Page 57 of Betrayed in Blood
Devon shook his head. “I’d love to have you. We’ve yet to go to battle side by side, but this isn’t the time, my friend. It’s conceivable Lorenzo knows you’re here, and the safe house might be his way of getting us both out in the open.”
Remus glanced up at the ceiling, a slow grin on his face. “I’ve always loved this ceiling. The artwork is truly amazing. And, of course, you’re right, but it didn’t hurt to ask. However, I will insist you take Decker.”
Devon shook his head again. “We don’t need Lorenzo’s vampires seeing a shifter with us.”
Remus chuckled. “Lorenzo knows how far you and Decker go back and that he’s on your payroll. It’s also possible someone escaped the attack on Oasis and reported the shifters. But after the raid on Shadow Island, Lorenzo is no fool. He knows I provided resources to assist you. He just doesn’t know the extent of my involvement.”
Devon glanced at Decker. “I assume you’re satisfied with that call?”
He grinned. “Who do you think suggested it?”
Devon shouldn’t have been surprised. Decker had been aching for a chance to strike at Venizi. He wouldn’t disappoint his old friend. “Alright. Remus, can I ask you to lead the defense of the manor?” In all rights, it should be Mateo or Lyra. Remus wasn’t a House leader or a vampire—he was more than that. He ruled all shifter wolves. It would be unseemly not to ask.
“I’d be honored.” He gave Devon a slight nod.
“Mateo will bring you up to speed on our defenses.” Devon glanced around and noted that the cadre, plus Jacques, were ready.
“Absolutely, sir.” Mateo didn’t seem to take offense at Remus taking charge. In fact, he seemed pleased to be working with him.
“Let’s roll.” Devon led the group out the door and down the steps to where eight various types of vehicles waited for them including SUVs, sedans, and two older model compact cars used for surveillance.
It was a twenty-minute drive to the city safe house that was located in one of the poorer neighborhoods. The motorcade split into four groups of two cars each and parked two blocks away on the streets that surrounded the safe house.
Devon got out of the SUV and met Bella on the sidewalk. “What’s the plan?”
“The situation has changed from our last contact. The vampires are still here, but apparently, the local street gang has gotten involved.”
Devon scratched his jaw. “Is this the same gang Levi has been developing a relationship with?” Much like the coastal safe house where Devon had made special accommodations, primarily with money, to keep the neighbors happy while ensuring them extra security.
Bella nodded. “And it seems to be growing into a decent one. The gang has a street party every Friday, and anyone not working security is invited. We usually supply the beer, burgers, and dogs. My understanding is that they’re clear that we don’t support their drug activity, but our presence tends to deter police activity.”
“What are our new friends doing to assist?”
She shrugged. “Basically, what we were going to do. They’re harassing the drivers, blocking the streets, preventing them from leaving, or letting one car go but holding the others. I’m not sure it’s having much effect, other than irritating the drivers and one vampire in particular who’s parked his car directly in front of the safe house. Seems he just sits on the hood and stares at the security detail.”
“So, we know the leader.” Devon glanced at the SUV, but he wasn’t able to see Cressa beyond the glass. “Block two streets with two vehicles each. No one passes. Make it close to the safe house.”
He waved at the second SUV, and Sergi joined them. Devon replayed the situation with him and his order for Bella.
“Let’s have a few vampires walk the streets and reach out to the gang. I’d like our detail to join them and be the spokesperson with Venizi’s vampires. I want the heat off the gang, but let’s use their forces.”
Devon nodded at them both. “You have a go.”
He returned to the SUV while Sergi and Bella returned to their vehicles and drove off. Cressa gave him a questioning look, and he just grinned as he took out his phone and texted Decker.
“Ready to go wolf?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
“Nips and bites only. Unless it’s survival.”
Decker responded with a happy face and a dog emoji.
Devon could only shake his head. “Let’s go to the safe house. I’d like a front-row seat to this.”
Lucas drove slowly and stopped every few feet to wait in a line of vehicles the gang had stopped. When one of the gang members discovered who they were, they immediately opened a lane, keeping the other vehicles from moving as they let the SUV pass until they drove into the gated safe house facility.
Levi met them at the gate and directed Lucas to park a couple spots over facing the fence.
