“Jesus. What?” Chalton snapped, his angled face losing his normal calm expression.
“Benny collaborated with the demons. Before they became allies with the Realm. When they were, ah, killing vampires and kidnapping members of the Kayrs ruling family.” Theo leaned back and waited for Chalton to lose his mind. He was close with the Kayrs family. Very.
Chalton paled. “Are you telling me that Benny helped facilitate the kidnapping of Jase Kayrs? My friend and the king’s brother? The one who was tortured nearly to death and took forever to return to any normal life?” Chalton’s voice darkened dangerously.
Maybe Theo should worry about Benny and not Chalton right now. “No. Benny had nothing to do with kidnapping Jase. But he did procure and deliver weapons to demon contacts during the war, some which may have been used against the Realm and to, ah, kidnap Jase.”
“Damn it,” Chalton said.
“We’ll get the flash drive back,” Theo said, determination filling his chest. “It can be our secret.”
“Secrets get out.” Chalton took his phone from his pocket and placed it on the coffee table next to the laptop.
Jared shook his head, his dark gaze on the phone like it might blow up. “Bro, I don’t know Dage Kayrs like you do, considering you’ve worked with him for a century and I basically just met the guy. But I have heard all about him. Family is what he cares about. He’ll kill all of us for even being associated with anybody who’d harmed his younger brother. Think about this.”
Theo swallowed. “Agreed.”
“I don’t lie to my friends,” Chalton said, watching his phone. “It’s not who I am.” He punched a couple of buttons on his phone and then turned toward the large flat screen over the fireplace, hacking it instantly to bring up a call to the king of the Realm.
Dage took shape, wearing a long black shirt with dark pants, his dark hair ruffled and his silver eyes curious. “Chalton? What’s up?”
Chalton stood.
Theo faltered for a moment and then moved to stand next to his brother. Jared took point on the other side.
Dage lifted an eyebrow. “This is interesting.”
Chalton nodded. “Not really. Information has come into my possession regarding my family’s businesses, and more specifically, something called the Green Rock file.”
“Oh, that.” Dage waved a hand. “Benny and Ivan, you know the guy who owns Igor’s, that bar downtown?”
Theo swallowed. “Yes. Ivan named the bar after his deceased brother.”
“Yep. Benny and Ivan had a small business running weapons. Worked with the demons, the shifters, and sometimes even with us. I found out about it and gave Benny a deal he couldn’t refuse.” Dage’s canines glinted. “He’s a fun guy.”
Chalton’s shoulders visibly relaxed. “You knew about the Green Rock file?”
“Don’t make me say it.” Dage grinned. “The king, here. Besides, why didn’t you just ask Ginny about the Green Rock file?”
Theo stilled. The blood rushed through his ears, ringing loudly. “Ginny?” he croaked.
Dage’s forehead wrinkled, and delight darkened the silver in his eyes. “Oh. Well. Hmmm.” He glanced to the side. “Coming,” he called out loudly.
“Nobody just yelled for you,” Theo countered. “Tell me—”
“Nope,” the king said cheerfully. “My regards to your mate.” The screen went black.
Theo lifted his head. “Ginny?” he bellowed.
Before she could respond, the front door crashed open, and a fully armed vampire dressed in combat gear stomped inside, fury on his face, his size eighteen boots cracking the tiles as he stomped.
Ah, shit. Theo sighed. “Hi, Uncle Benny.”
“Goddamn it. Don’tuncleme. I’m going to kill you motherfuckers.” Benny, his eyes a swirling mass of different metallic colors, lifted a green gun and pointed it at them.
Ginny moved in from the kitchen, and Theo leaped to cover her.
Her face brightened in a smile. “Benjamin!” Taking a leap, she rushed him, jumping for a hug.
