Page 140 of Court of Evil

“My own people.” I smile, knowing it is not a very nice one. “I didn’t agree with them killing a young vampyr. They didn’t like that and tried to kill me.”

She watches me, her brows drawn together. “What happened to them?”

“I killed them.” I choose my next words wisely, knowing it will set the tone for how this will go. “I do not hurt innocents, which is why I’m here.”

“My message,” she says, her eyes widening in understanding.

“Message?” The man at her side frowns, looking between us.

I spare him a look, remembering where I saw him. “I guess Simon was right. I’ve heard of you. It’s nice to meet you. I have to say, I’m surprised, but in a good way.” I look back at Quinn,since she is in charge. “And you are Quinn, Alpha of the Red Mountain Pack.”

“How do you know?” she asks, crossing her arms in a defensive gesture.

Truth is important here. If we are to build the friendships I need to forge a better future, then we need to start on the right foot.

“I know a lot. Besides your message, I have friends in your world. I might be a hunter, but I’m a fair one, and they know that. They come to me for help. There’s a wolf not too far from here with a mate called Simon. We get together for game night sometimes, and he told me about you. He’s the reason I’m here, along with your message. He said he knew you and your father and that you are a force to be reckoned with. I also think we both could use the other’s help.”

I see her process my words as she drops her hands to her hips. “How did you even find us?”

My smirk is vicious, but I can’t help it. “Hunter, remember?”

“You have no weapons,” she retorts.

I shrug leisurely, my hands aching behind my head. “I’m not here to hurt anyone.”

“So you walked into a wolf pack unarmed?” Disbelief colours her tone. I get it. I would feel the same way. It could be a trap, so I don’t blame her for not trusting me.

“I figured you would either kill me or listen, so weapons wouldn’t matter much either way. Besides, I still have my hands,” I say, offering another truth. I won’t hide who I am, and they already know.

Her laughter fills the air, a soft sound that makes the man at her side smile even as he watches me carefully. “Fine, why are you here, Tate?” she asks, and I know then she might still kill me, but her curiosity is winning out.

The fact that I haven’t offered her violence is confusing her. Good.

“I have a feeling we are going to be good friends. Can I get to my feet? I fucked up one of my knees last month chasing a dragon, and it still hasn’t healed right.” My first lie, but I need to get up. If this is going to happen, then we need to be equals and I need my hands. She considers my request before nodding, and I stand, drop my hands, and pull off my gloves.

“I saw your message. I like your handiwork, by the way. I went and checked it out. My new team is there now, cleaning up the mess and burning the bodies.” Another lie—well, kind of, because the bodies were already dealt with, but I want her to know we are helping her. She simply stares however. Time for the reason I’m here. “Hard, I like that. Anyway, you’re right. The hunters are an ancient group, but we were not always bad. My father was a good man, a good hunter, and he showed me his ways, helping not just humans but your kind as well. I’d like to get back to that again, and I think you can help me. So, Quinn, let’s work together. I’ll clean up the hunters, and then we can stop the evil in this world together, both human and monsters alike. Sound good?” I hold out my hand, hoping she’ll take it. I need to know who I am trusting with this. I need to know if she’s the woman I think she is and, more so, the leader I will need.

She considers me, and I wait, not moving my hand. A warm breeze smelling of flowers and fresh grass washes over us, and her eyes seem to soften in acceptance before she places her hand in mine. The moment her skin touches mine, I am in her mind. I flip through her memories, not invading her privacy but looking for what I need.

I find it and smile.

She’s trustworthy, and she’s also strong enough to be what I need and has the morality to back it up. Quinn, Alpha of the RedMountain Pack, is a true leader. She’s exactly who I need at my side and has the same dreams I have.

“I’d like a truce, but between me and you. I don’t trust other hunters,” she murmurs, and I blink, bringing myself out of her head now that I know. This is exactly why I needed to come in person.

“You’d be stupid to, and you are not stupid, Alpha.” I grin and shake her hand, noticing she doesn’t test her strength against mine—another thing I like. She doesn’t feel the need to show off because she’s secure in her place. “Strong grip. Yes, I think we will be friends, Quinn. I’ll head back now and help clean up. Once my house is clear, I’ll send a message, and then I think we should get together along with some other friends I have and send out an accord.”

“What other friends?” she asks, not sure how to handle me or my words.

Truth is also important to her, so I offer her another.

“Oh, some vampyrs I met along the way. They are a good bunch, but slightly crazy, especially their queen. I met her on a hunt. She was hunting them too—sorry, judging them. We worked together at the end,” I admit. Althea is already on my list, and I know she will be involved in what I have planned. I do not need to ask. She actually told me. Besides, she probably saw it before I did. Another breeze washes over me then, tasting like freedom and home, and I close my eyes for a moment, letting it relax my taut muscles.

“Change is coming, and it starts with us women—queens this time, not kings.” I bow out of respect because she deserves it. “I’ll be seeing you again, Quinn.” I glance to the men at her side, the hunters. “Always room for more hunters with us.”

“Our place is here,” he replies without hesitation. Good.

“I had a feeling. Oh well, but once a hunter, always a hunter. Best of luck.” Turning away, I whistle as I walk over the grass to the trees, hearing her call out to her wolves.

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