Steal the Night (Thieves #5)(72)

“I’m not,” Terry said quickly. “The Order tries not to take an official stance on these kinds of things, but I can tell you we’ve been watching the Council very closely for the last hundred years. They’re slowly moving toward something we don’t like.”

“If you’re referring to their plans to subjugate the supernatural world, then I would have to agree with you.” Marcus crossed his arms over his chest and a little of his prior stubbornness seemed to flee. “If we can get the Order on our side, it will do nothing but help us, mia regina. Will the Order acknowledge Daniel as the King of all Vampire?”

“I believe they will,” Terry said. “If there isn’t a bloody civil war we have to quell.”

“We’re trying to avoid that,” I explained earnestly. “We’re also trying to ensure that the Council never again has the power to subjugate the races. Daniel wants to change the Council, to bring the other races in and form a new government that includes them.”

Terry’s eyes got very wide. “Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack. Don’t you think it’s time our world caught up with the rest of the planet?”

“You’re telling me this Donovan fellow is willing to give up absolute power over the strongest, most well-organized race of supernaturals, to give werewolves and Fae creatures a seat at the table?”

“He’s a modern man, our king,” Marcus replied. “While I find the situation a bit uncomfortable, I can see that rationally it’s the proper time to make this move. Civilizations that don’t change with the times tend to burn out. Our small society is reaching a breaking point. I believe if we follow the path Louis would set for us, we will be eradicated by war.”

“That’s been our assessment, as well,” the soldier replied, warming to his subject. “We’ve been running several scenarios involving all-out war between the vampires and the other supernaturals since we started tracking the loss of several alphas in the large werewolf packs across Europe. Someone’s been trying to make sure the wolf packs are fractured.”

“Yes.” That had been Marini’s plan. “But you will note that the North American packs recently chose to make their allegiance to an alpha named John McKenzie. There will be no fractures in our wolves. Daniel has made great strides with the various wereanimals and shapeshifters, as well. We also have an ironclad alliance in place with the Unseelie.”

The soldier thought about this for a long moment. “How did we miss this? Our assessment of Donovan was completely wrong. We have him as a two-bit criminal who might, and let me emphasize might, be a death machine. Nothing in our files indicates Donovan is capable of doing anything like this. How could we have been so wrong?”

“I felt it best that Mr. Donovan be allowed to develop on his own,” a soft voice with a lilting British accent said from the supposed to be closed and locked doorway.

We all turned quickly and Lee pointed his semiautomatic straight at the newcomer. The oracle stood in the doorway wearing a T-shirt, well-worn jeans, and Converse sneakers. Jacob focused his attention on Terry. “If the Order had known what His Highness was planning, there would have been pressure to push him one way or another. We’re at a crossroads, Terry. I didn’t join the Order to watch it manipulate things to its own liking. Our mandate is to watch and only step in when we absolutely have to. Had some members of the Order known the importance of the Donovans, they would almost certainly have either tried to influence the royals or tried to assassinate them.”

I laughed outright. “I’d like to see them try to take out Danny.”

Jacob’s eyes were very grave as he regarded me. “Daniel Donovan is not the only royal of import. In fact, it would be much deadlier for the creatures of this plane had someone managed to assassinate you.”

“You can put the gun down, Mr. Owens,” Marcus said warily. “It won’t do any good. The oracle is unlike anything you’ve encountered before.”

“He doesn’t smell human.” Lee kept the gun trained on the young man.

“He isn’t,” the vampire replied. “I’m not sure he ever was.”

“But the host is human, right?” I thought perhaps we were dealing with either a demon or something that took human form.

Jacob smiled softly. “Do you believe I’m a demon, child?”

“Or an ascended god,” I admitted.

His brows rose over those endlessly dark eyes. “What do you know of ascended gods?”

“My goddess knows much of them,” Bris said from behind Jacob. He’d crept up quietly and held Dev’s SIG Sauer in his hands. He seemed to have dressed hurriedly and wore only a pair of jeans. Dev’s gorgeous body was on full display, but his eyes were not his own.

Jacob’s face broke into a full show of joy. “I truly love it when I’m surprised.”

“Explain why you’re here and what you want with my goddess, Apollo,” Bris demanded.

Neil sat back, just enjoying the show. “But he said his name is Jacob.”

“I’ve taken many names over the years and had many faces.” Jacob didn’t seem to care that two guns were aimed at his head. “Awhile back, I called myself Apollo and there were some kind people who chose to worship me. At the time, it was advantageous to me, so I allowed it. I prefer to take on no followers now, though I enjoy the company of humans as do you, Bris. As for what I want with your goddess, I must confess, I didn’t realize she was your goddess.”