After the exchange I found a spot along the wall, noticing most of his enforcers were in attendance. Thomas entered moments after me, guards flanking him. He was dressed in a suit, looking incredibly formal, as did his guards. My jeans and nice top didn’t compare.
He took note of me where I stood along the wall, before turning his attention to Liam. Looked like we were about to get started.
The situation felt oddly familiar.I’d sat in pre-mission briefings before, and that was what this was. No doubt about it. Everyone listened with attentiveness. A single overlooked detail now could mean the difference between life and death later.
These people moved and spoke with an ease and purpose that came from doing similar briefings time and time again. It was odd how comfortable I felt falling into this role.
Granted, the mission briefingsI’d sat through in the military usually didn’t have the same level of high-tech equipment. It looked like the sort of briefing room you might find in a movie about spies or something. There were more monitors than I cared to think about, and so many technological gadgets even I couldn’t recognize all of them.
Vampires might be known for being old-fashioned, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at this place. My old commander would have sold his own mother to get his hands on a few of these toys.
“Our guests have informed us the hunt will likely start tomorrow night,” Liam started.
The others stirred, the news unsettling them.
“Do we have any idea who the hunt has chosen as prey?” Daniel asked.
Liam’s eyes met mine before he turned his attention away.“Not yet. They’ve assured us those who participate do so voluntarily and will be compensated appropriately should they survive the Wild Hunt,” Liam said, not seeming happy about that fact.
The news didn’t resonate well with those around me either, if their somber and irritated expressions were anything to judge by.
“If I were the designated prey, I would find a deep, dark hole to crawl into until this hunt is over,” Anton muttered, not bothering to keep his voice quiet.
“Be that as it may, this is happening,” Liam said.“Our job is to make sure there are no incidents.”
Liam nodded at Makoto, who hit a few keys on his laptop.
A map popped up on the large-screen TV next to Liam. It zoomed in on a section just north of the city.
“The hunt will begin near the Alum Creek Reservoir,” Liam said, pointing to a place that was right next to the dam.
“So close to the city?” Anton asked.“What if it moves into the populated sections? It’s not exactly known for obeying borders or rules.”
“It’s the best we could do,” Liam said.“Arlan and Niamh are holding a party tonight to celebrate their gods and the return of the hunt. Then tomorrow, starting at sundown, the hunt will begin. Daniel and Anton, you’ll be with Thomas tomorrow. Nathan is already on-site preparing for our arrival. For tonight, I want everyone on the lookout for anything unusual. Our guests will probably try something. It’s our job not to let them. Any questions?”
Anton raised his hand. Liam looked resigned and gestured for him to speak.
“What’s the yearling’s role in all this?” Anton asked, jerking his thumb at me.
All eyes swung my way. I returned their gazes with a placid expression, outwardly calm at being the focus of several top predators.
“You don’t need to know that,” Liam said in a voice that meant business. It did not invite questions.
Anton didn’t seem satisfied. A feeling that seemed to be reflected in several of the enforcers’ faces.
Still, they respected Liam, and kept their doubts to themselves despite their reservations.
“Alright, let’s survive the night,” Liam said in clear dismissal.
His enforcers filed out while Thomas and I lingered. I didn’t move from my spot, hoping Thomas would finish his business so I could have a moment with Liam.
To my surprise, Thomas turned to me, propping his hip on a desk.“Liam tells me your niece is sick.”
I didn’t answer, my gaze going to the man in question where he had busied himself tidying up several papers. I didn’t like that he’d shared that news. I liked it even less, that he’d done it without giving me a heads-up.
“She’ll be fine,” I said. She would.I’d make sure of that.
“There are ways to help her,” he said, his words meaningful.
