Revolution (Risen Series Bk2)

"Erik sent word that they've made contact with someone close to Airell. It turns out Airell has sent out word to recruit vampires as well. Erik doesn't think they suspect anything, they're being brought him. By tomorrow, they should be there so he says we might not hear from them for a few days. They'll send word again as soon as they can, hopefully about what Airell's plans are," Atanas said, standing at the head of our small council.

Most of the visiting vampires had gone back home after pledging themselves to us but Nadia had decided to stay until Erik returned. She stared at the table, letting us talk and not seeming to really hear. Her mate had gone back with her people and I'd heard them fighting about that the night before.

Thierry drummed his fingers along the table, signature bored look in place. "Let's hope they're up to the task."

Nadia glared at him but he didn't seem to notice. Asshole. He may not have cared about Gideon's fate but I did and for Nadia's sake, I cared about Erik too.

"Of course they're up for the task," I snapped. "Gideon only needs to get a sense of the thoughts around, and from, Airell. It shouldn't take him long to get the information he needs and for him and Erik to come safely back home."

Thierry merely shrugged and I suddenly wished Elaine was here. He always seemed to behave just a little better with the Celtic warrior vampire to keep him in line. I still wasn't exactly sure what they're relationship was.

"I've got vampires throughout Britain picking up rogues that are willing to stand by you and picking off any loyal to Airell, my King. We'll start training in the hall soon and work out a schedule. We all need to be ready for anything," Kincaid added from where he stood sentry beside me.

Battle strategies, defence plans, escape plans, something told me all of it would be useless. Elaine and Thierry had been helping Kincaid gather weapons and they discussed how best to train our would be soldiers. Padraig was Atanas' confidant. Erik and Gideon had left as our spies. Principes had offered their support. Everyone was doing something except me.

Una hadn't recovered from the scolding she got from Atanas, and Zena was too filled with guilt for what she'd done to me to face me. She'd sent her mate Lachlan to apologise but even when I told him all was forgiven, she still wouldn't come. Not that either of them would know what to do with me. My magic was different and I understood now that neither witch knew exactly what to make of it. I needed someone who knew and understood where my power came from to truly wield it.

My nails dug into the wooden table as frustration bubbled up. I needed Leyla. I snorted.

"What?"

Blinking, I straightened up and blushed to see the council was watching me. Atanas was looking at me with that same exasperated expression he got when I gave a snarky response to something serious, even as he fought not to smile.

I coughed, refocussing my thoughts. "Sorry. I got distracted."

I'd been doing that a lot lately. I was unable to keep track of my own thoughts that seemed to skip from one thing to another. I was still getting used to the power I could feel flowing through my veins and the way it reacted when I was near certain people. It grew strong in the presence of witches, like a vibration under my skin.

"You haven't fed in a while, my Queen. You should go out tonight while things are calm," Kincaid suggested quietly.

Had that been what we were discussing now? Who would hunt and when? With so many vampires now in one place, we had to be careful with how often we hunted. I nodded. Kincaid was right, it was a good idea. A chance to stretch my legs, run, hunt and forget all about the war that threatened us all. Before I could turn to leave, the door burst open and Una came barging in. Her green eyes were wide and wild as she panted, waving her hand towards the door.

"You're going to want to see this," she rasped.

Frowning, I shared a look with Atanas. "See what?"

She shook her head, looking exapserated, motioning for us to follow her. Kincaid moved first while the others stood from there seats and a pit of dread formed in my stomach. This couldn't be good if it had even Una shaken.

Atanas gripped my hand tight, the only sign he was at all worried as we quicky followed Una. There was a murmur from downstairs, many voices all blurring into a white noise of sound. They were gathered in one of the lounges I realised and when Una lead us in the crowd parted. The expressions on our people's faces were wary, scared.

"Quiet!" Una yelled, silencing the room. "They need to hear."

The TV was on a news channel, a grim faced women on the screen. Picking up the remote, Kincaid turned the volume up and I swallowed as my gaze skimmed over the rolling headlines.

"Drained bodies of victims ranging in age and ethnicity have been found in the last week around the city of Rome. Authorities urge people to avoid leaving their homes after dark and to travel with friends. Police are out in force looking for the suspect but so far no leads have been found. The exact cause of death has not been released as of yet but we do know that more than one body has been found with torn throats and massive blood loss. I pass you on to our reporter in Rome who has more information. . ."

Kincaid growled under his breath and I could feel the fury simmering beneath the surface of Atanas' cold expression. There was no doubt that the attacks were vampires. Things like this had happened in the past when newborns with no control and knowledge to fly under the radar were let loose. Yet the timing was too coincidental and I didn't believe in coincidences.

It had to be Airell.

The male reporter was standing in front of a cornered off area, yellow police tape blowing in the wind, flashing blue lights blinking as police moved about behind him. "We do have footage of a black mass shooting from the scene of one of the bodies. It moves to fast to identify exactly what it is and some have speculated that it's simply a camera malfunction."

"He's going to expose us to the entire fucking world," I breathed out but not quietly enough.

Practically every vampire under our roof was now staring at me and I regretted letting loose such words. Atanas still said nothing. A female vampire I couldn't put a name to stood up. "You think that's what he's trying to do?"

Her question unleashed panic and too many voices rose and fell for me to make out what anyone was saying. Kincaid was trying to settle them down, yelling over the noise but he was drowned out. I looked up at my mate but I couldn't tell what he was thinking, even the bond between us felt cold and quiet. He was staring at the TV still, watching scenes of white cloth covered bodies being carted away in ambulances, armed police patrolling the streets of Rome.

My own panic grew. It was too much too soon. The noise, the jostle of people trying to shove their way forward to have their word, the threat looming heavy over us. That buzzing feeling grew inside me and Una's eyes clashed with mine, her mouth parting but she was too late. My power flared out like an instinctual protective shield, energy knocking people back and I fell to my knees, covering my ears from the almost screaming noise in my head. I needed everyone to be quiet!

I felt like I was going to explode as my veins burned with magic and I struggled to hold it back and even my laboured breathing. I'm safe, I reminded myself, surrounded by friends.

When I managed to peel my eyes open again, Una was standing in front of me, her magic thrumming in the air. She'd stopped what ever I'd done from hurting someone. Breathing deeply, I flexed my fingers that seemed to spark with magic that slowly faded back into me. The room smelt of fear and whether that was because of me or what we'd just seen on the news, I didn't want to know.

Someone had turned the TV off. The room was quiet apart from the slow thud of a few beating hearts and slow breathing. Atanas shifted beside me, his hand sliding into mine so he could pull me to stand. I kept my head ducked down to avoid meeting anyone's eyes. I didn't feel drained like I had the last time my power had unleashed, in fact I felt almost invigorated as I trembled.

"Everyone's, gone, Libertas Mea. It's just us," he whispered, his fingers gripping my chin to lift my head.

My eyes met his and I could have fallen into the depths of the dark blues that watched me. He looked tired, I noted. Weary. Ancient. "I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for."

I dared to look around, seeing that he was telling the truth, mostly. The room had been cleared and when I closed my eyes and listened, I could hear the houses vampires elsewhere. It was just Atanas' inner circle here, our inner circle. People I trusted.

Kincaid was pacing the room, muttering into the phone he held by his ear but I couldn't hear what was being said on the other end.

"Are you okay?" It was Una that asked, surprising me. I gave her a jerky nod and she relaxed, slumping into a chair. It made me feel almost smug to know that she'd exhausted herself keeping me at bay. I was more powerful than even Una. That was also a terrifying thought.

I kept my mate's hand in mine, pressing my body close against his as if his strength could become mine. He had the ability to remain calm while I crumbled under the slightest thing.

Kincaid swore louldy, his fist slamming against the back of the couch.

"How many?" Atanas asked and I frowned looking over.

Kincaid braced himself against the couch, honey eyes glaring at nothing in particular. "Eight spread around Rome, left where they'd definitely be found. Throats torn, blood drained, teeth marks visible. It's definitely vampire."

They were talking about the bodies, I realised. Cold fingers swept over my skin and I swallowed down the lump that formed in my throat. Even a newborn vampire would try to hide their kill. This was on purpose. They wanted the bodies to be found, the reason why was unclear. A warning for us to back off? A show of power? A message perhaps? Here we are, come and stop us.

"It's a distraction, it has to be. They're trying to get us to look in the wrong place. Erik said nothing about Airell being in Rome. They passed through Europe, heading towards my own territory," Nadia said quietly before adding,"Why would they do it otherwise?"

Atanas shook his head. "Unless he's mocking us. He knows we can't go marching into Rome. A place that heavily occupied would notice a war even in the shadows. What do you think, you know how his mind works, Shylah?"

My mouth opened then closed. Atanas was the one that created Airell, surely he should know. I chewed on my lip.

"I don't think he would announce his presence like that. I agree with Nadia. He wants us focussed on something," I replied, nodding to myself. "Something that no matter how much we want to, we can't ignore."

Kincaid snorted, pushing away from the couch. "Well, it's worked. We can't let bodies mount up like this, we have to clean up the damn mess. Humans aren't as stupid as they were in days past, they'll figure out nothing mortal did all this if we don't do something. We need to kill whatever creature Airell sent to cause chaos."

Atanas nodded and I could see thoughts flickering past his eyes. I knew Kincaid had contacts that were happy to clean up messes, though I knew little about who they were. Before I could even open my mouth to suggest he use his contacts, Kincaid winked at me.

"I already have people on the watch but we don't know when or where the vampire or vampires are going to strike. It'll be hard to get there before an unsuspecting human stumbles across it and contacts the police," he said.

I nodded my understanding. "So we have to send someone to hunt down the ones responsible before all hell breaks lose."

"I think we should go ourselves," Atanas stated. "That way we can find out what they know before we dispose of them."

I closed my eyes, wondering why he was so eager for us to leave. He'd wanted us to go after Airell ourselves and leave everything we'd built here behind, now he wanted us to go after some ghost murderer in Rome.

"Someone else can go and do that just as easily. We can't leave, Atanas, things aren't stable here yet," I argued, watching his face crease in frustration.

He wanted to be useful, I realised. He hated sitting doing nothing just as I did. He wanted to be out there instead of putting other people at risk for him. But that was just how Airell had managed to capture him the first time and imprison him.

I squeezed his hand, whispering for only him to hear. "Our time will come, My King. Just be patient."

Kincaid's phone rang again and he answered quickly, his eyes meeting ours after a few seconds.

"Another body."

Atanas' hand gripped mine more tightly until my bones creaked but I didn't make a sound. He was angry, just as I was, just as everyone in the room was. After taking a deep breath, he looked down at me before nodding slowly.

"Find Padraig, bring him here," Atanas ordered and Lachlan left with a quick nod.

I frowned. "Padraig?"

Thierry smirked at me from the couch he occupied, kicking his booted feet onto the table.

"Didn't you know, Little Queen? Padraig is good at finding more than just priceless antiques. If you want to find a vampire in a city as big and old as Rome, you send Padraig," Thierry sang.

My jaw clenched. I really hated him. Sending Padraig didn't sit well with me at all. Anna had to watch Gideon go and I didn't think she'd cope having to let go of her lover and maker as well. Surely Atanas knew that?

I slumped into the armchair, clasping my hands together and my leg bobbed nervously. Atanas walked behind me, his fingers running through my hair as he passed and my eyes closed as I relaxed for the barest of seconds.

It wasn't long until Padraig came in with Anna trailing warily behind him. The look in his eyes told me he suspected what was going to be asked of him and grim determination set his features.

"Lachlan filled you in on what's happened?" Atanas asked.

Anna snorted and waved a hand towards the TV. "As if everybody in the house doesn't know already. It's all over the news."

The look Padraig gave Anna made her bristle and she left his side to perch on the arm of the chair I was sitting on. Her hand found mine, squeezing gently and I squeezed back to let her know I was okay.

"You want me to go find the vampire responsible," Padraig stated happily with a small smirk. "I knew you'd find use for my talents eventually. I'll go."

Anna stiffened, her hand slipping from mine as she stood. "You can't leave me here. You don't know what you'll be walking into. It could be more than one vampire!"

"I'm not sending him as an assassin, Anna. I'm sending him to see what he can find. If it turns out he needs backup, we'll send it." Atanas' voice was firm with his confidence as King and Anna bowed her head.

She was vampire now. That meant like the rest of us, she had to bow to his will. I was happier now I knew Atanas didn't expect Padraig to kill, he didn't seem like much of a fighter to me.

"I'd have to bring Anna with me-"

"No!" I snapped, pushing myself to my feet.

Atanas looked like he'd expected that and he gave me a defeated look. He wasn't going to argue. I glared at them both then looked at my friend. "Anna?"

"I. . .I don't know," she stuttered, torn.

Padraig stepped towards me, gripping my shoulders. "I'm her maker, Shylah, and she's a new vampire. You know I can't leave her but I swear on my life that I will keep her safe. A little holiday might do her some good."

His voice was teasing at the end and I rolled my eyes. I trusted that Padraig would go to the ends of the earth to keep her safe but it still didn't sit right with me. Gideon had gone, and now Padraig and Anna were leaving too. Who else would march off to war and leave me behind before this was over? At least we hadn't lost anyone so far.

"Some holiday," I muttered, folding my arms.

"I guess I can spend my days sunbathing," Anna added and I did my best not to laugh at Padraig's horrified look.

Kincaid coughed awkwardly, my attention turning to him as he waved his phone. "I've got tickets for the next plane booked. I'll have a hotel room sorted by the time you land."

Padraig nodded, pulling Anna towards him but she yanked her hand from his and launched herself at me. I stumbled back a few steps before hugging her back tightly.

"Don't get too much of a tan," I teased, hating the way my voice shook.

She laughed and nodded as she pulled back, rolling her eyes when Padraig huffed impatiently. I narrowed my eyes at him. He would wait until we were done. I was terrified to let her go after she was taken by Airell but she didn't look scared. In fact there was a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. After being cooped up in the house for months, she was probably looking forward to a little freedoms despite the danger she could be walking into.

"Anna we need to pack," Padraig prompted, gently taking her hand again.

She shook herself and allowed her maker to pull her away. When Padraig paused by the door to look back at us I smirked, slowly sliding a finger across my neck. He understood. If Anna got hurt, I would kill him.

When Kincaid hung up the phone again, he was looking down, but I could see the shake of his shoulders and the smile he tried to hide.

"What's so funny?" I asked, having never seen him so much as crack a real smile.

He grinned at me. "I got the hotel booked for them."

I raised and eyebrow and he looked as though he was trying not to laugh. "The sunrise hotel."

Even Atanas snorted and I felt my mood lifting as I laughed. Anna would certainly get a kick out of that. Perhaps Kincaid did have a sense of humour after all.