13. Thirteen

thirteen

“Don’t kill her,” I ordered, rising from the bed. “In fact.” I grabbed a glass jar that was filled with various odds and ends. Dumping out what was inside. I held it out to Alches. “Put her in here.”

He spat the pixie into the jar.

She was quick to try to escape. I was quicker, slamming the lid into place and trapping her.

She clawed at the glass walls, unsuccessfully trying to scale them.

I gave the jar a gentle shake, dislodging her. “Stop that. You’re not getting out.”

The pixie landed in a heap at the bottom of the jar, one of her wings bending unnaturally under her. “You can’t keep me here!”

I was careful to hide my regret. It was never my intention to hurt her.

Instead, I raised an arrogant eyebrow, mimicking an expression I’d seen on Thomas’s face a million times. “Looks like you’re wrong about that.”

Oh lord. I was beginning to sound like him too.

“You won’t be in there forever,” I promised. “Just until I can get this sorted out.”

Unless she really was the Summer King’s spy. In which case, I didn’t know what I was going to do with her.

“Don’t think this saves you from that conversation we’re going to have about you working with Liam,” I told Alches, setting the pixie’s jar down so I could get ready for the night.

Alches grumbled.

Shaking my head, I turned to the bed where a pair of slim fitting, black cigar pants were waiting for me. Their fit was perfect. As was the sheer lace corset that had just enough coverage to keep me from flashing my sensitive bits beside it. A black jacket and gold pair of heels completed the look.

Once dressed, I admired myself in the mirror. “Sienna knows her stuff.”

Swiping the jar off the dresser, I headed into the hall to meet my companion.

Her outfit was similar to mine. But instead of pants, she wore black shorts that showed off her tanned legs. Her lace corset was red, a black jacket covering it. She’d elected to wear her hair straight and down.

“I hope neither of us has to do any running tonight,” I drawled, my gaze lingering on the dangerously high heels she was wearing.

Deborah frowned at my jar. “What’s that?”

“Nothing you need to worry about,” I said, turning toward the stairs.

Deobrah took me at my word, following me to the landing. “As for running—there should be no need for that. What kind of party do you think we’re attending?”

“You sweet, naive child. Have you learned nothing in your time hanging around me?”

These sorts of shindigs almost always devolved into some type of battle. I doubted this time would be any different.

“Such a pessimist.”

“It’s not pessimism when history proves me right.”

She’d learn. Hopefully before she twisted an ankle.

Nathan looked up from the book he was reading and whistled. “You clean up nice.”

“So do you.”

Like Deborah, his gaze went immediately to the jar cradled against my side. “Did you bring me a present?”

“Actually, yes.” I ignored the startled expression on his face—surely, my answer wasn’t that strange—and held the jar out to him. “I found her lurking around my room.”

Nathan sat up to take the jar. “And you’re handing her over to me.”

I rolled my eyes at the clear suspicion in his voice. “If you don’t want to deal with her, I can take her back.”

Nathan moved the jar out of my reach. “No. No. I’m just not used to an Aileen who doesn’t hoard information like its precious gold.”

“I’m already regretting sharing,” I said sourly.

Nathan wasn’t listening, holding the jar at eye level. “Hello, there. Want to tell me what you’re doing here?”

A spat of curses came from Nyx.

Nathan tsked. “Such unbecoming language for a guest of our house.”

“Don’t kill her,” I ordered.

Just in case she really was sent by Inara.

“Softie,” Nathan drawled.

“Whatever.”

Ignoring Nathan, I took in the rest of the enforcers sprawled around the room. They all wore black suits. Their own version of a uniform. Though the material of their suits were far nicer than I’d ever seen in work attire. They were custom fitted and fashionable enough to be featured on a magazine model.

Just then, Thomas strode inside from the patio. “Is this everyone? Are we ready?”

Liam entered behind Thomas, spotting me immediately. Changing direction, he headed my way. His hand slipped under my jacket, sliding over my lace covered waist, to pull me into him so he could drop a short but brutal kiss on my lips.

“What was that for?” I asked, my lips still tingling when he pulled back.

“Just felt necessary.” Liam brushed his knuckles down my cheek. “You’re my wife after all.”

The reminder sapped my good mood.

Liam chuckled as my eyes spat fire at him, giving me one last pat on the waist before he shifted to stand by my side, his shoulder a reassuring weight against mine.

Nathan held up the jar. “Look—Aileen gave me a present.”

“A lovely gift, mo chuisle, ” Liam said mildly. “Though I’m disappointed Nathan received one before your husband.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve planned something special for you.”

“I can hardly wait,” he murmured, looking amused.

Thomas was watching the pair of us closely. “Aileen—you wouldn’t happen to know where your brother is, would you?”

I played dumb. “Not a clue. Do you?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. The reports I received a little while ago say he was seen entering a dive bar known for its reputation in the criminal underworld of Vegas. He was seen in the company of that human you were acting odd around.”

“If you know where he is, why did you ask me?”

“Why is he there?” Thomas asked with a forced patience. “I thought you’d agreed to stay out of Brax’s matters.”

“Which pair of ears heard me say that?” I asked.

Nathan’s choked laugh sounded from the couch.

“No, really. What in our history would make you think I’d just drop this?”

Eric held out his hand to Daniel and Anton, snapping his fingers and making a give me motion. “I win.”

Anton frowned at him before giving in with a muttered curse. He reached into his back pocket, withdrawing a clip of cash as Daniel did the same on the other side of the coffee table.

Eric took their money, weighing it carefully before tossing one of the clips to Nathan.

“You didn’t get in on that action?” I asked Liam.

“He can’t.” Nathan unfolded the bills, admiring them for a second before tucking them into one of his pockets. “His marriage gives him insider information. It wouldn’t be fair to the rest of us.”

Thomas fumed. “Can we get back to the subject at hand?”

Nathan mimed zipping his lips.

Liam chuckled, sliding his thumb along the curve of my waist before withdrawing his hand. “Good luck, mo chuisle .”

He stepped back, leaving me to face my sire on my own.

“Traitor,” I muttered.

So much for in sickness and health.

“You made this mess. You can be the one to clean it up.”

“Did nothing we talked about earlier get through to you?” Thomas asked.

“I agreed to play the dutiful yearling at this event. I never said I’d forget about Brax.” Of course, I also hadn’t thought my brother would go gallivanting off with no one but a hunter at his back. “Connor’s a big boy. He can take care of himself. He’s just gathering information right now.”

I really hoped that last part wasn’t a lie.

Damn you, Connor. I can’t believe you left me to deal with this in your absence.

Deborah raised a hand. “I’d just like to point out that Connor left this morning while Aileen was unconscious. She couldn’t have stopped him even if she wanted to.”

Uncertainty flickered across her face as she became the focus of every vampire in the room. Her hand slowly lowered. “I thought they should have all the information before they raked you over the coals.”

“Such loyalty,” Thomas drawled with an irony that had Deborah dropping her gaze.

“Indeed. She is,” I declared, giving him a look that said “stop intimidating my companion.”

Thomas stared at Deborah for a beat longer before shifting his gaze to mine. “At least tell me you have his location.”

“Of course I do.”

Thomas’s shoulders relaxed. He signaled Liam.

“Anton,” Liam ordered.

Anton sighed and sauntered toward the door. “Guess it’s my turn for babysitting duty.”

“You act like Connor is a defenseless lamb,” I argued.

Anton’s smile was slow. “Two vampires are always better than one, Lena.”

For heaven’s sake.

“That’s a family nickname.”

Only a very few select people had permission to use it. Anton wasn’t one of them.

“Convenient, given you just married into mine.” Anton winked at my look of protest as he strolled toward the door, calling over his shoulder. “Remember to text me his location.”

I pinned Liam with an accusing stare. “What’s this?”

Nathan cackled from the couch. “Welcome to the family, A. You’re one of us now. We’re not always easy, but we’ll fight for you until the very last breath in our bodies.”

“Here, here,” Ahrun declared, appearing next to Thomas. “A sentiment I heartily support. Though, technically, she was part of this family long before her marriage. Whether she wants to acknowledge that fact or not.” Ahrun stopped a few feet away, clasping his hands behind his back, a paternal look in his eyes as he looked me over. “I know Nathan already said it, but you look very nice tonight, my dear.”

So did he.

His suit matched Liam and Thomas’s, making the trio look like a set. A pride of lions preparing to devour their enemies.

There was a small sound from the doorway as Sienna made her presence known. “They’re ready for you.”

Thomas nodded at her. “We’ll be out in a moment.”

Sienna dipped her chin in acceptance, the movement reminiscent of a bow.

As she strode out the front door, Thomas faced his sire. “I want to be clear so there are no misunderstandings later. I will not accept you using my children as chess pieces in one of your schemes. I won’t lose either of them, Father. Not again.”

Ahrun’s expression was enigmatic. “You’ve never expressed a problem with my methods before.”

“And I paid for that with the loss of my son.”

Ahrun shifted his gaze to Liam. “And you? Do you feel the same way?”

Liam wrapped an arm around my back, bringing my side flush with his. “I’ve already warned you of the consequences should Aileen come to harm as a result of your schemes.”

There was unmistakable look of pride on Ahrun’s face as his lips curled. “My boys. All grown up.”

Huh. Not the reaction I had been expecting.

“What? Did you think I would punish you?” Ahrun tutted at them. “I’m not unreasonable. One cannot only exist in the shadow of their father. You must eventually forge your own way.”

That last part felt aimed at me. When I looked up, it was to find his gaze resting on me. An enigmatic curve to his lips.

Ahrun clapped his hands. “Shall we then?”

Not waiting for a response, he headed for the door. Thomas, Liam and I following.

The enforcers fell in around us. A phalanx of well-trained guards in expensive Armani.

Deborah released a shaky breath as she came up beside me. “I’ve said it before, but I think it bears repeating. Your grandsire is terrifying. I have no idea how you hold your ground with him. I couldn’t do it.”

“It’s because she doesn’t bend that he respects her,” Eric explained quietly.

Deborah shivered. “Sounds dangerous.”

Eric’s eyes found mine. “It is.”

Not ready to face that thought, I looked away from the enforcer to Deborah. “It’s not too late. You can stay home.”

“Like that’s going to be any safer.”

I wished she didn’t have a point, but the fact that Nyx had already managed to infiltrate the mansion made it hard to deny.

Stepping outside, we found a fleet of black SUVs staged in the circular drive, awaiting our arrival. Sienna and a team of humans, all armed to the teeth, stood around them. Their gazes hard and assessing as they watched the perimeter.

“Who are they?” Deborah asked in a whisper as a tall black man carrying a semi-automatic rifle greeted Liam with a jerk of his chin.

“Daylight,” I answered.

Operating mostly during the day—hence their name—Daylight was a squad comprised of well-trained humans, most often from a military background, whose primary directive was the protection of Thomas and his interests.

While no substitute for an enforcer, their heavy firepower meant they couldn’t be discounted during an attack. They acted as a supplementary force to compensate for those hours when vampires were at their weakest.

From what I’d heard, it wasn’t uncommon for those in Daylight’s ranks to eventually become enforcers once they’d made the transition to vampire. For that reason, it was considered something of a coup to be chosen for the squad. Their screening and training was as rigorous as the Seals and Army Special Forces.

“Ready when you are, sir.”

Liam nodded at him. “Get them moving then.”

The black man turned his head, lifting one hand and making a circular motion with it. “We’re oscar mike.”

That was military speak for “we’re on the move”.

“You’re on Aileen tonight,” Liam informed Nathan. “Don’t let her out of your sight.”

“Hadn’t planned on it, boss,” Nathan quipped, shooting me a wink.

Around us, Daylight’s personnel were already boarding the lead and rear vehicles, Daniel and Eric joining them. One for each SUV.

“Look after yourself,” Liam ordered as I passed.

“I always do.”

“That’s what I’m counting on,” Liam murmured.

My lips curved in a tiny smile, his words sparking a warm glow in my chest as he held the door of the third SUV open for Ahrun and Thomas, his gaze lingering on me in a way that let me know he’d have preferred riding with me.

Duty called, however. As Thomas’s head enforcer, his place was with his brother and sire.

Nathan swept a mocking bow as I joined him at the second SUV. “Your chariot, my lady.”

Playing along, I dipped into a curtsy. “Thank you, kind sir.”

“Not bad,” Nathan quipped, looking over my form. “If you’d slid your back foot behind you a little more and went a touch deeper, it would have been perfect.”

“I’ll remember that for next time,” I said in a dry voice.

If nothing else, it could come in handy when dealing with some of these old timers who hadn’t quite left the past behind.

Deborah’s giggle was soft as she started to climb in the vehicle.

“You’re in the last row,” Nathan informed her.

She nodded, making no protest as she maneuvered around the bucket seat and through the narrow opening to the rear.

Nathan leaned against the side of the vehicle and arched an eyebrow at me. “Exactly how much trouble are you planning to give me tonight.”

“After what you put me through last night—as much as I can get away with.”

And then some.

The ring on my finger demanded retaliation.

I climbed into the vehicle to settle in the seat closest to the door instead of sliding over like a polite person.

“I figured as much. So glad we got that cleared up,” Nathan said ruefully, looking resigned as I shut the door in his face.

I smirked at him through the window, waving as he shook his head before walking around the vehicle to get in on the other side.

“Was that really necessary?” he asked.

“I thought so.”

The Daylight soldier in the front passenger seat glanced into the back, making sure we were settled before giving the driver a nod. “We’re all set. Let’s go.”

The house Thomas had chosen was set far down its own private drive on an isolated stretch of desert road that required several minutes of travel before we reached the main road.

I propped my chin on my fist, staring outside at the landscape. The mountains and hills got further and further away as signs of human civilization encroached. Soon, the city was in front of us, the convoy slowing as we hit traffic.

“Where are we going?” I asked when it became clear we weren’t heading for the strip.

Somehow, we’d found our way to a different section of the city. One where generic office buildings sat right across from the more ubiquitous bright lights and neon signs you’d expect of a Vegas experience. The ding of casinos was loud even from this far away.

I squinted. Was that a zip line?

Nathan cracked open one eye. “Take a guess.”

I was quiet as I took in the thriving night life across from us. Except for a visit while on leave from the military, I didn’t have much experience with Vegas.

“There’s a lot more to this city than what’s on the strip,” Nathan informed me.

Deborah lowered her phone, making it clear she was paying attention.

Nathan nodded toward the bright lights. “That’s old Vegas. The edge of it anyway.”

“I thought we were heading to the Playground,” I said with a glance at the sign that said Fremont Street.

Nathan gave me a chiding glance. “You have to know by now that things are never so cut and dry. The Playground is massive. Nearly as big as the city of Vegas itself. There’s also more than one entrance. This one happens to be the closest to our destination.”

I frowned at the view outside the SUV, unsettled.

Magic was everywhere. In the buildings across from me. In the casinos on the other side of the street. Even the neon lights flickered with it.

It was the oldest kind of magic there was. A manifestation of human desire and greed that had taken on a life of its own. It was a power that didn’t spring from the will of a singular entity but rather something that formed as a result of a collective desire. Taking shape over the course of years and decades. Sometimes centuries.

Sites where a great trauma took place were perhaps the most common examples of this. The stains of the event lingering long after those responsible for the horrors were gone.

Though holy temples and churches were also lumped under this category. Worship was one of the most powerful forces there was. Its use, spread over a long period, often left its surroundings permanently changed.

The most interesting thing about this phenomenon was that humans could often sense its presence. It was why there were so many ghosthunter shows. And why people often thought they could feel God’s presence when they entered those holy places.

What was more surprising was that Freemont Street seemed to have joined their ranks.

Then again, human greed was a powerful force.

Nathan tipped his head toward the door of a nondescript office building. “Shall we?”

Outside, Daylight’s soldiers were already disembarking. Doors opening and closing as they set up a perimeter that should have attracted attention from the pedestrians across the street.

No one spared us a glance. Either because the magic of Freemont Street had caught them in its grasp, leaving them no energy to notice anything else, or because there was a “Don’t look here” spell on the vehicles and the office building we’d parked next to.

“Sure,” I said, shoving open my door and climbing out.

Nathan did the same on the other side, his expression cooling as he looked around with a vigilance that was mirrored in the soldiers of Daylight.

Deborah squirmed her way out of the last row, stepping down from the SUV with a grace that would have been impossible for most others.

Once she was beside me, she smoothed out the back of her shorts and twitched the cuffs of her jacket into place before straightening with a look of such arrogance that she seemed like a totally different person. A more snobbish and contemptuous version of herself. A bored socialite dragged from her glimmering palace to muck about with all of us poor plebeians.

“I see we’re channeling our inner companion today,” I observed.

Deborah smoothed her hair out of her face, giving it a little flick at the end. “One must keep up appearances even when there is no one watching.”

The quickness by which Deborah changed her personality, like a blond Jekyll and Hyde, suggested this was something she’d done many times before. I had my own mask that I used when needed. For me, the deeper the danger, the more my mouth seemed to run.

If I wasn’t careful, that would get me killed one day.

Deborah hooked her arm through mine, prancing beside me as we joined Nathan on the sidewalk.

“Is bitchy socialite what you were going for?” I asked, no judgment in my tone. Simply curiosity.

Deborah threw me an impish smile. “Now you’re getting it.”

“Does that actually work?” Nathan asked.

“It’s not about whether it works.” Deborah let go of my arm, strutting toward the building where Ahrun and the others were waiting. “It’s about not giving away anything that can be used against me.”

Ahrun’s eyes shone with approval as he watched Deborah’s approach. “Quite so.”

Thomas murmured something to Sienna who nodded in response as we walked up.

“Your blood companion is simply delightful, my dear,” Ahrun said, his gaze not leaving Deborah’s face.

Her fear blared across my senses. Her pulse thready and fast.

Ahrun made a disappointed sound, finally lifting his gaze from my companion. “Her mask still needs a bit of work, however. No matter how complete the facade, it means nothing if what is on the inside gives away your every thought and desire.”

Some of Deborah’s haughtiness faded until she looked like a deer caught in Ahrun’s headlights.

Dragging her behind me, I inserted myself between the two, giving Ahrun a fake smile. “Thank you for that most edifying statement.”

Not.

There was a tiny “fuck you” in the edge of my voice that only those who truly knew me would hear. People like Nathan, who was quick to look away. But not before I caught the faint crease in his cheeks that signified humor.

And Liam, whose eyes practically danced with amusement.

A second later, Ahrun’s gaze caught mine, holding me transfixed the way he had Deborah. A trace of fear tried to seep into my veins. The reaction to a much greater predator than myself having me in his sights.

With effort, I controlled my breathing and heartbeat, forcing it to remain steady as I let the sensation flow through me and out.

Ahrun’s lips curved upwards just the tiniest bit. “Better. Much better than your companion. You’re learning.”

“What happened to him not being allowed to interfere with me and Connor?” I asked Thomas.

My sire glanced at Ahrun. “We’ve reached a compromise.”

“Oh?” My fingers twitched before curling into a fist. “That must have been some car ride.”

“It was,” Ahrun said with a mysterious little smile as he glanced at his adopted son.

Thomas’s features were set in hard lines, giving nothing away. “Father simply pointed out a few details I’d forgotten.”

Ahrun’s voice slid into my mind. Such as the fact that the parent/child bond is no longer shared between just the two of you. I have a claim as well.

Dismay rose. “No.”

Tell me I wasn’t tied to yet another vampire. One who would be so much worse to deal with than my sire.

“It’s not as bad as it sounds,” Thomas assured me, flicking a glance at his father. “He won’t go too far. Will you, Father?”

“Of course not. All I want is for all of my children to thrive and prosper.”

Thomas looked like he was on the cusp of saying something before he gave a shake of his head, dismissing whatever it was. Without sparing another glance at the rest of us, he stalked toward the office building.

A member of Daylight opened the door for him.

When I pulled my gaze back, it was to find Ahrun looming over me. He leaned down to speak into my ear. “A trial the likes of which you’ve never experienced is coming your way, my dear. There are many things you will have to learn to survive. I’m the only one who can teach them to you.”

“Who said I want your help?” I asked through gritted teeth.

“If you wish to survive, you have no choice.” Ahrun straightened, the faint smile teasing his lips falling away as his expression turned fierce. “And you will survive. For my sons’ sake if for no other reason.”

With that, he disappeared into the building after Thomas.

“You don’t have a problem with this?” I challenged Liam.

It was very hard not to feel betrayed right now. Liam, of all people, knew how much I disliked being backed into a corner.

Liam stepped into me, pulling my body against his. “If it means you have a better chance of living through what may come—no.”

My gaze dropped from his, my teeth aching with the force of how hard I was gritting them.

“As suspicious as his methods may seem, Ahrun knows what he is doing. There’s a reason Thomas and I became so powerful at such a young age. He can help.”

“He’s going to try to manipulate me.”

That was what I really feared. That his silver tongue would make everything seem so reasonable and convincing that before I knew it, I’d completely changed into someone else.

Ahrun had said it himself. He enjoyed tempting people. What if I didn’t recognize myself by the end?

“Yes.” Liam held my shoulders, one thumb sliding across my collarbone in a soft caress. “But you’re not going to let him. You didn’t bow under my pressure. You barely blinked when Thomas tried. Ahrun will be the same. Any decisions you make will be because you think they are right. My advice—take what he’s offering. Learn from him. Then discard everything that doesn’t suit your purposes.”

“Is that what you did?” I asked.

Liam’s gaze turned inward, almost nostalgic before he focused back on me. “My situation was different than yours. Death and the taking of life have never bothered me. It would be more accurate to say that Ahrun saved me from becoming more of a monster than I already was.”

I stared at Liam with a grudging expression, internally pouting. “I hate that you’re making sense right now.”

Liam’s expression lightened, a smile appearing. He brushed a butterfly light caress along my jaw, the look in his eyes tender. “Stay close to me and Nathan tonight.”

I moved my face away from him, unwilling to let go of all my anger quite yet. “I know.”

“You say that, but something tells me you don’t mean it.”

I pulled out of his grasp. “I guess we’ll find out, won’t we?”

Liam hovered a second longer before taking a step back to give me room. “Just don’t forget one thing. You’re of Ahrun’s line. He won’t intentionally let harm befall you.”

“Tell that to Connor.”

I’d have said being trapped in a stag’s body for centuries fell under the definition of harm.

“Ahrun has been warned what will happen if he crosses a line like that again.”

“I hope so,” I said, holding Liam’s gaze. “I really do.”

If I ended up an animal, I was going to be very upset.

Unless it was a feline. I wouldn’t mind being one of those.

I started to head for the building then paused. There was one last thing that was bothering me.

“If I reject Ahrun’s offer and mean it all the way down to my soul, will you be on my side?” I asked, trying not to show how important the answer was to me.

Having my will overridden was a giant trigger for me. It was a sin Liam had already committed once. I’d forgiven but I’d never forgotten. It was a thorn in my heart that I’d been content to ignore until now.

I needed to know it wouldn’t happen again.

“I’ll always be on your side. That was never in doubt,” Liam promised.

I released a shaky breath of relief. Good. That was good.

Liam moved past me. “Remember what I said about sticking close.”

“I won’t forget.”

Deborah stopped beside me as we watched Liam head inside. “Now you know why I chose the bitchy socialite as my camouflage. If they can’t see your pain, you can pretend it’s not there.”

Nathan looked over at us from where he was keeping watch. “Sounds healthy.”

Deborah strutted toward the building with a swing in her hips. “I never said I was well adjusted.”