“I have no doubt the fight will occur at some point. I’m merely trying to even the playing field.”
Aiden nodded. “I understand.”
“Good. Now, I need you to go and find out what Nikolas is up too. I do not trust that Russian excuse for a vampire. He will cause trouble for all of us if he has his way.
“We cannot afford to have the humans repeal the laws that protect us. After the world found out about us, vampires were open season around the world. We are far less than we were 10 years ago. The old laws about creating others are still in place.
“If it continued, the population of vampires could be wiped out, worldwide. While that may be fine for some, I’m not so eager to cease existing.”
“I’ll go now. I’m still not sure locking Zoe away is a good idea. What doesn’t kill her will just piss her off. You’re the boss.”
“Get back with me as soon as you can, Aiden.”
He was left alone with his thoughts. The others wouldn’t come in for a while. Everyone could feel his anger. The brood master was tied to all his brood members. He could feel their hunger, their pain, their anger. Any intense emotion, and in turn, they could feel his.
His thoughts turned to Harley. It had been a long time since he had been this intrigued by a woman, even though he had no want of companionship.
Companionship was completely different than being intrigued. Not to mention if Harley belonged to the ancient line he thought she did, she would one day be very powerful.
She already had a reputation for getting the job done. His research even showed she sometimes traveled outside of the country to do magic.
He thought she was delicious in more ways than one. He had never understood modern America’s demand for thin girls who resembled boys more than women. He liked women with some meat on their bones. Women with curves, women he could not break during sex.
Sex with her had been delicious, yet he knew the dream walk was just the tip of the iceberg to what she could give him. Her essence had been just as delicious.
His mouth watered at the thought of her blood. It sang with a power that called to him. It sang with a power that made him stiff just thinking about it. He wanted her in his bed. He wanted her in his mouth.
He literally ached with desire for her. The desire to possess her in so many ways. Each one more delectable than the last.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Emery was on her doorstep early the next morning. She should have known he wouldn’t miss a meal cooked by Mrs. Reyes. His short spiky black hair was tinged with gray at the temples giving him a distinguished look.
He had full lips, a square chiseled jaw. Though he was only 5’8” a few inches shorter than Harley, he carried himself well. In fact, she always thought he was larger than life.
His broad shoulders were encased in a long leather jacket that was lined with sheep’s wool. Under that, she could see an ivory linen shirt peeking out. Black jeans and equally black boots finished his ensemble.
She stepped out the door greeting him warmly. He immediately folded her in a near rib cracking hug. Pressing his nose to her neck. It was cold making her laugh and pull away.
“You were just trying to warm your face.”
“Oh no, I wanted to smell your perfume dear one.”
She laughed. “Likely story. Come in. You are just in time for breakfast.”
“Knew I would be.” His smile widened as he followed her into the house.
Warm greetings were exchanged all around. Hector insisted on taking Emery’s luggage to one of the guest rooms. He put Emery across from Harley’s room.
The entire house knew they would be locked away in the basement lab for who knows how long. Once Emery arrived the two were generally inseparable.
Harley had called Lieutenant Meyers and her office letting them know to call Mrs. Reyes in an emergency. It would take days or even weeks for them to bespell the sword.
An hour later they had made their way to her sub-basement. She, Emery and several other magical people had built a basement, below her basement. It was sealed to contain any magical accidents that might occur when she was making difficult potions, doing large rituals or dealing with unidentified magic items.
It also contained a small living area. She and Emery would be comfortable down there. Mrs. Reyes would insist on bringing them food several times a day. There was no getting around that woman when she had made up her mind.
Emery was more than ready when everyone left. He was always excited to play with magic, especially if involved alchemy. He’d lugged down a huge bag with him, slinging it over one shoulder. He went to the lab immediately and began unpacking its contents on his counter top.
Yes, his. He may not live there, but he did the heavier magic with Harley often enough, he had his own space.
“Why do the contents of that bag remind me of some Shakespearian sonnet?”
“Perhaps because I’m older than Shakespeare and I have better stuff.” He turned around and stuck his tongue out at her like he was a five-year-old boy.
She laughed and shook her head. “I don’t have to go looking for dragon spleen because you already have it?”
“Mmhmm, something like that. Now be a darling and come help me unpack.”
An hour later they had finished unpacking. She felt like a character out of the “Halloweentown” movie. The grandma with the unending carpet bag.
The last thing he pulled out was a set of daggers that matched her
