Page 97 of Blood Match

I nod. “I wish it were under better circumstances.”

Selene gestures for us to sit, then perches on the arm of a nearby chair. “So, what’s this about, Darick? Your message was…vague.”

I take a deep breath, collecting my thoughts. “It’s about Lucien. I have reason to believe he’s planning something far worse than what he’s letting on.”

Elias’s expression darkens. “We’ve all heard his rhetoric. What makes you think there’s more to it?”

“The attack on the witches,” I say, watching their reactions carefully. “I believe Lucien was behind it.”

Selene’s eyes widen, while Elias sits back, looking troubled.

“That’s…a serious accusation,” Selene says slowly. “Do you have proof?”

I shake my head. “Not concrete proof, no. But the timing, the way it was executed…it all points to Lucien.”

Elias nods thoughtfully. “It’s not unbelievable. Lucien’s always been…ambitious.”

“Devious, you mean,” Selene corrects, pursing her lips. “But what’s his motivation?”

“Blood.” I clench my jaw. “He’s taking them for their blood.”

“The Bloodbane.” Elias looks grim.

“Yes. I think he’s keeping them as a source.”

“For those of his clan who are afflicted?” Selene eyes me curiously.

“On the surface, yes. But I don’t believe that Lucien’s all about altruism. If he’s doing this, there’s a bigger motivation.” I sit back against the soft leather of my seat. It creaks slightly.

“Like what?” she asks.

“Not sure. Probably thinks he’ll be able to extend his reach into the other clans needing witch blood. Not everyone is opposed to taking it by force. But not everyone wants to get their hands dirty. Lucien has no such problem.”

“Motherfucker,” mutters Elias, who’s always had an issue with inflicting pain. Pretty unusual for a vampire.

“It’s just a theory, though,” I add. “He could be up to anything. Who knows how his mind works.”

“So how do we fit in?” says Selene.

I take in a breath before I address them. “What I’m proposing is an alliance. Between the three of us, we have the resources and influence to counter whatever Lucien has up his sleeve.”

Selene nods slowly, a hint of intrigue in her expression. “Go on.”

“Think about it,” I continue. “Elias, your medical expertise and connections in the scientific community. Selene, your diplomatic skills and network of informants. Marcus’s strategic mind and combat experience as my military advisor. My leadership and…” I hesitate for a moment, “…certain unique advantages I’ve recently acquired.”

Marcus nods, backing me up. “We’re stronger together. Lucien’s been playing us against each other for too long. It’s time we turned things around.”

Elias shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “I understand the appeal, Darick, but going against Lucien directly…it’s risky. He has a way of seeing everything.”

“Which is precisely why we need to act,” I counter. “Lucien’s ambitions won’t stop at just one of us. By the time he finishes with me, it’ll be someone else. Maybe one of you. But if we stand together, we can stop him in his tracks.”

The pair exchange glances. They know there’s truth in what I’m saying.

“Personally, I think he’s after Arabella’s seat,” I say bluntly.

Elias sucks in a breath. “A coup?”

“Nobody has overthrown the Grand Eldership in over five hundred years.” Selene looks alarmed.

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