Chapter 33: A Difficult Decision for Boris

WILLOW

Jenna and Victor are already in the surveillance tent when I join them. Jenna offers me her seat and takes up a position near the entrance. Two other wolves are stationed outside.

“All right, let’s take it from the top. This was Monday, right after the humans returned to the pack. These two girls…” Victor pauses the video. “Beth and Selma. From what I’ve gathered, they didn’t even like each other before all this started. Now, they’re practically joined at the hip. They hang around, watch the guys train, but never join in.

“On Monday night, only Selma went out for a midnight walk. She slipped out of her parents’ house just after midnight, was gone for about half an hour, and came back looking like she was in a trance. Her eyes were glazed over, and her face was blank.” He changes the camera angle and freezes the video on her face. “See? It’s like…the lights are on, but nobody’s home.”

I study her face and have to agree with him. It’s as if she’s lost a part of herself.

“Then, on Wednesday night, it was Beth’s turn. Same routine. She leaves her house, disappears for about thirty to forty-five minutes, and comes back with the same vacant look. I’ve caught them on camera leaving one more time each this past week. Always around the same time, always returning about the same time. The next morning, they seem normal.”

“Have you seen anyone else leaving the pack on the nights when these two don’t?” I ask.

“No one,” Jenna replies from the door. “They’ve been pretty active tonight, though. Both of them. I’m sure they’ve heard about your return and are trying to find out why you’re back. I’ve told everyone not to discuss your return or how long you’ll be staying. We’re just saying it’s a quick check-in on the training.”

“I bet the vampires are thrilled to hear I’m back,” I say with a smirk. “So, who’s due to leave tonight?” I turn to Victor.

“If they stick to their pattern, it should be Beth’s turn.”

I nod. “I want them followed. Whoever leaves, I want someone on their tail. Link me as soon as one of them leaves. Let Reuben and Thorn know, but no one else.” I stand up and head out. “I need to call Boris and update him. I also need some alone time. Link me if there’s any movement from these girls.”

Back in my tent, I lie down on my cot, my mind reeling from the horrors I’ve witnessed tonight. I need to free that girl in the cage, and soon! I ask Genisis to help me link to Andrei. I need to hear his voice in my head, feel our mate bond.

~“Beloved! I can feel your distress. Are you okay?”~

~

~“No. I just went on a reconnaissance mission to the caves. I wanted to see what kind of army we’re up against, and how many. I also needed to know if Mihai and his mate were there.”~ I take a deep breath.

~“They are. I saw Josephina and her brother Ivan right away, standing at the entrance of the cave. Inside was chaos. Bodies writhing in pain as the venom coursed through them. ~

~“I found Mihai feeding off a dead girl while he had sex with her corpse. She was just a child! Maybe fifteen or sixteen! Then he called for more, and they brought him a boy, about the same age. ~

~“The boy was devastated when he saw the girl. Mihai bit into his neck and then raped him, killing him in the process. Andrei, it was so hard to watch!”~ Tears start to stream down my face.

~“Genisis and I wanted so badly to take him out. I ran, but I found a cage hanging from the cave ceiling. Inside was a girl. Bite marks all over her arms and legs. I spoke to her. Her name is Saoirse. ~

~“There was something about her. She’s human, but…more! I promised to come back for her. They’re using her as a blood bag for the new turns. She was being so brave. It broke my heart to have to leave her there.”~

I sit up and wipe my tears. ~“I’m going to call Boris. I’ve made up my mind. We attack them before they attack us.”~

~

~“I’m with you, my love. Tomorrow night?”~

~“Yes. Let Eros and Tobias know. We move on them after dark. I’ll inform my group here in the morning. I love you! I miss you so much!”~

~

~“As I miss you, my beloved. I’ll be there early tomorrow.”~

~

We break the link, and then I call my brother. He picks up on the third ring.

“We’re going in tomorrow. I’m not waiting!” I tell him forcefully. “I’ve seen what they’re doing, and Mihai is there. I’ve already spoken to Andrei, and he’s ready as well. They’ll be here tomorrow.”

“Do you need more warriors, sis?” He sounds exhausted.

“No. With the dragons and Fae warriors, we have them cornered. I’ll take out Mihai’s mate and brother. Andrei will handle Mihai and the rest. His power will force the new turns into submission.”

I take a breath. “I need this to be over. Unthinkable things are being done by this monster. Have Lira and Demitri prepare the hospital. We’ll bring in whoever we can. There’s one girl they’ve been using as a blood bag. I promised her I’d be back. I’m not leaving her there past tomorrow.”

“I’m on my way. It’s only right that I be there with you,” he says into the phone.

“Boris, you sound tired. Rest. I can handle this.”

“I know you can, but I’m the alpha king. We need to show unity. I’ll be there.”

“Okay. I’ll have coffee and breakfast ready for you.”

“Have Jenna make the coffee. Yours always sucks!” He chuckles, then hangs up.