by Helen Harper
Mack blinked as if surprised. “A terrible, terrible one. It makes all your hair and teeth fall out and your skin turn green.” She widened her eyes and increased the melodrama and over-acting as relief began to flood through me. “Then it starts to attack your nervous system making you throw up violently.” She pointed down at the vomit she’d deposited on my floor after her arrival. “As you see. So you should stay away from me. I’m sure it’s incredibly contagious.”
“I’ll take my chances.” I adjusted my hold on her, moving my hands up to her arms so she was less like my prisoner and more like more equal. Not that I was planning to let go of her any time soon of course. “Now tell me where you’ve been, why you ran away and how you got here. In that order.”
“I’m a rogue, my Lord. I don’t have to answer to you anymore.”
Her sarcastic emphasis on my title reminded me of old times. “Funny. I don’t think you ever answered to me, even when we first met.” I needed to know the truth though. Against my better judgment, I used my Voice to compel her. Tell me now.
She met my eyes. “No.”
I felt a rush of sudden anger. She’d smashed through my Voice once before and I’d put it down to adrenaline and the intensity of the situation. To avoid my compulsion here and now meant that she really was no longer part of the Pack. She really wasn’t mine. I snapped one hand away and curled it round her throat. She was a shifter. Shifters belonged with me. I wasn’t going to hurt her but I was very aware that every Lord Alpha in the past sometimes threatened violence was necessary to keep people toeing the line. If I’d been thinking straight, of course, it would never have crossed my mind to try a move like that. “Mackenzie,” I snarled, “you need to start talking before I rip it out of you.”
Unfortunately, my mastery of the situation wasn’t as complete as I’d thought. Mack jerked her knee upwards, slamming into my groin so I had no choice but to release her. She danced away and into the middle of the room while I tried not to show how much she’d hurt me. Damn her.
“Who’s the big bad Lord Alpha now?” she taunted.
I couldn’t help the flicker of admiration at her audacity. It didn’t mean I wasn’t going to pay her back for that move though. Then, once I was done, I was going to show her who really was the big bad Lord Alpha. I just had to switch tactics and encourage my kitten to sheathe her claws. I gazed at her soft mouth. Perhaps … there was a knock on the door and another damned interruption.
“My Lord Alpha? Is everything okay?”
“It’s fine, Tom. Go away.” I flicked a glance at Mack who was suddenly stock-still, a myriad of emotions over her face. Of course. It was Tom. The vulnerability in her expression at the sound of his voice made something inside me snap. “Do you remember your little wolf boyfriend, kitten?” I sneered, scanning her eyes for further reaction. “It must be difficult for someone of your proclivity to keep track of everyone you sleep with. Would it hurt you to know that he barely remembers you? He won’t even mention your name and when I ask him – neither will his fiancée – they both just clam up. You clearly have an interesting effect on those around you.”
Rather than looking annoyed or upset at the news he was engaged, there was a flash of happiness in Mack’s face that gave me pause. She seemed genuinely pleased for them. “Pass on my sincerest congratulations to them both.” Without missing a beat, she smoothly continued, “And now, my Lord, I must take my leave. Which floor are we on?”
My groin was still throbbing but I suddenly felt infinitely more relaxed. She didn’t want Tom after all – and she wasn’t going anywhere. “It’s the penthouse.” I smiled. “Fifteenth floor.”
“I don’t suppose you’re well equipped for fire regulations and have a proper outdoor fire escape, do you?” she quipped.
My smile grew. This was more like it. “Unfortunately not.”
I began to walk towards her. Enough of the fighting. Now perhaps we could talk things out properly, like adults.
“Well,” said a smooth male voice, appearing out of nowhere, “I hate to break up this little party but it’s time that we were going.”
“You prick,” Mack shouted. For once her insult wasn’t directed at me. I gaped stupidly at the sudden appearance of the Fae. “What did you do?” Mack spat at him. “Get me out of here!”
“With pleasure, my lady.”
I lunged forward, galvanized into action. “Mackenzie!”
It was too late, however. By the time I reached where she’d been standing, my fingers were grabbing at nothing more than insubstantial air. She’d already gone. I curled my hands into fists and stared at the spot she’d just vacated. I was supposed to have fast reflexes. The volatile emotions that I’d only just managed to bring under control bubbled up again. Not only had Mack disappeared again but I had recognised the damn Fae who’d taken her. Frustration built up inside me and I let out a low angry howl.
Chapter Six
I waited patiently on the graffiti covered park bench. I don’t think there was even an inch of bare wood that wasn’t inscribed with something from some idiotic teenager either in the throes of love or determined to leave their mark – which would of course only last until someone decided to give the thing a good sanding anyway. The wind was picking up, indicative of the fact that autumn was in full swing. Rather than admiring the different shades and hues from auburn to deep red, I simply stared sightlessly at the leaves, my mind turning over the bizarre meeting I’d had with Mack.
She clearly hadn’t wanted to be there. In fact, if anything, she’d been more astonished to find herself in my bedroom than I had been to see her there. She hadn’t even appeared to be fully aware to start with that it was my bedroom. I couldn’t for the life of me work out why the Fae was meddling. Sure, they were known for mischief making but during our one previous meeting, Lord Solus had struck me as one of the more responsible members of the Seelie Court. Annoying to be sure, but definitely deserving of some modicum of respect. I was tempted to contact the Summer Queen and use my position to demand the truth. I had the distinct feeling, however, that her faerie minion was acting without her knowledge. I rubbed my chin. Hmm.
Mack had certainly been scared. And yet she still didn’t shift. Most, if not all, shifters involuntarily transformed when they were afraid. It was like a defense mechanism. But she’d still not done it. The woman was a bloody conundrum. And the more I thought about her, the more she confused me. I thought about the conversation I’d half-heard between Julia and Anton at the ball. What if…?
“Lord Corrigan.” The voice that interrupted my train of thought was filled with disdain. Even though I’d been expecting him, I couldn’t help stiffening when he took a seat beside me, wrinkling his nose at being forced to soil his clothing on such a pedestrian object.
I flicked him a glance, keeping my own expression neutral. “You must be Aubrey.”
The vampire sniffed and began inspecting his fingernails. Despite being blood red in colour, they were immaculately manicured. Leaning against the bench as he was, with his red eyes and coiffed hair, he looked like an escapee from the 1980s. I wondered how on earth he managed to so blatantly wander around amongst humans when he so patently wasn’t.
“They’re stupid,” he interjected.
I blinked. “Excuse me?”
“Humans. You were thinking how strange it is that I can walk around like this and they don’t notice what I am.”
A flash of fear rippled through me. It had never been suggested that vampires could read minds before. If that were truly the case, then we might all be screwed.
“Relax,” he continued, sounding almost bored. “I’m not psychic. Nor do I have the big scary Voice like you do. It’s just that all you shifters are so predictable. It’s the first thing I always get asked. Your lot are so concerned with worrying about being discovered that you miss what’s staring you in the face.”
“Which is?” I kept my tone even. I was really starting to dislike this guy.
He
gestured ambivalently towards a couple strolling in our direction. “Self-absorption. Every single human on this planet is so caught up in their own little lives that they probably wouldn’t notice if you stripped naked right here and shifted in front of them.” His eyes gleamed. “I dare you to try it.”
I ignored the ridiculous proposition. “It’s interesting,” I said, “that you feel free to comment on the vanity of humans when it’s been my experience that dead souls like you are the worst for that particular sin.”
Aubrey laughed. There was no humour in it, however. In fact, the sound sent a chill running down my spine. “I didn’t say vanity was sinful now, did I?”
The couple passed by in front of us. Aubrey licked his lips, eyeing up both of them. “Enough,” I said sharply.
He raised his eyebrows. “My, my. You’re a touchy one. But I agree. Let’s get this out of the way. Tell me why I’m wasting my time here when I could be engaged in far more enjoyable pursuits.” His eyes returned to the humans. It was if he couldn’t help himself.
“Business.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a vial of blood. For the very first time, the vampire glanced in my direction. It appeared that, if nothing else, I’d managed to pique his interest.
“Shifter blood is an acquired taste. I prefer human.”
“It’s not for drinking.” I shook the innocuous looking bottle. “Not exactly, anyway.”
“Enlighten me.”
My entire plan hinged on how I approached this. I shrugged and pocketed the vial again. “You’re out in the cold. No Otherworlders will deal with you. The rest of the world is tired of your antics.”
“My antics? I hadn’t realised I was so famous.”
“You know what I mean. The vampires’ antics. You’re universally despised.” I leaned over to him and lowered my voice. “I heard Balud the troll won’t accept bloodsucker business anymore.”
Aubrey hissed through his teeth. “Who needs weapons when you’ve got these?” He bared his fangs and I caught the distinct reek of rotting flesh from his mouth.
I recoiled away. “You should think about flossing. What about the Winter King? The most feared Fae in all the land and he won’t take your calls.”
“Nobody cares about the faeries.” He spoke with studied insouciance but I could tell by the faint stiffening in his shoulders that I’d hit a sore point.
I pushed a little further. “Is it true that even ghouls don’t want to know you?”
“So?” Aubrey’s lip curled. “You really think that a boy king like you is going to bring us into the fold? Don’t think we’ve not heard about what you’re trying to do. Modernise the Pack? Pah!” He spat. “Give me a break. The only reason you’re not treated with more disgust than we are is that you’re mercenaries for hire. You play Otherworlders off against each other and then make a killing from the profits.” His eyes sparked. “You make a killing by killing. Don’t dare come here and pretend you’re better than us. You’re nothing more than a bunch of feral animals. The whole lot of you should be spayed and neutered and the world would be a far safer place.”
I’d shaken him out of his apathy, which is all I had really been going for. It wasn’t easy to manipulate creatures who’d been around for centuries; even Staines had begun to doubt that I could pull it off. I was starting, however, to feel the glimmer of potential success. “You’re right,” I said, soothing his ego. “I’m just a boy king in comparison to you. What could I possibly know? And it’s true that, in the past, the Brethren and the Pack’s actions have been less than exemplary. But I really am trying to change things. Not for glory for myself but for more power for us all.”
He couldn’t help himself. The corner of his mouth twitched and I knew I had him. I made a mental note to invite him round for a game of poker the next time I needed some spare cash. The lubber fiends would love him. “Why would you do such a thing? Your kind does not mix with ours.”
“No,” I agreed. “But when I was attacked by three of yours, I did not kill them. I could have.”
“A sign of weakness,” Aubrey scoffed.
“They were mere pawns. I am after bigger fish. Not so I can prove the Pack’s physical superiority but so we can work together to achieve greater success.”
“We would never agree on anything. This is a pointless venture.” He stood up, thrust his hands in his pockets and began to walk away.
“The Arch-Mage is already in,” I called after him. “The Summer Queen is considering it. If she agrees, then the Winter King will follow. The bloodsuckers will be the largest group to be uninvited.”
He paused, although he didn’t turn round. “Uninvited to what?”
“A social gathering. Nothing more for now. We will meet four times a year. Once at the Pack, once at the Ministry, once in Tir-na-Nog - should the Summer Queen involve herself - and, if you agree, once in a place of your choosing. We set the agenda together beforehand. We ensure that our four groups remain at the top of the pecking order. And we smooth over any differences between us at the same time.”
“It sounds like a waste of time.”
Another gust of wind sprang up, rustling the autumnal leaves opposite. “Fair enough. The others will be pleased. They didn’t want you to come anyway. I’m only here because if you do me a small favour then I’ll do what I can to get you included. But if you’re not interested…”
Aubrey turned on his heel. “The blood.”
I nodded. “It’s tainted. Some sort of disease. We’re calling it red fever. And before you get all high-handed, it seems to only affect shifters.” I pulled out the vial again and threw it in his direction. “All I want to know is what it is. There’s no-one better to examine blood than a bloodsucker, after all. I understand if it’s too difficult for you to…”
“Enough. I will do this much for you.”
I had to work hard to keep the glee off my face.
“And,” Aubrey continued, “I will take your proposal regarding these … social gatherings back to my people. I cannot guarantee our attendance.”
I bowed slightly. From the note in his voice, he’d make certain his buddies agreed. He had too much ego to want to be left out. “Let me know as soon as you can. I will need to work on the wizards and the faeries and make sure they acquiesce to your attendance if your answer is yes.”
“I will be in touch.” He swept away, an imperious tilt to his posture.
Can you see him? I asked Staines.
Yes. He’s heading away from you and towards a couple sitting under a tree.
My stomach turned. I should have known he wouldn’t be able to let them simply wander away out of his grasp.
Make sure he doesn’t kill them.
We have watchers nearby who will intervene if necessary. Did the ploy work?
I permitted myself a tiny smile. Better than we could have hoped. He’s taken the blood.
And this ridiculous party notion?
I think I made it appear to be a desirable enough option. He enjoyed having his ego stroked too.
Staines snorted in my head. I bet he did. You know what this means though.
We need to get the Arch-Mage at the very least to agree to the gathering. Rather than simply being a carrot to dangle in front of the bloodsuckers’ noses, however, the party idea might turn out to be incredibly helpful.
I suppose optimism can be healthy. He still sounded remarkably doubtful. Of course, there’s something else you’ll need to speak to the wizard about too.
Mmm?
The hamster.
I stiffened. No.
She skipped past every sensor and ward we have and broke into your bedroom. Your bedroom, Lord Corrigan. She could have done anything.
If only. I am not making ourselves look weak by asking for help in tracking one bloody rogue.
You’d ask them if it was anyone else.
I took a deep breath, clenching and unclenching my fists. I wanted to find Mack on my own. I wanted to deal with her on my own. The sec
ond someone else got involved…
You know it’s the right thing to do, Staines continued. Forget about how asking the wizards for help weakens us and think about how it looks for her to be gone for this length of time. There are mutterings from Brady’s old gang that are only going to get louder and more troublesome. Frankly, my Lord, they’re not wrong. Think about it! To be able to break into the stronghold of the entire pack and make us look like fools! It’s unheard of.
I took a moment to answer. Fine. I’ll ask him.
It’s not that I’m trying to tell you how to do your job, my Lord. It’s that you have a blind spot where she’s concerned.
I said I’ll speak to him.
I broke off the connection, growling under my breath. The worst thing was that he was right yet again. If it had been any other shifter who’d gone rogue, I’d have moved hell and high water to drag them to London and answer for their actions. I couldn’t continue to be seen to let Mack get away with her disappearing act, not after her incursion into my room regardless of whether she’d instigated it or not. I ran my hands through my hair and sighed. The success I’d felt at manoeuvring my way around the vampire had vanished. The park was getting quiet now that night had fallen and I felt like a run. If nothing else it would help clear my now aching head.
Chapter Seven
Two days later, I found myself sitting in a small bar over-looking the Thames. I had possessed no desire to appear at the Arch-Mage’s door with my cap in hand yet again. If the damn vampires could arrange to meet on neutral ground then so could the damn mages, hence my now less than salubrious surroundings. Considering how swiftly we’d dealt with the lubber fiends, I felt it was the least the Arch-Mage could manage in return. I had to admit to myself that, if I were being honest, all this political shuffling was becoming incredibly tiresome. It was far more fun to be lower down the hierarchy and see some real action. Talking things out was dull, even if it was necessary.
I smiled at the scantily clad nymph who deposited two drinks in front of us. She simpered, two high points of colour appearing in her cheeks. As soon as she’d departed back in the direction of the bar, however, my smile was quickly replaced. “It’s been several days,” I reminded the Arch-Mage. “I did as you asked and cleared out your outpost. Or rather huge great bloody castle. It was considerably larger than you led me to expect. Quid pro quo. Tell me what progress you’ve made with the blood. Have you found the source of the infection yet?”