Magaestra: Loyalties: An urban fantasy series

by Katherine Kim

  “I agree. We should call in a team and plan a raid for tonight,” Aldric nodded.

  “Wait,” Faith blinked at the men. “Are you suggesting a pitched battle with the Goldfangs, like, within a few hours? Tonight?”

  Both Marc and Aldric nodded at her, eagerness written all over their faces. Lord save her from testosterone fueled decisions.

  “Aldric, you’re wounded,” she said. “You can’t fight right now. You’re still healing! And Marc, what are you thinking, trying to talk him into that?”

  Marc grimaced and hissed a breath through his teeth. “She’s got a point. I forgot that you took a nasty swipe just a few hours ago. How is that healing up?”

  “I am well enough. It was nowhere near as bad as it looked, I assure you. Everyone seems to think I was nearly disemboweled, but I only needed three stitches," Aldric scoffed.

  "You passed out. And bled all the hell over Tamika's truck! There was blood everywhere, and you passed out!" Faith hissed as she felt her irritation mount again.

  Aldric grimaced. "I did go into shock. However, the actual injury was not so bad. I should be fit for a raid by the time we get there,” Aldric said. “I suffered more from the surprise of the injury than the actual wound itself.”

  Faith didn’t even think before she leaned forward and snatched up the hem of Aldric’s t-shirt, revealing a small bandage taped to the side of his belly. Several crusted over pink stripes were clear and open to see, though, and she gasped.

  “Damn, Aldric, that has to be hurting,” Marc said, “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  Faith met Marc's eyes and glared at him. Men were the absolute worst sometimes.

  “Because I am fine, truly,” Aldric put a hand over hers where it still held his shirt up. “Only the one was deep enough to be a concern at all, and it has likely closed up already as well. He was a skilled opponent in some ways, but on the other hand it seemed that he had not much experience in an all-out fight. I suspect that the Goldfangs have been training, but are more used to sparring.”

  Faith saw Marc nod from the corner of her eye. “That’s possible. They seem more like the sort to go after weaker opponents. People they know they can take out easily enough.”

  Aldric pulled Faith’s hand free of his shirt so that it dropped back to cover his healing injuries, but didn’t let go of it.

  “The wolf did a lot of damage to me, I won’t pretend otherwise, but the wounds were mostly shallow. They closed themselves quickly and will be fully healed by morning, save perhaps the one under the bandage." he said. “But Matthias spoke of a captive being held at this camp-”

  “Crissy?” Faith sat straight up and swiveled her head to look at Marc, then back to Aldric.

  “Not the prisoner that he was aware of at least,” Marc said. “Matthias wasn’t sure who they were, just that they were a wolf and that the leader of his little group of squatters couldn’t stand them. Though if they have one captive, they may easily have more.”

  Faith sat there, conflicted. On the one hand, she didn’t want to encourage anyone going off and putting themselves in danger, especially when they’re wounded. But what if these people had Crissy? From everything they knew, there were definitely vampires around that camp, and it had definitely been vampires that had snatched her right out of their grasp.

  But was it worth risking Aldric- or anyone else that would go on this raid- for Crissy? How could that possibly be a fair trade?

  Faith shook her head. “No. We can’t risk people on a rumor. We need to know more about this camp and the prisoner that they have there.”

  “I agree, to a point. I sent Leo a text after we came out of the interrogation to see if there is any information that he can glean, and Kenya and Ori headed out to scout after they got Matthias secured,” Aldric said.

  “This is why you’re the head of our security, my friend. How long until we hear from them, do you suppose?” Marc sat back in his chair and grinned.

  “I don’t know. It depends on–” Aldric was interrupted by a beep from Marc’s computer. “Well. I suspect that is Leo now.”

  It was, and he had not a lot of information, though he had nailed down exactly where the camp was. Marc turned the screen so they could all see Leo.

  “They got settled in there last Sunday. On Monday a truck rolled past the closest traffic cam headed into the camp and then there was a flurry of cell activity in the area, so I’m guessing that’s when whoever is being held prisoner there was brought in. No idea who it is or how long they've had them, but that’s what I have for you. I sent Kenya and Ori the exact location of the camp, though, since you said they were going to scout around a bit, cu.”

  “Thank you,” Aldric said.

  “So, they’ve been there since a few days after the mess at the lodge, then?” Marc asked.

  “Looks like. I’d guess that after they didn’t hear from Honeyford and then you called him to lodge your complaint about the kidnappings and start all that Council nonsense, Alpha Molin decided to get a force closer in. We were still trying to avoid all out hostilities on Sunday.” Leo grimaced.

  “Apparently, Molin was not,” Marc sighed.

  “Guys, based on the activity I’ve seen on that road, and some of the emails I've read from Molin's account…” Leo’s words faded as he looked off-camera somewhere, probably at another screen, and chewed his lop for a long moment. “I think they’re bringing in some serious weapons. Not just blighthounds, but guns and explosives.”

  Marc swore and Aldric growled, his eyes flashing as his vampiric nature tried to surge forward. Ice settled in the pit of Faith’s stomach and started spreading through her limbs.

  “Explosives?” Her voice came out quietly, but all three of them heard her. Leo looked nervous and upset that he had to be the bearer of this news. Marc looked grim, and Aldric looked murderous.

  “That settles the question of whether we go after them tonight or not,” Marc growled.

  “I agree. I will get in touch with Kenya and find out what they have learned,” Aldric said as he pulled his phone out of his pocket to follow through on his plan.

  “Great. Then start calling in your teams. Whoever you think will be helpful in a raid. Leo, try and see if you can get any sort of ideas regarding numbers of people there and plans or images of the camp they’re staying in. If it’s a public campground there’s got to be maps and whatnot.”

  “Sure thing,” Leo responded, and the sound of furious typing came through the connection.

  “I’m going, too,” Faith said.

  “No.” both men said.

  “It’s too dangerous," Aldric added.

  “It’s too dangerous for the magic-using human who can throw up an impenetrable shield, but not for you, Mr. Vampire Who Keeps Getting Injured?” Faith huffed. “I am part of this clan, aren’t I? I’ve been through several fights now, too, and they might have my sister in there. I’m going.”

  Marc actually chuckled and Leo whistled long and slow.

  “She’s got you there, cuz,” Leo chuckled. “You’ve been seriously off your game since you met Faith and Kaylee. I honestly can’t remember the last time a rogue got a swipe at you, let alone actually drew blood, and yet here we are. Probably better for you if you took her with. She saved your butt at the lodge, after all, remember?”

  “She was also nearly taken from us!” Aldric’s voice was rising, and as much as Faith wanted to rail against his arrogance, she could hear the fear in his voice and it started a warmth in her chest.

  “Faith can handle herself well enough. The only reason she got into any trouble at the lodge was because we let our guard down after we secured Honeyford and his thugs. We won’t make that mistake again,” Marc tried to be reassuring, but Faith wasn’t convinced that Aldric wanted to be reassured. "Although I do want to go on record as pointing out that Aldric is right. It is going to be very dangerous, and we don't like the idea of you being anywhere near these guys."

  “Look. Aldric,” Fait
h took Aldric’s hand and tugged gently so he would look at her. “I promise not to wander off on my own, or do anything obviously stupid. And just like at the lodge I’ll listen to you and the enforcers when you tell me to do something.”

  Aldric just growled quietly, but his fingers wrapped around hers.

  “And I think we should call Detective Lincoln,” Marc said. “He could be helpful in sorting this mess out. Especially if we have to smooth anything over with the authorities.”

  “I’ve got some local maps of the place,” Leo interrupted. “And I might be able to get a drone to take some photos if you don’t mind holding off for an hour or so.”

  “It will be several hours anyway, Leo. It will take that long to get our people here and organized, so go for it. As long as you can keep from getting caught or in trouble.” Marc glared over at the camera. “No hacking secret government anything.”

  “Aww, you’re no fun,” Leo answered with a grin. “But don’t worry. I have my very own personal drone and a camera with an excellent zoom. I’ll go set that up and I’ll call back.”

  The screen went dark as Leo closed their connection, and Marc turned back to Faith.

  “You call the detective. He's much less likely to snarl at you,” he said. “Aldric. You contact the enforcers and put out a call to the sentries as well. We were expecting a small group of only shifters when we went after the kids at the lodge. This sounds like it will be a mixed group and they will likely be armed, so pull any gear we have. If we have any. It’s not like we go to war often enough to have an armory or anything.”

  Marc sighed and frowned for a moment before shaking himself back to the present. “We also need advice from someone who has fought groups like this before. I’m going to call your uncle. This was a sadly common sort of occurrence during the war. Maybe he’ll have some insight.”

  Aldric pressed his lips together and nodded. Before he stood to head to his own office, he turned to Faith. His lips moved once, twice, like he was trying to speak but the words simply weren’t coming, then he shook his head and simply leaned forward to kiss her.

  It was short and chaste, but his lips were warm against her own and she swore she could hear all the words of worry and fear that he was holding back. And beyond that she heard the words that he was perhaps beginning to feel but was afraid to think, let alone speak out loud.

  As he pulled back, he squeezed her fingers before standing. He walked out the door without another word.

  Faith sighed then, when Marc chuckled, turned to glare at him.

  "What?" she demanded.

  "The two of you are just entertaining.” Marc grinned at her. “I’m glad he found you. I was starting to get worried that he was calcifying. You shook him up, bad, I can tell. He’s been way more formal and stiff the last day or so. Since Detective Lincoln showed up, in fact.”

  Faith narrowed her eyes at Marc, who was still grinning like a little brother with dirt on his sibling.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I mean, the man is, maybe for the first time in his life, unsure of how well he stacks up. Being the only vampire in leadership here in the Frostwalker Clan, and until all this hit he was the only one of them interested in Clan security, has given him maybe too much security in his own position in life.”

  Faith blinked at the shifter on the other side of the desk. What did any of that have to do with her?

  Marc cackled. “You totally don’t even see it, do you? He’s jealous of the detective. You two are wonderful. I am so, so glad you’re here, Faith.” Marc’s smile grew warmer and more serious. “You and Kaylee both. I hope we can bring your sister in soon as well. I suspect she would only add to the joy you have brought us.”

  Faith blinked, not sure how to respond to any of that. Aldric was jealous? Of Ken? Why? And then Marc’s warm, familial sort of claiming of all three of them…

  The past half hour had been so full of emotional back and forth that all she could do was shake her head, thank Marc for his kindness, and head out to call Ken, who was going to be irritated as hell about a planned raid.

  She could figure out Aldric later.

  16

  It took them several hours to organize their plans. Aldric chafed at waiting, but knew that heading out unprepared was more than merely foolish. Kenya and Ori reported back that the camp was bigger than they had anticipated. They estimated over a hundred wolves and vamps that they could see.

  There was also a pen to the side of the camp that held a medium sized pack of blighthounds, which was a significant concern.

  Aldric advised his enforcers that the Goldfangs were likely to be armed, and Kenya just chuckled, and Ori added that they’d look forward to the challenge. Aldric hoped like hell that the pair wasn’t going to get themselves killed.

  Faith called Detective Lincoln and while Aldric didn’t hear any of the phone call, he heard plenty of the shouting that came from Marc’s office once the detective showed up at their door once again. Had it truly only been two days since they allowed him into the clan house properly? The man certainly felt comfortable enough here now.

  Faith herself was outfitted by Tamika with body armor and a few more mundane weapons. She had her magic, it was true, and once he was finished arguing with Marc about jurisdiction and legality and so on, Lincoln pulled Faith aside and seemed to be showing her how to throw fireballs. At least the man was good for something.

  A hand landed heavily on his shoulder and Aldric just barely kept himself from flinching.

  “Not often one of us sneaks up on you,” Rod said. “But you’ve been pretty distracted the last few weeks. In your own world a lot more than we’re used to seeing you.”

  Aldric shrugged. “There has been a great deal to think about.”

  Rod nodded. “That’s true.” He looked like he was going to say something else, then changed his mind. “Just stay sharp out there, hey? We’ll all be watching out for her out there. Don’t let yourself get distracted again.”

  “I shall be focused as always,” Aldric assured him.

  Rod simply eyed him for a long moment, then glanced over to where Faith had just shouted triumphantly. She was smiling widely, her eyes sparkling and her head thrown back mid-laugh. Detective Lincoln looked grudgingly approving and nodded at the fire that was now smoldering in the fireplace of the large room. Aldric swallowed heavily.

  With a chuckle, Rod clapped a hand to Aldric’s shoulder again, then wordlessly headed toward the garage to get the vehicles ready.

  Aldric turned back in time to watch Faith hug Detective Lincoln, and to see the man’s startled expression turn into a shy smile that made the man look almost handsome. With a soft growl, he spun on his heel and headed to Marc’s office. They had a raid to finalize.

  The SUVs were parked out of the way just off the small access road, and with a little luck, no scouts or patrols would find them before the attack was underway. Aldric looked around the small clearing. He considered their plans and went over again what the camp looked like.

  There was a cliff face to the east that curved around where the Goldfangs had set up camp, and if they had been smart, they would have set up watch posts along the ridge above camp, but Ori reported no sign of any which made them all slightly nervous. The Goldfangs were arrogant and rash, but not entirely stupid.

  There were two small buildings, leftovers from some bygone era when this was an active tourist stop, which was after it had been a reasonably successful mining area. One of the buildings was where they were keeping this mystery prisoner. Aldric wasn’t certain about the purpose of the other one. Kenya speculated that was where they were keeping their munitions, but nobody had gone in or out of it while they had been watching, so she couldn’t confirm it.

  The sentries were organized into raid groups, each headed up by an enforcer, Aldric, or Marc, and they were planning to attack in two waves. The first, led by Marc’s own group, would sweep into the camp from the north– the side opposite the directio
n of the clan house– and pull the attention that way.

  At the same time a second wave would come in from the southwest, swarming around the blighthound pens and hopefully cutting off any chance to release the creatures into the fight, or at worst to prevent them from getting too far into the battle. Once the blighthounds were contained, Kenya’s team would peel off to rescue the prisoner.

  Kenya and Ori had pulled back from where they had watched the Goldfangs' Camp to join their respective raid groups, ready to follow Marc’s lead in the first wave. They had sent all the enforcers and sentries cell phone photos of the camp, so everyone had a reasonable idea of what they were walking into. They hoped.

  It was just after one in the morning, and everyone was simmering quietly, waiting for the signal to move. Aldric himself was feeling anxious to move, but he forced himself to remain still and focused on the route he intended to lead his group past the blighthounds to the second building. If that building was full of weapons and explosives, he wanted it cleared out. If any of the Goldfangs escaped the raid, he did not want them to have any resources left.

  Faith sidled up to his side and nudged his elbow with her own.

  “Good luck.” She reached up on her toes and pecked a kiss to his cheek.

  “You as well. Stay behind me and stay safe, please.” Aldric could barely stand that she was coming along, but he had sworn that he wouldn’t leave her side, and he fully intended to keep her from harm.

  His phone vibrated, silently letting him know it was almost time. He silenced the alarm and nodded at Faith’s questioning glance. Less than a minute after he replaced his phone in the secure pocket of his vest, Marc’s sharp howl shattered the silence. The raid had started.

  As they had agreed, Aldric held his team back, waiting a few minutes for the attention to be well away from their side of the camp. Then, as soon as he nodded, everyone surged forward at once, silently flooding into the Goldfangs’ camp.