Raina just grinned. “You did. Of course, that was around the time I was trying to get you to go to bed so I was soon treated to decidedly different yet remarkably stern and grumpy pronouncements.”
I didn’t believe her. She was simply trying to pull on the Tiger’s whiskers as per usual. And yet . . . I almost sighed before I gruffly demanded, “And, just what sort of pronouncements were they?”
Her grin widened and the dimples appeared as she laughed softly. “Well, my particular favorite came when I finally got you upstairs and was trying to get you to at least take your shirt and shoes off, you growled at me.”
“I growl at you frequently, Raina, because you delight in vexing me. That is not an unusual occurrence.”
She treated me to an arch look. “Did I say that was the end of it?”
Creator help me, she was enjoying this far too much for it to be good for my pride . . . and possibly for my sanity. I folded my arms over my chest and gave a curt nod. “My apologies, wife, pray continue.”
She laughed at me, and the tiger in me ignored the pending embarrassment in favor of basking in his mate’s delight. I loved her laugh, which made it all the more important to feign annoyance. Raina cleared her throat, then she looked over at me with eyes of Therian gold. “You started protesting when I got to your shoes, but that’s not my favorite. My favorite out of all these remarkably stern and grumpy pronouncements is that when I finally got to your shirt, not only were you trying to wriggle away like a little cub avoiding bath time, but you were growling that I was not to touch you because you have a wife.”
I cleared my throat, fighting the urge to apologize. It took far more concentration than usual to keep my emotions from filtering into my scent. I cleared my throat again, but still heard a hint of a growl underlying my words as I stiffly said, “I suppose you want me to offer an apology for these purported actions.”
“I like it when you use words like ‘purported’ to avoid outright accusing me of lying, TDS,” Raina murmured. Her eyes were still golden as she glanced at me, a smile on her lips. “You called me a ‘trollop,’ by the way. It was adorable the way you were trying to defend your honor even though you were completely out of it. Lucky for you.”
I shook my head, but didn’t bother to answer her. Nor was I certain I could believe the tale she was spinning. This was some sort of prank tied to her unusual sense of humor. Something I still believed was tied to her family and to the fact that she was a Tracker. Trackers loved to put the military in difficult situations. “I think I would rather discuss Vampyres.”
Raina let out a rich full laugh and shook her head. “I do love you, Baran. You’re so much fun when you’re about to implode.” Then, the little pest suddenly decided to show mercy as she changed the subject. “Speaking of Vampyres, I haven’t fought any but I do know their scent.”
I frowned at her. Raina was only twenty-six, very young for our kind. It should have been even more impossible for her to have an encounter with a Vampyre, especially since none of the attempted footholds had been close to her territory near Roanoke. It was too close to the Therian capital of Haven for Vampyres to risk such a move. “You have encountered one in the Old World?”
“Actually no,” Raina’s smile faded as she continued, “the Trackers kept a single Vampyre for training purposes. We were never allowed to be in the room with it, of course. That would have been suicide. We could smell it, though.” She paused, some emotion I couldn’t identify flickering across her face before vanishing. She added quietly, “You don’t forget that smell.”
“The Trackers are insane if they believe keeping even one Vampyre alive is worth the risk. What if the creature escapes and attacks an Elf? Then, there would be two.”
“I’m not going to argue with you. The Vampyre was kept at one of the Tracker training grounds away from Haven, but the decision to keep it eventually did come back to bite the trainers. Literally.” Raina rolled her shoulders and then added in a casual tone that didn’t match the anxiety drifting past her perfume, “I heard from a reputable source that the trainers were forced to destroy the creature a year after my training session.”
I resisted adding any of my far fiercer opinions. Trackers. Reckless fools. Keeping a Vampyre on the training grounds. Drawing a deep breath through my nose, I focused on Raina’s scent to calm myself. It took a full minute before I trusted myself to speak once more. I even managed to keep a growl from tinging my words as I stated reluctantly, “I suppose it is good you know the scent.”
“I don’t think anyone who pays attention to their nose can miss it,” she murmured softly. She paused then added, “To be perfectly honest, I’d rather face Wendigoes again than go up against a Vampyre clutch.”
The silence that fell between us lasted until Raina pulled into the drive of a small log cabin tucked in the woods outside of Gettysburg. I studied it, but it didn’t seem to be a Tracker field office despite the log cabin similarities. It was just before sunset and had it been a Tracker field office, there should have been at least one Tracker present. I glanced at Raina as she got out of the car. “Come on, TDS. Grab the bags.”
I got out of the car, but didn’t go to the trunk. Instead, I followed my mate up to the cabin door. She rose on her toes to put her hand in a hanging pot filled with lavender and made a little noise of satisfaction when she retrieved a key. She unlocked the door before giving me an annoyed look. “Will you please get the bags while I turn on the lights?”
“What is this place?”
“It’s a safe house.”
I looked over her head as she opened the door. Oversized furniture and the barely detectable smell of a Leopard greeted me. “Tracker?”
“Kemp.” At my look, she offered a little smile. “Aita is military and, rather like you, he’s slightly paranoid when it comes to being prepared. So, there’s a series of safe houses scattered throughout the Eastern Seaboard that he set up for the family to use in case any of us ever ran into trouble while away from our home territory. We were going to have to stop for the night anyway and, while I will have to make a supply run, at least this will give you plenty of time to make your calls.”
“My calls,” I repeated.
She nodded, a knowing glint entering her eyes. “The calls to whoever you know who will give you more accurate information about this Vampyre clutch.”
She had a point. It was dangerous to continue our journey without first having a better idea of the situation involving the clutch . . . and whether or not we would be called in to provide aid. “I’ll grab the bags,” I muttered and went back to the car even as I decided on whom I would be contacting first. Hopefully, the comrade I had in mind would have answers.
ΘΘΘΘΘΘ
Chapter Six
Raina
The TDS was sounding just a tad irritated when I returned from collecting foodstuff and drinks. He was sitting on the oversized couch, pinching the bridge of his nose, as he let out a heavy sigh. “Yes, I am aware the general is undoubtedly busy. However, if you tell him that it is General Baran Demirci contacting him about New York City, I am also certain that he will find a way to fit this call into his schedule.”
He didn’t look up as I passed him on the way to the kitchen. I was putting bags on the counter when I heard Baran sigh again. He sounded tired when he finally said, “Yes, I am willing to hold. Again.”
Poor TDS. I put what I needed to in the refrigerator and then set out the long rolls of French bread on the counter. I took a minute to turn on the oven and then returned to the living room. Baran was still on the couch, which was more than wide enough to accommodate him even if he shifted into an oversized tiger. It was also more than wide enough for my plan to work. I grabbed my phone and plugged in the earphones as I sat next to Baran. I could hear the annoying jingle playing over the line. Wow, when the military didn’t want to talk to you, they really went out of their way to irritate you into giving up.
Baran sighed as he lowered the phone slightly
and covered the mouthpiece. “This is taking longer than I anticipated. What are you cooking?”
“Toasted sandwiches once the oven finishes preheating. It’s an older model so it will take a little longer.” I rested a hand on his shoulder and massaged lightly. “Red tape blues?”
A flicker of a smile twitched the corner of my Tiger’s mouth. “Very funny. Carter’s newest lieutenant is an idiot.”
“You’re being grumpy.” I switched from massaging to shoving him over. I caught him off guard enough that he couldn’t brace against it, and he went down on the couch. I ignored the warning glare as I wriggled my way between him and the back of the couch. Once the TDS realized what I was doing, he wisely gave in and stretched out on his back. I lay on my side and rested my head on his chest.
Only when the irritation faded from Baran’s scent and his free arm wrapped around me, did I put the earphones in and start playing my music. I could feel the vibrations beneath my cheek when Baran started talking again. I traced patterns across his shirt until the TDS caught my hand and stopped me. I responded by pressing closer to him, which might have been slightly distracting given the way there was a pause in the vibrations when I moved.
I stayed like that until Baran tapped my shoulder, and I knew the oven had finished its job. Lifting my head, I pressed a kiss to his lips before climbing over him to get up. My music was still playing as I started preparing the sandwiches. And yes, it was Christmas music because I play it whenever I want and before Thanksgiving doesn’t bother me. I tend to find it calming. At the very least, it kept me from worrying about Vampyres.
I had finished preparing the sandwiches and was cleaning up while they toasted when Baran wrapped his arms around me. He kissed my cheek and then pulled the earphone out. “Christmas music, Raina?”
“Yes. You can’t Scrooge your way out of me enjoying all things Christmas.” I glanced at his face and the urge to bat at the tiger immediately faded. A frisson of concern made my leopard stir before I shushed her in favor of focusing on the tiger. “What did you find out? Or were you not able to get through after all?”
“No, Carter finally picked up and chewed out his lieutenant for leaving me on hold so long.” The TDS paused, a thoughtful look flickering into existence as he mused, “He’s never been very patient.”
I raised both eyebrows, but chose to abstain from pointing out that Baran hadn’t been very patient with the lieutenant either. Twisting around so I could better watch his face, I asked, “So are we going to need to change our plans again?”
Baran’s hold on me tightened as he ducked his head, placing his mouth against my ear. It was a very distracting way to talk to me . . . but I loved that he was doing it. “Carter’s outpost is in Connecticut, near Yale. From what he has learned, the clutch is currently contained within the New York City area. However, as a precaution, all Elves and Elf-born are being warned to give the tri-state area a wide berth because no one has been able to determine the exact number of Vampyres. They found three more bodies attesting to Vampyre attack, but Carter is certain they do not need outside help. They have already assembled a taskforce consisting of the ten closest outposts in addition to Trackers, and a battalion of Elven soldiers will arrive tomorrow.”
Thank the Creator, we didn’t have to go. I was careful to keep my abject relief from showing when I responded. “They’re very efficient in the northeast, aren’t they?”
“They are when it comes to Vampyres.”
The oven started beeping, and I tried not to regret the fact that Baran released his hold on me. There would be plenty of time later. Still, I stole a kiss before I finally took the sandwiches out. After finishing prepping them and putting them on plates, I glanced over my shoulder. Baran was watching me with an expression I couldn’t decipher. I hesitated to say anything as I brought him his plate, but once we had said a blessing and started eating, I realized I couldn’t just say nothing at all. I reached out to touch his hand, running my finger over his wedding band, as I watched him from beneath my lashes. “Would it be better if we went back home?”
Baran swallowed and gave me a long look. “Raina, you’ve made it very clear that you want to go to Maine. Since we are not needed to aid in the taskforce, we will find a way that avoids going too close to New York City.”
I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you. And, you should be happy to know that I am planning to leave my Maserati here. We can take the SUV instead. This way my car will stay safe and won’t get mussed.”
“Very well, but I’m driving.”
ΘΘΘΘΘΘ
Baran
The drive to Allagash, Maine took over fifteen hours as we dealt with construction, three accidents, and a stubborn moose that refused to leave the highway until I rolled down the window and roared at it. Then, we drove another hour and a half to reach the road that led to my mother’s den. Raina had grown unusually quiet the closer we got to our destination and now she was toying with the ends of her hair, which she had left hanging loose. She tugged on a strand, murmuring, “Maybe I should have put my hair up.”
Despite my own misgivings about having Raina meet my mother, I didn’t like seeing her so uncertain. Reaching over, I grabbed her hand, stilling the nervous movements. “You look fine, Raina.”
“You picked the wrong descriptor if you were actually trying to make me feel better about this, Baran.” Raina took a breath and then turned to me, her eyes Therian gold. “You’re sure I look okay? Maybe I should change first.”
“You look beautiful, honey,” I murmured. I squeezed her hand and then withdrew my touch as I turned the SUV down an all too familiar smaller road, weaving through the thick forest. “And, we are already here so you’ll have to wait to change until after we’re at the house.” I glanced at her. “We always change before an evening meal so if she says anything about changing, that is why.”
Raina nodded, but didn’t say anything. At least, she stopped playing with her hair as she leaned forward to peer out the windshield. The forest gave way to a clearing wherein sat an enormous lodge that looked like it had been stolen from the Swiss Alps. The large lodge certainly looked far more like a chalet with its gabled roofs, large windows, and balconies. I almost relieved that my mother was not yet waiting to greet us. But, it was only a matter of time.
I stopped the SUV in front of the lodge. For a moment, I seriously considered driving away, but that would be a sign of weakness. I reluctantly set the parking brake, but didn’t turn off the vehicle. “Raina, you should know that my mother does not indulge in hugs, not even with her own cubs. No one in my family is overly fond of hugs. The only reason Genevieve does so now is because she’s gone soft after having her cubs.”
There was a flicker of a smile on Raina’s lips as she looked at me. “I am not surprised. Considering you still don’t really like it when I hug you.”
“Only when you do it in unnecessary situations,” I grumbled. “But Raina, this is serious. My mother will not accept a hug.”
“Yes, TDS, I remember.” Raina nodded. “Reserved.” She took a deep breath. “Okay, let’s do this.”
I looked over her head and suppressed a groan as the lodge’s front door swung open. My mother had deigned to come greet us. I could only hope the others weren’t here. Knowing there was no other choice now, I got out of the vehicle and walked around to open Raina’s door.
My mate stepped out and tugged on her wool coat, her cinnamon and vanilla perfume blowing toward me with the light wind. I placed my left hand at the small of her back and guided her to the shoveled path to greet my mother as she stood at the end of the path. I was rather surprised she had deigned to come that far down.
My Tiger stirred as I met my mother’s golden gaze. She barely avoided giving a true challenge as she raised her chin slightly. She had always looked aristocratic, proudly tracing her bloodline back to Britain and the German Empire, and even now her blonde hair was perfectly coifed and gathered in a neat chignon while her fur lined vel
vet cape no doubt concealed a silk chiffon dress complete with a formal train. She was of a height with Raina, but where my mate was fire and warmth, my mother exuded a cold haughtiness that rivaled ice itself.
She sniffed. “Baran, my son, I am pleased you were able to arrive before midnight.”
“We experienced delays,” I responded coolly. I kept a hand at Raina’s back even as I gestured to her. “This is my mate, Raina, daughter of Conrad and Bellephoebe Kemp.”
My mother didn’t move aside from flicking her gaze over Raina.
I pressed on with the introductions despite the growing urge to take Raina and leave. “Raina, this is my mother.”
Raina offered a warm smile that my mother had certainly done nothing to deserve as she extended a hand toward her. The relief that I felt when Raina remembered not to try to hug my mother vanished when she said, still smiling, “It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Demirci.”
ΘΘΘΘΘΘ
Chapter Seven
Raina
Was it just me or did the temperature suddenly drop an extra twenty degrees? My hand still hung in the space between us as Baran’s mother took a tiny step back. A flare of shock and then bitter spite slapped me in the face, then vanished beneath an icy coolness tinged with disapproval before I could react. I barely noticed the arrival of two other Tigers as her cool voice filled the void between us. “I would thank you to remember the fact that you are the only Mrs. Demirci present.”
Oh, someone just kill me now. I wanted to go climb a tree and hide until my mortification was slightly more bearable. I dropped my hand back to my side and tried desperately to think of what I should do now that I had wholly embarrassed myself. I would have looked at Baran for a clue, but I was too humiliated.
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