Montreal was backed up with traffic, the holiday shopping season starting earlier than usual and spreading north to include this beautiful city. We’d decided to check in at the hotel before making our way to the mansion that housed the NAVA board and staff.
Our three-room suite was luxurious, the view from the balcony spectacular, although the air was a little colder than I preferred. Call me a wuss, but northern California winters were more like early fall in Canada. I’d never been good at winter sports. Beaches were more my thing.
Garrett came up behind me, opened his coat and wrapped it around both of us. “Better?”
“Always, when you’re with me.”
“Ready to go?”
“Mmm hmm.” I snuggled closer.
“We can’t be late.”
“I know.” I sighed, but instead of obeying, turned in his arms, kissing him soundly. He responded exactly as I’d hoped, yanking me closer and holding me there. Finally, he gently urged me away.
“To definitely be continued later. We must go, my love.”
“Worth a try.” I jogged back to the balcony door, made sure the breeze hadn’t done too much damage to my carefully arranged hair, and accepted Garrett’s outstretched hand with a nervous smile.
With Sash and Rick touching Farrell’s shoulders, we took the lines to the back entrance of the enormous building. It must have been the front entrance once, because the plaque on the outside stated it had been built in the 1700s by representatives of George III, then taken over and used as a private college for a time. The North American Vampire Association took ownership in the early 1800s. According to Garrett, most of the former classrooms, eating halls and dormitories had been demolished and redone. Now NAVA headquarters included several large meeting spaces, one dining hall and kitchen for guests, a ballroom, a gym for sparring, an indoor pool, and at least a dozen elaborate bedrooms. Blackout shutters had been installed inside every window, so vampires were able to take advantage of the entire facility during daylight hours.
We took the elevator down to Level B2.
A male and a female greeted our team, their looks of surprise immediately hidden by stony expressions. They spoke in cultivated French and not the earthier French found in most areas of Montreal.
“Why have you entered NAVA with a fae and a demon, Monsieur Cuvier?”
“Jacqueline is my mate. Farrell is a member of my team. He’s here as my mate’s personal guard.”
Farrell nodded in the fae style and glanced my way, his lips curling up. I didn’t need a personal guard and was about to say so when Garrett sent, “Not the best time to argue.”
I sighed and nodded.
“I am Manuel and this is my associate, Patrice.” Garrett introduced Sash and Rick. “Please follow us.”
The hallways were narrow and dark and it became clear as we passed open doored rooms that this section of the basement level was designed for storage. At last we came to an elaborate door with an eye scanner device. Our female guard stood on tiptoe to use it and the door opened.
A large room similar to a luxury hotel lobby opened before us. Two fountains, a bar, plush carpeting woven in sumptuous colors and furniture that looked comfy enough for naps were decorated in shades of red, purple and black. Along each angled wall, the hexagram shaped chamber had built in double doors equipped with eye scanners. It was hard to believe that security was an issue in a building occupied by beings who could kill so easily.
I squeezed Garrett’s hand a little harder. “Does this feel right to you?”
“I’m usually admitted to a room on the first level. I’ve never had a meeting on B2.”
“Please join us over here. We’ll have complete privacy.” Manuel pointed toward the far corner where two males sat chatting. When they saw us, they rose, greeting Garrett with a firm handshake and acknowledging the rest of us with small smiles as we were introduced.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Jacqueline. Garrett speaks highly of you and all you’ve accomplished. I see he’s a fortunate male.” This particular male, introduced as Gregory, seemed to be the head honcho. I didn’t like that he’d called me Jacqueline or that he’d looked me over like he was considering having me as an appetizer.
Dane, the other male, bowed to Garrett with respect, referred to me as Mrs. Cuvier and indicated that I should sit. With impeccable manners, they waited as Patrice and I sat, then Garrett, Gregory, and Dane took their seats. Manuel remained standing behind Gregory, Sash took position behind Garrett, Farrell behind me. Rick stepped back to observe the room.
“We appreciate you coming in. We have an important matter to discuss,” Gregory said.
Tension? Oh yeah. But what was this really about? We’d come to report a dangerous situation in our territory. Gregory was behaving like the meeting had been their idea.
“We’re here because of a startling situation occurring in—”
Gregory held up a hand. “A moment please.”
Dane snapped his fingers and another vampire appeared. “Might I offer you refreshment? We have wine. Beer. Blood donors. Or we are happy to bring your mate and her… bodyguard a menu.”
The look he gave Farrell heated my blood.
Garrett placed his hand in mine to calm me down and answered for the group as he would for most of this discussion. “We’ll be eating at the hotel but thank you.”
“Where are you staying?”
“Nearby. The Esquire.”
“Excellent choice.”
Actually, we were staying at a different hotel closer to a private airport where Joseph, our pilot on call, waited with the plane. We couldn’t always rely on being able to use the lines. Best to prepare for every eventuality.
Gregory’s dark gaze turned toward Farrell. “I have a few questions, if I may. It is rare to see fae and vampires working together. How did this come to be?”
“Farrell has protected our son for more than seventeen years and is a key member of our Rogues Team. As I explained, he’s here today as Jacqueline’s personal guard.”
“You refer to Jacqueline’s son? Charles?”
“Yes, however—”
Gregory raised his hand again, this time with a finger pointed up. I felt like asking him if he had to use the potty.
Dane’s brows turned down. “Is a bodyguard truly necessary? We offer no threat. Garrett has controlled his territory with little violence. The nests in his region all speak of his fairness. They respect him despite his youth. NAVA recognizes your accomplishments.” Dane’s chair was next to mine. He leaned closer to me, placing a hand on my knee. “Many of our master vampires are still living in the Middle Ages.” He laughed as if we were sharing a private joke of some kind.
Farrell stepped forward, but I had this. I stared at Dane’s hand, then at him, allowing a bit of fang to show. He removed it.
Gregory cleared his throat, casting an unfriendly glance at Dane. “We understand why your mate feels she needs extra protection. This is normal for a delicate beauty such as herself. Perhaps it is best to send her and the fae guard back to the hotel.”
Sasha grunted softly behind us, probably trying to hold in the laugh. Delicate beauty was a phrase I’d be teased with for the next ten years.
Garrett straightened, his eyes narrowed. “Jacqueline is not only my lifemate, but my chief advisor. She is capable of taking down most threats on her own and as part of our team has killed rogues with her magic and her spelled blade on innumerable occasions. I trust her with my life and the life of our team. To disrespect her abilities is to disrespect mine.” He kissed my cheek in punctuation. “She’s precious to me, and I will never leave her unprotected.”
Our mental exchange was lightning fast. “When we get back to the hotel, all your wishes will come true.”
“A dangerous statement.” Garrett smiled.
“I live and love dangerously.” I rested my hand on his thigh.
“Vixen.”
Gregory frowned. “I apologize if I have offended either of you, but you must understand. We will be discussing matters for vampire ears alone.”
“Tonight I’d rather discuss what happened recently at our home in Crescent City and what appears to be happening up and down the coast of the Pacific Northwest. Jacqueline, Sasha and Heinrich were witnesses, which is one of the reasons I brought them along.”
Garrett described the plight of the newly made teens and their circumstances. Dane and Gregory shifted in their seats, glancing occasionally at one of the double doors.
“You say they’re all under seventeen years old?” Dane asked.
“Yes.” Garrett nodded.
“What do they say about the vampires who made them?”
The master vamps Garrett called had followed orders and cleared the beaches of all evidence of the teens’ presence, then divided the remaining teens between them. Garrett had received detailed reports.
“A female and male approached the young humans with an invitation for a meal in exchange for a service. They were weak with hunger and went along, figuring it was sex the two wanted. Anything was better than starving. Instead, they were attacked and changed, then kept prisoners until it was certain they’d survived the transition. Donors were brought in to feed them and after a few months, the teens were directed to the encampment and given keys to safe houses in the same area for the daylight hours.”
Gregory relaxed back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other. “This story is difficult to swallow. What purpose would it serve these two vampires to turn so many young humans into vampires?”
“Some must have died. Wasn’t anyone looking for these young people who disappeared?” Dane asked.
“You’d be surprised how many human children are abandoned or how many run away in our part of the world. Everywhere, really.” Garrett shook his head, his shoulders slumping. The children had been living as refugees in his territory, and we could have helped them, even as humans. Now as vampires, they may have to be put down. Lives lost that could have been saved.
“That is unfortunate, but what you describe still does not seem possible. They must have gone to bars or parties where vampires were known to exist and consented to the transformation. Many weak humans grow addicted to the bite of a vampire.”
“That isn’t what happened in this case.” All of the kids had told the same basic story. “And even if that were true, they were still underage.”
“For one couple to control so many vampires speaks of a power we at NAVA would have been aware of. You should have been aware of.”
“I don’t dispute that claim. I take responsibility for the state of these young vampires. But surely you will take action against the vampires who transitioned them against their will.”
“I will not, as there is no proof the children’s story is true.” Gregory signaled for his wine glass to be refilled. A server appeared immediately.
“The evidence is clear,” Garrett said.
“The young changelings are desperate. They’d say anything to keep from being left out in the sun to burn. I don’t believe a word of it.” Dane rose to pour himself a glass of wine from a decanter on a nearby side table. He held up the decanter but none of our party wanted a glass.
“Pardon me, Master Gregory, Master Dane, but Rick and I have seen the safe houses,” Sash said. “The refrigerators were stocked with bagged blood. Price tags were still hanging from clothes in the closets and some of the furniture. Vamps that age wouldn’t have credit cards for purchasing those items. The rental agent said an adult female took out a three-year lease and paid six months’ rent in cash on each home.”
“Perhaps one of them has a wealthy relative willing to support the children. To keep them off the streets.” Gregory crossed one leg over the other, completely unconcerned.
“They’re only in the houses during the day.” Garrett leaned forward, fisting his hands on his knees. “They roam the beaches at night. Hide in the caves.”
“Have they committed any crimes?”
“The police say no one has been attacked, but the children who came north to us left because the older children were starting to hunt the human runaways.”
“So they say, but where is the proof harm is being done? You say those children had been cast out by their families. Their master provided for them.”
“It is your duty as the head or our organization to send someone to my territory with the skills to investigate further. To find the couple we’ve so far been unable to locate.”
“If they exist. Which I do not believe.”
“Nonetheless…”
“You and your team are capable of managing this problem yourself.”
“Not at this particular time.”
“Oh? So the rumors are true.” He turned to Farrell once more. “Your people are determined to use our realm as your battleground?”
“The archdemon has declared war. We wish for peace.” Farrell’s tone was flat.
“Will the battle take place in northern California?” Dane sipped on his wine, looking to Garrett.
“We’re hoping to create a space where outsiders will not be impacted,” Garrett said.
“But in your territory?”
“Most likely.”
“I have heard Naberia wants to bargain. Is this true?” Gregory asked.
Garrett’s tone lowered, his eyes darkened. “She’s bargaining with our son’s life.”
“You keep referring to him as your son,” Dane said.
“Charles is my son.”
Gregory huffed out a breath. “We have not been contacted by another master regarding these issues. Your evidence points to nothing.”
“Investigations are costly,” Dane added.
I couldn’t keep my mouth shut a minute longer. “The maker should be imprisoned at least. The teens are underage!”
“So you say. But this is no concern of yours pretty lady.” Gregory turned away to speak to Dane.
I pulled up a picture of the three teens on my phone. “Do they look like they’re over eighteen?”
“No, but do I look like I am over four hundred years?”
Manuel chuckled at Gregory’s jibe, but I saw it for what it was. A threat. Gregory was almost twice Garrett’s age. Most likely a sun walker and possibly a vampire able to change shape along with any number of other powerful gifts. As the leader of the North American headquarters of a powerful organization, he had the jurisdiction to imprison Garrett or even call a vote to have Garrett executed.
Gregory was not a guy to fuck around with. But then neither was my mate.
Garrett’s voice turned icy. “This isn’t a joke.”
“I’m not saying it is.” Gregory raised his hand, attracting the attention of a group of vampires positioned near the far wall. They began to move forward.
Garrett stood, as still as a cobra about to strike. “I formally petition the NAVA board for help with the problem I have described. Will the board send representatives to investigate?”
“Not at this particular time.”
“Then my team and I will be leaving.”
“You will sit, please.”
Garrett hesitated, then obeyed.
“As a master in the conclave of NAVA, I suggest you drop this matter regarding the castaway children and run your territory according to our regulations. Fifteen was very much an adult in the time when I was born and I don’t see why we should coddle these males and females. Let them survive or not as they will. NAVA has allowed you and others to make your own laws for long enough. Live by ours or walk into the sun. Your choice.” Gregory rose and began to pace as if readying to deliver a lecture.
I stood, my fists clenched and my stomach in knots. “You can’t…”
Garrett pulled me down again. “Not now,” he sent.
“He threatened you.”
“He won’t listen to anything you say. You’re not a male and not a vampire.”
“He’ll listen to my damn magic.”
“Which would end in disaster for all of us. There must be over a hundred vampires working or living in this building. Leave it to me.”
“I will do as you say and drop the matter.” Garrett took my hand, then stood and bowed our goodbyes to both vampires. They watched with amused expressions as we moved away from the couch, slowly making our way to the exit. Sash, Rick and Farrell immediately took positions behind and to the sides. We had a wall to our left with a door we could break down in an emergency. Unfortunately, the door we’d originally entered through was on the other side of the large room.
The other vampires in the room, who’d been carrying on their own conversations, slowly got to their feet. We kept the wall to our backs and halted at the closest door. Only the stars knew where it led.
Gregory smiled, scanning our group with eyes beginning to dance with silver. His stance was relaxed, while we stood ready for a fight.
“Garrett, you will send your mate and her fae guard back to California. You, your second, Sasha Vodinski, and Heinrich Schultz will stay as our guests. Much has changed since your maker, Eleanor Howard, brought you here to plead her case to take over her territory, the very territory you inherited. Did you know she murdered the territory master in order to gain control? Does that sound familiar?” Gregory was outright smirking. “You are no different than the rest of us, no matter whom you associate with…” He glanced at Farrell. “…or chose as a mate.” His gaze skimmed to meet mine.
Silver danced in Garrett’s eyes. “As you are aware, I did not murder Eleanor. She demanded a duel and I gave it to her. She was executed in an appropriate manner.”
Gregory walked closer, eyeing our three guards warily. “We mean you and your nest no harm. We are meeting with other territory heads this week and next. You would have received a call to attend in the next few days, but since you’re here now, you will stay.
“You control one of the richest and largest territories in the west. There is much to discuss regarding your rule. The two members of your nest will not be allowed into the meetings you are attending, but like Manuel here, they will be made available to serve refreshments or to see to any of the attending territory masters’ other needs,” Gregory added. He allowed his gaze to take in Sasha and Heinrich. “They will be much in demand.”
Sash and Rick knew enough not to react to anything Gregory said. Garrett would be seen as too weak to control his underlings. Garrett remained silent, waiting for what Gregory would say next.
“If you don’t wish to obey our orders, we will find another master to take your territory and your nest.”
A chill snaked down my spine. He’d take Garrett’s territory away, and only the gods knew who he’d put in Garrett’s place. My mate had worked hard for years to keep the nests he controlled following fair laws he’d set down and not murdering innocents. And what would happen to Sash or Rick?
“You’ve taken matters into your own hands without asking for our approval or permission many times in the past. The team you have formed consisting of many creatures not vampire is a breach of the new code. However, if you cooperate and accept our revised platform, you may be permitted to continue. Our final decision should only take a month or two. In the meantime, you shall stay here.” Gregory gestured toward a group of vampires in black cargo slacks and black long-sleeved tee shirts. Probably not the usual gear for NAVA Headquarters.
“I cannot be away from my responsibilities for a month.”
“You are a powerful male with an ancient bloodline. Crime is not only occurring in your territory. You will work for us directly for a short time. Your subordinates as well.”
A silver fury streaked across my lifemate’s irises. “Our son’s life—”
“Is not our concern. And he is not your son. He is fae and shifter and demon and has no true connection to our organization.”
Garrett clenched his hands at his sides, taking a step toward Gregory. “You don’t need me here. You simply want to split up my team. To keep us away from Faerie and out of the battle. Who’s paying you?”
I clenched at my neck in the silence that followed. They worked for the archdemon.
Gregory’s dark eyes shone with silver. “I could lock you up for that comment. I take payment from no one.”
“I have shown you only respect, Master Gregory, Master Dane, in asking for help as any vampire in the organization has the right to ask. In any other instance I would stay and help in any way I could, but to keep me here against my will at a time of crisis in my territory and in my personal life is untenable.”
“Do not push me, Garrett. I have not requested anything of you I haven’t asked others to do. And if you think François will get you out of this, he is not who he once was.”
“François doesn’t flaunt his strength. He doesn’t have to.” Garrett’s words were bitten out, tension riding his body.
I threaded my fingers between his, calming him with my energy. “We have many powerful friends,” I whispered.
“It’s a sweet gesture to defend your mate, but you have no idea who we are or what we can do.”
“That goes two ways, Monsieur.” Farrell spoke up for the first time, his French a hell of a lot better than mine. I was in shock, but then Farrell studied our world voraciously, immersing himself in different human cultures. “Garrett and Jacqueline are allies of my people. Faerie will respond if he is harmed.”
I wasn’t sure that was true anymore, although Liam and Kellie would come. But their strength was needed for the war. Which was exactly the point of all this, wasn’t it? Charlie and Isaiah were off the grid. Brina and Jay, too. Someone meant to split us up. Weaken our alliances. Divide and conquer.
I was no rocket scientist, but all roads faced the DR as far as I was concerned. Naberia knew she was in trouble. Faerie was strong again and our team was kick-ass. Even if some of the fae turned against us, most would be grateful for our support. It made sense to do everything she could to split us up.
As the other vampires gathered together behind their master, Gregory stepped closer, speaking only to Garrett. “I will ask once more. Tell Jacqueline and your fae lacky to go back to Crescent City or wherever they desire. You and your small nest are safe in my care as long as you cooperate. I cannot guarantee the safety of any species outside of my authority.”
I glanced at the vampires behind Gregory and shivered. Farrell and I would be offered up as a yummy treat. The demon lines were weak on this level and the fae lines were non-existent. I might have to drag Farrell out of here myself unless they allowed us to take the elevator.
“I understand perfectly.” Garrett turned to me and gestured Farrell closer. “You two must go. Get your things from the hotel but leave mine, Sash and Rick’s.”
“We have rooms set aside here in the building. Your mate should have the hotel send your things. Oh, and leave the bill to us. It’s the least we can do.” Dane’s smile was first-class phony.
Farrell nodded deeply to Garrett as if he was obeying orders but sent us a mind to mind at the same time. “Liam, Kellie, Jackie and I will put our heads together. As always, know I will protect your family with my life.”
“You don’t need to say it. You’re family too. But thank you.”
I clutched at Garrett’s arm. “How can I leave you here? Any of you. What if they lock you up? Hurt you?”
“You know who to call. Mention his sire as well. No one else will be of any help in this situation.”
“But…”
“Jacqueline. Please. Neither of you can come back. He meant what he said about not protecting you.” Garrett tilted his head toward the growing group of well-dressed but hungry looking vampires.
“You’d never leave me here.”
“If I thought it was your only chance to be released, I would. It would kill me, but I would do it.”
He switched to speaking out loud. “I’ll be fine, mon ange.” It was important Gregory thought he was cooperating. “Go back to the hotel and get your things. And please call Joseph to tell him we won’t need the plane.” He switched back to mind speech. “Travel directly to Liam’s. Pick up Elle so she’s not alone.”
They’d be prisoners, probably held here on Naberia’s orders. Kept out of the fight for as long as possible. Garrett pulled me closer, wrapping an arm around my waist and kissing the top of my head. “My love, please.”
I was powerless. Again. “I’ll go.”
Sasha was white as a ghost, and he was pretty damn pale to begin with. “Tell Ellie…”
“Of course I will. She’ll stay with me.” Elle would help us plan our next move.
“Thank you.”
“Hurry along. They’ll be fine.” Gregory had flashed a fang when he’d said that. Another threat.
Garrett leaned down to brush his lips over mine, but I didn’t give a shit who was watching. I pressed my lips harder against his, stepping into his body so he could hold me tight as we kissed.
“I’ll get you out,” I sent.
“Make the calls, then leave it to them. Charlie is our priority. We’ll survive whatever they have planned for us. Gregory is throwing his weight around, testing my loyalty. And don’t forget. Sash, Rick and I survived Eleanor. I survived Fionna. Nothing could be worse than that.”
I stepped away slowly, our hands smoothing down each other’s shoulders, arms, and hands until only our fingers were twined together.
“Je t’aime.” I blinked back tears.
“Je t’aime, my sweet love.” Garrett kissed away the drops I couldn’t hold back.
I turned to Gregory and Dane. “I won’t forget this.”
“We will be home very soon. Do not worry.” Rick waved and smiled as they led him away, trying to reassure me. Sash gave me a thumbs up and Garrett and I locked eyes, only losing the connection when he was pushed through a door behind the others.
“Watch your back, demon,” Gregory whispered to me as he moved toward the door Garrett had used.
Farrell stepped beside me, placing his hand on my shoulder and giving it a squeeze. “Your family is strong. Stronger than the corrupt vampires of NAVA can imagine. We’ll get Garrett back safely. Try not to despair.”
I smiled at my friend, laying my hand on top of his. Farrell had truly become family over the years. Like Liam and Kellie and so many more. “I’ve rarely despaired in my life. My stubborn streak won’t let me sink to my knees and give up without a fight. Let’s get to the hotel.”
We dissolved and arrived in our hotel suite, only to hear someone fiddling with the lock. I slipped into the bedroom and snatched up my passport and the two ancient daggers. Farrell picked up a fireplace poker and tucked his body to the right of the door, ready to take down whoever was trying to break in.
A hotel employee entered and scanned the room, looking for something in particular. He caught site of Garrett’s phone and moved to pick it up. Farrell slid behind him, looped his arms over the male’s shoulders and pressed the poker into his neck. I closed the door behind our visitor.
“Who sent you?” Farrell asked.
“The manager told me the owner of the phone had left it accidentally and would be picking it up in half an hour.”
“What’s your manager’s name?” I asked.
“Uh…Mr. Jones.”
I picked up the hotel phone and pushed the button marked desk. “Could I please speak to Mr. Jones, the manager? Oh, I’m sorry, I must have gotten the name wrong. Could I speak to the manager on duty?” Our captive tried to squirm but Farrell pressed the poker closer. “Yes, hello. Did you send an employee to room 8099 to pick up a cell phone? No? Is there another manager on duty who could have asked him to do this?” I looked at the male’s tag. “The employee’s name is Curtis Phillips. Oh, you don’t. No, no. Everything is fine. We didn’t let him in. He must be gone by now. Thank you.”
Farrell pressed the metal rod even more firmly into the male’s throat. “Who are you and who sent you?”
“I do not have to tell you anything.” The male was an idiot.
“You will tell me everything,” Farrell snarled.
As I packed our things, Farrell interrogated the male, using techniques I might have balked at in the past, but couldn’t give a rat’s ass about now that my lifemate was in the hands of a group of venal vamps. We loaded everything onto one of those luggage racks they have in hotels, including our hostage, and took the lines to Liam’s house.
Kellaine raced outside, already sensing we were in trouble. “What do you need? Where is Garrett?”
“Can we talk inside?” We stored the rack with the luggage in their garage, locked the hostage in a basement room, and collapsed into a couple of kitchen chairs.
“What did you find out?” I asked Farrell.
“Gregory sent him. He’s someone they were willing to sacrifice.”
“Not hostage material.”
I remembered my promise. “Will you get Elle, Farrell? I know you’re tired, but I need to talk to Kellie.”
“Isn’t she watching the lords and lady?”
That’s what he called the dogs. “I’ll call the dog sitters.”
I took care of that call first, then gave Kellie the lowdown. Liam was at the school, making sure everything was shut down properly and that the students would be notified regarding the extended closure. He appeared a moment later, in time to hear most of the tale.
His first thought was the logical one. “You must call François.” Liam and Garrett had been close for over a hundred years. François was Garrett’s best hope for a quick release.
“My next call.” I rose to get a pot of coffee going, but Liam waved his hand and a carafe appeared on the table along with milk, sugar and mugs. “Thank you.”
Farrell arrived with Elle. He must have given her a quick explanation because she trembled slightly. I pulled her down onto the chair next to mine, my hand over one of hers on the table.
“Did they hurt you?” she asked.
“No. I’m fine. And we don’t know that Garrett, Rick or Sash will be hurt either. Dane said they had rooms set aside.”
Elle straightened in her chair. “We shall remain calm and ask the Balance to keep them safe.”
“I’m going to call François, his grandsire, and then maybe Kostas Appellas.”
Liam greeted Elle then turned to me. “Kostas is over five thousand years old.”
“Exactly. No four hundred-year-old vampire can compete with that lineage.”
“If anyone contacts the ancient Greek, it must be François,” Liam argued. “Kostas is a solitary creature and does not use modern machinery.” Liam pointed to my phone. “Kostas will have no trouble reaching Garrett mind to mind after François contacts him.”
I opened my laptop, pulled up the encrypted files, entered the complicated password, and wrote down the two phone numbers. “He has a phone.”
“He may, but it might infuriate him to have to use it. And do you speak ancient Greek?” Liam asked, his irritation evident.
“Doesn’t he speak English by now?” I regretted my words almost immediately. The world did not revolve around English speaking citizens.
“He may speak any number of languages. French, Italian, perhaps even Fae,” Farrell offered hopefully.
Liam shook his head. “Grandsire or not, François may feel it’s unnecessary to take his life into his hands and contact the most powerful vampire on the planet. Kostas could probably snap him like a willow wisp.”
“Garrett’s grandsire is not a coward.” Although he was a practical male. Liam’s point was a good one. Calling the boogeyman to save Garrett from a bloodsucking cockroach might be a little over the top.
Liam was also a practical male. “You know how this goes. We’ve been through it before. Garrett will survive as will the others.”
“This is Naberia’s doing.” Elle’s tone rose with fury. “She wants to divide us. It is working, is it not?”
“Garrett senses it too. Charlie is off gathering a larger army because the Fae suddenly don’t trust him. Garrett is now a prisoner. I’m back in Crescent City with our few remaining allies.” My bottom lip started to tremble as tears stung my eyes.
“Don’t discount Aaron, Kyle, and Ethan.” Liam squeezed my shoulder.
“I would never. They’re… They’re amazing team members.”
“Or the fae who will support you.” Kellie handed me a box of tissues.
Elle wrapped her arms around me as she began to weep as well. “They will survive. I know it. We must try to be strong.” But the tears came harder.
Kellie crouched beside us. “You’re staying here tonight. Both of you. You can’t go back to empty homes.” She rose and Liam wrapped an arm around her waist, giving her a sweet kiss on the cheek.
“You all must stay.” He smiled. “I’ll make a quick meal.”
“Thank you.” I said, wiping my face with two or three tissues. Elle only managed to nod to her fae friends.
“You don’t have to stay,” Kellie informed her brother.
“I’m afraid I can’t leave, sis. Garrett has placed me on guard duty.” Farrell winked at me, knowing I hated the idea of being guarded. Still, if anyone was going to do it, why not a sweet, adorable fae warrior? ‘Course calling him adorable was kind of strange as he was fifty years older than me, but Farrell was very young compared to most fae.
I hugged my friends who always seemed to know how to do or say exactly the right thing. I’d held back the stress and the fear for as long as possible but holding on to fear and hurt takes a lot more energy than letting it out.
Liam was the first fae I’d ever met. He’d welcomed me into Garrett’s home with a smile and an occasional stern lecture when I was being particularly bratty. Liam saved my life when he allowed me to use his ancient dagger in my duel against Antoine. The amazing friend who helped me through some of my very toughest times, Liam taught me to get back on my feet and keep moving forward.
He kissed my cheek. “Food. You need food and perhaps a glass of wine. Then sleep. Would you like me to call François? He and I are old friends.”
“No, but thank you.”
I made the call. He answered immediately, promised to gather a group and travel to Montreal at dusk the next day, and also to let Kostas know about the NAVA situation. The wonderful meal with friends revived me and Elle and I slept a full seven hours, rising early to face whatever came next.