Anomaly (Causal Enchantment #4)(5)

So … Why’d you lie to Sofie about the hunting? Max’s deep voice rumbled within my head, interrupting my ability to follow along with external conversation.

“I didn’t,” I answered warily. How did he know?

Now you’re going to lie to me?

“Who says I am?” It was the one-sided conversation of a crazy woman to anyone on the outside, and I was thankful for it. I was so happy that I’d retained ranks of “master” over Max, that I hadn’t lost my ability to communicate with the werebeast. His friendship had preserved my sanity. It would’ve been devastating to lose our special telepathic connection. And, right now, this wasn’t a conversation I wanted Sofie to hear.

Remington. He was out hunting. He said you two didn’t leave the top of that kiln for hours.

“It was quiet.”

Except for the giant bear and two deer.

Of course. One of Max’s brothers was always on a hunt. Those four beasts were chronically hungry and ready to kill.

“I was saving them for you,” I retorted, checking to see that Sofie and Caden were still deep in their own conversation.

You scared them all away, with all that noise you two were making.

Oh my God. This was another moment I’d be as purple as a beet, if capable. “Why would I do that? You’re dreadfully grouchy when you’re hungry.”

He harrumphed but said nothing else as we passed over the ridge, the entrance to the mines within sight.

*

A flurry of harsh words and threatening tones swirled from the tunnel as we trailed Sofie back into the mine, the entrance a forty-five degree slant with a low overhang. There were no lights, no fires—nothing to illuminate the cavernous space—and yet with this new eyesight, I could easily distinguish every form, every face, every scowl.

As usual, Mortimer’s was the most ominous. “We need to stop this now!” His demand ricocheted off the chiseled stone walls.

“She’s overreacting,” Galen said with a sideways glare toward Mage.

“Overreacting?” Several quick steps brought Mortimer and Galen facing off with a mere foot of space between, their stances confrontational. Except for their looming size, they couldn’t look any more different—Mortimer, dark-haired and dressed in a tailored suit, Galen with a blond brush-cut and military fatigues. Mortimer’s arm shot out, his finger pointing at me. Past me, in the direction of the mine opening. “If this continues, the city will be lost within days.”

“Not likely,” Galen argued. “Jonah is the only one with enough control to breed and how many new fledglings can he create in a day? So … a few thousand are killed.” Galen shrugged but he didn’t back down. “We go in, we rid the city of him and his little army. It’s hardly cause for talk of hydrogen bombs.”

My eyes widened. They’re considering nuclear warfare already? Not even forty-eight hours had passed since the slaughter at Viggo and Mortimer’s Fifth Avenue building!

Galen continued, “Besides, fledglings aren’t causing this mess. They’re not nearly controlled enough. That psychopathic friend of yours is. If we should be hunting anyone, it’s him.”

“We have never been friends,” Mortimer spat back, but then paused to dip his head, tempering his manner in the act. “But I agree. He must be stopped.” I could only guess that they were talking about Viggo.

“What has he done now?” Caden called out.

Several heads turned to regard us. “You mean besides rampant murder and pillaging?” Galen answered.

I already knew about that. Unfortunately. Apparently, Viggo hadn’t wasted any time. Soon after he learned of Veronique’s release from the statue and that she had chosen Mortimer, he left a trail of bodies throughout Manhattan, terrorizing the city. News reports talked of a Christmas serial killer.

“Two hours ago, he walked into a press conference with national coverage and murdered the city’s mayor on live television,” Sofie explained.

Oh.

Caden pulled me against him as voices rose again, clamoring to be heard. Lilly’s rancorous council member, Kait, screamed something about being trigger happy; Mortimer bellowed about being naïve fools. Even little Lilly, who normally remained composed, counted issues on her fingers. Only Mage and Sofie stood silent, watching the fury unfold.

“I thought they had a plan in place,” I whispered to Caden.

He offered me a guarded smile. “I guess they’re ironing out a few details.”

And yet we already seem to be at war, Max grumbled from his place beside me.

“Where is everyone else?” My eyes roamed the mine. It reminded me much of the caves of Ratheus. Only these were manmade and not as picturesque. Also, I assumed there was no oasis to swim in.

“Bishop and Fiona are on their way back from a blood bank,” Sofie said quietly, her eyes never leaving the commotion ahead of us, the displeasure over the entire scene visible on her striking face. “The wolves are forming a perimeter. Isaac and the others are scouting in New York.” I knew of Lilly’s other advisors besides Galen and Kait—three vampires who looked like they belonged in the military—but aside from a handful of moments, I hadn’t seen much of them. “Amelie is with Veronique and Julian in the haulage tunnel, feeding. You should take her there, Caden.”