Page 150 of The Vampire's Thirst
“That’s possible, High Commander,” said Alarik, “but they won’t handle much.”
“How many can they send through?” Jarek’s brows knitted into a frown.
“According to my source, maybe ten at a time,” said Cadmon.
“Dax,” said Kole, “contact your human. Tell him to get his army to Sacramento for the big event. We’ll attack on the Scath side. They’ll be squeezed between us.”
The vampire Firebrand nodded. “Any more details, High Commander?”
“They’ll be coming into Sacramento through the warehouse portal near Tower Bridge,” said Cadmon.
Nerina sat upright, her chin jutting forward. “As I offered before, Commander Kole. My satyr and I will fight alongside your Firebrands.”
Viktor’s fangs punched from his gums. “As will I.”
“No strings are attached to your sanctuary here,” said Kole.
“We know, Commander, and are grateful, but our honor requires us to stand with you.” Aras’s eagle flickered near the surface as he spoke, his eyes pale yellow, his gaze sharp, his tone allowing no contradiction.
Indigo threw a fist into the air. “I’m in. My bag’s packed, my gryphon’s fed, and I’m ready to rock.”
Cadmon nodded. “So be it.”
Dax slid a piece of paper across the table. “Comm, here’s the list of refugees who want to fight and have some skills. They’ll be training alongside Ram’s recruits. He already has plans in place. I’ll assist, rotating in off-duty Firebrands as additional instructors. Aras, Viktor, and Nerina, you are welcome to join us. Indigo, I don’t think you require training.”
Jarek leaned into his chair, seemingly at ease. “We’ll meet tomorrow at my stronghold with our seconds to draw up a battle strategy. For now, think on it.”
Cadmon rose. “I will leave the specific plans to my commanders then. Stay safe.”
****
At the staging area before the Firebrands and allies faced Arisen Dawn, Dax draped an arm around Chiara’s waist in a casual-but-possessive hold. She had forgiven him for not respecting her skills, for letting his mouth run faster than his brain. He had forgiven her for knocking him out cold. Afterward, he preened because he was learning the ins and outs of the relationship biz. Best part, they’d had lots of makeup sex.
His attention shifted to Kole, who reiterated the high points of the mission. Intel predicted Arisen Dawn would pass through to Earth at the remote North Shelters portal. With mountain ranges bracketing the valley on all sides, the place was perfect for an incursion.
Kole was answering a question posed by a recruit. “Jarek will flank our left. Nace will be on our right. They’ll be doing their own thing.”
Chiara traded her gypsy skirt for snug leather pants, a flak jacket over a long-sleeved T-shirt, and boots. With a short sword at her back, two knives strapped to her hips, and her unruly hair tied at her nape, she was hot. Seeing her dressed for battle, Dax fought the urge to strip her naked, thrust into her, and bury his fangs in her luscious neck.
As if she understood exactly what he was thinking, she shook her head. He shrugged and arched a brow.
Next to Dax, Thorn tapped his wrist, disconnecting from a call. “That was Luka with news. His old pack decamped with Karth. He thinks they’re heading out to join Arisen Dawn. My brother and his mate are on their way to help us.”
Dax gave the shifter a thumbs up.
Kole raised a fist, stopping all chatter. “We’re waiting to hear from our scouts at the portal. At their go-ahead, we charge in.” Though the commander had not refused the assist from the Blood Coven descendants who possessed deadly skills, he attached stipulations. “Chiara, when you tire from casting spells, get the hell out. No second guessing. Braelyn, the same advice applies. Nico and Denim, you’re one of us, but…”
Nico interrupted. “Fuck you very much, Kole. I don’t leave my mate’s side unless I’m dead.”
Sabine grinned. “He’s an irreverent bastard, but he’s all mine, Comm. I apologize for any disrespect.”
Nico pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Rein dropped his icy blue gaze to his mate. “We’ve discussed this with the females. They know to stay would hinder us.”
Kole’s arm shot into the air, high above his head, sparks shooting from his fingers. “For duty. For honor.” He slammed a fist down, a signal to charge into battle.
The Eastern Stronghold stormed into the valley at the same time as Jarek and Nace’s Firebrands. At the portal, Arisen Dawn soldiers outnumbered them, but as an experienced fighter, Dax knew victory was achieved one dead body at a time. It was badjujuto take in the whole field. So he looked for a single victim.
