Betrayed in Blood (Of Blood & Dreams #6)

Chapter 5

Chapter Five

Devon entered their suite after lunch, concerned for Cressa after Gregor told him about the morning dreamwalking session and his sending for the healer. He’d been surprised by Gregor’s and Sonja’s excitement over the sessions.

It seemed Sonja had only heard stories of what dreamwalkers could do, never having achieved the mental levels required to modify constructs like Cressa could. Many of their leaders were persecuted and killed during the dreamwalker purge. And though she’d only lost her mother a couple of decades earlier, Sonja’s mother had been extremely careful in what she shared with her daughter, even with Gregor’s protection.

Devon wanted to get Cressa’s feedback, assuming she was healthy enough to discuss it. Her mental stability and the toll it took on her body was his primary concern, regardless of how important she might be in the coming battle.

He expected to find her napping, but, instead, she was on the bench seat that overlooked the garden wearing her silk robe. She had a cup of coffee in her hands, and she turned to greet him with a smile.

“How did the tour of the Aramburus’ empire go?” Her eyes twinkled with mischief, and a knot released in his chest. She was fine.

“Empire is it?” He removed his jacket and then his tie, looking forward to wearing something more comfortable.

She shrugged and made room, patting the bench for him to sit. “From what little Gregor said at breakfast, it sounded like they control a good portion of the market in several areas.”

“He does. And even though it’s all based on technology, he appears fairly entrenched in multiple industries. From what Miguel says, they’ve recently reached out to the local shifters to discuss an opportunity.”

“Really?” She grinned over the edge of her cup. “I wonder where he got that idea.”

He kissed the tip of her nose as he sat and pulled her to him. “How are you feeling? Gregor and Sonja were quite excited about the dreamwalk.” He glanced around the room, spotting the tray with several silver domes. “You didn’t feel like coming down for lunch?”

“I feel great if just a touch of a headache. I thought it best to give it a little more time.” She slapped his knee. “Stop staring at the tray. I ate every drop of food. I just put the lids back on so I didn’t have to look at how much I scarfed down.” She pulled away and sat cross-legged to face him. “The healer, Jessica…” She scrunched up her face. “What kind of name is that for a healer?” She chuckled, then got up to refill her cup before returning to her earlier position.

When he’d first walked in and saw her staring out the window, he’d assumed she was sedate, recuperating from spent psychic energy. He was wrong. She seemed more energized rather than tired.

“Anyway, she visited after the last session and gave me the normal pink potion for the headaches but also gave me an orange-colored vial. I swear it looks just like Colantha’s juice, and it tasted like it, too.” She nodded toward the dresser. “I still have half a vial I’m not supposed to take until tomorrow morning.”

“That explains it.”

“What?”

“You seem more animated than usual after a long session. From what Gregor shared of the dreamwalking, it sounds like you expended quite a lot of energy.”

She took a couple gulps of coffee. “You’re right. I slept for an hour, then Sonja had a tray sent up. I didn’t think I was hungry, especially with the dregs of a headache, but I couldn’t stop eating.” She shook her head and stood, setting the cup on the tray. “I must have stared at the garden for an hour but now I want to just get up and move around. I could probably run five miles without a sweat.” She gave him a wicked grin. “Or spend an hour on the mat with you. I can’t believe I miss training.”

“My point exactly.”

“I think we need to have a chat with Colantha about what she puts in that juice.”

“Not Jessica?”

“She didn’t seem much on sharing, and I know healers like to keep their potions secret. I know, why don’t I leave a bit in the vial? I’m feeling really good. I can keep the dreamwalk short tomorrow. Maybe Remus can analyze the potion.”

“I’d prefer you take what the healer suggested. Your health is more important.”

She sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’re too good to me and too cautious.” She gave him a long sensual kiss that stirred his beast. “I’m fine. I’ll be fine, and I want Remus to take a look. Aren’t you just a wee bit curious?”

He chuckled. “Insatiably.”

“Good. Now, what’s on the plate for this afternoon?”

“Gregor said he had something he wanted to share with us. Something he hadn’t been sure of until his experience this morning.”

“That sounds intriguing.”

“Hmm. Maybe. He wanted to make sure you were feeling well enough. If so, we need to meet him and Sonja at two.” He glanced at his watch. “Which gives us a little over an hour to relax.”

She jumped up and removed her robe, revealing a naked body beneath. “I need a shower.” She lifted his chin with a slim finger and gave him another kiss. “How about working off some of my energy.” She raced off before he could grab her, and he grinned at her giggles as she disappeared into the bathroom.

He began stripping off his clothes, leaving a trail behind him as he stalked to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

Devon peeked into the bathroom. “How much longer?”

Cressa smiled into the bathroom mirror as she dabbed on mascara. “I just need to grab my shoes. What’s the hurry?”

He checked his watch. “We have five minutes to get to the foyer.”

She dropped the mascara tube into her cosmetic bag and pinched his side as she pushed past him. “I don’t think Gregor will be upset by us being one minute late.” Before she took another step, she turned around and gave him a heated kiss and a wink. “I think it was worth the extra time in the shower.”

He grinned. “This is turning out to be an excellent visit. Alejandro and Miguel are eager to meet with Simone and Sergi.”

“You didn’t mention that. When is that supposed to happen?”

He shrugged as he grabbed a linen sports coat. “I’ll let Sergi set something up. It will be a video call since we’re on lockdown.”

“What’s up with Ernesto? He seems to be a bit mysterious.”

“We chatted for a few minutes this morning. Apparently, he rarely leaves his computer. Mariah forces him outside just to get fresh air, or so she says.”

“I would expect someone like him to be out with the ladies, but I suppose there’s not much of that here.”

“From what I’m told, there are two nightclubs. A local band moves between the two during the week. And Ernesto already has a girlfriend, who is also tied to a computer.”

She laughed. “Sounds like a match made in heaven.” She slipped her arm through his. “If we walk fast, I think we’ll be a minute early. Did Gregor give you any idea what this field trip is about?”

“No. It was strange. He doesn’t seem to be a leader who gets nervous about anything, though I sensed some trepidation. But he insisted we couldn’t leave until he took us on one more tour.”

“Are we leaving soon?”

“Tomorrow. Gregor has another business guest arriving in the evening, and he said it was best I wasn’t seen here.”

“Interesting.”

“Just cautious. Venizi somehow figured out we’d come here, or he simply keeps a few men here to keep an eye on Aramburu. He knows a House as large as this can sway other Houses that play both sides. He’d prefer Aramburu continue ignoring Council business.”

“That makes sense. Gregor and Sonja appear to be vamps who look to the future.”

They rounded a corner to find Gregor and Sonja waiting for them in addition to their three sons and Mariah. And for a split second, they all appeared nervous before they smiled. A practiced smile as if preparing for a family portrait.

A shiver of a warning played at the hairs on the back of Devon’s neck. That slight shift in his stomach before a battle that said he hadn’t prepared for every possibility but was unable to determine what he was missing. For a split second, he wished he’d stopped at the closet that held his weapons. A single dagger could go a long way in making a warrior feel confident.

He brushed it aside and returned their smile. “So, what do you have in store for us this afternoon?”

“I have two golf carts ready to take us to the community center.” Gregor took Sonja’s hand, and they turned for the door.

A tour of a community center didn’t seem to warrant anxiety in vampires, but he set it aside as they exited the building. Gregor directed Devon and Cressa to the second row of the first cart. Then he and Sonja climbed into the front. The other four jumped into the second cart.

Cressa glanced at him as they approached another fortified wall with guards. From what Devon had observed of the other buildings and places he’d been taken, this appeared to be the most highly secured facility. A fort within a fort within a fort. Yet, the gates were open, and people walked in and out of them without paying attention to the guards, who appeared alert, yet they smiled and nodded to everyone.

“This is our art and music community center.” Gregor waved to the guards as they passed through the gates.

“You must have some expensive art here.” Devon nodded to the guards, who smiled in return.

“Our most precious treasures are here.”

The main building was a two-story high Spanish adobe with large archways along the front porch. When the golf carts drove around the circular drive, Devon caught a glimpse of another three-story building in the back that looked like apartments.

Oak trees dotted the front and sides of the building, cooling the air, and Devon grasped Cressa’s hand as they walked through the front door. Though the massive wood doors remained open, he noted the iron gates behind them, adding additional security.

They entered an open foyer that took up a quarter of the building. The ceiling was a glass dome that provided natural light for a pond and waterfall surrounded by potted plants and trees. The rest of the area was filled with pedestals and glass cases that, based on the signage he was able to glimpse, displayed statues and artifacts from various eras.

“This is beautiful. The artwork on the walls, are they from local artists?” Cressa asked.

“Sí,” Sonja responded. “We have artwork from all over Spain, some from contemporary artists, some that have been collected through the centuries, and the rest from artists within our community.” She stopped at a glass case. “These bracelets were created here. Ones similar to these are sold in galleries in Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. The proceeds go directly to the artists.”

Music could be heard from somewhere on the second floor. “You have musicians here?” Devon asked.

“Yes.” Gregor turned them down a hall where the walls were filled with landscapes, portraits, and wall sculptures. “We have courses in most of the arts as well as several crafts. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to attend. We also organize several events throughout the year—concerts, plays, poetry readings, and such. The library is located on the far side of the building along with a bookstore.”

Halfway down the hall, they exited the building into an interior courtyard. A breezeway with open arches extended around the entire four-sided perimeter, and glancing across the grassy field, Devon could see doors and windows along the other three sides of the building.

The first thing that appeared out of place were the casually dressed vampires positioned around the courtyard. Devon didn’t see any weapons, not like at the gates, but he knew a security detail when he saw one. And he had no doubt they would be experts in martial arts and hand-to-hand combat.

Cressa nudged him and nodded toward one of them. He nodded in return, proud that she’d observed the security. But it was a rare moment when she wasn’t fully aware of her surroundings. Her innate behavior, honed during her time as Pandora, had taught her to monitor security wherever she went.

Gregor led the group to a small seating area with several benches and tables. “Please, take a seat. The reason for our visit will become apparent in a few minutes.”

Devon guided Cressa to a bench facing the courtyard near play gyms and swings. Something you’d see at any daycare, and he assumed they were for the worker’s children. Then he noticed several picnic tables on the other side of the swing sets with boxes on them.

Gregor and Sonja took the bench to their left, Alejandro and Mariah the one to their right. Miguel and Ernesto leaned against the archways just behind them. Devon didn’t pay them much attention, but it wasn’t difficult to discern the increased tension.

What the devil was going on?

Cressa must have also sensed it because she scooted close until their shoulders and legs touched.

A moment later, a small chime sounded, and a minute after that, doors on the other side of the courtyard opened, and young children of various ages raced toward the gym sets and swings. The teenagers were more casual yet appeared just as eager as they strode to the tables with the boxes. They opened them, pulling out pads of paper, pens, brushes, paints, and what looked like jars of beads and other unidentifiable items.

Gregor leaned over. “This is recess for the school. The young ones love to climb on things. This seems to be normal behavior based on the school in the village. The older ones enjoy free time for arts and crafts.” He nodded to their right. “We have a few bookworms.” A mix of boys and girls, five in all, had either dropped onto the benches or the grass and already had their heads in their books.

“Do these children attend this school because of some instinctual love or passion for the arts?”

Gregor’s expression became grave. “No. These children are here for another special reason.”

Devon looked at Sonja, whose expression was locked down. He turned toward Alejandro and Mariah who sat silent as stones.

“What’s going on here?”

Gregor sucked in a long breath and released it slowly. “These children are all vampires.”

It took several minutes for Devon to register what he’d heard. Children. Vampires. They were so young.

“Let’s say hello to them.” Gregor strode out to the play gym and when the children spotted him, they all ran to him. He stroked their hair and laughed as the children shouted over each other to be heard.

Devon followed, knowing Cressa was a few steps behind him.

“Now, children, you must listen.” Gregor waited for them to quiet. “This is my good friend Devon. He’s the leader of a great vampire House in the United States. Let’s make him feel welcome.”

Two youngsters, a boy and a girl, each took Devon’s hands and led him to the swings, where they pushed him toward one. He sat and gently swayed as the children surrounded him. They asked questions about the States, how large his House was, and whether he liked Spain and their home.

He glanced up to find Cressa standing off to one side, Sonja next to her as they watched. Once his welcome had worn off, the children returned to the gym, and Gregor walked with him to the tables where the teenagers were working on crafts.

Devon stopped by each one, asking what they were doing while watching them demonstrate the craft. He didn’t want to disturb the readers, but he also didn’t want to make them left out. He’d noticed them watching him over the tops of their books. So, he stopped to ask what they were reading and if they enjoyed their studies.

After a half hour, the chime rang again, and without hesitation, the children strode back to the building. Before they disappeared into the building, they all turned and waved, and he waved back.

Once they were alone again and seated at a table, Devon asked, “Are these orphans?”

“No. They were all born here within the last twenty years. We have several vampire females who are pregnant. The building in the back that you probably noted when we arrived are apartments, but also includes a state-of-the-art maternity ward, including a NICU, which, fortunately, is rarely needed.”

“I don’t understand.” And he didn’t. The vampire infertility problem was a known crisis and had been for decades. It was a rare moment that any female got pregnant. It was one of the reasons the Council sided with Venizi over a century ago that it was necessary to allow vampires to turn humans. There was a restriction on how many could be turned within a House over a given period of time, though a few of the Houses found ways around the restrictions.

“How can there be so many children?” Rage built as he glared at Gregor. “What are you doing here? Is this some sort of bioengineering?”

“No.” Gregor must have sensed Devon’s anger, but instead of matching his ire, he slowly shook his head. His demeanor appeared more sorrowful. “The Council has been lying to our society for generations.” He shrugged. “I believe that many on the Council don’t know the truth. But the ancients who still hold a seat know. Most ignore it. Others hide it.”

Devon stood, and Cressa popped up beside him. “I don’t believe it. This is too important to hide.”

Gregor had stood in reaction to Devon. “No, my friend. This must remain a secret until you uncover the De f?rste dage . It’s the single document that can shed light on the dark and unite our society. And I trust you to be the beacon to our path forward.”