“That and any meat it seems,” Lily replied. “Like I said, pure carnivore.”
“Well ay least it’s something,” he said stealing the bagel and frown. “Or this is just God awful,” he added, spitting it out. “I’m going to check up with Nick after we eat. I want to make sure he doesn’t make the same mistakes Tony made.”
“Right, good idea,” Lily replied. “I’m going to call Xin Qian and sew what’s taking her so long to get here. Chris and she should’ve been here by now. She has her own freaking jet after all!”
“Her own jet? How does she have her own jet?” James asked before trying the steak. It wasn’t great but it was edible.
“Alpha daddy owns a bank,” Lily replied with a snort of amusement.
“So Chis has a banker father in law and a super powerful witch as a mother in law. Man he ever steps one toe out of line he is screwed,” James said, laughing and pitying his friend.
“Don’t forget about the kick ass hybrid best friend,” Lily jumped in with a smirk.
“Right, how could I forget her,” James said with a wink. “I bet he won’t make it three years without a curse, or an audit, or an ass kicking or all three!”
“I give it a year. You always were the optimist James,” she replied and he shrugged in admission.
When they finished James saw Chris and Xin Qian pulling into the parking lot. “Sorry we’re late,” Xin Qian practically yelled from across the lot before skipping over to them.
“You missed the rescue,” Lily told her, shaking her head.
“Really?” Xin Qian said her cheerful expression dimming.
“Really,” Lily replied, crossing her arms over her chest. “What took you so long to get here?”
Xin Qian huffed while Chris snickered. “She decided to go to Portland to get supplies then we got snowed in for a couple of hours,” Chris explained.
Xin Qian frowned, mimicking Lily’s crossed arms posture. “It’s not my fault. I didn’t know it was going to snow,” she complained.
Lily grinned, threw an arm over Xin Qian’s shoulders. “It’s okay. I forgive you… if you promise to give me your first born,” she teased, making the Asian werewolf giggle. “Actually, if you can come with me maybe you can help Tristen, the girl that the vampires took. She got hurt pretty bad on her arms,” Lily explained, a brief expression of guilt overtook her face.
“Really? Poor girl! Let’s go,” Xin Qian said, suddenly excited again. “I’m sure I’ve got something that can help her!” She took Lily’s hand in hers and gave it a tug excitedly. James shook his head. He wondered where that girl got all her energy from.
“So, what’s been going on?” Chris said, rocking on his feet.
“You know the typical. Vampires causing trouble and we go in to stop them,” he said with a smirk but it dimmed as he looked over at Chris. His own guilt welled up inside him as he saw the still visible scars on Chris’ neck and face. Vampires had persuaded Chris and several others into attacking James while in masks and cloaks. In the heat of the moment, he hadn’t realized it was Chris or his fellow pack mates until it was too late.
Chris was the only one who survived and it was all thanks to Xin Qian. Without her magic, he probably would’ve died and it was why James was so adamant in making sure Nick didn’t make similar mistakes as his alpha. “Come on, let’s go check in with Nick,” James said, walking towards the main entrance of the hotel.
Nick, James’ dad, Lucas, Canadian, Bobby, and Mason all were leaning over a map. “The woods are large and dense. The vampires could be anywhere,” Nick said, obviously frustrated.
“Well, I think for tonight we should focus on defense,” James jumped in. “How many of your enforcers are familiar with vampires and defense against them?”
“Maybe a few. Why?” Nick asked.
“Because if we aren’t careful the vamps could walk right in before we realize they’re here. Vampire persuasion is very nasty stuff. Our pack learned this the hard way. I am willing to bet my right arm that’s how your scouts died,” James told him.
“Okay, so what do you suggest we do?” Bobby asked.
“Well we don’t have much time and as much as I don’t like it, I think we should have that vampire lord’s vampires paired up with our patrols. Also, spread the word to not look at any unfamiliar vampire in the eyes. With persuasion they need direct eye contact,” James explained.
“My sister can begin making charms that will eliminate this risk but it will take her time. We are many and she’s just one witch,” Mason jumped in.
“She’s also curing the girl right now too,” Chris added, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “If the vamps are anything like the last ones we dealt with I doubt they’ll be in the woods.”
“That’s true, Silvano was using an empty house to hide in. Maybe this Vincent is playing the same card. It would explain why they emptied the town of people,” James said, looking at the map.
Nick pressed his lips together tightly as he exhaled noisily through his nose. “I think you’re right,” Bobby said, slapping his brother on the back. “How about we prepare our people for nightfall. When the Aequivalere gets here, we’ll hash out a plan of action. What do you think brother?”
“Alright, we’ll meet with our people and make plans. James and… what’s your name?” Nick asked Chris. Chris smirked and gave him his name.
“I’ve heard about you. You’re the one that helped Portland with the rogues right?” Nick said and Chris’ smirk grew as he nodded. “Good Job. Well, can you and James help inform the enforcers.” Both James and Chris readily agreed. “Perfect. Now let’s get to work. We only have a couple of hours until sunset.”
“What’s this about rogues?” James asked when they left the conference room. Chris grinned at him cockily.
“Just me being awesome and saving Xin Qian’s pack,” he replied and James scoffed. “Hey, don’t be hate’n,” he said, tugging on his jacket as smirking at James.
“I am not “hate’n” I’m simply doubting,” James shot back and Chris shook his head.
“I don’t think that Lily is a very good influence on you,” Chris said, trying to sound serious.
“I’ll tell her you said that,” James told him. “Now let’s get to work Mr. Awesome.”
James and Chris spent the rest of the evening working with the enforcers. At some point, Lily and Xin Qian had joined them. When it was starting to get dark and the enforcers had left to get into position, James was feeling a lot better about their situation. It was almost full dark when the vampire lord joined them. “Good evening Alphas,” he greeted Nick and his brother.
“I hear the morning hunt went well. The human girl is safe and we now know the name of our enemy,” he said as he stopped before them.
“That’s right. What do you know about this Vincent?” Nick asked.