It just doesn’t feel right.”
Celeste tried to put on a convincing smile. “No, you’re right. You should get back to your home. I’ve been so involved in my own life, I haven’t even thought about everything that you’ve left behind.” She took a step toward him and pulled him into a hug. “You’ve been a great friend, and I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
Marco looked up at her with dark, piercing eyes and Celeste remembered how intimidating she had once found them. His eyes lingered on her lips for a few seconds longer than comfortable and Celeste felt her cheeks flush. She took a step back, but Marco’s hand caught hers, trapping her in his intense gaze.
“The Council!” she cried out abruptly as she felt the familiar pull of being summoned. Talk about perfect timing…
Marco felt it too and dropped her hand, a flash of regret written across his face. “Let’s go,” he said.
Seconds later, they were in the Council’s white circular room with five anxious faces watching them. Celeste caught Dalla’s eye and could tell she was upset. Her jaw was clenched and her face looked flustered. This can’t be good…
As usual, Dante spoke up first. “Marco, I see you did not listen to my suggestion that you leave for Rome,” he said gruffly.
“I was looking for a good ticket. You know how hard those can be to find during the holidays,” Marco responded with a grin.
Dante glared at him. “This is no laughing matter, Marco. You ha
ve so much potential, and I will not let you squander it by getting involved in rogue missions,” he scolded.
Marco’s eyes drifted toward the floor. Celeste knew how important being a guardian was to Marco, and she wasn’t going to let him get in trouble just for helping her. “He didn’t do anything wrong,” said Celeste. “We were following up on Brazen and his pack just like you ordered us to.”
“I ordered you to do that, Celeste. Marco is to go back to Rome immediately to oversee his own responsibilities,” said Dante, rising angrily from his chair, which was set higher than the rest of the Council members by at least six inches.
“This is my responsibility,” said Marco. “I was there the day Astor was attacked and my fellow guardians were killed. I want to make sure Brazen gets what he deserves.”
“You’ll have to settle on reading the report when the mission has been completed. I see you are going to fight me on this, so to make things simple, you will go back right now.”
Marco and Celeste looked at each other in shock.
“Dalla, please open a portal and send him to Rome immediately,” ordered Dante, turning to her.
Dalla looked surprised, but didn’t utter a word.
Marco resisted: “But I need to get my things. They are all at Celeste’s house.”
“They will be sent to you,” said Dante. He nodded at Dalla and with a leery expression, she opened a whirling portal in the middle of the chamber.
Celeste couldn’t believe Dante was doing this. She didn’t understand why he was being such a jerk lately. With a final helpless look back at Celeste, Marco stepped through the bright blue portal and disappeared.
Celeste felt her chest tighten as she struggled to keep the hot tears at bay. “You didn’t have to do that,” she hissed.
“Apparently I do, since both of you are under the impression that listening to my orders is somehow optional,” said Dante.
“You could have at least let the boy pack his things,” said Sierra, speaking up for the first time as she peered at Dante through her purple-rimmed glasses. Celeste remembered that when Sierra had been injured in battle, Marco had stood watch over her for days. She must have developed a fondness for him during that time.
Dante’s tense face relaxed just a bit. “I wanted the matter handled, Sierra. Next time I will try a less harsh approach if that is what you are counseling.”
“Yes, that is exactly what I am saying,” she finished.
“Do any of you even care that Brazen almost killed me?” blurted out Celeste. “Did you know that he’s immortal now?”
“Of course we care,” answered Sierra softly. “And we were not aware of this fact until we heard about your latest encounter with him.”
“We have no doubt that you will be able to handle the situation,” said Balthazar.
Celeste huffed. “Any ideas about how to kill an immortal werewolf?”
“I’m sure that Stellan will guide you in that, dear,” said Sierra.
“There is another matter as well,” began Dante. “Alek and the newly resurrected witch, Lilliana, were spotted by a guardian in St. Petersburg. I don’t like the idea of the two of them in the same city. And I don’t understand what they are still doing together in the first place.”
Celeste’s breath caught at the mention of Roman and Nico’s mother. “What were they doing there?” she asked, hardening her voice to come across nonchalant.
“Nothing, actually,” said Dante bewildered. He wrinkled his brows. “The guardian followed them around the city for a time, but they seemed to simply be out for a stroll.”
“That doesn’t seem too threatening,” Celeste responded.
Dante grunted. “Nevertheless, I would feel better if Lilliana were eliminated.”
Celeste’s eyes widened as she tried to suppress a gasp from escaping her parted lips. She glanced at Dalla and suddenly understood why she had looked so upset earlier. Celeste waited for Dalla to speak up, to object, but she didn’t say a word.
“No!” shouted Celeste. “Lilliana isn’t a threat. She doesn’t even know who she is.” The words tumbled out of her mouth without her control.
“What do you mean?” asked Dante. “She is a powerful Albsurori witch. Before Fabian cursed her, she was in line to be the next head of the coven.”
Celeste considered her options. Telling the Council the truth or at least half of it could save Lilliana. She had to take the risk. “She doesn’t remember anything,” said Celeste. “She has amnesia or something. I doubt she can even practice magic.” That last bit was indeed a lie, but she had to be convincing.
“And you simply forgot to mention this to us last time we spoke?” questioned Dante.
“I guess I did. I’m sorry, but there was a lot going on. Look, Dante, I promise I’ll keep an eye on her, but I swear she’s not a threat,” she pleaded.
Dalla gave her an encouraging smile from across the room. “Yes, Dante, Celeste is right. Perhaps we can even use Lilliana to get to Alek and to finally recover the Albsurori ring.”
Dante shook his head. “Celeste, this is exactly why you shouldn’t be involved with those Constantin vampires. You are supposed to kill supernaturals not befriend them. Your views are skewed because of your loyalty to them.”
“No, it’s not true. All I want is to get Alek and if Lilliana is a way to get to him, I don’t see why we shouldn’t use her,” she explained, trying to be as persuasive as possible.
“I’ve already told you that Alek is not the mission,” said Dante.
“Maybe not today,” said Sierra, “but eventually he will have to be taken care of.” Sierra had been the most seriously wounded during the attack in Astor and Celeste knew that of everyone here, she had the best reasons for seeking revenge against Alek for what he had set in motion.
“Fine. Lilliana lives for now, but if I discover that she has her powers back and is using them for anything at all – she is to be killed without question. And it is your responsibility to see that that happens,” finished Dante as he stared pointedly at Celeste.
She nodded her head with her lips firmly pressed into a tight straight line.
“You are dismissed,” said Dante with a wave of his hand.
Roman, Nico and Celeste sped down the highway to the neighboring town of River Falls where they had first discovered a small werewolf den in a dilapidated old house the month before. Celeste was quiet for most of the trip, mulling over yesterday’s conversation with the Council. She was torn between telling the brothers about Dante’s decree regarding their mother and keeping it to herself for the meantime. She had convinced Dante to leave Lilliana alone for now and she hoped Stellan could figure out a way to get her memories back and away from Alek by then. She decided to keep the secret to herself for the time being, or at least until she could talk to Stellan about it further.
Glancing out the window at the bare trees that whizzed by, Celeste saw the sign for River Falls. She wasn’t looking forward to the visit to the nasty werewolf lair, but she knew they could find Red there, and he was their only hope for locating Brazen. Red was one of the werewolves Roman had threatened for information after the attack on Astor. He had proven useful, finally coming through for them by revealing Alek as the mastermind of the plot.
Pulling into the seedy neighborhood with graffiti-covered houses and yards with overgrown lawns and chain-link fences, Celeste was reminded of their first visit here. “Roman, try not to kill anyone this time,” she said cautiously. “If Brazen abandoned these guys in this place, maybe they’ll be willing to help us find him.”
Roman grunted. “I doubt that, but I’ll be on my best behavior,” he responded icily.
Celeste hated to start their mission on a bad note, but Roman had lost control last time and killed two werewolves, one of which died holding much-needed information on Alek. She didn’t want to risk it happening again, even if it meant hurting his feelings a little bit.
“Maybe we should have driven your Civic,” said Nico a
s he parked the BMW in front of the rundown house. “It would have been less conspicuous.”
“Very funny, Nico. It’s not like you ever let me drive anyway,” retorted Celeste as she led the way up the walkway.
“Shhh!” whispered Roman as he took the lead, nudging Celeste behind him.
Roman neared the door and peered into the blown-out window. It was partially covered by a wooden board, but he could just see inside. There were six werewolves seated around a television, the blue glow of the monitor reflected on their faces in the dimly lit room. They were mostly young guys along with one girl. In the far corner sat Red, whom Roman recognized by the greasy auburn hair and matching beard.
With a quick graceful kick, the door flung open and six pairs of wide eyes landed on the intruders.
“Son of a – ” muttered Red, but Roman’s hand wrapped around his throat and cut off the rest of the colorful phrase.
Nico and Celeste stormed in right behind him. She looked around the house at the mostly frightened faces and put her sword down. She immediately recognized the two young guys from Anthony’s Pizza the other night. She glared disapprovingly at them, causing both to lower their gazes to the floor.
“We need some information,” said Nico. “No one needs to get hurt so don’t do anything stupid or heroic.” And just to drill the point home, he gave them a big toothy grin exposing both pointy fangs.
The young werewolf girl growled and the blonde guy from the other night slapped his hand across her chest. She gave him a sidelong glance, but she quieted down.
Roman loosened his grip on Red’s neck and gave him a smile. “I need to ask you something, Red, and I need the truth.”
“What do you want now?” he hissed.
“When we were here last, you said no one had seen or heard from Brazen. Were you lying to me? Because I saw him just yesterday,” said Roman.
Red’s eyes perked up, but he didn’t answer right away. Celeste could almost see the cogs grinding in his head as he thought about how to answer. Roman clutched him by the sweat-stained collar and shook, just to speed the process along.