Love? Where did that word come from? I shake my head violently.
No. Absolutely not.
Whatever this is between us, it’s not that. It can’t be that. I’m a Blackwood witch. He’s a vampire elder. These feelings…they’re just magical interference. They have to be.
In a short while, I’ll be facing certain danger. Getting Gran away from the hell she’s been locked in. Lucien will be defeated. And then, with any luck, Marcus Nightshade will be out of my hair for good.
The pendant feels heavy against my skin. Like it’s calling me a liar.
Maybe I am. But maybe he is, too. Lying about this thing between us.
If I opened myself to him, that would break my heart.
I can’t take the chance.
I won’t.
21
Chapter 21
Marcus
Isurveyourgatheredforcesin the warehouse’s dim light, noting Lake’s intense discussion with Marina about witch-positioning near the eastern entrance. Selene and Thaddeus work in tandem, their magic weaving protective wards that shimmer faintly in the pre-dawn gloom.
Morgan materializes from the shadows, his dark eyes serious. “Valerian’s inner circle has doubled their guard rotation. They’re expecting something.”
“Good.” I keep my voice low, controlled. “Let them waste energy on paranoia.”
Darick moves among the combat units, his presence commanding despite his recent transformation to human. The vampires still respond to his authority – a testament to the respect he’s earned over centuries.
I catch a whisper of Kara’s thoughts – determination mixed with anticipation as her rescue team moves into position. The strange contact threatens to pull my focus, but I push it aside. I can’t afford distractions, not with so much at stake.
“Marcus.” Morgan’s voice draws me back. “There’s something else. Valerian – he’s been meeting privately with members of the old guard. Those who opposed Arabella’s reforms.”
I feel my jaw tighten at this revelation. The old guard – vampires who cling to outdated notions of superiority and dominance. I’ve witnessed centuries of their stubborn resistance to change, their determination to keep us locked in ancient feuds. The fact that Valerian’s courting their support now, in secret no less, sets off every warning instinct I possess.
“When?” I ask, keeping my voice steady despite the tension coiling in my chest. My fingers instinctively rub against each other, a habit I’ve developed over centuries when processing troubling information. “And who, specifically? I need names, Morgan, not just vague implications about the old guard.”
The weight of this revelation settles heavily on my shoulders, adding to the growing list of concerns I must address. My jaw tightens as I consider the implications, each one more troubling than the last. After five centuries of existence, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, and right now, every one of them is screaming that we’re walking into dangerous territory.
“Right now, that information is not available. But it’s worth knowing that he’s a danger in his own right.” Morgan shrugs. “He has political aspirations of his own.”
I lean against a steel support beam, processing his words. “Political aspirations? Valerian’s always been content playing advisor.”
“Things change.” Morgan’s dark eyes narrow. “Word is, he’s been wooing some of the others. Claiming that Lucien is tooradical while still promising a world where vampires rule over everything.”
“And the old guard would love that narrative.” I feel my fingers rubbing together again, mind racing through the implications. Valerian positioning himself as the hardline alternative.
“He’s playing both sides,” I say, the pieces falling into place. “Supporting Lucien publicly while building his own power base. If Lucien fails—”
“Valerian steps in as the ‘reasonable’ option.” Morgan nods. “Conservative enough to appease the old guard, but not as extreme as Lucien.”
I push off from the beam, pacing a tight circle. This could work for us – Valerian’s ambition might make him hesitate to fully commit to Lucien. But it also means another player on the board, another angle to watch.
“Have you shared this with anyone else?” I ask.
“Just you and Selene. Thought you should know before we commit to anything.”
