Page 18 of Alastair

“Remember what I said. Once we reach Echo Bay—”

“Yes, I know.” Phoenix examined his nails and flicked his tail behind him, almost agitatedly. “Take you to Konnar and then stay out of sight once you begin. Keep an eye on you from a distance and teleport you out of there at the first sign of trouble.”

“You’ve always excelled at observing from afar and popping in when we least expect it. Put those skills to use tonight.”

“Funny.” Phoenix grinned. “Your brother said something similar right before I made him come so hard he passed out.”

I sighed. “You and Bellamy are perfect for each other.” The masters of oversharing their sexual exploits. “If you’re finished nauseating me, can we please go?”

“Well. Since you said ‘please.’” Phoenix grabbed my arm.

Baxter’s study vanished as the floor beneath me shifted and dropped away. Instantly, I was surrounded by trees and greeted by a cold wind on my cheeks. I breathed in the winter air, a crispness the island in the Mediterranean lacked.

Echo Bay. I had missed it much more than I’d realized. We had lived in so many different locations over the years, but this sleepy seaside town with its mystical charm and supernatural roots would always hold a special place in my heart.

“Wow,” Phoenix said, once stepping from the coverage of trees. He inclined his head at the mansion before us. “He’s one of those stereotypical vampires. Living in a Dracula-style castle with gargoyle statues along the gutters and a black iron gate.”

“The gargoyles protect my Dracula castle from water damage,” Konnar said, appearing in front of me. He couldn’t teleport like Phoenix, but he had the ability to move so quickly that it seemed as if he did. “Show them some respect.”

“Evening, old friend.” I clasped Konnar’s forearm.

“Old?” Konnar flashed one of his fangs as he grinned. “I thought we agreed to cut that wretched word from our vocabulary.”

I released his arm. “You remember Phoenix.”

“I do.” Konnar tipped his head to him. “A pleasure to see you again. Please. Both of you come inside.” He motioned to the gate. “The night is young but must not be wasted.”

A protective barrier surrounded Konnar’s property, much like the one Clara had around her mansion. Only those Konnar welcomed inside would be allowed to enter. A bit ironic considering the myths of vampires having to be invited into a house to cross the threshold. Oftentimes, there was fact in fiction.

Yet, in this case, it was the vampire keeping others out.

The interior of the mansion matched the exterior. Gothic architecture with deep, rich colors, ornate décor, and dark cherrywood panels. Moonlight filtered in through stained glass windows, and there were automatic shutters—open now—near all the windows so Konnar could block out the sunlight. A grand staircase greeted us once walking through the entryway and stepping into the entrance hall. Up it went, curving as it touched the upper floors.

“Care for something to drink?” Konnar asked after leading us to the sitting room. “Tea?”

“As much as I’m not one to turn down a hot cup of tea, I must decline. We won’t be staying long.”

“Very well.” He sat in a high-back chair and poured himself a glass of wine. The metallic scent of blood wafted from the goblet. “How can I be of help to you?”

It wasn’t the first time I’d been in Konnar’s home. We had visited together on many occasions over the years, sipping tea in the parlor as I vented about my brothers or as he spoke of his stresses as an ancient one—the highest tier of the vampire hierarchy. Bearing the weight of responsibility was a thing we had in common. We shared other things as well: hobbies and interests, such as a love of literature, classical music, and history. Two old geezers, as Castor liked to tease us.

“How is the corpse situation?” I asked.

“My coven, as well as Bane’s pack, have been on top of it. Apart from the two hikers, whose deaths were ruled as an animal attack, no humans have come into contact with the undead.”

“Bane?” Phoenix asked. “The werewolf alpha?”

“Yes,” I said. “He stayed neutral during our conflict with Asa, and I suspect he’ll do the same with Lucifer. However, an attack on his home is another matter entirely.”

Konnar nodded. “The wolves dislike their territory being thwarted by, and I quote, ‘goddamn zombies.’ Bane’s words.” He took a drink. “The wolves are patrolling tonight. My coven is too. I plan to join them once our business here is concluded.”

“What about Krave?” Phoenix asked. “Shouldn’t you be there making sure supernatural creatures don’t tear each other to shreds?”

“The club is closed for the night. My priority is the safety of Echo Bay and every soul who resides within it, both human and immortal alike.”

I stood behind one of the armchairs but didn’t sit. I leaned against it instead, resting my arms on top. “Lazarus said he was sending angels to help. Have you seen them?”

“I haven’t seen them myself,” Konnar answered, then dabbed at his lips, wiping away a smear of blood. “But shortly before your arrival, I received word that angels were spotted flying over the cemetery near Maple Street. They disposed of corpses freshly risen from their graves and exchanged a brief greeting with members from my coven.”