Hunters of the Gods 5: The Countdown (Siren Publishing Menage Everlasting)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “Securing the room, stopping the ears that are now invading your home,” she said.

  “The ears?” Preston asked.

  “The ones sent by the Circle. They are watching over us and will report back to Claspen. When we screw up of actions are questioned, the Circle will be the first to know.” Alexandra said.

  “By then, and if our plan comes together, it won’t matter. We’ll expose the truth, the enemies among all of us and of the Circle, and gain their trust and respect once again. We’ll need it, because the worst is coming. I just know it,” Alusia stated.

  * * * *

  “Do you think the women are right?” Puello asked Ross, Galvin, and Stark.

  “I do believe they are, and Alusia seemed different. More powerful, magical, and confident. It must have been the mating,” Stark stated. “Indeed, but I have to admit, it makes me a bit nervous now having witch blood in this family. Between vampires, warlocks, sorcerers, magi, Fae and by the gods who knows what else, we will gain enemies from all of it alone.” They chuckled.

  “It may be as our mate and Alexandra say. The ultimate war is coming, and this may just be another battle to get to the truth,” Puello said.

  “Well, let’s do our part. We need to throw off these guards so Preston, our cousins and their mate can head out with Cable’t to the event,” Galvin said.

  “Bider, Viper, Scor, and Avi are on their way with Buschool. Let’s hope the shit doesn’t hit the fan and we get taken over by the guards of the Circle. That will be awkward. We’ve worked with all of them and went on missions with them, too,” Ross said.

  “They may help if things go south fast. Come on, let’s get this information on Roovio, so we can present it to the Circle as soon as possible,” Stark said to them.

  Chapter Seven

  The classical music was playing as the large mansion filled with guests. More guests than expected as far as Buschool was concerned. However, it could help them if they were all caught interacting with the Vignola, if they pretended they had no idea members would be here tonight. This was hard for Buschool. He didn’t bow down to anyone, and it was difficult to keep his mouth shut and not kill Libertin, Cupp, and Solero. Centuries ago he would have done just that to anyone who showed him disrespect or questioned his actions or loyalty. It was hard to swallow the rules and laws of the were and their Circle of Elders. He wasn’t a wolf. As a vampire, they had different rules and ultimately he didn’t follow all of them exactly.

  He felt Avi’s hand take his hand and then her speak to him through their mind link.

  “I know it was upsetting, and it was difficult for you, but it would have made matters much worse, and given power to the idea that we are the ones initiating the attacks. We must prove the truth. Together,” she said to him.

  He gave her a wink. “Remember what I told you about the mind control.”

  “Hmm, is that him there?” she asked, and he looked and then looked back at Avi and nodded, giving her his eyes in warning to be very careful about what she reveals.

  Buschool felt his mate’s reaction to Vlad Portin. He was powerful indeed and his eyes swept over her body and he made it clear she enticed him. Buschool kept his cool as he made the introductions.

  “Avi, it is my honor to introduce you to Vlad Portin, one of the leaders of the Vignola.”

  She bowed her head as Vlad Portin reached for her hand. She offered it and he held her gaze, inhaled, and stared down into her eyes.

  “Hmmm, interesting indeed. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Avi,” he said, and brought her hand to his lips and kissed the top. He squinted slightly and she held his gaze. Buschool had warned Avi of the power Vlad had, but it seemed Avi had a mind of her own.

  Vlad chuckled. “Strong. Very strong indeed, but pure,” he said, and released her hand and then looked past them toward her other mates. One by one Buschool introduced them and then told them about the wonderful food the host was providing, and entertainment, as well.

  Buschool took Avi’s hand and escorted her away from Vlad as quickly as he could. He had an uneasy feeling as did the others. Vlad’s eyes then landed on Alexandra.

  * * * *

  Alexandra remained near her men and Cable’t as they entered the party a few minutes after Avi and her men. They were greeted by a few familiar faces to Preston, which seemed to get him concerned about news spreading fast of their location. At this point a plan was in motion. The men they had planted on the inside of Knoll pack to gather information were aiding in getting more men into the estate where Roovio resided. Lodge, Puello, Corporal, and Ross were doing intel, as well, and preparing to speak with their men in preparation of an attack against Keuric and Saint pack from within, now that there were guards infiltrating the estate.

  Rule, Temerec, and Law were going to assist in the intel with Alusia outside of the party to ensure there were no unexpected guests, and intervene if necessary. Their hope was that Roovio would make a move, as well as any others aiding in his attempt at a takeover. They had troops from Alusia and Loki’s pack preparing to counterattack. A lot was riding on Alusia’s plan and gut feelings. Alexandra knew that there was a plan by the gods and it was in motion.

  As she walked through the gorgeous home, she was impressed with many of the paintings and sculptures throughout. She could feel many eyes on her, and it was more than just the fact that she was mated to wolves and Cable’t, it was her powers, her ability to heal, that enticed them, and then she felt the pull toward the right.

  She locked gazes with Vlad Portin, and the vampire ate her up with his eyes. She could feel his power from across the room, could sense his nudge against her thoughts. Was he trying to read her mind? She gave him what she thought he might like to hear, knowing he was narcissistic and self-centered to boot.

  What an attractive man. By the gods he is powerful and handsome.

  He moved across the room, closing the distance between them as if he floated across, his feet never touching the floor. He was instantly there, and she tightened a moment, but felt Cable’t’s hand at her waist, and knew she was safe.

  “My, my, my, I see now why you are so protective of your mate. She is a goddess,” he said to her and took her hand then pressed his lips to it while holding her gaze. He squinted and she felt him trying to read her mind. She raised one of her eyebrows up at him and he chuckled.

  He then shook his head. “A pleasure to meet you, Alexandra. I have heard many, many things about you, and now I understand the fears. You are magical.”

  She didn’t quite know what he meant but she went with it.

  “The pleasure is all mine, Vlad Portin. I, too, have heard great things about you.”

  “I don’t believe you. Cable’t hardly obeys the orders of the Vignola.”

  “Not true, Vlad. You know my services were needed elsewhere for quite some time,” Cable’t said, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing her knuckles. She smiled at him, and the revelation of her true love for Cable’t must have shown through.

  “Amazing. Absolutely amazing. I mean I feel it. The love between you. She is your mate,” he said, and then Preston cleared his throat.

  “Ahh, the wolves you share her with,” Vlad said, and Cable’t introduced them, but Alexandra watched Vlad closely.

  “Preston, Heracio, and Saunder, your reputations as Warriors of the Gods precedes you. Quite impressive indeed. I appreciate you coming here in good will to show your respect for Cable’t’s ancestry and the Vignola.

  “We appreciate the opportunity to let you know that we mean no disrespect. We share Alex as our mate, and just want to live in peace with our mate,” Preston said to him.

  “Outstanding. Please, let’s enjoy the party together. I would love to speak with you more, Alexandra.” He offered his arm.

  She didn’t even glance at Cable’t. She sensed his anger and jealousy, but she accepted the vampire’s arm and they walked through the party talking.

  * * * *

  “I don’t thin
k it’s a good idea that you disappear, no matter what the reason is, Alusia,” Rule said to her.

  “They aren’t completely safe in there. I can feel the power. Something just entered that mansion and it could be the reason why I am here,” she said and then used her magic to change her clothes.

  “You are not going in there like that,” Law demanded as he took in the sight of her.

  She was dressed in a very sexy, straight fitting silk, red dress, that revealed the deep cleavage of her voluptuous breasts. The slit of the side was nearly to her hip.

  “No. Absolutely not,” Temerec commanded, and then their radios went off.

  Their absence was detected on the estate. Toby and the others that were left behind, said that more men were filtering onto the grounds. That fights were beginning to erupt around the estate.

  “Tell them to counterattack,” she said to them.

  “Alusia…” Rule said her name.

  “Sorry, Rule, but the gods have spoken. You’ll know when to head inside with the others,” she said, and clicked her fingers and disappeared.

  She could feel their anger, and hear their outrage, but despite that she knew what had to be done. As she appeared in the hallway to the entrance, she did her thing and got her name on the list. A fake name of course, and it didn’t really matter as the guards took in the sight of her and let her in. The moment she entered the home she felt the magic. It was bad, and familiar. Delia was definitely here.

  * * * *

  Vlad Portin sensed the dark magic in the home of his friend and he wasn’t surprised. He had received a call early yesterday morning, a warning that Cable’t and Buschool were planning an ultimate takeover of all packs and all mystical creatures with the powers they now had from their mates and the mates of fellow Alphas in the Saint and Keuric pack families. He felt that magic immediately with Alyssa and even stronger with Alexandra, however, it felt pure and good, not evil. But his informant insisted that it was evil, and that another witch, a young woman by the name Alusia was forcing a mating with more Alphas of Saint pack. They warned him that trouble was coming and he was prepared. Or so he thought, as he sensed Delia in the home but then his eyes locked onto a gorgeous, voluptuous beautify in a red dress and flowing jet black hair. Her eyes were green and he made his way to her immediately.

  A few of the men were introducing themselves, but her eyes went to Vlad and she seemed stunned a moment. Her lips parted as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her away from them. “Who are you, and where have you been all my life?” he asked.

  She seemed to snap out of her daze and chuckled. She pulled back. Then she looked around them, her eyes landing toward the stairway that led to the basement. The door was ajar, and it seemed to him that Delia was down there.

  “Excuse me, please,” she said, and went to move but he stopped her.

  “Your name?” he asked.

  “Alusia,” she said staring at him, but then she blinked like she hadn’t meant to say her real name.

  He squinted and remembered the warning and grabbed her tightly. “Come with me now,” he said, and led her toward the staircase, but not before gaining the attention of others including Cable’t and Buschool. He brought her to the doorway and basement and then closed the door. It was dark and her eyes glowed as did his. He inhaled against her neck as he pulled her close. She shoved at him.

  “I need to go. I’m not interested.”

  “You need to stay. I know who you are and what you are up to. You will not achieve your goals of a takeover. Maybe over weak-minded wolves, but never over vampires.” He shoved her forward and she nearly tumbled down the stairs. She slammed at his shoulder and he was shocked by her powers.

  “I’ve got this,” Delia said, and appeared with a bright purple light illuminating the basement. She looked evil and old.

  “What is your plan?”

  “You worry about those stupid wolves and her mate. I’ll handle this once and for all,” Delia said.

  He hesitated leaving. There was something about Alusia that called to him. He inhaled against her neck. His eyes glowed and he felt a pull toward her.

  “She killed your brother Serpia and now she must die before it is too late and she kills you next. It’s the plan of the wolves. Release her!” Delia yelled to him. “Go! Now and get your men to fight off her wolves and Cable’t and Buschool. They all need to die.”

  “I don’t think so, witch. It’s you that is going to die,” Alusia said. She pulled from Vlad’s hold and ran toward Delia. The witch hit them with magic and they disappeared into thin air.

  * * * *

  The house erupted in chaos, as numerous guards of the Circle emerged and began to try and fight Preston, Alexandra, and the others. They were fighting them off when Buschool yanked the door open and saw Vlad standing there as well as remnants of magic in the air. There was no sign of Delia or Alusia.

  “What have you done?” Buschool demanded to know as he locked gazes with Cable’t. Then came Rule, Temerec, Law.

  “I know what you and your mates are after. I was informed about your takeover. About how it has been all of you who have been annihilating wolf packs and trying to gain power over mystical creatures, as well. All of it was revealed to me,” Vlad Portin told them.

  “And who revealed these lies to you, Delia, the witch?” Buschool demanded to know.

  “I was informed by others. It was all in the plan this evening to stop you before things got out of control and we all lost power,” Vlad said to them with arrogance and attitude.

  “You fool. They played you, like they have played the others, even the Circle of the Elders. The one responsible is out there. Roovio Gaines has been conspiring with others to take down all were packs so he can rule the United States and beyond,” Alexandra said to him.

  “I don’t care about your wolf world or your packs. None of it affects the Vignola and our power,” Vlad said.

  “You’re wrong. Vipis is working with Roovio as well as Libertin and two others, Cuppa and Solero from the Circle. Delia is under Vipis’a control, as well, and you just handed Alusia, a good wolf and witch over to them.” Rule roared and stepped forward. Cable’t stopped him.

  “We don’t need to make matters worse. We need to work together,” Preston said.

  “Together?” Vlad chuckled. “Never, wolf. You are below us, no matter who you fuck and claim!” he spat at him.

  “You were taken for a fool. They tricked you. They used your hatred toward wolves, and meanwhile it was them who have been killing.”

  “It was wolves like you who killed Cleatta,” Vlad said.

  “No, none of us killed her, Vipis did with Ferdol and the help of Roovio Gaines,” Alexandra said to them.

  “Where did Delia take Alusia? Do you know?”

  “No, I don’t know, and why should I care?” Vlad asked.

  Buschool stepped into his space and grabbed his shoulders. He stared into his eyes and both men puffed out their chests, growing taller in height. “You sensed nothing familiar about her? Didn’t sense her kindness or of what she is made of besides wolf and witch, of magic?” he pushed.

  Buschool let the vampire read his mind, and then his eyes widened.

  “Serpia?”

  “Yes.”

  “How?”

  “I don’t have time to explain. They’ll kill her. You just sent your only heir to her grave, after your brother gave his life to save hers.”

  * * * *

  “We can reminisce later, right now time is of the essence. The situation here has been reported to the Circle. Our own land is under our control but not for long. Not as long as the Circle of Elders believes we are the ones responsible for the violence and deaths of other packs,” Preston interrupted.

  “We must go to them. To Claspen and Vibes and explain what we know and present the evidence to them. In doing so we show the truth,” Alyssa said to him.

  “I don’t think we need to,” Alexandra said, and then looked off to
the right.

  “Preston, Heracio.” She said their names and they immediately shifted as several more wolves emerged in the living room through the windows. Glass shattered and Buschool grabbed her arm and ushered her to safety. “We have to find out where they took Alusia. This is her battle. Her fight and for good reason.”

  Preston growled low. “Are you out of your mind? We are going to get killed.”

  “We go where the gods tell us, and we battle side by side. The war is getting closer. Roovio must die,” she stated.

  * * * *

  “Why did you bring her here? The wolves from various packs are battling as we speak. I must call into action the army I have ready to fight. I am taking over the entire operation,” Roovio stated firmly.

  Alusia listened. As much as she wanted to kill Delia, there was more being revealed here that could lead her to the identity of the master.

  “What is this all about? Do you seriously think that you can overrun Saint pack and Keuric pack and all their new followers? You set it in motion. You caused them to become more powerful than you or anyone else,” she said to him.

  “You know nothing. The Saint pack and Keuric pack are all going to die tonight. Their estate has been taken over by Gods of the Circle. By the rogues I have helped to create as armies under my command.”

  “That’s what you think, but it isn’t true,” Alusia said to him.

  “Do not listen to her. She is trying to stall. Set out the troops. I will kill her and then you can begin to rule all packs as we had planned,” Delia stated.

  “You’re wrong. You have been tricked, as well,” Alusia said, and Delia chanted some sort of spell, but Alusia blocked it from her mind. She felt the powers within her building stronger and yet she waited to attack, to defend herself and kill both Delia and Roovio.

  “You should have died years ago as a child with those parents of yours,” Delia stated.