“Demetri will not submit to anyone other than himself leading,” she sighed though a fond smile crossed her face as she thought of the volatile vampire. “I think it’s a no brainer that he will lead the stateside part of the team. Joshua will be his backup though. He knows Europe better than any of us, and has vital contacts over there we may need.”
The blond vampire nodded his head, having sat silent until this point. “I think that’s wise,” he concurred. “No offence Freya but your reputation from your time in Europe precedes you. We need a cooler head in charge for this mission. In addition, anyone who is mated and produced hybrid offspring will immediately be looked on with suspicion by European Supernaturals, so that basically rules out, Freya and Nors.”
“A wolf will not be entertained either.” He nodded his head sympathetically at Dayton who didn’t appear the least offended. It was now common knowledge that European shifters were second-class citizen’s according to vampires over there.
“So we’re in agreement, Demetri and Joshua lead the mission.” Rafe stood back up as he spoke, a note of concern on his handsome face. “I don’t want to hear of any trouble over there that isn’t directly related to finding Gard and Rayne and getting all our people back safely.” His deep brown eyes rested on Freya, who shot him a scowl.
“Why do you always look at me when you say things like that, Rafe?”
Her mate burst out laughing, planting a quick kiss on her pouting lips. “Because trouble has a habit of following you around, my love.”
She kissed him back, a half smile causing one side of her mouth to tile up. “I suppose it does,” she conceded, looking far from repentant at the thought.
“I guess I need to speak to Aaron about pack security,” Rafe continued, satisfied his message to his impulsive pack member had been made. “Elina and Lily have gone over to the Hanlon Compound. Kal is off into the city with Brandon and some of the Praetorians to investigate the new wolf activity over there. With three of my top pack members off to Europe and the Romanov twins being more active in the Vampire Council to back up Mara while Demetri is away, there is a gap in pack security that will need to be plugged.”
Rhianna rose too, nodding as she did. “Talk to Mackenzie. He can probably spare some Praetorians to increase patrols around the compound. Now they don’t need to protect the children, they’re at a bit of a loose end. Perhaps talk to Jared too and see if he would like any additional backup at the Hanlon compound. I think Karn went with the girls so he could maybe act as liaison between the Praetorians and the pack?”
“Great idea,” her brother agreed, giving her a quick hug. “I take it Caleb is organising transportation for everyone to Europe?”
“Yes. Everyone should meet Demetri in an hour at our house,” Rhianna answered. “Caleb’s set aside one of his jets so they can leave as soon as possible.”
“Okay, sounds like everything is settled then. You better pack some gear and head over to Demetri’s. Call me every day with an update. I’m sure Demetri will be doing the same with Caleb.”
The others said their farewells heading out, leaving the siblings alone. Rhianna moved to sit on the vacated sofa, her brother sitting beside her.
“How are things going with Ava? Do you think you’ll be able to save her?”
Rafe frowned, concern etched across his handsome face. He ran a hand through his hair, a sure sign that he was worried. “It looked as if Reasa had made a decent connection yesterday, but after a few hours Ava deteriorated considerably. Liam had taken Pippa home to work on her own grief, but we had to reunite the pair to save not only Ava but to calm Pippa down. It appears her promise to Tali is the main thing keeping her grounded at the moment. Being separate from Ava caused her to have a meltdown.”
“The fact that Ava is still here in some form proves that she is strong, Rafe. If anyone can help her through the loss of her mate, it will be this pack. You have so much more experience saving wolves than any other pack alive today.” She chose her words carefully, reminding her brother that not only had Rafe and Dayton both been saved from going rogue, but that they also now had the formidable skills of Liam and Reasa who could heal even vampire minds.
“Sometimes I wonder who is taking care of whom here,” her brother chuckled ruefully, mussing her curls as he was wont to do.
“I don’t mind taking the odd turn every now and then,” she grinned back at him, giving him a quick hug. “Now, where is that lovely mate of yours? It’s been ages since I’ve been able to visit with Lacey. I might as well steal as much time as I can while I’m here.”
Arm in arm they headed out the study and towards the large dining room. Yes there was a lot of uncertainty and danger surrounding them all, but sometimes they had to take a moment of blissful normalcy to remind themselves of just what they were all fighting for.
~~~~~