Not missing a beat, "Oh sure, because nothing says 'we come in peace' like riding in on fire-breathing death machines." Dani quips. "Brilliant plan, Lucian. Maybe we can accessorize with some nuclear warheads while we're at it?"
"Alright, enough of this bullshit," I say. "We've got real fucking problems to solve. So unless anyone has some actual useful ideas, shut the fuck up, and let's focus."
Brandon, looking like he's about to pop a blood vessel, "I can tell you what it is. The wolves get off on his blood. It gives us power—and with power comes wars between the packs. I've never liked that shit, it's evil." He pauses, glancing at Erik. "No offense."
Erik merely shrugs. "It can be evil stuff in the wrong hands. So none taken, friend."
I resist the urge to slam my fist through the table. Of course, that's his secret weapon—feeding the wolves his blood, getting them hooked on that supernatural high. I know damn well what our blood does to other supernaturals—it's like a fucking adrenaline shot straight to the heart and twice as addictive.
I clench my jaw, my grip on Dani's hip tightening as the pieces fall into place.
Fucking Azrael—always playing dirty.
"I should've known that was his play to gain them. Bastard's turning them into his junkies."
Dani turns to face me, her eyes sparkling with that dangerous intelligence that never fails to get me hard. "So, what's the plan, big guy? We can't exactly set up a 12-step program for blood-addicted werewolves during a supernatural war."
"No, but we can cut off their supply. And believe me, Angel, withdrawal's a bitch."
Erik nods, his face an impassive mask. "Indeed. We must strategize carefully. Cutting off their access to Azrael's blood will weaken them but may also drive them to more desperate measures."
I lean back, my mind already racing with possibilities. This isn't going to be easy, but then again, nothing worth doing ever is. And taking down a power-hungry vampire with delusions of grandeur? That's definitely worth doing.
I nod, already formulating a plan. "Agreed. And we need to figure out what he's holding over the witches. No way they're joining his fucked-up crusade willingly."
As the others start discussing potential strategies, I pull Dani closer, burying my face in her hair. Her scent, mixed with the lingering sweat from her workout, grounds me and reminds me of exactly what I'm fighting for.
"I'll see what I can find out. Whatever it is, it can't be good." Ayla offers.
No shit.
Alaric, who's been quiet, finally speaks up. "Why isn't your mortal law or authorities doing anything about this?"
It's a fair fucking question. After all the work we've done to integrate into mortal society, you'd think they'd give a shit about a power-hungry vampire running amok.
Emily rolls her eyes, her fingers flying over her tablet as she speaks. "Oh, you know, just your typical mass cowardice," she drawls. "Turns out, when faced with a psychotic vampire with a power trip, our brave boys in blue suddenly develop a severe allergy to doing their jobs. It's all Azrael—they're too busy pissing their pants to actually, you know, enforce the law."
It's clear she's as fed up with this bullshit as the rest of us.
"I don't buy that for a second," Vivienne demands, looking ready to rip someone's throat out. "Someone should contact your local authorities and find out why they are not stepping in as they should be. There are special weapons put into place for this exact reason— In our country, this shit wouldn't fly regardless of how powerful one vampire is."
She's got a point. Mortals have devised various UV weapons to take us down if we ever get too powerful for their liking.
Lucian grins like a maniac. "Isn't it obvious? He's corrupted even them—I wouldn't put it past the fuckwad. Maybe he's offering them all-you-can-eat donuts. Or, you know, the slightly more sinister option of blackmail and mind control. But hey, who doesn't love a good conspiracy theory?"
I roll my eyes, but I can't deny that Lucian's got a point. Azrael's done this before, back when we busted him for his illegal blood and slave trading. The fucker's got no qualms about using his power, blood, and anything else to influence and corrupt anyone and everyone who gets in his way.
"Lucian's right," I growl, my fingers rubbing Dani's back. "We can't trust the mortal authorities on this one. Azrael's got his claws in too deep."
Dani twists in my lap, looking up at me with those big, golden eyes that never fail to make my heart skip a beat. "So what do we do? We can't exactly walk into the police station and ask if they're under the thrall of a psychotic vampire, can we?"
"No, but we can start digging. And believe me, Angel, if Azrael's left any trace of his meddling, we'll find it."
And when the dust settles? Well, let's just say I plan on being the last motherfucker standing.
Let the games begin, you blood-peddling bastard. I'm coming for you, and I'm bringing an army.
Danica
