––––––––
"We're running out of time." Donnie placed both hands on the top of the table. "After succeeding in taking over Europe, the Fallen has started making a concerted push to take over North America. Jonas, any word from Nicholi?"
The werewolf nodded. "I talked to him right before getting here. All the tribes under his control have pulled back to the dark places. They've locked down their homes and effectively closed off their human existences. Nicholi has advised them to keep it that way until he signals the all clear." He coughed. "In light of what you just said, I believe I'm going to tell my people to do the same. I'm sorry, but I've got to consider their well being. Most of them are civilians. The age of warriors is long past. We've become nearly human in this new age."
"Don't feel sorry. We've done the same." Donnie shook his head. "The Maegunous aren't the only ones who have become more Human. This is no fight for an army in any case. Our only hope rests in the hands of a few."
"Then you will not fight alone. We may have become civilized, but there are still warriors among us. They would join you to save this world." Jonas stood up and extended his arm to Donatello. "Our world."
Donnie grabbed it just above the elbow. "United!"
"United!" Jonas echoed.
"Excuse me." Like a goob, I held up my arm. "This is all so very macho, but this all seems a bit screwed up if you ask me. The Fallen has a growing army. She's got half of us scared shitless and in hiding. How many people do we really have fighting? The six or seven here? Fifteen? Unless we're planning to walk into Mordor to toss a ring in a big fire to get rid of her, I don't see the sudden need for us to get all happy-happy-happy."
"No, but we have to take hope where we can, Franki." Savannah scowled from across the table. "I've lost too much because of this bitch to give her the satisfaction of winning. I don't care if we're outnumbered a zillion to one. We are going to take her down, and when we do, I freaking dare anyone to try this crap again. Now, you can jump on the happy train with us, or go sit outside in the cold, because the last thing we need is some gloomy Gus bringing us down, when the rest of the world is doing a better job of it than you ever will."
Well, she told me. "Sorry."
"Don't be sorry. Stop being the self-absorbed bitch we've let you get away with being since you walked into our lives, and care about something other than yourself for once." Sav shook off Donnie's hand. "No, she's had this coming for a long time."
"Yes, I have." I shocked everyone including myself by saying it. "You're right, but you're wrong about one thing. I know what's at stake, and I know some cheery thoughts aren't going to change the fact we're only deluding ourselves if we think a few wolves are going to tip the tables. I'm going into this with the realization that before this finishes hitting the fan some of us might not be here to raise a glass in celebration. I'll accept everything you say, but accept this from me. I would die if that's what it takes, so bust my chops for being snarky, but never call me selfish again. Self-absorbed, maybe, but I'm as committed to stopping this bitch as the rest of you."
Alex squeezed my knee under the table. "Now, if we're through deciding whose team we're all on, can we get back to actually coming up with a plan to achieving our goals?"
"Well said." Deme clapped coming into the room.
"Shouldn't you be with Dela," Kris asked, as Deme took an empty chair beside him.
"It would appear that once the baby is born, the father isn't as important as one would think." He scratched an ear. "Or, that was how Ophelia explained it to Dela's father. It was at that point I decided to let the happy grandparents have some daughter, granddaughter time alone without the distraction of turning on me to get in the way."
"Probably the best idea you've ever had." Kris slid his chair down to give them both some elbow room.
"I thought so." Deme glanced toward the door. "Still, I'm not sure how much time I have before they call me back."
Donnie quickly gave him the recap of what he'd missed. I actually paid attention because I hadn't been in the room when Alex had given his report, though I'd already heard the majority of it. Besides, it never hurt to look attentive after my dressing down. I'd take all the brownie points I could before my mouth got in the way again.
Deme turned to Alex. "I'm not certain how I feel about Loki sticking his nose into this."
"I don't think any of us are happy over the fact, but he seemed sincere." Alex shifted in his chair.
"That's what worries me. The Trickster always has an ulterior motive behind anything he does." Deme idly pushed a wrinkle around in the table cloth. "I would feel better if we knew his motive."
"Since we probably won't discover it until it's too late to do anything about it, we should move on." Donnie sat down.
Alex lifted a finger. "I think the only course left to us is finding the last two segments of the Tome. The Fallen has spent a lot of energy in finding it. I'm just thinking as long as we're dividing her attention between stopping us from getting it, and her global domination objective, the rest us stand a better chance of halting her progress here."
"I agree." Deme nodded. "But I'm uncertain whether that mission is best left in your hands alone. You've done well so far, but a larger force offers more protection."
"It also draws more attention to us, and depletes the number of people we have battling her forces." Alex shook his head. "No, Franki and I are still the best choice to handle this."
"Damn skippy." I winked at him.
"May I interject something?" Backing away from the table, Jonas dragged his chair across the floor. "Why not use one of my people? I have someone in mind who has been itching to get off the sidelines, especially after the crap this Fallen pulled at Nicholi and Madison's wedding. Before you object, she is a fierce warrior with a level head. From what I gather, you're not sure where this quest will take you, and someone with an affinity with nature may serve you well."
Donnie looked to Alex. "Well?"
"I have no objections. Three is still a small enough number we shouldn't get bogged down if things get rough." Alex paused. "As long as we're all clear, I'm in charge. No offense, Jonas, but I know how wolves get when dominance is involved. I don't mind someone advising me when they know more about a situation than I do, but at the end of the day this falls back to me."
"Hildegard can work with that." Something in the way the Paxus said it, made me think he might have his fingers crossed behind his back.
"Good." Alex settled back into his chair.
"When do you plan to begin?" Donnie picked at his sleeve.
"As soon as possible. Tonight, if possible. I am leery of remaining here with the Tome after the birth of Deme's child. The Tome is a magnet for trouble. Even with Loki's assurances that his goat piss mojo will hide it from detection, I don't trust him." Alex chewed his lip. "In fact, it might not be a bad idea for you to move as well."
"Don't worry. It is already in the works. Jonas prepared transportation once we alerted him Dela had gone into labor. Normally, I wouldn't consider locating a newborn and mother, but necessity demands we not put either of them at risk." Donnie motioned to Jonas. "What is our timetable?"
"We have a Winnebago in route with all the comforts. It should be here within the hour. Deme and his family will go in it with two of my people. The rest of you will follow in another vehicle." Standing up, Jonas pulled a phone from his pocket. "Let me go get Hildegard and check on your rides."
"Let me go prepare Dela and her parents. Alexandre, if I should not return before you depart. Safe journey, mon ami." Deme rose, nodding to me. "You, too, Franki. Though we don't know each other well, I consider you a sister in this endeavor. Keep each other out of harm's way, if at all possible. You were right. I fear some of us will not meet again under these stars."
"There's always heaven." Although, I wasn't holding my breath.
"Then I will pray we will see each other there, if we don't in this world." Sadness swelling at the corner of his eyes, he fled through the doorway.
Pretty crappy end to his first day as a father, but at least they had each other. Thanks to Jonas, they'd be safe. Well, safer than the rest of us. Even if I wasn't heaven material, I said a prayer that they and their little girl would someday know happiness without the threat of death hanging over their heads. I threw the same over us all, with an extra one that if He was willing, I'd be around to see that little girl grow up. Comfort washed over me, giving me a glimmer of hope that my prayer would be answered.
"Well, that certainly cast a maudlin pallor over the proceedings." Donnie leaned back in his chair. "Not we needed much."
Lyssie put a hand on her brother's arm. "Only if we let it, brother. Alexandre has already succeeded. He has one piece of the Tome. Before he arrived, we had already lost hope for that much. Now, our hope is renewed."
"She's right. Alex and Franki have got things under control," Kris chimed in. "Besides, we've got something the Fallen doesn't have."
Lyssie rolled her eyes. "And what, pray tell, is that?"
"A keen fashion sense, and dazzling good looks, even Sav over there." He ducked as his sister tossed a rag at him. "Hey, don't undazzle the looks."
"You wish." Sav snorted.
"Children, there is still much to discuss before Alexandre and Franki depart." Donnie slapped the table.
The room grew quiet, except for the shuffle of our butts in the chairs.
"Alexandre, we don't have much time, so if I break off you will understand why." Donnie glanced behind us. "The Maegunous are our allies, but they do not serve the same end as we do. Work with this woman, but do not trust too closely or reveal too much. I leave it to you to decide the course to take. Do you understand me?"
Alex nodded.
"The same goes for you, Franki. Should anything befall Alexandre, the weight of this burden falls to you." He formed a temple before his face with the tips of his fingers. "But, before we settle that, we need to address any grievances you may hold against our brother, Alexandre."
"I hold nothing against him. Necessity and fate are his only crimes, if he has any." I brushed my hand along the outside of his leg under the table.
Donnie raised an eyebrow. "Then we can move on to something more dire. Once you have secured all the segments, the disposition of it I leave in your hands. Unfortunately, we may be in no position to aid you." He pulled a phone from his pocket and slid it to Alex. "Take this. It's a burner, and all our numbers are programmed in, but don't waste more time than you have to trying to contact us. Save the effort for calling to tell us you've succeeded. Then, we can move on to our next disaster."
Alex took the phone. "As soon as Jonas returns with his wolf, I'd like to depart. My flesh itches with impending doom. The longer we stay, I fear the greater risk to you."
"Then it is good I've made it back." Jonas stomped into the room with a petite dark skinned woman following closing behind him.
She wasn't at all what I'd pictured. For one thing, she wasn't much taller than me, which made her all of five foot six, if she was that. Flowing black hair swept back from the creamy chocolate of her face. Huge brown eyes flecked with gold beamed happiness into the room. Oh great. I could tell instantly she was one of those people who could find the bright side in anything. Yep, the inviting smile was a dead giveaway. I wanted to hate her immensely, but knew it wouldn't happen. I'd grown too soft in my old age. I would have to content myself with seething mentally over finding a new bestie.
Coming to a stop behind him, she pulled her white jacket straight over her khaki pants she had tucked into a pair of fur lined boots. An aged leather belt held holsters strapped across her hips. Twin golden revolvers peeked from the holsters. Well, I hoped she was as deadly with those things as she was perky. Either way this might end up being even more interesting than the first half of this madcap adventure.
"Hildegard Kingston, a room full of Vampires." Jonas waved his hand. "Room full of Vampires, Hildegard Kingston."
"Hey, y'all!" Yep, perky to the extreme. The wall-to-wall grin was a dead giveaway.
To my surprise Alex stood up. "Jonas, I don't want to step on your toes, but I think you're out of your mind. No offense to you, Hildegard."
"Hildie." The wolf held up a hand, like we were in elementary school. "Hildegard is my parents' attempt to appease a great aunt with money."
"Okay." Alex ruffled his hair. "Hildie, like I was saying, I don't want to offend you, but we're about to go into some serious merde. I'm sure you're competent, otherwise Jonas wouldn't have volunteered you. The thing is, where we're going I don't think a winning smile and upbeat personality will..."
Before anymore knew what was happening, Alex was pinned to the wall and sliding up it, held aloft by Ms. Perky herself. "You were saying?"
"Aggh, thad ahhh dukk fordard duu vurkin wif duu."
She tapped an ear with her free hand. The other busy strangling Alex. "Sorry, sugah, but I couldn't quite make that out."
Okay, Ms. Mary Sunshine had 'tude. Normally, I'd respect her personal space and sit back to watch her work, but she happened to be murdering the man I had strong ambiguous feelings for. Which meant, I had to interrupt a fellow bitch at work. "I think what he is trying to say if you weren't cutting off the oxygen to his brain he'd like to apologize for ever doubting your skills, and we look forward to working with you." I rolled my eyes at his purpling face. "Am I right, Frenchy?"
He nodded as far as her clawed hand around his throat would allow. "Uhh huh."
"See." I stopped short of putting my hand over her wrist, because in the back of my brain I seemed to remember something about werewolves not liking to be touched, a concept I could whole heartedly endorse. "So, think you could let the male chauvinist blood sucker go?"
A slow turn of her head revealed golden eyes that had nothing whatsoever to do with perky. "As long as this ends any discussion concerning my ability to pull my weight."
"Nope, think you pretty much put that sucker to bed." I smiled, hoping she didn't see it as me baring my teeth in some bid for dominance. Saw something about it on Animal Planet, so thought it best to worry on the side of caution.
"Good!" And, the perk was back. "I'd have hated to disembowel him just to prove a point. I just bought this outfight, and the thought of stomach goop getting all over would seriously piss me off."
Reminder to self: Never piss this woman off.
I stored the sight of Alex slipping down the wall to make sure I never forgot that fact.
"Hildegard, what did I say about playing nice?" Jonas scowled.
"Sorry, boss, but this crowd didn't look the type to trust anything short of a practical demonstration." She looked meekly at the floor. "I apologize for going against your commands."
Jonas laughed. "Don't apologize. Never let a Vampire see you show neck. It sets a bad example. Besides, you are probably right. Vampires are notoriously stubborn when it comes to admitting others might share the top of the food chain with them."
"Hey, bro. Sure you don't want me and Lyssie to come along." Kris snorted. "You know, just in case, she tries to take your lunch money."
Lyssette smacked him upside the back of the head. "Maroon."
"Ouch." She lifted her hand, and he shut down the quip dancing on the tip of his tongue. "Yes, dear."
I so had to learn how to do that. One smack, and he did what she said without her having to say it. That was cool beyond words.
"Since, like you said, I got volunteered for this mission." Hildie straightened her jacket. "Would someone mind explaining where we're going? Jonas explained the basics of why we're going."
"We're not sure." Unsure about revealing the whole truth, I idly played with the bands on my wrists. "The way just kinda pops up when we least expect it."
She glanced at the boss wolf. Nothing was said, but I got the distinct impression a conversation was playing out between them. I might not know exactly what they weren't saying, but I knew she didn't like what he'd thrown her into one little bit. The perky had officially left the building for that one. Jonas' face drew into a very wolf-like knot, which effectively ended the chitchat. Turning away from him, she worked hard to put the smile back on her face. Let me just say, it t'weren't working. Not that she'd say boo unless he told her to. The pack mentality, or tribe, was too fully engrained for her to develop a backbone when it came to their Paxus. Made me glad I had been bitten by a Vamp and not a wolf. I hated blindly following orders. If I had to, somebody would die.
"Not to belabor a point, but time is of the essence. If we all wish to get along our appointed roads, we need to get moving." Donnie came around the table. "Jonas, if Hildie is fine with the situation, I believe Alex and his party should depart."
How come it wasn't Franki and her party?
"She's fine with it." He didn't even look to her for confirmation. "And, you are correct. I can hear the RV pulling up. We should make sure Deme has finished preparing Dela and their child to depart."
"Come on, twit. I just volunteered you for luggage bearer duty." Lyssie snatched Kris up by his ear. "Savannah, mind helping me keep your brother in line?"
"Nope, just give me a second." She bounced over to me and threw her arms around my neck. I knew I should have run when she opened her mouth. "Franki, you take care out of yourself. I don't think any of us could stand it if anything happened to you."
"You couldn't?" I sputtered through her death grip.
"Of course we couldn't!" Sav slobbered spittle all over my neck. "You're like a sister, or cousin at the very least. Gosh, we've known each other since we were kids!"
"I am? We have?" When did all this happen, and where had I been? Sure, we'd known each since Sister Angelle slapped us with a wooden ruler, but sisters? Cousins? At best, I'd always thought of us as uneasy allies. Nothing more. Now, I had to reevaluate my entire existence. What else had I missed? Probably a lot. Not that it mattered. With her arms love bunnying me into next week, I couldn't have done anything to change the past. I could only change my present. So color me surprised when I hugged the blond haired twit back.
"Was that so hard?" She snuggled her face against my cheek. "Whether you believe it or not, me and the rest of the gang have always considered you family. You have Dad to thank for that. He told us all you were special and just because you didn't know who your parents were, it didn't mean you shouldn't have a family. You were just too hard-headed to realize why Dad kept bringing you to the house."
"To make me a Marshall?" It would certainly explain things. Silly me, I had always thought it had been to keep me from burning down the nunnery.
"Maybe!" She had the audacity to tweak my nose. "Now, I better get going before Lyssie comes back to drag me there by my ear. Stay safe."
I felt empty all over as Savannah skipped out of the room. Her words had cut deep. Big John had cared enough about me to make my life happy. Strangely, as I thought back, the happiest times in my life growing up had been at the Marshall's house. The four of them had never treated me like some cast off. Megan, Pam and Sav had treated me like... well, family. Kris had been a pain in the butt, but hey, that was what brothers were for. Again, how had I missed it? Just thinking about all the stuff I could have done instead of feeling sorry for myself flashed through my head. Well, no more of that. When I got through saving the world and stuff, I'd have a serious sit down with myself and sort this out. Until then, I planned to avoid any in-depth self-analyses on the subject. It could lead to more complications than old Frenchy over there.
In short, I had no problem with deluding myself until I couldn't get away with it anymore.
Hildie snuck up on me and placed a hand on my shoulder, as I slack-jawed the empty doorway Sav had disappeared into. "Sounds like you've got a bunch of people who love you."
"Yeah, it does, doesn't it?" I smiled, as I realized for the first time it was true.
"Then let's get out of here and make the world a safer place for them." She turned me around. "I'm sure they'd appreciate it."
"Probably." I nodded before turning to see Alex and Donnie deep in conversation. Well, they'd have to stop that. I had an awkward touchy feely situation I desperately needed to get out of. "Frenchy, you ready!"
Scowling, he glanced away from Donnie. "One moment."
"You can Twitter each other later. We need to do this." I snapped my fingers. "The Fallen isn't debating the higher mathematics of Word with Friends."
Slipping my arm through Hildie's, who in all probability would end up becoming my BFF before this was over, I walked past them and out the back door. Not my best exit ever, but I felt a little buddy movie vibe kicking in as we did it. In my book that counted as a win.