The Cost of Betrayal

Chapter Forty-four

Mavaka paced his cell, ever since he interrupted Hades' little tryst with his wife, they upped his security. But even in Hell, he had his connections. Some souls were willing to do anything.

"Master, I got it!" Mavaka looked down at the minion that had followed him down all those years ago and put out his hand expectantly.

The little creature looked around, he didn't trust anyone, "Quid est signum?" He asked suspiciously, clutching the tiny vial to his chest protectively. It took him much more than he had bargained for to acquire this vial, and he wasn't about to screw it up and give it to the wrong person.

Mavaka laughed, he appreciated this creature. He couldn't say he loved it or even liked it. He'd lost that ability long ago. He pushed the intrusive thoughts of that fleeting life down. He knew what Hecate and Hades were trying to torture him with and it wouldn't work. He put his hand out again as he whispered harshly, "Ultio."

The minion's yellowed teeth bared as his lips spread into a grotesque smile, "Yes, Master." He unfolded his hands and placed the vial in Mavaka's waiting hand.

The minion didn't care about anything else, he was there to serve his master. He had successfully done his job. He turned to leave before he could allow his curiosity to get the better of him. He learned long ago that curiosity was a dangerous thing.

He scuttled away from his master's cell before the guards returned to this cell block. He would do many things for his master, he just didn't like the punishments that occurred when they caught him.

Mavaka shook his head as he watched the minion disappear from his sight. He didn't blame him. The punishments were brutal, especially if you were caught in this particular part of hell. He didn't care, he would be free from here soon enough.

He poured himself a goblet of water from the pitcher on his table. They hadn't returned to take his last meal tray yet and he could use that to his advantage. He opened the vial and poured a small drop into the waiting vessel. He waved his hand over the cup and peered into it. His eyebrows lifted as he gave a half-smile. He didn't know how that minion did it, but he certainly got what he had asked him for. He watched as the scene unfolded in front of his eyes. His half-smile was quickly turned into a frown as he realized that not all was going according to his plans.

********

Birsha paced his cottage, ever since Egan died things have been falling out of place. He had no clue where his stupid mate was. She was meant to be at his side, and she was nowhere to be found. The spell that he had cast on her necklace was weakened and failing. He could feel the changes on the Isle, even the minions were shifting. He would have to change this somehow.

"Dammit!" he cursed, angrily. "Even the new ruler on this Isle is useless." He continued to pace and think he needed wolves. They would be his best option. They were strong and could be utterly ruthless. As long as they didn't have anything in the way of a mate. As he thought, a small, slightly familiar voice drifted into the cottage, "Rogues."

Birsha threw his head back and laughed, "Rogues are perfect. They have nothing to lose. And I know just where to find some."

************

Mavaka shook his head in disbelief. His words made their way to Birsha! This bit of water would most certainly be useful. How to hide it though? That was the question. He would have to think fast, the guards would be returning shortly to take the goblet and tray. There was no lying to keep the goblet. He looked around and studied the walls of his cells. There had to be a place to hide it. He rubbed his hands along the borders between the floor and the walls.

"Well, that is interesting," he uttered, and he pulled on a loose round stone. It slid out almost too smoothly. He was even more surprised by the way it was gouged into a bowl shape. He wasted no time and grabbed the goblet. He hoped that it would hold the water and he wouldn't lose too much. The round hole fit all the water perfectly and he slid the stone back into place just in time.

"You there," the guard snapped, "your tray and utensils. Now."

Mavaka scowled but did as he was instructed, he had to bide his time. There was no choice in this matter. If he wanted his plans to go forward, he had to play this part. As he handed the guard his tray and waited as he accounted for everything that he was supposed to have, he heard the horrific sounds of someone being tortured.

He looked at the guard, who paled at the sound. "Someone you know?" he asked.

The guard looked up sharply, "No, and it's none of your concern." His expression changed, "Just stay on the up and up, or you'll be next." His warning was terse and he meant every word of it. All he had to do was say the word and this cocky witch would be right there beside that soul.

Mavaka chuckled, "I am well aware of what I need to do to stay on Hades and Hecate's good side."

The guard looked at the wall above the door, where it told the guards what the current prisoner had done and what to watch out for. He laughed, "Obviously not." Then he shook his head, "I don't even want to know what they have planned for you." He walked away, he had seen plenty of people come and go, and he knew that this one would be interesting, to say the least. Especially, after successfully pissing off both Hades and Hecate.

"What are you talking about?" Mavaka demanded.

The guard walked away shaking his head, "Not my place!" he replied, and continued to walk from Mavaka.

Mavaka knew that couldn't be a good sign. He swallowed the sudden lump in his throat, in all of his years, living and dead, he couldn't remember feeling this much dread at once.

***************

Birsha sat at his desk, it would take him a few days to possibly find the rogues around that beach town, Avec. He lifted one of his books and studied the maps inside it. They were enchanted and ever-changing because they showed all the werewolves' territories. He studied the maps for a few hours before deciding to start with what he thought was a weaker pack.

"They're not that weak, you know," Brigid said, popping up unexpectedly.

Birsha jumped, "How the hell did you get in here?"

Brigid laughed, "I'm an elder council member and half vampire. Sweetie, I can do whatever I want," she sauntered her way over to Birsha. She leaned into him, and licked the outer shell of his ear, "And right now, I want to do you," she whispered before blowing gently across his skin, causing goosebumps to raise the hair on the back of his neck and his member to jump with arousal. "Put those maps away and I'll give you something else to study."

He rumbled deep in his chest, this woman was onto something. He closed the book and stood up, allowing his erect member to strain against his pants.

She purred at the sight, she had him in the palm of her hand. He would putty soon enough. He scooped her up and carried her to the bed, dropping her into the center of the mattress. He spent the next few hours taking from her as much as she was taking from him, giving into their carnal pleasures until the sun began to sink into the horizon.