Instead of clearing the solarium, Luke moved to the sitting room. Pablo brought Pieter’s coffee in and set it on an end table while they waited. A few minutes later, Pieter walked into the room with wet hair, wearing a clean pair of jeans and a tight black T-shirt that showed off a lean, muscular body.
“That’s much better.” Pieter sank into a wingback armchair and picked up his cup of espresso. “I’ve been on the road for nearly twenty hours.”
“What’s so urgent? Is everything OK with Owen?” Luke asked, scooting forward in his chair as he rested his elbows on his knees and held Pieter’s gaze.
“Sorry, I should have been more specific. Everything is going fine on that end of things. He’s finalizing a deal. We were meeting with our contact in a little place deep in the Pyrenees. That’s why it took me so long to get here.” He tipped the espresso back and sighed happily. “I could use a few more of those.”
Pablo stood up and patted Pieter’s shoulder, then disappeared with the empty cup.
“That’s good at least,” Luke said. “But could you let me know what’s going on? I’m not exactly in the mood for the long play right now. It’s been a rough few days, and my patience isn’t what it should be.”
“Apologies, my friend. I’ve been on the phone constantly and my brain’s a bit scrambled from everything.” He rubbed a hand across his eyes and sat up straighter. “Let’s see. It started a couple days ago. Amiata called me with a request to speak from one of her contacts here in Belgium. Apparently, my brother’s leadership isn’t exactly winning over some portions of the pack. That, combined with those who’ve fled his purge, has led to an underground movement to seek new leadership.”
Luke leaned forward, his eyebrows raising. “That’s very interesting. Have you spoken with the contact directly?”
“Aye. He was one of the people I spoke to, along with some of my other contacts.” He paused and pursed his lips, making a light popping noise. “They haven’t been relaying much information to me as of late. I guess I seemed too disinterested in the problem for their tastes. Either way, they confirmed the rumors Amiata relayed.”
“What do you want to do, Pieter?” Luke asked.
“It plays right into our hands. Jan has to be getting desperate trying to juggle everything with Jamaal draining the funds. If we could integrate a rebellion into our plans, it would work well.”
“But what do you want? Do you want to remove your brother and take over the pack to restore your father’s legacy?”
Pieter slumped into the chair with a heavy sigh. “I don’t know, Luke. Two years of being free of those obligations felt good. Like years of weariness had been lifted from my shoulders though the how and why haunts me.” His brow furrowed as sadness filled his eyes. “I miss my father still. Being this close to my ancestral home has been a lot.”
“I can understand that probably better than most, my friend. We both have too much history here, both distant and recent.”
“That’s partially why I wanted to go with Owen—to put some distance between me and here. Also, I didn’t want to be seen by anyone who might relay my location to my brother.” Pieter rubbed his temples with his middle and forefingers.
“You know you have my support for whatever course you take. We don’t need to foment a rebellion to take down your brother. If you want to go back to Portland and live there, then I’d be delighted to have my friend in the same city. However, if you want to replace your brother, you’ll have my full support and all the resources I can bring to bear.” Luke pushed off the chair and leaned close enough to pat Pieter’s knee reassuringly.
Pieter, resting his elbows on the arms of his chair, steepled his hands in front of his face. He sat quietly, staring somewhere in the middle distance as he thought. “I don’t know what I really want, but it would be a shame to pass up this opportunity to strike against Jan. Plus if we take him down, we need to have people ready to take over the pack functions whether I’m at the top or someone else.”
“So… We assist the opposition?” Luke asked.
Pieter nodded first, lightly, then more firmly. “Yes. I think it’s the right course for us. Now comes the fun part, arranging a meeting.”
Luke chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Yeah, we still need to keep our identities under wraps.”
“You’re going?” Pieter raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that a little…unwise?”
Luke reached into the neck of his T-shirt and pressed his fingers against the moon amulet Selene had given him as he formed an image in his head. Pieter’s eyes opened wide as he sat back rigidly. Luke had practiced the image in front of the mirror enough to know what Pieter saw—a handsome man with black hair and vaguely Middle Eastern features.
“That always makes my blood run cold when you change images.” Pieter gave an exaggerated shiver.
“Where did you come up with that image, buddy?” Pablo asked.
“When I went to make up another, an old memory jumped front and center. It’s especially linked to his place.” He looked around the room at his friends, a faint smile on his face. “Remember when I told you about the caretaker’s family origins? This is the face of Tigran, at least as he appeared as a man of about thirty.” He chuckled and shook his head. “The first time I tried to execute the image, I ended up with the face I’d first seen when I met him in 117 CE. He was a boy of twelve then.”
Sam barked a laugh. “I bet you looked ridiculous with a twelve-year-old’s head on your body.”
“I would pay good money to see that,” Delilah said, a broad grin on her face.
“If the price is right, I’d consider it. But no cameras or cell phones,” Luke said.
“Spoil sport,” Pablo said.
Pieter looked Luke over. “I guess that solves the problem of not revealing you’re still alive or ruining the Comte’s public image. I’ll get the ball rolling.” He paused. “Where do you think we should hold the meeting? I’m loath to hold it near Antwerp or Brussels.”
“Yeah, they’re definitely out,” Luke replied.
“What about Paris?” Pablo asked.
“Sorry, buddy. I know you didn’t get any fun time on the last trip. Normally, I’d say yes, but I’d prefer not to cause mischief in Jean-Paul’s city. I’m still unsure of our potential relationship and I’d like to keep it on the positive side. I don’t know if Jean-Paul’s annoyance has worn off yet. Also, I want to avoid Le Mousquetaire. He appears to be gaining traction there. I don’t want to move against him without gaining the Paris Pack as a firm ally first. Give me a little bit, and I’ll come up with something. Then we can compare notes and find a few likely places to propose.”
“That works for me,” Pieter said.
“Just check with me on dates and times so we can make sure I’m not double booked. I’ve got a lot of balls in the air right now.”
Pablo snorted and snickered, mumbling, “balls.”
Sam rolled her eyes.
“I guess on that note, I’m going to go check in on Roxi.” Luke departed the room, casting a wave behind him.
* * *
“Are you sure this is the squad you want to take?” Sam asked. “They’ve never done any covert operations with you before.”
“That’s kind of why I need them. You all might be recognized as my associates. And I can’t compromise the Comte’s bodyguard personnel. If they’re seen and linked to any of the people involved in this rebellion, that would be bad for everyone involved.”
Sam pursed her lips and folded her arms over her chest. “I know. It’s the logical choice. I just don’t like sending you into the unknown without your core teams.”
“They’re all well trained. All they have to do is be on hand if I need a little muscle. Besides, I’m just there to function as Pieter’s escort. No one needs to know I was ever there.”
“I guess so.” Sam pulled out her phone and pulled up a list. “I’ve got Agatha, Connor, and Joe on deck for you. They’ve been briefed. The caretaker dropped off a rental vehicle for you earlier.”
“We’re just waiting on Pieter then?” Luke shoved his hands into his pocket and jingled his keys nervously.
“I’m here.” Pieter stopped in front of Luke. “Damn. Every time I see you in one of your fake faces, it sends chills down my spine.”
Luke nodded. “Imagine me looking in the mirror. I’ve had my face a lot longer than you’ve had yours.”
Pieter chuckled. “I guess so, though mine is a far more interesting one.”
“Interesting is a good word choice.” Luke grinned at his friend.
Sam checked a message on her phone. “Your team’s loaded up.”
“Let’s roll, Pieter.” Luke turned and exited the cottage. He climbed behind the wheel and buckled in.
Once Pieter was settled in the passenger seat, Luke reversed and drove up the ramp and out of the property. Luke waited until they were off the windier roads and headed east before breaking the silence.
“OK. We’re not anticipating any trouble, but be on the alert. Watch me for your signals and err on the side of caution. We’re here to make allies and further our plan. As long as we’re smart and pay attention, everything should work out fine,” Luke said. “And remember, don’t call me Luke. For this mission, Alex is my name. Got it?”
“Right you are, Alex,” Connor replied. Joe and Agatha nodded along.
“Good.” Luke nodded toward Pieter. “Any last-minute updates?”
Pieter rotated in his seat so he could more easily look toward the back seat. “I don’t have an official count, but there shouldn’t be too many people there. They’re as worried about leaks as we are. We’re being allowed weapons, but they should be visible. Nothing concealed.”
“Do you all have your silver alloy daggers?” Luke asked. “I don’t know if they’ll be able to feel the silver on them, but we’ll be prepared if things go badly with the werewolves. Let me lead so I can sense any vampires. If I pick up any, we just fade away and get out of there. I am not interested in confrontation.”
“I can sense the silver on my belt,” Joe said. “Though we haven’t tried a range test.”
Luke nodded. “That’s a good idea. When we get back, we’ll test them out to see if there’s any difference in ranges depending on size.”
“You’re always thinking of plans and solutions, aren’t you?” Pieter asked.
“I haven’t survived this long by being lazy and unorganized. At least mostly.”
He snorted quietly, remembering the admonishment Sam had given him after she’d joined the team for his weak plans. It wasn’t that he wasn’t making plans, he just didn’t care that much since it was only his body and life on the line, two things he was increasingly tired of as his loneliness grew. Now, he had friends, loved ones, and a pack to protect. They deserved his best efforts, and he was going to give it to them.
Once they pulled off the larger road, they wound their way through the Belgian countryside until they arrived at the first set of coordinates. As they parked, the sun dipped down and disappeared. Pieter pulled out his phone and sent a message to their contact.
“OK. We have our next set of coordinates,” Pieter said, stuffing his phone into his pocket and stepping out of the car.
They joined him at the back of the SUV and helped each other gear up with Kevlar vests. Each of them carried a belt with magazines for their pistols, machine guns, and their dagger. Pieter had chosen to only go in with two 9mm pistols. Agatha, Connor, and Joe had a pistol and the APC9K compact machine guns the team was growing fond of. Luke carried the AK-47 he’d taken from the freighter nearly three years ago. It wasn’t the most efficient weapon, but it looked intimidating and had a long reputation of violence. He wanted to look dangerous. Sometimes the best way to ward off violence was to look scary.
“If everyone is ready, let’s proceed. I’ll take the lead. Pieter, you’re behind me. Keep your ears and eyes open.” Luke loaded a magazine into the magwell of the AK.
“Can you see well enough?” Joe asked. “What I mean is…”
“I have excellent night vision. It’s part of my whole deal.” He pushed the button on the fob to lock the car, then slid the key into his pocket. “Let’s move out. We have about a mile to go.”
Using all his woodcraft skills, Luke picked a trail through the trees, keeping on a westerly course, adjusting as needed when Pieter whispered a correction or a change in direction. After they reached their destination, a small meadow, Pieter received another set of coordinates.
“They’re not the trusting sort, are they?” Connor asked.
“Do you blame them? They’re planning a rebellion against a patricide who’s allied with vampires.” Luke pulled a canteen off his belt and took a small drink. “Ready?”
When no one objected, he waved them after him as he slipped into the trees heading south. After another mile, they stopped to take a breather and wait for the next set of instructions.
“I hope we’re not wandering around out here in the woods all night. I’m getting cold,” Agatha said.
Luke snorted, giving her a friendly smirk. “A little jog will help with that. You got the new coordinates?”
“Yes.” Pieter pointed to the southeast. “That way.”
“Is this our last round?” Luke asked.
“I don’t know. They didn’t say,” Pieter replied.
Luke kept his thoughts to himself. He knew his friend was already worried about meeting with people from his old pack. He didn’t want his brother finding out he was in country and working against him. Nor did he want to expose anyone to danger, especially if some of the people he was meeting with were already on Jan’s enemies list.
Luke felt for his friend, but he was concerned this was a wild goose chase or a way to expose Pieter. Though they had backup teams ready, with all the tromping through the woods, it would be a hard fight to hold off any ambushes while they waited for extraction.
The longer they traipsed through the woods, the more alert he grew. Every noise drew his attention. When an owl flew overhead across the field of the moon, adrenaline dumped into his veins. He had to restrain his hand from pulling back the charging lever of his AK. Once his heart rate calmed a bit, he started the team moving again.
“Do you smell that?” Pieter whispered.
Luke held up his hand, halting the group. Poking his nose into the air, he searched for an out-of-place scent on the wind. There it was. A hint of wood smoke. As the breeze shifted slightly, the smell intensified.
“It’s in the direction we’re headed. We must be close,” Luke whispered. “Extra vigilance.”
Luke slowed their pace so he could more carefully pick his steps and keep their advance as silent as possible. With each minute, the smell of smoke grew stronger. Five minutes after they first smelled it, Pieter slipped up behind Luke and placed a hand on his shoulder.
When Luke turned to Pieter, he had a finger over his lips and then pointed into the woods. It took Luke a moment to see what Pieter was pointing toward—two wolf eyes reflected in the moonlight. Then he pointed to the other side. Another set of eyes.
“They know we’re here. I guess we can just move forward without the extra stealth,” Luke said quietly. “Don’t point your weapons toward them. Just keep them ready but relaxed.”
Luke took the lead, moving quickly toward the smell of the smoke. When they rounded a hill, he saw the faint glow of a fire in the near distance. The flickering light illuminated ruined stone walls. At one point, they might have belonged to a castle or fortification. There were certainly enough ruins littering southern Belgium. This one looked far more run down than most.
He pointed toward the fire. “Is that our destination, Pieter?”
“I believe so.” Pieter checked his phone, then nodded.
They closed the last distance. Luke’s eyes swept around them, tracking the two wolves as they escorted them from a distance. He didn’t see anyone else in the woods, but his body had slipped into hyper vigilance, picking up every sound or movement around him.
“Any fangers?” Pieter asked.
“I don’t sense any, but let’s slow it down just in case.”
Luke stopped them about thirty meters from a gap in the ruined stone wall leaking fire light. “Give them a shout. I don’t want to walk in blind.”
Pieter stepped in front of Luke and placed his hands around his mouth to shout. “You, in the camp. Show yourselves.”
A shadow poked its head out from behind the wall. “Who comes to call?”
“A wayward son from across the ocean,” Pieter replied with the code phrase.
“Oceans are wide and deep; rest and be welcome,” the shadow replied.
Luke looked over at Pieter, who nodded, confirming the correct code had been given in return. Stepping in front of Pieter, he kept his hands on his AK-47, though he kept the weapon pointing down. When they reached the gap in the wall, they stopped. A Black man stepped from behind the wall holding up his empty hands.
“Pieter, it has been too long,” the Black man said in Flemish Dutch with a Congolese accent.
“Augustin Lusamba, it has. You’re looking well,” Pieter replied, stepping from behind Luke. He pulled Augustin into a hug, patting his back. “Until Amiata called saying you wanted to meet, I wasn’t sure you’d survived my brother’s purge.”
“Too few have escaped his murderous rampage. Who are your friends?”
“These are my escorts Alex, Agatha, Connor, and Joe. They don’t speak much Flemish or French, so you’ll have to pardon me if I have to translate anything, but they’re good people. Sorry if we’re a bit heavily armed.”
“Troubled times.” Augustin turned back into the gap in the wall. “It’s all clear.”
Luke relaxed but didn’t take his hand off the AK. Augustin led the way back into the ruins. Four people relaxed in various poses around the fire—each of them held a gun as well. The two wolves flanking them into the camp blurred into naked people and quickly pulled their clothes on, steam rising from their bodies.
“I hope the trail in wasn’t too unpleasant. I tried to pick a route that wasn’t too arduous.”
“Better cautious than dead. If it were summer, it would have been a pleasant hike.” Pieter slipped his hand into his pocket.
“Please, tell your people to warm themselves by the fire. I have hot water in a kettle if they’d like some tea,” Augustin said.
Pieter gestured toward the fire, then spoke in English. “You can get warm by the fire. Anyone want any tea?”
Luke raised his hand, as did Agatha, Connor, and Joe.
“Make it five teas, please,” Pieter replied to Augustin.
The two men talked idly while one of Augustin’s people prepared five cups of tea in enameled tin camping cups, handing them out when he finished. Luke cradled the cup in his hands, letting its heat sink into his frigid fingers.
“So what are you doing back in Belgium, Pieter?” Augustin asked, folding his arms across his chest.
“I can’t get into too many details, but suffice to say, I’m working toward the same ends you are.”
“How have you remained undetected? I know your brother has a standing order for all his people to keep an eye out for you, no matter where they go.” Augustin squatted near the fire and poked a log into a better position with a stick.
“I haven’t been in Belgium. I’ve been working on another project.”
Augustin gestured toward Luke with his head. “Are you going to topple Jan with an army of mercenaries?”
“I’m not comfortable discussing those details with you at this point, Augustin. What are your goals?”
“Sit with me, and we can discuss it.” Augustin waved someone over.
They set up two simple folding stools with cloth seats.
Augustin stared at Pieter for a moment, then sat up straighter. “What started this all?”
“I’m not sure what you’ve heard from Jan and his allies, but this is what I’ve pieced together from various sources.” Pieter’s eyes flicked briefly to Luke, who gave the barest of nods. “I’m not sure who initiated it, but at the behest of a vampire lord through the alpha of the Luxembourg pack, Jan assassinated my father.”
“What?” Augustin nearly tipped over on his stool. “He said the kidnappers did it.”
“Lies. He orchestrated the whole thing. The kidnapping and the assassination. I don’t know how long he’s been under the thumb of the vampire lord, but he’s been feeding them information for a long while. That’s how we lost the south to the vampires after we worked so hard to take it from them.”
“Do you swear this is the truth?” Augustin asked, leaning forward.
Pieter nodded solemnly. “I saw the assassination with my own eyes. The rest is information I’ve assembled from various pieces I and my allies have picked up in the intervening time.”
“Why didn’t you stop him?”
“How could I? I didn’t know. He had a couple of his goons knock me in the head, then hold me down. I barely escaped. I should have seen it, though, seen Jan’s betrayal.” He shook his head and sighed heavily.
Augustin leaned forward and squeezed Pieter’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Pieter. Your father was a good man and a dear friend. We’ve all been mourning his loss. How could one of his sons have fallen so far from the tree?”
Pieter didn’t answer the rhetorical question, instead staring into the fire as he wiped a tear from his cheek. Taking a drink from his tea, he exhaled steam after swallowing. “I don’t know, Augustin. I’ve been thinking about that question non-stop since he murdered our father. How? How didn’t I see it?”
Luke wanted to reach out to his friend, but he couldn’t in his current role as bodyguard. Augustin gave Pieter a moment to collect himself.
“Now, back to our earlier conversation. What are you goals? Why have you asked to meet me?” Pieter asked.
“Amiata says I can trust you,” Augustin replied.
Pieter nodded. “I’d die to keep Amiata and Olivia safe. They’re my family, and that still means something to me.”
“Because she trusts you, I’ll extend that trust to you. I want to put a stop to Jan’s predations. To stop the disappearances of families that don’t hit his ideal of who belongs in the pack. I want the pack to return to the welcoming place your father fostered. I want peace and prosperity.”
“That’s not a small list, though it’s a worthy one.” Pieter took a drink of his tea. “I want the same thing.”
“Now, the important part. What are you doing to achieve it?” Augustin asked.
“Right now? I’m working with a consortium of people interested in bringing down Jan. I can’t reveal much beyond that until I discuss this meeting with them. But they’ve authorized me to explore any alliances that seem legitimate.”
Augustin sat up straighter, his eyebrows rising. “As subservient partners?”
“As equal partners.”
With Pieter’s assurances, Augustin warmed up to his old friend as they discussed some potential plans, but only in the vague terms both of them were currently authorized to make. Luke focused on Augustin, trying to get a feel for the man. Taking down Jan was the plan, but a power vacuum in an important pack would be a disaster for the region and Luke’s plans. Augustin just might be a good ally.