Every wall of Alec’s office is lined with shelves that run from floor to ceiling. They hold a priceless collection of ancient books that no doubt contain information lost to civilization over time. The dark wood of antique furniture polished to a high shine, yet bearing the marks of history, adorns the office. In the very center of the three-story room sits a heavy desk with books stacked high upon its glossy surface. Two leather wingback chairs have been placed across from it. The pendant lamp above Alec’s desk encompasses an open flame, matching the torches placed in sconces around the room.
If I wasn’t aware that magic protects this space, I’d worry the texts would be in danger of being lost forever in a fire. It is common knowledge, though, that this room is heavily guarded by powerful wards.
I take a seat across from him and the old leather groans in protest. We’re nearly matched in our attire: dark slacks and simple button-down shirts. Although my clothes are custom tailored to fit my body perfectly. A pair of wire-rimmed glasses peek out from his shirt pocket and today he’s opted for a navy blue tie.
It’s not the first time I’ve come to visit him here, but this is the first time it’s been to deliver bad news.
“I’d almost forgotten how comfortable these chairs are,” I say as I sit back. Alec’s emotions are easily read. He allows his aura to coat the air around him. He’s peaceful and the comfort of his office makes it simple to follow his lead and adopt a relaxed nature. Vaguely I wonder if he already knows why I’m here.
With a grin that emphasizes the wrinkles around his eyes, he nods agreeably. “I prefer for my guests to feel at ease. Although, you don’t seem as comfortable as I’d like.”
“It would help if I was here for a different reason.” His small smile slips a bit and the air turns cold, but only for a moment. He parts his lips, but a quiet knock at the door stops him from speaking.
A petite blond woman with an upturned nose pushes through the door using her backside as she carefully handles a silver tray loaded with teacups and a teapot. She turns and gracefully strides to the desk.
She sets the tray down gently, jostling the cups only the faintest bit. With a deep breath, she offers Alec a bright smile. Her dark brown eyes seek Alec’s approval, shining with obvious affection. A humorous smirk plays at his lips and his light blue eyes find hers.
There’s unmistakable romantic tension between them. So much so that I’m given the impression I’m intruding and I readjust in my seat.
“Thank you, dear.”
Dear. My brow lifts, although I attempt to hide my reason.
Her gorgeous smile widens further as she leans across the desk to give him a peck on the cheek. I hurriedly avert my eyes as her blouse slips, revealing a bit more than I think she realized. All the sight of the two of them does, is remind me of my own mate. I already long for her.
It’s not until I hear the click of the door closing that I’m brought back to the present.
Back to Alec and the matters at hand.
“She seems very nice.” Alec grunts a response and lifts the teapot.
“Just sugar? Is my memory correct?” I nod and eye the old sorcerer in front of me. With a heavy sigh, he finally acknowledges the obvious. “She’s quite nice. I enjoy her company.”
“I think she enjoys yours as well.” His eyes dart to the door with longing before he clears his throat and passes me a teacup with its accompanying saucer.
The porcelain clinks and it doesn’t escape me that the dainty dishes look completely out of place in my callused hands.
“Your message was very vague. What is it that you need, old friend?”
His blunt response and dismissal of the conversation regarding the woman seems forced. I’m not sure why he seems so touchy about discussing her further. He’s the leader of the Authority. The most powerful man I know, human or otherwise. Not because his magic is so much greater than that of the others, but because of his connections.
If he wants something, he’s given it without question. I consider asking about the girl, but instead I move on to business. If he wanted to confide in me, he would. Besides, I hate to interfere. Still, the agreeable air seems dampened since she left and I don’t care for the change.
“I wish you wouldn’t call me that. I’m not nearly as old as you.” He chuckles, knowing it’s all in good humor. I almost smile at the sorcerer, but with the heavy situation weighing down on my shoulders, my body stays stiff. “Do you have somewhere more private we could speak?” He tilts his head and opens a drawer to pull out a notepad. A pen flies from the drawer and into his open hand before he scribbles something on a sheet of paper.
Away from meddling ears?
I nod my head once, maintaining eye contact while I set the teacup down on the desk.
“Of course. Let’s head to the woods, shall we?” He snaps his fingers and the world blurs for only a moment before I’m sitting in the same comfortable chair, my hands still wrapped around the armrests, but in front of me is a babbling creek.
The morning light filters through the leaves onto the damp ground as a gentle wind passes. The shade of a large oak tree grants us privacy. It’s a calm place that brings back memories.
I knew he’d bring us here. It’s where we used to meet when I was younger. Back when I relied on him to get my footing as Alpha of my territory. Back when I struggled and worried I had made too many mistakes, and that I would fail my pack.
As I swallow down the recollections, a branch crunches under Alec’s tread. “You didn’t bring your chair,” I comment. My head whirls for the span of a slow blink and then I feel settled once again. As if the world hadn’t vanished and reappeared with the snap of his fingers.
“I have a feeling I’ll be needing to stand.” I get up from my seat to join him. We stand side by side watching the water flow over the small rocks. “Which one is it?”
“Which one?” I know what he’s hinting at, but I’d rather he say it.
“Which one didn’t you want to hear?” His hands are fisted and the balmy air around us stirs with irritation.
“Natalia.” I answer honestly.
“Why is that?” His eyes darken, as does the sky. His anger isn’t directed at me but I have to remind myself of that as I continue. I’m aware I’m one of a handful whom Alec shows this side to. The emotional, the part of him not ruled by logic. He doesn’t need to hide in a cloud of comfort around me. He knows that. The sunless sky and chilled breeze are oddly comforting.
He echoes what stirs inside of me.
“What do you know about the blood you sell to the covens?” I’m relying on the last words of a dead man, but I have no doubt there’s truth in what he said. And I trust Veronica’s word.
“What blood?” Genuine confusion laces his question.
My fists clench at his ignorance. How the hell could they be conducting business right under his nose without him knowing? A tic in my jaw spasms with anger.
“The blood she’s pushing on the covens.” My hard words come out low, reflecting my disappointment with him. The clouds turn dark gray and thunder rumbles in the distance.
“She isn’t—”
“She is,” I say, cutting him off, and the seriousness of the accusation stretches between us.
He scowls and cracks his neck. The wind picks up and the water of the creek seems to heat, the steam rising.
“How did she get that by you?” I stare at him with disbelief. Alec is not a force to be taunted and that’s exactly what Natalia’s doing. It’s not wise of her, yet she’s getting away with it.
“Things have been distracting me lately.” He slowly regains his composure as he closes his eyes and controls his breathing. His fingers flex, the clouds slowly parting to reveal the sun again and the simmering water cools.
“Things? What kind of things?” He glances at me before settling his eyes back upon the free-flowing water. Whatever is bothering him needs to be taken care of immediately. His position as head of the Authority is one that many covet, and they would all kill to have his place. He’s all too aware of that fact, as many have tried before.
“Another time for that tale, old friend.” He’s never hesitated before to confide in me. I square my shoulders as I face him and wait for his eyes to meet mine. A different anxiousness settles through me as doubt creeps into my thoughts.
“We are friends, aren’t we, Alec?”
“We are.” He smiles warmly at me. It eases my discomfort. “Friends and allies.”
“You have many friends.”
“No, I have few friends and many allies. They’re quite different. You are a friend who happens to be my ally. I have few allies who happen to be my friends.”
“That doesn’t sound reassuring.” He grunts a laugh before sitting on the grass, fiddling with his tie as he stares across the creek. I follow suit.
“It’s not. Allies will only stand by you while you have something for them. While you hunger for the same.”
“Out with it, Alec. I don’t speak in code.”
He smiles at my impatience. “Another time. Now, back to Natalia. You’re sure of this?”
“I am. She seems to have the backing of the vampires in the Authority.”
He nods in understanding.
“I figured; they all work together. It’s no matter. They’ll face the same consequence.” Absently, he plucks two blades of grass and twirls them between his forefinger and thumb. I watch as they lengthen in his grasp, their pale green hue turning more vibrant as they grow.
“They’re tainting the blood. I’m thinking they’re behind the abduction of the vampires who have gone missing recently. I’m sure they need test subjects.”
His breathing stills and another round of thunder booms through the air. He crumples the grass in his fist and the stalks wither, turning brown, dying before my eyes. “Tainting it with what?”
“According to the shifter from Sarin’s pack, Natalia made a deal with them. Drugs in exchange for control of Shadow Falls. She wants the blood bank so she can taint the blood she’s forcing other vampires to drink. It’s a new drug that voids their immortality.”
Alec stares at me with disbelief evident in his expression. “I knew she was overstepping her boundaries with the vampires. But I had no idea she’d take it that far.” His pale blue eyes search mine as he questions with a single breath, “Are you sure of this?”
“The shifter had nothing to gain and everything to lose by telling me this.”
“We need to be certain, Devin. I can’t get the backing of the rest of the Authority without irrefutable proof. This needs to be done quietly. No one can know. Not shifters, or vampires. And absolutely not the humans. There would be widespread panic.” I already knew that would be his decision, but his sense of urgency regarding the matter is reassuring.
“I came prepared with a plan. Veronica’s coven wants the blood bank, so we’ll give it to them.”
“And then?” His quizzical gaze meets mine.
“Then we’ll have the ability to keep tabs on every move that is made.”
Alec shakes his head. “This needs to happen quickly and quietly.”
“I’ll send her to her coven and gain permission for her to observe another town’s bank. It’ll be under the guise of seeing how things are done. A town where vampires have gone missing. Vince will go with her. Maybe he’ll be able to tail them and sniff them out.”
Alec nods once. “Do you need anything from me?”
“Not now, but when we’re ready I’ll need men to take them down.”
“You won’t have to worry about that. Keep me informed. When we have proof, you’ll have the rest of the Authority on your side. It will be more than enough.” His light blue eyes find mine and he smiles faintly before telling me, “She will pay greatly for this; I promise you that.”