The Council (Darkness #5)(34)

A wave of relief washed through Stefan. This situation wasn’t ideal, no, but it was much better than expected. Sasha had Charles and Jonas to protect her, not to mention Dominicous and Toa, and he would even admit to Tim and his crew. Jameson would see to it that she continued as mage. He might not follow her strictly yet, but he understood her value. He’d make sure she had a good, safe life.

Shedding the need to get at that blood link, Stefan focused on the situation at hand. At present, even if he could get out of his bindings, Andris was a worthy adversary, and these other males presented more of a roadblock. There wasn’t any point in trying to escape here.

“Nice ride,” Stefan offered as he relaxed.

Andris’ mouth quirked. “Always were level-headed.” He glanced around, settling back into the cushion of his seat. “Yes. It wasn’t so comfortable on the way here, but changing roles has really agreed with me.”

“I can see that. Most of the dirt of the dungeon has been scraped away. Tell me, what happened to your caped brother-in-arms?”

A flash of irritation crossed Andris’ face. “He is riding in your motorhome, actually. The brief stay in the basement… addled him. Somewhat.”

“Ah. So you’ve always been leading the show. I figured as much.”

“Yes, well, kudos on seeing through my ruse.”

Stefan couldn’t help a chuckle. He took a deep breath, wishing he could just feel Sasha for one moment. Just to see if everything was going okay. Hoping beyond hope Charles and Jonas got her out of danger in time.

Then something occurred to him. “Did you say you have your own human?”

The smug grin was back. Andris’ eyes sparkled. “Unlike you and your… decaying Council, I immerse myself with humans constantly. Most are useless, yes. Weak-willed fools as terrified of our power as they are turned on by it, but some do exist. The one I found was hosting a séance. Can you believe that? She apparently thinks she can communicate with the dead.”

Andris shook his head and laughed to himself. “Ridiculous. But she did see me right away. No fear.”

“And she is a black power level?”

Andris tapped the air with this finger. “The thing about humans is, when they develop their own sense of their magic, they really go with it. They push and pull and get a hold of it. Maybe we would, too—we never have that option, do we? But this woman was nearly there. All she needed was to be taught how to properly work with the elements, and voilà, myth reincarnate.”

Stefan barely kept his mouth from dropping. “She knows how to use it? You were able to train her?”

“Like I said—”

“Sir,” the driver interrupted. “We’re approaching the compound.”

“Ah.” Andris’ smile broadened. He nodded at Stefan before he stood. “I did not find a harebrained child, I found an educated adult, no matter what profession she chose. Given an apt pupil, I am an excellent teacher.”

As Andris moved away, Stefan was barely able to see a large facility looming in the window. “Where is this?”

Andris rested a hand on the passenger chair in the front of the motorhome. He turned back, glancing at the male behind Stefan. Hazel eyes fell on him a moment later. “Hope you don’t mind, I had to stop and pick up one or two things. I need to set some plans in action so mayhem rules the day within your precious democratic system. Don’t worry, we’ll be heading towards home, and your torture, soon enough.”

A bag pushed down onto his head as the motorhome shimmied to a stop.

Chapter 10

“Where is he?” I shouted as I stood in the middle of my room. Charles and Jonas looked at Tim, who minutely shook his head.

“What does that mean, the head shaking?” I demanded, panic choking me. “Have you tried calling him?”

“Yes.” Jonas paced toward the window. “No answer.”

“Where’s Dominicous? Has anyone checked in?” I asked Charles.

“Dominicous said he came back here looking for you. You guys were cleared to go home. Cato gave his nod and Mage June said she’d be in touch. Said they had some house-cleaning to do.”

“House-cleaning to do—house-cleaning to do?! Yeah, I’ll say they have some f**king house-cleaning to do! One of their damn minions just tried to force a blood link on me, then KIDNAP ME.”

“Sasha,” Jonas said quietly. “This isn’t the time to lose yourself. You need to figure out—”

“Shut up, Jonas.” I squeezed my eyes shut and rubbed my temples. “Where’s Ann? Did anyone hear from Ann?”

“She’s here!” John peeked in the door before backing out of the way quickly.

A mountain lion loped in and stopped in the middle of the floor. Green magic burst from its body. A na**d human form taking the place of the lion. Charles jogged two steps, ripped one of the suitcases open, and pulled out a dress for Ann to cover up. She nodded at him in thanks, exhaustion from two changes in a short period of time drawing down her features.

“Saw Stefan,” she panted, bending down to put her hands on the ground. She didn’t bother with the dress.

“What?” I bent forward to her. “Where? Is he okay? What happened?”

“I was chasing… that guy. Almost… had him, but saw a group… of men carrying Stefan… out to the parking lot. Thought you’d want me… to follow them, instead. Did I do okay?”