Page 41 of Rafe

“There seems to be more reds than yellows. Whoever is attempting to lead from the shadows appears to have a stable of willing humans,” Kenji noted.

“I don’t like this. Something’s not right.” Xavier watched as three vampires violently shoved a man onto a table, sinking their fangs into him. Instead of screaming, the human lay back motionless as if he was a test crash dummy. “Opportunistic parasites.”

“Tends to happen with the absence of a strong leader. They sprout like weeds,” Greyson explained. “I say it’s time we rip them up by their roots.”

“How long do we need to stay here?” Skylar whispered.

“Not much longer.” Rafe looked to Greyson, wishing he’d pressed him about Zyaire. His skin prickled in recognition of a greater force. Instinct warned him that whatever it was, it was ancient; powerful. Not wolf or vampire, the dark power lingered in the air.

“The wolves. I can feel a couple of them here...they are scared.” Rafe eyed the ceiling. “Hunter needs to get here soon.”

“An Alpha leads the wolves?” Skylar whispered.

“Yes. Hunter’s coming soon.”

“But you’re an Alpha,” she replied.

“Not theirs. I’m just a wolf.” Rafe looked at Greyson who gave a small smile and raised an eyebrow at him.

Jazz music blared from the surround sound speakers, saving him from a long explanation, one he hadn’t quite sorted. Vampire. Hybrid. Regardless of his Alpha nature, he couldn’t lead a pack.

A waiter dressed in a ruby argyle satin suit approached. In silence he placed glasses in front of them. He held a bottle of champagne and presented it to Rafe and Greyson, ignoring everyone else at the table.

Rafe immediately sensed the weakened beast within him, the energy struggling to live. “You’re wolf?”

“Alpha,” he answered without making eye contact. “I’ve brought a bottle of champagne for the human. Shall I open it?”

Skylar shook her head no.

“We need to speak to Topper,” Rafe insisted.

“Yes, I understand, sir. I apologize. He’s been helping in the back with the negotiations with a donor.”

“So I hear. I thought he was a bartender?” Xavier questioned.

“Well, of course, sir. He’s a jack of all trades. As you are aware,” He quickly looked over his shoulder, his face tense as he spoke. “We’ve had some issues. Everyone is a bit stretched at the moment.” He lowered his voice to a whisper and leaned toward Rafe, fumbling with the bottle. “You must be careful. There are dangerous things here. Unspeakable things,” He looked to Skylar. “You’re not safe. You should leave.”

“What is going on? Where is the vampire?” Rafe sensed his fear, his grief. The waiter’s hands trembled, sweat beaded on his forehead. The bottle slipped from his fingers and Rafe caught it.

“It’s not a…” A couple shuffled by the waiter and he straightened his back, his face serious. “Please accept my apology. I can’t talk about this, Alpha.” He looked to Greyson and nodded. “Ancient.” Once again, he turned to Rafe. “Alpha. If I am called, I will come. It’s my nature. But I’m afraid I can’t say anymore, not without pack.”

Rafe’s stomach knotted as he watched the young wolf walk away. The loss of an Alpha and the rest of the wolves had left the remaining wolves weak, divided, unprotected. Each wolf walked alone in the midst of danger.

“Waiter,” Rafe called out to him.

He turned in silence.

“What’s your name?”

“Laz.”

“You are no longer alone.” Rafe stared at the wolf and held his gaze, sending his power over the wolf. You will be called.

“Yes, Alpha.” He nodded.

Laz gave Rafe a quick nod and set off toward a door near the stage.

Rafe sucked a deep breath. He heard me. The power of the Alpha grew stronger within him. Both terrified and exhilarated, he glanced at Greyson and nodded.