Key to Conflict

by Talia Gryphon

  “She is not through with this argument, Aleksei.” The older alpha growled.

  “If she leaves, she will not get far,” came the response, chilling everyone’s blood with the double meaning.

  If Gillian left, she would be in danger from Dracula. Even if Aleksei found her first…well, she wouldn’t want Aleksei to find her first. Sekhmet and Anubis exchanged a look. Aleksei was clueless as to how to deal with his little blonde problem. Used to leading, making decisions, giving orders and commanding loyalty, he was also stubborn, determined and infinitely more dangerous than the Human female could guess. Gillian was his equal in every way but physical strength and speed. A perfect complement to him with every bit as much determination and courage. Sekhmet had a feeling that the two iron wills and their owners were about to clash.

  CHAPTER

  23

  G ILLIAN stormed up to her room, booting the door shut behind her with a resounding hollow bang. She needed help and she needed it fast. The IPPA was out. Dr. Gerhardt would make sure no one assisted her leaving. As far as they were concerned, they were successfully protecting at least two of their people, Gillian and another therapist/operative in Britain, and they would not be amused to know that she was thinking of going on a covert mission. They could discipline her by sanctioning her license or jerking it completely. She didn’t want that. Anything she did would have to be completely on her own.

  The USMC was out too. Daed Aristophenes would have her head mounted on the wall behind his desk after he spent five or six hours kicking her ass himself. She was an operative with a blown cover—a sitting duck in their eyes. Rescue wasn’t needed, but discretion was. As far as the Corps was concerned, she needed to keep her pretty ass right where it was, ride this out and they’d reassign her after everything blew up or blew over.

  Maybe not completely. Hmm. Dante. She needed to talk to Dante. Checking her watch, she saw it was late but dialed Boganskaya Castle anyway. Arkady answered. No, it was not too late; they were having a party. Would she like to come? She started to say no, then thought better of it. All right, she’d be there within an hour.

  Hanging up, she gathered what she’d need: her backpack, now stuffed with a changes of clothing, her gun, extra magazines of bullets, flashlight, garrote, throwing knife and spine sheath, cell phone and charger, extra battery and plug-in for her laptop and a tiny black book with entries in code. It contained information for contacts that she’d made while in the service. She hadn’t used them in years and hoped some were still good.

  Dressing and putting on makeup took longer. Gillian rarely dressed up and almost never wore makeup. It added to the illusion of her going to the party. Swiftly braiding her hair, she tossed it impatiently over her shoulder, where it fell in a golden rope down her back, secured by a leather tie. Looking at herself critically in the mirror, she thought she’d pass for an affluent American psychologist.

  The dress was nearly sheer. A stunning deep emerald green, it shimmered with gold sparkles, the material light, soft and comfortable. It left her shoulders and arms bare, the sleeves slit from shoulder to wrist bands, the material hanging in a soft drape under her arms. The skirt was short, hitting her mid-thigh, loose enough to run in but tight enough so she wouldn’t be embarrassed. On her feet were skimmer slippers dyed to match the dress. Her skin glowed with health and her eyes, ringed in kohl, shone even greener than normal as they reflected the color of the dress. Gods she looked idiotic. Rolling her eyes, at her reflection, she moved to leave.

  Grabbing her laptop in its case, she gathered car keys and backpack and marched back to the library. Poking her head in, she called out to the group. “I’ve been invited to a party at Boganskaya Castle. I’ll take one of the wolves with me, Cezar, if that’s all right with you. Don’t wait up.” Backing out, she headed for the front door, trying not to run. She almost made it.

  “Gillian.” Aleksei’s voice was a soft, deep purr, freezing her in her tracks, her back ramrod straight. He circled her like a shark coming around in front, his hand reaching out to almost but not quite skim down her golden braid. Moving around her, his pulse raced, his body clenched with desire and pulsed with raw need. She was an elfin beauty, delicate and winsome but regal and untouchable. He knew she could feel everything radiating from him even without her inherent empathy, and he made no effort to conceal his feelings or his arousal.

  “You look lovely.”

  That voice sent a shiver up her spine and pooled heat in various regions of her body. He’d managed to make her wet and tingly with that one brief sentence. She had a clear, vivid sensation of cool sheets sliding over sensitive heated flesh, of large strong hands caressing, of a thick male arousal poised to penetrate, of bodies intimately intertwined and straining together as ultimate pleasure was achieved. A few more months, then she’d be able to explore everything that voice promised if the offer was still open and they were both still alive.

  Goddess, she did not need this right now. His need was beating at her. Anger and desire, passion and heat all in that very tall, scrumptious package. Desperately keeping her eyes on his face and not letting them drift down to the thick, engorged outline laying against his thigh, very emphasized by the tight pants he wore, Gillian tried to keep it light. “Thank you, Aleksei.” Her eyes sparkled mischievously. “I clean up all right.”

  “You are beautiful, piccola.”

  Shit. Damn. Hell. Those ice-gray, silvery eyes should have been cold but they burned with banked fires. Heat followed his gaze as he looked her up and down appreciatively. Breasts ached for his touch and she went creamy with need.

  He could scent her desire. She was already wet and slick for him, making his body throb in response, hardening almost to the point of pain. Fangs burst forth inside his mouth as his traitorous body demanded her penetration and claiming. Their mutual need crackled with electricity between them, charging the air with raw sexuality.

  She had to get out of there or she’d embarrass herself by leaping on him and riding him until they were both sweaty and exhausted right in the middle of the hallway. Reflexively her legs shifted further apart as he scrutinized her. Just thinking about the length and width of him, his proximity, his scent…cardamom and nutmeg…pine…and her body betrayed her with what it wanted: Aleksei, deep…hard…inside…

  “Aleksei, I have to go. Arkady Boganskaya is having a little soiree and I need to show up. I’ll be careful, I promise.”

  Head high, she swept past him and out the door, calling for Pavel as she headed for her car, trembling with passion and a need she couldn’t name. The door slammed shut behind her and the young wolf with a hollow finality that echoed in more than just the castle’s ancient stones.

  Aleksei couldn’t move from where she’d left him. If he tried, he would shatter to pieces. He’d watched her eyes dilate, the flush of desire coloring her cheeks, her tongue unconsciously moistening her lips. Her aroused scent hung heavy in the air. When she’d moved her legs apart a little in anticipation…her nipples pebbling…needing his penetration…

  Putting out a hand, he leaned on the ancient stones, trying to slow his rioting pulse and calm his breathing. Thank God his pants were tight and held his erection down or he’d have a tenting problem that would not easily be explained to anyone who should find him there, panting against the wall. Moving was a very bad idea. Tight as his pants were, the material would shift over him…the slightest brush against his distended flesh right then and he would have exploded like a randy, untried youth in a tidal pulsing flood.

  Where the hell was his iron control? He’d caught Gillian’s thoughts. Only her honor and oath had kept her from crawling up him and wrapping herself around him like a coat. She’d wanted to ride him, mate with him right there in the hallway. Aleksei’s teeth ground together, his hands clenched tightly into white-knuckle fists. He groaned in frustration as he took a few deep breaths, trying to keep himself from spilling inside his velvet pants. Never had he met a Human female with the raw sexuality to ri
val a Vampire.

  So full and focused were his thoughts that he didn’t startle at Anubis’s voice. “Are you all right, Aleksei?”

  “No.”

  Anubis left him to his torment, chuckling as he led Sekhmet off to relieve their own needs privately.

  Pavel had joined Gillian at the car and rode in silence for a while as they drove to Boganskaya Castle. He noticed her aroused scent and knew her dilemma with Aleksei. They’d become friends since the night he’d tried to kill her while under hypnosis while dealing with his psychosomatic allergy to fur. He was young, fairly inexperienced but eager and had the potential to be an Alpha in his own pack one day. Cezar, the current Alpha, was grooming Pavel for that position should anything happen to him. He encouraged the young Lycanthrope’s friendship with Gillian, knowing her military expertise would be helpful for the young male to learn from.

  It was Gillian who broke the silence during the ride.

  “Pavel, I know I can trust you, but I also know you’re loyal to Aleksei, Cezar and the pack. I do not want to ask you to violate any oath of fealty you have to them, so when we get to the castle, I want you to just walk away. Give me a two-hour head start before you go back to Rachlav and tell him that I took off. Okay?”

  Enigmatic blue, blue eyes regarded her. “Lady Gillian, I am loyal, but I have sworn before my Alpha to protect you. Count Rachlav was completely serious when he said your safety came before all else. If you are to go, then I will go with you. My Alpha will not kill me or punish me for following an order that he supports wholly.”

  Reaching over, she squeezed his hand warmly and her eyes stung. Pavel was loyal and he would stand by her, no matter what. As long as he wouldn’t pay for it later, she welcomed his help.

  “All right, Pavel. I am more grateful than I can say. I could use the company. And for Hell’s sake, call me Gillian.” Her grin was infectious and he returned it, nodding in agreement.

  They drove up and got out, Gill taking the computer and backpack with her. She and Pavel sprinted up the walk and entered. Quickly locating Arkady, she told him she had an emergency and asked if there were a place that she could have privacy and quiet that had outlets for the computer. He showed her to a private study where she unloaded her pack, hooked everything up, then sent her empathy out and called to Dante verbally.

  The Ghost appeared moments later, thankfully not full of stab wounds, but glaring at Pavel who stood near Gillian, growling low in his throat as the fear Dante was generating flooded the room.

  “What is it, dolcezza? Who is this with you?” The Ghost’s hollow voice intoned.

  Very aware that she was treading a thin line with confidentiality, she dodged around introductions. “Dante Montefiore, this is Pavel Miroslav. He’s a Lycanthrope with the local pack, Dante, and my friend. Pavel, this is Dante, obviously a Ghost, but also a friend. Both of you, be nice. And Dante? Knock that shit off.”

  She glared at the Ghost for emphasis and the cold fear he was manifesting abruptly ceased. “I need to know what else you found out about Tanis Rachlav. It’s a long story. I don’t have time to go into it now, but I need to leave for a while.”

  Dante’s eyebrows shot up at that. He didn’t want her to leave but he had no reason for her to stay. They weren’t scheduled for a visit until a month from then unless it was for exchanging information. “He was taken to Finland, Gillian. By whom or what I do not know. They drugged him somehow, then while he rested, spirited him away.”

  “Finland. Okay, let me think.” The computer beeped its readiness and she typed a carefully worded e-mail:

  Lugosi rises. Require stake. Availability now. Fellowship rejoined. Middle Earth?

  Arkady popped his head in for a moment, making them jump.

  “Doctor, you have visitors. Shall I show them in?”

  Gillian and Pavel exchanged a quick “Oh shit” look. Surely not. No one knew what they were planning yet. Any further speculation was halted when Dionysus and Maeti entered. Arkady shut the door and went back to his party. Gillian hesitated over the enter key on the computer, waiting to see if the axe was going to fall.

  “Young warrior, you would test the patience of Hephaestus.” Dionysus chuckled. “But I cannot fault your bravery and determination.”

  He knelt next to Gillian, looking briefly at the computer, admiration in his voice. “So this is more of the Human’s communication devices. I do not indulge in technology; I am a simple man.”

  Looking at the stunningly beautiful Vampire god’s profile, Gillian couldn’t fathom how he could be thought of as simple. She looked up with questions in her eyes to Maeti, who had moved to stand behind the kneeling Vampire.

  “Gillian, whatever you are planning, Dionysus and I will help you. Tanis is special to you, but you care for Aleksei more.” Maeti’s ice-blue eyes were warm with understanding. “You want Tanis back for him, more than for yourself, because you care about Aleksei’s feelings more than you fear his anger.”

  Apparently Maeti had been paying attention in Get to the Point class, Gillian noted as she cringed at the Vampiress’s words.

  “And it frightens the life out of you, does it not, little Captain?” Dionysus’s rich voice joined the discussion as he noted Gillian’s response. He rose to move his arm around Maeti and pull her close.

  “For a brave woman, perhaps the bravest Human I have met personally, you are terrified of what your heart might wish for. The future is uncertain for us all, Gillian, even those of us who can claim near immortality. If we live through what you are about to pull us into, give Aleksei a chance.” He glanced at Maeti, who was smiling up at him. “She is giving me that chance. I am willing to take it.”

  Gillian felt her heart lift in happiness for her friend, though she was a little miffed that they understood her better than she did herself. She was supposed to be a psychologist; all mysterious and unfathomable. Right.

  Reaching out to grasp Maeti’s hand in her own and wanting to change the subject, she said, “I am very happy for you both.” She looked to Dionysus. “Maeti’s waited eons for you. I hope it is the end of her waiting.”

  Dionysus touched Maeti’s face with an infinitely gentle hand, his cerulean eyes glowing with more than desire. “I have waited eons for her. She waits no more.” Turning serious, he looked back to Gillian. “Now, little sister, tell us what havoc you are about to cause.”

  Popping the enter button and flopping back in the chair, legs splayed, Gillian sent her message. “I’m calling in some old favors from friends I had in the service.”

  An ahem from Pavel made her remember she was wearing a very short skirt. Hastily she brought her legs together as a deep chuckle came from Dante, who had clearly enjoyed the view. Damn Ghost. She’d forgotten he was in the room and glared at him. He was totally unrepentant, his mouth curved in a sexy smile, and he winked at her. Gill rolled her eyes and explained to the assembled creatures what her plan was.

  Within an hour, her computer signaled that she had e-mail. She opened it and read.

  Bored to tears and need target practice. Hobbits and Elves meet in Rivendell.

  Meanwhile Gillian was trying various numbers in her book, fin ally getting through on one of them. Whoever she needed to talk to did not have a phone, but the message would get through via a complicated chain of communication and protocol. Taking a breath, she collected her racing thoughts and focused on a language she hadn’t heard or spoken in years and managed to be diplomatic.

  Mord morne faeigli bridhone Mellion Tithen gothwin Maelthin finden, pedo eluen londe Bothil hall sereg Suuuth.

  Her accent was awful, her grammar atrocious, but she received an affirmative response, said, “Naamat,” and clicked off the phone. Turning, she met a number of confused faces.

  “What?”

  “I know hundreds of languages, little Captain, but that is one I do not recognize.” This from Dionysus who was looking at her as if she’d suddenly done something very interesting.

  Gillian laughed.
“I’m sorry, it’s High Elvish. I have to relay a message through gods only know how many others to get to a particular individual. In Elvish, I know it will be repeated exactly and get to the right person. Very few outside the Fey know the language unless they know an Elf, very, very well. Therefore, if anyone taps into the phone frequency, they’re not going to know what the hell I said.

  “The message was: ‘I request to speak to the tall, dark-haired warrior, the hero prince who is the friend of the gold-braided female soldier at the Elven home near the Bothil River regarding a hidden blood drinker.’”

  “How is it you know Elvish, and a ‘heroic warrior prince’?” Maeti’s eyes twinkled. Vampires could be very nosy. Generally when you didn’t want them to be.

  “Long story,” Gillian hedged. “He was under my command in the service. The United States Marine Corps does not discriminate. And you can stop looking at me like that; we were only friends.” Glaring at all of them, she dared them to press for more. They didn’t.

  Dante spoke up then, making Gill jump, since he appeared behind her. When the hell had he moved? Stupid Ghost. “Why do you need the services of an Elf?”

  “Because you said Tanis had been taken to Finland. That’s where my Elf friend lives, or rather, where we can access him. He can find out what we can’t, he has ties to all of the Fey, light and dark. By the time we get there, he will have information for us.”

  Dionysus looked incredulous. “He will understand this message? It will get to the right individual?”

  “Oh, absolutely. Elves are highly intelligent and very literal. The fact that I contacted him at all constitutes an emergency. The subject of my request, well, let’s just say there aren’t many Vampires being secreted away into Finland. He will find out where and if Tanis is still in the country or he will find Tanis. It makes little difference to him. He owes me a favor.”