Chapter 22

We arrivedat a large cafeteria with food stationed on one end. About fifty men, and a few women, congregated at the many round tables as they waited for the meeting. After a long shift last night and the bloody battle after, I craved carbs, protein, and a ton of sugar. However, I noticed that no one was touching the food yet.

Lisa placed pastries on the food table next to a fruit salad, and my stomach growled.

"We'll eat after," Shepard said.

Had he heard my stomach? Probably.

Leading us to a four-top table closest to the food, he said, "Have a seat. This will be over soon."

I watched as he headed to the opposite side where a small platform was situated.

Anchor detached from a nearby group and joined us at the table. As soon as he sat, Vena scooted her chair over to be closer to him.

"Can I have everyone's attention?" Shepard asked. "I'd like to get through this quickly so the delegates can eat and be on their way."

As he addressed the room, I saw him in a new light. The way his gaze swept the room and took in every detail…the clear and concise way he spoke and the strong posture…he had a bigger presence that he didn't project when at Blur. Shepard truly was the alpha king.

"There are a few things I'd like to address. Number one, The Howl app has been compromised by the vampires. It's how they knew when and where the challenge would be."

A murmur floated through the room.

"Until we can come up with a better system, hunting schedules will be posted in the cafeteria every morning. I expect everyone to watch for it. Hunting vampires has always been our number one priority, and that will not change. What happened last night will never happen again."

A man stood. "What about the rumor you're working with a vampire? Are you sure it's not the vampire who tipped off the others?"

I glanced over at Anchor and mouthed, "Delegate?"

He gave a nod.

"The vampire you are referring to was the one who discovered our app was compromised while searching for information regarding Anchor's disappearance. I didn't ask for his help. In truth, I didn't want it. He gave it regardless."

This time, the rumble was louder and disgruntled.

"Quiet," Shepard warned. "He is unlike the rest of his kind."

"They're all the same," the delegate said.

The look Shepard gave him silenced him.

"Are they?" Shepard questioned to the cafeteria at large. "Because I only saw one vampire killing his own kind last night. I am not so foolish as to believe that's reason enough to blindly trust him. However, it is a reason to listen to what he told me.

"The vampires are planning something, and it's bigger than their endless need for blood. And until we fully understand what they intend to do, we need an insider who can get us information.

"No matter your opinion on this, I want it all made clear right now that the vampire known as Cross is under my protection. If you have a problem with him, you come to me. He is not to be killed. If I find that anyone has made a move on him, I will consider it an act against the pack. You will not like the consequences. Am I understood?"

A general hum of grudging acceptance filled the room.

"Delegates, when you return to your cities today, find out how bad the infestations are. We recently discovered the vampires here have changed how they feed. Use your city resources to look for clubs where they are using the humans as feeders. Licensed businesses right in the middle of your territories."

Several of the men exchanged troubled glances.

"We need to work together to stop them before it gets worse. Keep communication open, but not on The Howl. I will give you updates on the D.C. infestation as they become available."

As Shepard stepped down from the platform, Doc stepped up. "You all fought hard last night. Time to feast and remember the fallen. Eat, rest, and then get ready to work. We'll be pulling long hours until we've cleaned our cities."

Shepard sat at our table as the people lined up for breakfast. Gunther stopped near the table and crouched down to Shepard.

"Boss, can I have a word?"

"What is it?"

He glanced around. "I'd rather not say here."

"Meet me after breakfast."

He nodded and headed to the food line.

"Miles!" Vena called, jumping out of her seat. She raced for Miles as he walked into the room. "Are you okay? How do you feel?"

He smiled at her. "Much better now." He gave a nod to Shepard. "Thank you for helping me."

"That's why we're here," Shepard said.

I gave his arm a grateful squeeze as I claimed a chair from a neighboring table so Miles could join us at ours.

While Master was dead and Miles was free, things weren't all cakes and cookies. Pet, and who knew how many other vampires, were still out there. But I was willing to pretend everything was fine for a while. We'd earned the respite.

We waited until the line dwindled to get food. Shepard and Anchor heaped their plates full until I could no longer see the plate underneath.

Vena grabbed a stack of bacon and balanced it with fresh fruit. I went with fruit and a chocolate almond croissant. Whoever made it had mastered the croissant layers, and I itched to give my own recipe I'd been playing with another go.

As we ate, Shepard's attention was pulled away as the delegates left for home. He stood to say goodbye to each one, taking longer to return each time.

"I think it's time we went home, too," I said to Vena.

Vena glanced at Anchor, and I knew she was dying for alone time with him.

"Any problems with us leaving?" I asked Shepard when he stopped at the table.

He shook his head. "Anchor, would you mind camping on their couch for the next few days? You've earned some time off, but with the pack out hunting in full force, I don't have the wolf-power to spare."

"Gladly," Anchor said then glanced at me. "Are you okay with that?"

"Yep. As long as you don't mind if Cross shows up unannounced."

"I think I can handle it," he said.

"We'll need you to drop us off at Blur," I added. "My car is there. We hitched a ride with Doc last night."

"No problem. Let me pack a few things first."

"Then we're all set. Thanks for your hospitality, Shepard," I said, standing.

"Anytime."

I could see Gunther waiting by the door.

"We'll get our things from the room and go. See you tonight."

Shepard nodded, and we started out as Gunther approached him.

"I think it's my fault, Boss," Gunther said as we left.

Part of me wanted to linger, but we didn't. Anchor sighed and shook his head before we reached the end of the hall.

"What?" I asked.

"Gunther's blaming himself. The vamps took his phone when they had him. He thinks that's how they got on the app."

"That's not his fault."

"Exactly," Anchor said.

We collected our freshly laundered clothes from Shepard's suite. They were free of any lingering reminder of the blood bath yesterday. We left the pack house with Miles and Anchor a few minutes later. Shepard wasn't there to see us off.

"Want us to drop you at your place?" Vena asked Miles.

"Actually, I was hoping to talk to you. And maybe Anchor. I think Shepard will want to know this too, but I didn't want to bring it up in front of everyone."

"What is it?" Vena asked, looking worried. "Don't tell me you're still–"

"No, no. Nothing like that. I'm fully me again. Free thinking and everything. Which is a good thing. I think I pieced together why the master wanted those rings. And for the record, I'm not calling him Master. That"s the only name he gave."

"Get to the point," Vena said impatiently. "What did he tell you?"

"I don't think they're looking for the rings but the stones in the back of that book you found, Vena. Stones, as in gemstones. And guess who else was looking into those stones? Our grandparents right before they disappeared. They were looking into the history of them, which is why they had that book."

"Why is this important?" Vena asked.

"Shepard said the vampires are up to something, right? They want those stones. I think that's why Master told me to steal Shepard's ring. I think that's one of the gemstones. We don't know why or what those stones were for. But I think between the book and the map that we might have the keys we need to find the answer."

"Did you tell the master about the book and map?" Vena asked.

"No. I didn't have any contact with him after you both freed me from that chair. Only a number to text if I got the ring. I wanted the book because I thought the book and map could help me figure out what the rings were for so I would understand how to get them for Master."

"Okay. Then I think they're safest where they're at for now. We'll make plans to spend some time at Mom and Dad's soon. Until then, what are the chances you'll stay out of trouble?" Vena asked.

Miles laughed. "Never thought I'd hear that from you."

"It does sound weird, doesn't it?" I said.

"I have no plans of causing trouble and really hope it doesn't find me again."

"You'll be fine at your house now," Anchor said. "Shepard said the vampire who controlled him is gone, and you're smart enough not to open the door for unfamiliar guests now. Plus, Shepard will have your house marked for watching at night. Same as Everly and Vena's."

Relieved we were under werewolf protection for the unforeseeable future, I waved goodbye as we dropped Miles off at his place. It didn't take long after that to pick up my car and head home.

I walked into our living room with a sigh of relief and glanced at Vena to see if she felt the same. She was busy staring at Anchor.

"So…house rules still apply," I said. "No making out while I'm home."

"Says the girl who got a hickey while I was sleeping next to her," Vena said.

"Hickey?" Anchor asked, glancing at my neck.

"They're marks from when MC grabbed me," I said, waving away his concern with a glare at Vena. "But I'm pretty sure I have a lot to do in the next week or so. Errands and whatnot. Hopefully, some bank accounts to set up and a house to buy."

Pretending to look at my phone calendar, I said, "Looks like I have an appointment tomorrow around lunchtime. And I'll have to get groceries, too."

She grinned. "I'll stay home if you don't mind."

"I don't. Now, I'm going to go take a nap."

I closed myself in my room and sent a text to Mrs. Hunter.

Me: Plan on company this weekend. You might even get to meet the guy who finally caught Vena's eye.

She sent back a screaming GIF that made me grin as I sent a quick group text.

Me: Shepard, I know you're crazy busy, and I don't want to add to your plate, but I just want to make sure you're still going to help Cross become a legal citizen.

Shepard: It's already in the works. He should have his birth certificate by the end of the day tomorrow. He'll need to get his picture taken for an ID, though. Will that work, or is it like the reflection myth?

Cross: I'm flattered you"re interested in a picture of me. I promise my image will not disappear or disappoint. Would you like me clothed or unclothed?

I chuckled at Cross' banter, knowing Shepard was probably cursing up a storm. Or maybe not. I was pretty sure Cross was secretly growing on Shepard.

Shepard: Unclothed if it's on a framed canvas so I can hang it over my dartboard.

Cross: I was hoping it'd be over your bed.

I snickered.

Me: I think we should discuss this tomorrow over breakfast. There's a new recipe I want to test.

Vena: Anchor and I are in. We want to see the portrait when it's done too.

Cross: I will be there. With clothes on. (Sorry to disappoint, Shepard.)

Shepard: Just tell me when to be there.

We were a quirky bunch, but we worked well together.

I couldn't wait for tomorrow.