Certain he was ready to be the liberator of the coven; Alec didn’t want to involve the three who were closest to him. Isabella. Without her friendship, he would not have accomplished what he had so far. Boris. Another alpha male who stood for the same things he did but didn’t know it until he got to know him. Finally, there was Brie. Short, beautiful, and his equal. Without her, nothing was impossible. He thought of Brie as his rock. Stability was important to his plan. Yes, he would send them all home, and prayed he would be with them again.
Brie was the first to learn the news. Alec thought he might never see her again, so he made love to her like he never did before. Brie was surprised and satisfied.
“What was that all about?” she asked.
“I’ve decided to free the coven,” Alec answered. “I know you don’t want me to do this, but the knowledge that I’ve gained won’t let me accept what I’ve seen so far. I’m in a position of real power now and I have to do something to help our people.”
“Alec you can’t. We have waited most of our adult lives to join. I’ll not lose you now.”
“Hey, no negativity. If I live through this, I’ll come back to the farm and we’ll live happily ever after. Understand?”
“Is there anything I can do to change your mind?”
“I was ready to give it all up until I had the conversation with Brother Hannibal. Since he told me he would kill me if any of his secrets got out, I’ll just tell you his release is a nice way of saying he’s a mad man underneath.
“Yes, Brie, I’ll free the coven even if I have to die doing so. I wanted to give you one last memory of me just in case we never see each other again.”
“Alec, don’t speak like that. I’ll stay and fight along side you.”
“No. Your bags are packed. Tomorrow evening, you and Isabella will go home. Boris and I will discuss my plans, and he will be in the next carriage right behind you. You were right. Selena died because of my poor planning. I’ll not lose you, Isabella or Boris for the same reason. I’m sending you back to the safety of the Baby Farm.”
“I’ll not go. I’ll stay here with you.”
“No, you’ll go back to the farm with Isabella and Boris. That’s not a request. I’m speaking to you as an elder now. Do what you’re told.”
Brie pulled away from Alec, turned her back to him. “Yes, my lord.” Soon after, they both fell asleep.
Boris and Alec put their women on the carriage back to the Baby Farm the next night. Once the carriage was out of sight, Alec took Boris for a walk outside the castle walls.
Alec turned to look Boris in the eyes and said, “Swear to me that you’ll never in the remainder of your life repeat what I’m about to tell you. If you do, death certainly will come to you my friend.”
“I swear,” Boris said without taking his eyes off of Alec.
Alec then told Boris everything. Needless to say, Boris was surprised by most of what he heard.
“Once my mother is joined with Hannibal, the wheels will begin to turn, and there will be no going back after that,” Alec concluded. “If you’ve any questions for me, you must ask now because I believe he will join with her within the next couple of days. If you’re unsure of anything and wait to ask, it will be too late.”
“Good luck, my friend. I have all confidence in you.”
“Thank you.”
“To ensure you have my brother’s full support, get to Jayde first. She controls their relationship. I’ve seen it first hand.”
“I will.”
“Master Xander will be hard to sway. I know you’re his son-in-law, but remember, he gave his own child to a mad man simply because she didn’t live up to his expectations. He’s loyal to Hannibal, so be careful.”
“I’ll remember that, thanks.”
“Darth, Aurora and Julian will be in your corner because they desire to run their clans their own way. Hannibal has prevented this for many years.”
“Once I discover their true loyalties, we’ll come to the farm to make our final plans. This way I can ensure no one knows what we have planned. We’ll meet in the meeting room located underneath the castle. We’ll use the secret entrance. No one is to know we’re there. Once the plan is final, they will come back here, and I’ll stay at the farm for a few days to give them time to prepare.
“Afterwards, I’ll come back here and take care of business. With any luck, you’ll see me again. Once you do, you’ll know we, the coven, are free. If you never see me again, you’ll know I failed, and I’m dead. If so, please take care of Brie for me. Find a new man for her. I don’t wish for her to be sad at my death. Promise me you’ll see her happy if I never return.”
“I promise,” Boris said.
“Good. If there’s anything else you wish to tell me or ask the time is now. Once we say goodbye, we may not meet again.”
Boris slapped Alec on the shoulder, smiled and said, “We’ll see each other again my friend. When we do, it will be a time of celebration.”
Alec smiled and said, “I certainly hope so. Go. The carriage back to the farm waits.”
Boris hugged his friend and did just as he asked. Alec wasted no time with getting on with his plan. He immediately went to see Jayde and Bertrand. The both of them were available, but Alec desired to speak with Jayde first.
“My lord, it’s a pleasure to receive you. How may I help you?” Ophelia said after she answered the door.
“I wish to speak with Lady Jayde. Is she here?”
“Yes, my lord. I’ll retrieve her for you.”
Ophelia disappeared and Jayde quickly appeared in her place.
“My lord, Ophelia has told me that you would like to speak to me.”
“It’s true. Where is Master Bertrand?”
“He’s at rest, my lord.”
“Please excuse all of the servants within the chamber. What I wish to speak with you about is extremely private, and I don’t wish for any of them to know any of my business.”
“As you wish.”
Five house servants left the quarters before Alec began his conversation.
“Jayde, I wish to know your feelings about Master Hannibal.”
“I don’t understand your meaning.”
“In my opinion, he’s not the man we have come to love any longer. I wish to know if you agree with me.”
“I have noticed a change in him. To be honest, I don’t trust him, my lord.”
“Jayde this is a serious situation. If you’re lying to me, I promise you’ll not live.”
“I speak the truth, my lord.”
“Good. I leave it to you then to tell Master Bertrand of what I’m going to tell you. This is to remain a secret between the three of us. If it gets out, we’ll die.”
“I’m behind you, my lord.”
“Fine.”
Alec told Jayde his idea. When he was finished, Jayde smiled.
“I’ve waited for years to be free,” she said. “Bertrand found me within a different coven. We fell in love, and we joined. Master Hannibal is nothing like my former master. I’ll do what’s necessary to be free once again.”
Alec looked at Jayde and asked, “You’re not originally of this coven?”
“No. I once was a member of the same coven as Lady Isabella’s sister. My former coven and this one now are allies.”
“It pleases me to hear this. Lady Jayde, I’ve changed my mind. I wish for Master Bertrand to be awake now. The only way to do this is to wake him through his dreams. I’ll go to Mistress Angela and have her send one to wake him. When he’s awake, you’ll tell him about what I wish him to know.”
“Forgive me, my lord, but the sun will be up in only a couple of hours.”
“I realize this. Master Bertrand has the option of staying awake when the sun comes up, but I don’t. I’ll return soon.”
Alec went to Angela and made his request. Angela, being on the lower rung of the council, complied without question. Soon afterwards, Bertrand was awake.
“My lord, what do you wish to speak with me about?” he asked when he saw Alec.
Jayde looked at her mate and said, “It’s I who summoned you my dear.”
“Well, get on with it. You know how I despise being awakened against my will.”
Jayde told Bertrand of Alec’s wishes.
“I’m behind you, my lord. You may command my forces as your own.”
“This is good to hear,” Alec said. “What I wish to know next is how to get Julian on my side.”
“It’s simple. Master Julian is an opportunist. Make it so he wins and you’ll have him.”
“Thank you. Wait for my signal, and then we’ll move forward.”
With a sleepy voice, Bertrand replied, “As you wish, my lord.”
By the time the sun came up, Alec had won over all of his potential allies, save one. Xander was the one he was saving for the next night. He knew it might take several hours to win him over.
The following night, Alec was in the sitting room of his father-in-law. Xander took his job seriously, and was one of the few who were loyal to Hannibal, no matter what Hannibal had done.
“My lord, I’ve received several reports you wish to speak to me,” Xander said. “It’s my job to protect the coven. I’m very busy. What do you want?”
Knowing he was much younger than the man who stood before him, Alec knew he could show no fear outwardly or no doubt in his words if Xander was to believe him. “I’ve come to an important conclusion. I can’t stay in this castle with your daughter if I don’t feel safe.”
Xander was offended. “My guards are the best within the coven. They’re even more reliable than Julian’s feral dogs. You don’t have to worry of any outside interference.”
Alec stared at Xander and asked, “And what of inside interference?”
“Inside interference? There’s none that I’m aware of.”
“So, you’re as unaware as I’ve heard,” Alec sighed. “Master Xander, are you aware the man you call your king is a rogue? Actually, he’s our original rogue. He’s the very thing he himself despises.”
“Impossible. Master Hannibal is a respectable man and an extremely effective leader.”
“Your daughter is in danger, Xander. That’s the only reason I’m discussing this with you. I love her, and I know you do as well. You say you’re happy to gain me as a son-in-law, so please allow me to state my case.”
Not knowing what Alec was going to say, and certain it couldn’t be bad, he glared at Alec and said, “Speak.”
Alec told Xander the entire story. Xander, however, was reluctant to believe it.
“How do I know you’re not trying to gain my favor to take over the coven?” Xander asked.
“After Hannibal is gone, I promise you’ll have a seat on the newly reformed Clan of Kings. I’ll temporarily be king.”
“Why only temporary? If something happens to Hannibal, you’re to step into his seat. It’s our law.”
“It’s also in our law that I may relinquish my title anytime I wish.”
“Forgive me for saying so, my lord, but that’s stupid.”
Knowing he had Xander by a hair, Alec smiled and said, “Hear me out. I have five current clan leaders in mind for the Clan of Kings. You’re one of them. I don’t want to be king. I only wish to love your daughter. If I were king, I would be very busy, and would have no time to love her.
“I want to go back to the life I’ve known for the last eighty years. Brie would be happier amongst the children, and I want her to be happy. Don’t you want your daughter to be happy, Xander?”
Xander thought of Alec’s situation, and formulated his own idea. “You’re only doing this to restore your father to the panel of elders.”
“No,” Alec said as he shook his head, “he’s not one of my choices for the Clan of Kings.”
“Well, why not? After all, he’s the next oldest one of all of the elders.”
“He’s not one of my choices. That’s all you need to know. I promise you’ll have a seat. Follow me by choice, or I’ll order you to do it. I would prefer you followed me by choice.”
“What you’ve planned Alec, quite frankly, is stupid. But since I seem to have no choice, I’ll follow you.”
“Good. I only have a couple of days to plan this.”
“Why only a couple of days?”
“An event will set the wheels in motion. Once this happens, we have to move.”
“What’s the event?”
Alec was certain Xander didn’t know, and saved the best for last. “I’m sorry, I thought I told you. Brother Hannibal is planning to join with my mother.”
Xander now was conflicted. The Hannibal he knew would never take the mate of another. He might be intimate with them, but he would never take another man’s mate. “Alec, you lie,” he said as he turned his back to Alec.
“Nope. Every word is true. Think about the events leading up to this very moment, and you, yourself, will see it’s the truth.”
Xander thought for a moment and did just as Alec said. When he had processed everything, he said, “Perhaps you’re right.”
“Do you still think my idea is stupid?”
“Well, of course I do, but I’ll still stand by you.”
“Wonderful. Thank you, Master Xander. I’ll be in touch. Oh, and by the way, this conversation is secret. If it gets out, we’ll die for treason. So don’t breathe a word of this to anyone, not even Natasha.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
“If you need me, I’ll be in my parent’s chamber.”
Alec left and went to see his father. Jaymes was in his bedchamber reading. Before he knocked on the door, Alec already had excused all of the servants in the chamber so they would not hear what he was about to say. Alec knocked on the door.
“Come,” Jaymes said.
“Father, might I have a word with you?”
Jaymes looked up and replied, “Certainly, come in.”
Alec entered and closed the door behind him. “Where is mother?”
“With Hannibal.”
“Sorry I asked.”
“No, it’s okay. What did you want to talk about?”
“What do you think of a coup d’état?”
“Alec, I’ve already told you to stay out of this. Hannibal will kill you.”
Scoffing at his father’s words, Alec replied, “Hannibal will do nothing. Father, you have to promise me you’ll never ever utter one word of what I’m about to tell you to anyone.”
Jaymes looked at his son. Out of curiosity, he said, “Sounds serious. Tell me.”
Alec told Jaymes everything he had learned over the last few days. Jaymes was shocked by some of what he was hearing, even though he knew most of it already. Of everything he heard Jaymes was most shocked when he heard what his mate was capable of doing.
“Zelda is a necromancer?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“How do you know Hannibal told you the truth?
“I didn’t believe him, so I asked mother, and she told me so herself.”
“So, she has been controlling me.”
“No. She told me she has never used this power on you. If she had, you would know it.”
“What you’ve told me is astounding. I will help you.”
“Wonderful. That’s what I was hoping you would say. Once mother and Hannibal join, the wheels will be put into motion. The only information I need now is how to kill him. Once I know, I can go forward with the rest of my plan.”
“Who else is helping you?”
“The top five seats on the council. Who else?”
“Even Xander?”
“Even Xander.”
“I must say son, you’re indeed something to see. I’m most proud you’re going to be our king. You’ll be a good king.”
“That’s if we’re able to pull this off.”
“What do you need me to do?”
“It has only been a little while since you were named leader of the Mixed Bloods. I realize not everyone has moved yet. How many are in your clan right now?”
“Thirty.”
“This is good. You’re still small. It will be your job to get rid of the current elders.”
Jaymes closed his eyes and shook his head. “No. I’ll have no part in killing my brothers.”
“Father, they’re no longer your brothers, they’re my brothers. Your brothers allowed Hannibal to kick you off the panel of elders. The only one who stood up for you was Master Darth. I didn’t hear one word from anyone else in the room, including your former brothers.
“You wanted in, this is your role. If you don’t think you can do it, have another from your clan do it.”
“None of them are strong enough to do it.”
“Well, I guess you get the honors. Since we don’t know any of their weaknesses, they will have to be decapitated.”
“What of their mates?”
“I don’t wish mother to be without her close gaggle of friends, but you’ll kill them if you must.”
“Fine.”
“There’s one more thing I would like to know since it’s no longer a secret.”
“What’s that?”
“I wish to know of my birth mother.”
“Where did that come from?”
“Hannibal said she was your personal servant. How is that possible? She was human.”
Jaymes smiled and said, “I’m now going to tell you something that even your mother doesn’t know.
“The reason I was so fond of Lily is because before I was made, she was my wife.”
“Hannibal said you never touched her.”
“I never touched her after I was made. I didn’t want to separate from her. Therefore, I enlisted one of the Clan of Usurpers to perform blood magic for me. They gave Lily some of my blood, and it only was supposed to connect her to me. This way she would be safe to live within a coven of vampires. However, it did just a bit more. The blood magic made her immortal, or so I thought.”
Alec realized what his father was trying to say to him. “My birth killed her.”
“Yes, it’s unfortunate. You would have liked her.”
“What did she look like?”
Jaymes looked across his bedchamber and pointed to a painting on the wall.
“I’ve looked at this painting hundreds of times wondering who she was. She was beautiful. Do you still love her?”
“Not in the same way I love your mother. Lily and your mother got along surprisingly well after we joined. The three of us were very close. Her death also devastated your mother.”
“I wish I would have gotten to know her.”
“As do I.”
~~~