“This realm, as well as all the others, has always thrived on the reality of natural law. The strong survive, and the weak serve the strong or die. I’m not starting a new trend here. I am simply following the rules already put in place by nature. We, the supernatural races, are the strong, and the humans are the weak. They will kneel at our feet … or they will die.” ~Sincaro
Sincaro stepped out into the dark street. The only illumination came from the flickering bulb in the lamppost that stood on the corner of the two streets. The sound of humans screaming was a symphony to his ears. The humid breeze was refreshing, simply because feeling it meant he was no longer cooped up underground, withering away like a flower past its season.
“How many buildings do you want cleared?” One of Sincaro’s progenies stepped from the shadows. The young one’s face, shirt, and hands were covered in blood.
Sincaro frowned at the male. “You need to learn to eat without appearing as if you’ve been diving into a pool of entrails.”
“My apologies, master.”
“I only want one building cleared for now. I am still gathering my army. We can’t risk the humans acting too soon, or we will be massacred,” Sincaro explained. “Finish clearing this one, and then I will assign those who will take up residence here.”
“As you wish.” The vampire bowed and then swiftly headed off.
The ancient vampire considered which of the supernaturals he could trust to live among the humans. Some had already been living in the human realm for a while because the magic in their own realms was growing weak. Those were the ones he would house in the apartment complex his vampires were currently emptying. Others, those who had been living in hiding because they weren’t in control of their magic or because they couldn’t blend in, were far too resentful of the humans to be permitted to reside in close proximity with them.
Sincaro let out a sigh, clasped his hands behind his back, and slowly walked toward the entrance to the large apartment building. It was going to be a long night. He wasn’t going to have his people hide the dead bodies, not anymore. But they would have to remove the corpses from the building, or they’d begin to stink. And he couldn’t just pile them up on the sidewalk. So, Sincaro was going to have to direct his minions to take the bodies and spread them out all over the city.
The vampire smiled to himself as he thought about the human authorities trying to figure out how so many people had been killed in one night and how they would squash the rumors of a serial killer living in Phoenix. His smile grew even wider when he thought about how Vasile, that damn Alpha, would respond to his precious human race being picked off like rats in an open field.
“God, it’s good to be back,” Sincaro said, sounding a little maniacal, even to himself.
Two days had passed since Skender and Stephanie had arrived and been placed in a cage. Vasile hadn’t heard from Costin on his decision regarding the traitor’s fate. The Alpha was actually surprised that the male hadn’t gone down there while everyone was asleep and killed Skender the night after he got the news. But, somehow, Costin had controlled himself. Vasile was impressed, but he knew Sally’s calming influence was probably the biggest reason. It also helped that Decebel was keeping the males busy with continuous training, executing drills in both their wolf and human forms. Vasile joined in the drills as much as possible, though he’d also been helping Alina in her training of the females. Many from the Serbia pack had no fighting experience at all. Apparently, the previous Alpha before Decebel had been a bit backward in his views concerning males and females and didn’t think the females of the pack would be effective fighters. Obviously, the prior Alpha had never sufficiently angered a dominant female.
Vasile let out a sigh as he stared at the early morning sun. The rays were just beginning to peak over the tops of the trees. It was quiet, as though all of nature was still slumbering, not quite ready for the day to begin. Vasile would love nothing more than to still be in his own bed, his mate wrapped in his arms. Instead, he was standing on the sparring field. Sleep had alluded him the past month. Recent events hadn’t helped matters. Now, he was concerned about the upcoming summit and whether he and his allies would be able to convince all the supernatural leaders that they were going to have to fight back against the Order. Vasile would have to show them they couldn’t just hope the coming battle wouldn’t affect them. It would affect them all.
Even when the Alpha did sleep, he gained no rest. His dreams were filled with bloodshed, darkness, and humans being shackled and driven like slaves. Alina had been so worried about him she’d asked Rachel to make some sort of herbal sleep concoction for him. It had tasted horrible, and a disgusting assault on his taste buds was the only effect it’d had on him. Decebel had asked Vasile if he thought they’d made a mistake in joining the two packs, but Vasile didn’t feel any sort of added burden because Decebel still took care of the Serbia pack. He just deferred any major decisions, of which there was really only one, to Vasile, and that was trying to determine what their next move would be with respect to the Order. Decebel’s pack was set to meet with the rest of the supernatural community in five days. Between now and then, Vasile needed to contact the Alphas in America. He’d left the decision on how much to tell the wolves that were in Farie with the healers up to Peri. In his opinion, they didn’t need to be burdened with this when five of them had new mates and they were dealing with Volcan and his plan to take over the world by creating an army of witches.
Vasile reached into his back pocket, pulled out his phone, and checked to see if he had any missed calls. There was nothing. Tanya, Dillon’s mate and female Alpha of the Colorado pack, had left him a disturbing message the day before and had promised to call back. Vasile had attempted to reach her, but he kept getting voice mail. He tried Dillon and got the same.
According to Tanya, they’d seen troubling reports on the human news stations. She also mentioned getting in touch with Peri for damage control. Vasile had gotten online and searched the news websites to see if he could figure out what disturbing reports Tanya had been referring to. It hadn’t taken him long to pick up the pattern. Violence was increasing across North America. Vasile could only assume it was the work of the Order. But he didn’t want to make a hasty decision before speaking to the packs in America, the other supernaturals, and Peri in order to figure out the best course of action. And even then, once he knew what to do next, he wondered whom he would assign to the task.
Two of his most dominant males had new babies. The other had a mate who was still healing from a horrific ordeal, and they had a newly adopted son. Bethany and Drake were now expecting. Vasile needed to remember to go by and congratulate them. He shook his head, pushing that last thought away.
“You know that Thalion and Cypher will also help.” Alina’s voice came from just behind him.
He’d been so lost in thought he hadn’t even felt or heard her approach him. “I know,” he agreed as he turned slightly so he could see her. “Did I wake you?” he asked.
Alina shook her head. “I’ve been having troubling dreams,” she admitted. “I keep thinking that Lilly is going to call at any moment and tell us the world is ending.”
Vasile chuckled. “It does feel that way.”
“More and more,” she added.
“I honestly wonder if it would be such a bad thing,” Vasile said.
Alina frowned. “The world ending?”
He tilted his head slightly toward her.
“Of course it would be a bad thing. We have a grandson, Thia, Titus, and now another baby on the way. For the first time in two decades, we have pups in our pack. I want to see them grow up.”
“But if the world ended now, just think of all the pain, loss, and horror they wouldn’t have to face. All the things we haven’t been able to protect Fane from, they wouldn’t have to endure.”
“Mate, our son is the man that he is because he has endured those things,” she said, taking a step closer to Vasile and grasping his hand. “If they didn’t have to endure hardship, how would they grow in character? If they faced no adversity, how would they learn to rise to a challenge? There is still much that can be salvaged in this world.”
“Is there?” Vasile asked, looking down into her eyes. “Because the news reports I watched don’t show me anything that is salvageable. They show me cruelty, hate, insolence, and the like. What in any of that is salvageable?”
“Where there is cruelty, there is also an opportunity to show undeserving kindness. Where there is hate, there is the chance to give unconditional love. Where there is insolence, there is an opportunity to bestow respect they have not earned. Tell me, my love, what isn’t salvageable in any of that?”
Vasile stared at his mate, the passion in her eyes burning like the hottest coals in a fire. The hope she held even through all the battles they’d experienced still left him breathless. The Great Luna knew he would need someone to remind him that life is worth fighting for, others’ lives were worth fighting for.
“You are right, of course,” he said. “I seem to be letting my demons get the best of me.”
“You can’t expect yourself to bear the burdens you do and not be affected by them. You might be part wolf, but you are still a man. You still feel the pain of everything we have faced. We just have to brush ourselves off and prepare as best we can for the next battle,” Alina said.
Vasile opened his mouth to respond but snapped it closed when a male fae appeared a few feet from them out of thin air. Seconds later, two more fae materialized, another male and a female. Vasile wrapped an arm around his mate and pulled her tightly to his side.
“Vasile, Romania pack Alpha.” The first male bowed slightly. “We have been sent by Perizada of the fae. My name is Riven. My comrades are Vale”—he pointed to the second male—“and Ona,” he said, pointing to the female. “We have much we need to discuss.”
“Is Perizada okay?” Alina asked Riven.
“She is well but otherwise occupied at the moment, or she would have come herself,” Riven answered. “She wanted me to tell you she will see you at the summit, but you shouldn’t expect to see her before.”
Vasile could only imagine what the high fae was having to deal with when it came to the new healers and Volcan. He wanted to involve her as little as possible, and hopefully the fae she’d sent to him would be able to help.
“Let’s go into my office. For now, I’d like to keep this conversation just between us,” Vasile said and motioned for them to follow him and his mate.
“Text Perizada and verify that she did seen these fae. I don’t want to mistakenly bring Alston’s spies into our trust,” Vasile said to his mate through their bond.
“I was thinking the same thing,” Alina said as she pulled out her phone from her back pocket and began to text Peri. Did you send R,V, and O to us?
The fae immediately responded.
Peri: If you are referring to Riven, Vale, and Ona, then yes. But if you’re talking about Regrets, Viciousness, and Obstacles, then no, I didn’t send those. They are completely of your own making. Not sure why you’re using code letters instead of their names.
Alina: Cute. To save time. They’re here with us, and we are about to talk to them. We wanted to make sure they weren’t Alston’s people.
Peri: Good call. Maybe we should give a code of some sort to verify ourselves in the future.
Alina: How about we tell the person we like a certain season, and if they’re our people they will respond with the opposite season. So I say I really love winter. You would say, Summer happens to be my favorite.
Peri: That should work. Most of the time people are more inclined to agree with you when they’re trying to make you trust them. The three fae are aware of the summit and will be joining us. We’re going to need the fae power to bring in the leaders from all over the globe.”
Alina: Sounds good. You doing okay?
Peri: As good as can be expected considering I have grumpy males who want to be close to their mates, and the mates are brand new to this world and don’t know how to deal with grumpy, male Canis lupus.
Alina: Be patient with them. It’s a lot to take in.
Peri: I will do my best, but I make no promises they will all remain in one piece.
Alina: Fair enough.
The Alpha put her phone back in her pocket and refocused her attention on the matter at hand.
“How bad is it?” Vasile asked the fae.
“Vampires are killing humans and leaving their bodies for human authorities to find. Several warlocks took out a main bridge in a city called Memphis, and many humans were killed. We are attempting to infiltrate the Order with someone that Alston will trust, but so far it’s been impossible to get close to the high fae.”
“So, basically chaos and mayhem are ruling in America?” Alina asked.
Riven nodded. “It won’t be long until humans start screaming about supernatural beings and the end of the world.”
“Scared humans are like cornered animals. Unpredictable and prone to attack viciously,” Alina pointed out.
“It could be the witch hunts all over again,” Vasile said.
“Only this time, it wouldn’t be just witches being burned,” Riven said, his voice filled with rage, the same rage Vasile was feeling.
Alina waited as her husband seemed to finally come to a conclusion and spoke up. “We must convince every supernatural leader that it is imperative they assist in this battle. The wolves cannot do this one alone.”
Dillon kept the phone to his ear, listening to it ring while watching the news report. It was breaking news on every channel as the body count in Phoenix rose. The police weren’t saying it but no doubt they were thinking they were dealing with a serial killer. Little did they know, they were dealing with dozens or even hundreds of serial killers. What else could you call a vampire? They drained their victims of blood until they died, maybe not all at one time, but eventually their victims would die at the hands of the monster.
During a commercial, Dillon focused back on the ringing of the phone number he’d called. Just when he was about to hang up, the line was answered.
“Hello?” The voice on the other end sounded irritated, which made Dillon grin.
“Tyler, don’t sound so happy to hear from me,” Dillon drawled.
“Has the killing moved to Denver?” Tyler asked, getting straight to the point. He wasn’t an idiot, and Dillon knew that the Missouri Alpha would know why he was calling.
“Not that I know of. I just saw the newest number of the body count in Phoenix,” Dillon explained. “Right now, they’ve found thirty bodies scattered across the city.”
“Do you think this is related to the Order?” Tyler asked.
“I’ve no doubt of it. Vampires will align themselves with whomever will let them crawl out of the sewers and hunt openly,” Dillon said.
“No one has ever known the location of the Order’s hideout, or who was in charge. But I’m thinking Phoenix might just be the location of their headquarters,” Tyler said.
Dillon thought about it for a moment. With the body count as high as it was in Phoenix, there was no doubt a large population of vampires must be living there. Perhaps it was also the Order’s base of operations. “I’m going to head out there and have some wolves spread themselves across the city and see if we can sniff out some supernaturals.”
“I can send some of my wolves as well,” Tyler offered.
“Give me a chance to evaluate the situation first, and I’ll let you know what’s going on. I need to call Jeff Stone over in Coldspring, and I need to get in touch with Vasile.” Dillon had no doubt the Romania Alpha was keeping tabs on everything happening in the States.
“Call me when you’re ready to make a move. You have the full support of my pack,” Tyler said.
“Thank you. I’ll be in touch.” Dillon ended the call and immediately pulled up Jeff’s contact information. He pressed the call button and didn’t have to wait longer than one ring.
“Dillon,” Jeff’s voice rumbled through the phone. “Looks like all the leftover vamps that escaped the rain have migrated to Phoenix,” the Coldspring Alpha said before Dillon could even get a word out.
Dillon told Jeff everything he’d told Tyler and promised to be in touch.
He had one more phone call to make. He knew Tanya had tried to get in touch with Vasile as soon as she’d seen the news about the first dozen bodies. He’d been sound asleep and, according to her, she’d been unable to sleep and was playing a game on her phone. A news advertisement had popped up, and the bold words had grabbed her attention: Police won’t confirm, but is there a serial killer in Phoenix?
But she didn’t wake him. Not because she didn’t believe him capable of handling the situation, but because he’d been in the fae realm helping Peri with the wolves and new healers. She didn’t want him leaving again so soon. Tanya knew Vasile’s wolves had led the raids against the vampires and would, no doubt, want to know what was going on, if they didn’t already.
The line rang three times before Vasile answered. “Hello?”
“Have you seen the news in the U.S.?” Dillon asked without preamble.
“Yes,” Vasile said. “I was actually going to call you. I’ve met with a few supernaturals, and we decided to call a summit with the leaders of each race.”
“Putting together a battle plan?” Dillon asked.
“Exactly,” Vasile confirmed. “It’s going to take the cooperation of all of us if we want to take out this threat. They’re powerful and bold. Those two things together are dangerous.”
Dillon agreed wholeheartedly. “Where is the summit taking place?”
“The sprite realm,” Vasile said. “In five days. Peri will send fae for you and the other U.S. Alphas.”
“Sprites?” Dillon asked, his brow drawing down. “Since when have the sprites joined the realm of the humans?”
“Since we found out your daughter’s mother is a sprite.”
Dillon choked on his swallow at Vasile’s words. “What?”
“You heard me,” the Romania Alpha chuckled. “And before you get your fur ruffled, I just found out. The sprite queen paid us a visit. Apparently, Sally’s mom is also a sprite.”
“Um, wow.” Dillon sputtered like a pup. “Did not see that coming.”
“Who did?” Vasile said. “Alright, we’ll see you in five days.”
“Hey, hold up Vasile. I want to run something by you real quick.” Dillon explained his thoughts on the Order headquarters and Phoenix.
“If you can confirm that there is a significant supernatural presence in Phoenix before the summit, then I say do it. Let me see if Peri can get a fae to come to you to expedite your travel. No sense in wasting time on a plane if you don’t have to.”
“I’ll be waiting to hear from you.” They ended the call, and Dillon’s mind was still trying to wrap itself around the fact that his daughter was half sprite. He wondered how Jacque had handled the news. How had Lilly handled the news? He was sure it must have been a relief to finally have some answers about her past and where she came from. For that, he was happy for her.
Dillon was just about to reach out to his mate when a man suddenly appeared in his living room. Dillon’s wolf didn’t like how easily the fae was able to enter their territory, but it wasn’t like there was anything he could do about it. He knew it was futile to worry about something over which he had no control. Still, it didn’t stop his beast from being irritated. His wolf had control issues, but then, what alpha or dominant male didn’t.
“Vasile sent you by way of Peri I presume,” Dillon said.
The fae bowed slightly. “I am Vale. Peri has asked that I assist you and your pack with travel.”
“Vasile is nothing if not efficient,” Dillon muttered. “I haven’t had time to get my wolves organized. Could you give me half an hour?”
“As you wish. I can wait here or come back,” Vale said, his voice formal, making it clear that he was old, much older than he looked.
“Make yourself at home,” Dillon said, hoping the fae wouldn’t flash out only to flash back in and remind his wolf that he could pop into their home any time he wanted.
Vale gave another bow and then took a seat on the large couch. Dillon shot Vale a final glance before he left the room in search of his mate.
“I’m coming with you,” Tanya said as soon as his mind reached for hers. “Don’t you think for a second that you’re leaving me behind this time. You can leave Lee in charge.”
Dillon could tell he wasn’t going to be able to dissuade her. “I love you,” he told her, instead of telling her he didn’t want her near the blood suckers and demanding she stay where she’d be safe. That wouldn’t go over well.
“I always knew you were smart,” Tanya said, the sound of a smile in her voice. “I love you. Oh, and quit worrying about how I feel about Lilly being a sprite. I’m happy for her. She deserves to know what she is and where she comes from. I don’t begrudge her anything just because you love her.”
“Tanya,” Dillon started but his mate cut him off.
“We’ve talked about this before, mate. I know how you feel about me. I’m inside of you, so I can feel it. I am not insecure in our relationship because of your past. And I wouldn’t want it to be different because then you wouldn’t have Jacque or Slate.”
“And that is why you are amazing,” Dillon said, and he meant it. She’d never once held his past over his head even though she had every right to.
“Don’t you forget it,” she teased. “Now let’s go kill some vampires. I’ve been bored while you were in Farie.”
Lilly paced the length of Cypher’s office as she chewed on her bottom lip. She’d been trying to see something—anything—about what was to come, but the most she could get was a vague sense of foreboding. The sprite had no idea how long she’d been pacing when large arms suddenly wrapped around her and pulled her back against a broad chest.
“Wearing a hole in the floor isn’t going to make a vision happen.” Cypher’s deep voice vibrated against her back.
“Maybe not, but wearing a hole in the floor does make it less likely for me to lose my mind,” Lilly pointed out.
“Everything is going to work out. Good will prevail, evil will fall and then we can work on putting my child in you.”
Lilly turned in his arms and looked up at the warlock who’d taken her heart, a heart she’d thought forever broken. He’d captured it and pieced it back together. “How do you know I’m not already with child?”
Cypher went completely still. “Are you?” He practically whispered.
“Unfortunately not and I’m positively evil for teasing you but that’s what happens when I’m worried and I can’t figure out how to save everyone,” Lilly sighed.
“I should spank you for pulling that.” Cypher growled, though he tempered it by pressing his lips to her forehead.
“I’m sorry,” she said with a repentant smile “I didn’t mean to get your hopes up. I know how badly you want little ones.”
“Lilly,” Cypher said as he tilted her chin up so her eyes met his. “You realize I don’t just want little ones, right? I want little ones with you. I want you and I to make children out of the love we have for one another. I want to see pieces of each of us in their faces, their personalities, and one day in our grandchildren. I don’t want children just to have heirs. I want children because I love you and I love the idea of creating something with you that is a combination of both of us.”
Lilly felt her chest clench around her heart as she stared into the eyes of her love. “I want that too, so very much.” She prayed she would be able to give that to him.
“But even if that never happens,” Cypher continued. “I will be forever grateful you are my mate, my bride, and my queen. I am so very honored you’ve chosen to spend your life with me. Please, my love, stop worrying and trust me when I say all will be well.”
Lilly let him wrap his arms tighter around her and laid her head against his chest. The sound of his heartbeat was comforting to her as she tried to push away the sense of loss she was feeling. She wanted to believe him, wanted to trust they would all be fine and their future as parents and grandparents were set in stone but something was chipping away at the solid future she was so desperate for. Something deep inside her was telling her their days were numbered.
“I love you, Cypher,” she whispered.
“As I love you, my precious Lilly.”