A Call of Vampires (A Shade of Vampire #51)(40)

“This is the best chance they’ll get for some real field experience,” Cameron replied. “And they’ve been acing their training and exams for thirteen months straight, now. Trust me”—he winked—“I’ve been monitoring.”

“The team for Neraka needs to be diverse and strong,” Ben added, and we all looked at him. “Caia is a resourceful fire fae. Harper is a vampire sentry. Fiona, Scarlett, and Avril are also vampires with unique skillsets. Given our vampires’ immunity to the Maras’ mind-bending skills, I think these girls are perfect for Neraka.”

I would’ve jumped over the table to hug Uncle Benjamin, but I settled with beaming at him, while giving the girls a sideways glance. We were giddy and restless in our seats already, excitement lighting us up, but we had to play it cool and come across as mature, contained individuals. We could scream and cheer and jump around later.

“That’s a fair point, Ben,” Derek said, then peered around the table again. “Blaze.”

The fire dragon was busy examining Caia’s proud smirk without her knowledge, and didn’t hear Grandpa Derek.

“Blaze,” he called out again, this time loud enough for Blaze’s head to snap around and face him. “I nominate you, as well. Should things go sideways on Neraka, a full-grown fire dragon will certainly help. After all, fire and fury is what will rain down on those who seek to harm us, and you’d be the perfect guy to deliver such a message.” Derek’s lips curved in a smirk.

Heath’s chest swelled with pride, a grin blooming on his face. Blaze, on the other hand, looked wide-eyed and speechless.

“Th-Thank you, Derek,” he croaked, then glanced at his father, who gave him a firm nod.

“Do us proud,” Heath said, leaning into his chair.

Blaze sighed, then looked at us. Fiona, Avril, Scarlett, Caia, and I gave him a collective wink—something that came surprisingly natural and probably would’ve never worked out if we’d planned it beforehand. I had a feeling we were going to make one hell of a team with that synergy.

“I’d like to nominate Heron Dorchadas,” Jax added, prompting his brother to stretch his arms out with a satisfied grin. “He has the experience and knowledge needed to help with the investigation.”

“That’s an understatement, but thanks, bro!” Heron replied, then gave us a quick glance.

“Ben is right,” Draven interjected. “Diversity is key. Which is why you’ll need an experienced Druid with knowledge of swamp witch magic. I nominate Patrik Raymer for Neraka to serve that purpose.”

Patrik seemed surprised by his nomination but responded with a polite nod, then carefully checked each of us out, as if assessing us and drawing his own conclusions about us.

“Most importantly,” Field added, the corner of his mouth twitching, “you can’t go among so many Maras without some natural defenses.”

“What natural defenses?” Jax frowned, slightly confused.

“Incubus and succubus blood is highly toxic to Maras, isn’t it?” Field replied, raising an eyebrow.

“It is.”

“Then I’m pleased to nominate Hansa Gorria for the Neraka Recon Team,” he said. “Her blood might come in handy.”

Hansa hadn’t expected that—it was written all over her face. Her skin had a mild glow, and she cleared her throat and downed a glass of water.

“I’m not sure that’s a good—” Jax tried to object, but was swiftly interrupted by Hansa’s husky voice.

“Thank you, Field,” she said. “It will be an honor to serve GASP on this mission. Rest assured I will work hard to help our team deliver answers and results.”

Jax didn’t comment further, but I could tell he wasn’t happy with the decision. He may have been approved to lead the team, but he didn’t have the senior credentials to object to Hansa’s nomination. Looking at the bigger picture, it was probably great that she was coming along. Many of us were young and on our first field mission. Having some seasoned fighters with us could do no harm.

Besides, I’d seen Hansa in training. She was fierce and deadly. Why wouldn’t we want her with us on an unknown planet?

“Milords, I assure you our people will not lift a finger against GASP,” Rewa said slowly. “You’re coming to help us, and we’d be fools to treat you with anything other than kindness and hospitality.”

“We do not doubt that,” Derek replied. “But we cannot verify any of your claims at this point, and your history on Eritopia does not speak in your favor. Nevertheless, we can’t abandon an entire civilization on Neraka based solely on our lack of trust, which is why we’ve agreed to send you back there with this recon team.”

Rewa nodded, then looked at us. Her gaze settled on Blaze, who gave her a sympathetic smile. I instinctively glanced at Caia, and sensed the angst bubbling inside her. This was going to be an interesting mission, to say the least.

“You’ll be on a short leash, though,” Field added, addressing each member of the newly formed team. “Your mission is to investigate and report back to us—not to interfere. Based on the information you provide us, if necessary we will then assemble a wider force to take action and help the Exiled Maras.”

“That sounds reasonable,” I said.