[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
criminal element.
Gabriel picked his way forward through the jumble of chairs and seated himself directly
behind Danamara. I apologize for being late. My partner and I found another abandoned
fledgling. I called Charlie and he agreed to see to her care. Is it my imagination or are most of the
abandoned fledglings women?
A pregnant silence fell over the small group as each of them considered the possibilities.
Then Pierre observed, They re looking for alphelis.
I thought an alpheli could be either a male or female. Danamara frowned. Isn t that
what you said, Julian?
It is.
When Gabriel shifted in his seat, it creaked ominously. Males, however are traditionally
warriors. Even if a male fledgling wasn t an alpheli, he could be trained for other uses. I suspect
someone is also creating an army.
Aren t female vampires as strong as male vampires?
Moira shook her head at Danamara s objection. Not as fledglings. Also, statistically
speaking, a male is more likely to have some previous military service. It s as Gabriel suggested
someone is creating potential soldiers.
Hugh stood up and went to the white board. I suggest we divide our problem into more
manageable bites. He listed fledglings, soldiers, organized crime, and assassination squads. What
else?
Accurate intel. As you pointed out earlier, it s difficult to gather accurate information.
Julian took Danamara s hand when her stomach gurgled softly. It isn t just the individual facts,
but assembling them in such a way as to show the entire picture.
Hugh added intel to the list. Anything else?
Security and protection for those at risk. Pierre nodded toward the tribunal overlords.
We need people in place to guard them.
Security.
Reginald studied the list. I can think of nothing else to add. Now we have a list. What do
you propose?
There is one more item to add to the list, Ming Lee said. The Suzerain Anciens need to
be informed.
I attempted to meet with several of them without success. Most refused outright. The
rest made it clear they were not interested in getting involved in the current political situation.
It s not possible to make them listen, Pierre concluded bluntly.
Hugh nodded and wrote Suzerain Anciens. To answer your question, Reginald, I propose
that we split the list between us. My house will be responsible for security and tracking down the
assassination squads. He printed his name after the two words.
I can handle intel, Julian offered.
And since my house already has a set up to deal with the abandoned fledglings, I will
take that one, Pierre added.
Hugh added their names after their choices.
After looking at the list, Moira said, We the tribunal should take the ancients. I
suspect they would be more open to our approach than from any of the rest of you.
I can gather information on organized crime, Gabriel said softly. Actually, I can give
that information to Julian to add to his overall intel.
Miguel cleared his throat. I think we might have the perfect person to infiltrate the ranks
of the soldiers.
Hugh turned to look at his lieutenant. Shawn?
Yeah.
I agree. He turned back to the list. Good enough. I suggest we meet two nights from
now to bring everyone up to date.
Where? Ming Lee inquired.
We ll begin our security measures immediately. Each of you will be fetched by one of the
guardians. Only they will know the meeting place. Every time we meet we will choose a different
location. Hugh scowled at the small group. Already, there have been attempts on some of you.
From now on, you live as though the only person you can trust is yourself. Take nothing for
granted.
Soberly, they nodded agreement.
Then this meeting is adjourned. Reginald stood up. Thank you for coming.
Pierre steered Danamara toward the elevators while Julian had a few last words with
Gabriel. After punching the button to lock the elevator in place until Julian joined them, he
tugged her close to his body, tilting her head back for his kiss. He backed her up against the
elevator wall, crowding close so her thighs separated permitting his cock to stroke her pussy.
Shoving her fingers in his hair, she returned his kiss with shocking abandon. From the
moment he d kissed her the evening before she d known she wanted Pierre in their bed, not just
as Julian s lover, but hers also. She wrapped her legs around his waist, struggling to position his
hard flesh exactly where it would rub her clit.
You ve behaved quite boldly tonight. Be careful you don t provoke more of a reaction
than you re ready for, he warned.
She likes provoking reactions, Julian said as he joined them. He selected the button to
release the elevator. Leaning against the wall next to her, he cupped her breast, pinching her
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]