One minute he cared for nothing but revenge and supporting Tiller in his endeavors. In the moment of their encounter he wanted or rather he needed to claim this woman who glared at them from the doorway of her club. Only his age and knowledge had prevented him from instantly enveloping her in his mist and absconding with her on sight.
Drawing back, he stood and bent forward draping the other side of the blanket to cover her. He was sure this would be the last time she’d be so openly vulnerable in front of him.
He would lock this moment away in his memory and if there was another, he would take that too. He would fill his empty, cold heart with every single moment with her. Satisfying her could possibly keep the insanity at bay and the flames dimmed.
He finished arranging the blanket he left the room.
“You’ve found something?” he asked when he spotted Andrei, who leaned against the wall across from Lanias’ bedroom.
Andrei lifted a white envelope. “You’ve been invited by the elders. It looks like the Surrem are harming Beings.”
Taking it, Alek’s brow furrowed. “What’s happened?”
“A Surrem had a run in with a Being and killed them. The Council is doing everything to cover it up. While the Jackals have been digging around to find out just who may be the actual criminal. Though I’m sure your friend Tiller is already formulating an idea.”
“He might,” Alek said as he made his way down the hallway. “You may go.”
Noticing that Andrei didn’t leave right away he paused and half-turned, sending him a questioning look.
Andrei lowered his gaze. “What are your intentions toward the Witch?”
“To claim her,” Alek said simply. “I’ve already offered her my blood.”
Andrei sighed. “Well while I’m glad for you, I won’t be the one to tell Sorin.”
Alek chuckled at that, facing forward he continued on his way, throwing over his shoulder, “Leave your brother to me.”
Mission
LANIAS
“Is this where you meant to come?” Alek asked as he stepped from the red mist with Lanias in hand.
Waving the mist aside, Lanias scanned up and down the street. It wasn’t a pleasant place; clearly the poorer side of town. The houses looked like they’d seen better days, and several lawns were well past needing a cut. “This is the address,” she said, facing forward she went to move but Alek tightened his hold on her hand to prevent her from walking ahead.
“What?” she asked, glancing back at him.
Alek’s eyes were shifting like the clouds above. “I should go first, there might be a trap inside.”
Staring up at him and seeing how serious he was Lanias turned in order to hide her mouth and prevent her smile from showing. “Sure, it’s not like I’m a skilled Witch.”
“Ha-Ha. Just wait here while I go inside to see if it’s safe,” Alek ordered as he let go of her hand and made his way up the sidewalk of the house.
Immediately noticing the coldness her hand suddenly felt, Lanias crossed her arms.
The house wasn’t the least bit welcoming. The rickety porch had missing posts, while two of the windows were broken probably from one too many stones being thrown at them. It was the perfect house for a Halloween movie gone wrong. Her fingers squeezed her arms as she watched Alek disappear inside.
Unable to stop herself she put out her right hand and flicked a tracker on him. She’d learned the hard way when Sabina had disappeared from The Council building. She wouldn’t take a chance like that again.
She didn’t want to assess too closely why she was worried about Alek. He was a grown Vampire, with big boy powers after all. Lanias decided to believe it was because he was a helpful tool and she didn’t want to lose him over a stupid mistake. He was gone for a few minutes before she spotted him in the window signaling that it was clear for her to enter.
Glancing around, she made her way toward the house just as her foot settled upon the last step she felt a strong wave of magic run through her. Gritting her teeth, she almost retreated when she felt it but instead, she forced herself to continue forward. As she climbed the steps the house released a loud groan.
As soon as she entered, Alek grabbed her and pulled her close. “What’s going on?”
Together they watched as the dilapidated insides reconstructed. Broken and stained furniture turned into cleanand fixed versions of themselves. The walls fell revealing fresh wall paint. The scent of rot was replaced with a sweet scent.
The sunlight came through the windows and brightened the living room. She placed her hand on his chest.
