Cole's Redemption (Alpha Pack #5)(15)

“Of course. In our worlds, we can never be too careful.”

“True. So, what’s this problem you were referring to? Grant simply said he would let you explain.”

He got right to the point. “Have you or your coven members noticed a surge in the numbers of rogue vampires?”

“Not really,” he said slowly, thoughtfully. “But we’re pretty isolated here in the Smoky Mountains. Care to fill me in?”

“We’ve had attacks cropping up around the country, and the number and frequency of them are becoming alarming. Not to mention a special ability they seem to have developed—they’re now able to attack during the day.”

“The hell you say.” The prince blew out a breath. “How?”

“I don’t know, but I think our two groups need to meet in person. What affects my team and the human population will eventually get to your coven. If we work together, we might be able to stop this thing before it reaches the point of no return.”

“Agreed. I’ll meet with my men and call you back with some possible dates. Will that work?”

“Yes, and thank you.”

“No need to thank me. A problem with rogues affects all of us. Talk to you soon.”

After they ended the call, Nick sat with his elbows on his desk, lost in thought. Maybe they could find the answer to the rogue issue together, before it was too late.

Before he could fret on the matter further, a familiar buzz started in his head. His skin prickled and his eyesight dimmed, the hallmark of a coming vision.

In the mist, there stood a figure. Draped in darkness, it moved toward him with grace, and surprisingly, he got no sense of fear. No death.

The figure remained shrouded, but the form was slight. A female. She beckoned to him, and where he might have felt trepidation . . .

Joy. There was nothing but pure joy at her presence, and his heart picked up speed, pounding in excitement. He opened his mouth to ask her name, why she was there—

And he was jolted back to reality with sudden force.

“Who are you?” he whispered, sitting back in his chair.

He hoped and prayed he lived long enough to learn the answer.

Selene sat on her bunk with her back against the wall, arms encircling her drawn-up knees. If someone didn’t come soon, she was going to lose her freaking mind.

No TV, no books, no window to see outside. Not even the tick of a clock. Nothing to do but watch the four walls and listen to the disturbing noises coming from another cell along the corridor.

All night, she’d heard growling, snarling, and terrible howling. All coming from a single creature nearby. Her nose scented another wolf shifter, and she wondered what he’d done to deserve the maddening boredom of this prison.

“Hey!” she called. “Is anybody there? Can you hear me?”

The howling stopped, but only for a few moments. Soon it started up again, and she banged the back of her head against the steel panel in frustration.

A flash of blue light startled her, and she bolted upright on her bunk, pulse tripping. When the light faded, a man was standing inside the cell near the door.

A man who looked like a rock star. He had artfully mussed, layered hair that fell to his shoulders and wore black guyliner, which set off amazing green eyes. He was dressed all in black, from his T-shirt to a leather duster that fell to his ankles, to the shitkickers on his feet. Even his fingernails were like polished onyx.

He looked young, perhaps early twenties—but his eyes were ancient.

She hid a shiver. Masking the hammering of her heart, she fixed a look of amusement on her face. “If you’re looking for the Mötley Crüe audition, you’re in the wrong state altogether.”

One corner of his lush mouth turned up. “Really? Damn. Guess I’ll just have to stay here and fight vampires.”

She frowned. “Vampires?”

“Long story.”

“It seems I have time.”

He shrugged. “We’re having a bit of a rogue problem lately. The ass**les are springing up everywhere in the country when there shouldn’t be that many.”

“I’ve not seen any rogues where I’m from.”

“Good to know.”

She studied him, inhaled a whiff. “You’re not a wolf.”

“Panther. I’m also a Sorcerer and a Necromancer.”

She stared at him, fascinated in spite of herself. “I’ve never met any one of those things, much less all three.”

“Well, ain’t it your lucky day?” He winked.

“Believe me, this day has nowhere to go but up.” She paused, deciding she was starting to like this man. “I’m Selene Westfall.”

“Nick’s daughter. Yeah, word got around.”

“I can imagine.”

“I’m Kalen Black.”

“What are you doing here, Kalen, besides checking out the new resident of Block R?”

“The medical team is on their way down to fetch you for some testing. I’m here to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

“As insurance.”

“You could say that.”

“Why would they send you and not Zander? I assume you heard about our mating, too.”

He snorted. “Who hasn’t? You sure know how to make a grand entrance. Good job.”