Betrayed in Blood (Of Blood & Dreams #6)

Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

The clean-up at Oasis didn’t take long as dusk arrived. Once all the injured and dead had been removed, the security detail hauled away Venizi’s lone surviving vamp for interrogation. Devon, Sergi, and Roberta had gone back to Oasis with him. I didn’t feel the need to participate.

That left me with Simone, who had commandeered one of the jeeps so we could perform a quick assessment of the damage to the security perimeter and make note of anything that needed to be replaced, like the C-4.

We bumped over the terrain as she pointed to various landmarks so I could become oriented to the landscape.

“We try to use the natural features of the land to determine our security requirements.” Simone pointed to a line of scrub oaks about a half mile in from the main entrance that stretched for several hundred yards on both sides. “The C-4 requires a detonation to set it off, which we can do remotely. The shifters know where all the explosives are located so, when necessary, as we learned today, they can lead the enemy to them.”

She pointed to an oak tree. “We have surveillance cameras along the perimeter fencing, but we’ve also added them to trees at strategic points. The command center has a view of all the main entry points, as well as those areas that are easy to broach on foot, like the south border.”

“This all sounds great and obviously worked, but they could have ignored the main entrance and selected spots far from the gates or taken a chance on the west entrance.”

“Yes, and chances are that’s what they’ll do the next time.”

“You think Venizi is still testing our security.”

“Yes.”

When we approached the areas where the explosives discharged, we got out and walked the line. One of the shifters joined us and helped point out where the C-4 hadn’t been detonated. They must be able to smell it.

“Devon mentioned he knew a senator or two.” I stared down at a hole created by the explosives. It was pretty deep. “Was he joking about where he got the C-4?”

“He’s not joking about knowing a couple senators. He also knows congressmen and governors. It’s mostly regarding human business, but also to ensure any cover we might need. Several people in government know about vampires and shifters and walk a line to keep the general public from knowing about us as best they can.”

“It seems dangerous to be getting supplies from the government.”

“We don’t. There are other ways to get the supplies we need for defense. Devon knows people who know people.”

I chuckled. “I see. The mercenary types.”

“Everyone has something to trade for the right price or, as is the vampire and shifter way, for favors owed.”

When we returned to the jeep, Simone glanced down at the shifter. “Are you ready for a break? We can take you back with us.”

The shifter didn’t need to be asked twice and jumped into the back of the jeep. When we returned to the main building, the shifter jumped out and trotted off down the road toward the bungalows.

“They seem to be working out.” I rolled my shoulder, which had begun to ache after the adrenaline had worn off.

“Yes, which is why I’m adding more. We can’t cover the entire property with our security teams, but we can set up enough defensive positions that once the enemy comes, we can funnel them into areas we want them.”

“Makes sense.” I was done with the security review. I needed a hot bath.

We parted ways in the foyer, and I headed for Devon’s bedroom. After a long bath, I crawled into bed and fell asleep.

It was dark when something woke me. I found myself enveloped in strong arms and a warm chest. I burrowed into Devon. Fingers strummed along my back, and that must have been what woke me.

“How long have I been asleep?”

“I don’t know. I’ve been asleep for a couple of hours myself. Based on when Simone last saw you, I’d guess you’d been asleep an hour or so before that.”

“Should I ask about the interrogation?”

“We didn’t learn much other than Venizi sent them. Another group of halflings.”

“It seems he’s saving his best.”

“Agreed.” He kissed my temple and then rolled away, laughing when I moaned and reached for him.

“We need dinner and more sleep. We’ll return to the manor in the morning.”

My stomach growled in agreement which made Devon give me an I-told-you-so look. We dressed, but before we left for the dining room, I pulled him to a chair and sat opposite him.

“There’s something on my mind I wanted to talk to you about. I don’t know if it’s trouble or not, but I’m worried.”

“Is this about Colantha? Is everything alright with Hamilton?”

I slapped my forehead. “I forgot about Hamilton. I should have asked Colantha. Lyra will be disappointed.”

“She’ll be here soon, and Lyra will be fine until then. If it’s not that, what is it?”

I bit my bottom lip. “I called Mom.”

“Is she alright?”

“That’s just it. I don’t know. She knew Christopher’s case was closed, and she appears to have moved on, but April still thinks I had something to do with it.” I snorted. “She thinks the cops are covering it up because of you.” When Devon’s brows lifted, I shook my head. “Not you specifically, but whoever I’m living with.”

“Aah. I suppose that isn’t unexpected.”

I was a bit surprised by his response, but let it go. “There were people at the house. I heard them in the background. More than one.”

“April’s friends?”

“Maybe. Probably. But Mom acted like she didn’t want anyone to know she was talking to me. She moved to another room and closed the door. I don’t know. We’d barely spoken for more than a minute or two when someone pounded on the door looking for her. It was a male voice. Then she said not to call back, and that she’d call me once April calmed down.”

“That does seem odd, but maybe she’s just trying to keep the peace.”

“Maybe.” Something else had bothered me. “She made a comment about Christopher’s death. That he kind of had it coming and that he’d put them all at risk.”

Devon squeezed my hand. “If he was doing business with Venizi then it makes sense.”

“Yes, but then she said, in some ways, they’re still at risk. I don’t know what that means.”

Devon dropped my hand and leaned back in the chair. He considered my words. “You think Venizi is still controlling them somehow.”

I stayed on the edge of my seat, one knee bouncing. “All I keep thinking about is that night when you took me back to my apartment. April had been there with a vamp. What if she’s messed up with Venizi?”

“A great deal has happened since then, especially with Underwood’s murder. But I’ll have Sergi look into it if it will make you feel better.”

“It would.” And I meant it.

When Devon pulled me up, he wrapped his arms around me and gave me a solid kiss. “Everything will work out. It always does. Now, let’s get something for that stomach of yours. It sounds like a small volcano.”

I punched him in his side, but he didn’t fool me. A crease still marred his forehead. He didn’t like what he’d heard. Instead of calming me, my worry ratcheted up. If Venizi had control over April, had he discovered who I was? If so, then Mom was in danger. Just what we needed with everything else going on.

As if he heard my inner thoughts, he squeezed my waist as we walked through the halls. “Don’t worry. Let’s wait and see what Sergi discovers before you create trouble where there isn’t any.”

I nodded. But that ship had already set sail.

The next morning, Devon, Cressa, and Sergi traveled back to Santiga Bay by helicopter, leaving Simone at Oasis to rebuild and enhance their security. On the return trip, Devon pointed out various landmarks to Cressa as they flew over the city, the ride more relaxing than the day before.

After the limo delivered them to the manor, Sergi and Devon went to his office while Cressa headed for the training room. Devon dropped into his chair and stared out his window while Sergi grumbled as he reviewed updates on his tablet.

“The city safe house experienced a level two security threat this morning. One guard was injured.”

“What happened?”

“There had been several drive-bys during the assault on Oasis. A couple of hours ago, two cars rammed the gate, and three vampires got over the fence. The vampires were eliminated, but a guard was shot. He’s healing with the help of a blood donation.”

“Venizi’s attacks are like mosquitoes. Annoying but of little consequence.” Devon swiveled back to face Sergi, feeling the need to pick up the white crystal, but he refrained. It was becoming something of an affectation whenever he was stressed.

Sergi laid down the tablet and stretched, rubbing his shoulder. “His testing of our defenses only helps us. With each weak point they discover, we have time to strengthen it.”

Devon gave his friend a long look and a slow smile. “Did you injure yourself?”

Sergi growled. “An old ailment acting up.”

Devon didn’t respond. It was rare for previous injuries to bother vampires after receiving healing blood. But ancients had been increasingly susceptible to blood diseases, and he hoped this wasn’t a sign of something worse. “Have you taken a blood donation since the attack?”

“No. But I’ll see to it after training.” Sergi glanced at his watch. “I called for Bella.”

“She’ll be here.” The words were barely out of his mouth when a light tap on the door preceded the vampire.

“Sorry, I’m late.” Bella strolled to the espresso machine and began making a cup. “I sent Jacques with several from our security detail to the city safe house to assist with repairs.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Anyone want one?” When they both nodded, she continued on to the next cup. “I think we should stay on high alert for another day.”

“I agree.” Sergi ignored his tablet, which Devon found strange but didn’t say anything.

Once Bella delivered the cups, she took a seat and leaned back with a crossed leg resting on her knee. “What’s up?”

“Cress had a disturbing discussion with her mother.”

“Is her mother upset that Cressa was cleared of her stepfather’s death?”

“No. Their relationship seems solid. It’s April, the stepsister. She believes the police are covering up Cressa’s involvement due to her relationship to me.” When Bella’s brow rose, he added, “Not me specifically, but whoever the mystery man is that she’s staying with.”

Bella nodded. “And why is this our problem?”

“April had been seen with vampires when Underwood was searching for Cressa’s medallion. From what Cressa could tell from her phone conversation yesterday, there were people at the house who might be controlling her mother. She admits there was little to go on, but it sounded like they might be watching who her mother speaks with.”

“You think April is working with Venizi?” Sergi sipped his espresso, and though he glanced at his tablet, he didn’t pick it up.

Devon wondered if Sergi was finding his attachment to his tablet as obsessive as Devon’s attraction to the crystal. “It’s a possibility. Maybe not with his House specifically, but perhaps one that owes him allegiance.”

“Do you think Venizi has put it together that Cressa was Underwood’s stepdaughter?” Bella asked.

“He didn’t seem to think so when she was a captive at Shadow Island.”

“Maybe he was holding that knowledge back as a weapon if Cressa wasn’t controllable under the mesmerizing,” Sergi suggested.

“Either way, it needs to be checked.”

“You want me to monitor the situation?” Bella asked.

“Yes. But only the house. See who comes and goes, and who’s in each vehicle.”

“That might be difficult. If it’s vampires, the windows will be tinted.”

He nodded. “At least we’ll have some idea of the activity level and maybe get a glimpse of the drivers. Don’t trail anyone. This is a simple stakeout.” He turned to Sergi. “Send Bella the address. I’d also like you to gather what you can on April. I know you have some preliminary background when you investigated Cressa. Dig deeper.”

“Anything else?” Bella asked.

“Check the perimeter security. Sergi, see what images we can pick up on the property.”

“What about inside?” Sergi asked.

“Cressa can give us that if needed.”

Bella rose and picked up her and Sergi’s empty cups, placing them on the counter. Before she left, Devon called out. “And take Jacques when he returns.”

She waved as she exited and shut the door.

Sergi stood. “If there’s nothing else for me, I’d like to review the security files from yesterday.”

Devon nodded and turned toward the window, closing his eyes when he heard the door shut. His plans for war hadn’t included Cressa’s mother. But, it was a simple enough task, assuming they could reach her. Assuming there was, in fact, a problem and that vampires were involved. When Devon had met with Willa a month ago, she’d mentioned an escape plan. Was it sufficient for her current predicament? With any luck they’d know more in the next couple of days.

A knock at the door made him swivel his chair toward it. Lucas stuck his head in.

“Do you have a few minutes?”

“Of course, come in.”

Lucas laid a folder on the desk before sitting. “This is the final translation of the vampiric portion of the De f?rste dage . I’ve checked it twice.”

Devon nodded. “I haven’t had a chance to read the vampiric version yet with the raid on Oasis. I’ll make a point to do that this afternoon.” He glanced at the wall clock. “I’m hoping Colantha will arrive today. With luck, we should have a completed translation in the next couple of days.”

“Have you spoken with Remus?”

“No. I want to see if Colantha can translate the second half first.”

“That makes sense.” Lucas stared at the pages, a frown appearing.

“Was there something else?”

Lucas fidgeted, and Devon waited for his young cadre to put his words together.

“It’s something that came up when Ginger and I were searching for the book.” He ran his hands through his hair, then didn’t seem to know what to do with them. Unusual for any of his cadre.

“Go on.” Devon kept his tone light and encouraging.

“Did Cressa ever tell you how she ended up with a debt to a loan shark?”

The question surprised Devon, especially when he’d recently been thinking about her debt. “I never asked, and she never shared.”

“Ginger and I spoke a bit about our past during the mission.” He laughed. “I guess it was brought on by the memories that came to me during my recovery. When I shared my past, she shared some of hers. I won’t go into details, but someone saddled Ginger with the debt, and, for some reason I don’t understand, Cressa took on the debt.” He lowered his head, seeming to search his hands for something as they flexed into fists and then released. When he looked up, Devon was surprised by the sadness reflected in his gaze. “I don’t know if Cressa thinks about the debt, but it weighs on Ginger. She believes the reason for Cressa first coming here was her fault.” He shrugged. “Or that’s how she perceives it.” He laughed again. “Though, I guess it worked out for us.”

The comment tightened Devon’s chest. The pain of Lucas’s statement doubled Devon’s own thoughts. His own worries. “I’ll take care of it.”

Lucas’s laughter faded to lips thinning with some other emotion. “I didn’t mean to interfere.”

Devon smiled and shook his head. “I appreciate you reminding me of something I should have cared for long before now.” When Lucas didn’t appear any less concerned, Devon shook his head. “You’re cadre. It’s your job to remind me of my responsibilities, whether I like it or not. And truth should never be denied. Cressa being here has helped us. And if Lyra were here, she would tell you that all the events in Ginger’s and Cressa’s lives led them to us.” He grinned. “And then you can try to tell her different.”

Lucas released a breath, and though he didn’t smile, the guilt appeared gone. “I think I’ll leave those discussions between brother and sister.”

Devon stood, walked around his desk, and squeezed his young cadre’s shoulder. “That’s probably a good idea. Take some time for yourself and Ginger. You’ve both worked hard to finish the translations. I’ll need you rested when Colantha arrives.”

After Lucas closed the door behind him, Devon returned to his chair and swiveled to the window. He stared at the sycamore tree and then at his parents’ graves. “Soon, Father. Soon our House will be at peace—one way or another.”