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Fox’s expression scrunched up, and he lifted one hand to wobble it in front of him. “That’s complicated. It’s like I can feel all my old power condensed into a tight little ball in the center of my chest. I’m afraid that if I try to use magic, I’ll use up all of that ball and I won’t be able to protect Winter from the ghosts any longer.”

“What? Ghosts try to attack him?” Moon gasped and turned to wrap himself around Chen. His head snapped from left to right as he searched the driveway and the green space before the house for ghosts lurking under vehicles or behind trees.

“No, not attack, but they love to talk to meconstantlywhen they realize I can see them.”

“Ah.” Moon relaxed from where he’d been trying to climb Chen.

“I believe we should go inside and continue this conversation. This is at least partially related to why we asked you here,” Xiao Dan interjected before they could get further off track.

The Variks and the Zhangs returned to the house, where they settled in the main meeting room. The rest of the Zhang clan joined them. Only Meimei and Erik were missing, but Junjie hoped she was keeping him well entertained for the time being.

After Ming Yu and Rei brought out some light refreshments and the general pleasantries were out of the way, they got down to business.

“Since my last chat with Xiao Dan, it seems that we now have a two-pronged problem that needs to be taken care of,” Aiden began. “One being the fae, now led by King Trin, and the second being your clan’s maker, Jiang Chong.”

“Not to mention, the humans are officially in a state of panic,” Ronan added. “They’re climbing out of the land of denial and are making moves to bring in some heavy guns. That’s going to put more humans in danger as well as magical creatures. Weneed to get the fae taken care of so humans can go back to pretending we don’t exist and living in peace.”

“Do you even think that’s possible anymore?” Ming Yu inquired.

Moon snorted. “Humans will believe just about anything if it means being able to stay in their nice, safe bubble.”

Rei shook his head. “The bubble has fucking burst, my sassy vampire.”

“I don’t think Moon is wrong.” Fox leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees and his chin propped up on his hands. “There are going to be a lot of people who argue that what happened in New England was a secret government experiment gone wrong. Hating the government is an old habit. Believing in the fae is a lot harder. Unless a werewolf shifts in front of a reporter and it hits the evening news, shifters and vampires are still under the radar. At least for the time being.”

“And we still have a chance to get rid of the fae before they upset the applecart for everyone,” Winter finished. “But what about this Jiang Chong asshole? Do you think we have a shot of dealing with him and the fae at the same time? Or is he a separate problem?”

Xiao Dan’s frown deepened, and the rest of the Zhang clan appeared to hold their breaths, waiting for him to comment. “I honestly don’t know.”

Chen cleared his throat and shifted to the edge of his seat. “Over two thousand years ago, Jiang Chong was the head of the emperor’s intelligence force. He was a spy and assassin for the emperor. During his alliance with the emperor, while solidifying his place as a force behind the throne, he helped to eliminate countless people who dared to speak about the emperor one day dying. He has a long history of being the dark shadow behind a leader, whispering in their ear, concocting schemes, andremoving obstacles. I will say that Trin doesn’t seem the type to be easily manipulated.”

“He’s not,” Rei cut in.

“Then Jiang Chong is likely to be more cautious when handling Trin. Jiang Chong has likely agreed to take care of the Zhang clan in exchange for Trin leaving him alone once he takes over the human world. Eliminating Jiang Chong won’t help us with the fae problem and vice versa,” Xiao Dan explained.

“However, I don’t expect Jiang Chong to come help Trin or for Trin to help Jiang Chong if either side gets in trouble,” Chen added.

Fox straightened. “A kind of ‘you stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of your way’ agreement.”

“So, we have two distinct problems that need to be taken care of,” Aiden observed as he set his empty cup of tea on the table. The vampire with the regal look and light-brown hair sat back in his chair and ran his hand over his tie as if it were a familiar gesture he completed while thinking.

Xiao Dan picked up the teapot and replenished his cup. “Actually, Jiang Chong is a problem for the Zhang clan. We couldn’t ask for your help.”

Aiden beamed at him and lifted his cup to Xiao Dan. “That’s the wonderful thing about friends. You don’t have to ask.”

Winter sighed. “It’s clear that the Variks alone don’t have the firepower to take care of the fae problem. We need this Jiang Chong to not kill you, so you can help us with the fae.”

The king narrowed his eyes at his youngest son, who at least had the sense to wince and scoot closer to his mate. “While I might not care forhowmy son has said it, I can’t argue with his assessment. We need you.”

“We aren’t offended. The fae are everyone’s problem, particularly their leadership.” Xiao Dan turned his attention to Rei and nodded. “I am sorry.”

“No, you’re right. The fae are a problem, but I’m fine. I’ve decided that I’m not a member of the fae any longer. I’m now a vampire through marriage.”

A strange sound escaped Yichen, and he turned to capture Rei’s chin between his thumb and forefinger. “Not all fae are bad, starting with the amazing, beautiful, compassionate elf who saved my life. I dare anyone to say otherwise.”

Rei’s entire frame lost all of its rigidity and he melted, seeming to be held up alone by Yichen’s hand. “I’m so lucky to have found you first. If someone else had grabbed you before me, I would have stabbed a bitch.”

“Oh, Lord,” Xiang groaned, but it was barely heard over Fox’s and Moon’s cackles.