On a Razor's Edge (Darkness #3)(22)

“Everybody out,” Tim said, hopping out of the car and opening the door for me. I passed under his intent eyes, his watchfulness calm but detailed, disconcertingly so as he seemed to catch my every movement.

“Why did we stop?” a rough voice demanded, suspicion evident.

Jonas appeared at our side, huge and bulky, causing me a distinct urge to flee. As if he sensed it, Tim took one flowing step, positioning his body between me and Jonas’s bulk.

“We go on foot from here,” Tim said evenly. “Per Dominicous’s instructions, we’re taking her to an outpost where she has ample space to learn her craft.”

“That’s not the plan. You’re to take her to the main encampment to learn your way of life.”

“Plans change. She’ll have plenty of ability to learn where she’s going. Plus, defense is easier from that location. I’ve been told your crew isn’t as loyal as some are led to believe…” It was a dig, and appeared to be aimed at Jonas directly. To make his point, Tim stared up at Jonas, the Shape Changer appearing larger than his six feet, the weight in his gaze enough to send an entire army marching.

Jonas bristled, his whole body flexing, readying for action. I stepped back, the car stopping my exit.

“Whoa, whoa!” Charles jumped in, his body the same size as Jonasʼs, but his movements more like a puppy than a panther. “Jonas, bro, let it go. The Boss approved this. I was there. We’re good, bro, we’re good.”

Jonas stared down at Tim. Tim stared right back, ready. Five people, all about Tim’s build, took a step closer, ready to back up their alpha should he need it.

“Now, earth is an interesting element,” Toa rattled off, carrying on as if World War III wasn’t two seconds away. “It is often the hardest for a person to work, even though it is the most plentiful at any given time. You, I believe, are one of the individuals that suffer from this…”

Jonas’s focus switched to the nearly white head of Toa, deep in contemplation. When Jonas looked back at Tim, his eyes showed resignation even if his face showed the love of violence. He didn’t nod, step back, or even marginally drop his shoulders, but suddenly the air loosened. The danger had passed. For now.

I was the only one that took a giant breath.

“You two," Tim ordered, addressing his own men at arms. "Stay with Sasha. Now let’s go!”

*****

Andris entered Trek’s work room at a fast walk. “White Mage, I’ve got information.”

Trek paused with his hands high in the air, the crackle of magic tingling Andris’s skin.

“The Council is trying to join with the Mata.” Andris waited for that information to sink in.

“That was our idea,” Trek said in a whine.

Andris had to restrain himself from taking two quick steps and knocking the young fool on the side of the head. He didn’t feel like a magical duel today.

In a patient voice a teacher might use, Andris said, “It was, yes. But given that we are just one of a large magical community, and given that the Mata are organized, with excellent fighting capabilities, it is logical the Council would seek to make amends.”

“But I thought you said that stupid Boss of theirs hates the Shape Changers.”

“He does, yes, but he is a company man, and this has come down from the top.”

Trek dropped his hands and made his way to a large chair, not quite the throne from his bedroom, but close. He sat with a plop and picked at his nail. “What should we do, then?”

“I’m working with another pack up north. They have tie-ins everywhere; people that are loyal to the cause. For now, though, the Mata has our girl.”

Trek sat up straighter. “Get her!”

“They took her to a remote location, intending to keep it secret. Obviously I had men following their progress to keep an eye on things. I would imagine Stefan would, as well, with how much he trusts the Shape Changers. As soon as we make a move, he’ll be alerted.”

Andris crossed the room to lean against the wall. “Their position is easy to defend, and they have a large task force of people protecting her; all Mata. There are only a couple of our kind, but one is a white mage with power levels above yours. We need to plan this out.”

“Above mine?” Trek stared at Andris for a second, his brain churning. “Impossible.”

Andris’s nostrils flared in irritation. “There are a great many with power that rivals, or exceeds, yours. With a lot more experience.”

Trek’s eyes widened before his face closed down in indignation. His chin rose, as he apparently chose to ignore that comment. “Can your elusive source sneak her out?”

“Yes. But unless we have a distraction, someone is bound to notice the human’s absence. I want her halfway to Canada before Stefan is told she is gone. And we’ll need to deal with that link between them.”

“And the loyalty of these Mata? Will they come over to our way of thinking?”

Andris shook his head, not sure where this was going. “I doubt it. Tim, their alpha, takes great pains to lead normal lives within the human society. He’s set some things up that have money rolling in. His people are prospering and happy. He’s not going to jeopardize that.”

Trek stared at him. “Then they’re not needed.”