Betrayed in Blood (Of Blood & Dreams #6)

Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

I heard the squeal of Ginger’s voice the minute I stepped into the manor.

“You’re home!” Ginger raced down the stairs and practically flew across the foyer.

I dropped my bag to steady myself as she flung her arms around me. I laughed. “Apparently, so are you.” I hugged her back and whispered, “I’m so glad you made it back. It must have been hard.”

Ginger pulled back and wiped an eye. “It’s all okay now.”

She didn’t fool me, but this wasn’t the time or place. That would be later with a bottle of wine.

Devon put an arm around Ginger and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for a successful mission. I hear we have you to thank for House Bertrand’s support.”

She blushed and glanced down at the cooler he was holding. I was impressed by her blank expression when I knew she was dying to know what was inside. Devon wouldn’t be carrying around a six-pack. She smiled at him. “That was all Lucas. It’s his sister’s House, after all.”

“But it was Mason’s decision as House leader, and you’re the one who encouraged the visit. I know the intent was for Lucas to reunite with his sister, but that act was important to Lucas and, as such, to this House. So, thank you.”

She blushed and played with the deep-lavender silk scarf wrapped around her neck, the only color in her black leggings and shirt ensemble. “Any time.”

“I’ll need both of you to join us in an hour. I’m sure the two of you have a lot to catch up on.” He kissed my cheek then headed toward his office.

“You’re late.”

I twirled around to find Simone glaring at us with her hands fisted on her hips. Her signature Wonder Woman pose. “I missed you, too.”

Her lips twitched. “We expected you yesterday.”

“I know. But you said Lucas needed time to decipher the book, and Devon ran into an old friend who had some business deal he wanted to talk about. I should have found a more quaint village.”

Sergi joined us and simply nodded at me. “Simone, Devon has asked to meet with you first. The rest of the cadre will join you in fifteen minutes.”

Simone gave me another blistering look, though her lips were still twitching as she strode past us.

“So, did you miss us?” I asked Sergi.

Sergi’s brow went up. “I forgot how peaceful the manor was with the two of you on missions. And I expect you in the training room this afternoon. You must be soft after two weeks away, schmoozing vampires and playing in the sand.”

He strode away, and I called out, “You meant boring. The manor was boring before I arrived.”

Ginger and I giggled as we climbed the stairs. The vamp wasn’t wrong about the training, but I could tell he missed me. Somewhere. Deep down.

“Where’s Lyra?” I asked.

“She’s waiting for us in her room. She figured you didn’t need a bunch of people crowding you.”

“How is she?”

Ginger shrugged. “She hasn’t heard from Hamilton since he left with Colantha, but she hasn’t destroyed anything in a fit of rage, so that’s something.”

I wasn’t so sure about that and was pleasantly surprised to find Lyra in an upbeat mood, painting a brightly colored landscape scene. She dropped her brush and all but raced to hug me when we entered.

“I hear your visit with Aramburu went well. I can’t wait to hear all about it.” She took off her apron and placed it over a chair before pointing to the couches that faced the west windows. A coffee and tea set was waiting on the coffee table next to two dishes covered with silver domes. “Cook sent something up for us to nibble on. He can hardly wait to see you.”

“It was great to get away, but it’s always good to be home.” I thought about what I’d just said. It was such a normal response. Home. I teared up and blinked it away as Ginger poured the coffee, and Lyra lifted the silver domes, filling three plates with appetizers. Any way I looked at it, the sentiment was true. As strange as it was, the vamps in this House had embraced a human thief and her best friend. It really was her home.

“So, you have to tell us all about Aramburu. What’s behind those walls?” Lyra took a bite of a tiny quiche.

“It’s more amazing than mysterious.” I told them of the drive to El Recinto, the vamps we encountered on the way, and Gregor’s strict ask-no-questions policy with unwelcome vamps. Then, I lightened the discussion as I shared details about the manor, the Family, the local village, and their businesses. I left out the part about the dreamwalkers and the baby vamps. Devon wanted to talk with the cadre first.

Worried that I might slip and say something about the dreamwalkers, I changed the conversation to Ginger’s mission.

“So, Philipe Renaud and Fiona really are a thing, and they have the book?”

Ginger nodded as she popped the last raspberry tart in her mouth and chased it with coffee. Once she swallowed everything down, she gave a quick recap of being overrun at the motel and the scary ride to The Retreat. Vamps do love naming their estates, but I had to admit, it made them easier to remember. One thing was the same between them all—the need for sustainability and secrecy.

“How far has Lucas gotten in deciphering the book?” I asked.

She glanced at Lyra before answering. “He’s read it through once, but it will take another couple of days to transcribe the vampiric portion into English so everyone can read it.”

“What do you mean the vampiric portion?” I looked at both of them since it was clear they knew something I didn’t.

“Well, it seems that the last half, what Lucas considers the critical part of the book, is written in a language no one recognizes or can translate.”

“What? Does Devon know?”

“I imagine the cadre is covering that with him now.” Lyra glanced at an antique clock that sat on the mantel over the fireplace. “And we’ll know his thoughts in another ten minutes.”

“You can’t leave me hanging with that.” I squinted at them. Their furtive glances back and forth suggested they knew more than what they were sharing.

Ginger shrugged. “Philipe and Lucas believe the language might be a dreamwalker language.”

I had no words. Dreamwalkers had their own language? “Has someone contacted Colantha?”

“Lucas was going to but decided to wait for Devon to review it. I guess we’ll know soon.”

Devon stared at Simone across the desk, and she stared back at him. She’d noticed him place the cooler on the corner of his desk but never gave it a second glance as she took her seat.

He’d wanted fifteen minutes with her before the rest of the cadre joined them, but she was being stubborn, and he could wait another five. He enjoyed the game, and it had been so long since they’d played.

Simone hadn’t had an easy life, and now she was close to being the mistress of her own House. He had no idea where it would be. It didn’t matter. They would always be close. She was a good friend, not just the administrator of his businesses and Oasis. She’d been battle-tested on many fronts, and it was critical that she remained integral to not only follow in their war against Venizi but also to lead.

War came in many shapes, and these days, it wasn’t on horseback with thousands of warriors. It was executed with sophistication, technology, and power plays. But the basic tenets of any battle and whether you would win or lose never changed. And, in Devon’s opinion, one of the most critical principles was to know your adversary.

She sighed and gave the cooler a curious look. “You win. What’s in the cooler?”

He grinned and leaned over to open it.

She peered inside and blinked. Her first move was to sit back, then she leaned over again. “I was not expecting that.” Then she considered where he might have gotten it and laughed. “Have you been carrying that around with you for the last five days?”

He nodded, and she threw back her head and gave a throaty laugh. He grinned. It had been a long time since she’d shown such joy. The next few weeks, possibly months, would see little of that.

She wiped her eyes. “The only thing missing is the handcuffs tying it to your wrist.” Her tone was filled with mirth.

“Don’t think I hadn’t considered it.” He closed the cooler and leaned back in his chair, then turned to open the blinds another quarter inch. He’d missed home and the cadre. Then images of Cressa, topless under the summer sun came to him, then the two of them splashing in the surf before things turned more intimate. Would they ever have time like that again? What would life look like on the other side of what was coming? Would he still be alive?

“Where did you go, Devon?”

“Sorry. Just thinking about our growing agenda.”

“I told the cadre about the children.”

He nodded. “Cressa said she’d given you the option.”

Her brows knit together. “Was she testing me?”

He snorted. “Probably. But you made the right call, and it will save time when the cadre comes in. How’s Lyra?”

“Better now that Ginger is back.”

“Has there been any word from Hamilton?”

“No. Nor Colantha.”

He picked up the white crystal he kept on his desk. It had been his father’s, and it made him feel closer to him. “I wonder what my father would say if he knew we’d found the book.”

“Damn time, I imagine.”

He couldn’t argue the response. “Does Lucas seem alright? I haven’t seen him yet, but we both know what it’s like to be close to death and have to depend on others to save you.”

“He wasn’t alone. That was the important part. I didn’t give Ginger enough credit for what she did. He doesn’t talk about that part of his mission. To be honest, as important as it was to him to find the De f?rste dage and Philipe Renaud, I think reconciliation with his sister foreshadows everything else.”

Devon understood. He had the same connection with Lyra and had made it his mission to save her from her mental prison. “Did you have anything for me?”

“I’d like to add more shifters to Oasis.”

That surprised him. Simone had questioned the wisdom of adding them to their security detail but had been willing to test it out after reviewing the data Decker had provided on the rogues. After seeing Aramburu’s compound and the defenses he’d built over the centuries, Devon had immediately seen how difficult Oasis would be to defend in a massive attack. At the time that he’d built Oasis, the idea of war hadn’t come to mind. How quickly the assumption of safety could change.

Oasis could have gone decades without anyone learning of it. At the time, he’d known it would be his weak point, but he’d never guessed how expansive his mission would become. How deep the deception had grown within the Council.

“The shifters have proposed additional options for guarding our borders,” Simone continued. “And I agree with them. I’d like to discuss it with Decker but wanted your approval first.”

“You have it. I’d like to see what you have so far and include Sergi. He’ll be able to offer suggestions in battle logistics.”

She nodded, and though she didn’t grin, it was easy to see she was pleased. It was something in her posture or maybe the slight lift to her chin. He’d never been able to put his finger on how he could interpret her mood beyond her blank expressions. Maybe it was his own way of looking at her when her leadership skills shined. Maybe it was the growth in her weaker areas that made him proud of her.

The knock at the door told him their fifteen minutes were up, and she gave a quick glance at the cooler before her lips twisted into a smile. She wanted to know more.

Sergi and Bella strode in and took their usual seats. He watched Sergi open his tablet and immediately start reading. At times, it was odd to see Sergi in his suit, tied to his tablet as he stayed updated on the Family’s security. It was a far cry from when they’d first met on a dirt field so long ago, dressed in armor, ready to battle each other. And now, Devon couldn’t imagine how he would have gotten as far as he had without him.

“Where’s Jacques?” Devon asked, turning his attention to Bella.

“We’ve picked up some interest at the new city safe house. I sent him over with two additional security details to check it out.” Bella was already fidgeting, her leg bouncing.

“Venizi?”

She shrugged. “Most likely. Jacques will tail them if they show up again.”

Lucas burst into the room. He’d taken a few steps before turning back to shut the door. “Sorry, I’m late. I wanted to finish the last of my report.” He appeared tired as he dropped into his seat and must have been working around the clock since returning home.

“Your work is important, but not more than your health.” Devon gave him a wry smile and set the crystal on his desk. “I heard you’d recovered well from your mission, but I think it’s time for another blood donor.”

“Ginger has already sent a request on my behalf.” He shuffled papers, a book, and his tablet before settling down.

Devon immediately focused on the book, and a thrill of excitement ran through him. When he shifted in his seat and glanced at his cadre, he noticed them giving furtive glances to the cooler. Everything was coming together, but there were still loose ends. Ones he hoped the De f?rste dage would wrap up.

Devon began the meeting with a review of his visit to Aramburu, including the vampire attack before reaching El Recinto, a brief overview of the extensive security, and a list of businesses the Family ran.

“Sergi, I’d like you to contact Miguel. He’s the second son but runs the Family’s businesses. I’d also like you to touch basis with Alejandro, the oldest, who leads the cadre and include Simone. Let’s see what strengths we have in common and any weaknesses we might be able to shore up.”

Sergi nodded as he made notes on his tablet. “There isn’t anything major to report on security. We continue to make strides on final changes to both safe houses. They’re serviceable as they stand, but the final changes expected to be in place by the end of the week will make them difficult to penetrate.”

“Enough food, weapons, and ammo for a six-month siege will be in place by then as well,” Simone added.

“Has there been any movement from Venizi?” Devon had expected an immediate attack, but Lorenzo had been unnaturally quiet.

“No.” Sergi rubbed his forehead and glanced out the window. Not a normal reaction. “He’s planning something, which is surprising. He prefers to act quickly.”

“Our lockdown might have posed a problem to his typical hit-and-run attacks.” Bella stood and began her pacing. “Our limited movement, except at the safe houses, doesn’t give him much to work with.”

“Which is why his vampires are watching us.” Simone leaned back in her chair, her fingers strumming the armrest. “Have we had word of any other vampires patrolling our properties?”

Bella shook her head, her pacing never stopping. “No. But, if it’s okay, I’d like to set up four teams of four to patrol.”

Devon grinned. “Watchers to watch the watchers.”

Bella returned his grin. “Something like that. But I know we’re already stretched thin.”

“We have several vampires who recently completed their work at the safe houses,” Simone said. “They’re at your disposal.”

“Excellent. Let’s move on to the cooler.” Before Devon could do more than shift the cooler in front of him, Sergi had one last topic.

“I received a call from my contact with the Santiga Bay police about Christopher Underwood’s murder investigation. We were able to obtain the non-secure files from the Gheata sting that were specific to Underwood. They were provided to the SBPD from an anonymous source, and after their own investigation, the police have closed the Underwood murder.”

Devon hadn’t known how important that was until he heard the words. Cressa hadn’t given him any indication she’d been worried, but she’d wanted to contact her mother again. They had decided against it with her stepfather’s murder still an open case.

“That’s excellent news. Thank you for getting that closed.”

Sergi gave a brief nod then looked at the cooler.

Devon didn’t delay. He opened it and removed the dry ice pack that was attached to three vials of blood. He placed the bundle on his desk and noted all eyes pinned to it. Bella returned to her seat, most likely to get a better look.

“Simone told you about the vampire children at Aramburu.” When they all nodded, he continued. “Gregor has been watching the decline in our fertility rates, but never experienced the same issue within El Recinto. He had his suspicions about why that was, and they relate directly to the De f?rste dage . In pursuit of the truth and our coming challenge to the Council, he agreed to my request for three blood samples. These are from a female vampire, her three-year-old son, and the father.”

Devon hadn’t expected many questions, though the cadre was wide-eyed with interest. Since Simone shared the information before he’d returned, they would have already exhausted most of their comments. They understood the gravity of the situation, but they’d all been surprised by the blood samples. Even so, they understood the next steps. To prove his thoughts, Sergi spoke up first.

“You want me to set up a meeting with Remus?”

Devon nodded. “It has to be here. He needs to read the translation then he can take the samples with him. It has to be soon.” He turned to Lucas. “Where are you with the translations?”

“The first half of the book is complete, but I need assistance with the second half.”

Devon’s brow quirked. “What’s the problem?” Everyone glanced at each other. So, everyone knew but hadn’t bothered to tell him. He had to remind himself that it had only been three days since Lucas received a copy of the book, while Devon had been on a beach with Cressa.

“The second half is written in a different language. Philipe Renaud and I both believe it to be written in an unknown dreamwalker language.”

Devon sat back and turned his chair to look out the window. Their own language. It made sense. They were a different race, why wouldn’t they have their own language? That meant the book wasn’t written solely by vampires and required both species to translate it. “Have you reached out to Colantha about this?” He remained staring out his window, his thoughts racing through the possibilities and the best approach.

“I considered it,” Lucas responded. “Then I thought it best if Cressa contacted her.”

Yes. That was the best option. Cressa had wanted to contact her the minute they arrived home, but he’d asked her to wait until they met with the cadre. He swiveled back to the group but looked at Lucas.

“I’d like to read the master text you’re working from. I’m not questioning your translation, but I’d prefer to read it in vampiric. I’ll ask Cressa to contact Colantha this afternoon.” He picked up the white crystal. “I want Remus to read the entire book, not just half of it, but I don’t want to hold onto the blood any longer than required.” He turned to Sergi. “Let’s see what Colantha says, then I’ll decide how soon to invite Remus.”

When Sergi nodded, he turned back to Lucas. “Provide Cressa with a small sample from the book. Let’s see if Colantha recognizes it. Is that the book Philipe gave you?” When Lucas nodded, he grinned. “Do you mind if I read it this afternoon?”

Before Lucas could answer, the phone on the desk rang. Simone answered it.

“House of Trelane.” Her gaze flashed to Devon. “When?” After another minute, she nodded. “He’ll be there.”

“What?” Devon asked.

“The Council has requested a meeting. They expect you within the hour.”