Steal the Night (Thieves #5)(155)

Daniel set me on my feet and I immediately sank a little. The floor was covered in sand. The whole place appeared ancient, with the only concession to modern times being the lighting. It was brightly lit so no one would miss a moment of the death and pain this place was known for. This was the place where vampires fought duels to the death, usually over companions. It was the setting for the Council’s formal executions and their entertainments. It was a training space for young vampires.

It was also the place Daniel had first proven himself to be a king.

“There is no place to go, Donovan,” Marini’s voice said behind us.

He stalked into the arena, followed by his men. Niles and Elof took their places next to the head of the Council and the other vampires filed in behind them. They blocked what seemed to be the only exit from the arena.

Daniel turned and faced down his enemy. He squeezed my hand and I got very close to his side. There were so many of them. They poured into the arena, all of Marini’s vampires, claws out and fangs long. They were ready to tear apart Daniel and they would do it with sheer numbers.

“I find it ironic that this should be the location of your final stand, Mr. Donovan,” Louis said and I saw him reach into his pocket. He was playing with the stone, making sure it was there and ready for him to use. “How many vampires did you kill here before we finally stopped you?”

He referred to an act of torture inflicted on newly-turned vampires. As part of their training, they were tossed into the arena and forced to fight older, stronger vampires. In the end, the baby vamp was beaten to within an inch of his life and told to be grateful he’d been spared. It hadn’t worked that way for Daniel.

“Twelve,” Danny said with confidence. I knew he remembered that day well. It haunted his nightmares. “And you didn’t stop me, Marini. You simply stopped sending them in for me to kill.”

“Well, I think this time your experience will be different,” Marini said, and he stared at me with possessive rage. I knew in that moment that if he could get his hands on me he would choke the life out of me. I had the feeling that if he couldn’t have me, he didn’t want anyone to. “There are more than twelve of us this time, though you are alone again.”

“No, he isn’t,” a strong voice came from the stands. All eyes moved to the stone seats that rose high into the air, giving any audience an excellent view of the carnage. My breath caught as Dev gracefully leapt over the railing. He had a sword in his hand and he carried it toward us.

Marini laughed, the sound echoing through the large space. “Yes, Prince Declan, I can see how you’re going to be such a help to Daniel. I’m surprised you’re here, but then I’m sure he promised you something amazing that he’ll never be able to deliver. You should have made your alliance with me. We’ll see what you can do for Daniel. You can, perhaps, shield him for the two or three seconds it takes for us to rip your body in two.”

Dev was dressed for his war. The Order had given him a full uniform of fatigues and combat boots. He made it look damn sexy. There was a P90 slung along his back and god only knew how many weapons hidden on his person. “I have no intention of getting ripped in two, Louis. You had your chance to kill me the night you beat the shit out of me. I won’t give you a second opportunity.”

Now the head of the Council’s dark eyes went wide. “No. I don’t believe it.”

Dev handed Excalibur to Daniel and took his place at my side. He leaned down and brushed my lips with his.

“Well, you should,” another familiar voice said and Declan Quinn leapt over the railing on the opposite side from where Dev had come. He was in his traditional tunic and soft suede pants. His bow was in his hand and his quiver on his back. I knew his arrows would be tipped with silver, each one a flying stake. “He is obviously not me. I am much more attractive.”

“News of the Prince’s death might have been exaggerated, old friend,” Marcus said with a smile as he joined Declan. “Perhaps if you stand down now, Donovan will be merciful.”

“No, he won’t,” Dev proclaimed with a huge smile.

“Now, Devinshea,” Daniel started, “I’ll allow anyone who wishes to not fight to leave the arena now, and as long as they follow the new government’s laws, there will be no repercussions. But that doesn’t apply to you, Marini.”

“We’re going to kill you,” Dev promised. “You hurt her and you’ll pay for it. No mercy for you.”

Marini bared his sharp teeth. “I’ll be sure to remember that when I have you beneath my fangs, Prince Devinshea. Know this, both of you, I will have my companion and I will dispense of her after we’ve gotten rid of you. No silver coffin for you, Marcus. This time you get the death you’ve always longed for. I’ll pit my army against the five of you any day.”

The five of us stood together, facing down over two hundred vampires and another hundred weres, shifters, and witches. It was a daunting prospect, and I sincerely hoped that the Order was going to charge in any moment.

“Do you know what this is, Louis?” Daniel asked, his voice a calm presence. He held Excalibur reverently in his hands.

“I know what you want me to think it is,” the other vampire replied. He’d pulled the stone out and had it in his hands.

Daniel smiled. “Oh, it’s the real thing. This is Excalibur, wielded last by King Arthur. I am the King of the Sword because I carry it. I am the King of all Vampire by right of my birth. Do you think I don’t have an army?”