Page 136 of Fangs and Fudge

“Can I have everyone’s attention?” Shepard asked. “I’d like to get through this quickly so the delegates can eat and be on their way.”

As he addressed the room, I saw him in a new light. The way his gaze swept the room and took in every detail…the clear and concise way he spoke and the strong posture…he had a bigger presence that he didn’t project when at Blur. Shepard truly was the alpha king.

“There are a few things I’d like to address. Number one, The Howl app has been compromised by the vampires. It’s how they knew when and where the challenge would be.”

A murmur floated through the room.

“Until we can come up with a better system, hunting schedules will be posted in the cafeteria every morning. I expect everyone to watch for it. Hunting vampires has always been our number one priority, and that will not change. What happened last night will never happen again.”

A man stood. “What about the rumor you’re working with a vampire? Are you sure it’s not the vampire who tipped off the others?”

I glanced over at Anchor and mouthed, “Delegate?”

He gave a nod.

“The vampire you are referring to was the one who discovered our app was compromised while searching for information regarding Anchor’s disappearance. I didn’t ask for his help. In truth, I didn’t want it. He gave it regardless.”

This time, the rumble was louder and disgruntled.

“Quiet,” Shepard warned. “He is unlike the rest of his kind.”

“They’re all the same,” the delegate said.

The look Shepard gave him silenced him.

“Are they?” Shepard questioned to the cafeteria at large. “Because I only saw one vampire killing his own kind last night. I am not so foolish as to believe that’s reason enough to blindly trust him. However, it is a reason to listen to what he told me.

“The vampires are planning something, and it’s bigger than their endless need for blood. And until we fully understand what they intend to do, we need an insider who can get us information.

“No matter your opinion on this, I want it all made clear right now that the vampire known as Cross is under my protection. If you have a problem with him, you come to me. He is not to be killed. If I find that anyone has made a move on him, I will consider it an act against the pack. You will not like the consequences. Am I understood?”

A general hum of grudging acceptance filled the room.

“Delegates, when you return to your cities today, find out how bad the infestations are. We recently discovered the vampires here have changed how they feed. Use your city resources to look for clubs where they are using the humans as feeders. Licensed businesses right in the middle of your territories.”

Several of the men exchanged troubled glances.

“We need to work together to stop them before it gets worse. Keep communication open, but not on The Howl. I will give you updates on the D.C. infestation as they become available.”

As Shepard stepped down from the platform, Doc stepped up. “You all fought hard last night. Time to feast and remember the fallen. Eat, rest, and then get ready to work. We’ll be pulling long hours until we’ve cleaned our cities.”

Shepard sat at our table as the people lined up for breakfast. Gunther stopped near the table and crouched down to Shepard.

“Boss, can I have a word?”

“What is it?”

He glanced around. “I’d rather not say here.”

“Meet me after breakfast.”

He nodded and headed to the food line.

“Miles!” Vena called, jumping out of her seat. She raced for Miles as he walked into the room. “Are you okay? How do you feel?”

He smiled at her. “Much better now.” He gave a nod to Shepard. “Thank you for helping me.”

“That’s why we’re here,” Shepard said.

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