Page 67 of Always Eros

“I think the problem is bigger than a nest,” Hale says softly. “If what we learned at Nightsky is accurate, then this nest is actually attempting to eradicate any vampires who resist joining their ranks.” He looks straight at Dimas. “We could be facing a vampire civil war.”

Dimas’s mouth drops. “A civil war? What?”

“Hale was attacked by our own kind several nights ago,” Yves says. “In unraveling the events and with some help from a memory potion, we’ve determined that the attackers originate from the same cult where Hale initially grew up. This has potentially been in the works for centuries.”

“Why now then?” Dimas asks.

“Perhaps their ranks are strong enough,” Syn muses. “Maybe they simply believe they’re ready.”

“This cult is made up of vampires?” Dimas asks.

“No,” I answer. “There are mortals there. Mortals who have no idea what they truly belong to.”

Dimas nods, scanning the room with his eerie eyes. “Anyone have an idea of what we should do next? I don’t think sitting around waiting to be attacked is prudent.”

“I say we strike first,” Thorn says, grinning maniacally. “Let them know they don’t stand a chance.”

“While I don’t entirely disagree,” Yves begins, “I think we need more information first.”

“I agree,” I say. “There could be a lot of mortal collateral damage.”

“So?” Dimas says. “Hang with vampires and that happens.”

“They don’t know that, Dimas,” I growl. “There could be good people there.”

“And if we lose a few good mortals, so be it. There are plenty of them still leeching off the earth.”

It’s suddenly clear why Yves has no interest in this man, friendly or otherwise.

“There’s no point in arguing amongst ourselves,” Yves says, ever the rational voice. “In fact, now more than ever, we need to find those who would side with us if it came down to war.”

“You can count on my coven,” Dimas says. “We would never allow ourselves to be run by power-hungry vampires.”

Yves nods. “I have a few connections I can reach out to as well. One in Ravenbrook and another in Neubrook.”

“I know some guys up in Sable Cove,” Thorn says. “Don’t ask why.”

“I’ve never spoken with Ravenbrook’s resident vampire, but we have friendly relationships with several covens up that way as well,” Dimas says. “There’s a group near Salem in Eaton Falls who stay to themselves, but I’ve never had a problem with them. I’ll give their leader, Augustus, a call.”

“Excellent,” Yves says. “For the rest of us, I’d like to see if we can find out anything else about Nightsky that could be relevant.”

Hale shifts uneasily in his seat, glancing at me before turning away. “Perhaps the mortal can help. I am so far removed.”

My stomach churns. “I would prefer not to involve Justice.”

“He could be in danger, Eros,” Raphael whispers. “Look what happened to Hale and his mortal mate.”

Raph’s words turn my blood to ice. “That was different.”

“I have to agree with Raphael,” Yves says. “We don’t know to what lengths this group is willing to go to protect their secret. They could be searching for him now for all we know.”

I blink rapidly as the verity of their words settles in my chest, awakening the monster that lives inside me. My fangs and nails descend. “I will not let anyone hurt him.”

Raphael rubs my arm. “We know. He’s safer with us though.”

I’m nearly blinded by rage and fear that I cannot protect Justice. What if he refuses to come back to me? Can I just lock him away until I’m sure any threat is dealt with? Would he forgive me if I did?

Dimas and Yves go to his office, leaving me soaking in anger and confusion, surrounded by my well-meaning but nosy brothers. Fortunately, their attention shifts to Hale.

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