Page 58 of Reign

“Yeah.” He glanced at the Count, who silently observed everyone in the room, looking bored. I wasn't fooled for a moment. His ears worked just fine, and he wouldn’t miss a thing, including heart rates and breathing and any other sign of fear, betrayal, or discord among us. “You can send word through Balthazar’s underground network,” finished Owen.

I narrowed my eyes on Balthazar and waited patiently as he slowly turned his attention to me. It was a game with him. He was used to calling the shots, but he knew if we failed in this, his empire and power wouldn’t mean jack shit.

The dark-haired vampire met my eyes and nodded once.

“Good. Owen, do that. Balthazar, do you have a colleague who can assist my beta?”

“I do.” He shifted his disturbing gaze to Owen. “I will send Davlov, my right hand, to you this evening.”

Owen nodded, holding Balthazar’s gaze just long enough to show he wasn’t intimidated by the Count but not long enough to cause offense. Balthazar smirked a little. So did I. Owen was a good beta.

“Good, that’s settled then. We’ll need every warrior we can get if the Rift doesn’t close.” I met Owen’s gaze. “We’ll deal with the alphas and lone wolves who ignore our summons after we’ve dealt with Satan.”

I leaned back in my chair, crossed my arms and tilted my head back—thinking. “Balthazar? How many vampires have you called in?”

The Count cocked his head. It was full daylight outside, but the original vampire wasn’t bothered by such trivial issues as the sun. He was far too ancient and far too powerful for that—other vampires not so much. “Two thousand warriors from the four main English covens. Their leaders are loyal to me and will be on standby where you tell them to be. I can’t provide more as we are already fighting to protect our king in Europe.”

I nodded my thanks, not questioning his reasons. The Vampire King lived somewhere in Europe. He was ailing, and the war to take his throne before he died and his young son was crowned was already in full force. I had no idea where Balthazar fit into that world other than the Vampire King’s representative in Britain. That meant he was the ultimate vampire power in this country. One of the main reasons I kept him on my side.

“Shifter numbers?” I asked Owen.

“Five hundred confirmed for now. But like I said, more to come…” His phone rang, and he pulled it from his jeans pocket. His brows dipped. “Selina? Why are you ringing me on Shane’s phone?” His expression darkened. “Why? Where is he?” A pause. “You’re his what!?” A pause. His voice lowered to a growl. “Since when? Fine. When are you expecting him back? Damn it! That’s two days from now! No, I can’t tell you what it’s about over the phone. Okay...wait.” He met my eyes but then looked quickly away. “How’s Devon?” Another pause. “Good. I’ll be in touch later.” He put his phone down, took a breath and unclamped his teeth. “Shane’s on a hunt and won’t be back until Friday.”

“Dammit!” I had hoped to use Walker's portal to get extra men from the Canadian pack. We needed to shut the Rift down, but we also needed to eliminate the sea of demons that had gotten through it.

B’nar raised his eyes to mine. “I’ll still go through the portal. Your beta can come with me and talk to Shane’s beta. Maybe we can work something out even if Shane is absent.”

“Fine. Owen, do that. Who is Shane's beta now?”

Owen’s eyes met mine, and his nostrils flared. His shock and anger filtered into me. “Selina.”

“Good on her,” drawled Shannon. “It’s about time a female got a position of power.”

I rolled my eyes at her. “You’re free to challenge my beta anytime you wish.”

Owen tensed and cracked his neck as if he expected Shannon to actually do it. I grinned. Shewasunpredictable enough to fight him if she was in the mood.

Stone’s eyes flared with purple as Shannon sat back and smirked at Owen, looking down his body and back up again. “Nah, maybe we can tangle another time, beta.”

Now it was Stone’s turn to growl.

“Enough!” We didn’t have time for territorial alpha confrontations. “Owen, go with Walker and B’Nar and bring back as many fighters as they can spare. I’ll square it with Shane another time… ”

Ember’s scent hit me the moment before she strolled into the room. “Hey, guys, did you miss me?” She smirked at everyone, her beautiful hair gleaming and hanging in waves down her back. She wore jeans and a tank that exposed her arms and moulded to her breasts and ribs. The gleam of defiance that had been missing from her eyes since Italy was back with a vengeance.

“Hey, biatch!” Shannon smirked and wiggled her fingers. “‘Bout time you got your ass back to us! The other you was boring as hell.”

Ember laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll come find you to kick your arse soon enough. Then you might change your tune.”

Shannon laughed. “We done, Prime?”

I nodded. She pushed her chair back and strutted over towards Ember, grinning. “Come find me, and I’ll kickyourass…” She winked and lowered her voice, which was pointless. “When he’s done fucking it.”

Ember laughed, and they high-fived as Shannon walked out.

Stone was quick to follow Shannon but stopped beside Ember. “She-wolf.” He nodded and wandered off after Shannon.

It was only when Ember’s eyes landed on Reed that her attitude faltered. “Reed? REED!” She squealed loud enough to make everyone remaining wince and ran across the room, launching herself at my brother. He quickly stood up, just managing to catch her as she leapt into his embrace. My brother was mated, which was the only thing that saved him as she wrapped her arms around his neck, and he hugged her close.

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