Chapter Thirteen
“You haven’t moved,” Talon said, fixed with worry. He was right. I hadn’t moved. I couldn’t. If I didn’t move I didn’t have to acknowledge this as true. I could stay in limbo where everything was fine and Kyden was safe. “Nexi,” Talon shouted and gave me a hard shake.
I felt foggy. “Sorry…what?”
“The meeting has been called to order. You need to come.”
“Right. Sorry.”
He sighed deeply and loosened his grip. “Do not be sorry. This is a trying time. It is understandable for you to be out of sorts right now.”
“I don’t know what I am right now.”
Talon took my hand and began to walk into the castle. “That is understandable too.”
The second we cleared the door to the Council’s Hall, Haven came barreling toward me. I dropped Talon’s hand and ran straight into her arms.
“This is horrible,” she said. “Finn only found me minutes ago. I was doing some shopping in the Earthworld. I could kick myself for not being here earlier when you needed me the most. I knew you were upset. I could feel it, but I thought maybe you and Kyden had a fight so I didn’t rush back. I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you. I should’ve been here.”
I interrupted her. “You’re here now—that’s all that matters.”
Finn appeared beside me, took my hand in his. When I met his gaze, I gulped in misery. I wasn’t the only one suffering here. Finn and Kyden were practically like brothers. I squeezed his hand tight and he responded with a need to hold on—clenching my hand for all the same reasons I did his.
When he backed away, I asked, “What’s with all the wolves?” The Hall was stuffed full of supes with over half of them being wolves.
“That is a big chunk of the Texas pack,” he answered. “Brax contacted them immediately after Kyden’s disappearance. They rushed here to be involved in the battle against Lazarus.”
One of them was Calder. He lifted his hand and gave me a gentle wave, which I returned.
“Who’s that?” I asked, noticing to the wolf next to Calder. His importance was obvious. The other wolves’ stance around him was clearly protective.
“Thor. The Texas Alpha.”
This was an Alpha? There was nothing that stood out to define him as an Alpha. He still had a baby face for cripe’s sakes.
“As we all know, Lazarus has taken Kyden,” Talon called out, quieting the room. “The reason why has yet to be discovered, but that does not mean we will not rip New York apart looking for him. Go out in pairs. Anything less will get you killed. Do what you must to find him and show no mercy in the face of what has happened tonight.”
“As Alpha of Texas,” Thor said next. “You have my authority to destroy any of our wolves who have assisted in this treason.”
Suddenly, there was a nudge on my elbow. When I glanced toward it, Briggs looked utterly tormented. I threw myself around him, he caught me in his arms and rubbed my back. “We will find him, darlin’.”
Just as I backed away, Zia said, “I will send witches along with each group to assist in casting wards. Boundaries, so if Lazarus crosses them, we will be instantly notified.”
“Who told you?” I asked Briggs.
“We were contacted by Thor immediately after the news broke. I came right away hoping I could offer myself to aid in the search.”
“Oh, Briggs, this is…” My words stopped as my mind swam with the realization of what was before me. So lost in my grief over Kyden, I hadn’t really considered all the reasons this situation troubled me. It wasn’t only that Kyden was gone. It was that Lazarus had taken him. He had already taken so much from me and now he was trying to take more. My anguish that weighed heavily on me began to melt into pure rage.
Briggs gave me a little shake. “You okay?”
“No—yes.”
Briggs replied with an understanding nod.
The plan continued as the council set out rules, offered instruction on the best way to deal with the wolves, and any co-conspirators that might be involved with this.
I glanced around the hall, quickly confused. “Where’s Drake?” I asked Finn. He should’ve been here. He would’ve known I needed him.
Finn looked around and shrugged. “I don’t see him.”
Suddenly, a deep growl followed by many more came from the entrance. Keir was dragging a wolf by the throat.
He threw the wolf at Thor’s feet. “He’s one of yours,” he snarled.
Talon grasped the wolf’s throat and lifted him an inch off the ground. “What is your name?”
“Bayne,” he gasped.
“Bayne, you will answer us. Why has Lazarus taken the Guardian?”
“I don’t know. He never told me anything. I already told him that,” he said, pointing to Keir.
“He is not lying to you,” Thor said. “I would sense it if he was.”
The next ten minutes were spent enduring ridiculous, time-wasted questioning. We needed to get out there. We needed to find him and they were asking all the wrong questions. As each minute passed, my patience lessened. It was hanging on by a short, thin line when Talon said, “How many wolves are with you?”
My patience was lost.
Finn whipped his head toward me just as I ran forward. “Nexi.”
“Darlin’,” Briggs gasped and reached for my arm.
Spinning away, I dodged hands as they reached out to stop me. When I was a foot away, I kicked out and hit Bayne’s chest, hard. Talon lost his grip, which sent Bayne and me tumbling to the floor.
“Where do the others stay? Where are the other wolves?” I shouted. There was going to be hell to pay for interrupting Talon’s question, but like I gave a shit. We needed to find Kyden that was my only concern.
He wouldn’t speak. He didn’t say a word.
My hands tightened around his head as I smashed it against the ground, sending a loud crack echoing off the walls—blood covered the floor in a deluge. “Tell me.” I couldn’t say what he saw in my face that changed his determination into fear, but in seconds, it happened and his expression instantly became frightened.
“The clubs,” he gasped. “They go to the human clubs.”
Big surprise. Kyden mentioned that wolves, especially, rogue wolves have a hungry appetite for sex. Humans usually fulfilled those urges without complaint.
“Have you seen him? Is he alive?”
“The last time I saw him he was very injured, but yes, he was alive. As far as I know, Lazarus is healing him enough to keep him that way.”
My gaze hit Talon’s. He appeared a little ticked at me for my superhero move, but right now I could care less. “How can he heal him?”
“Vampire’s blood has healing properties,” he answered.
Neither of us needed to say it. We both knew why Lazarus was keeping Kyden alive. Lazarus wanted me and was going to use Kyden as leverage against Talon.
“What else can you tell me?” I demanded.
“Nothing. Lazarus never spoke directly to me and I knew nothing of his plans except for what I have told you.”
Quiet whispers hummed all around me. Suddenly, a large hand reached down and pulled me to my feet. The wolf before me was the definition of GQ—dressed to the nines. His whole demeanor screamed power. He gripped my chin and turned my head from side to side, examining me. “What is your name?” It was more of an order than a question. I didn’t get a chance to answer.
“Nexi,” Briggs replied beside me. Briggs laid a reassuring hand on my arm. “This is Valor. The Patriarch.”
My assumptions about his power were right on the money. Not quite prepared to talk yet, I nodded the introduction.
“This is the new one I have been hearing about?” he asked Talon.
Talon nodded.
“She is strong willed, this one?”
“Yes. She is that.”
Valor’s gaze glanced over my face. “Is she Kyden
’s mate?”
“She will be.”
The determination in Talon’s voice, plus, the meaning of his words sent tears streaming down my face. Valor reached up and wiped them away. Obviously, not a norm for him since Briggs’ eyes widened in shock. He examined me a few moments longer, then stepped back and looked at Talon. “We will deal with this wolf,” he said, nodding at Bayne, “then, I will do what I can to help you.”
“We appreciate your help, Valor,” Talon responded.
When Talon turned away from me, something flashed across his face. He appeared almost grateful. He wasn’t expecting this from him.
“Thor, deal with this,” Valor spat as he glared down at Bayne.
Briggs quickly pulled me out of the way. “He likes you,” he whispered in my ear.
“What was that all about?”
“I’d imagine he saw in you what Kyden does. He obviously wants to see that your happiness is returned. He does not offer his help to many. This is a great honor by giving you his help.”
I sniffed. “And I am grateful to have it.”
Thor stepped forward and knelt beside the wolf. “Bayne, you have disgraced the pack. You have endangered not only humans, but also your entire family. Your poor mother is worried sick over what you have done. Your little sisters are cast out by the other young wolves. Nothing will forgive what you have started here, and you are only lucky I show mercy to your family by not destroying them. Not all Alphas would be so generous.”
“Calder, do something,” Bayne begged.
Calder was trembling in turmoil. “There is nothing I can do for you, brother.”
Thor shifted. His wolf form was remarkable. His young features made for a unique looking wolf. His golden-brown fur and deep silver eyes made him pretty. He growled loudly and it rumbled through the hall, which called on the other wolves to shift including Bayne.
A deep glare ran across my skin. I followed it. Valor had shifted too and watched me intently. Where Thor was remarkable, Valor was utterly breathtaking. His fur was cinnamon-colored with black frosted tips. He was almost twice the size of Thor and looked more like a small horse than an actual wolf.
His amber eyes stayed glued with mine. His gaze sliding right past all my defensives and I’d never felt so exposed. As if he was reading my mind, discovering all there was to know about me, and the strangest part about it, I didn’t mind him doing it. It didn’t feel intrusive. He wasn’t judging or prying. He was curious.
Thor’s deep growl forced my gaze away. He began to stalk Bayne, circling around him as Bayne scrambled back, attempting to get away. The other wolves growled low, which sent vibrations humming along the floor. A moment later, the fight was over and Bayne was dead.
Thor immediately shifted. “Let this be an example to those who have shamed us.” The other wolves howled in response.
There was a soft choking noise in the midst of the loud growls. When I glanced toward it, Calder’s face was streaked with tears. Without thought, I stepped forward to comfort him. Never could watch anyone cry without feeling compelled to console them.
This was going to get a reaction. Supes aren’t known for consoling each other unless they are tied together by friendship or family. When I reached him, he threw himself into my arms, his entire body trembling. Everyone reacted just as I knew they would. The room went dead silent.
“I am sorry, Calder,” I whispered in his ear.
“It is Bayne who did this to himself.” His voice wavered. “It was what he deserved, but…”
“He was still your brother.”
Calder sobbed into my neck.
When he regained some control, he stepped away and my gaze immediately met Valor’s intense eyes. Deciphering his look was impossible. He was like Kyden—unreadable, but for a small short moment his face softened. It appeared that he liked how I had just comforted one of his wolves.
“Where do we start?” Finn yelled out.
Talon grabbed my arm. “We are going to split New York into zones. Zia, will you begin assigning areas?”
She nodded. “Of course.”
Talon glanced down at me. “Come with me.”
As we exited the hall, Haven ran to me. I yanked myself away from Talon’s grip and grabbed her quickly, wrapping my arms around her tight, hoping this wasn’t the last time I touched her.
My decision was made while comforting Calder. I wouldn’t end up like him—mourning the loss of Kyden. He wouldn’t die and if that meant I had to face Lazarus then so be it. My chances of defeating him were slim, but the truth is, I loved Kyden enough to die trying.
“What are you going to do?” Haven anxiously whispered in my ear.
I stepped back and watched her face pale with worry. “Don’t worry, Haven. I love you.”
“Nexi,” she breathed.
Talon approached me again and took my arm.
As I exited, my gaze hit Zia’s and her expression mirrored Haven’s. She raised her hand and mouthed the words “be safe”.
When we reached the foyer, Talon turned me to face him and rested his hands on my shoulders. “Kyden would want you to stay back. I will honor him by doing this.”
I nodded softly. There wasn’t anything to say. He had a valid point, but what Kyden wanted had long past. My decision was made. “Is that all?” I asked, not wanting to lie to him.
“Yes. Go home. We’ll come to you with any news.” He turned away, heading back to the Hall.
I kept my gaze focused on each step he took, holding my breath, waiting for an opening so I could make my escape. The second he vanished into the hall, I made my move. I ran to the door in long strides trying to make it.
But I didn’t.
“Where do you think you are going?” a stern voice asked.
Whipping around, I met Drake’s resolute face. “I—I—” My words were confused as I tried to come up with an answer.
“You think I would let you go alone?” he growled.
“You’re not trying to stop me?”
“No. I am not.” He hesitated for a moment. Then, everything about him softened. “Do you love him?”
My eyes welled up and my bottom lip quivered. “I do.”
He wrapped his arms around me and embraced me tight. “We cannot both lose the ones we love. Life would not be that unfair. Trust in that.” He pulled away. His strength poured from him. “I have been assigned to a club in the Lower East side. We will start there.”
“Ahh…Talon kinda told me to stay here. I don’t want to get you in trouble.”
Drake barked a laugh. “Where do you think you get your lack of discipline from? Talon will understand.” He reached for my hand. “Come on. Let’s go and get him back.”
Just then, Valor’s voice rumbled through the foyer. “We will join you.”
Chapter Fourteen
“This is—er—interesting.” I blushed. Being my first time at a woman’s strip club was the only way I could describe this. Men lined up, lying on the stage. A pretty Asian woman straddled their faces and took money from their mouths in a completely absurd manner.
Drake’s lips curved slightly. “Hmm.” Obviously, I wasn’t the only one a little lost for words here.
“Have you ever seen such nonsense? Who would allow their women to expose themselves like this?” Valor asked Briggs.
Briggs smiled his reply, “Well, as long as they do it, might as well enjoy it.”
“It’s despicable,” Valor spat. “Treating their woman as playthings. Humans need a lesson to respect the gloriousness a woman provides. The beauty their body offers to us. These are the beings that give them children and they put them on display like whores.”
I couldn’t have agreed with him more. Why men would enjoy this was beyond me. They couldn’t even touch them for heaven’s sakes. Where’s the thrill in that?
“Let’s check in here,” Drake said heading off to the V.I.P. area.
Pushing the vel
vet curtain aside, I gasped. “Oh, Jesus.” Now this made sense. Apparently, the hands-off rule didn’t apply here because these women were being groped feverously.
“And I thought out there was good.” Briggs voice was well amused.
“Disgusting,” Valor growled.
“Is that—” I interrupted.
A woman was dancing on top of a man, his face was buried in her breasts. It was hard to see him clearly, but there was something about him though, something familiar.
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