The Council (Darkness #5)(13)

“Those connections will be cut loose with my death,” Stefan stated. He leaned back in his chair and crossed an ankle over his knee. “I’m a liability.”

Kallias’ eyes sparkled. “You’re smart. And correct. Take it as a compliment. Were you a weak male, easily ruled and manipulated, this wouldn’t be an issue. Anyone would love to tether you up and reel her in through you. But, alas, you must enter the ring like everyone else. True strength will shine. Faults and weaknesses will be preyed upon. This is how it has always been done.”

“Except, in this situation, his disappearing would free up a sought-after mage,” Dominicous said with an edge to his voice.

Kallias rumpled his eyebrows, not denying it. “And you, Dominicous, of all males would know what that is like. I recall having this very conversation with you all those years ago. And look where we are today.” His steel-blue eyes hit Stefan. “The best bet for you? Sever ties with the human. Fight your own battles, win, and claim a title better than the one you possess. We have many mages here. The human is the reason you will find your time here hard going. And, to speak frankly, she is the reason you may not… make it back to your leadership role. It is her they want, and they will go through you to get her.”

Stefan let the pause linger while he continued his flat stare at this conniving Council member. He could walk away, sure. And if it would help Sasha even a little bit, he would. He would walk away and never look back, even though to lose her would be to lose everything. But if he did that, he’d leave her completely vulnerable. She’d be wide open to this arena of festering, cruel power games. In the best case, she’d blow this whole place up to defend herself and die in the process. In the worst case, she’d become a slave through more than one blood link in an oppressive culture.

His leaving would be the worst thing for her. He’d sacrifice his life if need be, but he’d see her safe one way or the other.

“She cannot link unless she has Stefan,” Dominicous said in a contemplative voice. He leaned back to match Stefan’s relaxed pose. His eyes were no less flat. “Her power fries anyone but Stefan who tries. This knowledge came from Toa, so you are assured it is accurate. She is not a pack follower, she’s willful, and she will run head-first into battle to protect those she cares about. Plus, she is human, through and through. She hasn’t rolled over and accepted our… morality differences. She fights it. She would be a hard addition to an already-established hierarchy. Her love for Stefan, and her absolute trust in him, skirts all of those issues. With him, she is a valuable addition to any team. Without him; constant problems.”

Kallias smiled condescendingly. “This coming from her surrogate father who wants to protect her. Forgive me, Dominicous, but you forget that those of us who have been around for hundreds of years know something of underlings falling in line.”

“I have not forgotten, Kallias. And yes, her welfare is my concern now.” Dominicous minutely shook his head. “Well, we are at an impasse, then. That’s a shame—I had wanted to give you first pick.”

“Ah,” Kallias jabbed the air with his pointer finger. “But you are giving me first pick with the leader. I wish first pick with the mage. It is her you have not offered up.”

A grin spread across Dominicous’ face. “Still trying to replace Mage Phillip, hmm? First Toa turned you down, and now you are after Sasha? I can’t imagine Mage Phillip has much love for you.”

“Bah.” Kallias waved his hand through the air. “He should work harder to be better rather than spend his time plotting.”

Kallias rubbed his thumb across his chin in contemplation. “The human element is a decided drawback, yes, as is her inexperience, but the Clutch is intensely interested. She has something. I want it.” His eyes hit Stefan’s, the shining light of a cunning plan burning within them. “You will forgive me, but this is a game of cutthroats. Her uniqueness has drawn my eye.”

Stefan kept his face impassive, but his heart sank. If she drew Kallias’ eye, she would draw a great many others. He knew they’d be a sure target, but hearing that spoken aloud made it real.

He got up before he knew what he was doing. Dominicous stood a second later.

“I apologize.” Stefan offered Kallias a half-bow. “But I think we are done here.”

Kallias rose. “Of course. I really do apologize. And who knows, maybe we can pair up after all.”

Stefan gave him a brief nod as Dominicous placed his hand on Stefan’s shoulder. Feeling the slight pressure, he allowed Dominicous to turn him toward the door and walk him out into the hall. Once there, they stood for a silent beat as the door gently swung shut.

“That went as I expected,” Dominicous said into the silence. “Unfortunately.”

He took his hand away from Stefan’s shoulder. “I have much work to do. I—” He cut off as his gaze lingered on something down the hall. His lips spread into a smile.

Stefan turned to follow his gaze. Three men stumbled through the corridor looking like they’d gotten sand-blasted with razors. Eyes half-closed, not able to walk in a straight line, they winced with every step.

That’s my girl.

“Toa looked like that once,” Dominicous grinned. “It made him slightly more… careful.”

His eyes regained their edge. “As I was saying. There is an undercurrent to Kallias’ words that strike me as… desperate. Something is seething within the power plays in this Council. He’ll speak to me more openly without you present. Plus…” Dominicous shrugged. “You might as well get to those challenges. I was in your position—nearly exactly your position—at one time. Brutality is the fastest way to end the advances. Hard, fast brutality.”