Awakening the Fire

chapter Twenty-Two

It was dusk by the time Zoe and Ari made their way down the overgrown drive. Zoe carried a box of journals. Ari hurried to push back the encroaching branches. She sniffed and rubbed her nose with the back of her hand. It felt stuffy from dust. A shower would be good. She glanced over her shoulder, relieved to get away from the overwhelming gloom of the decaying mansion and the dead body. As they reached the last bushes, Otherworld energy set Ari’s witch blood racing. She stopped so abruptly that Zoe bumped into her back, pushing them through the brush and spilling the journals on the ground. Recovering quickly, she stared at the two vampires leaning on the hood of Zoe’s car. Ari wiggled her fingers at Zoe and stepped forward, away from the precious notebooks.

The vampires straightened, watching them with cold eyes. The burly, dark-skinned bruiser with silver chains on his vest kept his arms crossed in a show of male dominance. The older vamp, a Caucasian with every visible inch of skin covered in tattoos, grinned, showing his fangs.

“You know these guys?” Ari asked, making no attempt to lower her voice.

Zoe took the cue. “Sebastian’s goons. Get away from my car,” she said, stopping in front of the guy with the chains.

He didn’t move.

“Sebastian sent us to get you,” said his tattooed partner, staring at Ari. He sounded tough. He looked tough.

Ari turned her head to Zoe, pretending ignorance. “Who’s Sebastian?”

“Local vampire prince. Not a very friendly dude.”

Heeding Andreas’s warning, Ari shook her head. “Sorry, guys, no time for a visit today.”

“Make time.” The guy with the tattoos, obviously the spokesman, flexed his shoulder muscles. “Sebastian wants to see you.”

“About what? I have a plane to catch. The airlines don’t wait.”

“Neither does Sebastian.” His tone was surly now, and he ignored her question.

Ari debated what to do. She was pretty sure she and Zoe could take them, but she hated to start trouble she couldn’t finish. When Ari was safely in the States, what trouble would Zoe have with Sebastian’s court? Besides, Ari couldn’t help but wonder why Sebastian wanted to see them, or how he’d known to find them at Dubrey’s estate.

She tapped her watch. “My plane leaves in two hours and fifty minutes. I intend to be on it. Until then, I might be willing to chat, if we can be quick about it.”

“Are you sure about this?” Zoe had dropped her voice, making Ari wonder how often Zoe dealt with vampires and their superior hearing.

Ari shrugged. “I don’t have anything better to do between now and then. And Prince Daron would want me to pay respects on his behalf.”

She wasn’t ignoring Andreas’s warning, but there was something to learn here. No matter what Andreas said, she couldn’t let the opportunity get away. So what if Sebastian and Daron weren’t friends? How big a deal could that be?

The vamps reached for Zoe’s car doors.

“Hey, guys. This isn’t a done deal yet. I need your boss’s assurance I’ll make my flight.” Ari crossed her arms. She wanted Sebastian’s agreement, but she was also stalling for time. Time and an opportunity to get the notebooks out of sight.

The vampires looked at her as if uncertain what to do next.

“Well, call him,” she said.

“You don’t call Sebastian.” The dark-skinned vamp blurted the words.

“Why not? Doesn’t he have a phone?”

“’Course he has a phone.” The guy with the tattoos again.

“Then call him or give me the number. I’ll talk to him.”

Still looking uncomfortable, the tattooed guy pulled out a cell phone and walked several yards away, motioning for his buddy to join him.

Ari turned to Zoe, pointed to the notebooks and then the trunk. Zoe nodded. Hoping the vampires were too busy to pay close attention, Ari whispered, “This is your opportunity to bail. You don’t have to come unless they insist. I’ll take care of this. If we split up, you’d be available to mount a rescue.”

“That was a very nice try, Ari, but forget it. I’m sticking. Can’t let you have all the fun.”

“That's fine. But remember that I offered.” Ari gave her a brief grin. “Now tell me about your badass prince.”

While they picked up the notebooks and filled the trunk, the vamps watched from a distance, absorbed in their phone conversation.

“Never met Sebastian,” Zoe confessed, “but he’s one of the older vampires that migrated from Europe, and everyone’s scared of him. He’s into torturing people, even his own. You cross him, you disappear. Regarding his ties to the drug trade or Molyneux, I can’t even guess. Nothing would surprise me. Wish I had more for you, but Sebastian doesn’t allow me any contact. Not even through the Magic Council. I rarely see the vampires.”

The prince was a real charmer, Ari thought. But not so unusual for what she knew of the old ones who hadn’t adapted to modern society. Made Prince Daron seem like a saint. Ari stole a quick glance at the two vampires. They were arguing. Maybe setting up a meeting hadn’t been such a good idea.

“So how do you do your job,” Ari asked, “when your Council has no authority over the vampires?”

Zoe shrugged. “This is a large Otherworld community. Believe me, I have enough to do without them. Sebastian is chief judge and executioner in his own territory, and he keeps his people away from the human population. Mostly.” She turned away to put the last journal in the trunk. “I’ve heard they use human blood donors. I just hope they’re willing.”

Ari frowned, still watching the vamps argue. “It’s a different world up here. Almost like the vampires don’t exist.”

“Until something like this happens.” Zoe followed Ari’s gaze to the argument. “That doesn’t seem to be going well.”

The tattooed guy broke away and stomped toward them. It struck Ari that he seemed familiar, but maybe it was just the scowl on his face. He wasn’t happy with whatever decision had been reached. He stopped in front of Zoe. “You. Get in the car. Pierre will go with you. You,” he pointed a finger at Ari, “come with me.”

“No way. Not until I hear what’s going on.” Ari wasn’t about to let these underlings take control. It would be bad enough once they reached the prince.

“That goes for me too.” Zoe folded her arms.

He was really pissed now. The veins in his throat bulged, but his voice stayed flat. “Sebastian will meet you near the airport. You can make your flight if you don’t keep wasting time.”

Zoe and Ari exchanged looks. This didn’t sound like the Sebastian they’d discussed. Too accommodating. He must want something really bad.

“Need to make a call first,” Ari said, waving her cell phone. This rushed meeting was giving her a bad feeling. Not a witchy kind of feeling, just that stirring in the gut, that hunch that told her something wasn’t right. She wanted to alert Ryan. If she didn’t show up later, he could at least call out the Mounties to look for bodies.

“No calls. Sebastian said no calls or the meeting is off.”

“Well, your boss is the one who’s so anxious to meet.”

The vamp gave her the same stone-faced look.

Non-negotiable, huh? She pocketed her phone. Ryan was too far away to help anyway. What did she care if they found the bodies? “Fine, but the Toronto Guardian and I go together or not at all. We’ll follow you in our own car.”

The tattooed vampire frowned but offered a compromise. “You can go together, with Pierre in the backseat. No calls. Let’s go now. Prince Sebastian is waiting.”

An hour later, they pulled into the rear parking lot of a modern twenty-two-story hotel. Zoe parked her VW next to the vampires’ black sports car. As they entered the hotel rear entrance, additional escorts arrived to take them to the top floor. VIP suite. Vampire guards stood at every entry.

Once inside the suite, the tattooed vampire directed them toward a seating area near the large bay window. The drapes opened to the night sky, and Ari looked out on a spectacular view of Toronto’s lights. Zoe chose the nearest chair and made herself comfortable, casually crossing her legs. Ari elected to stand.

Double doors opened on the left, and five vampires glided into the room. Even though the haughty demeanor of the vampire in the lead identified him as Sebastian, Ari had to stop herself from gaping. The Toronto prince was the most underwhelming vamp she’d ever seen.

Squat, stubby, but it wasn’t his diminutive size that drew her attention. She didn’t dare look at Zoe. Ari swallowed hard to force down a wayward giggle and peeked again at the very weird mustache dominating his upper lip. History book pictures of Hitler came to mind. The same black, bristling scrub-brush. Only larger. It couldn’t be real.

Sebastian suddenly focused on her, and she forgot the mustache. A sense of malevolent loathing slithered over her. She clamped down her magical defenses. Too late. Sebastian’s power pushed through her outer walls like they weren’t there. Blinding pain sent her collapsing on her knees, and she squeezed her fingers to her temples.

She dropped her hands to call the witch fire, but muscled arms grabbed her from behind, trapping her hands to her sides. Throwing her body against him in a frantic attempt to break free, she knocked them both to the floor, but her hands remained imprisoned. Curling in against the pain, Ari teetered on the edge of panic.

A sudden rush of heat flared in her head, a mental door slammed shut, and the pain lessened. Sebastian’s intrusive magic battered unabated against the barrier. She couldn’t push him out, but the certainty grew that he wasn’t going any farther.

The pressure seemed to last forever. In reality, it was only seconds. Then Ari was able to think clearly again. She relaxed her struggles, and as soon as the guard let go, she shot to her feet. Five vamps formed a circle around her. Zoe’s arms were held by two others, a knife at her throat.

Sebastian stared at her with cold, calculating eyes. “Interesting. Have a seat, Guardian. I am sure you would be more comfortable.” His words, even recited in a soft, singsong voice, were not a request.

She sat. It was a minor issue, and Sebastian had made his point. By some miracle, Ari had blocked him, but she had no idea how she’d done it. Or how to do it again.

“Tell me, Ms. Calin, how do you like our city so far? Is it not fabulous? I believe this is your first visit.”

Well, hell, now he wanted to chitchat? “I find it…overrun with dead things.”

“How unfortunate. I thought we provided a rather lively nightlife. What would you say, Ms. Vesper?” A benign smile beamed at Zoe.

Released by the restraining guards, Zoe stretched to her full height. “You can leave me out of this, Sebastian. And in the future, if you have anything to say to me, do it through the Magic Council.”

He barely spared her a glance. “I was merely being polite, my dear. I have absolutely no interest in you or your Magic Council.”

“So what do you want?” Ari asked, grabbing the offensive. “I have a plane to catch. If there’s a reason for this meeting, beyond your obvious power demonstration, let’s get on with it.”

The guards watching her stirred, but Sebastian kept a smile painted in place.

“So impatient. Part of your American manners, I suppose. Very well. We shall get on with it. What brings you to my city? We rarely have foreign visitors, especially from the States. And never from Riverdale.” His smiled broadened, displaying yellowed fangs.

Ari shrugged. “Nothing that concerns you.”

“But everything concerns me. You visited the wizard. Why?”

“How did you know we were there?” she countered.

Sebastian giggled, an unexpected sound that made her skin crawl. “I know everything.” He spread his hands in a wide arc. “Or I will when we are finished.” His reptilian eyes focused on Ari. “Would you like to answer my question now? Or do you need further persuading?”

No thanks. Not the kind of persuasion he could deliver. Besides, what did she lose by telling him? Maybe she’d learn something useful if she dropped a hint or two.

“I wanted to talk with Dubrey about drug trafficking. Do you know anything about his drug experiments on vampires?”

Sebastian studied an invisible speck on his sleeve. “Experiments? On vampires? It sounds highly unlikely. Enlighten me.”

“A drug called Fantasy. That Louie Molyneux is busy distributing to the vampires in Riverdale.” Ari watched closely, but Sebastian gave nothing away, except by his silence. And that could mean something—or nothing. “Do you know Louie?”

Sebastian smiled. “You tell me. You seem to have all the answers.”

“I think he works for you,” she said boldly. “Or maybe you work for him,” she added, seeing if she could prick his pride. “And you’re both connected to the wizard. Did you order Dubrey’s death? I can’t help but wonder why. Afraid he was going to control your mind?”

Sebastian giggled again. “How accusatory you are. It all sounds so fanciful. I have no knowledge of such matters. I am very distressed that you believe me capable of such bad behavior.” His singsong voice rang with insincerity.

Ari snorted. Bad behavior? More like evil. Zoe stirred beside her. Anticipating more action? Reminding Ari to tread lightly?

“How is my old friend, Prince Daron?” Sebastian asked abruptly, a jovial smile creasing his face.

Ari chose her words with care. “I wouldn’t know. I’m not personally acquainted with Prince Daron.”

“No? Did I misunderstand?” The prince cocked his head. “I thought my people said you were bringing a greeting from his court.”

“I lied.”

Sebastian covered his giggle with a lace handkerchief. “A pity. But you know his lieutenant, Andreas, I believe. Another very old friend of mine.”

“Isn’t that nice. I’ll be sure to tell him you said hey.”

Sebastian’s eyes slitted. “You are a disagreeable witch, and you have involved yourself in matters that do not concern you. If you hope to live a long life, Guardian, stay out of my affairs.”

“By affairs, do you mean the drug traffic? Or the murder of the wizard? Your old friends in Riverdale will be so disappointed that you threatened me.” Ari knew she should stop pushing. Sebastian had already proven he could breach many of her defenses. She braced for his reaction.

A wicked smirk crept across the old vampire’s thin lips. “If Daron or Andreas object to my behavior, tell them to come see me.” His nostrils flared above the bristles as he waved an imperious arm. “Get these females out of my sight. I have heard more than enough.” He left through the double doors, another giggle escaping his lips. His departure left behind a power vacuum in the room and a dry taste in Ari’s mouth.

The guards hustled the guardians down the elevator. The tattooed vampire’s face twitched, obviously disappointed Sebastian had let them go. As soon as Ari closed the passenger door of the VW, Zoe floored it. She was as anxious as Ari to put distance between them and the vampires before someone had second thoughts. They didn’t speak until they were more than half a mile away.

“What the hell was that about?” Zoe demanded.

Ari swore under her breath. “I don’t know, Zoe. Way too weird.” Ari clasped her hands together to stop the post adrenaline trembling. “If he wanted to scare me, he succeeded. Beyond that, I’m not sure. Did they hurt you?”

“I’m fine.” Zoe glanced at her passenger. “But how about you? For a minute there…”

“Yeah. It was close.”

Zoe drove straight to the airport. Once Ari was safely in the air, Zoe intended to take the whole story to the Magic Council. The wizard’s death, the notebooks, the confrontation with Sebastian.

While on the drive, Ari remembered to ask about Molyneux and his wolf pack.

Zoe started nodding right away. “I know the perfect wolf to ask.” When she pulled into the airport parking, she used her cell phone for a few minutes, then flipped it closed.

“Molyneux’s in town all right. Or he was. Seen in a local bar late Saturday night. My contact Pepe says Louie works for anyone who pays. And he’s worked for Sebastian before.”

“And the others? Sheila and the pack?”

“Not seen around here for weeks. According to Pepe they have their own small pack. Sheila, Louie, their various siblings, and a couple of cousins. I’m familiar with most of them. Lowlifes.”

“How big a pack?”

“Three Montgomerys, five of Louie’s family, plus the cousins. Ten at least.”

“Sounds like we have the entire clan in Riverdale.” Ari opened the VW door and stepped out. She leaned on the window frame and made eye contact with Zoe. “Sebastian was fishing back there. Wanted to know how much we knew. In my book, that says he’s guilty as hell. Watch your back.”

“And you do the same. What do you think he’ll do next?”

Ari didn’t know what to tell her. Events were rushing forward faster than she could figure them out.