Page 40 of The Tracker's Rage

He had considered Stephen his friend. When Stephen had gone missing, Jake had moved heaven and earth to find him, had even convinced me to help, pushing aside his personal goal of staying away from me. And arguably, Jake’s life had taken a turn for the worse since then, much like mine. Maybe we both had Stephen to blame for our current misery, and for the shithole St. Louis was turning into.

Witchlights!Did Stephen really want a war? Or was he only rebelling against Ulfen?

“How were we so wrong about his character?” I asked. “He must be rotten to the core.”

“I can’t believe I wasted my time worrying about him,” Jake said, his nostrils flaring as anger continued to ripple through him. “I thought I was saving him, and all along I was helping his twisted scheme. I even dragged you into all of this. Toni, I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” Rosalina said. “You were just trying to do good.”

Jake shook his head. “I should have seen through him.”

“He fooled all of us,” I said. “Rosalina’s right. It isn’t your fault.”

“We have to stop him,” he said, taking a deep breath as his disappointment turned to resolve. “The influx of rhabo into the city hasn’t let up and more vampires are dying every day. Bernadetta Fiore has summoned her generals. They are gearing up for a war against us.”

“How do you know?” I asked.

“All the pack leaders have been communicating, my grandfather included. Their scouts brought reports that say a war is imminent.”

“Shit, this is bad.” A rush of adrenaline flooded my body as if I were in a fight or flight situation and not simply standing on the sidewalk.

“Um,” Rosalina checked the time on her phone. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we’re going to be late, Toni.”

I pondered for a moment, then made a decision on the spot. I had no idea if Damien and Eric would get mad at me, but the information Jake had could be useful.

“Why don’t you come with us?” I said.

“Where?”

“We’re meeting with Damien Ward and Eric Cross. Damien is working on a cure that will cancel rhabo’s effects. I also think they’re on our side and can help us.”

Chapter 16

“Who is this?” Damiendemanded, giving Jake the once over.

We stood outside his door while he barred the entry, standing like Zorro with fists on hips and his long black cloak hanging from his neck. The only thing spoiling the effect was his top hat. He needed to exchange it for a mask.