by L. L. Raand
Drake slid her hand underneath the waistband of Sylvan’s leather pants at the small of her back. She will try to bait you into losing your temper. She will try to seduce you into believing her innocence. Tell your wolf to stand down and trust your lead in this.
You know me too well. Sylvan brushed her fingertips over Drake’s neck.
Never well enough. But fury is a useless weapon against those with no hearts. She is cold in body and mind, and you must meet ice with steel, not flame.
As you wish, Prima.
Michel stopped in front of the ornately carved floor-to-ceiling doors and looked over her shoulder. “Might I put forward, Alpha Mir, that Vampires and Weres have always been strongest in alliance, and there may never have been a time in our history when our foes were as formidable.”
Sylvan regarded the Vampire silently. Michel had been Francesca’s second before the Weres left the service of the Vampires to establish their own territories. Her ancestors had been generals under Michel’s command. Francesca’s senechal was a master tactician and nearly as powerful as Francesca. Perhaps the time for a new Regent was approaching, and the timing couldn’t be worse. Rebellion within Francesca’s Dominion would destabilize not only the Vampires, but the entire Praetern Coalition.
“I have never sought a war with the Vampires,” Sylvan said, stating nothing that hadn’t already been said before. She would not choose sides between Michel and Francesca unless forced to. “And the Regent knows that my first loyalty is to my Prima and my Pack. Anyone who moves against my Pack is my enemy.”
Michel inclined her head. “One thing you have always been, Alpha Mir, is forthright. Not always a strength, but always a virtue.”
Sylvan shook her head. “Games are for politicians…and Vampires.”
Michel’s eyes sparked, a brief intense crimson flare. “But there’s so much pleasure in the game. You really should try it sometime.”
“Tonight my business is simple. All I want is answers.” Sylvan gestured to the door. “Shall we get it over with?”
“Of course.” Michel opened the door, stepped through, and announced in a formal tone, “Alpha Mir, the Prima, and the imperator to see Francesca, Viceregal of the Eastern Territory and Chancellor of the City.”
Michel stepped aside and Sylvan and the others walked in. Francesca sat on a gilded throne atop a dais at the end of a blood-red carpet that matched the lush velvet wall hangings. Her crimson gown, a shade darker than the carpet, left her shoulders bare, plunged between her voluptuous breasts, and flowed in seductive waves over her hips to pool around her ankles. Jewels glittered on her fingers and diamonds winked in her hair. A pair of Vampires dressed all in black, wearing gold sashes and ceremonial sabers, stood by her side. The Regent was displaying her power.
Sylvan strode forward in her black leather pants, combat boots, and tight black shirt, the KA-BAR military knife strapped to her thigh her only weapon. Drake on her left, Niki on her right. Sylvan stopped far enough away from the throne that she would not have to lift her head to meet Francesca’s gaze.
“Thank you for interrupting your busy schedule,” Sylvan said, keeping the sarcasm from her voice.
Francesca waved her hand languidly. “But of course, my dear Sylvan.” She smiled at Drake before returning her seductive gaze to Sylvan. “Anything for you. You should know that by now…after all our times together.”
“I won’t take up much of your time,” Sylvan said. “The research facilities at Mir Industries were bombed this morning.”
“I did hear that. I hope no one was injured.”
“None seriously. In addition, a number of my young wolves were kidnapped, held captive in an experimental lab, and tortured.” She glanced at Michel. “Your second was there the night we liberated them. She fed from one of my young, against her will.”
Her accusation, if proved true, called for retribution. Francesca would be obliged to let Sylvan name her price—and for such offense, the price would be death or exile.
Francesca’s expression didn’t change. She didn’t look at Michel. Slowly, she crossed her legs, the red silk sliding up her calf to bare her thigh where the gown was split along one side from hem to hip. She trailed her fingers over her chest and let them linger over the cleft between her breasts. “Sylvan, darling, you make it sound like we’ve been involved in something nefarious. Why ever would we want to make an enemy out of you?”
“I don’t know the answer to that. But I’d like to.”
“Michel, explain to the Alpha what you were doing in the facility that night.”
Michel wondered what trap Francesca was laying for Sylvan—or for her. They hadn’t discussed admitting she’d been present, and she wondered if Francesca was testing her loyalty, or punishing her for Katya. Francesca undoubtedly knew she’d fed from her upstairs. Francesca knew everything that happened in the club. No matter how she answered, she ran the risk of pitting Vampire against Were, or Francesca against her. She couldn’t be certain what Francesca’s game was, but she could protect Katya.
“As you know, the Dominion has considerable investment in the human business sector, so of course, we like to see how our funds are being used. I had been invited to tour the research laboratory that was working on questions of vital interest to Vampires. Imagine my surprise when I discovered, quite by accident, that one of the unrelated projects involved Were subjects.” Michel was certain no one could prove she’d fed from Katya that night—Jody and her guards had not arrived until later, and everyone involved was dead or in hiding. “I hadn’t been there more than a few minutes when your forces broke into the facility. I recognized one of your young, of course, and in the chaos was able to help her to safety. I’m sure Liege Gates told you I handed her over to ensure her safe passage.” She fanned her hands, smiled. “I’m afraid there’s no mystery at all. I just happened to be there when you arrived.”
“Who invited you?” Sylvan asked.
“Why, one of the investigators—actually, one who perished in the unfortunate incident. I ran into him, I believe, at a political fund-raiser several months ago, and he extended an invitation to visit.”
“Convenient,” Sylvan said, “and a dead end.”
Michel grimaced. “Unfortunately.”
Sylvan glanced at Francesca. “And what about the attack on my laboratories? Were you aware of a conspiracy to attack the Pack?”
“Of course not,” Francesca said. “Why, Sylvan, if I had been, I would certainly have alerted you. What would be the advantage of my keeping quiet?”
Drake laughed. “If you thought Sylvan’s enemies might defeat her, or weaken her enough that another wolf would challenge to take over the Pack, I’m quite sure you would support the likely winner. And a Pack led by a more pliable Alpha, one you might even control, would be much more desirable than one you can’t. Loyalty is not a word in your vocabulary.”
Francesca pressed her hand to her breast. “I’m wounded you think so little of me, Prima. I hope it’s not personal. You must know, I have no intention of compromising your…relationship…with—”
“Please,” Drake said. “My mate is not susceptible to your charms, and as long as you don’t touch her, I have no reason to tear your arm off. So we have no need to discuss past history.”
Francesca laughed, clearly delighted. “Oh, I do like you.” She glanced at Sylvan. “I imagine she’s even able to meet your considerable needs in bed.”
Sylvan growled and Drake casually draped an arm around her waist. “Whoever planted the bombs in our lab had inside knowledge. Do you know how a Were might have been persuaded to betray Sylvan?”
Francesca was silent a long moment, wondering about blood-addicted Weres, and what they might do to avoid exposure or for the opportunity to host regularly. If Nicholas was using Vampires to recruit Weres, she needed to put a stop to his clandestine operations before she was pulled into an unwanted war. “It would be foolish of me to suggest you have no enemies, Sylvan. We both know that’s
not true. The humans would like nothing better than for all of us to fight among ourselves until we either weaken each other enough that the humans can defeat us or complete the job for them and wipe each other out.” She rose and strode down the marble stairs to Michel’s side. The levity was gone from her face. “I intend to protect my Dominion from those who seek to destroy us. The Praetern Coalition, if successful, will only subject us to the rule of a weaker species. If you ally with me and withdraw your support for the Coalition, I will use all my resources to discover who is behind the attacks on you and your Pack.”
“And if I don’t withdraw my support?” Sylvan asked quietly.
Francesca’s sighed. “Sylvan, you’re trying to make peace with an enemy who seeks only to destroy you. Valorous, but misguided.”
“You sound very sure.”
“I would hate to see you become a target for extremists.” She smiled, her eyes glacially cold. “And now, with your Prima pregnant, you are so much more vulnerable.”
Sylvan’s wolf surged at the subtle threat, and Sylvan’s control frayed. “If you—”
“Fortunately,” Drake said, tightening her grip on Sylvan, “I am more than strong enough to protect myself.”
Niki rumbled a low warning. “And every wolf is pledged to defend the Prima.”
Francesca laughed softly. “Of course. But it pays to be cautious. Why ask for trouble?”
“You are far more vulnerable than the Timberwolves,” Sylvan said, her mind clearing. “The Vampires no longer have an army. Your guard is powerful, but small in numbers. Even if you could recruit soldiers, you haven’t fought a war in centuries.”
“I haven’t forgotten how to fight,” Michel said, “and individually we are stronger than a hundred humans.”
“That may be, but they have hundreds of thousands to bring against you.” Sylvan waited for Drake to object to what she was thinking but felt only support from Drake’s wolf. “I can pledge you an army if you bring me evidence of those who have moved against me.”
“If I knew and told you,” Francesca said sharply, “I would need an army. Do you want a war?”
“One may be coming. Who do you want to fight by your side, Francesca? My wolves or humans who would see you dead as soon as I am?”
Francesca stepped closer and extended a hand toward Sylvan’s face. “My darling Sylvan—”
“I wouldn’t,” Drake said quietly.
Francesca smiled. “Merely a gesture of friendship.” She waved the same hand toward Michel, who stepped to her side, and she slid her hand through the crook of Michel’s arm. “We’ll ask our sources. And if I uncover any evidence of who planned and helped arrange that attack this morning, I’ll tell you.”
“And who’s behind the kidnapping and experiments?” Sylvan pressed.
“I might be able to help you there,” Francesca said. Sylvan was right—for now, at least, the Weres were stronger allies. Michel stiffened but remained silent.
“Yes?”
“I can’t prove he’s involved, but I do know that Nicholas Gregory has long-standing interests in more than one research facility focused on…nonhuman studies, including the one where your wolves were held.”
“Gregory,” Sylvan said, unsurprised. “We’ll be waiting to hear from you.”
“If I learn anything, you’ll be the first to know.”
Sylvan said, “Thank you for seeing us.”
“Of course, darling. Oh,” Francesca said as if just remembering, “how is the new Liege?”
“Jody?” Sylvan shrugged noncommittally. “Stronger than ever.”
“Really.” Francesca’s eyes glinted. “I’m so glad to hear that.”
“I’m glad, since Jody has already pledged her support to the Timberwolves, and I to her.”
Francesca turned her back and mounted her throne. “Just remember who holds the power, darling. Good night.”
Michel led them back upstairs to the club. “I suggest you leave immediately. It’s dawn.”
“We will.” Sylvan paused at the exit. “Katya is barely out of adolescence. She is old enough to choose who she tangles with, but if I find you’ve compelled her, I will kill you. And you won’t hear me coming.”
Michel laughed. “I look forward to you trying. Good night, Alpha Mir.”
Sylvan walked out, filled her lungs with crisp night air that held the remains of neither blood nor death, and slung an arm around Drake’s shoulder. “Let’s go home.”
Chapter Twenty-four
The sky was just lightening as the Rovers pulled through the stockade gates into the heart of the Compound. Becca resisted the urge to drag Jody toward the back of the Rover and away from the first fingers of dawn streaking through the windshield. “Are you all right?”
“Yes,” Jody murmured, leaning forward to watch the sky. She was weary, as if her muscles and bones were stretched thin, but she didn’t crave sleep. She craved Becca. The taste of her already simmered on her tongue. “I used to be able to tolerate sunlight for a few hours. I don’t feel as drained as I did yesterday at this time. I wonder—”
“No,” Becca said quickly, taking Jody’s hand, ready to pull her back into the shadows where she’d be safe. This was one enemy she could at least recognize and fight. “I know you’re stronger than you should be so soon, but I’m not taking any chances. I want you inside the instant this damn thing stops.”
Jody smiled, still unused to being protected by anyone, and certainly not by a human. This human, though, was far from weak. Becca not only held her heart, she held her life, and each time Becca fed her, her dependence on the unique chemical makeup of Becca’s blood grew stronger. Soon she would be able to survive only a few days on any other blood without losing strength, and only a few weeks without being incapacitated. Other hosts might keep her alive, but she’d be an empty shell. She brushed her fingers through Becca’s hair, kissed her. “You worry for nothing.”
“Not for nothing,” Becca murmured, kissing her back. “For everything.”
“All of my guards are Risen. Everyone needs shelter. I will see to them first.”
The Rover bumped to a stop. Becca kept a grip on Jody’s hand and leaned forward to speak to Zahn. “See that Jace and Dasha deliver the captive Were to whoever is in charge here. Once the prisoner is secured, post guards on our rooms. The Liege and the Risen will be going directly inside.”
Zahn flicked a quick look in Jody’s direction, then nodded curtly. “Yes, Consort. I’ll see it done.”
Becca kissed Jody’s cheek. “Your guards will follow your lead. Take them inside now. Everything else is under control.”
Jody smiled wryly. “You seem to have a natural talent for taking charge.”
“Not anything I get a lot of practice at lately.” Becca pushed the rear doors open and jumped down. Her back twinged and muscles she hadn’t even known she had complained. But she felt far better than she had any right to after the events out in the forest. Jody wasn’t the only one who was stronger than she had been. She threaded her arm through Jody’s. “Let’s go inside. I need you.”
Jody’s eyes flared. “Your blood calls to me.”
“Just my blood?”
“No,” Jody murmured. “You are my blood, my heart, my life.”
Becca tightened her hold. “As you are mine.”
Max strode across the compound leading a squadron of Weres, his broad shoulders stretching the fabric of his black T-shirt, his muscular thighs encased in matching BDUs. His dark eyes met Jody’s, cut to the second Rover where Jace and Dasha pulled the captive cat Were from the rear. He was still naked and shackled, but recovered enough to snarl and thrash in their grip. “Good to see you back. I see you were successful.”
Jody smiled thinly. “An interesting night.”
“Your rooms are ready in the barracks,” Max said.
“My guards will need hosts,” Jody said.
“We have volunteers. They’re waiting inside.” Max turned to Lara, who stood with
Raina by the lead vehicle. “The sentries will secure the prisoners.”
A quartet of sentries armed with stun guns stepped forward.
“Only one prisoner.” Lara slid her hand around the back of Raina’s neck. “She comes with me.”
“You’ll be…sleeping, won’t you?” Max asked, his voice flat, unchallenging, but shot through with steel.
Lara snarled, a deep warning growl. “She comes with me.”
“I can’t have a prisoner unsecured inside the Compound,” Max said. “I’m sorry, but—”
Jody said, “My guards will see that Alpha Carras remains in her quarters. You are welcome to post your own security, if you like.”
Max’s eyes narrowed as he deliberated. “Very well. But if the cat attempts to leave the building, then she will be caged.”
“Very reasonable,” Jody said. “Now, if that’s all, we’ll go inside.”
Max signaled to a young dark-haired Were with stunning green eyes. “Misha, escort Liege Gates and her company to their rooms.”
“Yes, Centuri.”
Lara sensed Raina’s cat pacing in frustration, and as they fell in behind Jody and Becca, she gently squeezed Raina’s neck. “I thought you’d prefer a bed in the barracks to a cell. You can see your cubs at sunfall.”
“I’d prefer to be released so I can take my cubs back to my territory. I kept my word and brought you the rogue.”
“I know. But protocol demands the Alpha release you.”