“Rowena?” Balthazar’s low voice was trembling with uncertainty. Turning on the spot, her eyes found Quinn’s and their gazes locked. A silent question crossed Quinn’s face and Rowena nodded.
“They’re coming,” she announced, the words stark and sharp in the absolute silence of the vast room.
In the meleé that followed, Quinn and the other Guardians darted forward, listening intently as Rowena explained. The smoke was a sign, she said. It meant danger was coming.
“But it’s a gypsy signal,” Lenora interrupted, her fangs slightly extended, “surely the gypsies aren’t dangerous?”
“It’s a warning. Something is wrong.”
“I can’t believe you would be so foolish as to leave clues how to find us!” Braddon yelled, his fear for Quinn’s safety making him harsh.
“Those women look to me for protection. I couldn’t let them go without offering them a way back to me if they needed it!” Rowena was distraught but she would not apologise for considering her own people’s safety.
“Well, it looks like they found you,” Daniel snapped. “Only an army of vampires may well have found you too and the last of Summerfeld’s wards in the process.”
“It’s still light out,” Avery interjected, appearing at Quinn’s side. “There aren’t any vampires out there – not yet, anyway.”
“There’s not much time,” Daniel said. Avery was right but it didn’t mean that the vampires weren’t holed up nearby waiting for the sun to set. “We’re leaving in five,” he instructed the Hunters and Liam and Garrett immediately left the library. Quinn, however, stayed where she was.
“Isaiah,” Daniel turned to the taller Guardian.
“I’ll stay,” Isaiah nodded, knowing what he was about to say. If things went wrong, Isaiah would need to protect the others and get them away to safety.
“I want to come with you,” Braddon insisted, but Daniel shook his head, just as Quinn did.
“This is a job for the Hunters,” Daniel insisted. “We need to search the area. We aren’t going to confront them, not if there are too many, but we need to know what’s out there. You’ll only slow us down.” Guardians, while exceptionally fast and strong, were rated low when compared to the Hunters’ abilities.
“I’ll take care of her,” Drake murmured soothingly and Braddon calmed down.
“You’re not…”
“Really?” Drake interrupted Daniel before he could finish his sentence. “You’re really going to try to tell me what I can and cannot do?” Rolling his eyes, he jabbed his finger at Daniel’s chest “Guardian,” he pointed out, and then, jabbing his own chest, “vampire. I don’t answer to you, remember?”
“I want him with us,” Quinn added, defying Daniel to contradict her. “He’s the best weapon we have.”
“Fine,” Daniel hissed, as Piper and Monique rushed back into the room, their arms laden.
“Liam and Garrett have already suited up,” Monique gasped breathlessly as she passed Quinn a heavy stake-belt, laden with a variety of stakes. Piper handed another to Daniel, and the two quickly belted the heavy leather around their waists. The weight was uncomfortable, but reassuring.
“I want four flare guns,” Daniel barked, without so much as a thank you and Piper bustled off again.
“What about the Orochian?” Monique asked, her youthful face hard. “He could help.”
“No,” Daniel shook his head. “We don’t know what’s out there yet. I don’t want to risk the beast being seen if we encounter nothing but a group of weary gypsies. Keep him quiet, and for Eldon’s sake, keep him earthbound. If you see a flare…” he turned back to Isaiah, who simply nodded his understanding.
As they turned to leave, Rowena grabbed Quinn’s arm. Her dark hair was already escaping its heavy braid and her face was flushed. The wedding was all but forgotten.
“My friends wouldn’t have brought them here unless their lives depended on it. Please look after them.”
“They did send a warning,” Quinn acknowledged, “I’ll do my best to protect them.” She cast around for Avery wanting to say goodbye. Their earlier dispute suddenly seemed trivial, but her sister had merged with the crowd leaving the library and there was no time left.
The four Hunters raced across the vast expanse of Lenora’s property, Quinn’s legs warming quickly at the fast pace. The smoke was still barely visible over the trees to the North, but it was dissipating quickly. It didn’t matter now, though, they knew where they were headed. Only when they reached the tree line of the woods did they slow down ever so slightly. They moved like ghosts through the trees, the epitome of stealth, but it was impossible to be completely silent. Drake stayed close to Quinn, a shadow at her side, determined to protect her. He listened intently for any sound that would alert them to danger, but the woods were still. Only when they were half a mile out from their destination did they slow down, taking extra care where they placed their feet and making sure not to snap any dry twigs; making no sound at all.
Quinn’s heart raced in her chest, her fear not for herself but for those they had left behind: the wards; the gypsies, the women they had saved from Charlotte’s dungeon, and most of all, for Avery, so recently returned to her, so changed and yet still so fragile. Quinn gritted her teeth vowing that no vampire would get near her sister. She would not allow it, even if it meant sacrificing her own life.
Their shadows lengthened, the sun dipping low in the sky and Quinn realised with a sickening dread that they probably wouldn’t make it back to Lenora’s before nightfall.
“If we hurry we’ll make it back,” Drake murmured, sensing her thoughts.
“If we’re going to search the area, that’s highly doubtful,” she replied, unable to hide her growing concern for the others. Isaiah would protect them. There was nothing to be done and now was not the time to hesitate.
Chapter 37
Back at Lenora’s, Isaiah was preparing for the worst. Every Guardian who remained was fully-armed. Isaiah spotted Austin’s handgun slotted into one of the pouches on his stake belt, but he refrained from commenting. If the gun gave him a sense of security, however false, so be it. The new Guardian was hiding his nerves well.
“Isaiah.” It was Channon’s voice at his side. She had partially shifted, her eyes gleaming yellow and her claws out as the imminence of attack loomed over them all. The pack found that this half-wolf, half-human form was best suited to fighting, because they could use their wolf-strength while still being able to communicate with the others. The wolves would fight; there was no point asking them not to; not that Isaiah would. He needed them. “We’ve sent all the civilians inside,” Channon continued, “and most of the Fae women with them.” Her tone indicated she wasn’t happy about something, and, as he glanced over his shoulder, he found the reason. Freya and Evangeline had joined the ranks of the Fae men congregated on the lawn. Both carried their bows.
“It goes against everything I believe too,” Isaiah murmured, “but we have no choice. If a fight is coming we’ll meet it with everything we have.” Channon nodded, acknowledging his decision, and then turned to walk back to Rafe and the other four wolves.
Balthazar loitered at the edge of their group. Earlier, Isaiah had sent Rowena and Cosima upstairs but Balthazar had refused his request to join them. Instead, he surprised Isaiah by requesting something in return; a stake. Isaiah doubted Balthazar would be able to use a stake effectively, let alone get close enough to a vampire to try, but wordlessly, he handed over a light wooden stake. It wasn’t as effective as the metal variety, but it would be easier for Balthazar to manoeuvre. He also handed over several small bottles of Cliffdale water.
“This will hurt them,” Isaiah had advised solemnly. “It won’t completely incapacitate them, but it might give you a fighting chance.” Balthazar had nodded, his dark eyes flashing.
They were ready, Isaiah told himself now. Ready as they would ever be. His gaze flickered to the darkened window on the second storey and his excellent hear
ing picked up the soft sounds of sobbing.
“Lenora,” he called, beckoning her over. It was surreal to see her tightening a stake belt around her waist, but she came at his call, fastening the buckle as she moved. “I need you to stay with the others upstairs to keep them calm. I can’t afford a panic.”
“No way,” Lenora shook her dark head vehemently. “This is my house. Those bastards aren’t getting in here without a fight.” That posed another problem. Lenora was the rightful owner of the house and, as a vampire, the typical rules of ownership didn’t apply. Vampires didn’t need to be invited in.
“Please,” Isaiah sighed, cursing her fiery nature. “If they get in the fight will come to you, regardless, but I’d prefer to know that you are out of harm’s way.”
“Well then, I suggest you sharpen that sword,” she grinned, showing her fangs. “Rowena is more than capable of managing them upstairs.” Without another word she turned on her heel and began instructing her vampire staff to arm themselves. She had sent the human staff upstairs with the others.
“It’s not going to burn you, you fool,” she shrieked, as one of her stablemen eyed the pile of stakes warily, “but it’ll hurt like hell if I shove it up your ass, which I’ll definitely do if you don’t pick it up.” Isaiah wondered how wise it was, forcing the vampires to fight their own kind, but he didn’t argue.
A shrill whinny rent the air.
“They’re going to kick down those doors,” Kellan groaned. The dull thudding had been growing consistently louder for the past half hour. The herd had picked up on the tension in the air and were becoming a danger to themselves. “Velkan,” Kellan murmured, a low apology. A flicker of dismay crossed the young faery’s face, but obediently, he shouldered his bow and loped toward the stables. “Freya,” Kellan continued, “he could use your help.” Freya didn’t argue and Isaiah saw Kellan breathe a small sigh of relief as she disappeared into the dark building. Sage was upstairs with Anaise and Isadora, and Isaiah knew that Freya would rather stand between the danger and her daughter than wait for it to come for her.
He watched Freya go, his thoughts on the herd. It would be difficult to defend both the house and the stables. Making a lightning decision, he rushed up the stairs, taking them two at a time.
“I’m sorry,” he announced, entering Lenora’s bedroom, where all the members of the Fae had taken refuge, along with the women they had saved from Charlotte’s and most of Lenora’s human staff. “I need you to head down to the stables.” It would be easier to protect them if they were all together and there was no way they could bring the herd up here. Besides, the presence of the Fae would calm the herd drastically.
Anaise didn’t hesitate, cradling baby Sage as she rushed past him, and the others followed suit, their eyes wide with fear. As they fled, Isaiah scanned the room.
“Where’s Avery?” he asked, as Rowena reached his side. She had her arm around Anna’s shoulders. The young human girl was terrified and still weakened from her extended ordeal.
“I haven’t seen her since we left the library,” Rowena replied. “She must still be in her room. I can go and check…”
“No,” Isaiah shook his head, “you stay with them.” Laura and Jen were right behind her, huddled together. “I’ll get her.” The three women were terrified and Rowena was the person who calmed them the most.
Following in their wake, he paused outside Avery’s door, rapping firmly on the dark wood.
“Avery?” he called, but no answer was forthcoming. There wasn’t any time to waste. Opening the door, Isaiah stepped into the room. “I’m sorry, but…” the words died on his lips as he scanned the empty room. Avery wasn’t there. He darted to the small adjoining bathroom but it was empty. Cursing, Isaiah tried to recall the last time he had seen Avery. She had attended the wedding and she had definitely been there when Daniel called the Hunters to action, but he hadn’t seen her since.
Back downstairs he reached the stables at the same time as the others. Velkan had emerged, confusion etched on his brow as he looked to Isaiah for answers.
“I think it’s better that all of our wards stay together,” Isaiah explained. Velkan frowned even more deeply and Isaiah understood. While it would make it easier to protect them if they were together, it would also create a slaughterhouse if the vampires did manage to break through their defences. Still, Isaiah was certain this was the best course for now. He would wait for word from the Hunters. If they had to flee, at least this way it would be quicker.
“Where do you want us?” Channon asked. The six wolves had gathered around the doorway, ready to protect the Fae. Rafe stood beside Channon, his expression grim.
“Right here,” Isaiah replied. The other Guardians made their way toward them, fanning out to surround the stables, as did the Fae archers.
Across the lawn, Monique was having a hard time settling the Orochian. Like the unicorns, the dragon seemed to sense that the Guardians were unsettled, and Monique pulled frantically at his hideous, bat-like ears, trying to soothe him. Jonas was doing his best to help although his presence did nothing to calm the beast.
“I need you to go to the kitchens,” Monique murmured, keeping her voice low and calm. “Bring me as much meat as you can, the bloodier the better.” From their position on the lawn she could just see the stables around the side of the house and the Guardians surrounding them. Further along was the reinforced barn housing the baby Chumana dragons, Lucky among them. So many lives were at stake. Monique’s heart was pounding in her chest, a frantic beat that seemed to fill her ears, muffling out the sound of everything else. Her thoughts kept drifting toward her mother. She had not seen Camille for weeks and suddenly she feared that she might never see her again. The thought brought tears to Monique’s eyes. The Orochian lumbered to his feet once more and Monique grabbed the tip of his left wing, pulling it down toward the ground. She had discovered that this sometimes worked, unbalancing him and forcing him to lie down.
Fortunately with so many people staying in the house the refrigerator was full. Jonas grabbed a couple of steaks, tearing the packaging as he raced back toward the front lawn. Monique took them from him the second he reached her, worried that the dragon might take Jonas’s hand off in an attempt to grab the dripping meat. The smell was pungent, and Monique tossed a steak over his head. The Orochian snatched it out of the air, swallowing it whole and making a screeching noise deep in its chest.
“It’s working,” Monique sighed as she tossed another hunk of meat and the dragon settled back onto his haunches before lowering his belly to the ground. She threw the balance of the steaks over, one by one, knowing it was nowhere near enough to sate his enormous appetite, but hoping it would be enough to keep him from flying off until the others arrived. Rubbing her blood-streaked hands on her jeans, she started pulling at his ears again.
“What else can I do?’ Jonas asked, taking her free hand in his.
“Could you ask Kellan to check on Lucky?” she pleaded. The baby dragon was always fractious without her, but Monique could not leave the Orochian, at least until Daniel returned or sent word.
“Sure,” Jonas smiled, turning toward the stables, but Monique called hastily after him.
“Once you’ve asked him, I want you to stay in there with the others.”
“What?” The thought of taking shelter with the others and leaving her out here all alone was incomprehensible. “No.”
“Yes, Jonas. I’m a Guardian; this is where I’m supposed to be. You are supposed to be in there, with your ...” The word ‘father’ died on her lips as she spotted Balthazar standing near Isaiah, a stake gripped firmly in his hand. Jonas followed the direction of her gaze and almost smirked.
“You were saying?” he asked. Knowing she would get no joy out of him now that his father had joined the Guardian ranks to defend the wards, she shook her head in defeat. At least if things went bad she could send him away on the dragon, she thought wryly.
Chapter 38
Al
eksei stood near the base of Dragon’s Peak, his eyes searching for signs of life. The mountain was silent as though its inhabitants sensed the danger awaiting them. In the dark it was difficult to locate any of the dragons that occupied the peaks, but his exceptional eyesight soon spotted movement.
“There,” he raised a thin, pale finger in the direction of the beast, clawing its way silently up the broadside of the mountain until it came to rest on a rocky outcrop. Aleksei could just make out the dried branches, thicker than his arms, hanging over the ledge. He grinned malevolently. That would explain why the dragon had dared move. She was protecting her eggs.
Sloane nodded, calling forward the man behind him. The man, a trained soldier, held a cylindrical weapon in his hands and he nodded curtly as he took up position. His eyes were glazed, having been under Sloane’s compulsion for days.
“I can see it,” the soldier intoned without emotion and Sloane narrowed his eyes in confusion. No human could see that far. “Heat-seeking,” the man explained, and Sloane took that to mean that the weapon he wielded could detect the dragon, even if he couldn’t. Aleksei smirked. He had been right about the humans’ weapons being formidable. They were exactly what he needed. Even so, he had not thanked or acknowledged Sloane’s accomplishment in securing them. The councilman had betrayed him and he would not live to see the balance of their enemies destroyed.
“Be prepared,” Sloane warned the rest of the men standing further along the shores of the lake. Each of the compelled soldiers held the same weapon. As one, they nodded, their eyes fixed on the peak above them.
Aleksei watched the beast for a moment longer, relishing its inevitable death. Without taking his eyes off it, he issued the kill instruction, “Fire.”
Instantly a booming noise reverberated around them. The soldier staggered under the force of the discharge, but Aleksei didn’t notice. He watched as the missile flew straight and true, hissing through the air, a small jet of smoke marking its trajectory as it homed in on its target. An instant later a ball of fire erupted where the dragon had been only moments before, and a high-pitched squeal reached them as the burning body fell down the side of the mountain. The sound was amplified, as, one by one, the remaining dragons took flight, screeching as they rose up into the air, revealing themselves.
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