Page 36 of Sergi (Of Blood & Dreams #7)

Chapter Thirty-Five

Sergi woke early but remained in bed, staring at the ceiling, a grin on his face. His dreams had been of Alex. Intimate dreams that turned erotic. It had been decades, maybe longer, since he’d been close with a female. Hell, in the last century in House Trelane, he’d dealt with more turmoil and tragedy than any House could bear. He’d had no time to think of females.

And in all that time, he hadn’t forgotten how to pleasure a woman. His grin widened when he remembered how passionate Alex had been. He was curious whether her assertive nature came from her year of captivity or if it was her innate nature. When she’d come to his cell, her soft touches, while tentative, had been daring.

He jumped out of bed and showered, though it did little to erase the shifter from his thoughts. If he hurried, he would have time to catch up on reports before Devon’s morning meeting. On the way to his office, he made a quick stop in the kitchen and ordered breakfast.

The first thing he noted when opening his office door was the scent of a woman.

He sighed. Cressa.

Was he disappointed it hadn’t been Alex’s scent?

He pushed the thought aside as he sat at his desk and immediately scowled. His chair was too high. He fiddled with the lever until it lowered to his preferred position. Then he surveyed his desk. Everything was out of place—even the mementos he kept at the corners.

A stack of folders sat to his left, and when he checked the labels, he released a long breath and maybe a small growl. There were dozens of multicolored sticky notes sticking out of all of them. He turned on his tablet and found forty-three messages waiting for him. Thirty-nine were from Cressa. The other four had arrived that morning from security team leaders welcoming him back and reporting all clear.

When he opened Cressa’s first message, he assumed it would be a security report from that day.

It wasn’t.

It was more of a diary of her daily activities, and each one was signed with the name Pandora and emojis of little hearts. He set the tablet aside and tried to open a desk drawer, but all the drawers were locked. He never locked his desk. No one was foolish enough to go into them. Cressa might have a need, but why lock them?

Because it was Cressa.

He sighed for the third time in less than a few minutes and reached for the tiny blown-glass bowl Lyra had given him where he kept his keys, but the bowl wasn’t on his desk.

He scanned the room and spotted the bowl on a bookcase shelf. Letty interrupted his search of the room, where he found several items out of place. He thanked her as he took the tray from her and, after clearing off a portion of his desk, set it down and poured a cup of coffee from the urn.

He ate the spinach and egg-white omelet and sipped his coffee as he considered how to pay Cressa back. His games with her had begun out of irritation with her antics, but her ability to play the game had somehow defined their mutual respect for each other.

Devon had mentioned on the way home how worried Cressa had been for him. He never mentioned it again, and Sergi knew Cressa would have been mortified to know Devon had told him. And he would never mention it either, but there were other ways to show he appreciated her concern.

After reviewing a couple of her official reports, he had to admit she had a knack for security, most likely learned during her criminal escapades as Pandora, which explained why she signed her messages with the moniker.

He glanced at a few more reports before setting them aside to read later and spent the last thirty minutes before Devon’s meeting responding to each of Cressa’s thirty-nine messages. Then he closed his tablet, finished his coffee, and strolled to Devon’s office. The only thought in his head was how Alex was doing and how to locate her cell number.

He was the last one to join the meeting, and before taking his seat, he nodded to cadre members and Decker, then acknowledged Ginger but ignored Cressa. He laid his tablet on his lap but didn’t bother opening it. Cressa’s rebellious nature seemed to have triggered his own.

The meeting was long as they reviewed the mission at the lab, including the raid and the rehoming of the shifters. It was followed by individual reports from Lucas on the status of Oasis and Cressa on security at the manor and the two safe houses. The only concern was that no one had heard from Simone since her last email to Cressa five days earlier. Devon, who had agreed to her personal mission, said he would look into it.

Devon’s next topic surprised Sergi.

“During our travel to Romania, Bella and I had a discussion with Remus regarding Venizi’s aggressive attacks and constant drive-bys. After the raid and destruction of the lab, I expect we’ll see more of this, possibly on grander scales. While the Sentinels and Eliminators weren’t happy with the destruction of the lab or the discovery of shifter prisoners, I doubt the Council will see this as a win. As a result, I expect I’ll once again be called to visit the Council.”

Bella stood and began her pacing. “It’s unfortunate for the Council that word has already leaked about the kidnapped shifters, and while nothing specific is being shared, the rumors of unlawful experiments are in the wind. There are concerns that this discovery could spark a war with the shifters.”

“Remus has already filed a complaint with the Council.” Decker munched on a handful of nuts from a container he’d grabbed from behind the bar. The shifter looked better than he had the last few months, and while Sergi sensed the slow-burning rage beneath his calm facade, he believed Decker had been energized by their progress against Venizi.

“That should keep the Council off our back for a bit.” Lucas was scrolling through his tablet. “There’s a lot of chatter this morning from various Houses asking what was being done about the raid. The smaller Houses tend to be located in large pack areas. They have to be feeling nervous about the situation.”

“I had a discussion with Remus this morning.” Devon picked up the white crystal on his desk and passed it back and forth between his hands. “Starting today, we’re moving forward on the development of a counter-strike team.”

Sergi sat up. “I wasn’t aware of this.”

Devon nodded and set the crystal down. “It was something Bella recommended. Remus and I were intrigued by the notion. I wanted to share it with you on our travel home, but it didn’t seem the right time. Of course, I expect you to lead the initiative along with Bella.”

“What’s the directive?” Sergi asked. He liked the idea, but he wanted to know how far he’d be allowed to go.

“I want the Council to know I’m taking their concerns to heart. We can’t proceed with making our war official until Simone returns. Until then, the lockdown will continue, and we’ll fortify our positions, but we won’t strike first. Venizi will have to make the first move, and when he does, we strike back hard and fast. Sometimes that will be with force, and other times, we might take a less direct approach.”

Devon didn’t go into details, and no one asked, but Sergi knew what he was thinking. Corporate espionage and hacking would be on the table. Finally. This strategic directive was exactly what he needed after the last mission.

“Sergi will have the last say regarding who the primary members of the team will be, but depending on the size of our response to each attack, we’ll pull resources from the security detail and our partners as needed. I have a few names I’ll request to be added, specifically Decker, who can coordinate strikes with Remus.”

Devon glanced around the room, and with no further questions, he closed the meeting. When the group stood to leave, he said, “Sergi. Can you stay a moment?” The last person was barely out the door when he asked, “Are you alright?”

“Never felt better.”

He nodded toward Sergi’s lap. “You never opened your tablet.”

Sergi laughed. “I’ve become too predictable.”

“You seem different.”

“If you think Alex has something to do with that,” he shrugged, “I won’t deny it. But it was the mission itself. You know how it is when you’ve been a captive, wondering if this time might be your last.”

Devon leaned back, apparently satisfied with the answer. “I assume you’re ready to get started on the counter-strike team.”

“You couldn’t have given me a better homecoming gift.”

“Excellent. Will training start soon?”

“This afternoon. I’ve already sent messages.”

“Are you planning payback?” Devon’s grin was mischievous, and Sergi knew it had nothing to do with his training plan. Devon would be well aware that Cressa would take Sergi’s absence to mess with him.

“Already started.” Sergi stood. “Was that all?”

“For now.”

Sergi returned to his office. Devon had wanted to ask about Alex, but it was a conversation better served with Scotch. He sat at his desk, ignored Bella’s message about meeting to discuss the counter-strike team, and poured another cup of coffee from the urn Letty had left behind when she picked up his breakfast tray. It occurred to him he never got Alex’s last name. He turned on his laptop and strummed his fingers. His job to locate her mobile number would be more difficult, but not impossible.

He wondered if Decker was still in the manor. It wasn’t something he wanted to do, getting someone else involved in his personal matters, but who better to track down a shifter than another shifter?

I pulled the pack car that Braden had finagled for me in front of the steps leading to the door of House Trelane. Butterflies played soccer in my gut, and I wasn’t sure if it had to do with my meeting with Trelane or seeing Sergi. Would he be happy to see me, or was I pushing too hard?

My uncle had an all-day meeting at one of his downtown offices, so it would take a while before he blew his stack on finding me gone, and Braden took the shrapnel. My uncle always told me to trust my wolf. What would he say if I told him I was?

I stepped out of the car and stared across it to the historic manor. It was obvious it had been built ages ago, but I recognized the plaque from the local Historical Society mounted next to the front door. It must be a bitch to get any remodeling done.

I was halfway up the stairs when the front door opened at the same time someone yelled from behind me.

“I’m sorry, miss. If I can get your keys, I’ll park the car until you’re ready to leave.”

At first, I thought I’d parked in the wrong spot, then I was worried I should have pulled around to the back like the staff. The guards at the front gate had waved me through with barely a glance when I gave them my name. Though I had to admit, I appreciated the security. Four armed guards and a wolf had been positioned at the gate.

I turned and took a couple of steps to meet the vampire.

When I plopped the keys into his hand, he winked. “Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of her.”

He did know I wasn’t a vampire, right? Hospitality and excellent security. Impressive.

My bad blood with vampires went a lot farther back than my incarceration at the lab, but somehow, within a few short days, Sergi made me look at vampires from a different perspective. I should have known there were good vampires and bad vampires, just like with shifters.

When I spun back to the front door, Bella waved. “I was pleased when Devon said you were coming for a meeting. You look good.”

I glanced down at my jeans and black knee-high boots and shrugged with a slight grin. “It feels good to be in jeans again.”

“And your blouse doesn’t put too much focus on how much weight you must have lost.”

I wasn’t sure what to say to that.

“Sorry. Jacques says I can be too honest.” She shrugged and waved me through the door. “I was captive for six months once. For some reason, the males always have to comment on how thin a female looks after being caged. You’d think they’d never looked in a mirror with an honest eye.”

I laughed. “I got the impression they all believe they’re god’s gift.”

“You’re not wrong. We have training this afternoon, but maybe you can stay long enough for a drink after.”

“We’ll see how it goes.”

Bella led me down a hallway and knocked on a door before sticking her head in. “Hey, boss. Alex’s here.”

“Excellent.”

Bella stood back, waved me in, then marched away without another word. When I turned to close the door, a brown-haired female stared at me from down the hall. A second later, a dark-haired female with a pink scarf, who reminded me of a pixie, grabbed her arm and pulled her down the hall.

The first female turned back with a huge grin on her face. I couldn’t help but smile back. How odd. I shut the door to find Trelane striding toward me with a smile.

“How are you acclimating?”

“Better than expected.”

“Let’s sit and be comfortable.” He waved me to one of the armchairs by the fireplace, and he sat in the one across from me. I was grateful he didn’t ask me to sit on the sofa. That would have put me at a disadvantage, and he seemed to know that. “Don’t let the first couple of nights fool you. Sometimes the dreams don’t come until later. I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I’ve experienced similar circumstances. My advice, if I might suggest, when they become so bad you avoid sleep, find someone to confide in. They won’t be able to heal you. Only you can do that. But, as they say, sometimes talking about it helps.”

“You sound like my uncle.” I didn’t want to admit the nightmares had already started. But before they took hold, Sergi was there, chasing them away in my dreams. It comforted me, as silly as that sounded.

Trelane laughed. “We are both wise leaders. So, what is it that I can do for you?”

Thank heavens the chit-chat was over, but that didn’t mean I’d been ready for it. I thought Braden had told him why I was here. I relaxed against the chair. A maneuver my uncle told me would give me time to think. When I took a deep breath to halt the restless butterflies that had returned, I realized if I wanted something from him, I would need to ask.

“I was speaking with Braden about the coming war.” I rubbed my hands on my thighs, and though Trelane flicked his gaze to the motion for the briefest of seconds, his expression never changed at my apparent nervousness. “I realize it’s a vampire matter, but with my uncle taking a side, and…” My brain went blank. What should I call being held captive and watching vampires kill members of your own species in the most brutal ways possible? What the hell was I even doing here? I didn’t have a chance to complete my thoughts.

Trelane leaned over and rested his elbows on his knees as he caught my gaze. Thank heavens mesmerizing didn’t work on shifters, though his closeness didn’t bother me. He acted as if he were taking me into his confidence. “You’ve survived a horrific experience at the hands of vampires, yet here you are, wanting to team with a species who you’ve seen as your enemy, possibly for your entire life.”

Had my uncle told him something about my past, or was he just clairvoyant? I thought I’d learned how to school my emotions, yet there was something about the vampires in this House that constantly surprised me.

He gave me a moment to catch my breath and settle. I placed my arms on the chair, and while I gripped the fabric a bit too tightly, at least they remained still.

“My uncle kept me away from vampires, though all pups were taught about your species.” When Trelane gave me a knowing smile, I relaxed and returned the grin. “I see you also follow the teachings of Sun Tzu in knowing your enemy. But I’ve only recently learned that one can’t judge a species by their history.”

“Well said. Though, as you know all too well, that can’t be said of all of us. But I want you to feel comfortable and safe at all of the Trelane properties. And, since you’ve taken the first step, I’ll make this easy on you.” He sat back and winked. “This time.”

My cheeks heated, but I appreciated him taking the lead.

“You’re here about the counter-strike team, and your uncle is, as of yet, unaware of your request to join us. I have no biological children of my own, but my sister has always been dear to me. For a short time, I had to take care of her every need—until recently. It scared me to see her gain her independence, but when I witnessed her return to the strong woman she once was, I knew my fear was unwarranted.” His smile returned. “Although I’d never admit it outside this room, I never want to be on the wrong side of her wrath.”

I chuckled. “I assume Braden told you my uncle won’t be happy about me being here.”

He shrugged. “That will be up to you to sort out. But, if it helps, I’ll ask Decker to intercede if Remus won’t back down. Though, I won’t risk our partnership over it.”

“I understand.” What a relief to have Decker on my side. I’d wondered if the old shifter was still around. I remembered him befriending vampires and shifters alike at his fight club. I glanced up to find Trelane staring at me. Had I missed a question? I replayed the conversation in my head.

“Wait. Does this mean I’m on the team?”

Trelane grinned just as a knock came. I didn’t turn to look, but a woman’s voice called out.

“I gave you as much time as I could.”

“Just another minute,” Trelane called out before he refocused on me, that smile still hovering. “I don’t have the last word on the makeup of the team, but I have some influence. In fact, I’ll ask Cressa to take you to the team leader. He’ll make the final call.”

“Who am I taking where?” The woman had entered the office, and when I turned, I found the brown-haired female I’d seen earlier in the hall.

“Cressa, this is Alex, Remus’s niece.” Before he could say anything else, the woman raced around the sofa and dropped onto it, her eyes lit with curiosity.

“I’d hug you, but I’ll refrain since you don’t know me well enough yet. I can’t tell you how thankful we are that you brought Sergi home.”

That didn’t take long for the gossip to get around.

“You’ll have to excuse Cressa. She’s human and filled in for Sergi while he was on mission. You might say they have a special relationship.”

My stomach fell, and Cressa slapped Trelane’s leg.

“Did you hear what you just said?” She turned to me. “It’s not that type of relationship. It’s more like big bully brother and misunderstood little sister.” She grinned and chucked a thumb toward Trelane. “I’m with him.”

Should I be concerned by how relieved I was?

“Come on. I assume I’m taking you to Sergi to get his approval to join the team.”

Those butterflies returned. Sergi was the leader of the counter-strike team? I guess there was no question of seeing him before I left.

Cressa stood and strode to the door. She glanced back at Trelane. “Five minutes, and then I expect you on the widow’s walk.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Trelane stood and took my hand. “I apologize for my insensitive wording. I didn’t mean to give you a start.”

My cheeks flamed. What had I expected? He’d seen me naked.

“Thank you, Mr. Trelane. I appreciate the opportunity. And I assume this satisfies the favor you owe me.”

“It’s Devon, and your participation on the team isn’t up to me. I’m simply adding you to the list of candidates. I still owe you.” He walked me to the door and handed me off to Cressa.

“Sergi is down this way.” Cressa waved her arm down the hall to direct me but paused and made an odd motion with her head.

When I followed her gaze, the dark-haired female from earlier slapped a hand over her mouth before dashing around a corner.

“Sorry. That was my friend Ginger.” She turned us down a short hall and stopped. “Look, I’ll be straight with you. I really don’t know any other way.”

My gut twisted again. I was going to need a whiskey before this day was over.

“Sergi has always been a bit uptight, and Ginger and I sometimes irritate the hell out of him. Not that he doesn’t find creative ways to pay us back. But, well, we’ve never seen him with a woman before—vampire, shifter, or human. So?—”

I crossed my arms over my chest and gave her a stern look. “So, you’re busy-body females.”

Cressa’s eyes widened, but I wasn’t expecting the nod and grin. “Exactly. I’m glad we got that out in the open.” She continued down the hall and lowered her voice. “He doesn’t know you’re here.” She stopped in front of a door and winked. “We’ll make sure you have your privacy, but training starts in an hour. Just so you know.”

She strode down the hall with an extra swing in her step, obviously having fun with this. I turned toward the door. It seemed everyone was privy to the evening she’d spent with Sergi. Well, shifters weren’t shy, and I wasn’t ashamed of my behavior. I wanted more nights with him.

I knocked, and when he gave the command to enter, my knees went weak. I closed my eyes, hoped I wasn’t screwing this up, and pushed the door open.

Sergi was sitting behind his desk, typing into a laptop. His eyes bulged when he glanced up, and I almost took a step back. His warm mahogany eyes glowed red, and a slow smile stretched across his face.