The sound of footsteps from outside ended the conversation as Makoto strode into the room a second later. Sienna hurried after him.
“Your predictions were correct. They must have gotten tired of waiting. They issued a challenge a few minutes ago,” Makoto informed Thomas, handing him a tube of rolled up paper.
“Is that a scroll?” I asked, squinting at it.
“You’re correct.” Thomas unrolled the paper to look at what was inside. “Many of the older vampires are slaves to tradition. In past eras, it was common to issue a challenge via paper made of human skin.”
That was disgusting.
Who came up with things like that? Did vampires sit around a fire one night and think “hey, what could we do to make our kind seem like even bigger assholes than we already are?” And the answer was human skin?
“Don’t ask,” Liam advised, seeing the way I was eying the scroll. “You don’t want to know.”
I drew back. Not now, I didn’t.
“Dominick’s impatience is fortuitous for us. If he’d waited a little longer, they could have forced our hand.” Thomas handed the scroll back to Makoto. “Inform them the challenge will take place at midnight at the abandoned building I bought six months ago. The isolated location will reduce the possibility of human deaths.”
“Are you sure you want to give him that much time?” Liam asked.
Right now, it was 10:52 pm, leaving both sides with just over an hour to prepare.
“It’s as much for us as them.” Thomas looked at Sienna. “Prepare our people. Dominick will likely use his hunters to ambush us at the site. We will retaliate in kind.
Sienna’s facade cracked, a savage anticipation on her face. “Consider it done.”
“You’re dismissed.”
Sienna turned on her heel, marching out of the room like a woman on a mission. Makoto was a little slower to follow, his focus moving between the three of us until Liam waved him away.
“So it begins,” Liam said softly.
Thomas’s expression showed resignation. “Take two of the enforcers and go with Aileen. Save Connor if you can.”
“And Ahrun?”
Thomas’s silence held defeat. “Do what you have to do.”
“Understood.”
I folded my arms and leaned my hip against the conference table. “Just so we’re clear. I’m an equal partner in this mission. I won’t be staying in the car or hanging behind. I go in with you.”
They could fight Ahrun on their own, but someone needed to save Connor and get him to safety while they were occupied. I’d already nominated myself for that task.
Liam looked at me through lowered eyelashes. “I’m hurt,mo chuisle. After the way we spent the day, I would have thought you’d appreciate how much of a team player I can be.”
I fought the flush that wanted to take over my cheeks, determinedly meeting his expectant stare. “Is that how you want to play this?”
“Why not? You know how much I enjoy my games.”
I snarled. “I can’t talk to you sometimes.”
Thomas offered his hand to Liam. “You should stop teasing her before she decides to leave without you.” The two clasped forearms. “Be careful. Ahrun is not in his right mind. He might not remember what you mean to him.”
“Worry about yourself. Dominick has never been your match, but he makes up for it with his underhandedness. Battles aren’t always won by the strongest.”
Thomas’s expression was wry. “You always did like to nag. I’ll finish this quickly and be there to reinforce you before you know it.”
Liam nodded, glancing at me before he headed to the door.
