Night Seeker

Chapter 8

As Grieve and I fell back, his fingers stroking my hair, his razor-sharp teeth and fangs shimmering in the dim light, I came out of my flashback. A noise startled me into realizing that someone was knocking on the door. I wanted to talk to Grieve, to see if he remembered our first meeting as Shy and Cherish the same way I did, but there was no time. I pulled a robe around me as he shifted into clothing again and answered the knock. It was Rhiannon.

She peeked in, blushing lightly, but she merely said, “Lannan’s back and boy does he have news. You’d better come out now.”

If Lannan said he had news, it was probably important. I scrambled into my clothing. Grieve pulled me into his arms.

“I know, Cicely.”

“Know what?”

“I know what happened during the blood fever. Chatter told me.”

Damn it! Grieve had known I’d had to drink from Lannan, but I’d kept from him that I’d almost fucked the vampire. The blood fever had held me in thrall and I’d opened myself to him. He’d been barely inside me when the others found us. Ever since then, my body had responded to Lannan in a magnetic way and I knew that it had something to do with drinking his blood, but there had been no choice. Crawl, the Oracle of the Crimson Court, had almost drained me, dragging me into the shadow realm, and only Lannan’s blood had saved me.

“Chatter told you?” I was going to throttle him.

Grieve smiled, faintly. “He felt it better I know than find out from Lannan. I understand why it happened. I hate the thought, but I understand that if you’re ever in that predicament again, it may well have to happen again. But if he hurts you-I will destroy him.” The smile left his face.

I paused, not knowing what to say. “I cannot help that my body responds to him, but my heart resists. I can’t stand his touch, yet when he puts his hands on me…But know this, my love, I will never willingly walk into his embrace. I will never jump into his bed-not by choice. The blood fever-there was no choice. It’s like…”

“It’s like the hunger I feel since Myst turned me,” he whispered softly. “This is why I say what I do. I truly do understand. I resist my nature, but if Myst were to appear here, in front of me, the will to disobey would be hard-pressed. So yes, my love, we both are ruled by compulsions stronger than us, yet we fight against them.” His lips sought mine and I sank into his kiss, again, floating on the waves that rippled between us.

After a moment, he let me go. “We’d better join the others.”

I stood back, letting him lead the way, loving him more than ever.

Lannan was sitting at the table, leaning back in his chair, looking vaguely amused as we appeared from the doorway. I steeled myself for some snarky comment, but he just nodded for us to sit down.

Without preamble, he said, “Regina has removed Geoffrey as Regent.”

We all stared at him; the announcement was out of the blue. Totally unexpected. Regina, Lannan’s twin sister and lover, and the Emissary to the Crimson Court, was a scary-ass vampire who gave new meaning to the concept of Type-A personality. She was ruthless and controlled more by her head than her lusts, which was the exact opposite of Lannan. But this was going to extremes, even for her.

“You don’t believe in small talk, do you?” I wasn’t sure what to say, although a slew of questions flooded my brain. Was Geoffrey dead? Well, of course he was dead, but for good? What the fuck had happened?

Lannan let out a low chuckle. “Small talk is for small minds. Yes, it’s true. Poor Geoffrey is no longer Regent, effective immediately. I will serve in his place on a temporary basis.” He stood up, a feral grin spreading across his face. “I am now Regent. All of Geoffrey’s contracts revert to me. Including yours. You now serve me directly.” He caught my gaze, challenging me.

Oh fuck. I stared at him, a wave of panic starting to crest through my chest. According to Ysandra, my contract with the vampires held sway. No court in the land would deny its validity. Meaning I was walking a very slippery slope now that Lannan Altos was my master. And it was obvious, he was enjoying my discomfort. This was not the time to mouth off to him.

“Nothing to say, my lovely Cicely?” He was baiting me. I could feel it in his tone. Trying to goad me into something stupid.

Everyone waited for me to respond. I could feel all eyes on me, waiting. Shaking my head, I fumbled for something to say. Finally, I found my tongue. “Congratulations, Lannan. Please, tell us what happened. Where did Geoffrey go to? Obviously, he took Leo with him. And did he try to hurt Regina like he threatened?”

“Such concern for my sister. She’ll be touched you inquired.” Said with a hint of sarcasm. Then, “Geoffrey would be tortured by the Queen if he touched one hair of my sister’s head and he should know that, but I could not chance that he’d gone insane and would carry through the threat. Which is why I left when he ordered me to do so.”

He leaned forward then, pushing up the sleeves of his casual jacket. His arms were scarred, ancient scars that told me Lannan had seen many battles before his mother turned him into a vampire. He noticed my gaze and slowly winked at me. Flustered, I turned my head.

“My sister found out when Geoffrey ordered that my stable be integrated into his. Regina shares my bloodwhores and did not take kindly to the thought. She confronted him. He told her that I’d chosen to leave, that I had-perish the thought-fallen for you and that I stormed out when you did. My sister is no fool. She went to Lainule, found out the truth of why I left, and went to the Crimson Queen. And if there’s one thing our Queen does not look kindly upon, it’s traitorous activity.”

The thought of being on the wrong side of the Vampire Queen’s wrath was almost enough to make me feel sorry for Geoffrey. Almost. Again, a wave of anger swept over me. I’d actually come close to liking the vampire. He’d seemed the most levelheaded of them all, but in this town, in the world I lived in, nothing was as it seemed. Betrayal hid under the guise of friendship, and aid manifested through the hands of the enemy.

“What did the Queen do?” Peyton asked, before I could get to the question.

“It seems the Crimson Court immediately revoked Geoffrey’s status as Regent and told my sister to take a contingent of guards and remove him from office. If he resisted, they were to crucify him under the open sky, where, at daybreak, he would fry like a fish, impaled on a harpoon.” Lannan snorted and the cold joy in his voice left me chilled through.

You’d do well to remember that Lannan is not your friend, nor anyone else’s friend. He may be an ally, but never forget what he is: a vampire, a predator who is older than the castles of Europe and who feels no remorse for anything he does.

Ulean’s words rang through me like a silver bell-clear and alarming. Lannan was no simple hedonist. And I’d better play my cards right, now that he actually did hold the title of master over me.

“I suppose some of his loyal followers found out, because by the time Regina and the guards reached Geoffrey’s mansion, he was gone, along with Leo and a number of guards.” Lannan shrugged. “This all happened in the past two days.”

“Then the day-runners we killed this morning-”

“Were loyal to both Geoffrey and Leo. They must have sent them from their hiding place.” Lannan cocked his head, a knowing smile on his lips. “Which means…come now, Cicely, you can figure it out.”

I knew what he was hinting around at. “Which means that the one we have tied up in the other room can lead us to where they are.”

“That’s my girl.” Lannan stood, crossing his arms. “Our plan is simple: We get to them before they get to us. Geoffrey is no longer welcome in the Court. No one will blink if a certain warlord disappears off the face of the planet. And mark you-we’d best destroy him because he will seek to destroy us. Now his only hope is to harness Myst’s people for his own, and he can’t do so with her at the helm. If he captures you and turns you as was his original plan, you will take the place of your long-distant mother. But this time he intends to keep control.”

I shuddered. “I’ll slit my own wrists before I let him do that to me.”

“Make no mistake, Geoffrey is cunning and wise. You are no match against his wits. And should you believe otherwise…Cicely, you think I’d make a vicious and deadly lover, but be advised that Geoffrey’s attentions are not without their own perversions. I lent several of my stable to him before I realized they were coming back traumatized and maimed.”

I blinked. For Lannan to call someone perverted was a terrifying thought, considering his own nature. “We have to talk to Erik again, before they figure out we killed their posse.”

“Being that it’s past nightfall, I guarantee you, they’ve already figured that out.” But Lannan motioned for us to bring the man in.

Grieve and Chatter rose and, without a word, retrieved our prisoner, holding his bound arms between them. They thrust him into a chair, none too gently. Chatter looked at Grieve. Grieve nodded, and stood back, his form blurring as he shifted into his wolf form. Baring his teeth, with a low growl, he posed, ready to leap at Erik. Chatter released the gag from the day-runner’s mouth.

I sucked in a low breath. They weren’t kidding around. But then, with Geoffrey and Leo on our asses, we couldn’t afford to play nice.

“We know what happened with Geoffrey. We know that he and Leo are off on their own, and we know why you’re trying to kidnap me as well as Rhiannon. You have a chance to make this right. You have a chance to live.” I wasn’t sure I could promise that, but we had to get him to talk.

He shook his head. “I’m not stupid. I know I’m not getting out of here alive. I’d switch sides, but you’d never trust me. Would you, Rio?” He glanced over at Rhiannon, who paled.

“I don’t know. You were Leo’s friend. He’s a vampire. and if you asked him, he could help you far more now than he could before. But then again…you never expressed an interest in being a vamp, did you?”

Lannan waved his hand at her. “Move. I can take care of this.”

Rhia backed away without a word. Lannan knelt down, staring into Erik’s face for a long moment. Erik tried to look away, but Chatter reached out and held his head steady. I could feel Lannan’s glamour weaving around the man. He could force his will on Erik and he had no compunction against doing so.

“Talk to me, Erik. You will tell me the truth. You cannot lie to me, and if you try, I will drain you down and bleed you out slowly and painfully so that you beg for death.” Lannan’s voice wove sinuously through the room and my hand fluttered to my throat. “Do you understand?”

My wolf shivered. I looked at Grieve, who was watching me, still in wolf form. His eyes were glittering, fastened on me, and I knew he could feel the response that Lannan’s command stirred in me.

Erik’s eyes fluttered, and I could tell he was resisting. I knew that look, I’d been there before.

With a shudder, Erik croaked out, “Yes, I understand.”

Lannan laughed, then glanced at me, and licked his lips. In that instant, I could feel his energy wrap around me like a snake, sliding up my body. I struggled for control. I couldn’t let Grieve see what Lannan could do to me. He knew, but knowing was not the same thing as having your nose rubbed in it.

“Very good, my little pecker.” Lannan returned his attention to Erik. “So tell me, Erik, and remember-no lying. Where are Leo and Geoffrey hiding?” His fingers stroked Erik’s chin.

With a shudder and a look of revulsion on his face, Erik stammered out his reply. “They are hiding in the basement of Inley.”

Lannan startled. He frowned. “Did Icarus give them permission?”

Erik nodded. “Yes, for a price. Geoffrey has to bring him fresh bloodwhores. Ten of them over the next year.”

Nodding, the vampire stood up. He gave Erik a considered look and then, without warning, jerked his head to the side. We could hear the cracking of bones as Erik slumped in his chair. Rhiannon gave out a choked cry, turning away. I stared in horror as Grieve transformed back.

But Rex nodded. “You did what was necessary.”

“I do not need your approval, werepuma, but yes, I did.” Lannan looked over at me, his eyes no longer filled with sensual fire but instead aloof and determined. “He betrayed Geoffrey. He would have betrayed us.”

Unfortunately, he was right. We could never have trusted Erik not to give us away. Instead of letting the horror of the situation paralyze me, I chose to focus on what we’d learned.

“What’s Inley? And who is Icarus?”

Lannan wiped his hands on a handkerchief and turned, Erik forgotten. “Inley is an underground club for vampires and fang hags. Icarus is the vampire who runs it. It is not a place to enter without an escort if you are still breathing.” He cocked his head to one side. “I am not surprised Icarus is hiding Geoffrey. He always did have a streak of rebellion in him.”

“As Regent, can’t you demand he hand over Geoffrey?” Peyton startled us all. She seldom spoke to Lannan, and it was obvious she disdained the vampire.

Lannan swung to look at her. “Astute but not well versed in the ways of vampire politics. Trust me, if I were to walk in there demanding he give me Geoffrey, it would be as if the former Regent never existed. There would be no evidence that he had ever set foot in the place. No, we’ll have to plan this very carefully, especially since Icarus technically isn’t doing anything against the Crimson Court’s edict. Pity I can’t go in disguise with you as my bloodwhore.”

My stomach lurched. “Me?”

“Yes, you. I think I’d rather enjoy that little scenario. You all decked out in skin-tight PVC, looking oh so afraid.” Lannan flashed me a nasty look. Damn him, he was doing his best to pay me back for…for whatever slight he thought I’d given him this time.

I shuddered. “I’d rather think of another idea, thanks.”

“If I chose to do this, you would be obligated to join me. Your contract belongs to me.” His eyes gleamed and he leaned back. Cat and mouse. And I was the mouse. “But are you a good enough actress to play the part? Unless I put you under a compulsion…” His voice snaked over the words and I stumbled back.

“No!” I could feel Grieve stir, turning on Lannan. I had to diffuse the situation. Having both of them under the same roof meant we were living in a powder keg.

I stopped as he slapped his thigh and started to laugh. I wasn’t sure whether that was more disconcerting than when he was being all slinky-feely. “No? More’s the pity. But I thought that would be your answer. It was amusing enough to watch your face. No, I believe we will deal with Geoffrey in a different way. However, tomorrow you will all move into Geoffrey’s mansion-mine now-with me. And that is an order.”

“Are you insane?” Kaylin leaped to his feet. “We’re safe here.”

“Really? You were almost taken out by day-runners this morning who had very nasty weapons that go boom. How much safer can you be than in a mansion filled with vampires?”

I wanted to protest, but he had a point. A valid one. Arguing was useless. I turned to the others. “I don’t like it, but he’s probably right. But it will have to be in a couple of days. We go into the woods tomorrow.” I drew my shoulders back. After tomorrow maybe we wouldn’t be relying on Lannan as much. If we could find the heartstone, then Lainule would be restored and we’d have her back on our side.

Lannan held my gaze, then inclined his head. “As you wish. But yes, you will move in with me. Even your cur of a boyfriend.”

Grieve folded his arms. “Altos, I warn you: Cicely is mine. I am fighting against my nature, but if you push me, I’ll let the Shadow Hunter inside me loose. And I could wipe the floor with you and swallow the shreds. I’ve been biding my time, but now I will speak. I cannot prevent you from tormenting her. Not yet. But touch her unwilling and I will have your heart on a plate for lunch.”

Lannan’s nostrils flared and at first I expected him to laugh, but his expression grew hard and he tensed. “Wounded, broken, and yet you challenge me. How very noble. How very dangerous.”

“Broken, I may be, but I am quite able to fight, able to kill, and more than willing to do either if the circumstances arise. You know my nature-if I unleash it, you would stand no chance. Trust me, Altos, it is you who are in danger. I have remained in the background, too aware of how easily I can be goaded into the violence that lurks inside of me. But one touch-if you touch any of these women when they say no-I will rip your heart out and revel in doing so.”

I stared at Grieve, my heart racing. He seemed taller, stronger, and I had the feeling something was changing with him. He turned to me, holding out his arm, and I slid into his embrace.

“My love, we must coexist.” I turned to Lannan. “It’s bad enough that we’re battling Myst, but this infighting is going to kill us faster than she will. You know I’m in love with Grieve. You know you won’t ever willingly have me. Yet you persist in baiting us.” I was exhausted, too tired to think straight anymore.

Grieve reached for me, but I motioned him back. “Enough. Lannan, please, I’m swallowing my pride here. Please just let it be. You’ll have your blood tithe every month-I stand by my word and my promise on the contract. But for the sake of sanity, give us a break.” I glanced back at Grieve. “And you, my love, I ask the same…I love that you want to protect me, but right now all our lives are up for grabs.”

Lannan’s expression was cold, but after a moment, he said, “I offer the safety of my mansion. I will not require it of the rest of you, but truly, Cicely, you should take refuge with me. You’ll be safer there. Geoffrey is not likely to let this affront go without looking for a scapegoat and no doubt, you-as well as I-will be the main targets of his animosity.”

He glanced at the others, turned, and headed toward the door. “I must return to the mansion to sort out the mess Geoffrey left in his flight.” He paused, looking back, and for a moment, a look of regret swept over his face. “I do not wish to be Regent, but what the Crimson Queen decrees, I shall obey. My sister will send for your things tomorrow night, Cicely. If the rest of you choose not to accept my offer, so be it. But for Cicely, it is an order-as per your contract. You will check in by nine tomorrow night.” And with that, he vanished out the door.

I stared at the others. “So, Lannan is now Regent, Geoffrey and Leo are in cahoots and out to get us. As much as I hate to admit it, Lannan is right. We’d be safer in the mansion. At least from Myst.”

Grieve cleared his throat and I expected him to argue but he merely said, “The vampires can protect us better than we can protect ourselves in this place. It’s been a good hideout, but we need a true headquarters.”

I crooked my elbow around his. “We’ll go. But first…I have to see if we can find Lainule’s heartstone. If we can, that may change everything. This is not a stable game, built on foundations and rules. The stakes are ever-changing and we have to be as flexible as a reed in the wind.”

My father, who had insisted on staying with me, even though I told him to go to Lainule’s side, nodded. “If you stay in the mansion, I will return to Lainule’s side. Truthfully, that is where I belong. But I cannot leave you unattended here.”

It hurt to think he was taking himself away from Lainule just in order to protect me. “I’ll go. You belong by her side.”

Rhiannon stood. “It’s late. We’ve all had a long, hard day. Let’s get some sleep. If we’re headed out to find the heartstone tomorrow, we’ll need all the rest we can get.”

“So you will come?” I gazed up at her, marveling at the quiet strength she’d been showing through all of this.

“Of course. Remember? We’re fire and ice, amber and jet. We’re cousin-twins. Where you go, so will I.” And with that, she headed toward the bedroom. Chatter watched her, wearing his heart on his sleeve.

Peyton, Luna, and I stood, and after murmuring quiet “good nights,” we followed her. The night winds howled outside the warehouse, and I closed my eyes, wondering just what the hell we were heading into tomorrow.

Whatever lay ahead of us couldn’t be much worse than what we’d already been through. And maybe, just maybe, we’d be back on the offensive again instead of playing with a wounded defense.