Betrayed in Blood (Of Blood & Dreams #6)

Chapter 20

Chapter Twenty

I stepped out of the evening gown and hung it in the closet before pulling on sweats and my favorite sweatshirt. The cool ocean air blew through the opened window, circulating through the room and clearing the wine from dinner.

The knock came as expected, and Ginger popped her head in before pushing her way through the door.

“Did you turn on the air conditioning?” Ginger shivered and pulled open drawers until she found a sweatshirt to pull over her head.

“Sorry. Would you prefer your room?”

“No. But let’s sit by the fireplace so I can pretend there’s a toasty fire. I’ll just grab a blanket.” She pulled the one from the back of the sofa and stretched out, tucking it around her. “You must be in one of your thinking modes.”

Another knock came, and Ginger said, “Do you mind getting it? I just got settled.”

I snorted and shuffled to the door, then backed up as Letty entered with a tray. “You didn’t need to do that. We could have come down for it.”

“Nonsense. It’s no trouble. One urn is coffee, and the other hot chocolate. The bottle is one of the manor’s finest brandies.” She set it down then hurried out of the room with a final good night.

“I’m not sure I can handle any more alcohol after that dinner.” I poured a cup of hot chocolate for both of us and added a touch of brandy anyway.

“Did Lyra say her mother hosted one of those dinners every week?” Ginger asked.

“Yeah. But those were different times back then. It was kind of nice dressing up in our finest. I’m not sure a dinner table adorned as it was deserved anything less.” I sipped the cocoa and melted into my corner of the sofa. “How did Colantha know to bring an evening gown? Or do you think she borrowed it from Lyra?”

“Nothing that woman does surprises me. Did she seem tired to you?”

I considered the shadows under Colantha’s eyes. “From what Lyra told me, Frederick has been reducing the amount of juice she’s been drinking.”

“I thought it was the translations taking a toll, but I hear she’s been dreamwalking several times a day.”

“What? I hadn’t heard that.”

Ginger nodded as she licked cocoa from her upper lip. “Lyra thought she was dreamwalking with Hamilton, but he said no. He told Lyra that she’d been reaching out to dreamwalkers all over the world.”

“About what? Did he know?”

“Not really, but he thinks it might have something to do with the translations and the codex Colantha’s helping to create.” She pulled the blanket away so she could sit cross-legged on the couch, somehow not spilling a drop of cocoa. She leaned in. “He also thinks she found something in the translation that stirred some old memories. The rumor is that she’s looking for another book that was hidden away.”

I stared at her. That’s just what they needed—another secret book. “What could that be?”

“Lyra thinks it might have something to do with the Seven Tribes.”

I thought back to the first time Colantha had mentioned her being the daughter of Adelice and Heiress of the Seven Tribes. “Does she think they still exist?”

Ginger shrugged and pulled her blanket up. “That might explain the dreamwalking around the world.” She fell back against the armrest, slapping her forehead with the palm of her hand. “Oh my god!” She leaned forward again, and my first thought was maybe I shouldn’t have added the brandy. “Do you think she’s calling them together? You know, like preparing them for war?”

Well, maybe the brandy was a good idea after all. I’m not sure I would have ever considered the notion. “There’s so much we don’t know. And I think Colantha has only shared five percent of what I should know about dreamwalkers. I know she mentioned there were Seven Tribes, but I have no idea how they worked together. Did they act similar to the vampire Council?” I shrugged. “I just don’t know. Colantha isn’t going to share anything until she’s ready. I think we need to focus on what we do know. Or, hopefully, what we’ll know when we get the report from Remus’s lab on the new blood samples. My belief is that we don’t know everything we need to know about the Blood Poppy. And I think it’s something Venizi knows about and has been taking advantage of.”

“Well, that sounds dark and mysterious and a bit dangerous.”

A ping sounded, and we glanced around.

“Is that your phone?” I asked as I set down the cocoa and searched the room.

“I didn’t bring mine.”

I found my phone in the bathroom after the third ping and dropped onto the couch, pulling up my knees as I opened the text message.

“What is it? Is it about your father?”

I snorted. “Yeah. They don’t want to divulge their name over the phone. They want to meet.” I rolled my eyes. “Alone. The only thing missing is their request not to call the cops.”

“Do they say where?”

I dropped the phone on the coffee table, topped off the cocoa, and added more brandy. “Newberry Park. Tomorrow at midnight.”

Ginger barked out a laugh. “Why don’t they just say walk into my web so we can kidnap you?”

“Right?”

“This can’t be Venizi. He couldn’t possibly believe you’d be that gullible.”

“No. But I think April might believe it.”

“What are you thinking?”

“April was never business savvy. At least not when we were still speaking. She was more interested in fashion and going to parties. It was only recently that she seemed to be following in Christopher’s shadow.” I stared into my cocoa. No one changed that quickly. Why did April? Devon said her mom had an escape plan. I’d always thought Christopher was rolling in cash, but what if it was all for appearance? What if his estate wasn’t a boon but a pile of mounting debt? Sergi should be able to check that out.

“I think it might be possible that April is working for Venizi but at a much lower level than she likes. Maybe she thinks it would make for a nice payday and a shot up the power ladder if she was able to pull me in along with the medallion.”

“But she doesn’t know you’re a dreamwalker. Does she even know you’re living with vamps?”

That was the problem. “I don’t know how much Christopher knew and how much he might have shared with April. Maybe it’s just about the medallion, and April doesn’t know about anything else. I need to talk to my mother.”

“Is it safe to call her?”

“No. But Devon is sending me on a surveillance mission to see if she shows up for her hair and spa appointments.” I rubbed a hand over my face. “All we have at this point are assumptions. We need hard facts.”

Ginger nodded toward the phone. “Are you going to answer it or wait to talk to Devon?”

“He won’t be back until tomorrow.”

“What about Sergi? Maybe his investigation has turned up something.”

The phone pinged again.

“What the hell?” I leaned over and grabbed the phone. “It’s them again.” After a quick read, I wished I had the vamp strength to crush the damn thing. “Unbelievable. It took them hours to come up with their stupid plan, and now they’re harping at me for an answer.”

“You can’t tell them you’re on lockdown. Or do you think they know?”

I hadn’t even considered that. “It’s probably best not to mention it either way, but tomorrow night is too soon.” I tapped the phone against my chin, considering my options. The sane thing to do would be to ignore it. But I wasn’t in the mood. This was pissing me off. If Rasmussen was alive and in trouble, why all the mystery? Tell me where he was and tell me how I can help. I typed a reply, ignoring Ginger’s pleading look to not do anything rash. But if this was April, I knew how to deal with her.

I lifted a finger at Ginger. “I haven’t sent it. How does this sound? I’m out of town on a job and won’t be back until Thursday. And unless you want to tell me who this is, I prefer a public spot to meet.” I reread my message again. “That gives us two days to come up with something.”

“Why don’t you wait until you talk to Sergi?”

Another ping came in. I laughed. “They seem to be desperate for my response. If this is April, I think it’s best to answer with something she’d believe. If it’s someone else, they need to know I’m not going to do something so obviously stupid.”

Ginger tilted her head, giving it some thought. “Read your answer again.” When I did, she nodded. “They can’t refute whether you’re out of town without giving away how they know that. And you’re right. Anyone who’s watched at least one horror movie knows meeting a stranger alone in a place with no other people is stupid. I mean, you’re not even blonde.”

We both chuckled.

“I’m going to send it. Just because I’m getting home on Thursday doesn’t mean I’ll drop everything to meet them, right?”

“Right.”

I should be contacting Devon or at least Sergi. Then I got my dander up. Why did I have to pass everything through them? This was about my father. Yes, there was the whole lockdown thing. And yes, this could be Venizi or some other vamp yanking my chain. But if it was April, my mother was unwittingly in the middle of whatever this was. If anything, we needed time, and my response would give us that.

I looked at Ginger.

She nodded. “Go ahead. I have your back.”

Then we both snorted as if that would matter one iota to either Devon or Sergi.

I pushed the send button.

Ginger pushed her blanket off and slid over to sit next to me, shoulder to shoulder, as we watched the phone.

After a couple of minutes, she asked, “How long are we going to stare at the screen?”

Then we got the giggles. Maybe I should have considered this when I was more sober. I finished the cocoa in one large gulp. Too late to worry about it now.

We both jumped when the ping came.

I rolled my eyes again as I read the text.

“We’ll be in touch.”

Devon arrived back at the coastal manor later than he’d planned. At breakfast, Simone mentioned a rumor she’d received in the previous evening’s reports.

She had picked at her spinach and egg-white omelet but looked better than when he’d first arrived. The shadows under her eyes told him she’d taken blood. At least he didn’t have to remind her.

“I don’t know how accurate this information is, but word has it that Venizi is holding a Family-only party on the island.”

“Who’s the information from?” Devon always asked even though he knew Simone might not answer. She was cautious about her informants.

She shrugged a shoulder and nibbled on a scone. “I should ask Lucia to get Cook’s recipe for scones. These are good but not as good as his.” She swallowed another bite. “All I can say is that she’s connected to a House faithful to Venizi. She has considered requesting a transfer to another House or going rogue, but she realizes she’s in an opportune position to help us. And before you ask if she could be providing false information, that, of course, is always possible. However, I knew this vampire before she was traded to her current House. Her previous reports, while rare, have always been accurate.”

“Alright. Did she give you a date?”

“Friday.”

“Interesting. You think this might help us with what April might be up to?”

Simone leaned back with her cup of coffee and stared at him. “That would best be answered by Bella and Cressa. But I think it gives you an option.”

“I agree.”

Before he left the manor for the helicopter, Simone stood next to him, watching the rotors spin up.

“Do you need me to assist with this Rasmussen problem?”

“No. At least, not yet. If we plan something where we need you, I’ll let you know. Otherwise, I think you have your hands full completing the security precautions.”

“Alright.”

Before he stepped out the door, Simone touched his arm to stop him. She appeared uncomfortable. “Tell Cressa that I’ll be there if she needs me.”

He wasn’t sure how to respond to that. Her request wasn’t a platitude. She didn’t believe in those. He placed a hand over hers. “I’ll tell her. And keep me posted on your friend. I’m serious when I say if you don’t hear from him soon, I’ll help you locate him.”

She kissed his cheek, then turned and walked away. A sign that the discussion had become too emotional for her.

Devon smiled as he ran for the copter. She’d changed over the last year and was almost ready for her own House. He had Cressa and Ginger to thank for that, though he’d never tell Simone that. Although she probably already figured it out, which no doubt irritated the hell out of her.

He watched the estate as the copter lifted and flew toward the coast. Oasis was in safe hands and ready for anything Venizi might throw at them next.

He sent a text to Sergi to prepare for a meeting upon his arrival. The drive to the manor from the airstrip took longer than expected due to an accident. When he arrived at the manor and strode directly to his office, the cacophony of voices, some raised in heated discussion loud enough to be heard through the closed door, made him grind his teeth.

Now what?

He stormed through the door, which provided the results he’d hoped for. Everyone shut up, and a few seemed chagrined, which surprised him. The cadre was positioned around his desk as usual. Decker was at the bar, smiling as if he’d been enjoying the fray. Jacques sat in a corner as if wanting to separate himself from whatever disagreement had been in full throttle.

Cressa, Ginger, Lyra, and Colantha were grouped together by the fireplace. It only took a second to scan the women, whose defiant look told Devon where the battle lines had been drawn.

He sighed, wanting nothing more than to drop onto the sofa next to Cressa, give her a warm kiss, and let someone else finish whatever discussion had created such an uproar. But he couldn’t show sides, and more’s the pity for that.

He took his obligatory seat at his desk and turned to readjust the shades to let in more light. Then he turned and picked up the white crystal from his desk. This time there was no question he was using it as a security blanket, shielding him from whatever news he was about to hear. After some consideration, he decided to take another approach, hoping to calm the emotions still stirring tension in the room.

“I have excellent news to report from Oasis.” He was satisfied when some appeared relieved by the change in topic while he received irritated glances from others. Sergi was the only one who seemed to be interested in Oasis, which undoubtedly had to do with his role as head of security.

His shoulders relaxed as he reviewed the updates Simone had made since the attack.

“I’ve vetted twelve of the shifters from the local pack to add to your security.” Decker had been pleased to hear about the shifters’ willingness to help with the fences. “I think Simone has begun her interviews.”

Devon nodded. “She’s approved four, and they’ll be incorporated into the patrol schedule by the end of the week after a day of training. The rest of the interviews should be completed by the end of next week.”

“May I ask a question, vampire?” Colantha hadn’t seemed interested in the report, so her request surprised him.

“Of course.”

“Where are these shifters housed at Oasis? Do they have a single house? A building of their own?”

He wasn’t sure why she asked or what she hoped to learn. If he had to guess, it was a test of how his House treated shifters. He gave her the truth as he knew it.

“Actually, it’s an interesting topic.” He returned the crystal to his desk and, leaning back, looked at Lucas. “I could use an espresso if you don’t mind.”

“Absolutely.” He jumped up, receiving a couple of requests from others.

“As you know from your brief visit to Oasis, there are several houses and bungalows spread around the manor. The houses are meant to house several vampires or shifters. The bungalows are smaller, some grouped together, while others are spread out for privacy. We also house many within the manor itself.

“From what Simone has reported, the first ten shifters selected a house not far from the security building, but of those, one has recently moved into the manor, taking a room close to the kitchen. Turns out, he’s a rather good cook, and when he’s not on shift, he’s been working in the kitchen with Lucia. Another one, well, he wasn’t comfortable in a house full of other shifters.”

“That must be Laslo,” Decker added. “I wasn’t sure he’d make the cut. He’s got some issues and needs his space.”

“Yes, Simone wasn’t sure, either, and had given him a short probationary time. Once he confided he required more space, she assigned him one of the private bungalows closer to the lake. That seems to have resolved the issue, and he’s been removed from his probation period. I believe the others are happy with their assigned housing.” He gave Colantha a smile. “Does that answer your question?”

Instead of answering, her next question was to Decker. “And do you believe the shifters to be happy with this new arrangement?”

Decker didn’t hesitate. “If they’re offering to assist with building the fences in addition to their patrol shifts, that’s answer enough for me. But I’ve spoken with a few. They’re well-housed, well-fed, and given plenty of room to run. There was a brief period of wariness with the vampires, but now that they’re training together, they seem comfortable with their assignment.”

“I know we’ve begun to add shifters to the safe houses, but we should add a couple here at the coastal manor,” Sergi suggested. “They bring a different form of security and build up our numbers.”

Devon nodded. “That’s an excellent idea. Can you work with Remus or Braden, his beta?”

When Sergi agreed, Devon looked to Colantha and waited for her to answer his question. Her grin was predatory, but he was used to it. She’d been testing him. To what end, he didn’t know.

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Okay, so that brings us to what the uproar was about when I walked in.”