I refocus on the long table filled with Hunters and then around the room at the full loungers.
“We have a Hunter to rescue and a king to kill who should have been dead a long time ago.”
Deafening shouts and the rhythmic thumping of boots and pounding fists echo in support.
“You werebornfor this. You’vetrainedfor this. Are you ready to answer the call of the Hunter?”
The thunder of warriors rattles glassware and threatens to shake the tears from Grace’s eyes, her soft smile aimed right at me. Her pride reaches in and grabs me in a way no one’s opinion of meevercould.
“Enjoy your meal, and drink all the ale. Station leaders, please join me in the library to discuss our battle plan.”
The entire room stands in salute as I exit.
“Gods, I’m lucky,” Grace whispers, her hand running up my shoulder blade when I reach her side.
I look down at her. “Because you landed the most handsome of the Hunters?”
She rolls her eyes. “Because I get to stand with you and change our world. Even though I hate that Sam is part of the reason for it.”
I drape an arm over her while we walk. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have anything to apologize for. We were all there; no one saw it happen. All we can do isfixthis.” She leans into me. “And, Kade—”
I gaze lovingly at my wife, endlessly thankful for her understanding and support.
“Youarethe most handsome of the Hunters.”
I scoop her into my arms with a kiss threatening to unleash us into a frenzy of heady need.
There’s always been something about Grace. I’ve never been able to resist her.
The call of the Hunter is one thing, but the summoning to protect this woman, to make her mine, to give her my life and my love with everything I do has made me whole. Our world demands balance. Grace ismybalance. Just like the oceans don’t break without a shore to wash upon, and the skies don’t end without the land they touch—I don’t exist without Gracie to ground me.
She wraps her slender arms around my neck and kisses me fiercely. Fingertips bite into my skin, letting me know she wants me just as badly as I need to throw her against this wall and lose myself in her. I rip my mouth from hers, searching those green eyes I never tire of drowning in.
“I’m the lucky one, my love,” I tell her, and she kisses me again, pressing her full lips into mine before we’re interrupted by station leaders entering the library.
Grace slides down my body to her feet as Master Hull emerges from the back alcoves of the library and plants himself in his usual leather chair nearest the fire, encased in his favorite fur. The chill in this underground fortress is unforgiving.
This massive library was designed to educate and preserve Hunter heritage. The treasured volumes range from fighting skill and our history to vampire knowledge since the dawn of their existence. My own journals from the past decade line one of these shelves, alongside those of the captains before me.
Hull’s sad eyes meet mine, but he offers me a nod, his anger dissipated, and a Master looks back at me, ready to hear the plan.
Station leaders settle into armchairs, and I stand with my back to the fire to address them.
“So, Captain Kade—what are your orders?” Longton of North asks, wasting no time. He’s always been business before pleasure.
I’ve thought about an attack plan since I began training in these caverns, working toward a moment like this my entire service.
“We infiltrate the castle during the full moon. Half will be knocked out on sedative serum, and the others will be dreamwalking their humanity and losing their minds.”
And not a single human will be on guard the following day, staying well the fuck away from the chaos of the monthly dreamwalking.
Riot grins at me, and Ned of West leans back in his seat, eyes skirting to Grace briefly before speaking.
Ned grunts, his auburn hair gleaming in the firelight, and drapes his burly arms over the sides of his chair. “It’ll be dangerous with their feral state and unpredictability, but I agree. Best shot we’ve got of gaining access. No one will be standing guard, day or night.”
Exactly.
