Page 30 of Of Flame and Fate

“Why wouldn’t I?” Destiny asks, appearing confused. She motions to Celia’s. “Those babies are coming, it’s just a matter of time.” She smiles softly. “They have to, the world won’t survive without them.”

When it comes to a baby being born, everyone should be all a flutter, expecting only the good things babies bring: cuddles and kisses, intermixed with promises for the future. But this child is different, burdened with a destiny he doesn’t yet know.

The heavy task my sister’s child will bear quiets us all, surging our fear, but also feeding our hope.This baby is special, and so are his siblings, they have to be if evil itself doesn’t want them born.

The silence lasts only briefly. There’s too much to say and more to do. “We can’t count on the vampires,” Aric tells us.

“No shit,” Gemini snaps, his anger altering his generally calm disposition into something fierce.

“Watch it,” Aric warns. “I’m not happy about this either.”

“Then why allow it?” Gemini fires back. “If this was Celia, you wouldn’t have it.”

“Not wanting it and being able to stop it are two different things. Neither matter because bottom line, we don’t have a choice,” Aric counters, his light brown irises flashing with resentment. “From now on, all the wolves from the Squaw Valley Den Pack are assigned to Celia. Genevieve’s Coven and the Coven of Versailles will be protected and watched by the Chinese Imperials.”

“Who are the Imperials?” Emme asks.

She blushes, embarrassed about interrupting, but recognizing the severity of the situation.

“The Chinese Imperial Coven,” I answer, glimpsing at how Gemini’s focus doesn’t waver from Aric. “They’re masters of magic and practitioners of sacred and mystical martial arts.”

“Mystical martial arts?” she questions.

“Yes. Kind of like theCrouching Tiger Hidden Dragonversion of the broom humpers,” I explain.

A passing witch glares my way. “I’m sorry,” I offer. “But that’s the best way to describe them.”

“They’re recluse and secretive,” Aric elaborates. “For the most part, they keep their distance from other witch clans, presenting themselves only during times of unrest or when they feel they’re most needed.”

“They were the ones entrusted with securing Asia during the last war,” Gemini adds.

Emme tilts her head gingerly. “If they can secure an entire continent, why aren’t they watching Celia?” she asks carefully.

“Because physical prowess and magic aside, they’re notweres,” Aric replies.

In other words, he doesn’t fully trust them to watch our girl.

Gemini’s frown burrows deep. “Are the Imperials coming here? Or are we seeing both covens to China?”

Aric rubs the scruff of his five o’clock shadow. “The Imperials are en route and should arrive by morning to escort the covens to a secret location in Europe. We won’t know where they are, but both Ines, the Head Witch to the Coven of Versailles, and Genevieve have sworn a blood oath to return should wecallthem.” He makes a face. “The vampires are the only ones unwilling to lend us their full support. Uri and Ileana Vodianova have acquired protection of their own and are fleeing somewhere across globe. The remaining American masters, in addition to those in Canada, and Central and South America have already disappeared. Misha is the only one who agreed to stay and offered his help should we need him.”

No wonder Genevieve was so angry. Instead of forming a united front, the vamps have once more chosen to save their own billion dollar backsides.

Except for Misha, who will never abandon Celia . . .

Chapter Seven

“The only one unaccounted for is Destiny,” Aric says, turning in her direction. “Someone has to watch her, given her position and title. Tye offered, but as son to our president, he’s under guard as well.”

“I don’t want Taran assigned to anyone,” Gemini interrupts. “I want her watchedby me.”

Celia leans closer to Aric. I mirror her motions, taking Gemini’s hand and keeping my body close. More times than not, she’s managed to soothe Aric’s wolf this way. And while I’m not normally so intimate in public, I think it’s time I start given the circumstances.

Aric’s voice is harsh and leaving absolutely no room for argument. “Based on Taran’s position as an Alliance member, her resourcefulness, and her skills, she was chosen to guard.” Gemini starts to argue. “It’s either Destiny or Misha. Those are our only choices seeing that he is the only vampire who has agreed to stay.”

So it’s between a freaky zebra striped wall or a hard place with fangs. Nice.

I don’t like this. But as bothered as I am, I’m counting on Misha to protect Celia at all costs. He owes her as much. I’m also counting on Destiny’s sense of loyalty. She tore into the vamp who attacked Uri for “not being nice”. If I protect her, I’ll earn her loyalty, increasing the chances for Celia’s survival and that of her babies.

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