A Cold Day in Hell (The Hellcat Series)

by Hannaford, Sharon

"What's going on?" she asked without preamble. She'd noticed Fergus making his way through the crowd towards them, and Athena and Alexander were close on their heels.

  "Nothing to worry about," Julius assured her. "Just a meeting I wish to avoid if possible."

  Gabi allowed him to gently tow her through the crowd, but something wasn't quite right about his attitude. It was as though something had him spooked. Curiosity getting the better of good judgment, Gabi began perusing the dancers on the massive central dance area. His sharp intake of breath almost made her turn to him in time. Almost, but not quite. Her eyes found exactly what he didn't want her to see. A sight that made her stop in mid-stride; cold, sick horror blossomed in her chest.

  Santiago—resplendent in a classic, black tuxedo, his beauty still breathtaking, unearthly—one part angel, two parts Satan. His left arm wound possessively around a petite female figure dressed in frothy pink lace and tulle, blonde curls piled artfully on top of her head, a few wisps trailing free and framing her delicate features. Dainty pink ballet slippers peeked out from beneath her skirt. Santiago looked down at her, lust clear in his gaze and his attitude. The female was Vampire and no more than nine or ten years old.

  Disbelief, shock, confusion. Was she still hallucinating? Children couldn't be turned into Vampires. It killed them. Their bodies just weren't strong enough for the change. Julius had confirmed this fact just a few weeks ago when she'd asked him about it. Children couldn't be changed, but there was absolutely no doubting the age of the Vampire in Santiago's embrace. The rest of her party had frozen in place, some in shock, others in resignation. No, she wasn't hallucinating. This was what Julius was trying to keep her from seeing. This was who they'd been trying to avoid.

  She knew her mouth was open, a look of horror frozen on her features. The tiny blonde child looked up at her then, cocking her head curiously and looking the group over, just as Santiago finally looked up at them as well. A slimy, knowing smile crept over his face as he took in Gabi's expression.

  "Good evening, Dhampir," he greeted her, taking the child’s hand and drawing closer to them. "Master Julius." He inclined his head to the rest in a thin facade of politeness. "This is Victoria." He brushed one of the girl's stray curls off her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. "Isn't she just beautiful?" He drew out the word 'beautiful' and let it roll off his tongue, as though he could taste it. "She is my latest toy. I did such a perfect job with her." He put a large masculine hand under the girl's chin and drew her face up to his so he could gaze at her with hungry eyes. The child's eyes slid to Gabi's, fear-tinged resignation flickered in the clear, blue depths.

  Red. Red. Gabi's world turned red. She reached for Nex, but the sword wasn't there. She was moving towards the monster regardless. She didn't need Nex. She'd rip his heart out with her bare hands. A wall of Vampires materialised in front of her, strong arms wrapped around her from behind. She clawed at the arms, hissing, spitting. She swiftly repositioned her body, ready to throw her restrainer across the room. Two more bodies crowded her, slipping between her and the wall of foreign Vampires. They smelled familiar, but that didn't stop her; she delivered a bone-cracking kick into one of them.

  "Fuck, Hellcat." Alexander's voice, laced with pain.

  "Not here, Lea." Julius's voice was urgent in her ear. His presence filling her mind. Reassuring, calming, desperate. "Come back to me, Lea. We can't do this here and now."

  Red. Red. Rage.

  Julius's voice, stressed. "Deep breaths. Get Control."

  Damn him to Hell.

  She forced the red back a little, enough to assess their predicament. The great hall had fallen eerily silent. Hundreds of Vampire eyes were trained on them, waiting, anticipating, expecting bloodshed. The three-deep wall of guards standing between her and Santiago stared impassively at their small party.

  Another hand came down on her shoulder, cool and hard.

  "He be right, lass." Fergus's voice sounded near her ear. It was laced with deep regret. "Noo is nae the time nor the place."

  She reined in the Rage enough to turn her head and stare into Fergus's eyes. What she saw there made up her mind. Not tonight, his eyes said, but soon. He'd been waiting a long time for this, and now he'd found an ally. She swept the crowd with a judgmental eye, unable to understand why so many stood by and let the pervert get away with it. She caught Fianna's gaze in the crowd, and the Irish woman gave her a cryptic little nod that Gabi was too enraged to return. Before she allowed Julius to pull her from the hall, the wall of guards parted to give her one last glimpse of Santiago, a sly, pretentious smile curving his lush mouth as he gripped the small girl by the hair and forced her head back. Alexander and Nathan closed ranks between her and the couple, blocking her view.

  She truly had no idea how she managed to put one foot in front of the other and walk away from the scene. It made her think of what Julius had said about her ability to control the Red Rage instead of being controlled by it. It seemed he'd been right. She was gaining more control over it every time. The walk back to their apartment was more of a quick march, as though the others thought she might turn and go back to finish what she'd been about to start. It certainly wasn't out of the realm of possibility, she conceded. They entered the apartment in silence, but the moment the door was closed, she rounded on Julius and Alexander.

  "What the fuck?" she demanded. "Why on this earth?" She was so spitting angry she was struggling to put coherent sentences together. "You said that Vampires can't Turn children." She was practically screeching, but it was all she could do not to attack Julius simply to alleviate the rage boiling inside her.

  He didn't try to pacify or calm her further. In fact, he seemed to be struggling with his own anger issues. Along with every other person in the room. Athena was white faced, perched on the very edge of a dining chair with her arms wrapped around herself, a haunted look in her eyes. Kyle's wolf was scratching at his control. She could sense him as close to the surface as he ever got without actually Changing.

  "Santiago is the one exception, it would seem," Julius growled. "When Xavier told me, I almost didn't believe him."

  "What do you mean Santiago is the exception?" Gabi hissed.

  "Santiago's gift," Julius said the word gift like a curse, "if you recall, is the ability to create many Vampires. It was rumoured for years that he'd been experimenting to sate his particular," he paused, swallowing, "fetish for young concubines. It's only since he became a Princep that he's been open about it."

  "AND THE REST OF YOU SIT BACK AND LET HIM?" It was possible that the guests in the great hall hadn't heard her, but everyone else in the castle certainly had.

  "Lea, it's a complicated situation," Julius said between clenched teeth. There was little conviction in his voice, as though he knew her animosity was justified.

  "What's complicated about eliminating a sick, paedophile Vampire?" Her voice had become a quiet, accusing hiss.

  "We have rules, Hellcat." Alexander stepped in to take some of the heat. "Vampire society have their laws like anyone else. You know that. We can't just kill another Vampire without repercussions."

  She narrowed her gaze, switching her wrath to him with a low growl. "I would hope they have laws that protect children from sick fuckers like Santiago."

  "There's never been a need for such a law, Hellcat," Alexander pointed out. "No Vampire has ever been able to Turn children, so the issue was moot."

  "You have to remember the age of many of the Vampires here, Lea," Julius added. "In the times that they were human, it was perfectly normal for a ten-year-old girl to be married off to a much older man. In the eyes of many in that hall, he is doing nothing wrong. Society has changed vastly in the last century, but many of the Vampires here still live in the century they were born in. It’s Santiago's personal life, and he is a Princep."

  She didn't say another word. Her eyes and her mind communicated what she was thinking.

  His eyes closed in sadness and defeat. "If I challenge him, Lea," he s
aid quietly, "and I win, then I will be expected to take his place on the Princep council." He opened his eyes, allowing his gaze to bore into hers as he stepped close to her, almost reaching out for her, but restraining himself in the face of her accusing rage. "I would have to move the Clan here. Leave the City to make way for whoever the council votes in as the next Master. Do you understand the dilemma I face, Gabrielle?"

  She didn't want to understand. She wanted vengeance for the loss of that beautiful child's innocence.

  "None of us would have any control over who they sent in my place to the City," he continued, moving close enough to touch her now, lifting one hand to gently trail a cool finger across her cheek. She stiffened but didn't pull away. "When I took over the Master seat there, it was simply a place to call home, where I couldn't be easily found and toyed with. Somewhere far removed from the politics going on here." His words reminded her that they were here because of her. They were all putting their lives on the line because of her secrets, her heritage. "But now the City is more than that. It's my haven, and I love it almost as much as I love my Clan."

  Her fury was dissipating, and cold fingers of exhaustion wrapped around her limbs, sucking the heat from her bones. They still hadn't found a solution to the possibility of all their imminent deaths, and someone was still trying to kill her before they made it to the Princep vote, but somehow this situation with Santiago eclipsed all of that. She knew the little girl's eyes were going to haunt her. Just thinking of what Santiago could be forcing her to do filled Gabi's chest with dark, sticky dread. One thing was clear in her mind; it would be a cold day in Hell before she allowed him to do that to one more child.

  "We'll find a way to sort this out," Julius told her. "I promise you, we'll deal with it. Just not right now."

  She nodded, not looking at him because she didn't want him to see the truth in her eyes. She would deal with it. If possible before they left the castle, if not, she'd be back, and Fergus would be right there with her. Fergus had once had a wife and daughter. Somehow she knew that his daughter had looked very much like that pretty child in Santiago’s clutches.

  CHAPTER 16

  Quentin had hunted up some espresso coffee, and that was the only thing still keeping her brain in gear. She'd caught herself actually drifting off once or twice, while sitting on the sofa next to Julius, so now she was pacing, trying to ignore the weakness invading the muscles of her legs and the anxiety churning her gut. The conversation had once again turned to the Princep vote, and Caspian had an interesting theory, building on Benedict’s suggestion.

  "It's a long shot," Alexander said, shaking his head doubtfully.

  "Do you have a better idea?" Caspian retorted heatedly. "Then tell us." He'd shed his velvet jacket, but still held his cane as he spoke, banging it on the floor for emphasis. Athena had spelled the room to protect their discussions once Quentin had returned from his caffeine expedition.

  "Fightin' among ourselves isnae wise," Fergus rumbled. "There be enough enemies te turn yer rage on."

  "A guilty vote is not an option," Caspian insisted. "We have to make them vote not guilty."

  "We will not let them take her whatever the vote." Nathan spoke up; he'd been heavily involved in deliberations tonight. "Or anyone else."

  "We have emergency plans in place," Julius agreed.

  "You do?" This was the first Gabi had heard about them. She quit pacing long enough to raise an eyebrow at Julius and await his explanation.

  "Of course, Lea." He was calm, controlled. "I have many friends around the world, ones the Princeps do not even know exist. We’ll escape and disappear, as will all others in danger from the Princeps. It's not a permanent fix, but we'll be alive to make plans."

  "That is no way to live," Caspian spluttered. "Always on the run, always looking over your shoulder."

  "It wouldn't be forever," Julius said carefully, speaking more to her than to Caspian.

  "What of the City?" Gabi asked, sadness and dread weighing on her. "What of the—" She broke off, looking at Athena. "What of the warning from the Oracles? How will the Magi protect the City on their own?"

  "We wouldn't be on our own," Athena said, forcing the air of defeat from her shoulders and standing. "If we call, Magi and Shifters will come from all around the world to help us for this particular cause." She looked to Gabi. "I know what the Oracles seemed to imply in their message, but I truly don't believe that they ever meant for you to actually sacrifice yourself for the greater good. They may seem callous and uncaring, but usually that's only to get people to do their bidding. I really do believe they've seen a way out of this peacefully or they wouldn't have let us come here. They would never stand for the death of eight people to protect their secrets. It wouldn't be the first war the Magi have fought, and it won't be the last. If we get a guilty vote, you run and we'll take care of the City." Conviction flared in her eyes as she looked at Gabi, but only two words had registered in Gabi's mind.

  Eight people. The deaths of eight people. Reality finally hit, and her legs failed her. The lives of eight people hung in the balance. Only seven people knew the exact details of her creation besides herself: Byron, Ian, Kyle, Julius, Alexander, Caspian and her mother. If the Princeps voted guilty in two nights' time, all of them would be sentenced to die or to have their minds wiped, to become living vegetables, if things went badly.

  "Breathe, Gabi, dammit, what's wrong?" Kyle's voice. Cool arms gathered her off the floor.

  "She's all right." Julius's voice seemed very distant. "She needs rest. We all do."

  She tucked her face into his chest, keeping her eyes tightly closed to hold back the tears that threatened. "If no one has thought of another option by midnight tomorrow night, I'll do as Caspian suggests." The hum of conversation was cut off by the closing of a door. They were in the dark quiet of the bedroom.

  "Lea," he whispered, pulling her back a little from his chest so he could see her face. "I swear I will protect your friends and family. I swear I will find a way to make things all right. I won't allow anyone from the Princeps' Court to touch them." He sat on the bed, keeping her in his lap, his arms around her protectively. "Honestly, I think Caspian's idea has merit. The worst may not come to be. Let's focus on our next step rather than making predictions for the future. And our next step is to get through the next two days without letting anyone kill you." His words were so long-suffering that it brought a bubble of laughter to her lips.

  "I warned you I was trouble," she pointed out with a hiccup.

  "Yes, you did, and you were right. You are trouble with a capital T," he agreed and let her stand up. He watched as she removed the evening dress, his gaze going hot and golden as he saw she'd gone sans underwear, except for her sheer thigh-high stockings. She stepped out of the puddle of red satin and moved a step closer to him, lifting one leg and placing a dainty shoe on the bed next to him.

  "Some help with my shoes?" she asked in a husky whisper.

  "Lea, you're driving me crazy," he ground out, clenching his fists together. "You need sleep."

  "I'll let you do all the work," she promised, as she began to slowly peel the stockings from the top of her thighs. His hand caught hers, stopping the action.

  "Leave them on," he growled, pulling her against him. Razor grumbled at them as he flipped her onto the bed, laying her out and drinking in the sight of her body with lust-darkened eyes as he stepped back to divest himself of his suit. The cat jumped off the bed in a huff and went to make himself comfortable in the chair near the window, glaring at them in disgust. Neither of them noticed.

  ********************

  As midnight neared, everyone in the apartment had fallen silent. They'd talked themselves in circles, until there was nothing more anyone could add. Julius knew what he needed to say, and they'd agreed it was their best chance. All of them, with the exception of Caspian, would be going this time. Kyle as a co-accused in the death of Dantè, and the rest as witnesses to the fact that he and Mariska had been calli
ng up Demons to flood the City. They were dressed formally, though less extravagantly than the night before; Fergus in a kilt and tunic and the other men in dark suits over crisp, white shirts. None of them wore ties, however, and Julius's suit jacket had been replaced by his leather duster, formal enough not to show disrespect, but not so formal as to be obsequious. Athena wore a grey pencil skirt with a matching grey, cropped melton jacket and a peach blouse, and Gabi was in a dark pants suit, with Nex a familiar weight against her spine. Alexander opened the door just as Iris approached to collect them.

  Julius sent Alexander and Quentin out ahead of them; Fergus and Athena followed Gabi and Julius, while Kyle and Nathan brought up the rear. To anyone else their procession might appear random, but Gabi knew it was a well considered wall of protection around her.

  There'd been no incidents during the course of the day. Julius had stayed awake until midday, then he'd used his own blood to rouse Alexander to take over babysitting duty. Athena had cast a spell over the suite to alert them to anyone trying to enter the rooms, and all their food had been thoroughly checked by the Magus before anyone ate. Gabi hadn't been allowed out of the suite, and despite still being exhausted from the effects of the belladonna, the imprisonment had driven her to a state of frustration just one step shy of crazy.

  When they reached the doors of the Princeps' Hall and entered the chamber, Gabi was once again struck by the grandeur of the room. Kyle, Nathan and Quentin were looking around with astonished eyes, but Athena seemed unimpressed; perhaps the Magi High Council resided in something equally as opulent. Gabi, Julius and Kyle were directed to stand in front of the Princeps' table. The others were herded to one side of the room between a pair of already present Vampire guards. The entrance of the Princeps was the same procedure as the first meeting. The twenty-four guards entered first, followed by the Princeps in exactly the same order as before. Gemini had not yet made an appearance. When they were all seated, Eliasz once again stood and took charge.