Chapter 19: A Confluence of Thoughts

WILLOW

I manage to catch some sleep. It isn’t much, but it is enough to rejuvenate me. I gently press my lips to Andrei’s forehead, whispering into his ear, “I’ll be back before you even start to miss me.”

I then quietly exit the room, transforming into smoke and tracing my path back to the castle, back to my room.

I take a shower and dress in my black leathers, securing my knives and weapons to my body. I pull on my knee-high boots and make my way downstairs to the conference room where a meeting is scheduled.

My team is already on standby, waiting outside with the Humvee, fully equipped with everything we could possibly need, including gallons of holy water. It won’t kill the bastards, but it sure does sting.

Upon entering, I see not only Eros and Tobias, but also Uncle Roman and Uncle Gunnar from Germany. They’re huddled together, discussing their packs as Uncle Gunnar’s pack was modeled after the Rare Chosen pack back in the day.

Mom is with Dad and my brother. Lira is here too, as well as Malichai the Red Coven Witch and Aunt Oliva and Uncle Ridge.

“All right, everyone!” My brother calls out to grab everyone’s attention. “My sister Willow has discovered a potential pattern to the vampire attacks.

“They seem to be gradually making their way here to England, targeting one isolated pack at a time starting from Scotland. So far, they haven’t attacked any major packs or human cities. They’ve only infiltrated a few, leaving behind victims who are either dead or disoriented.”

He points toward the map we had painstakingly marked with colored strings. “The yellow string shows the general direction of the vampires from Scotland and the red one indicates where we believe Mihai has joined in.

“As you can see from the pictures next to the red string, the damage inflicted on those packs is more severe and extensive. He has a fondness for blood play with his victims, which is why we believe he was involved.”

Boris scans the room, his gaze landing on me. He nods, and I step forward.

“I’ve identified three isolated packs in the path of their destruction. Here, here, and here.” I point to spots on the map circled in blue. “These packs fit the criteria of what the vampires have been targeting. I’m taking a team of shadow wolves with me to this location.”

I indicate one that is more centralized on the map. “The other two will also need protection. That’s where you come in, Eros and Tobias. If you and some warriors could go to those locations, we should have them covered if and when an attack happens. Trust me. There will be an attack! I just don’t know which team will be in the thick of it.”

I look at both of them. “We need to stop them in their tracks. I want King Mihai’s heart on a stick! We’ve lost too many wolves already, and he won’t stop there. He plans to come after us all, as demonstrated when he killed the witch’s coven up by Scotland. No one is safe. He wants total control. He’s lost his mind.”

I take a breath. “Andrei revealed that as vampires age, they eventually lose their minds and start to think they’re godlike. This is what has happened with the vampire king.”

“But if that’s true, why didn’t Andrei turn out like this?” Tobias asks.

“Because he never shared his blood, and never turned another soul. He has remained true to his Goddess.”

“It’s a shame then that we’ve lost such a loyal and powerful man,” Tobias says with respect.

Lira clears her throat and looks toward Eros. “You will take a team?” she asks him.

“Yes, mate. My dragons are ready to fly,” Eros assures her.

“I too have my Fae warriors ready to head to a pack. Just tell me which one and we’ll leave immediately.”

Boris assigns the packs and we all head to our teams and gear up. I hug my parents and then lean in and whisper to Lira. “Please watch over my mate. I hope to be back before the week is over. Keep me updated if anything changes or if a new idea on how to help him comes up.”

“I will, princess. You be careful. These vampires aren’t playing games,” she cautions, touching my cheek.

I give her a smile and nod. “Go kiss your mate. He needs to know you’re there for him.”

She goes to Eros’s arms and kisses him.

“Okay sis, it goes without saying. Come home!” Boris hugs me.

“I will. I’ve set up a new schedule for pack security. It’s on your desk. Have Roman and Gunnar help out. They need something to keep their minds busy.”

“Always the vigilant one.” Boris kisses my forehead. “Safe journey. Keep us posted on your progress.”

I climb into the Humvee, and my team and I speed off toward the front gates. I have three trucks following behind me with more royal fighters. I know both Tobias and Eros will have strong men following them as well.

The drive will take a few hours, but it gives us time to use our senses to detect any imbalance in the atmosphere. Evil always makes its presence known, whether it’s an eerie silence in the air or a strange smell. For now, the hairs on my neck aren’t standing up, which is a good sign.