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“The ward is in place,” Baptiste assured him, lifting his eyes toward the glimmering dome that Jeff couldn’t see.

“This place is actually very defensible,” Cian added. “I’m going to speak to Aimee about adding spells around the property to slow down any possible attacks.”

Jeff stared out into the darkness engulfing the trees. “And if they try to burn us out like they did your apartment?”

With a swipe of his hand, Baptiste expended a pulse of magic that flashed bright blue. A moment later globs of water floated into the light of the porch to swirl around him. The levitating water balls sparkled in the light. “I could summon more if you like.”

“Wow. No, no. That’s...good. Where’d you get the water?”

“The dew has fallen,” Baptiste answered.

Cian chuckled. “Impressive, huh?”

“Yeah!” The look on the human’s face was one of total astonishment.

Baptiste flicked his hand and the orbs of water splashed onto the flowers below the porch. “Now, if you’re concerned about fire, don’t be.” Baptiste withdrew a lighter from his pocket. Flicking the flame into existence, he cupped his hand over it. The fire burned brighter and hotter beneath his palm. Baptiste withdrew the lighter and flipped his hand over. A ball of fire hovered above his hand. “I can deal with fire.”

“Okay. I’m feeling a lot better about this,” Jeff admitted.

Cian clapped the human on the shoulder. “You should.”

With a grin, Baptiste closed his hand and the flame vanished.

“Now I wish you had gotten here earlier,” Jeff confessed. “I wasn’t too sure what to expect.”

“I had to put my personal matters in order. If we win, but I die, I want to make sure that my family is taken care of,” Baptiste answered. “Besides, Rachon assured me that The Summoner was too busy setting his plans in motion to attack you right away.”

“I wish she had told us that,” Cian said, trying to keep a snarl out of his voice.

“Family first with Rachon. Remember? Anyway, I had my will drawn up and that sort of thing.”

“You have kids?” Jeff queried.

“No. No. It will all go to my siblings and my mother.” Baptiste tucked his hands into his trouser pockets. “At least I can rest easy in the here and now as I do my duty. Of course, if we fail, it won’t matter.”

“Rachon doesn’t believe we can defeat him.” Cian lifted an eyebrow. “Does she?”

“She’s preparing a second front, but hopes it won’t be needed,” Baptiste said. “Family first.”

It angered Cian that Rachon wouldn’t support the endeavor he was leading. Yet, it made sense that she’d be implementing her own plans. She didn’t control such a large territory without reason. Rachon was intelligent and strong-willed. It pained him to admit that she had succeeded where Cian had failed. She’d built up a vampire and supernatural presence that was impressive and strong enough to hold an entire state. If Cian’s small cabal didn’t succeed in stopping The Summoner, Rachon and her group would be a formidable opposition to The Summoner.

Without another word, Cian entered the house to face the group of people that would stand with him against his creator. The family room was filled with large comfortable red sofas and chairs and heavy tables emblazoned with the Lone Star. The conversation fell silent the moment he stepped into view. Baptiste and Jeff scooted around him to find a place to sit. Arms still folded across his chest, Cian stood with his legs apart.

“We knew this night was coming. It was a matter of time,” he started. “We learned a few things tonight. The Summoner knows that Samantha is a phasmagus. Also, he’s building an army of supernaturals just as we are. The were-bear, witches, and demons are all evidence of this.”

“Fuck my timing,” Eduardo said, coming in from the hallway and joining the group. “I would be just in time for the long-winded speech.”

“Took you long enough to get here,” Jeff muttered.

“I was eating.”

Cian saw Samantha start in her chair and give Eduardo a very pensive look.

“Can anyone just walk in here?” Baptiste asked with concern.

“My crew members all have keys and the alarm codes.” Jeff was snuggled on a loveseat with Samantha, his fingers gently stroking her hair, obviously soothing her. “I’ll get you one, too.”

Baptiste nodded, his eyes watching Eduardo thoughtfully.