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A harmonious howl rings through the courtyard maze of the mansion as all the supernaturals celebrate Mark’s ascent to alpha status.
It is heartwarming to see the smiles among both vampire and wolf alike. Their shared merriment of this moment is evident throughout the labyrinth. Even Titan seems uplifted as he watches his sisters, Ketu and Keitai, playfully run about the grounds.
While I am happy for the part I’ve played in Mark’s ascendancy, the pendulum that is my heart instantly swings to Dacari. Now more than ever I want to find my cousin, safe and well. Though, as I look out to the crowd of vampires, wolves, and Altrinions before me, I am thankful to have such a grouping ready to aid in the quest.
Dalcour hasn’t wasted much time enlisting factions of both vampires and Altrinion-vamps to our cause. He is just as eager as I am to find my cousin and his brother—her father.
“Don’t worry, Damina,” I hear Brae’s soft voice behind me whisper. “Mark already said he won’t rest tonight until he reunites you with Dacari.”
“Can you read my mind now?” I quietly ask, smiling at the softer features now rounding Brae’s apricot blushed cheeks. It’s odd not seeing her with her typical pale, white skin. The flush of red glowing beneath her skin reminds me that she more resembles a human, despite the undercurrent of supernaturality brewing beneath the surface.
“No, ma’am. I have no parlor tricks left in my bag, I’m afraid,” she laughs.
“Well, you’re certainly not a vampire or Scourge anymore, my dear! I had quite the cracked door to your—um—very vivid thoughts on your beau’s new physique!”
“Oh my gosh, Damina! You could hear my thoughts?” Brae questions in shock.
“I heard enough, but don’t worry, I turned it off when you started moving away from the PG-13 version.”
“Well, there you have it! I’m really not living on the dark side anymore. It’s been more than two-hundred years since I’ve felt remotely mortal—and now—look at me!” Brae says, twirling in laughter. While her bubbly persona has always been a key quality in my once favorite gothic vampire, she is now more giddy than I could imagine.
“And what a sight you are!” Mark’s smile is wide as he lifts Brae up from behind and continues twirling her in his embrace. The two share in a sweet kiss as she holds her small hands against his jawline, twining her tiny fingers through his clean-cut beard. “I can’t wait to make you all mine! We’ll have a league of pups after tonight, baby doll. I hope you’re ready,” Mark whispers, nipping Brae at her neck. She squirms between his broad biceps and laughs, pounding his chest.
Looking at the two, I am so happy for them. Seeing their love makes my heart leap. Even more, I’m thankful Mark found some clothes. It was hard enough eavesdropping on Brae’s impassioned thoughts, and I don’t want a repeat.
“Just the other day that was us,” Jackson breathes his words softly in my ear from behind me. Despite the muggy evening air, his breath is cool against my skin, sending tingling sensations throughout my entire body. Gently placing his hand at my waist, Jackson’s sweet and spicy scent invades the space around me as he lingers at my neckline. My pores prickle as he leans himself against me, and I hear his breath hitch as a low rumble churns through his chest. Pointing to the crowd of supernaturals, Jackson places his lips at my earlobe and whispers, “All of this, baby, I’ll gladly give it all up for us.”
“Jackson,” I plea in protest.
Placing his forefinger at my mouth, he lifts my chin so that our eyes meet. “Maybe not tonight, but soon, baby soon. It will be us again,” he says as he looks over my shoulder, admiring Mark and Brae’s affection.
Quickly pulling himself away from me, he turns to Mark and forces out a faux cough, interrupting Mark and Brae in mid-swoon.
“Yes, my lord,” Mark answers dutifully, slowly dropping Brae to his side, keeping her hand locked in his.
“So, Mark is ready to issue your first orders?” Jackson asks, with his arms folded at his waist.
“Yes, my lord. First orders?”
“Well, somebody has to get this bunch out of my yard and out looking for Dacari,” Dalcour adds, now coming to Brae’s side. He gives her a warm smile, and she wraps her arms around his waist, and he plants a light peck on her forehead.
“But my lords,” Mark counters. “This is your home, Lord Marchand. And Lord Nashoba, you are our Prime Alpha. If anyone has the right to address the assembly gathered here, it’s the two of you.”
“Ha! At least the mutt has kept a sense of propriety about him!” Titan scoffs as he saunters up the patio stairs and leans on the iron railing.
“That’s enough, Titan! The newly appointed alpha, Lord Helsing, has much a right to speak as either Lord Nashoba or I.” Dalcour says in a stern rebuke.
Titan blows through his mouth and laughs, forcing his hands in his pockets. He shakes his head in annoyance but keeps reins in his frustrations.
“I like the way that sounds. Lord Helsing!” Brae merrily snickers and we all laugh.
“Well, then Lord Helsing, it’s time for you to address your people,” Jackson adds.
“My people?” Mark answers as the reality of it all takes over.
“Yes, young lord. Your people. The wolves of Louisiana are now of your regency and den. And with the removal of your Dunes curse, you have also taken rank as Beta Prime.”
“But you are our Alpha, Lord Nashoba,” Mark replies graciously, bowing his head toward Jackson.
“You are their Beta Prime, young lord. You are their alpha,” Jackson continues. “Besides, it is good for them to get used to hearing your voice.” Jackson lifts his eyes toward me as he speaks, and I know he’s referring to shifting the entirety of prime wolf responsibilities to Mark.
“Not only are you their alpha and Beta Prime, Mark, but you now also control the Guard,” Dalcour says as he pats Mark’s hulking shoulders.
“As it should be,” Brian says in agreement, now coming to our side. His smile is bright from ear to ear and a brotherly pride swells his chest as he looks on at Mark.
“Well, baby, are you ready?” Brae questions.
Mark gives a quick glance to the circle around him and I watch as he exhales his remaining trepidation while stepping to the edge of the patio and begins to pull the attention of those amassed in the backyard.
“Wolves of Louisiana!” Mark roars to the thunderous sound of cheers. “I thank you for standing with me to reclaim our rightful ranking. I will not soon forget each of you who stood by me. But our time for celebration has not yet come. Our first singular charge as those of the lupine strain are to protect the Order of Altrinion. We are first and foremost the protectors of their sacred lineage. Now, just as the Lady Damina pledged herself to aid in the rebuilding of our packs, from her work with the mansion to her pledge to my bloodline, it is time we did the one thing we were created for. We protect what we love—”
“Because we love to protect!” The crowd chants in response.
As many times as Jackson has spoken that very phrase to me, tonight is the first time I’ve heard it come from others. It must be a wolf thing.
The assembly of supernaturals continues their sprawling shouts, and Mark lifts his hand to quiet them.
“Now, you all have your orders so let us—” Mark begins but is interrupted by a lightning bolt of light cracking the night sky, sending a bright blue current straight to the center of the labyrinth.
Loud gasps and hissing sounds echo through the courtyard as a raucous outcry is heard from the place of the lightning strike. At the sound, both Dalcour and Jackson sandwich me between the two of them as Brian, Titan, and Gregory group together to shield the corners of the patio, leaving Mark standing front and center. Brae remains at Mark’s side, but I quickly pull her back with me to keep her from harm. Her initial reflexes worked to push me away, but her newly given human-like state keeps her in my grip.
“Well, well, well,” A smooth and lush voice calls from the center place of the maze. “Look at all these supernaturals gathered here together! I don’t suppose my invite got left in the mail, eh little brother?”
“Decaux!” Dalcour shouts.
The entirety of the compound grows pin-drop silent at the calling of Decaux’s name, and I push my way from between my two protectors so that I can finally set my eyes to his face.
As I do, I am in awe of what I find.
The face of a man who looks like Dalcour but doesn’t.
Decaux’s features are just as captivating as Dalcour’s but there lies a sinister ring of fire outlining his irises that instantly lets me know he is not his brother.
Even his wicked smile is enchanting. Pearly white teeth, with half-protruding fangs showcase a haunting allure that is hard to miss. I can see why my aunt fell for him.
He stands just a few inches taller than Dalcour, but his muscular frame is leaner. Wearing all black, a dark fedora with a gray feather and the same dagger necklace at his jugular as Dalcour, their similarities are jarring. And much like Dalcour, just his looks alone make even the surrounding female wolves coo in response.
Pulling myself away from his wickedly enchanting grin, I gaze over at my aunt and see her face pale before me. Looking back at Decaux, I hope to see what is troubling her.
And now I do.
Dacari.
Seeing my cousin now at Decaux’s side prickles pins and needles like acupuncture from head to toe. I don’t know if it is the red staining her lips or the leather jacket and fishnet tights she’s wearing, but everything about her seems off.
“Dacari!” I scream in response. She ambles slowly from his side, still remaining in his shadow. Smiling weakly, my cousin looks at me and my heart warms knowing she is happy to see me.
But why is she with him?
“Stay near me, Damina!” Dalcour snaps, gripping my wrist. I’m sure he fears I’ll run to my cousin, but I won’t. From what I can see, my cousin is not a hostage. There have been few times in Dacari Peyroux’s life where she has ever allowed herself to be bullied.
Now is not that time.
“Hi, Damina,” Dacari answers softy, allowing a brighter smile to fold over her face until it reaches her eyes. As I stare at her, I see no pretense. Nothing in this moment makes me believe she is doing anything against her will.
I am also surprised to see Dorine and Padma standing on opposite sides of both Dacari and Decaux. After their disloyalty, their appearance is still shocking. Rippling snarls race through Dalcour and Mark as they stare at both women. Even Brae’s lips curl in disgust and I know if there were a moment she wished she was still vampire—this would be it.
“Are you all right, Dacari?” I question, hurriedly. “Has anyone hurt you?”
“I am fine, cousin,” Dacari responds with a cool low tone. Her smile slowly fades as her eyes shift to her mother. “No, I am not hurt; at least not how you might think, Damina.”
“Dacari!” Aunt Delia cries as both Dilano and Alana press their hands into her shoulder, preventing her from rushing to Dacari.
“No worries, my sweet daughter,” Decaux starts as he pulls Dacari closer to his side. “We will get to the heart of that matter at another time indeed.”
“Then why are you here, brother?” Dalcour demands.
“Well, I came to see your oaths to me fulfilled, my dear brother. And from the looks of things, you’re doing a splendid job!” Decaux claps his hands and the resounding boom of it flashes memories of Keiron’s treachery in the same spot replay in my mind.
“Speak the truth, Decaux! Why are you here?” Dalcour shouts back.
“I am speaking the truth, brother,” Decaux answers in a more subdued tone as his eyes lock with Dalcour. “I suppose I could have waited for your little battalion of misfits to descend on my compound, but I wish no one here any ill will. Well, most everyone,” Decaux says, shooting a dark glare at Aunt Delia. “But I must say I am impressed! You have a horde of Dunes wolves—all with their proper rankings and an alpha to match. And with your worldwide blood collection sites, the Civility Centers are thriving, sating the thirsts of vampire and Altrinion-vampires alike. Some say they never grow thirsty,” Decaux finishes with a wicked grin, licking his lips.
Dalcour shoots an uneasy glance at me, and I know a part of him wishes I never knew about his dealings with the private prisons.
Decaux lowers himself and Dacari to the ground and begins walking toward us. Stopping short of the patio, he turns about looking at the crowds of supernaturals gathered in the courtyard. Low snarls and hisses radiate throughout the yard, but he lifts his hand to silence them and points to the hedges along the property line.
“Now, now, I wouldn’t make too much ruckus if I were you. My league of Scourge and Skull only awaits my word and they will descend upon this place with a fury with the likes of that of which you have never seen.” Decaux’s pointed finger rings around the crowd and grumbling growls echo from afar.
Mark walks closer to the edging of the patio and gives a rebuking glare at the wolves and they rein in their ceremonious wail at his command.
“My brother, it looks like you’ve got a keeper in this young alpha! Good work indeed!” Decaux teases.
“Take one step closer, you murderous leech and I’ll—” Brian barks
“And you’ll what? Kill me? Please!” Decaux dismisses Brian, tossing his hand over his shoulder, laughing with Dorine and Padma.
“You killed my family! The Abahana’s! Women, children—” Brian cries in an ear-splitting roar. A small uprising of wolves in the back of the garden who Dalcour earlier pointed out were from Brian’s hometown begin pushing their way forward. The pain of his cry is almost deafening. Slowly, memories of the second line parade for Abahana, Brian’s grief-stricken face, and the night we first met rip through me.
“I killed no one!” Decaux protests and the burgeoning clamor of the crowd instantly grows silent.
“What lies do you now tell, Decaux,” Cedric shouts from afar. “We saw the bodies!”
“How easy is it for you to blame me than acknowledging the fact your greatest enemy came from within!” Decaux snaps back.
“What are you saying, brother?” Dalcour questions, curiously.
“I speak of Mikkel, dear brother. It was he and his blood thirsty Vitreous clan. Their little faction is hell bent on destroying any trace of pure-blood Altrinions or their distant kin. Abahana was one such kin of the LeClaire family.”
“Are you suggesting you were set up?” Titan asks, coming closer to Dalcour’s side.
“I suggest nothing. I have nothing to defend—well, that is, until now” Decaux replies softly, as Dacari loops her arm tight with his, resting her head on his shoulder.
“But Decaux, you called me only moments before they were attacked!” Dalcour counters.
“Coincidence, I suppose. But I had no need or want to kill a pure-blood Altrinion. You well know I have never fallen in league with such thoughts of supremacy, brother. Has not the city of New Orleans witnessed firsthand the flaming fury by which I detest such bigoted barbarism? And from what Dacari has told me, the Vitreous has even come close to threatening the very life of her cousin—also a LeClaire. What would I gain from it?”
“Then tell me brother, what do you hope to gain now?”
“Balance, brother. Simply perfect balance. And with that, tell me little brother have you settled the third and final matter wherewith such a balance may be measured? Does your heart now beat?” Decaux whispers in a low, sly tone. Lunging forward, he presses his ear to the sky and smiles. “Ah, so my Dacari was right, your heart indeed does beat! May I presume it was the lovely Lady Damina who is responsible for its rhythm?”
Decaux’s eyes quickly scan to me and he looks me over, smiling widely.
“Well, brother, that is good to hear. Although not surprising. She is quite fetching! But I suppose that is an oddity coming from me. I mean, she is my daughter’s cousin. She could have very well been my niece—isn’t that right, Delia darling?” Decaux states.
“Enough, Decaux! I have given you everything you asked for. So end your grandstanding! End your war! Give Dacari back to her family!”
“I am with my family!” Dacari shouts back, gripping her hold on Decaux.
“I do not hold my daughter against her will. In fact, I am just as surprised as you to discover her existence. But it is without regret,” Decaux begins, looking over his shoulder at my aunt. “You see, I was in love with Delia Peyroux. In love. After Calida, I never thought I’d find a love to bring my captive heart to rhythm. When Delia came into my life—an unmarked Dunes wolf, I first only thought to help her. I wanted nothing more than to restore the ranking of the true guardians of the Order of Altrinion—the Beta Primes. After the treasonous deeds of the Alpha Primes, who for fear, used Changeling trickery to keep the Betas from ever challenging their rank, I’ve wanted to aid the Dunes in their reclamation. I thought I could do that through Delia. And then we fell in love—and then poof—she was gone!” Decaux exclaims.
“I left you because you were a monster! A ravenous beast! I saw you feasting off children! How could I have a child with such a monster?” Aunt Delia objects.
“Perhaps the knowledge of our child would be the one thing to put the monster at bay?” Decaux’s dissent with my aunt is clear. He blames her for taking Dacari from him. “But alas—I am what I am. For too long we have lurked in the shadows, hiding from humans, or like the Skull—starving to near death all because we are labeled as monsters, meant for nothing than tipping through the shadows of night!”
“So is that why you killed my parents?” I shout through the dissonance of the still assembly. “Were you so hurt at the loss of my aunt that you commissioned their murder?”
“Beautiful, no, not here. Not now,” Dalcour says with a disapproving scowl, placing himself between me and Decaux.
“No, Dalcour the time is now! I want to look into his eyes. I want to look into the eyes of the one who killed my family and watch his explanation purge his lips as he speaks!” I yell back, lifting myself above the patio and taking flight closer to both Decaux and Dacari. Jackson and Dalcour rush to my sides, keeping wary gazes on Decaux, Dorine, Padma and even Dacari.
“My brother is right, dear one. Now is not the time.” Decaux keeps his eyes lowered as he speaks, but it is the somberness of his tone that distresses me.
“Baby, he’s not worth it,” Jackson calls to me over his shoulder, never taking his eyes off Decaux. “He’s caused you enough pain.”
“My father has caused you no pain!” Dacari screams, breaking my one-sided stare off with Decaux.
“You don’t know what you’re saying, Dacari! I told him I was a Nicaud—he came after Damina’s parents thinking it was me!” Aunt Delia cries from behind us.
Dacari’s eyes shift to her father, but he shakes his head, disavowing his involvement.
“Damina, my father had nothing to do with it!” Dacari maintains, keeping her position at her father’s side.
“Maybe not directly, Dacari but he had his minions carry out his wishes!” I insist.
“Damina, beautiful, not now,” Dalcour says once more.
“My darling, Delia,” Decaux begins, looking up at my aunt. “Did you really think I fell for your poorly constructed name swap? Anne Nicaud. Dear love, I knew you were a Peyroux from the moment we met. While I wasn’t entirely clear that your first name was not Anne, I undoubtedly knew you were a Peyroux. Why do you think I agreed to help you meet your valuation criteria? My brother and I knew the good Elias Peyroux quite well! I may not have known you carried my child—but yes, woman, I knew you!” Decaux snaps at my aunt.
“So you admit it? You knew all you needed to kill my family. So what—did you do it to punish her for leaving you?” I cry. I need to know the truth.
“If you do not tell her, dear brother, I will,” Decaux seethes through his teeth.
“Father, no! Not here!” Dacari pleads.
“Tell me what, Dalcour?” I question, turning to see his fear-filled eyes.