Kindling Flames: Stolen Fire (The Ancient Fire Series Book 4)

by Julie Wetzel

  Vicky petted his arm soothingly. “I know.”

  Zak wiggled up into their laps and cooed his support.

  Darien absentmindedly scrubbed his fingers into the fay’s tentacles. Leaning his head over, he rested it on top of Vicky’s. “I did try to help them,” he said again. “I went to see Mrs. Darecy shortly after the accident to offer help, but she turned me away. I could tell she was ill, so I extended her medical coverage. I didn’t know about her suicide until I saw the funeral announcement in the paper.”

  Vicky patted Darien again. “It’s all right.” This subject was obviously bothering him.

  Darien drew in a deep breath and let it out.

  “So what do we do now?” Elliot asked from where he had stretched out on the other couch. He folded his hands neatly over his chest and stared at the ceiling, thinking.

  “We’re going to have to take this to the Council this weekend,” Darien said, unhappily. “If he’s got my full powers, there’s no way they could stand against him if they went after him.”

  Elliot rolled his head to look at Darien. “Do you think you could defeat the whole Council?”

  Darien lifted his head up and gave his friend a stoic look.

  Elliot looked back up at the ceiling. “So, we have to warn Clara, but do you think it’s a wise idea to take this problem to the Council?”

  “Why not?” Darien asked.

  “In light of recent events, do you think it’s wise to show them any weakness?” Elliot glanced at the vampire-turned-human.

  “I appreciate what you’ve done in keeping my troubles from the Council, but I can’t think of anything else.” Darien paused, considering his options again. He came up sadly short. “The Council has to be warned away from a hunt. Vicky can track him, but he’s going to know that we’re coming. We can’t do this by ourselves.”

  “True.” Elliot sat up and turned to face Darien. “But, you’re not alone anymore. You have people here to help you.”

  Darien straightened up. He had only thought about the three of them going out to hunt this man. It hadn’t occurred to him that he now had a whole menagerie to call on for help. “What do you suggest?”

  Elliot gave him a grin that spoke of mischief and trouble. “I have an idea.”

  “We don’t have to do this,” Darien said again as Elliot pulled the sword out of the back of the SUV.

  “The other option is to admit to the Council that you’ve lost your powers and beg them for help,” Elliot pointed out as he strapped on the sword. “At other times, I would have even encouraged that path; but with Lillian’s betrayal, I don’t think you should take the chance. What if someone else is gunning for you, too?” He paused and looked at Darien. “I know you don’t like to play these games, but others do. Many of the masters have friends outside the city, and they would see this as a prime opportunity to make a move on Clara.”

  Darien brushed the threat away. “Clara can handle herself.”

  “Yes, Clara can handle herself, as we have recently seen,” Elliot agreed, “but say someone stronger had tried for the city. Would you have stood by and watched them come in, kill her, and take over?”

  Darien paused to think. “No.” The word slipped out in a soft breath. He had confidence that Clara could take care of any challenge to her position, but he would have stepped in if she had needed it. After years of denial, it hurt to admit this really was his city. If he were truly honest with himself, he had allowed Clara to run the Council unchallenged because she held its members to the rules he’d originally set for her. Had she been looser with the rules or a poor leader, he would have taken over when he originally arrived. As it was, he moved to Brenton because she was such a good leader and he didn’t have to play stupid vampire games with her.

  Elliot rested his hand on Darien’s upper arm, trying to reassure him that this choice was right. “She’ll understand.”

  Darien let out a long sigh. “I hope you’re right.” He turned towards the large manor house where the Council members should have already gathered. Taking a deep breath, Darien pulled himself up straight. He had seen many master vampires do what he was about to attempt. Some had more success than others, but all had had the power to back it up. As it was, he was going to rely on Vicky, Zak, and Elliot, and pray that Clara would understand and let the bluff slide.

  “Let’s go.” Darien tucked Vicky to his side and let Zak lead the way to the door.

  Elliot fell into step just behind them.

  Hank opened the door and bowed to the master vampire as he always did. “Good evening, Master Darien.” The old man raised an eyebrow at the entourage. “The Council is already in chambers.”

  “Thank you.” Darien escorted Vicky up the steps and stopped just outside the door so they could prepare for their entrance. “Remember what you need to do?” he asked as Vicky swallowed back her anxiety.

  “Easy.” She gave Darien an encouraging smile. “I do this every day at work.” She smoothed down her long, red gown, checking to make sure it hung properly. The cut of the dress was a little revealing, but Darien had explained that this was all for show. As it was, he and Elliot were dressed in impeccable suits. The only thing that marred their look was the silver sword strapped to Elliot’s waist.

  “All right.” Darien tugged on his jacket to make sure it was straight and nodded for Elliot to open the door. It was show time.

  The Council chamber doors actually creaked as Elliot pushed them open, clipping off the conversation in the room. Silence fell as Elliot stepped in and bowed Darien through.

  Darien could feel the questioning eyes of the Council as he escorted Vicky to his seat at one end of the table. Pausing there, he waited for Elliot to close the door and bring her a chair before settling her down and claiming his own.

  Vicky rested her hand on the arm of his chair as Zak jumped up into her lap.

  Surprise flashed on Clara’s face as Elliot took his place just behind Darien. Laying one hand on the back of the chair and the other on the hilt of his sword, he took up a stance that Clara had never seen in this room. “Good evening, Master Darien.” She greeted her sire, but ignored the others. She ran a tight ship, but she didn’t stand on formalities. As long as there were no issues, Clara treated all the masters as equals. Elliot’s stance labeled him as a servant to a greater vampire. Clara’s eyes jumped to Vicky, taking in the bowed head and silky, red dress that marked her as a blood slave, not the inamorata Clara knew the girl to be. Something was up.

  “Good evening, Grand Master Clara.” Darien nodded his head respectfully, setting off all Clara’s warning lights. Something was most definitely up. For a moment, their eyes met. She could see a plea in his gaze before their stoicism returned.

  “And what can the Grand Council of Brenton do for you this evening?” she asked, using the group’s formal name.

  A hint of amusement flickered across Darien’s eyes. “I have come to speak of matters most dire,” he stated.

  The Council sat up a little taller.

  “Although I stand outside this Council, it has come to my attention that a rogue has been wreaking havoc in this fine city.”

  Anger licked at Clara, but she pushed it back before answering. She didn’t know what he was doing, but she would play his game. “We, of the Council, have gathered this night to discuss that very matter,” she answered. “Would you care to join us in this debate?”

  “No. I have come to tell you what you will do.” Darien’s answer shocked the group.

  Clara’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And what is that, My Lord?”

  “Nothing.”

  A cry of outrage sounded around the table, but Clara banged on the wood until the room fell silent again. She considered Darien for a moment. There was something off about him—other than the fact he was playing games—but she couldn’t tell what. His eyes were penetrating, and she could feel him willing her to accept his word unquestioned. “And you expect us to just leave this vampire unpunished?” Clara as
ked, unable to let this act slide.

  “No.” Darien shook his head. “This man had slighted me, and I claim the right to punish him, myself.” This statement had the rest of the Council exchanging curious glances.

  “And what has he done to one so great?” Rachel asked. Had anyone else brought up the question, Clara would have squashed it, but the raven-haired beauty was the voice of reason on the Council. Even Darien listened to her when she spoke.

  “This man has found a way to tap into my powers,” Darien explained.

  Suddenly, Darien’s actions were making more sense to Clara. If this vampire had managed to get ahold of Darien’s full power, then there was no way the Council would be able to stop him. “And what will you do?” Clara asked. She was dying to know how this man had gotten access to Darien’s power. It was a feat she had never before heard of.

  “Me and mine will go after this threat. And, once we catch him, he will pay dearly.”

  “Will you desire help from the Grand Council of Brenton?” Clara offered.

  “No.” Darien shook his head. “Your assistance is not required. In fact, the Grand Council of Brenton will stay out of this matter completely.” He held Clara’s gaze. This was the moment of truth. As Grand Master of the Council, it was Clara’s job to keep the city safe. This included going after rogues who entered her region. Darien was treading a fine line here by demanding that the Council stay out of this.

  Clara weighed her options carefully. Either she could agree to Darien’s declaration and sit back to let him deal with this problem, or she could challenge him.

  Challenging Darien would be a huge mistake. He didn’t wield it often, but he had more power than she had ever seen in any master. Their fight would wound him greatly, but it would end in her death. Clara looked around at the faces of the Council. Some showed outrage, some held agreement, and still others were blank. If she let him go and he failed, it could undermine her position as head of the Council. It was Elliot’s willingness to lower himself to servant that made up her mind. If he believed in Darien that much, she would, too. But, when this was all over, she was going to corner Darien and demand the explanation she couldn’t ask for now.

  “Very well.” Clara leaned back and crossed her hands over her chest. “The Council and I will do as you ask and remain here while you deal with this issue.” More protests sounded around the table. Clara raised her hands to quiet them again. She pinned Darien with a pointed look. “I am still Grand Master of this City, unless you’re challenging?”

  Darien shook his head no.

  “Then you have until Monday to solve this issue. Monday night, if this rogue is still free, we will hunt him.”

  Darien’s eyes narrowed as he took in Clara’s decision. “Agreed.” He stood up from his chair. “Then I will bid you good night.”

  Zak jumped down as Vicky stood up and wrapped her hand around his arm.

  “Good hunting,” Clara called as Darien escorted Vicky from the room. He raised a hand in answer but said nothing. The click of the closing door echoed around the shocked Council members. They had never seen Darien posturing. He didn’t play high and mighty.

  “What the hell?” Michael voiced the thought that had passed through all of them. Of all the times he had seen Darien make a statement, Michael had never seen him draw on his status as an Ancient before.

  “I agree.” Clara drew the masters’ attention back from the closed door. “Something is up.” She looked at each of Council member.

  “Rachel,” Clara turned to the timid master, “your kiss is closest to Elliot’s. What can you tell us?”

  Rachel sorted through her thoughts for a moment before beginning. “I’ve learned many things.” The woman sighed. “Elliot has been essential in Darien’s takeover of Lillian’s kiss. He has eased a lot of stress that Darien never knew about. Recently, Elliot has been acting weird. For the last week, he’s been staying at Darien’s penthouse full time, and he refuses to let any of his people over to visit.”

  Clara made a disturbed noise in her throat.

  “There’ve been two wolves staying with him,” Daniel added. “I got it from Mitzy that Sue attacked a wolf from a visiting pack and nearly killed him. She’s disappeared, and rumor has it that she won’t shift back to human and explain herself. The pack got together to go get her from Darien’s, but he turned them away. Rupert refuses to answer any questions on the subject.’

  “That’s another thing,” Clara pointed out. “Has anyone noticed an increase in wolf activity?” Several of the Council members nodded their heads.

  “Last Saturday night, I was out at the club,” Vincent started. “There were at least three wolves there, getting into it. Thankfully, Phelan showed up and dragged them out before someone could call the police.” He shuddered at the memory. “If I didn’t know better, I would have said it was the night before the full moon. Tensions were that high.”

  “I saw something like that, too,” William added. “It felt like they were just going to shift right there in the street and eat each other. That time, Rupert showed up to knock some sense into them.”

  “Wow.” Clara rubbed her hand over her face. “He usually has a better handle on his pack than that. But, could that have something to do with Darien’s odd behavior?”

  “I don’t think so.” Daniel shook his head. “Things were strange before this stuff with the pack.”

  “Like what?”

  “I had a long conversation with Allen. There was something wrong with his bond with Darien.”

  “How so?” Clara asked.

  “He was worried about Darien being strong enough to support Lillian’s kiss.”

  Clara made a dismissive noise at this.

  “That was my thought, too, but I tested his link to be sure,” Daniel went on. “It was extremely weak. I suggested that he say something to Darien, or even Elliot, but the power stabilized before he could bring it up.”

  “Okay.” Clara gathered her thoughts together and laid what she had learned out to better understand the problems. “So, Elliot’s acting weird, and Darien’s power is unstable. If a strange vampire were tapping into his power base, then the instability could be explained. But, why would they hide this from us?”

  “They’re scared,” Rachel answered.

  “Of what?” Clara asked, shocked.

  Rachel turned her dark eyes to Clara. “Us.”

  “We would never do anything to hurt Darien,” Clara growled, angry that anyone would even suggest that.

  “Would you have said that same thing two months ago?” Rachel asked with just a hint of accusation on her face.

  Clara clenched her jaw shut on the scathing remark she wanted to make, but couldn’t. Lillian’s betrayal had taken them all by surprise.

  Rachel turned to take each master in. “We all have our reasons for moving to Brenton.” She looked back up to Clara. “And you have welcomed us each as equals. You do have some rather peculiar rules for vampires, but you don’t lord over us or push etiquette as some in other places do. If there is an issue, we can bring it here and discuss it in ways no other Council would allow. Personally, I find it refreshing, but we all have kith or kin outside the city that we talk to. If it got out that Darien’s power was failing him, there are those out there who would see this as a perfect opportunity to move on him.” Heads nodded around the table.

  “I see,” Clara said stiffly.

  “Clara,” Rachel smiled to take the sting out of her next words, “you do a wonderful job as Grand Master of the city, but we all know who really holds the power here.” A murmur of agreement circled the table, leaving Clara sighing in defeat.

  “You’re right.” Clara hung her head as she gave in to the truth. “If it ever came down to a fight, he would win.” She shook her head. “But, he doesn’t want the head Council seat.”

  “And, we wouldn’t want him to have it,” Daniel chuckled. “That man’s too busy to give the Council the attention it deserves. He’s stretche
d too thin as it is.” More agreement sounded from the Council members.

  Clara chuckled. “Thankfully, Elliot is there to help him.”

  “Can he be trusted?” Michael asked, surprising them all.

  “Elliot is loyal to Darien.” Clara nodded. “He would give up his life before he betrayed his Master.” The Council members exchanged another series of looks. Clara rapped her knuckle on the table drawling their attention back to her. “All other things aside, we still need to decide what to do about Darien and this rogue.”

  “You’ve tied our hands with that,” William pointed out. “We can’t do anything until Monday.”

  “Not exactly.” Clara smiled defiantly. “I agreed that the Grand Council of Brenton will stay out of this until Monday, but I never said anything about our kisses.” Amusement circled the table.

  Daniel leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. “So what do you have in mind?”

  “If it were up to Darien, he would probably try to go after the rogue by himself.” Distress sounded in the Council, but Clara raised her hands to calm them. “Elliot won’t let him. He’ll insist they find help. And, if they don’t trust us, they won’t trust anyone else.”

  “So, where will they go?” Michael asked.

  “Darien’s kiss.” Understanding spread across the faces of the Council as Clara laid out her plans and gave orders. They couldn’t help in this fight, but they would make sure Darien had cover if he needed it.

  ***

  “Do you think they bought it?” Darien asked as they pulled away from Clara’s estate.

  “Absolutely not.” Elliot sighed as he leaned back in the front seat. Vicky and Zak were curled on the back seat of the SUV. He had insisted they lay down for some rest. It was late, and they were still in for a long drive. “But, it bought us a little time to work.”

  Darien nodded his head in agreement.