aYou would remember her!a Stefan shouted, losing the last of his grip on his temper. aShe is exquisite, like a dream. Dark hair, dark eyes, and pure white skin. Sheas a nightwalker. You would remember her!a aWhen did she come into town?a he asked, finally taking the inquiry seriously.

aWeeks ago!a As I started to walk by Ferko, I slammed my knee into his jaw, knocking him back to the ground while walking around to stand next to Stefan. Valerio stepped away, wandering over toward Danaus, lingering close in case Ferko did something truly stupid like attack me. I laid my hand on Stefanas shoulder, but he jerked out from my touch while a low growl rumbled in the back of his throat. He wasnat in the mood for any comfort from me, which meant he wasnat going to like the other part of my so-called brilliant plan.

Weall find her, I tried to silently rea.s.sure him.

You mean, weall find her dead body, he snapped back at me.

I bit back a sigh and didnat deny it. At this point wead be lucky if we found her body at all. She had been missing for a while now, and Budapest wasnat the friendliest city Iad ever visited. My growing concern was that we wouldnat be able to find the actual culprit in this rotating fun house of horrors. First we met the sensual Odelia, and then the power-hungry Veyron. It didnat ease my mind that we had Macaire lurking about, eager to offer a helping hand. And now the unlucky Ferko, who was not only doing the grunt work for Veyron, but also taking on all of the blame. This couldnat be the arrangement that the lycanthrope originally signed on for, and we had to find a way to use that to our advantage.

We need to leave him alive, I said reluctantly to Stefan.

The nightwalker jerked a step away from me, pinning his dark gaze on my face. Are you insane? He may have killed her. If not him, then one of his people.

Probably so, but we need him in order to get closer to Veyron. Itas the only way to catch everyone in this twisted power dynamic. Thereas a warlock out there thatas working with the lycans as well. I want them all.

So be it, he snarled at me as he stalked off a few yards. Just so long as I kill him before we leave Budapest.

Agreed.

I walked back around so I was standing in front of Ferko, who growled at me like a wounded dog. aIs this the agreement that you had in mind when you went in with Veyron? Sacrifice your people? Get yourself killed just so he could be the big bad vampire in Budapest? He wanted you for his enforcer so you could do all his dirty work?a aYou donat know anything,a Ferko said stubbornly.

aReally? Then enlighten me.a I slipped my hands into the back pockets of my pants as I came to stand before the shifter. aSeems like youare getting the raw end of this deal. Youare going to die while he gets away without a care.a aWhat do you want from me? Names? Dates? The total betrayal of everything? Iam no snitch.a I sighed, my shoulders slumping under the weight of too many long nights with no real answers. Glancing up at Stefan, I found the nightwalker growing more impatient by the second. I thought he was getting closer to the realization that he wasnat going to get his Mich.e.l.le back, but he at least needed the culprit behind her disappearance and death.

aHasnat he already betrayed you? He singled out the lycanthropes for the disappearance of Mich.e.l.le. Lycanthropes attacked Danaus today, trying to kill me. Did you actually think you would escape unscathed from such acts?a aOne can hope,a he said, looking up at me with a lopsided smile.

aYouare no help to me. Kill him,a I said, weary. I turned on my heel to look at Danaus, who was watching me with dark eyes. The hunter made no move to stop either me or Stefan. Valerio leaned against a nearby tree, picking dirt and dried blood out from under his fingernails.

aNo! Wait!a Ferko shouted suddenly. aOdelia sent me after the woman.a I turned back to face him, raising one hand to halt Stefan, who was holding the man with both hands around his neck. If Ferko had hesitated any longer, the nightwalker would have snapped his neck before we could procure this interesting and surprising bit of information. Odelia had struck me as another of Veyronas flunkies. She didnat have any particularly special standing within the nightwalker community other than being somewhat old. The true power, in my mind, had always been linked to Veyron. He was the oldest, strongest, and most powerful in the region.

aOdelia? Not Veyron?a I asked.

aOdelia likes the fact that sheas the most beautiful of all those in the city. She doesnat like having compet.i.tion,a Ferko said quickly. aThe b.i.t.c.h had two of my own females killed because of their looks. When this brunette showed up unexpectedly in town, Odelia didnat care that she was only pa.s.sing through. She wanted her dead.a aSo she requested that your people take care of her,a Stefan said.

aRequested?a Ferko snorted. aYou make it sound like we had a choice. Between Veyron and Odelia, we didnat have much choice in the matter if we wanted to continue to run in the city.a aYou tracked Mich.e.l.le down and killed her,a I finished, my throat tightening around the words. The nightwalker had done nothing more than come into town so she could pick up a package for Stefan. She had been eliminated because she was simply too beautiful to live where Odelia was concerned.

aWhere is she?a Stefan demanded in a trembling voice.

aDead.a Stefan kicked the lycanthrope in the back, knocking him to the ground again. aI understand that! Where is her body?a aBurned,a Ferko admitted, slowly pushing back into a sitting position. aItas the only way to be sure that one of your kind isnat going to rise again. Her ashes were spread around these woods.a Stefan looked up at me, shaking his head. I could see the pain in his eyes. He couldnat stay here and not kill Ferko. And I couldnat blame him. If I had been in his shoes, I would have already ripped the werewolfas heart from his chest. Of course, I didnat think the werewolf deserved such a quick death. He deserved to suffer for the death of Mich.e.l.le, and if I had any say in the matter, he would before we left Budapest.

Just give me a little more time, I begged Stefan.

So long as he is mine before we leave Budapest.

You can have Odelia as well if you would like.

Throw in a seat on the coven and I might not have to kill you myself, Stefan said, causing one corner of my mouth to twitch with a morbid laugh.

Agreed.

Stefanas eyebrows jumped as he looked at me, surprised by my promise. The nightwalker said no more after that, not waiting to spoil his sudden good luck. He simply disappeared into the darkness, leaving us to handle Mich.e.l.leas murderer.

aTell me about the warlock who was with your kinsmen during the day and Iall consider sparing your life,a I said.

Ferko turned his face up to me, frowning. I doubted whether he could actually see me through his blurred vision, but I could tell he was considering my offer. He had to know that his life was dangling by a thin thread. aWarlock?a aOh, donat start playing dumb with me again,a I huffed. aWe were making such progress.a Ferko shook his head, turning his face back to the ground again. His shoulders were slumped and his breathing was labored. His body was having trouble healing all the wounds we had inflicted on him despite the full moon. Of course, if it hadnat been a full moon, I seriously doubted that he would have been able to survive. Valerio and Stefan liked to play rough.

I paced away from Ferko, walking over toward Danaus. Valerio looked up from his fingernails and pushed off from the tree with a jerk of my head. He headed over to our captive and took up Stefanas position behind Ferko. While Valerio might not like to get his hands dirty, he was still very good at it. If I gave the slightest indication that I wanted Ferko dead, Valerio would not only happily carry out my wish, but also make sure it was a particularly slow and painful death.

aIave been around for quite a while, Ferko,a I started again, trying a different approach. aIave known nightwalkers and lycanthropes to work together on the rare occasion. Iave known nightwalkers to rarely work with warlocks and witches. But this is a first. Warlocks donat generally get along with shifters. They see you as just a bunch of filthy, uncivilized animals that canat control your basic urges. Why would a warlock possibly want to work with your kind?a aMaybe this one sees you as being less desirable to have around than a pack of animals,a Ferko sneered.

aMaybe,a I admitted. aIave p.i.s.sed off my fair share of warlocks, but I have to say that I havenat been in this part of the world in a long time. I donat know who would find my presence undesirable.a aNo one wants you to be the keeper here,a Ferko said. aYou donat belong here.a aAnd trust me, I donat want to be keeper here, but someone has to rein in the chaos in this area before it leaks across the rest of Europe. Not every nightwalker is going to prove to be as tolerant as me.a aTolerant? Youave destroyed my pack!a he snarled, baring his fangs at me. Power filled the air so that the scent of the woods grew even thicker. Valerio leaned forward and clipped the werewolf behind the ear. The lycanthrope collapsed in a limp heap at my feet, unconscious.

aValerio!a I shouted, throwing my hands up in frustration. I wasnat even close to being done interrogating our prisoner. I needed to know more about the warlock that was apparently working with the lycans, and by extension, the nightwalkers. This kind of collaboration wasnat something that set me at ease. Sure, at one time in my own domain my own people had gotten along with the lycanthropes, and I had a scattering of a.s.sociates that were witches and warlocks. But this arrangement in Budapest was distinctly different and completely unsettling. The warlocks and lycanthropes were acting as muscle for the nightwalkers during the daylight hours, extending that speciesa power more than it should have.

aSorry,a he said sheepishly, flashing me a weak smile. aI donat know my own strength sometimes.a aIs he still alive?a aYes,a Valerio said, sounding put off that I would think he had so little control. aHeas just unconscious. I am a.s.suming that you want him awake when I kill him. Or should I call Stefan back? Iam sure head be happy to finish off this fleabag.a aLeave him alive. I promised him to Stefan later. Right now, we need him conscious so we can get more information out of him. I need to know who this warlock is.a Valerio sighed as he stepped over Ferkoas unconscious form and started to walk over to where he had left his coat folded over a tree limb. aWe donat need him for that.a aOf course we do,a I snapped, trailing behind him. aThe lycans that attacked Danaus during the day were accompanied by a warlock.a aThe night that we met with Veyron, Mira and I were attacked by a magic user,a Danaus interjected. aIam willing to bet that itas the same one. A city generally doesnat have that many powerful magic users on hand.a Valerio turned and arched one eyebrow at us as he pulled on his coat. aAgreed. Warlocks arenat very good at sharing. However, in this town, I would be reluctant to make such an a.s.sumption. It seems like everyone is working together here.a aToo true. Nightwalkers directing lycanthropes. Warlocks protecting lycanthropes.a aIam surprised that they havenat also struck a deal with the naturi,a Danaus added, earning a dark look from me. We didnat need to discuss potential deals with the naturi. We had already been down that route and the outcome was never pretty. The last time such a thing was spoken of, I ended up on the coven.

aThe naturi donat like to make deals,a I said. aBesides, Roweas running around the city with his own personal band of followers. Their only agenda is to get their hands on me so they can hand me over to Aurora. Heas not going to be into making deals with anyone. At least, I hope not.a aUnlikely,a Valerio agreed.

aThanks,a I grumbled, but then turned my attention back to our problem at hand. With the toe of my scuffed black boot, I turned Ferko over so he was lying awkwardly on his back with one arm trapped under his body. His mouth was slack as blood trickled out of the corner and dripped onto the melting snow. aWhat about the warlock?a aItas likely that itas Clarion,a Valerio stated.

aClarion? Iam afraid Iave never heard of him.a aHeas given me a little trouble in Vienna. Heas a powerful warlock who is based in Budapest, but heas come around some of the other big cities surrounding Budapest, looking to expand the reach of his . . . domain,a Valerio said, struggling for the right word.

Warlocks and witches were not known for having a domain. They tended to settle in a central location for a time, and operated exclusively in that region until they either died, grew bored, or were run off by someone more powerful. They didnat have followers or minions like nightwalkers or lycanthropes. And they didnat try to expand the reach of their home territory. This didnat sound good at all, and it clearly explained why Valerio was interested in this little trip to Budapest. It was a chance to make a grab at his annoying neighbor, possibly scaring him into a new location if he didnat simply kill him.

aSo you think that Clarion is the one working with the nightwalkers and lycanthropes?a Danaus asked.

Valerio gave a noncommittal shrug. aPossibly. Did you get a good look at him?a aNo, not at all. Just say a vague outline in the darkness.a Danaus shoved his hands into the pockets of his long leather coat as he frowned at the vampire. aIn the hotel room, I was too worried about keeping the lycanthropes away from where I thought Mira was. I could only sense his power in the air, marking him as a warlock.a aOn the way to Veyronas, I got only a glimpse of the figure on the rooftop. No details,a I admitted with no small amount of frustration. aBut what are the odds that there is more than one powerful warlock in the region?a aPretty good, unfortunately,a Valerio stated, pulling a growl out of me. I felt like I had stepped in quicksand. With every movement, I was getting sucked further down into the thickening insanity that permeated every inch of the dark occult side of Budapest. I was seriously beginning to long for my home of Savannaha"away from Veyron, his flunkies, and the schemes of Macaire, which I had yet to figure out.

aHow is that possible?a Danaus demanded. aI didnat think warlocks and witches played well together. Too territorial. Even more so than nightwalkers and lycanthropes.a aItas true, but this one seems to have found someone that he does get along well with. I have encountered Clarion only a few times during the past several years, but I had heard that he doesnat work alone. Thereas another magic user that he a.s.sociates with here in Budapest. Unfortunately, I donat know whether itas a warlock or a witch yet. I canat gauge the creatureas strength, but can only guess that he or she is at least as powerful as Clarion or he wouldnat bother with this creature.a aYou mean, he would have either killed the person or pressured him or her out of the region already,a I said.

aTrue.a aSo whatas our next step? Do we go after Veyron?a Danaus asked. aIt doesnat take a rocket scientist to deduct that he sent a hit squad after you,a he added, bringing a frown to my lips. aYou were expecting him to send some people after you.a aYes, but the problem is that I was expecting him to send humans with big guns and wooden stakes, not a pack of werewolves with a warlock as backup. That makes this whole situation more complicated, Mr. Rocket Scientist,a I said, not caring how b.i.t.c.hy I was starting to sound. We were all getting more than a little frustrated by Veyron and his minions, and that didnat get us any closer to taking care of the naturi infestation we were originally sent to take care of. I might have let Rowe slip through my fingers tonight, but I wasnat through with the one-eyed naturi. I wasnat going before Aurora again unless I had an edge that would finally take the naturi queen down. In the meantime, I needed to take care of Rowe so he wasnat constantly at my back with a knife.

aWe first need to understand the power structure in Budapest.a Valerio artfully wrapped his dark red scarf around his neck, showing the same skill as when he tied a cravat a few centuries ago just prior to our attending the various b.a.l.l.s and soirees that filled our evenings together in Europe. aIf we arenat careful, we could kill a simple p.a.w.n, which would leave the bulk of the power structure intact and us vulnerable to retaliation.a aAgreed. We need to be sure we take them all out before we leave Budapest,a I said, smirking at his close attention to his scarf. Valerio shrugged, unmoved by my teasing.

Danaus frowned at us both, determined not to be distracted. aCould that be what Macaire planned all along? Why heas here now? If we destroy the reigning power players in Budapest, it will leave it vulnerable enough for him to move in and take over.a aI doubt it was his plan since he prefers to stay close to Venice,a I replied.

Valerio reached into his pockets and pulled out a pair of supple leather gloves, which he proceeded to pull on. aBesides, Mira has spoiled that plan by claiming Budapest as her own. She may not truly want it, but she is the keeper of this domain now. As keeper, itas her responsibility to clean out old management.a aWhich you approve of,a Danaus sneered. aBeing as Budapest is so close to Vienna and youare sure that Mira wonat encroach on your territory.a aYou make it sound like itas awful that I approve of Miraas new acquisition. Of course I like having her close at hand once again.a Valerio paused and narrowed his dark eyes on the hunter as a wicked grin spread across his full lips. aMira and I have a long history. It would be nice to have her around again.a Danaus took a step forward, his hand dropping down to his waist where I knew he kept an a.s.sortment of knives. Valerio was taunting him, seeing how far he could push Danaus. I had no doubt that he was also testing how far my relationship with Danaus went. The Ancient nightwalker smiled at the hunter, his fangs peeking out from under his upper lip. I didnat have time for this chest beating and territorial p.i.s.sing. We needed to find Clarion.

aEnough!a I shouted, placing a hand on both their chests. aI need to find Clarion. Do you have any useful suggestions?a Valerio laid his hand over mine, stroking my fingers in an attempt to annoy Danaus just a little bit more. I was about to smash my fist into his jaw. Instead I shoved. Valerio simply stood there, smiling down at me. aA coffeehouse called Gerbeaud Cukrszda,a he said. aItas been around for ages and is located in Central Pest between the Chain Bridge and the Elizabeth Bridge. Any taxi driver should be able to locate it with no problems. I can come alonga"a aNo,a I said sharply, causing his smile to widen. I was beginning to think that he and Danaus had spent more than enough time together. I knew that I had already spent enough time with Valerio. This was a case of too much of a good thing. aThere are naturi hanging out on one of the islands in the Danube. Last I saw, there were three islands in the region. I want you to go check them out.a aThis is my punishment. Taking on the naturi alone?a he demanded incredulously.

aWould I be so cold?a aYes.a I smiled up at my friend for the first time, shaking my head. aIam not asking you to hunt the naturi. I simply want you to locate them for me. Find which island they have claimed as their own. It will be easier for the four of us to hunt them down if we are sure of their ultimate location. Donat engage if you can help it. Meet us later tonight back at my hotel room.a aArenat you planning to change hotel rooms? Or are you planning to stay with me in Vienna?a aIam staying at the Gellrt,a I said. aIam not leaving Budapest again until this mess has been cleaned up.a aItas not safe.a aDanaus will be there. Iall be safe.a aAs you wish,a Valerio said with an easygoing shrug of his broad shoulders. He took a single step backward away from Danaus and me before disappearing from sight. I looked forward to the day when I attained that ability. It would be so much easier than trying to grab a car or a plane or any other vehicle to get from point A to point B.

My eyes strayed over to Danausas face and I winced inwardly. The hunter was not happy with me, and it was most likely Valerioas fault. Of course, Danaus could also still be upset over my choice to control him than use my own powers. My excuse had been extraordinarily thin and weak. I didnat think he actually bought it, but then I had been desperate and we werenat exactly in the best spot to discuss it. To my glee, we still werenat. The night was fading away and we still had to locate Clarion.

aI know.a I sighed. aHeas a complete pain in the a.s.s.a aReminds me of someone else I know.a aYeah, well, that could be a long list. Youall have to narrow it down for me.a We glared at each other before finally turning in separate directions. I looked over at Ferko to find that he had yet to move from where he lay. I didnat expect him to be unconscious much longer. Head eventually pick himself up and scurry back off to Veyron to complain about the slaughter of his people. If Ferko was lucky, our destruction of the local pack might succeed in drawing out a few of the nightwalkers. I had a sinking feeling that this entire town needed to be thinned out. Veyron and his gang had a negative influence on everyone there, like a sickness eating away at the brain tissue.

aHow is Valerio going to track down the naturi if he canat sense them?a Danaus asked, surprising me with his concern.

I smiled up at my companion as we trudged back through the woods toward the car we had stolen shortly after sunset. aHeas a smart guy. Heall figure it out. A place where the humans have been murdered at an alarming rate, a heavily wooded area, or just a place where humans are afraid to tread. Thatas enough to ferret out the naturi.a aYouare using humans as a guide?a aSure, theyave got a natural sixth sense about danger.a aThen why do they flock to vampires?a aI never said they were very good about listening to it. Besides, weare not trying to kill them, just feed off them. The naturi are the ones that actually want them dead.a aNice rationale,a Danaus said as he walked around to the driveras side and opened the door.

aYeah, I thought so.a Danaus paused, standing next to the car with the door open. He stared at me over the roof of the little car. aWeare hunting a warlock?a aWeare just going to have a nice little chat over coffee,a I corrected with a shaky smile. I was beginning to think that Valerio had the easier task. For a brief moment I thought about reaching out to Stefan and requesting that he come along. However, I pushed the idea away as I climbed into the stolen car. Stefan needed some time to cool off and get back in control of his temper. As surprising as it was to me, he had lost someone important to him simply because she was beautiful. Mich.e.l.le deserved better than that, and Stefan was determined to give it to her. He would need to kill both Odelia and Ferko to have his revenge. Unfortunately, to help him succeed, I first needed to deal with a warlock that was determined to see me dead.

Chapter Nineteen.

Gerbeaud Cukrszda was stunning. Iad grown accustomed to cramped, dark little coffeehouses with people hunched over laptops or hiding behind a newspaper. But Gerbeaud Cukrszda was an old traditional Hungarian coffeehouse with its enormous arched windows looking out onto the city. Gold gilt and crystal chandeliers hung from domed ceilings, casting the room in a warm glow. Along the walls were rich wood sideboards that held delicate pieces of ancient china with slightly faded patterns, worn by the ma.s.sive pa.s.sage of time.

The coffeehouse was crowded, with people relaxing at small round tables laden with their coffee and frothy pastries that left me briefly longing for my more humans days when I craved things like sugar, milk, and airy whipped cream. Where coffeehouses in the United States were little dens of caffeine sin, Gerbeaud Cukrszda was a palace dedicated to the ancient art of coffee and decadence.

Danaus and I arrived looking as if we had just survived a fight for our lives. Our clothes were torn, dirty, and splattered with blood. I shoved one hand through my hair, trying vainly to smooth it back and into some semblance of order.

Danaus smiled at me, catching my eye in a nearby mirror. aYou look vibrant,a he said in a low voice, causing me to smile as well. He was being far too kind. We both looked a mess and had no business walking into such a civilized setting, but there was nothing that could be done about it. The night was still young, and the longer we remained in Budapest without taking care of this nonsense, the more dangerous it became.

It was tempting to cover us in a light glamour so people wouldnat notice our disheveled appearances, but I decided that it just wasnat worth the energy. Instead I turned my attention to scanning the beautiful restaurant for the one that would most likely prove to be Clarion.

He wasnat hard to spot. At the far end of the room was a man sitting at a table alone with a leather-bound book in one hand. He wore a fashionable suit with a dark blue and gray tie. I had little doubt that this person was Clarion. However, what I did find disturbing was that he wasnat the only magic user in the room. In fact, a quick scan of the coffeehouse revealed at least seven other magic users of varying power strengths in the room, though none was anywhere near as strong. Apparently, Danaus and I had stumbled upon a favorite watering hole for warlocks and witches. Fabulous. Simply fabulous.

I had known that this very public gathering would be a mix of talking, coercion, and grandstanding, but I didnat expect that I would be the one outnumbered at this gathering. If I had learned anything in my six centuries, it was that one did not go picking fights with powerful warlocks and witches, and never in their own territory.

Keep your temper and your weapons to yourself, I warned Danaus as I started to weave my way through the tables toward Clarion.

I can manage it. Can you? he taunted.

I was going to try, but I had my doubts. Ferko, Rowe, and Nick had all managed to push my b.u.t.tons that evening. I suspected that Clarion was going to be happy to do the same once we sat down with him. He had every reason to suspect that he had the upper hand in our little game of cat and mouse. Danaus and I were the outsiders, while he was part of something far larger, which was attempting to kill me and my companions.

When we got within a dozen feet of the table, Clarion closed his book and laid it on the table as he turned to face us. He rose smoothly from his chair, running his hands over his jacket as if to brush away any nonexistent wrinkles. He smiled benignly at us while his dark brown eyes twinkled with some ill-concealed laughter, as if he held some secret delight that we did not yet know about.

aClarion?a I asked as we drew closer.

aYou must be Mira and Danaus,a he said in heavily accented English. aForgive me, but I noticed your entrance. Or rather, your scan of Gerbeaud. I naturally a.s.sumed you were looking for me.a He motioned for us to take the two empty seats at his table while he resumed his seat.

aDo you frequently receive visitors here that search for you in such a manner?a I inquired politely as I took a seat opposite him. It was a struggle to ignore the gra.s.s stains on my shirt and the tear in my pants near my thigh as I sat across from Clarion in his tidy suit and precise manners.

Picking up the spoon from its place on his saucer, Clarion stirred his coffee a couple times before taking a sip. aFrequently? No. But I am aware of my standing in the community, and I would be the one you were most likely seeking in this place in such a manner.a I swallowed my next question as a server came over and took Danausas coffee order while I waved him off. Rowe and Nick had already pressed me to my breaking point, and I was in no mood to pretend to be human tonight.

aAnd I also deduced that it would only be natural for you to seek me out following your recent claim on Budapest,a Clarion continued. aCongratulations.a aSo youave heard already,a I said, sitting back in my chair.

aBudapest may be a large city, but the supernatural community remains relatively small. Word travels fast,a he said with yet another smug smile.

aI find myself reluctant to agree that the supernatural community is really all that small. Though itas a bit smaller now,a Danaus interjected in a low voice that brought a smirk to my own lips.

aSince coming to Budapest,a I said, aIave noticed that there is a large gathering of nightwalkers here, the Budapest pack was relatively large, and besides yourself there are at least half a dozen magic users in this coffeehouse alone. Not a bad showing for a town of any size.a aForgive me, but what do you mean the Budapest pack was relatively large?a Clarion inquired, his hand stilling on his coffee cup.

aMy companions and I are in town for a variety of reasons,a I said, brushing some dirt off the leg of my pants. aOne of them was related to the disappearance of a nightwalker. After some inquiries, we discovered that members of the local pack killed her. Retribution was meted out tonight and the Budapest pack has been nearly exterminated.a aExterminated?a aThe pack has been culled, reduced, eradiated, destroyed,a Danaus supplied.

aAnd you felt that this action was necessary?a Clarion asked, his brow furrowing as he sat back in his chair.

I shook my head, forcing a frown onto my mouth. aUnfortunately, yes. Pack alpha Ferko refused to cooperate with us, so we had to hunt down anyone who might have been involved with the murder of a poor nightwalker. We had to be sure that her death was avenged. Surely you understand?a aNaturally,a Clarion replied. aAnd have you completed your investigation into the matters regarding Budapest?a aNot quite. Danaus and I have come to Gerbeaud to speak with you regarding a few minor little things.a Danaus placed his cup of coffee back on its saucer and turned his full attention to the warlock. aBeing as you are obviously tuned into the supernatural happenings of Budapest, you should be able to provide us with some valuable information, which will help to shorten our stay within the city. The sooner we can fix matters here, the sooner we can leave.a aAre you in a hurry to leave? Itas a shame that youare not enjoying your stay in our beautiful city.a aMy time in Budapest has been entertaining,a I said, abut my presence is needed in Venice with the coven. Once my duties to the coven are completed, Danaus and I hope to return to Budapest for a lengthy stay.a At that p.r.o.nouncement, Clarionas smile wilted slightly, but he caught it quickly as he nodded to me. aExcellent. Iam sure your presence here will have a positive influence on our little community. We tend to be a tight-knit group.a aSo Iave noticed,a I murmured.

aWhat can I help you with?a aThe naturi,a Danaus said.

For a moment Clarion looked genuinely confused, but I wasnat buying it. aI beg your pardon,a he said, sitting up straighter in his chair.

aThe naturi. Apparently theyave infested the city. Theyare hunting down nightwalkers and humans within the city,a I clarified, but the warlock continued to shake his head at me.

aThis is the first I have heard of it.a aThatas a shame.a I sighed. aThey are dangerous group who are hoping to wipe out all of humanity and nightwalkers in an effort to protect the earth. In Budapest, it appears that the local naturi have rallied around a ruthless naturi by the name of Rowe. He has dark hair, scars, and wears an eye patch. You would definitely know him if you were to meet him.a aI know I would recall seeing someone by that description, but I have to admit that I have not,a Clarion stated.

I donat believe him, Danaus said silently to me.

Nor I. Dead humans or nightwalkers wouldnat be a particularly bad thing for him.

aReally? Hmm . . . that is strange, because Veyron a.s.sured me that you would know where to find the naturi. They were the initial reason for our appearance within Budapest.a aVeyron directed you to me?a he said a bit stiffly as the last of the amus.e.m.e.nt was wiped clean from his face.

aYou do know Veyron, correct?a aOf course. Heas a somewhat powerful figure among the nightwalkers. It is only natural that I am aware of him. However, our meetings have been extremely limited. I cannot imagine why he might think that I know where to find this naturi called Rowe.a aHe probably believed that you would be aware of the naturi simply for your own safety,a I said with a wave of my hand. I let my gaze drift away from the warlock to a trolley laden with chocolate confections that smelled heavenly. For a second I wondered if Nick was causing more problems for me. I hadnat craved food in centuries, but then I hadnat even been faced with such amazing delights before now. Besides, I was content to let Clarion dangle a little bit.

aWhat do the naturi have to do with my safety?a the warlock demanded, finally dragging my eyes back to his face.

I lowered my voice to a whisper and leaned in a little bit. aWell, even though you are a warlock, to the naturi you are first and foremost a human. And second, the naturi have a history of singling out blood warlocks for execution.a aHow did you know?a he asked, surprised.

aThat youare a blood warlock?a I finished with a smile. aI can taste it in your powers. Itas quite easy to spot. You have to remember, Iave been around the block for quite a long time. Iave had plenty of time to learn a few tricks.a aAnd you think the naturi would single me out?a Clarion demanded, starting to sound concerned for the first time.

aPossibly.a I shrugged and then turned my attention to Danaus. aHowas your coffee?a aWonderful,a he said, refilling his cup from the small ceramic pot that had been brought to the table. aWeall have to come back after everything has been settled.a aAbout the naturi,a Clarion snapped, drawing my attention back to him.

aYes, itas quite possible they might come after you. Judging the energy that is flowing about you, I wouldnat be surprised if they were drawn to you. You represent not only a power player within the city, but could also prove to be a protector of the humans. Youare a speed b.u.mp on the way to their domination of Budapest. They would see you as someone they would need to get rid of.a aAnd what about you?a Clarion said gruffly, eager to refocus my attention.

I gave a little laugh as I relaxed in my chair. aOh, Rowe has special plans regarding my extermination. Heas been trying to kill me for years. Iam sure heall get around to it eventually, but right now heas set his sights on Budapest.a Clarion drummed his fingers on the table, rattling his spoon on his china cup and saucer. His brow was furrowed as he turned over the selection of information I had carefully dropped into his lap. Some of it was true, but for the most part it was pure fabrication. I was trying to push him into making a rash decision, or at the very least, into confronting Veyron. Either would benefit me.

aIam afraid that I donat know anything about the naturi,a Clarion announced after nearly a minute of silence. aHowever, considering they are nature-based creatures and they are trying to take over Budapest, I would say that your best place to look for them would be Margit Island, which can be reached using Margit Bridge. Itas a beautiful garden park. Recently, there have been a rash of disappearances on the island, but I have not given it much thought. Every city has its occasional murder and floating body.a aOf course,a I said a bit sarcastically. aThank you for the suggestion. Danaus and I will look into it this evening. Hopefully, we will be able to rid the city of its naturi problem.a aThat would be a great relief to everyone, Iam sure,a Clarion said, gritting his teeth slightly. aNow, if you will excuse me. The hour grows late and there are a few small items that I need to see to.a aActually there is one other matter that you should be able to help with,a I said, laying my hand over his on the table in an effort to keep him from leaping to his feet. aIt has to do with a warlock in Budapest that appears to be stirring up some trouble.a aThat . . . that seems . . . unlikely.a Clarion stammered a bit, as if struggling to find the right words.

aI know, but it is true. I thought I would contact you first since you are one of the more powerful warlocks in the region. I thought you might be able to point us in the right direction,a I said.

A patronizing smile lifted the corners of Clarionas mouth as he sat back in his chair, sliding his hand out from my touch. aYouare looking for me to hand over one of my own kind to you?a he asked, tilting his head.

aAre you going to suddenly act as if there is any true loyalty among warlocks and witches?a I mocked. aCome now. Iave traveled the world, and everywhere I have visited, the warlocks and witches have adopted a type of to-each-his-own mentality. Are you going to risk your neck for someone else when youave done nothing wrong?a aMaybe things are different in Budapest than the rest of the world,a he suggested, but again I wasnat buying it. Things were extremely different in Budapest from the rest of the world, but I was willing to bet that the warlock/witch community wasnat.

aWell, I thought you might help me. If not, I am more than content to contact Ryan in London,a I said. Dropping the name of the extremely powerful and dangerous warlock that was the head of Themis caused Danaus to softly rattle his cup and saucer together. aHeas been more than happy to help me in the past, and Iam sure that he would be able to ferret out the culprit in short order.a Mira! Danaus said in a warning voice in my head.

Thereas no way heas heard about our falling out, I replied quickly. Ryanas not going to advertise that he failed to lure me to his side, and for all he knows, I havenat turned on him yet. Heas still the one with the extra special blood that I canat resist. Iam just trying to rattle Clarion into making a mistake.

Just keep Ryan out of this. We donat need any more problems.

aRyan? From Themis?a Clarion asked.