Garrett and I walked to the beach bringing the menagerie of canines along in the hopes they’d wear themselves out. The beach we chose was small and always quiet. An out of the way place I used to come to with Ethan, Kyle and Sinc, my first friends in Crescent City. Garrett had been our trainer, and I’d fallen for him harder and faster than a bag of bricks flung from a balcony.
“Twenty-one years ago, you showed up on this very beach and brought me to your house for the first time,” I said.
“You looked particularly enticing in your bikini.”
“C’mon. You didn’t even try to kiss me.”
Garrett laughed softly. “I can’t begin to tell you how difficult that was.”
I squeezed his arm and he wrapped it around my waist, his hand resting on my hip. Glancing up at the face I knew as well as my own, I smiled as his features drew me in. His single dimple, the lines that formed when he smiled, then grew deeper when he laughed. The straight nose that drove me crazy when he nuzzled my neck.
Those sapphire shaded eyes that shined with love every time he looked at me.
“I knew for sure that night,” I whispered.
“What did you know, my love?”
“That I could trust you with my heart.”
“A precious gift.” He cradled my face in his large, graceful hands and kissed me with a passion I’d never grow tired of. “You’ve possessed mine for even longer.”
“Let’s sit here.” We sat on the flat rock near the shore, holding hands. The dogs gathered around us. “Go chase some birds.” They stayed where they were, one of them whining softly.
I gave up and snuggled closer to my mate, draping my arm over his body and clutching at his jacket. I’d brought Charlie to this beach when he was little.
“He’ll be back soon, mon ange.”
“I know. I do. But I hadn’t expected my mind to mind call not to go through.”
I’d come up against some kind of interference I hadn’t recognized.
Hercules rested his solid, furry head on my knee. Animals were so smart. The trio knew I was anxious about Charlie. I scratched Hercules, Samson and Delilah behind the ears, then tried to urge them away again. If they napped at our feet, the wearing them out idea would crash and burn.
Another whine. “Okay, you can stay.” I gave up.
“No canine crunchies if you aren’t quiet,” Garrett used a stern voice. As if he would ever deny them canine crunchies. Ha!
The mutts took the threat seriously and settled on the blanket we brought in their usual tangle: Delilah and Samson, backs pressing together and legs outstretched, Hercules curling up with his head on one of their necks. This time it was Delilah’s.
“What a group.” Garrett smiled and kissed my cheek. “I can’t wait to meet the next urchin you adopt. A cat perhaps?”
“Cats don’t take orders.” I twisted my mouth into a crooked scowl. “Not that these three do.” I took a minute to think about it. “If a kitty showed up on my doorstep, I might make an exception.”
“I would expect no less.”
I leaned against Garrett’s shoulder and let the day’s worries disappear. Tension interfered with magic. “I’m going to try again.”
“Do it.”
As I pulled in ley line magic and sent a message to our son in the Demon Realm, Garrett’s body tightened beneath mine. I wasn’t the only one worrying. The white noise was weaker as Charlie’s shields stretched and gave in one small spot. “Are you safe?”
“Mom! I’m good. We’re all fine.”
“Don’t tell me anything specific about where you are. Are you gathering more allies? That’s what they’ll want to know.”
“Yes. I’ve started negotiations and we’re discussing terms with their entire…uh…family. We’re making another stop today.” He hesitated when I didn’t speak. “He lives waaay out of town and he’s a bit eccentric. I spent a few months with him and his family a couple of years ago.”
“Oh.” He meant Khent. “Is that wise?”
“We need him now.”
“Yes. I understand. Brina, Jay, and Isaiah are with you?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Dad sends his love. And Kaera said to wish Brina well.”
“I’ll tell her. Thanks.”
“We’re seeing Kyle later. I’ll tell him Jay is okay.”
“What’s happening in Faerie?”
“Aedus and Caelen asked me where you were. Nothing else.” My interrogation hadn’t been friendly, but Charlie didn’t need that info. “I’m out with the dogs. Oh, and your father.”
Charlie laughed. I loved that sound.
“Rumors abound that Queen Aine might return to fight for Faerie. I figured I should know more about her so I’ve given that assignment to Winter,” I said.
“Try not to be anywhere around if she shows up. Stay home. If she summons you, don’t go to Faerie,” Charlie warned.
“I’ll take your advice. Thanks, sweetie.”
“I love you, Ma. You too, Dad. I know you’re listening. You called a team meeting?”
“It starts in an hour. A southern Oregon town has been trying to fend off a nest of rogue vampires. A few leopards were murdered and the local sheriff isn’t interested in investigating.
“I wish I could help.” His worried tone bled through.
“We’ll be fine. You make sure to stay off the archdemon’s radar.” I tried to keep my voice steady.
“We will. Love you back.”
When I pulled out of the message, I rested in Garrett’s embrace. He stroked my hair and offered me a handkerchief.
“He’ll be fine.”
“I know.” Only things weren’t looking good in any realm.
The gang started arriving at six thirty. Our closest fae friends, Liam and Farrell, were first. They came bearing food because Liam loved to cook and shifters and wolves loved to eat with a capital E. They ate three times more than humans and burned calories at incredible rates.
Kyle was next. Kyle was one of my first friends. A brainiac, his inventions had saved lives, human and supernatural, but his snarky, witty banter had made him a favorite of mine.
Kyle greeted my fae guests with a huge grin. “Thank the gods Liam has arrived. I’m starving.”
“I’m surprised Jackie and Garrett still allow you in their home after so many rude comments regarding her cooking skills,” Farrell said. “I enjoy eating spaghetti.”
“Uh huh. Al dente doesn’t mean crunchy.”
“And leopards should know how to keep their mouths shut.”
Kyle growled and Farrell pretended to be frightened.
“No worries,” I said, smiling. “My inability to cook a decent meal has made headlines across the continents. No hiding it now.” Everyone laughed which was all I cared about.
“I don’t mean to be rude,” Kyle snapped at Farrell.
“I know. You can’t help yourself.” I patted his head.
Garrett’s cousin Aaron arrived in his truck a few minutes later. Aaron was the head alpha of several successful werewolf packs in Oregon and since Aaron was in the area for another reason, Garrett had invited him. Ethan, a cougar shifter and close friend from the original team, was in the passenger seat of Aaron’s truck.
Aaron greeted me with an enthusiastic hug. “Cathy and I’ve missed you. Come up for Christmas Eve. Sinc and the pack will welcome you with open arms. She misses everyone. Kyle and Peter have already accepted and I’m still working on Ethan and Hana.”
Ethan gave me a peck on the cheek. “Hana’s due to deliver in early March. We’ll have to see what the doctor says. How are you, speedy?”
Ethan had encouraged me to shift for the first time, been my rock when I floundered, held my hand when I thought I couldn’t go on. He’d gone through some bad times before he met Hana, but she and her adorable five-year-old daughter had brought him back to life, back to the Ethan I remembered. He’d adopted little Tani and now Hana was pregnant. I’d never seen him happier.
I kissed him back, avoiding the beard and aiming for his cheekbone. “I’m good. It’s wonderful to see you. You came with Aaron?”
“He brought us baby furniture and baby clothes from Cathy.”
“We’ve got an attic full of stuff just sitting there,” Aaron said. “No more children on the immediate horizon.”
“But you want more.”
“Yeah, we both do. But it’s great to have a chance to catch our breath.”
To everyone’s surprise, Kaera appeared on the patio. Liam opened the sliding glass door. “I would like to stand in for Brina, if you agree.” Kaera bowed to Garrett.
Garrett bowed back. “We’re honored to have you. Come and eat.”
“Thank you.” She glanced at the table where Liam had conjured some appetizers to start off. “Thank you for feeding me, cousin.” She nodded to Liam first, then Farrell. The fae weren’t big on showing affection.
“It will disappear faster than you can imagine,” Liam said.
“I remember.” Kaera smiled. She and Brina had accompanied the team on several missions.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” I squeezed both her hands. I would have hugged Brina, but Kaera was more reserved and might have felt uncomfortable.
“Thank you. I am also pleased.”
Sasha and Heinrich strolled through the patio doors just as we were finishing dinner. Rick stared at Ethan for a moment. Ethan laughed and scooted over, making room so Rick could sit beside Kaera. She tried to ignore him, but the male was gigantic and adorable at the same time.
When dinner was over and Liam had magicked the remains away, Garrett asked Sasha to describe the report from the Oregon town. When Sash finished, Garrett opened the meeting up for comments.
“Do we go in openly in the hopes of driving them off or do we attack when they’re not expecting it?” Kyle asked.
“I’m thinking Ethan will run surveillance for a couple of days, then we’ll make a determination based on his data.”
“Do we know where their base of operations is?” Liam asked.
“They’ve rented a house on the outskirts of town, close to a thickly forested area.”
“That works well for my wolves. How large is the nest?” Aaron asked.
“Sixteen vampires. Half are at least my age or older.”
Garrett had checked with his sources and discovered the nest had followed the correct protocol. They’d notified the North American Vampire Association, or NAVA, of their location, and still had a week before they had to contact the area master. Garrett held the territory to the south, but the Oregon and Washington state Area Master hadn’t checked in for the last two months. NAVA asked Garrett to assume the role of temporary supervisor until the actual master could be located.
“That’s a powerful nest.” Aaron shook his head, his brow wrinkling. The older the vampire, the more likely he was to be a difficult opponent.
“Who contacted us regarding these attacks?” Farrell asked.
“Two anonymous leopard shifter families who sounded legit,” Sash answered.
Garrett refreshed the team’s drinks as he spoke. “I called the sheriff a few hours ago to confirm the four deaths. He wasn’t forthcoming at all regarding cause or time of death. Maybe you’ve heard of him, cuz? The town isn’t far from your territory. Sheriff Webber.”
“I’ve heard the name. He’s new and doesn’t have the best reputation. Thinks he’s a real tough guy. Manhandles the males he arrests. Not friendly with any shifters who aren’t cougars. Has even given a few of my young wolves a hard time when they were enjoying a couple of beers and a game of pool.”
Garrett raked a hand through his hair. When he cut it, the hair grew back in about ten days to the same length it was when he was transformed. Too long by his standards. “I don’t like the idea that rogue vamps and a rogue sheriff may be working together. First things first. Aaron, will you check with your packs? See if anyone knows anything about the deaths or the vampires.” Aaron gave Garrett a thumbs up. Garrett shifted his gaze. “Kaera, do you want in on this?”
“If you mean would I like to work with the team on this mission, then yes.”
“I’d like you to go with Ethan.”
Rick nodded. “Good plan, boss. Kaera is as sharp as her sister.”
Kaera huffed. “Sharper.”
Smiling, Garrett turned to Ethan. “I know you like to work alone, but...”
“It’s okay. I can use the help. Vampires are a level up for me.”
“I have a large safe house in the area,” Aaron said. “Perfect for the team. Elizabeth warded it two years ago.”
“No confrontations unless they attack. Got it?” Garrett warned.
Ethan and Kaera nodded.
“Good. Kaera, can you take Ethan home so he can get his gear? I’ll have Aaron bring you the information you need. I want you at the safe house tonight.”
Ethan stood. “I’ll call Hana so she won’t freak when we show up.”
“Keep us updated, Ethan. You’re on lead.”
“Thanks.” Ethan walked through the open doors to the patio so he’d have some privacy.
Rick stood. “I’ll walk you out while he chats with his spooky mate.”
“That is not necessary.” Kaera turned toward Garrett as Rick sat again. “I will enjoy working with the kitty.” She seemed pleased when we laughed.
“It’s a remote area. Ethan won’t need to rely on his truck or hike too far on his own with you there. You’ll be a great asset when it comes to surveillance as well.”
“Thank you, Garrett.”
“Ethan’s a master at this.” Garrett reassured her. “Trust his instincts as much as you trust your own. And he has the final word.”
“Understood.” She nodded in the fae fashion right before Ethan gestured for her to follow him. They disappeared a few seconds later.
Garrett took his seat again and grasped my hand. “Will you try to get in touch with one of the shifter families who called? See if we can pay them a quiet visit when we arrive. Maybe other families who’ve witnessed incidents will open up.”
“Sure.”
“Kyle, dig up info on the sheriff. Also look through your arsenal of toys for anything that might be useful. Defense and Offense. Speak to Aaron about the safe house set up.”
“I’m on it.” Kyle was an amazing inventor, specializing in equipment used in our undercover work.
Garrett turned to Sash and Rick. “You two are with me. We’re going to NAVA headquarters to get more information on this nest. I’d like to know more about their history. Where did they move from? What’s their lineage? It should only take a couple of hours.”
“Okay, boss,” Rick said.
“Farrell…”
“I’ll stick like glue.” Farrell slid me a wary glance.
“What?” I glanced from Garrett to Farrell and back. “Another bodyguard?”
“Team member. No one in the field works alone. That’s the deal.”
“Fine. At least you aren’t sending me with Sash.”
“Hey!”
I held up my hands “Kidding.”
“Riiiiight.”
“We’ll be back from NAVA tomorrow evening. By then we’ll know more on all fronts and can meet up with Ethan and Kaera.”
“And me?” Liam spoke softly.
“I’m going to ask you for something difficult.”
He sighed. “I know already. I will go to Cascade. Kellie should see her family and perhaps I can get some information for you. Test the mood.”
“Thank you.” Garrett grasped the forearm of his closest friend, then turned to the rest of the team. “Thank you all.”
We sat around and shared stories for another half hour. Everyone wanted to know where Charlie was, but we gave them the same line we gave everyone else. Sash reported on how the school was doing. He beamed with pride, impressed with the student’s determination to work hard and learn quickly.
Somehow we got on the topic of Fin’s ability to control the citizens of Faerie who disagree with him.
“He’s three times more powerful than any other fae,” I said. “His aura is blinding when he uses magic.”
“Two points: Finvarra is not a vengeful person and isn’t likely to execute anyone or even imprison them for long. Everyone knows this. Some take advantage. Also, I know of one fae just as powerful, and she is most probably furious with him,” Liam said, scowling.
“Are you speaking of Fionna?” Sasha asked. “Isn’t she dead?”
Liam shook his head. “I don’t believe he executed either Kennet or Fionna. I’m speaking of Fionna’s mother, Queen Aine.”
“Fin told me Queen Aine is in Tir Na NOg,” The hair on my arms prickled.
“Fin came back. Why can’t she?” Rick asked.
“But who’d go against Finvarra?” I asked. “He’s the king.”
Liam sighed. “The fae who crave the false sense of security that would come if Charles is turned over to the monster who rules in the Demon Realm. Some residents of Cascade would be happy if Fin stepped down and gave power back to Aine. She’s ruthless and has led many battles against Naberia. My king abhors violence and dreads the coming war. He is grateful for Charlie’s leadership, where Aine will never allow it.”
After saying goodbye to our friends and co-workers, Garrett and I snuggled together in the swinging chair on the front porch. “I love our meetings. I’ve missed everyone so much.”
“We should get back to basics again soon. After the war.”
“Are our people ready? All of them?” Garrett knew I was speaking of the shifter, werewolf, vampire, witch, and sorcerer population who shared the human realm.
“We’ve done all we could to prepare them. It’s up to their leadership now.”
“Where do you think the battle will take place?”
“I’d like to have Fin take a look at Solo Island. If he and Charlie and maybe Khent can enlarge it or clone it, perhaps Naberia would accept the location. It would save so many innocent lives.”
“I have the smartest lifemate to ever walk the planet.” I crawled into his lap, straddling his thighs and facing him. Garrett’s eyes sparkled with the beginnings of passion.
“You’re just realizing this now?” he asked, leaning closer
I cupped his face and moved it around so I could examine each surface from every angle.
“What are you doing?”
“Picturing you on a dollar bill, master.” Garrett laughed loud enough to startle two of Sinlae’s grandkids flying back to the garden.
“Sorry. My mate thinks she’s funny.” They giggled and sped away.
“You’d be a hero after the war. Lots of heroes end up on currency.”
“But I won’t be famous enough for a ten-dollar bill?”
“You can’t kick Hamilton off our money. He started the US banks.”
“So you’d kick off George?”
“You’re much more handsome. I can get you a powdered wig.”
“Those things itch.”
“You’ve worn one?”
“My father did a few times. He hated it.” Garrett immediately tensed, holding me by the waist and sliding us to the wooden deck of the porch. “Someone’s in the woods. Stay down.”
I wasn’t worried. Our warded property protected us against intruders and weapons. Whoever it was would have to be someone as powerful as Fin to get past our newly magicked borders and that wasn’t likely.
True to form my mate stood, blocking me. I appreciated his protective instinct, I did, but we were safe on the porch. I sent out a mental call to Sasha and Rick before standing, something Garrett had probably already done. They contacted us a few seconds later, saying they were in the woods behind the three vampires.
“Jackie.”
“You’re standing so I’m standing. We’re safe.”
Garrett huffed out a breath, then spoke. “Step away from the woods and show yourselves.” Garrett used what I called his take-no-shit voice.
“Our friend is hurt. Can you help us?” The speaker sounded young.
“Come out in the open.”
Three vampires slunk from the woods. Two of them supported the third, a wounded male, his arms slung over their shoulders. Blood stained the chest of his shirt.
“Don’t move past the first stone in the path. Our house is warded.”
“He needs blood.” The female shivered even though the temperature was mild for this time of year. She needed blood too.
“Are you from a local nest?” Garrett asked.
“We left home a few months ago.”
“As humans?”
“Yeah, but things weren’t going so great. A lady and man fed us a few times, then turned us. Left us at an encampment and said something about waiting for a shipment. That they’d be back for the fitting.
“Where is this encampment?”
“A secret spot near Prairie Creek State Park,” the male answered.
“You don’t have a nest?” Garrett asked, looking much more concerned.
“None of us do. We live free.”
“You feed on humans?”
“Yeah…” The young male stared down at his feet.
The female cut in. “Only if they say yes. Shifters too. A lot of them live in the encampment. We barter for blood.” She talked at turbo speed.
“What do you barter with?” I asked.
“We bring them food. Blankets. Tents. Stuff like that.”
Somehow I doubted newly made vampires living on their own without leaders would have the self-control to always ask for permission from blood donors. And where did they get the food and blankets?
“Why are you this far north?” Garrett asked
“Things were getting bad there. Some of the older vampires were hurting the weaker ones. They said our makers may never come back. We ran.”
“What is the name of the vampire who turned you?”
“It was a couple. They hardly talked to us. The male turns the girls and the female turns the boys.”
“Girls and boys?”
“I’m fifteen,” the girl said. “Dina. I’m… I’m Dina.”
“Sixteen,” the boy answered, tilting his head toward the injured boy. “Jose’s fifteen too.”
“They kept us in cages except, you know…” The girl looked away. Turning a vampire wasn’t something you could do in a cage. According to Garrett, if the human was unwilling, he was often strapped down.
“Where do you rest during the day?” I asked.
“On the…road we dig holes and c…cover each other up.” Her teeth chattered.
Garrett sent Sash and Rick orders to move forward. One of them must have gone back for blankets which they draped over the teens.
“Jose’s lost a lot of blood.”
“What’s your name kid?” Sash asked, throwing a blanket on the ground then taking Jose from the boy’s arms and placing the injured teen on the ground. Rick circled to their other side to examine the boy’s injury.
“I’m Matt. This your nest, Garrett?”
“I told you to call him Mr. Cuvier, dumbass.” Dina pronounced Cuvier as coo-vee-err.
“This is Sasha and Rick. And Garrett is fine.”
“Are there more refugees?” I asked.
“Yeah. Around eight came with us, I think. They’re on the crescent beach,” Dina said.
“Shit.” My eyebrows rose in surprise. “Something else to take up with the masters at NAVA. “How long has this couple been making vampires?” Garrett asked.
“At least a year.” Dina said. “We came to find you,” Matt said. “We heard you were in charge of all the vampires.”
“Thought you could stop them from forcing any more humans to turn.”
“Kid’s in bad shape, boss. Shot with silver. Needs blood.” Rick cradled the young male in his arms.
“Rick, please lay Jose on the porch. Sash, I need bandages, disinfectant and warm water.” I turned to Garrett, sending a private message. “Can you get a few donors for them?”
“You a doctor?” Matt asked.
“That’s Mrs. Cuvier, the healer Mr. Cuvier is mated to,” Dina said.
“I’m Jackie.” I kneeled beside the teen. “He’ll go into shock if we don’t get blood into him fast.”
“Angel, I’ll get the young male a blood donor. You don’t need to…”
“A blood donor won’t be enough if the bullet was silver. And you can stop trying to convince me not to get involved because nothing you say is going to work. These are children!”
Sash was back with water, disinfectant and bandages, Elle by his side. The other two teens hovered over me. “Dina, Matt. Sit on the bench by the window and do not move.” They obeyed instantly.
I rinsed the angry wound, then placed the flat of my palm on his chest. Closing my eyes I sent demon magic mixed with healer to the site. The bullet missed his heart but had clipped a lung and was now only inches from exiting his back. I could actually feel a lump below his shoulder blade.
“Hold him on his side.” I raised my hand and a moment later the hilt of my dagger was clutched in my palm. “Disinfect this area. I’m making a place for the bullet to exit.”
Rick assisted and with a little magical telekinesis the bullet made its way to the hole I’d created, sliding out onto my palm. We disinfected again and bandaged the wound, then turned him onto his back.
The injury to his lungs was already beginning to heal as was the entrance wound. Vampires didn’t need to breathe, but any injury with silver could be life threatening. Elle poured more disinfectant and I did my best to make sure the wounds sealed up without scarring.
“You can bring them inside,” I said, holding the front door open.
“Donors will be here in five minutes.” Garrett tucked his cell phone back in his pocket. I’ve also called several nests in the area. They’re sending vampires to collect them,” Garrett said.
“Great.” We didn’t have any place on the property to keep a group of newbie vamps.
“No! We live free.” Dina’s face scrunched up like she might cry.
“Vampires cannot live free when newly made. It’s too dangerous. Come inside and get warm.” Garrett pointed toward the living room.
The donors arrived, did their jobs and refused the payment we offered. The three teens lost the gray cast to their skin almost immediately and were chatting happily now.
When the dogs barked Garrett took down the ward long enough for the vampires to enter our front yard without injury. Rick opened the door and Sash stood behind Garrett on his right side, the standard position for a master’s second-in-command. I took up position on his left.
Elegant and dangerous in their own right, four vampires bowed to Garrett as they entered. “We are here, master,” the last one spoke.
“These four are their masters’ second-in-command. It would be a sign of disrespect to send anyone lower in status.” Garrett reached to his left, grabbed my hand and pulled me beside him. “As my mate, you are my equal, beloved.”
Rick took a place to my left and slightly behind me. “Wow. It’s like we’re lining up our chess pieces,” I sent. And I was so gonna tease him about the master thing later.
After questioning them to find out who belonged to what nest, Garrett asked if one master would be willing to allow the three teens to go together to the same nest. One of the vampires stepped forward. “We have sufficient room and would welcome these three younglings.” He had a pleasant face and a soft voice. Not at all threatening, although I’m certain in battle he’d be as frightening as any experienced vampire.
“You are to treat them with extra care. They were kidnapped and turned too early. I expect regular reports on their health and I will be stopping in to check on them.” Garrett wasn’t leaving any room for doubt. What had been done to these children was an executable offense.
“Yes, master.” The vampire glanced down, showing respect with his body as well as his words.
“I will also send a generous gift for your nest to enjoy. Have your master, Claudius, contact me tonight.”
The vampire raised his head and grinned. “Yes, master.”
Garrett’s gifts were usually the latest in tech or a major repair on their house. He’d even been known to pay off mortgages or fund an extension on their home to make room for more vampires. These days, most vampires worked from home to support their nest, at least in Garrett’s territory. Stealing what they needed was no longer allowed.
Garrett turned to Dina, Jose and Matt. “You three are to respect and show courtesy to your hosts, including their mates. They will treat you well if you do. You’ll learn rules you must follow, not only to survive in this world as an undead citizen but to survive within the nest itself. None of the older vampires will put up with whiney, angsty teens for long. Fair punishments are allowed. Do you understand?”
“Yes, master.”
“You don’t have to call him that, Jose.”
“Oh. Sorry. What about the others?”
“You said eight?” I turned to Dina.
“Eight or nine.”
“These three vampires represent three other nests. Their masters have agreed to take two or three of your group to their homes. Like with you, they’re willing to train your friends. To give them the help they need to gain the protection of a reputable nest. But like with you, if they continually show they cannot be trusted, they’ll be executed.”
“Executed?”
“Yes. The master vampire will contact me and I’ll make the decision.”
“You wouldn’t…”
“I would. We do not harm humans, shifters or any other supernatural beings unless we are attacked and have no other choice. That is the First Law of my territory. Anyone who refuses to obey it will be executed humanely.”
The trio of teens turned pale, only this time it wasn’t for lack of blood. Garrett leaned closer. “I know the masters of these nests. They’ll be kind as long as you understand you’re at the bottom of the hierarchy and must earn your place if you are to advance.” Garrett smiled. “I believe in you. You’re survivors. Believe in yourselves.”
“Can we call you?” Dina asked.
Garrett hesitated. “You can email me and I’ll respond, but don’t take advantage of this gift. My time is valuable.” Garrett turned to Claudius’s second. “I’ll discuss this with Claudius when he calls.” The vampire nodded.
Garrett turned to the others. “Please gather the other teenagers and divide them between your nests. No one should go to a nest alone. I will expect to receive a call from each of your masters tonight.”
They nodded.
“What I told him applies to your nests, including my visits and the gift.”
All three smiled, but only the tallest one stepped forward. “We will do as you say, master.”
They left with the kids and I sank onto our comfy couch. “Vampire meetings are so freakin’ stressful. It’s the overboard formality.”
“Aaron talks about how his wolves need discipline, but it’s even more true for vampires. The formality keeps them in line.”
My gaze slid to Sash and Rick, sprawled on our matching armchairs.
Garrett laughed. “If one of these dunderheads had broken one of the rules I laid out at the beginning, I’d have pulled the master card.”
They jumped up in unison and bowed.
“Yes, master.”
“Yes, master.”
“Sit down,” Garrett grumbled.
“Yes, master.”
“Yes, master.”
“You guys look like bobble heads.” I laughed.
“Fun’s over. Get out.”
“Yes, ma—”
“Now!”
They ran off at vamp speed, the sound of their laughter quickly fading away.
“It wasn’t all that long ago we were bowing to Eleanor.” Garrett sighed. “It’s good to see them happy.”
“Isn’t it against the code to turn teenagers?” I asked.
“Punishable by death.”
I shuddered and Garrett drew me closer, kissing the corner of my mouth so I couldn’t help but turn it up in a smile.
“Change in plans,” he whispered. “Will you come with me, Sash, and Rick tonight to NAVA? I’ll include Farrell in our group and we’ll leave around four a.m.”
“What time is it now?”
“Around eleven.”
“I’ll make arrangements at a hotel. We won’t need Joseph this time around.”
Joseph was the leopard shifter pilot we hired to fly the team’s private plane. In a situation that crossed international lines we would have had to contact International Vampire Association headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland and fly in, but as far as we knew this was only a North American crime. NAVA headquarters was located in Montreal and since Garrett has been there numerous times, we could take the lines.
“Farrell will like this trip a lot better than babysitting me.” I stood, pulling the scrunchie out of my hair and letting the blonde tangle fall around my shoulders. “I’ll pack a few things in case we have to stay over.” I pictured a nice warm shower. “I’m cleaning up then crawling into bed for a few hours. Long day.”
“Room for two?” He stood, sliding his hand to my hip, and eyeing my neck.
“We’ll have to be quick.”
“Mon ange. You ask too much. We Frenchmen are never quick when it comes to pleasuring our lovers.” He used an overdone accent that always made me giggle.
“You’re American now, and if we’re going to make it to Montreal before dawn…”
He yanked me hard against his body. “You underestimate my abilities to delegate. Sasha will call the hotel and contact Farrell. Rick will pack a few things. They need to dress more formally when meeting the higher ups at NAVA. They’re not to show up at our door for another four hours.”
“You’re so masterful, master.”
“I may have to punish you for that.”
In one graceful movement, Garrett picked me up so my legs could wrap around his waist and my mouth could continue its slow climb up his chin to nibble on his lips.
When we got to the bathroom, the male I loved more than reason, more than life, released me slowly so I could slide down his body before my feet touched the floor. Passion gleamed in his sapphire eyes as he threaded his fingers into my hair and pulled me in for a heated kiss.
When we pulled apart, his forehead pressed against mine, his grip tightened in my hair. “I need you tonight.”
A visit to NAVA was a big deal. Although a major player on the west coast, NAVA’s directors were able to strip Garrett of his position, even order his execution if he didn’t toe the line.
Digging my nails into his shirt with one hand, I clasped his nape with the other. “I’m here. Always.” I kissed him slow and easy, broadcasting my forever love and loyalty more than my heated need.
He turned on the shower heads and we stripped, slipping in and taking the time we needed to care for each other. The sight of his naked body made me ache with need, so when he pressed me against the wall of the shower, bit into my neck, and joined us together, I yielded completely, meeting his demands with equal force. Like his nest, Garrett needed to be at the top of his game tonight. My blood, my body, and my love would help him find his focus.
We laughed shyly when we pulled apart, both of us a little shocked by the power of our mutual need. Garrett stroked my hair, tucking the thick strands behind my ears. “Did I hurt you?” He licked the bite marks, healing them in seconds.
“Never. Exactly the kind of punishment I love,” I teased.
“We don’t have time for a gentler round.”
I handed him the shampoo and turned so he could wash my hair. “I’ll wash yours next.”
“Yes, mistress.”
When we finished in the shower, we dried off and dressed. Garrett chose black leather pants, a black tee shirt, a black leather jacket and black boots. His don’t fuck with me look. I went with the same style pants and jacket but chose a red silk blouse and short boots with heels. We strapped on our ancient daggers and packed a few items, throwing them into a couple of backpacks.
His expression turned serious. “I’m as worried about this new turn of events as you are. Thinking that Charlie may be thrown to the wolves so to speak. My oldest friends turning against me. On top of that, a nest of rogues attacking children and others attacking shifters.” He leaned over and kissed the corner of my mouth. “I’m afraid I can’t always be as strong as you need me to be.”
“Crazy vampire. My mate is the strongest, bravest, smartest male in the three realms. You’re exactly who I need every minute of every day.”
Garrett arched a brow.
“That last bit was a slight exaggeration,” I admitted.
He laughed. “I imagine so.”
“But even when I’m steaming mad, I love you.”
“And that’s what makes you the perfect mate.”
“Take me to bed, mate.”
“My pleasure.”