“Couldn’t Tam do it? She’s much stronger than me.”
“No doubt that’s true, but…” He faltered.
There was something in the demon’s body language that sent Hadrian’s flags up. Did Cain have some particular attachment to the witch? If so, it would make the plan more complicated.
“But…” Dayne prodded.
“She refused for personal reasons. Can you do the spell?”
“Scrying isn’t my strength. Seeing the past is far more difficult. The blood has dried and several hours have passed by now. It’s a long shot, but I can try.”
“Please do.” The demon passed the scroll across the table, right past Hadrian.
Dayne and Greta got up. Jack was slipping, taking too many risks. They were too close for that. If they were going to unseat Anthony from power, The Cycler had to be more careful.
“Maybe I should go with them,” Hadrian said, wanting to monitor the situation.
“For what purpose?” Anthony asked.
Cain’s eyes narrowed, and Hadrian could practically see the wheels in his head turning.
“For muscle. They’re carrying a sensitive document.”
“I don’t think so,” Anthony said. “I need you here.”
“Of course,” Hadrian said, inclining his head.
He would happily die for the cause if necessary, but not until the time was right. If Dayne’s spell succeeded, it would implicate Hadrian before he’d reached his goal. He’d been at Jack’s hideout for the slaying. He’d kept to the shadows, out of The Cycler’s way, but if blood could have memories, he would be seen.
The whirring of the overhead projector snapped Hadrian out of his thoughts. Anthony had a transparency up and was laying out a detailed plan—for everyone’s protection, supposedly. He’d seen Anthony’s interpretation of protection, and he didn’t like it.
“As I’m sure many of you know, this has spread beyond just local media. A Jack the Ripper copycat is of interest to those not only in the UK, but around the world. He’s become a cult icon of the unsolved mystery. He captures peoples’ imaginations, so the whole world is watching. We don’t know what kind of letter he’ll send next, or when the next body will turn up, but this one has already caused an outright panic. Before the meeting, Dayne suggested Jack may have charmed the letter. If that’s true, the lab techs analyzing it will know it’s the Ripper and probably so will anyone else who touches it.”
The pretty succubus sitting next to Cole spoke up. “Do we have any idea when he might strike next?”
“My theory is that he’ll wait until the media is in a storm debating the meaning of the handwriting analysis. Any revelation he gives will serve him best at that time.” Anthony cleared his throat and went back to the transparency.
If anything, Jack’s plan seemed to be backfiring. Anthony had a full strategy to extend his control in Cary Town to the whole country and beyond. The only hope would be a war between the preternaturals and the humans. That carried risk. Anthony could end up completely destabilized or only stronger.
The vampire king continued. “I’ve been on the phone with vampire leaders all over the world, and in some cases their guardians due to time zone issues. Word has been sent out to therian leaders in this country—those that are organized enough. I’ll be meeting separately with the Preternatural Council since there is no way to keep them out of the loop any longer. For the safety of all and our way of life, we must raise security measures.”
Hadrian took a measured breath. This reaction had been expected. It’s only temporary. How long could Anthony’s power stand in the face of worldwide chaos? If the priest knew vampires, he knew they’d stop lockstepping when the first major panic set in. Once the word was out anyway, they’d feed openly. They’d resist the vampire king’s control as well as if Hadrian had created an uprising from scratch. Only the results would be more predictable, the reaction stronger in the face of complete unrest.
Cain chuckled, interrupting the vampire king’s monologue. “You’re so predictable. Just like a human. Yes, let the sheep fall in line behind your bright, shiny police state. You must have such a hard-on over this. An opportunity falls right in your lap to justify what you’ve wanted since you’ve taken power.”
Hadrian arched a brow. If not for the demon’s interest in Tam, he’d have an ally.
Anthony stopped and glared at the demon. “And what business or interest is it of yours? What do you care what I do here?”
The demon shrugged. “Oh, I don’t care what you do. I just find it all perversely interesting. Tell me, are they goose-stepping to your orders yet? Why don’t we take a vote around the table? Who wants Anthony to rule the world? Raise your hands.”
The assembled looked down at the table or their hands, whatever they could to avoid either Cain or Anthony’s eyes. Hadrian was the only one who watched everyone. When Cain’s gaze shifted to him, he looked at the table as well. Blend, Hadrian. For God’s sake, blend. Now wasn’t the time for discovery. But it was too late.
“Your priest lapdog isn’t on board,” Cain said. “I knew something felt off about him.”
“That’s a lie,” Anthony said. “Hadrian has been nothing but helpful since I took control of the coven. We don’t have time for you to sow discord for your own amusement.”
The demon shrugged. “I just call them like I see them.”
“Regardless of what you may think, this is for everyone’s safety. The factions must band together. Our numbers aren’t as great as the humans. If The Cycler succeeds, he could build a worldwide army. Let’s not forget magic users are human. They may stick with their own if they’re outed to the world. In a war, that kind of unified front against preternaturals poses a risk to you, too.”
Anthony went back to the transparency. “I’ve called a summit for tomorrow evening with some of the top faction leaders and the local preternatural council to discuss how we can proceed and replicate what’s been done in Cary Town. Cole, even though you’ve been officially banished, we’d like you there. This concerns the pack, too. You’ll formally apologize, and I’ll graciously pardon you.”
The werewolf growled. “Absolutely not. I’m here because of the danger The Cycler poses to our way of life. I’m not on board with using it as a springboard to solidify your power base.”
Anthony’s eyes flashed red. “That isn’t what this is about!”
“Like hell it’s not!” Cole slammed a fist on the table and stood. “Count me out of the rest of this charade. You all can deal with this mess on your own. Jane. Let’s go.”
Jane stood to follow her mate out, while the others at the table argued amongst themselves. Anthony was still yelling at Cole to try to bring him back to his side.
“Guys…” It was Anthony’s human mate. Charlee had tried to stay out of most of it.