Page 145 of The Vampire's Thirst
Everyone’s attention focused on Kole as sparks flared from his fingertips. “Sorry. Side effect of being an animus demon.”
Lipton’s gaze flitted from Kole and his scary-as-shit ability to Cadmon. “And who is the enemy? And why do we need your help? We have the big guns. The technology.”
Jarek placed both elbows on the table, fingers laced together, his braids hanging down his chest almost to his waist. The many battle glyphs visible on his massive arms and neck outshone the medals weighing down General Lipton’s uniform. “You may have big weapons, but you can’t defeat an onslaught of Arisen Dawn soldiers. If they find a way to bring large numbers through the portals as we can, your time is up. Prepare to bend over and take it in your skivvies.”
“We were told you can’t bring through an entire army,” said one of Lipton’s officers, looking at him for validation.
Kole touched his fingers together. “Who said that? Dante? He told you what he thought was true. The Firebrands can bring every Aeternal on Scath through the portals. But right now, only we have that ability. The fear is, Cerberus is working to get it.”
“We’ll turn to a nuclear solution,” said the East Bank general.
Dax shook his head. “You’d destroy your own homeland by employing weapons of mass destruction? Not a wise move. Also, how will you know where to set up? We have hundreds of thousands of portals.”
Looking as if he had chewed on a sour pickle, the Central Special Mission commander said, “If you’re really concerned for our safety, close them down.”
Cadmon smoothed the lapel of his uniform. “That sounds easy, but the spells which have created them do not work that way.”
“I still think we can win with technology,” said the East Bank general.
“Bring it on. As far as technology, hell, we’ve got it, too. Fact is, we’ve shared some with you. GPS, for example. But it’s not our technology you should worry about. If Arisen Dawn can transport masses through the portals, they’ll have strength, speed, and what you’d call magic on their side. Face it,” Dax let his fangs drop, “you’re just table scraps for my breed.”
Cadmon rested an arm on the table. “Arisen Dawn is led by a powerful male who has no conscience when it comes to killing humans. I fear we have not yet felt the full force of his abilities. He figures ruling Earth is his manifest destiny.”
“His destiny? Explain.” Lipton tilted his body toward the ylve high commander.
Kole’s fire-gold eyes targeted each participant at the table. “History lesson. You were not the first sentient creatures on the planet. We were, but we grew too violent, killing you to feed. The Cambion from Wales viewed a doom-and-gloom prophecy. To counter it, he and twelve other witches and warlocks divided the world into three realms. We went to Scath. The wildings went to Darque. You stayed safely on Earth. As Firebrands, our duty is to prevent crazy Aeternals from escaping to Earth. If one slips through, we pursue them and drag them home to face judgment.”
Cadmon continued the story. “Over the centuries, both our species have advanced. But understand this, Aeternals have walked among you since your first days. Fact is, our lives and the threads of our civilizations are a tapestry of rich, colorful strands woven together. Most often, our symbiotic relationship is positive. We mix with you, trading goods and services, working together to solve problems, vacationing at the same hot spots, attending the same art exhibits and concerts. But now Cerberus has popped up. He professes to be Hades’s hound from the Prophecy of Karma. As such, he will open the portals and allow Aeternals to feed on humans again. But this relationship will be parasitic. While he may be insane, he has support.”
Matty scrubbed his jaw. “Long story short, even if we stop this Cerberus … and I do mean if … it’ll be bloody. The Firebrands are honorable men. I’ve seen them up close and personal. With their help, we stand a chance of victory.”
Lipton’s sigh was so loud it echoed through the warehouse.
“General, they are stronger and faster than us. If you need a demo, Dax here will arm wrestle the entire battalion and come out the victor,” said Matty.
Cadmon chuckled. “While I would love to watch, I don’t think such a demonstration will be necessary. General Lipton, our lawgivers and Temple of Justice ordered us to stand down, to wait and see what Arisen Dawn can do. You should know, every Firebrand voted to disobey the order. They voted to fight for humans because it is the right path. By saving you, we save ourselves. For our decision, the powers-that-be branded us traitors. But we follow the mark of our birthright, the Phoenix. We’ll stand against Arisen Dawn even if you reject our offer to work together. It would be better, however, if we shared intel and cooperated. Both of our chances would improve.”
“Can we take a minute to talk, gentlemen?” General Lipton indicated the other high-ranking officers who sat at the table beside him.
Dax leaned back in his chair, just for the hell of it letting his fangs elongate again. “You better leave the warehouse for your chit-chat. We have excellent hearing.”
When the general scrunched his brows, questioning the vampire’s statement, Dax said, “For example, the soldier over there has change in his pocket. It jingles when he moves. That man in the corner has an erratic heartbeat. I’d get him to a healer after our meet.”
“Damn. That’s good.” Matty rose and leaned toward Dax to whisper. “You are so sexy, I want to kiss you. But your sister’s a jealous woman.” He turned to follow the retreating generals and staff.
Dax’s laughter followed the army representatives out of the warehouse.
After a wait, Kole back-and-forthed it in the warehouse, making an entire line of soldiers nervous. To stay awake, Dax thrummed his fingers on the table. The rhythmic thud of his commander’s boots hitting the concrete was a lullaby. Nace prowled the perimeter of their space, his caged jaguar growling, anxious to get out. Only Jarek and Cadmon waited patiently.
Finally, the outer door swung open. Lipton returned, leading the officers and staff back to the meeting. He lifted his fingertips, tapping his forehead in a salute. “Welcome to our war, High Commander Cadmon. We’d be proud to fight alongside any of your men and women. We know real soldiers when we see them.”
****
Back in his office after four hours ironing out details with the American army, Kole listened to reports from his Firebrands. Holding up a hand, he interrupted Thorn—who sat splattered in blood, shirt in tatters, hair matted—with a story about his dust-up with Arisen Dawn. “It’s Cadmon.” He tapped his wrist and scrubbed his fist across his head while he listened. “How many beds left, Chay?”
“Last count, Red said we have about twenty bunks but can add more. We also have seven rooms on the third floor.”
Kole relayed the info to Cadmon before he disconnected. He suppressed a jolt of electricity shooting up his spine. “Ram, Chay, with me to our portal. We’re greeting incoming justices and lawgivers who are requesting sanctuary. Nace and Jarek are taking their share. Ylve, reach out to your mate. We’ll hand them off to Margo. Tell her to notify the new household manager she hired from among the refugees. Thorn, you could do with a shower. Afterward, let Fin and the new guy … uh … Arne know to expect more for dinner. Galena, you’ve got my stamp of approval on the modified rotation assignments. After you assess their skills, Dax, get me your list of civilian refugees who want to fight. We don’t want to send out anyone who doesn’t stand a chance to survive. They are yours to train.”
