Chapter Thirteen.

Veyronas house was naturally an enormous affair with old beveled gla.s.s windows and a gray stone front. The courtyard was brightly lit with an array of old lampposts and a pair of electric wrought-iron sconces next to the front door on the face of the house. Tall trees with gnarled branches like the bony fingers of the dead reached out across the yard, casting great shadows over the area. The bare branches clacked together in the wind, while snow swirled around our feet. As we stepped out of our second taxicab, both Valerio, Stefan, and Macaire appeared just behind us, wrapped in their coats, while I stood in only my sweater and dress pants.

aWhat took you so long?a Stefan inquired with a frown.

aAnd what happened to your coat?a Valerio added.

aWe ran into some unexpected problems. Iall tell you later,a I growled under my breath as I walked up to the front door. I didnat want Macaire to know about our little run-in with the warlock if I could help it.

Before anyone could ring the bell, the door was pulled open by a stiff-looking human in all-black attire. He didnat ask who we were, but wordlessly waved for us to enter the house. It was all I could do to keep my face perfectly blank as we were led through one opulently decorated room after another toward the back of the house. I kept a nice, comfortable home in Savannah, but this house dripped money and cla.s.sic Old World charm. There was furniture throughout the place that was more than a couple centuries old and all in pristine condition. Silver and gold candelabras glowed with candlelight throughout the rooms, while fires flickered and danced in every fireplace we pa.s.sed.

Yet despite the opulence, we saw no one but the servant that was leading us. There were no sounds in the home but the echo of our footsteps across the marble and hardwood floors and the crackle of fire eating at logs in the fireplaces. I scanned the house to find that there were a small collection of nightwalkers in the direction we were headed, while nearly two dozen humans were hidden around the house. I was willing to bet that the humans represented a collection of servants and pets for Veyron. I inwardly cringed, dreading how Danaus was going to react should he be faced with the humans.

As we entered what appeared to be a garden room with large windows that reflected back the lamplight, a nightwalker with copper-colored hair pushed to his feet. He placed one hand on his waist and bent low toward me and Macaire as he smiled broadly at us.

aThe great Fire Starter, Mira,a he announced in a thick Hungarian accent. I noticed that he spoke in neither Hungarian nor Italian, but English. It was a neutral stance for him. He bowed to me, but he wasnat using Italian and he simply referred to me as the Fire Starter.

aThank you, Veyron, for welcoming me and my companions into your home,a I said. Turning sideways, I waved toward Danaus and the others. aThis is my consort, Danaus, and these are Valerio and Stefan. And Iam sure youare already acquainted with coven Elder Macaire.a aWelcome, sire,a Veyron said, bowing a second time. aWe have not formally met since my appearances before the coven have always been very brief.a aTruly?a I said. aI a.s.sumed that you knew each other since Macaire said he had been contacted directly about the naturi problem in Budapest.a aI have heard from various emissaries of the city, through my pets, that there was trouble in Budapest,a Macaire said. aThis is the first chance I have had to officially meet Veyron,a he added, making me want to choke. I had no doubt that those two knew each other and knew each other well. This was a bunch of lies in an effort to get me to lower my guard.

aNo matter,a I said with a flippant shrug of my shoulders as I forced a smile onto my lips. aThe important thing is that we are here now to fix this poor city.a aAnd it is an honor to have two Elders and their companions in my humble home. Please, everyone come in and rest yourselves. Let me summon some refreshments for us,a Veyron said as he returned to his seat. I personally could have gagged at all the pleasantries and silly formalities, but I knew it was expected. Of course, the great irony was that I was seated with the vampire most likely hired to kill me along with the man that had hired him, and we were expected to play nice just because it was expected of us. I would not be accused of not playing by the rules.

As Veyron sat down, I noticed that Sofia had stepped out of the shadows and taken a seat on a little cushioned stool next to his chair. I claimed the seat across from Veyron, my eyes drifting over to the woman. Meanwhile, Macaire, Valerio, and Stefan sat near me, while Danaus remained standing just behind my shoulder, his arms folded over his chest as he glared at Veyron. I counted myself lucky that he was playing this nicely with the powerful nightwalker.

Veyron ran his hand over Sofiaas head as if petting an obedient dog. aAnd this is my little pearl, Sofia.a aYes, weave met.a I forced a smile on my lips as I dragged my gaze back up to Veyron. aSheas quite lovely.a aThank you,a Veyron said, positively beaming at me as if he were a proud owner.

We had only a moment before eight humans walked single-file into the garden room and came to stand next to me and Veyron. There were four men and four women, all appearing to be under the age of thirty. There were blondes, brunettes, and even a redhead, with varying body types, appearances, and, from what I could tell, different blood typesa"all for the discerning palette.

aPlease,a Veyron said, motioning toward the eight appetizers arrayed before me.

I let my eyes sweep over them as if I were weighing the selection. Yet in truth I was stalling. I was trying to figure some way out of this, but I knew there wasnat as Macaire rose and chose a healthy-looking young man with blond hair.

Iam going to feed. Itas good etiquette, I warned Danaus, trying to keep the conversation between the two of us.

I guessed as much, he replied. Anger rolled off of him in waves, brushing against my side as I pushed languidly to my feet.

No one is going to get hurt, I continued, trying to make sure he wasnat going to do something that would get us in deeper trouble than we were already in.

Are they here of their own free will?

I donat know, but I know that they wonat remember anything of what happens here tonight.

With that, Danaus became completely silent, blocking me as much as he possibly could from his thoughts. I stepped over to a tall man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. I ran my left hand over his chest and smiled as his heart picked up its steady pace at my touch. I dipped into his mind to find that his name was Frank and that he was a college student studying physics. And while it shouldnat have been necessary to check, I found him to be wholly human. It took only a slight push on my behalf to put him in a trancelike state. He was no longer aware of the room or its occupants. For a brief moment in time there was only me and the pleasure that I promised to give him. A lopsided smile lifted his lips as he looked down at me.

Just before I lifted my mouth to Frankas neck, I looked over my shoulder at Danaus to find the hunter glaring at us. His whole body was stiff and his hands were balled into fists. I smiled at him then turned my face into Frankas neck, burying my fangs deep into the vein there. His body jerked once before he let out a soft sigh of pleasure.

My mind was deep in his, sending through him waves of exquisite pleasure, losing him in a mind-numbing bliss. At the same time I nearly became lost in that same wave. It had been too long since my last meal, too many long, cold nights of fighting and nearly dying. I had needed this more than I was willing to admit. The blood and the young manas embrace washed away the cold and the fear. It wrapped me up in a safe world that didnat include the naturi and the bori. The only thing that could have made this better was a different set of strong arms.

Feeling better, if not a little evil, I reached out to Danausas mind, sending to him the same warmth and pleasure I was basking in. It was a weak, filtered version of what he had encountered at the First Communion just a week ago, but it was enough to earn me a low growl that undoubtedly caught the attention of my other companions.

Stop it, Mira, Danaus snapped silently.

Leave off. Youare enjoying it and you know it .

I donat want to. The surprising admission was enough for me to close the connection between us. I finished my meal alone after a couple more minutes. As I closed the young manas wound, I thought about grabbing another, but I didnat need to gorge myself. I would have the chance to feed again later.

After guiding Frank to a chair near the doorway into the garden room, I resumed my seat, barely resisting the urge to run my tongue over my teeth. aThank you. That was a welcome snack,a I said with a nod of my head to my host.

aAre you sure you wonat take more? If they are not to your liking, I can summon others for you. Older perhaps? Or younger?a Veyron offered like any attentive host. I waved off his comments and turned my attention to Valerio and Stefan.

Both nightwalkers silently chose from the remaining humans that filled the room, using the same care I had shown, to my great relief. Valerio wavered at times between putting his meal in a trance and leaving them conscious so he could enjoy the fear that pumped through their veins. Leaving them conscious would only anger Danaus, and everyone knew it. I was simply grateful that neither Valerio nor Stefan took the opportunity to start a fight with the hunter.

Unfortunately, Macaire was taking advantage of the situation to try and provoke the hunter. He not only fed on three separate humans, but made sure they were fully conscious during the entire affair so their terror could be felt and heard in the room. When the first male failed to elicit a response from Danaus, Macaire switched to a pair of thin, weak females who were far more vocal in their fear. The Elder drained them within an inch of death, and they crumpled to the floor with an ugly thud. They had to be carried out by some of Veyronas other servants.

Throughout it all, Danaus didnat even flinch. I knew the hunter had seen far worse in his days of battle and through his exceedingly long existence, but Macaire was only succeeding in proving to Danaus that he had been right all along. Vampires were simply bloodsucking monsters without a care for the human race beyond a source of food. Macaire proved that we were soulless creatures that werenat worth saving. In that flicker of a moment, I didnat blame Danaus for all the nightwalker deaths he had caused. If any of them were like Macaire, they deserved what they got.

When the trio of nightwalkers returned to their seats and the humans filed back out of the room, Veyronas eyes drifted to Danaus and a grin slowly crossed his features.

aI am loath to ask such a favor,a he began, his gaze still locked on the hunter. aBut I am wondering if you would permit me to try him. I have never heard of the famed Fire Starter keeping a pet. I am interested to know what makes him so unique.a aNo!a I snapped, lurching to my feet. aNo one touches him. Danaus is not a pet. As I said earlier, he is my consort .a Around us, candlelight flickered and flared brighter and higher on their wicks as I unconsciously tapped into powers that had been a part of me since birth. Something important to me was being threatened, and I was going to defend it with everything that I was. Veyron would not touch Danaus.

Stefan and Valerio also rose to their feet as if to protect me, while Danaus remained standing as still as a statue beside me. Macaire lounged in his chair, watching the proceedings with a smirk on his thin lips.

Veyron was wise and remained seated, offering both of his open hands to me as he immediately backed away from his request. aI meant no harm in my request,a he backpedaled. aI never meant to offend you or your consort.a I nodded stiffly, returning to my chair, followed by Valerio and Stefan. aDanaus is not to be touched by another creature.a I left the unspoken threat hanging heavy in the air. If I were to never feed from the hunter, then I would never allow another nightwalker to touch him. I didnat want him to be tainted in such a fashion. He was not like any other human I had met, and it wasnat just that he was part bori. He was different, and I wanted to preserve and protect that difference from the rest of my kind.

aForgive me. I understand his importance to you. In truth, I donat think I could ever allow anyone to touch my dearest Sofia here,a Veyron said as he once again stroked the back of her head. I half expected her to start panting or purring as she turned her wide blue eyes up at him and a delicate smile lifted the corners of her bow-shaped mouth.

aPerhaps he would like for me to get him something to eat or drink,a Sofia suggested in a soft, almost hypnotic voice.

aYes, of course. How thoughtless of me! I am not accustomed to entertaining humans,a Veyron said with a laugh.

Sofia rose to her feet as if supported by air and started to glide out of the room when Danaus shocked everyone by finally speaking. aI can accompany her,a he volunteered.

aThere is no need to trouble yourself.a Sofia smiled sweetly up at him, while I fought the urge to chew on my bottom lip in troubled thought. I had not expected this from Danaus. I had thought he would want to remain close while we were in talks with Veyron, but now he seemed anxious to slip away with Sofia. I wasnat sure what he was up to, but a part of me knew that I wouldnat like it.

aI donat mind,a Danaus said. aIt would give me a chance to see more of this exquisite house.a aYes, take him with you, Sofia,a Veyron said with a wave of his hand. aGet him something to eat and show him my home while I speak with the Elders.a I bit my tongue and forced a smile on my lips as I relaxed in the chair across from my all too gracious host. He thought he was doing Danaus some great favor, but I knew that the hunter had some devious scheme up his sleeve.

Stay out of mischief and be wary of the other nightwalkers in the house, I warned as he left the room with Sofia.

As soon as the door closed, I turned my full attention back to Veyron. I was more than ready to get down to business and complete this little dance we had started. aIam surprised that Odelia is not here to join us.a aI didnat know that you were expecting her to be present,a Veyron replied.

aShe seems to hold some power within the city. And so do you.a I was curious if there was any lingering animosity between the two that I could irritate. It could prove useful later. aI will admit that Iam a bit confused when it comes to understanding who the keeper of Budapest is. It is unknown to myself and the other Elders of the coven who truly rules this city.a Veyron settled his right ankle on his left knee as he sat back in his chair with a smile. aThere is no single keeper of Budapest. Thereas no need.a aWho keeps the peace?a Valerio inquired.

aThereas no need for anyone to enforce the peace in the city,a Veyron replied. aThere are no struggles for power, no fights over territory here. All the nightwalkers here are somewhat younger in age and are content to go their own way.a aItas not all peace and love in this city,a Stefan declared in an ominous voice that dragged everyoneas eyes over to him. The nightwalker sat stiffly in his chair with his hands gripping the arms. It was one of the rare moments when Iad seen him express any kind of emotion, and it was obvious to everyone that he was more than a little angry.

aWhat has happened?a Veyronas smile lost some of its earlier wattage, confronted now with open hostility from a nightwalker that was older than him. Should this encounter rise to blows, there was no promise that either Elder would step forward to stop Stefan.

Lifting his chin, Stefan unclenched his jaw enough so he could speak. aA month ago I sent my a.s.sistant here to pick up a package for me. She arrived by private jet. She came to the city and checked into a hotel, but that was the last that was heard of her. The package was never picked up and nothing has been seen of my a.s.sistant.a aIf you need help acquiring your package, Iam sure I can a.s.sist you. I am familiar with many of the shopkeepers throughout the city,a Veyron said with a nonchalant wave of his hand.

The arm of the chair that Stefan was sitting in creaked as the nightwalkeras grip tightened. aI am not concerned with the package,a Stefan bit back in a deadly soft voice. aI want to know where my a.s.sistant is. She is to be returned to me.a Veyron gave a sad shake of his head that left even me wanting to rip it off. aIam afraid this is the first I have heard of the matter. Iall do what I can to help you find her.a aI believe it will be in your best interest to help me because I plan to dismantle this city until I do find her,a Stefan snapped.

aWhatas her name?a Macaire inquired politely.

aMich.e.l.le,a Stefan replied, his voice losing some of its edge. aShe is just over five feet tall, with brown hair that hangs down to her waist. Her eyes are brown and there is a spa.r.s.e sprinkling of freckles across her nose.a aHow old was she?a Valerio asked.

aShe is 221 years old,a Stefan said, surprising me. I had not expected his a.s.sistant to be a nightwalker. But then, by the detailed description he gave and his refusal to face the fact that she was most likely dead, I was willing to bet that Mich.e.l.le was more than just an a.s.sistant to him. I hadnat expected Stefan to actually have any kind of emotions for anyone beside himself. Of course, it made sense. Nothing would force Stefan to volunteer to come on a mission with me unless it was very important to him. And by his tone of voice, Mich.e.l.le was very important to him. For a brief second I wondered if it was Mich.e.l.le that had truly brought Stefan to Budapest and not some elaborate plot cooked up between him and Macaire.

I frowned, biting back a comment. It was very likely that Mich.e.l.le wasnat still alive if she had disappeared more than a month ago. Nightwalkers didnat just disappear. There was always the chance that she had run from Stefan and was hiding somewhere in the East, where things were a little wilder and less closely monitored by the coven and its keepers. In the East, it was easier to slip in and become lost among the other nightwalkers, creating a new ident.i.ty for yourself.

However, I was reluctant to accept this theory. Stefan seemed to truly care for Mich.e.l.le, and I a.s.sumed head know if there was a possibly that she would run. Of course, love can make us all blind at times.

aIf she was in town a month ago, you may consider contacting Ferko,a Veyron suggested, scratching his chin with his right hand. aHeas the alpha for the local pack. Sometimes the lycans can get a little rough when itas close to the full moon. I hate to think it, but there is a small chance that she may have fallen in with a rough crowd while she was in town.a aIs that a problem in Budapest?a I asked, raising one eyebrow at him. aLocals hara.s.sed and potentially killed by the lycans?a aNot really.a The nightwalker shrugged, looking for all the world as if none of this conversation truly mattered to him, and in truth it shouldnat if he didnat consider himself the keeper of Budapest. aOf course, the time of the full moon for the shifters is always a dangerous time of the month. Sometimes people go missing. Iam sure it happens everywhere.a aActually, it doesnat.a My voice grew colder, losing its congenial softness and warm invitation. aThe alpha for the pack in my own domain keeps a tight control over his people. Humans and nightwalkers do not go missing in my domain.a Sitting back, I tapped my finger on my lips in thought. aMacaire, please correct me if Iam wrong, being as I am new to the Elder position,a I began, pausing to smile over at him.

aOf course,a he replied with a stiff smile of his own. aWhat is on your mind?a aI donat think the coven is comfortable with this current arrangement.a aHow do you mean?a Macaire said, sitting up a little straighter in his chair as he slid closer to the edge of his seat.

aAs a member of the coven, I have to admit that Iam not comfortable with the regular disappearance of humans and nightwalkers within the city,a I said, dropping my hand back into my lap. aAnd if Iam not comfortable, the rest of the coven couldnat possibly be comfortable.a aMacaire has never expressed any concern about the arrangement for the city,a Veyron admitted thoughtlessly as he started to squirm in his own chair.

aCorrect me if I am wrong, fellow Elder, but I donat think you are fully aware of the situation, considering that you spend the majority of your time in Italy,a I said. aSpeaking of which,a I added, turning my attention back to Veyron, awhy are the fledglings of Budapest not making an appearance before the coven, as is tradition?a aIt was my impression that we were no longer following that old tradition.a I gave a little snort and shook my head as I looked over at Macaire. aCould you ever see us giving up such a time-tested tradition as breaking in the fledglings in Venice? Itas positively absurd!a aIt is the only way to teach them where the true power of our people lie,a Macaire said through clenched teeth.

aRespect,a Valerio said. aThe young nightwalkers here have no respect for the coven, the Elders, or even when they see a true Ancient,a he added as he picked a piece of lint off his dark slacks. He couldnat resist putting another nail in Veyronas coffin. I had no doubt that he knew where I was going with this and was now simply egging me on.

I heaved a heavy sigh and looked down at my hands folded in my lap. aThis canat continue.a aIt canat be!a Veyron said, nearly coming out of his chair.

aBut it is. Shifters are killing nightwalkers and humans, endangering the secret. Nightwalkers are not appearing before the coven, which is the only place they can properly learn what it means to be a nightwalker and understand their place in the world. This is unacceptable, and I know I speak for the rest of the coven when I say this cannot continue.a aWhat are you planning to do?a Macaire demanded in a slow, deceptively even voice.

aThe only thing I can do,a I said, before sucking in a deep, weary breath. aI will take over as the keeper of Budapest.a aBut you canat!a Veyron cried, jumping out of his chair.

aWhy not?a I asked, one corner of my mouth lifting in a smile as I settled back in my own chair.

Veyron squirmed in silence for several seconds before he finally found his voice and a viable excuse for his objection. aYouare already the keeper of a city in the New World. How would you manage to be in two places at once?a aI would spend an extended period of time here, remaining until I felt that the city was on the right track before I returned to Savannah,a I stated. aAnd in truth, now that I am an Elder on the coven, it is probably best that I remain in Europe so I can be close at hand to Venice. I may actually hand over Savannah to my a.s.sistant. He would do an adequate job at managing the city.a Veyron slumped back in his chair, his hands balled into loose fists on his knees. He was trapped, and it was all I could do to swallow laughter. If he didnat want me to claim the keeper position for the city, he would have to step forward and claim it himself. Of course, considering the poor job he was currently doing, there was a good chance I would steal it from him anyway.

aDo you have an objection?a I asked oh so sweetly, flashing my fangs at him as I smiled. I looked down at Macaire, who could only nod stiffly at me as he settled back in his chair.

aNo, of course not,a he said, a bit too quickly to be considered believable. aYour presence would be a welcome addition to the city.a aYes, this will help keep you close at hand for when you are needed at the coven,a Macaire said. aWe were recently discussing that it may be time for you to take a domain within Europe,a he added, making it sound like it all had his stamp of approval, when I had little doubt that he wanted me nowhere near Budapest.

aExcellent. Then I claim the position of keeper of Budapest. See to it the word is spread throughout the nightwalkers of my new domain,a I declared.

aIs there anything else you wish?a Veyron said through clenched teeth as he bowed his head to me.

I glanced over at my companions, and Valerio shook his head, looking completely amused by the entire proceeding. Stefan, on the other hand, continued to glare at Veyron, as he held the nightwalker responsible for the disappearance of his a.s.sistant. aYes, spread the word that we are looking for a nightwalker named Mich.e.l.le. I demand that she be found, or at least it must be discovered what happened to her. We will speak with Ferko and his pack tomorrow night.a aTomorrow night is the full moon,a Veyron reminded me.

I smiled at him again and leaned forward a bit. aI canat think of a better time. I like to make an impact on those I meet.a Veyron pushed back, his hands gripping the arms of his comfortable chair, almost mirroring the same posture as Stefan. Neither he nor Stefan was particularly happy, but at least only one of them wanted my head at the moment. Stefan was content to wait until a more opportune time, when it would most benefit him.

aSince you are now the keeper of Budapest, I am a.s.suming that you are going to take care of our current naturi infestation,a Veyron said in a low voice.

aI have already started. Danaus and I hunted down five naturi last night at Szobor Park,a I informed him, taking exquisite pleasure in watching his frown grow deeper. Unfortunately, my joy was short-lived as I continued to speak. aHowever, we discovered that one extremely dangerous naturi is in the region. His name is Rowe and heas something of a zealot among the naturi race. Now that he knows Iam here, he could increase his slaughter of both nightwalkers and humans as he hunts me down.a A twisted smile flashed across Veyronas face. aSo your presence here has actually made it more dangerous for nightwalkers?a aPar for the course when it comes to Mira,a Valerio said, earning a dark look from me. aThe naturi tend to flock to her instead of running away. That happens when youare enemy number one among their entire race.a I forced a smile on my lips as I turned my gaze back to Veyron and shrugged. aThat happens when youare known for slaughtering countless of their ranks over the long centuries. Their survival is dependent on my death.a aWill you be able to get rid of them?a aIt would be nice, considering that this particular naturi gave you such problems at both Crete and Peru,a Macaire added, making me wish I could throw something at his head.

aI will take care of Rowe. The one-eyed naturi will not leave Budapest alive.a aOne-eyed?a Veyron asked.

aHe wears an eye patch. Scarred face. Black hair, swarthy skin. He really doesnat look like much of a naturi any longer, but he still thinks like one.a aSo, while youare in town, youare going to rein in the lycans, hunt down the naturi, and teach the nightwalkers how to act like proper nightwalkers?a Veyron said with a sneer.

aWell, I thought I would start there. Those arenat the only things on my to-do list,a I said, my smile never wavering. aBut if Iam going to get anything done, I canat remain here. I need to get out on the street.a Pushing out of my chair, I mentally reached out to Danaus and told him that we were leaving.

Veyron accompanied my group to the front door, where Danaus and Sofia were now waiting for us. Turning to Veyron, I nodded my head to him and smiled. aThank you for all your a.s.sistance. I think you will be pleased with how Budapest improves while I am here.a aYes,a he said with a slight hiss as he held open the door for us. I led the way out of the house, with Danaus following on my heels. Macaire, Valerio, and Stefan were directly behind us. There was no mistaking the soft chuckle from Valerio when Veyron slammed the door shut.

aOnly you would have the nerve to step into a domain and steal it right out from under a man,a Valerio said as he slipped his arm around my back and rested his hand on my hip.

aHe had ample opportunity to say something, and he didnat,a I replied with an evil grin as we walked away from the house, toward the dimly lit street. aIf I was out of line, I am fully confident that Macaire would have called me on the matter,a I said, motioning toward the Elder with one hand.

aYou are correct. Budapest is not how I remember her, and I am sure that you can get her back to her glorious former self,a Macaire said with a slight bow of his head. aNow if you will excuse me.a Without another word, the Elder completely disappeared from sight without giving another word of reason.

Stefan started to talk, but I held up my hand and scanned the region. I wanted to be sure Macaire was completely gone before anyone said anything that we might regret. We now had an extra pair of ears that we needed to worry about. When I was sure he was nowhere in the area, I dropped my hand and nodded for him to continue.

aBut two domains on two continents? Didnat you just get through saying you werenat going to claim Budapest as your newest domain?a Stefan asked, needling me simply because he could.

I shoved one hand through my hair, pushing it away from my face as the wind picked up. aThis is only a temporary arrangement. I will give up one of my domains once everything is settled again and the coven is happy.a aGive up Savannah?a Valerio asked.

Hearing the words spoken made my stomach drop. In that second I knew that I couldnat give up my beloved Savannah. It was the only place since becoming a nightwalker that I felt I could call home. I didnat care about Budapesta"claiming the seat of keeper here was simply a way of taking control of the situation and finally forcing Veyron to act.

Unfortunately, I found myself faced with enemies on four fronts. The naturi were constantly at my back, while the nightwalkers, warlocks, and lycans were arrayed in front of me. I just prayed that the companions I had brought with me stayed by my side through the upcoming ma.s.sacre, particularly now that Macaire had decided to haunt the city. And I knew it would be a ma.s.sacre.

aShall we go?a Valerio asked as his hand tightened on my waist.

aNo, wait! Danaus and I can catch a taxi.a I tried to pull his hand off of my side but he wouldnat budge.

aNo, it will take too long,a Valerio said. aTime to get you somewhere safe before Veyron decides that heas not going to wait around for you to improve the city.a I opened my mouth to argue but the words never escaped my throat. Valerio summoned up his powers and we disappeared from Veyronas front yard and instantly reappeared back in my hotel room. I twisted out of his grasp the second I felt my feet on firm ground again, and I drew in a lungful of air to shout for Danaus when the hunter and Stefan appeared next to me a second later. The air escaped me in a useless rush. I hadnat trusted Stefan to bring Danaus there. I didnat trust Stefan as far as I could throw him, but I was now grudgingly willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, considering the loss of his a.s.sistant.

aLeave us,a Danaus said in a low voice. aMira and I have something to discuss.a Valerio and Stefan didnat hesitate. Valerio disappeared instantly, and Stefan was directly behind him with a soft snicker.

I looked up at the hunter and frowned. This wasnat going to be pleasant. Whatever he had learned during his time with Sofia was about to come back to bite me in the a.s.s. I knew I never should have left him alone with Veyronas pretty little pet.

Chapter Fourteen.

Danaus shrugged off his coat and tossed it over the back of one of the chairs as he paced the room. I settled in the open seat and crossed my left leg over my right knee, trying to steel myself against whatever the hunter was about to drop into my lap. My stomach and jaw clenched as I watched him shove one hand through his dark hair, pushing it away from his face.

aI want us to free Sofia,a he announced. This was definitely going to get ugly.