“Doesn’t oversee vampire affairs just as it doesn’t oversee the lycanthropes,” he told her. “It’s not a chopping block you just need to choose a sire,” he added.
“Sounds the same to me,” she told him.
“Considering what you know of us, I am not surprised. A sire is not a master but a mentor, a guide into the new life. There is no bonds or exchange of blood in your case,” he explained. “All I would ask of you is allegiance for a hundred years. To come to my aide when I have need of it. In return I will vouch for you to the council and teach how to feed correctly in such a manner that both you and the donor will thrive,” he explained.
Lily eyed him, not fully trusting the vampire. “How long do I have to consider?”
“How about until we’ve finished dealing with the criminals here?” He replied. “I did not expect an answer tonight. It is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly Petite Louve. Now I must go and see what news there is for me,” he said. Suddenly he cupped her face, bringing her towards him he kissed her forehead in a fatherly manner before going into the room.
“What the hell,” she said, wiping off her forehead with a scowl.
The vampire returned but Lily had stayed outside. James wondered if that was a good sign or bad. Knowing their luck, it was probably bad. The vampire Lord Whatever-his-name talked to Lily’s father while the alpha looked over a map. James didn’t think he’d be missed so he slipped outside and stood next to Lily. He zipped up his jacket, envying her ability to not feel the cold when vampy. This was a lot colder than back home.
“Hey James,” Lily said, looking out over the parking lot. He followed her gaze. It didn’t surprise him to find it almost empty.
“Hey Lily,” he said, waiting for her to start the conversation. She took a deep breath he knew she didn’t need and let it out slowly. James glanced over as her. Her expression twisted from one expression to the next as if she was having a silent conversation.
“It seems I need a vamp daddy,” she said after a moment. James turned away from the empty parking lot and faced her, letting his confused expression ask the question for him. “A sire,” she added and explained what the vampire lord told her. “Apparently the vampires can’t allow even a partial vampire go without some kind of collar. Lord Etienne, of course, volunteered to do it but I don’t exactly trust him yet.”
“What about Dorin? Maybe he would do it,” James suggested. Dorin was the only vampire he had met that he could consider halfway trustworthy.
“I’ve thought of it but we don’t exactly get along. I’m not sure he’d agree,” Lily replied then sighed. “I should eat before I get too hungry.”
“You know,” James started. “I’m here if you need… you know.”
“There is no way of saying it without sounding weird is there? I wonder if the vampires have some flowery expression for drinking someone’s blood or offering it,” Lily said. She laughed and kicked a small rock. “Thanks for the offer James but I’m not sure it’s safe. The times I drank from you wasn’t for hunger but… well you know, like foreplay.”
“You know I think your right. I don’t think there is a way to say it without sounding weird and I trust you, Lily. So the offer still stands,” he told her then they fell into silence once more. “So is it just me but are you getting a weird deja vu feeling being back here, preparing to go into a fight.”
“It’s not just you. I feel it too,” she replied her mouth tilting in a half smile. “We’ve got to move quick James. I let her rot there two months…” James moved over, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and gave her a hug.
“It’s not your fault. We moved how we could. This takes time Lily. You’re here now and that’s what matters.”
“I just hope we’re not too late,” she said, leaning against him. “Ugh! You need to go away. You smell too good. Not the oh that’s a nice cologne way either,” Lily said, giving him a light push.
“Are you trying to start foreplay because that’s really not working for me,” He teased, putting some space between them.
“Oh, Funny. We’ll see how much you’re laughing when I make you my dinner!”
“Yeah… how about you stop trying to seduce me and we see what’s going on inside okay. I’d hate for you to hurt yourself,” he continued to tease her. She turned and glared at him, making him grin widely.
“James Lacrosse if you don’t shut up I’m going to dip you in so much silver you’ll make the Silver Surfer jealous!” His grin grew even more. He loved it when she threatened to silver him. It was like her thing, like when the guy in that movie would say “As you wish” to mean I love you. She only threatened James like that and as odd as it sounds that made it special.
James held up his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. No need to get physical. We can play later. I promise,” he teased one last time then darted into the hotel room… just in case. When he reached Nick all his amusement was gone from his face. “Where are we at,” he asked the Nick.
“I’m thinking of going with what works,” he said, not taking his eyes off the map. “Four teams, each attack simultaneously and take out whatever gets in our way.”
“You should attack during the day,” the new vamp said. “Their daytime forces will be small and I’m guessing strictly human and lycans. We could also eliminate many of the criminals before they realize what’s happening.”
“Alpha Daniels,” James dad spoke up with his chest puffed out like some over proud rooster that had long past seen its prime. Nick and another man looked up at the older werewolf.
“I suppose he’s talking to you,” Nick said to the younger of the two. The younger man grinned and pat Nick on the shoulder.
“I’m Bobby Daniels, south Montana pack alpha,” he said, looking around the room. “What is it…” he started, waiting for James’ dad to introduce himself.
“Mitchell Lacrosse, sir. I wanted to offer myself as a candidate to lead the attack. I believe I’m the only one with military experience sir,” James dad replied, sounding every bit the soldier. James did his best not to roll his eyes.
“Nick is leading the attack. He may not be a military man but he’s the offended alpha and has an extensive police background. However feel free to offer advice and assistance Mitchell,” Bobby replied. The older werewolf stiffen and his expression grew stonier.
“Yes sir,” James’ dad spat, not pleased he wasn’t adored and listened to. James liked the younger Daniels already.
“If you agree. I again say we attack all four sides,” Nick started, looking at James dad who gave him a stiff nod. “Myself, James, Donovan, and Caesar are familiar with the building. I suggest we all be leaders of a team-”
“If I may sir,” his dad spoke up again. Nick looked slightly irritated at the new interruption but nodded to the older werewolf. “You, the fairy, and the demon all have experience in these type of missions but the boy here doesn’t. I don’t think he’s apt to lead a team.” James glared at his father, sadly not surprised that he would pull something like this.
“Well James has been through this building and he’s been very effective when fighting, and he has his reputation going for him. As a soldier, I think you would understand how important the fear factor is,” Nick replied.
Before his father could argue James spoke up first. “Go ahead and let him play General, Nick. I don’t care as long as I’m not under him.”
“Playing General? This is serious boy. Not a game,” His dad snapped back at him.
“Maybe you should tell your ego that.”
Mitchell snarled at him and James growled right back. He wasn’t a scared teenager anymore! Nick cut off whatever reply his dad had. “Enough. Alright Mitchell, you want to take the lead. It’s yours,” he said and that appeared to please the older wolf. “James you’ll come with me and…” he shuddered. “Lily.”
“Oh she’s going to love that,” James said then laughed.
“I’m going straight into the front door with the primary of finding Bonnie and the girl. I figured Lily wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Nick explained and James agreed with him. They hashed out the rest of the details in the next hour. In the end, each team would have ten members. The crow was going to go with Donovan, thankfully. Evangeline was on his dad’s team. James had a feeling none of the remaining Aequivelere trusted him all that much.