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.
“Only what I’ve heard from others,” the vampire lord stated. “Vincent is maybe a couple hundred years old at best. He’s ambitious, always wanting more power than what he has. He’s also known to be cruel and retained little of his humanity.”
“Great so a psychopathic vampire. Nothing new for us,” Chris said with a goofy grin.
Etienne looked at him with a curious expression but said nothing as he turned back towards Nick. “He became a criminal when ran from his punishment for refusing to be discreet about his hunting and was recklessly killing the humans he feeds from.”
“When did killing ever bother a vampire?” Lily jumped in and Etienne gave her a tight smile.
“Dear Petite Louve, don’t confuse fiction with reality. I know Hollywood portrays us as ripping out the throats of our victims painting a room with blood. That would be like having a food fight when you’re going through a depression. Blood is precious and shouldn’t be wasted. We do our best to keep humans alive and in a healthy state. Having bodies piling up can never lead to good things,” he explained. Lily, obviously begrudgingly, shrugged with admittance he had a point.
James tried to stifle a chuckle, earning the stink eye from her and he offered her a shrug in reply. “What do you know of him and Xavier Thompson?” James asked and the vampire lord frowned.
“Sadly nothing. I do not know how long the vampire was involved with the lycan doctor. Vincent’s last known whereabouts was Italy nearly a hundred years ago,” The vampire replied. James couldn’t help but feel a little frustrated at the lack of information they had on this vamp.
“Maybe that’s where Xavier learned all these tricks of deception,” Chris suggested though his tone held no humor this time.