Conall caressed the smooth, tight skin of her belly lightly, falling asleep with his hand cradled protectively around her midriff.
***
After drinking his blood like it was some expensive wine, Drusilla had had no choice but to listen to Lucian. Her fear had been replaced by numbness, and she listened, expressionless and seated on the edge of the bed, as he explained that she was a vampire. They were vampires. He had created her after he’d taken her from the site of an accident. She’d been near death. She would need to feed on the blood of a vampire to survive. She would never see sunlight again. It could blind her, burn her, and if exposed for too long, kill her. Except for a few things: the sun, silver, a stake through the heart, and decapitation, she could not die. Ever. She was immune to human diseases. She sat and listened, committing what he’d said to a brain filled with memories that seemed to lurk in the distance.
He stopped suddenly, moving closer to her and touching the side of her face. She looked up, blinked as he came into focus.
“I know it is much to take, Drusilla, but the life of a vampire is not without its perks.”
“Why can’t I remember anything about my human life?”
His eyes grew guarded, and when he would have moved away, she held on to the hand at her face. “To acclimate you to your new life. In a sense, it keeps you from yearning for the old.”
She released him and instead of removing his hand, he kept it there. His touch was gentle as he lifted her head once more.
“Come, Drusilla, let me show you the night.”
Briefly wondering if this was all a dream, she stood. His palm fell away from her face then, moving down to take her hand.
As they headed for the door, a painting caught her eyes. It was of a tall woman with flawless dark-coffee skin that seemed to glow, jet-black hair that touched just beneath her shoulders, and full, high breasts. She was beautiful, cutting the picture of an angel with dark eyes, and dressed the part in a flowing, white silk gown. Behind her was a tall, handsome man whose skin was pale and luminous. His hand was linked with the angel’s….
Drusilla gasped. The woman was her.
***
Vivienne slept for long hours. She’d finally fallen into a deep sleep around two o’clock that Friday morning, and had been in a comatose-like state since. Her heat had passed, and they were both exhausted for it. Conall had only needed a full night’s rest, but she required more as her body had gone through an ordeal, and now had to recuperate.
He awoke to the feel of the even rise and fall of her chest against his, and remained with her in his arms for a few hours. As he held her, Conall realized he had pressing matters that needed to be attended. Matters in the form of Rafael Mathias, and his entire family.
According to Sloan, Rafael’s near-fatal injuries had been looked at by their resident doctor, and he’d healed within the course of a day. After that, he’d kept to himself and his family. From Sloan’s stance, and the confusion in his beta’s eyes, Conall knew Sloan had expected some sort of rebellious behavior that would result in a fight. His beta had probably itched for it. When he asked of Samia, he was told the same thing. She, too, kept to herself.
Along with Sloan, Conall arrived at Brennus Mathias’s house close to noon. His knock was urgent, and he’d stood there for only a few seconds before the door swung in. Brennus stared back at him with narrowed eyes.
“Where is Rafael?”
There was no use in formalities. Not with Brennus. Both of them knew why he was there.
The Elder seemed to contemplate not letting him by, before he pursed his lips said, “You are not his alpha, Conall.”
“He’s lodging in my pack, and has challenged me for the right to rule,” Conall reminded Brennus viciously. “Where is he?”
Nostrils flaring, Brennus stepped away from the door, allowing Conall and Sloan to enter. Conall allowed his nose to lead him to Rafael, following the scent past both living room and kitchen and into their back yard. It was a chilly day, but the sun was shining, and apparently, Rafael and Samia were taking advantage of it. Both of them, as wolves, lay asleep outside.
As soon as he stepped into the yard, Rafael tensed and his eyes opened. He sat up and looked directly at Conall, before moving slightly to put his body before his sister’s. Samia woke next. Unlike her brother, fear came off of her in waves. She was about to move when Rafael growled. Immediately, she sat back down, her gaze moving frantically between Conall and her brother.
“You challenged me for my right to lead. Does your challenge still stand?” Conall demanded. This was not in a friendly visit. In fact, it was more hostile than anything. The only reason he wasn’t here to demand that Rafael meet him in the field was because of what the wolf had done, or claimed to have done, for Vivienne.
Rafael said nothing for long moments before he shifted to his human form, and said lazily, “New York is cold, with unfriendly people.” He eyed Conall as if to make his point. “I’m a Southern gentleman at heart.”
“You’re taking the challenge back?”
He nodded once.
“And Vivienne?” Conall continued. “You took her to the airport? How can I be sure you weren’t working for Cronin?”
“I could show you my mind, but I’m not sure I want to do that,” Rafael drawled, flashing a large smile. “What I will say is that I’ve never liked witches. Too much history there. Vivienne was going to get to that airport one way or ’nother. I just decided I was her safest bet of getting there with no issues.”
Conall growled. Rafael shrugged and continued, “I’ve got no reason to lie to you, Conall. I took Vivienne to the airport, followed her inside, and almost died tryin’ to get her away from the witches. In fact, I think you owe me a bit of thanks.”
Although he couldn’t access Rafael’s mind without severely weakening him, he could sense no lie from the other were.
“What about that girl? The one we found with her throat ripped out, and your scent over her?”
Green eyes grew shuttered and his entire body tensed for a quick moment before he forced himself to relax. “Don’t know what you’re talkin’ ’bout.”
Samia shifted to her human form, and Conall saw her fidget with her long, red hair as she stared at her brother.
“Tia Fallon,” Sloan called from behind Conall. “You don’t remember the name?”
Rafael barely spared him a glance before shaking his head once. “I’ve been with too many females to remember one.”
“How many have you murdered?” Conall growled, a vicious glint in his eye.
“None, to my recollection.”
If Conall remembered correctly, the girl had been one of the few with no family to vouch for or defend her. She’d come to them from a traveling pack, had wanted a chance to belong somewhere. She’d been strong too, young, but strong.
“Can you prove it?”
“I have nothing to prove.”
“She was a member of my pack, and all evidence points to you as her killer. She was without family, so I will challenge you—”
“Wait!” Samia called from behind him. “I can’t let you do this.”
“Samia!” Brennus and Rafael shouted simultaneously.
Conall narrowed his eyes on Rafael as Sloan looked to Brennus. “Is there something you wish to say, Samia?”
She took a few steps forward, wincing when Rafael grabbed her hand and shook his head once. Instead of listening, she tugged her hand away and moved to stand directly before Conall.
“It was me.” Samia bowed her head. “I killed Tia, not my brother.”
“She’s covering for me,” Rafael threw out, giving his sister a quelling glare. “That’s enough, little sister.”
“Why?” Conall asked, ignoring Rafael completely. He’d always wondered at the motive behind the murder, especially as Rafael and Tia were neither friends nor enemies. He’d assumed lovers, but that had seemed far-fetched as well. Samia and Tia though, hadn’t they been of an age? The murd
er had happened decades ago, but he still vaguely remembered the two being friends.
“She attacked me,” Samia said clearly. “She asked me to follow her to the end of the grounds, and she attacked me. I thought she was playing until she drew blood. It was self-defense. I killed her in self-defense.” She looked back to Rafael, who was shaking his head. “Rafael had always intended to leave the pack, so when I told him, he said he’d make it look like he did it.”
“Is this true?”
Rafael shrugged easily, but his eyes had grown cold. “Whose truth? I already told you my truth.”
But Conall heard and saw more than Rafael intended. A brother protecting his sister from pack exile by intentionally exiling himself. It sounded gallant, and he’d never equated the word with Rafael Mathias before.
“You will show me your mind?” Conall challenged, glaring at Samia. She nodded once.
“Samia, you don’t have to do this,” Brennus began in a defeated tone.
“No, I do,” she replied with a nod. “I’m ready.”
Conall slipped into her mind easily. At the forefront was a quick replay of that fateful night. He saw Samia, a younger and more naïve version, following Tia through the woods. Then Tia disappeared, and Samia laughed and called after her. The attack was swift. She didn’t give Samia time to change, instead lunging for her throat. Samia’s reflexes were quick. She’d caught an arm instead, and in that moment, Samia had realized that it was no game. The rest happened quickly. Samia shifted, countered the attack. In less than a minute, she was standing over Tia with her muzzle buried in the other wolf’s throat. And then had come the tears, the horror, the lies….
He pulled away from the memories, and nodded once. It was as she’d said. She had killed the girl in self-defense. Samia wasn’t old or strong enough to fake a memory so vividly.
“You lied to me,” Conall said, looking from Brennus to Rafael. They both were impassive, refusing to speak. “I have little patience—”
“We will leave Cedar Creek.” Brennus bowed his head in defeat. The Elder sighed and shook his head. “My children and I, we will leave.”
Even as a part of Conall rejoiced at hearing those words—Brennus had been a thorn in his side since the Elder had come to the pack, especially when it came to Vivienne—another part saw the injustice in it.
“What are your feelings to my mate?” Conall asked instead, eyeing each and every one of them.
Rafael was the first to answer, and Conall only restrained himself because Vivienne had spent all of yesterday rousing and soothing his beast. He’d catered to her every need, as only he could, and she loved him for it.
“Beauty, brains, strength. If Vivienne ever tires of you, I’ll be waiting, and—”
“And you, Samia?” Conall interrupted before he was forced to kill him.
She tilted her head slightly, and her hair tumbled over her shoulder, hiding most of one breast. “She is strong, and merciful. I respect that.”
“Brennus?”
“Well, she isn’t just a druid. She’s part wolf, and as my daughter said, merciful. I have no objections to the ceremony anymore.”
“Good.” Because if anyone had so much as hinted at one, they’d all be out on their proverbial asses. “You’ve been with this pack for decades, Brennus. I value your opinion as an Elder. You don’t have to leave if it is not your wish. I’ve seen Samia’s memories, and she acted as any of us would in that situation. It was either kill or be killed. As far as I am concerned, there’s no need for this to ever be brought up again. If something like this happens again, though, I will have the truth!” Following nods from the three of them, he turned to Rafael. “You’re leaving soon?”
Rafael shrugged. “It’s possible. Now that this is cleared up, I may stay a bit longer. Cold ain’t so bad when you’re around family.”
“Keep your distance from my mate, and I won’t kill you.”
A smile curved Rafael’s lips and for a moment, Conall thought he would have to make good on that threat. Instead, Rafael nodded once.
“Samia.” Conall dipped his head in acknowledgement and she nodded.
He turned and walked from the house with Sloan following him. It was just after noon and the schools had let out for lunch. Conall was about to ask Sloan if he’d suspected anything with Samia and Tia when Eli stepped into his path. Looking tousled and boyish, his nephew grinned and asked one question.
“Can I come home now? Raoul says the heat’s back on.”
Conall passed his nephew a smile and nodded, watching as he bounced away to join his friends. In a few months, Eli would be called upon to demonstrate his skills as a hunter. His nephew was growing up quickly. Gregory would have been proud.
“Someone’s called a Council meeting,” Sloan said, and Conall turned to find his friend scrolling through his Blackberry. “Six o’clock this evening.”
Curious, Conall asked, “Did it say who?”
“No. E-mail came from Agar.”
He nodded, unsure if he was going. Maximilian Cronin had left a sour taste for the Council in his mouth.
***
When he left Cedar Creek for the emergency meeting of the Council, Vivienne was still asleep. She’d awoken briefly to eat, and had promptly gone back to sleep. Before he left, he’d alerted Zahira, so that the Elder would be there in case she awoke, and Vivienne would be around a female who’d had similar experiences. As he had centuries ago, Vivienne had grown fond of Zahira. If not for this meeting, he would have stayed with Vivienne. Still, he was curious to know the state of the Council after what had happened at Stonehenge. In fact, every time he thought of the witches, he wanted to rip throats out. Cronin was dead, or worse off—Vivienne’s druid grandmother had seen to that—so he put him from his mind, but there had been almost a dozen of them at Stonehenge. He remembered seeing Tiberius, whom he believed was still alive, and Wilhem, although Wilhem had obviously been forced to be the sacrifice. The vampires had been there as well, although they chose only to observe.
He arrived just as Dominic and Drako steered their cars into the parking lot of the warehouse. Greetings were exchanged before Drako spoke.
“So the druids have been resurrected?”
Conall nodded. He’d spoken to them very briefly since he’d returned to the country. Between taking care of Creek business, and Vivienne going into heat, he hadn’t had the time.
“And they’ve vowed not to make trouble?” Dominic questioned.
“They seem genuine,” Conall replied, keeping pace with the other pack alphas as they headed into the building.
“And Cronin’s dead?”
“Or wishing for it.”
They entered the room to find Agar, Wilhem, Verenus, and Keitaro there. Greetings were exchanged.
“Thank you for coming,” Agar said clearly as each of the wolves took seats. His eyes went to the door as if expecting someone else.
“Santiago?” he finally asked.
“England,” Conall replied.
Agar nodded, and turned to Verenus. “Lucian?”
“Unavoidably occupied,” Verenus answered easily.
He looked to Wilhem. “Tiberius?”
The grand wizard scowled as his fists clenched. “I do not know, Elder. He seems to have disappeared.”
Looking around the table, it was noticeable that there were empty spaces. Two empty spaces for the witches, one for the vampires, one for the wolves. But there were also two extra seats.
As Conall focused on them, Agar spoke. “I have called this meeting to find out the state of the New York Council. Your being here proves that you are willing to continue this interconnection of communities. Am I correct?”
Grunts went around the table, and Conall spoke. His eyes were on Wilhem. “I will sit on no Council with persons who have attempted harm to mine. Tiberius is not here, but if he intends to—”
Wilhem shook his head. His scowl was as fierce as Conall’s. “Tiberius has fled. I’ve searched for him these
past days, but he’s nowhere to be found. His covenant, like Maximilian’s, is in the process of choosing another grand wizard.”
“And you had no knowledge of what your brothers planned?”
“It was my plan to stop them before I was ambushed.”
Satisfied, Conall returned his attention to Agar, and nodded once.
“Because we are a fair, representative group, I have called for a representative from the druid community, and one from the warlock community to sit with us. Are there any objections?”
There were none.
Agar lifted a hand to the vampire guard who followed him everywhere, and soon, two others filed in. Conall recognized both. The warlock he’d seen with Max, and the druid was Nicolette. Had the druids decided to settle in New York?
She passed him a smile as she took her seat and turned to Agar.
“Thank you for your invitation, Elder.”
The warlock murmured words of a similar nature.
“Council,” Agar began, standing slightly. “Here sits Nicolette De Gaul, representative of the druid community in this state.” He nodded to Nicolette. “And here sits Kyros Theopolis, representative of the warlock community in this state.” He nodded to Kyros. “Welcome to the New York Council.” He then proceeded to introduce every creature seated around the table to the newcomers.
When he finally sat, shuffling papers as he did so, Conall stared at Nicolette.
“Seats on this council are by community size,” Agar said in a clear, strong voice. He addressed both Nicolette and Kyros, telling them that they would have to send him an account of the members in their communities. When they nodded, he looked around the table. “Is there any other topic you wish to broach, Council members?”
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