Wild and Free (The Three #3)(98)

“And Calder has activated his network,” Callum told Cristiano. “He’s just organizing those efforts from here.”

“He has a way with them,” Cristiano pointed out carefully.

“And he’ll use that way over the f*cking phone,” Callum returned.

Cristiano drew in a breath before he nodded.

“Avery?” Leah called softly. “What do you think?”

The strange-looking man turned kind eyes to Leah and didn’t hesitate with his response. “Although I understand why it was suggested we utilize the media in our efforts, I’ll share with you what I shared with Gregor, that being I don’t think it’s an exceptionally good idea to have any of The Three identifiable by anybody around the globe. I believe this creates unnecessary vulnerability.”

To that, Gregor’s only response was for his lips to thin.

“There might be desperate times that call for desperate measures,” Avery went on. “Fortunately, we have not yet hit that time.” He took in a breath and finished, “Unfortunately, if we do not do something, I’m afraid that time is fast approaching.”

“And your idea would be…?” Callum prompted.

“My idea, I’m afraid, will be even less popular,” Avery told him.

“Share it anyway,” Callum ordered, and Avery nodded.

“I believe we should allow our adversaries to make their first move.”

Something about this made my body string tight.

Abel felt it and his hand curled around mine at his thigh.

“This way,” Avery continued, “our immortals, and there are many, including The Three, would swoop in to protect humanity. This would offer a very powerful message. Obviously, losses would be had on both sides. But humanity would see that there are immortals who are guardians, not vanquishers. The Three would be able to go about whatever they’re required to do anonymously so that, when we all taste victory, they can enjoy their eternities without celebrity.”

“I’m not all fired up about that plan,” I said quietly.

“I’m not either, Delilah,” Avery replied. “And we can hope we receive some intelligence that will allow us to make much the same statement without any human losses. Thwarting such a plan by immortals and doing it publicly, sharing in that way that immortals exist, the bad being in the minority, the good willing to put their lives on the line for harmony, would also be a powerful message.”

“I hear you. I’m not super hip on the idea, but I’ll deal with people knowing who I am if it means saving lives,” I shared, and Abel’s hand tightened around mine. “Though, I’m not big on Abel transforming. I haven’t even seen that. He could just extend his fangs or something.”

“That says a great deal about you, my dear,” Avery returned but did it shaking his head. “But even if you and Abel, Lucien and Leah, and Callum and Sonia made the public aware of who you are, that doesn’t ensure that an attack will not be forthcoming.”

He had me there so I could do nothing but nod.

“There’s much to think about and much to do,” Gregor put in. “So I suggest we go about that and reconvene this evening for further discussion.” He looked to the wraith. “Serena, you’re away to Gastineau shortly?”

“Indeed,” she confirmed.

“Let’s brief,” he murmured, throwing his napkin down and pushing his chair back.

He rose and gave Cristiano and Avery meaningful looks.

Cristiano took a sip of coffee before he rose.

Avery said, “You’ll excuse me,” and he got up as well.

Stephanie muttered, “I haven’t had a real breakfast yet so I’m going to Kyle.” She got up and looked around, finishing, “Later.”

Caleb threw his napkin on the table and rose from his seat too, saying irritably, “I got twiddling of my thumbs to do.”

Callum sighed.

Sonia smiled at me.

“We’ll talk further after we have our session with Abel,” Ryon stated, also moving to leave.

It was then I remembered that Abel was going to train as wolf with his wolf brothers. It was also then I hoped I got to watch.

My thoughts came back into the room when it hit me that the only ones left were The Three.

“Gotta admit, sittin’ on our hands and waitin’ for shit doesn’t sit good with me either,” Abel told the table.

“It’s smart and it’s safe,” Callum replied.

“It’s still irritating,” Lucien murmured.

“Your last battle was five hundred years ago, Lucien. Mine was last Christmas,” Callum said quietly. “We should be smart and we should remain safe.”

“I don’t disagree with you, Cal,” Lucien returned. “However, this…” He swept a hand across the fine china and silver littering the table. “It isn’t our nature. Especially when that’s going on out there.” He pointed a finger at the window. “Therefore, we need to remember precisely what our nature is so we don’t end up doing something stupid due to impatience or frustration.”

“Agreed,” Callum said. “So we prepare. I train Abel to fight as wolf and you work with Abel’s brothers to further improve their abilities.”

“Agreed,” Lucien repeated Callum’s word.