Page 85 of Warrior Unraveled

Virginia, who’d helped Wesley tell his story, reminding him of details he’d almost forgotten, said, “I have a feeling I know why.”

“Yes?” Samson asked eagerly.

“I’m assuming you weren’t the only vampire who moved to San Francisco in the 90s?”

“I brought several of my associates, and we established a subsidiary here. A couple of decades later, we moved HQ from New York to here. So, yes, there were lots of us by then.”

“Then it makes sense. Even demons fear vampires because of their speed and ferocious fighting skills. Plus, they figure that a city swarming with vampires already has plenty of evil and fear to go around. So their work is done.”

Wesley chuckled at that. “Guess the demons are in for a surprise. Thanks to Scanguards, this city is one of the safest in the country.”

Virginia met his gaze, before she swung it back to Samson and Amaury. “Despite our initial issues, I’ve come to trust Wesley. And from his interactions with you and the other vampires I’ve met tonight, I can see that you are the honorable men he promised you would be. That’s why I’m going to take a leap of faith and ask you for help.”

“In defeating the demons?” Samson asked, though it sounded more like a statement.

“I can’t ask you for that much, no. That is a discussion for the council and yourselves. What I’m asking is that you help me find the traitor who sold out our council compound to the demons. Wesley has suggested that you’d be able to detect the demons in a way we can’t. By their scent.”

Samson and Amaury exchanged a look. A silent conversation seemed to pass between them, though even Wesley knew that they couldn’t communicate telepathically. But their bond as lifelong friends made them understand each other without words.

Amaury nodded. “We can put together a task force, fill them in on what they need to know about the demons, and send them out on patrol. It sounds like Baltimore is a bit like demon central, huh?”

“Looks like it,” Virginia said, “though I think we need eyes and ears in every major city where we’ve previously detected demon activity. They’re attracted to places where crime can flourish. They use it to stir up more unrest.”

“That’s not a problem,” Samson said. “We have subsidiaries in lots of cities.”

“As for payment for these services,” Virginia added. “While I’m currently not authorized to compensate you for—”

Samson lifted his hand. “At this point, please accept our services as a helping hand from one friend to another.”

“That’s very generous of you.”

“Thank you, Samson,” Wes added.

“Don’t thank me yet.” Samson looked at Virginia. “If we’re indeed able to help you, I want your word that you’ll get me a sit-down with your council to negotiate an alliance. An understanding that we’ll come to each other’s aid whenever necessary.”

“I promise you that,” Virginia said and reached her hand over the coffee table.

Samson shook it. “Welcome to our world, Virginia.”

Wes put his arms around Virginia and squeezed her.

Samson rose. “Let’s call a meeting, and fill everybody in.”

Amaury stood. “I’ll get Quinn to give me the schedules, and mobilize everybody who’s currently on leave.”

“Do that, and then—”

The door was ripped open. Wesley shot a look toward it, but the vampire entering barreled toward him at vampire speed, lifting him off the couch and into the air as if he were a ragdoll.

“You could have called to let us know you were okay,” Haven grunted. “Do you have any idea how worried we were? No, because you only think of yourself, you idiot! Don’t you ever do that again!”

Wes slapped his brother on the shoulder. “You can put me down now. And I would have called if I hadn’t been locked up half the time I was gone.”

With another grunt, Haven put him back on his feet, then looked past him to the couch. He nodded at Virginia who had shrunk back into a corner of the sofa. “Blake tells me you had time to get yourself a girlfriend. But no time to tell your family that you’re alive. Figures.”

Wes glared at his brother. “Could you be civil for a moment?” He tossed an apologetic look to Virginia, hoping to ease her worry. “Virginia, this big oaf is my brother. Haven. I have to apologize for him. He’s obviously forgotten his manners.”

Haven cleared his throat, then seemed to calm down a bit. “Excuse the outburst, Virginia, but I’m afraid years of saving my brother from himself have taken their toll on my patience.” With a sideways glance at Wesley, he added, “And it would have been nice if he had shown a little consideration for his family and at least sent word that he was alive.”