Page 65 of Blood that Burns
“We’ll have all the exits surrounded by the coven. Addy is working to round up some additional people to help with the exits. Vzar will go with Katina to storm the stage. You and I will go through the front and try to blend in for as long as possible until we’re able to locate Marcellus and whoever might be helping him.” He narrows his eyes. “Why do you look skeptical?”
“You mean aside from all the unknown variables?”
“It’s all we can do, Law. I’m trying my best with limited resources. The Council is split down the middle on the issue of the auction. Each side is keeping their mouths shut.”
“I don’t think we should put so much trust in the coven.”
“Shante has been a loyal ally—”
I cut him off with a wave of my hand. “It’s not Shante I’m concerned about. She might be leading the coven, but you’re leading the Council, and look how much loyalty that’s gotten you.”
“Fair point. Go on,” he presses.
“If Marcellus or the Council has gotten to any of the witches and offered to aid in a coup, our defenses in the back would be shot to shit.”
He blows out a harsh breath. “What do you suggest?”
“Move Vzar to the back. Between him and Addy, they can assist Shante in any unplanned rebellions.”
“That will leave Katina compromised.”
I laugh. “Katina can hold her own. Besides, she’s one of us and as far as the other vampires know, she’s simply a slave to the Bellamy family. If anything, she could provide quite the distraction. Vampires love a good bitch fight.”
“Crass... but accurate. I have to say, Law, you have a knack for strategy.”
“I’m not all good looks and brawn, brother.” I wink and he rolls his eyes. “What about Marina and Maggie?”
“What about them?” he says, his tone going a bit low and threatening.
“We can’t leave them back here unattended. What if someone from the Council got word of their whereabouts and what we’re up to? They’d come straight here, and the girls would be defenseless against vampires.”
“Shit,” he barks, one palm running over his cheek. “You’re right. They’ll have to come, and Bash will guard them in the car. That’ll remove him from the front entrance, but he’ll be close enough if needed.
I nod. “We should probably get everyone updated on the changes.”
“It’s going to be a long night,” he says, and I huff. “Let’s not say anything to the girls just yet. I want to make sure we have all our bases covered and they’ll be safe.”
“I’m not saying a word.”
He laughs. “That’s right... Maggie is liable to castrate you before you can get a word out.”
“Who’s crass now?”
He slaps me on the shoulder. “Let’s go. I want to have some time with Marina before tomorrow.”
I need some time to make amends with Maggie too. We can’t go into tomorrow on bad terms. If something happens... my thoughts trail off and I shake my head, unwilling to go down that path. Tomorrow will work out, and I will get my time to make it up to her.
I have to.