Page 156 of Vampire's Choice
Lyssa’s jade green eyes swept the assembled. “I need hunters and warriors. Lord Belizar, you will handle Council matters in my stead.”
The Russian vampire accepted the honor with a nod. “You are aware you leave a hammer in charge.”
“A hammer may be needed if we require assistance.” Grim humor touched her frigid gaze. “Lady Danny is also on her way from Australia. She’s cutting short the leave she took to attend to sheep shearing at her station.”
When her gaze moved toward Gideon, Ruth saw that Daegan had appeared beside him, the sheathed katana over his shoulder. “I am always prepared, my lady,” the enforcer said. “My servant should come, too. He may be of some small assistance.”
Gideon gave him an eat shit look, but the banter didn’t interfere with the grimness around his mouth. He was Kane’s uncle, after all.
“I’m with you,” Maddock said. “Not just as a portal conductor. You may need another magic user in the fighter category, my lady.”
“No chance you’re leaving me behind,” Lord Mason said to the queen.
“I wouldn’t dream of trying,” she responded. “We go get our children together.”
“I should go,” Yvette said. “To reinforce Maddock.” The tips of her fangs showed. ““I don’t tolerate those who use the young to fight their battles. They’re monsters that require putting down.”
“No.” Merc spoke, unexpectedly. “Your position with the Circus is too important. You’re the most powerful protection for Clara and others there. I’ll go with Lady Lyssa.”
Yvette’s brow lifted. “Though you question the blood, you may have enough angel to fall under the neutrality requirement, Merc. Marcellus?—”
“Today that is not the part of my blood that’s important, except as it can be called upon to help against our enemies.”
“Ruth needs you,” Yvette pointed out.
“I am whatever she needs.” Merc turned toward Ruth. “What do you need, Ruth?”
The Council members watched, but she knew their opinion wouldn’t matter to him. “I need you to go after them. Get Kane and Farida back. And tear apart those who…dared to do what they did.”
She stopped there, but he could read it from her heart. From every corner inside her.
“You will stay here,” he told her. “I know you wish to fight, but…”
“I’m not powerful enough. You’d have to focus on protecting me. I get it.” It hurt, but she was used to that kind of hurt. “Bring me bodies,” she said. “I’ll feed them to the cats.”
If it wouldn’t risk their digestive systems, she’d be dead serious. Some tribes ate the hearts of their enemies, to absorb their strength and establish their victory over them. She had no desire to touch any part of someone who’d murdered her parents. But she wanted to let the cats tear their earthly bodies to pieces.
“Lady Ruth.” Belizar drew her attention. “Since Merc can speak in your head, you will remain in Council chambers with us, as will Jessica and Anwyn. If Mason, Gideon, Daegan or Merc can communicate their status, you will be able to relay that information to us.”
“Is your ability to speak in her mind an angelic ability, or have you accepted her marks?” Lord Stewart’s eyes had narrowed.
“I accepted her marks. All three of them. She belongs to me.” Merc met the male’s gaze. Though his expression was impassive, the menace was impossible to miss.
No violence against Council members, she reminded him. Not until we get them back.
The ache expanded in her chest, because she so passionately wanted those words to apply to someone else, not just Farida and Kane. The crippling wave of pain turned Merc’s attention back to her. That cocoon in her mind steadied her. Helped her stay upright, inside and out.
“It’s not the time to debate whether Council permission should have been sought first,” Helga said shortly. “Save it for another day, Stewart.”
“I was aware of the possibility of the marking, but it was a recent discussion,” Lyssa added, her tone brusque. “It was a tactical decision, to assist in learning more about the Trad situation. I’ll explain later. Now it’s not relevant.”
Lyssa moved on, addressing Uthe. “I know you’d stand with me. The battle I need you to fight is at Keldwyn’s side, with Rhoswen. If this does not go well, if we did not anticipate our foe well enough, I need your clever tongue and wits to join with his and convince her to help her godson.”
“Kel’s currently with her at a High Fae event,” Uthe said, “but I can send him a thought and he’ll respond immediately.”
“I know.” Lyssa’s gaze slid over the room again. “Those of you joining me, go prepare. Dress for a fight. We leave shortly.”
“You’ll be in the deep woods,” Uthe added. “Up in the mountains.”