Read Caressed by a Crimson Moon (Rulers of Darkness) Online
Authors: Amanda J. Greene
Caressed by a Crimson Moon (Rulers of Darkness) (31 page)
“What the hell is this?” Samuel erupted he after stepping into the largest conference room of the swanky hotel. Thick, black tapestries covered the floor to ceiling windows. The sparkling gold and crystal chandelier provided plenty of light.
Silvie smiled. “Welcome to Estonia, the shared territory of the Voidukas and Shaw. Please, gentlemen, take your seats, we’ve much to discuss.”
“The summons said nothing about vampires. I will not sit at the same table, nor breathe the same air as those fiends,” Samuel seethed, jabbing a shaking finger toward the vampire royalty.
“This is trickery, priestess,” Oliver added.
She shrugged, her shoulders rolling beneath the velvet, scarlet robe. “The Shaman wanted you here. This is the reason he request you all attend unarmed.”
“Where is he? He should be at this meeting,” Lewis pointed out.
Silvie sighed.
Here we go. Kick the plan into action, she told herself.
Her uncle had given her specific instructions. Her words would set off a series of events and there would be no going back for anyone in the room once she opened her mouth.
Do it,
Silvie.
She heard her uncle’s voice invade her mind.
You must.
Have I ever disappointed you before? Bobby was my idea, if you recall. I planted him to separate Denise and Kerstyn. It worked perfectly. I drove Kerstyn right into Dimitri’s arms. I also successfully convinced Hadrian to bind Eva to him. Without my help, those two would still be fighting their attraction and now they are well on their way to wedded bliss,
she countered.
Handle this with care, my girl
, he cautioned before fading away.
I always do
, she thought with an inward grimace.
“The Shaman will not be joining us. He has been ill of late. I will be presiding over this meeting,” Silvie announced.
Samuel’s eyes narrowed.
The seed of discord has been planted
, she thought.
“We will not tolerate this. We are leaving,” Oliver declared.
The doors slammed shut as the strong sense of magic spread through the conference room.
“No one will be leaving until I lift the spell,” Silvie replied sweetly. “So, have a seat. You must be exhausted from your flight.”
The Red Order Council slowly moved towards the table. They sat, their gazes locked on the vampire monarchs.
“Wonderful, let’s get started. The Shaw has called this meeting, summoning all the vampire Chieftains and their Seconds along with the five members of the Red Order Council with the purpose of discussing peace.”
Samuel and Oliver balked while Carter, Richard, and Lewis leaned forward, interested.
Good boys.
She glanced at the line of vampires. They remained poised and as stoic as ever. Just as expected. They betrayed nothing, all true warriors. Well, Kerstyn was an exception. The newly changed vampire had been named Dimitri’s Second. He had named his wife as his heir. King Dorian had Raphael at his side while King Hadrian and Falcon sat together. Queen Sonya and Gwendolyn’s expressions were fierce, the women perhaps the most deadly pair.
“The war between the Mylonas and the Red Order has gone on for far too long. The Shaw would like to see it end in a mutually beneficial way.”
“Long before your time, priestess, I had tried to end this senseless war.”
“Yes, King Dorian, I am aware.”
“You expect us to call a ceasefire?” Samuel snapped. “You are wasting your breath, priestess.”
“Since the invention of bagged blood, the Clans have not been feeding directly from humans,” she continued, ignoring Samuel’s outburst. “Slavery was abolished long ago and bleeders are no longer necessary.”
“But they are still kept,” Lewis said.
“Only if they are willing,” Silvie countered.
“Those humans have been brainwashed,” Samuel argued.
“No mind control or hazing has been used on the humans in question, I can assure you,” Dimitri spoke, his voice smooth and even.
“Slavery does still exist. The Outcastes capture humans and keep them in cells, using them as juice boxes until they dry up,” Samuel said.
“Before this war, the Red Order hunted the Outcastes, keeping the society under control,” Silvie interjected. “But no longer do the scum of vampire society fear you.”
Dorian turned to Silvie. “We know the Red Order will never stop killing our kind. However, the four of us would be content if this war ended and we returned to the old ways. We control and police our people. We will see to it that no unwilling humans are used and that those who share themselves freely are not abused. If a vampire disregards the law, they will be banished and the Red Order can deal with them as they see fit.”
“That was once the arrangement,” Hadrian said, his deep voice drawing all eyes to him.
“And can be again,” Carter added.
“No. Our mission is to destroy all vampire kind, beginning with the Mylonas Clan.”
Dorian’s sea blue eyes narrowed as his gaze fell on the white haired man, Samuel. “That will never happen.”
“Nor the ceasefire.”
“Peace can be achieved,” Carter insisted. “The Shaw and the Voidukas are a perfect example. They have happily coexisted for centuries.”
Silvie held up her hand. “Think twice before you insult my tribe,” she said, her gaze fixed on Samuel.
He bit down on his tongue and swallowed his retort.
“The Red Order was founded with the purpose to hunt and kill vampires,” Oliver said.
“Has anyone here suggested you stop doing your job?” Sonya asked. “We are not fools. We know there will never be love between our two species, but there can be a mutual understanding.”
“A contract can be drawn, laws put into place which will be enforced by both sides,” Dimitri offered. “We can come to some sort of an agreement.”
“I don’t believe we can,” Oliver said.
“Let’s hear this out,” Lewis suggested.
“I would like to know what would be in this contract.”
“I will never sign a treaty with these leeches.”
The vampires all rolled their eyes at Oliver’s d
erogatory
term. It was an overused label.
“Be warned, Councilman,” Dimitri said, his tone deathly calm. “If this war persists, the Volkov Clan will join with the Mylonas.”
Carter swallowed hard as Richard and Lewis paled. The Red Order was struggling to fight one clan. Two would be absolute murder. God, there was little stopping the Validus from joining as well. Hadrian needed some time to organize his clan, but once they were unified…fear struck like a blow to the chest.
Death will fall to all.
Carter heard the priestess’s words as if she were speaking them now.
“You will not see the Red Order tremble,” Samuel spat. “You all can band against us, but we will prevail. Not even the traitorous Shaw can save you.”
Samuel’s blood was heating to dangerous heights. He sensed Oliver’s agitation beside him and hated Carter’s enthusiasm for a peace pact. Had the young councilman contacted the Shaw? Had he gone behind their backs and arranged this meeting? Then there was Richard, who supported Carter’s efforts for peace and the undecided Lewis. This conference had done nothing but show the enemy that the Red Order council was divided. The internal strife translated into weakness.
His eyes shifted to the priestess.
The Shaman would have only sent her for one reason. He was dying, perhaps preparing for reincarnation. The always strong and proud Shaw would soon find themselves weakened by the lack of a leader.
Perhaps the Reds had been going about this war the wrong way. The Shaw supported the vampires, backing them with healing potions, spells, and when necessary, soldiers. Without the Shaw…Samuel disguised his evil smile with a cough. Yes, the Red Order had been fighting a losing war, but not anymore.
“Your hopes for a ceasefire and possibly treaty are futile, priestess. Never will I sign a pact with these bloodthirsty, murderous demons. They belong in hell.”
Carter and Richard sputtered as they argued, but Samuel was finished. Being the oldest council member, he held the most power and, unfortunately for everyone involved, the council had to come to a consensus or no agreements could be made. As they stood, the Red Order was divided and without peace, there would be death.
Dorian’s gaze flickered between soulless black and warm blue. His fangs sharpened as he hissed, “I promise you, Samuel. One day soon you will lament your stubbornness.”
“I highly doubt it.”
Dorian’s lips slowly turned up with a smile. “War has been my sole occupation for nearly four thousand years. You cannot possibly win. Not only do we have superior strength, but time is on our side.”
“Your population suffers,” Sonya stated. “Your numbers fall every day and unlike you, our reproduction is not restricted by biology.”
This conversation was not going as Carter had hoped, but it was progressing perfectly for Silvie. She just needed one more retort from the pig-headed Samuel and she could call an end to this meeting.
“Every full moon, we could welcome hundreds if not thousands of our kind into this world,” Dorian added.
“You would damn more innocents to hell to win this war?”
All the monarchs knew Dorian was not serious. He loathed the thought of creating more vampires. Then again, he would do anything to ensure victory, which is what had always made him dangerous.
“Embrace a truce and you will never have to lean the answer to your question,” Dorian said.
“When you all walk into the glowing rays of the sun, you will have your truce.”
Silvie clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention. “Enough.” She rose to her feet. “I have heard all I need.” The doors of the large corporate conference room swung wide. “Councilmen, your rooms will be comped. Airline tickets await you at the front desk of the hotel lobby. I suggest you gather your things and depart immediately. Though the sun rides high in the sky, there are some vampires present that can tolerate its rays.” She smiled. “I wouldn’t want anything untoward to befall you.”
Samuel shot to his feet, his fists shaking at his sides. “This is not over, priestess.”
Her pupils dilated and constricted as a vision flickered through her mind. After a long, strained moment of silence, her eyes returned to normal. Her smiled grew brighter. “Yes. I know.”
Samuel mumbled heated curses as he stormed from the room, Oliver close behind. Richard and Lewis filed out into the hotel hall. Carter paused just outside the meeting room. He opened his mouth to speak, but quickly snapped it shut and left.
“What the hell were you thinking? Why did you call this ridiculous meeting,” Sonya demanded once she was certain the enemy was out of hearing range.
“To talk peace. Where have you been, Sonya?” Silvie teased.
The queen mumbled a curse and slumped in her chair. She tossed her long golden hair over her shoulder. The silken strands hit Falcon’s shoulder. She turned to apologize. The knight gave her a stiff nod.
“Your Majesty,” he said, his voice controlled.
She blushed as she sensed everyone watching them.
“Sir Kenwrec,” she replied.
Falcon stood and straightened and buttoned his suit jacket. Turning to his king, he said, “If you no longer have need of me, I would like to check on Miss Maldonado.”
Hadrian gave a nod of approval. Sonya watched, pained longing glistening in her eyes as the Black Knight left the room.
Gwendolyn leaned over, placing her hand on her queen’s forearm. Sonya shook her head and said, “Don’t say anything.”
Sonya pushed away from the table and excused herself from room, careful to remain in the shadows and away from the sunlight.
Silvie sighed. She hated seeing her friend in pain. It was no secret that Sonya and Falcon liked each other. Unfortunately, ancient vampire law forbade a union such as theirs.
Something I will have to fix
, Silvie thought.
“That poor couple,” Kerstyn sighed.
All murmured in agreement.
Dimitri took his wife’s hand. “You did well, Kerstyn. I am proud of you.”
Turning toward him, she smiled. “It was much harder than I thought. I could hear their hearts pounding and their blood…that was really difficult.”
“You displayed great restraint,” Dorian praised. “I was ready to launch across the table and rip their throats out.”
“Now, Vlakhos, that would not be kind of you,” Silvie tsked.
“You know those morons will never accept peace,” Raphael added.
Silvie’s shoulders shook with a hard laugh. “I know everything.” Her dark giggles died. “Now, there is someone I must meet. I will see you all at Hadrian’s coronation this weekend.” Her words echoed through the room as she faded.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Eva paced. The hotel was lovely. Certainly the finest she had ever seen.
They had arrived late last night and after tucking her in the room, he had gone to meet with the other Clan Chieftains. The Shaw were playing mediator, calling for a peace meeting between the vampire rulers and the Red Order. The idea was great in theory, but could it ever be implemented?
Hadrian had not come back last night and she had not seen him in the morning.
He must be staying in a different room,
she thought.
Falcon had swung by before the meeting and gave her a credit card. Hadrian had suggested she “take in the sights” before they flew back tonight. She had been excited to explore the new city and took advantage of the short time she had. It was refreshing to mingle with the public. She had wandered through the city, ducked into shops, had some coffee, and after ignoring them for as long as she could, Eva asked her two Shaw bodyguards where she should go. They escorted her to SadaMarket, which had everything from fashion and necessities, to baked goods and fishing gear. Fortunately, there was no language barrier. Her mother had taught her Estonian since it was her first language. She had also instructed her in Russian and
Portuguese.
Now, she anxiously prowled from one wall to the other, thankful the suite was spacious. She let out a frustrated growl, her steps quickening.
She needed to talk to Hadrian. They needed to finish their conversation Falcon and the summons had interrupted. She had a feeling Hadrian had been about to say...what? God, she wished she knew.
She had been unable to sleep. Her mind kept replaying that last moment. His expression had been serious, his harsh black eyes were warm, his gaze gentle. The way he said her name…it sounded as if he could not live without her.
“That is because he doesn’t want to.”
Eva slapped a hand over her mouth to hold back her yelp of shock as a woman took form just inside the door. Her red robe swayed as she crossed the room.
“Hi, I’m Silvie.”
Eva could only blink. The woman exuded power and strength. The scent of her magic was overwhelming and Eva struggled to breathe. Her vision spun as she felt herself sway. Then in a rush, the room cleared.
“Sorry. My power can make some uncomfortable, especially those that aren’t used to the sensation.” Silvie waited for Eva’s equilibrium to return before she continued. “You wished to speak with me?”
“What? Oh, you are the priestess Hadrian told me about.”
Silvie smiled warmly. “I hope I can help you with your questions. I must warn you, I can’t see the past. I only know what the Shaman has chosen to share with me.”
“Oh, god,” Eva sighed, falling onto the edge of the bed. “These last few days have just been…unreal.”
“I know what you mean. Things still need to sink in.”
“What was it that you said when you came in?”
“I was just responding to your thoughts. When I first materialize in a room, I can hear, well, everything. Don’t worry. I’ve closed the door to your mind. I will only know what you decided to share with me.”
“I’ve never met anyone who could read minds,” Eva said breathlessly.
“It’s not a whole lot of fun.”
“I could imagine. I’m constantly wondering what King Hadrian is thinking, but…I probably don’t want to know.”
Silvie came to sit beside Eva. “I think you would be pleasantly surprised.”
Eva shook her head. She hoped the witch was right. “Did he ask you to speak with me?”
“No, I beat him to it.”
“Well, I had some questions about my mom.”
“I’m sorry, but many of your questions can only be answered with speculation. I have yet to develop the ability to speak with the dead.”
I’m right on track for that, just another two months of training,
she added to herself.
“I wasn’t expecting much. I just want to know a few things about her.”
“And your father?”
Eva shrugged, sweeping her hair forward. It draped over her shoulder and fell to her lap. “Can I assume you know about my life and my situation?”
“Yes.”
I know more than you could ever comprehend.
Eva closed her eyes and willed herself to relax. She was too on edge, her thoughts a mess of questions about her mother, Hadrian, and her own future. She needed to organize the chaos. Mentally, she ranked her questions.
“So,” she began, squaring her shoulders, “do you know the true reason my mother left her family? She had told me it was so that she could go to school.”
“Isabella was in line to become a priestess, but she did not want to fall into the fold. We,” Silvie waved a hand at her cloak, “sacrifice much so that we may dedicate ourselves to our craft. She simply wanted a different life. She was not banished or anything or like that.”
That was a relief. Eva had imagined that her mother was an outcast from her tribe. Alone to make her way in the world, like her.
“Was the story she told me of how she met my father true?”
“Yes, they met at a party.”
And had drunk, unprotected sex
, Eva finished.
“She knew little about shifters and your father was probably too wasted to care about her being a witch. You know shifter law, any relations with anyone other than shifters is forbidden. So, are you going to ask me the hard questions?”
Eva brought her hands up to rub her temples. Did she dare ask the two questions that burned her tongue? Hadrian had a good point. Information once learned cannot be unlearned. Well, she was not faint of heart. She could handle anything and these past few days were evidence of that.
“Why did she never tell me she was a witch?”
“I was waiting for you to ask that.” Silvie reached into one of the pockets that were hidden within her robe. “Your mom sent this letter to her brother.”
Eva reached for the paper with trembling hands. “My uncle?”
“Yes, he gave this to me for you.”
“Oh, my god.”
“When you are ready, he would like to see you. He may be able to explain more of why your mother did what she did.” Silvie paused, searching for the right words. “After Hadrian’s coronation celebration, you should ask him to send for your uncle.”
“Or I could just go to him. I’m planning on leaving the Validus Clan after the party.”
“Are you?” Silvie asked, her eyes narrowing.
Eva looked up and met the witch’s eyes. “I think it would be a good idea.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” Eva said with a frown.
“How does Hadrian feel about you leaving?”
“He wants me to go.”
“Honestly, do you believe that?” Silvie asked.
“He said—”
“Men say a lot of stupid things that they don’t mean. Besides, I didn’t ask you what he said. I asked what you believe. What does your instinct tell you?”
He wants me to stay.
Eva was dying to say the words, but she could not force them past her lips.
“I know your doubts and fears. I can’t tell you what to do or what will happen depending on your decision. But, wouldn’t it be easier for Hadrian to reclaim his throne after all these years with his mate by his side? After all, you are proof that he is the rightful king of the Validus.”
Silvie stood and stretched her arms over head. Her body ached from lack of rest. She had given Eva too much information. She should have phrased her words more carefully, but damn, she was tired and did not care about being cryptic and mysterious. She needed to unwind. Her lips curled into a smile as she thought of the perfect place to relax.
She glanced to Eva. Hadrian’s mate stared at the carpet, nervously tugging on her lower lip with her teeth as her fingers frantically made little braids in her hair.
“I’ll leave you so that you may consider my words. My last bit of advice is, don’t over think this. That is what Hadrian will do. Allow your emotions and instincts to guide you. They are never wrong.”