"So, you're not going to tell me what's going on with you, huh?" he asked.
I felt terrible that I didn't confide in him. He was one of my closest friends, next to Basil. Basil was our coven's second command and was one of the first to welcome me. But I was embarrassed by what happened with Daren, ashamed even—I couldn’t tell him.
"You're just going to ignore me?"
I sighed. "I'm sorry, Jett. It's nothing against you. I'm just dealing with some stuff and I'm tired. I need a break."
Jett was the one to sigh now. "Alright, but I'm here for you, Colin. Whatever you need, I got your back."
"Thanks," I said as the elevator doors opened to the Master's landing.
"Hey, the master called you guys too?" Cain, another enforcer, said.
Cain was about my height. He had short platinum hair and stunning blue eyes. He was wearing his classic jeans and a nice shirt. The master made the dress code exception for him because Cain loved jeans so much.
Jett nodded, and I was about to respond, but the master's office doors opened.
"Gentleman, come in," the stunning Basil said formally.
He was sex on a stick with dark hair, hazel eyes, a killer smile, and an ass that would drive a saint to sin. Basil was recently promoted from head enforcer to Second of the coven after Devin, our former second, met his beloved in the dragon duke, Roarke MacNair.
Basil was one of the main reasons I moved to Walden. He was visiting my coven in LA thirty years ago, and we’d become quick friends. He could tell I wasn’t happy there. So, he recruited me to come here. It was the best move I ever made.
The Walden coven was run like a close-knit family compared to the mega coven I was at—that treated everyone as disposable. But on top of that, the move got me out of the disastrous relationship with Daren.Too bad ten years later, Daren followed,I thought.
The sound of a throat clearing caught my attention, and I glanced toward the noise. Basil stared back with his eyebrow raised. I gave a tiny shake of my head and moved to go into the room.
Entering the giant office, I stumbled at seeing not just the master but the other three enforcers of the coven, along with our head enforcer, Lana Chen.
Lana was of Asian descent, and she wore her black hair in a tight bun. She had a tiny frame and only stood five-six, but I knew not to let her size fool me. Many had underestimated her abilities at their own peril. She was a formidable vampire, and her strength and power rivaled Basil's.
I wondered what could've been so crucial that the master would call all his enforcers to the meeting. Usually, we had separate staff meetings, a day shift meeting and a night shift meeting. One shift was always on patrol. This was most unusual.
"Gentleman, please come in and find a seat," Master Stephan said.
We quickly moved. Well, Jett and Cain moved faster than I did. I was still in pain, and the anticipation of something foreboding had me doubting my abilities. I nodded to the master and the others as I took my seat.
Master Stephen's intense stare bore into me. He pressed his lips together before shifting his gaze to the others.
"I've called you here because I've received a call from Chieftain Tomlin of the Chadwick Gargoyle clutch. He's reported encountering several rouge vampires moving through his territory. He sent some of his men, and these rogues seemed to be setting up camp outside my borders." Master Stephen explained.
"Did Chieftain Tomlin say how many?" Cain asked.
"At least eight. That's what his people have seen anyway," Master Stephen replied.
Eight,putain de merde!This was not good. One rogue meant trouble, two was hell, but eight could disrupt our entire coven. Our coven was considered large at thirty-five. Most covens usually only had an average of twelve members. So, eight rogues banded together was a serious threat.
"With that said. I want patrols doubled. Head enforcer Lana will have new duty rosters for each of you. You must remain diligent. If you encounter a rogue, do not engage without backup. I have instructed our sentries the same. Any questions?"
My stomach rolled, and I fought from grimacing as my head pounded once more. As much as I hated to admit it, I wasn't up for the task. How was I going to tell my master without telling him?
"Colin, did you have a question?"
I looked up, and most of the enforcers had left. Only Basil, Lana, and Master Stephen were still in the office. I didn't even realize everyone had left.
I took a deep breath. "Not a question, Master, but I need to speak with you."
Master Stephen raised his brow. “Alone?” I nodded at his one-word question. As close as I was to Basil, I didn’t want anyone to know. I hated that I even had to tell my master. I glanced at Basil, and his expression was marred with concern. I quickly avoided making eye contact.
