Fighting for her Mate

15

Ellie’s dad cleared his throat. “All right, everyone. We still have a lot to talk about and make plans for.”

“Hey, Dad,” Mason said, “Emma has information from Aria she wants to tell us.”

“Perfect. The vampires are on the list to discuss. The issue I have is the vampires may or may not be in cahoots with Rahound. Emma, go ahead. The floor is yours.”

“Thank you, Tristan.” She made eye contact with each person as she spoke. “Aria attempted a raid on her club to find out who’s in charge of taking humans for their blood. When she got there, the club was packed, but everyone was normal clubbers. No human blood was found. Of course, she found Maria in the dungeon, but since she didn’t make a big scene, she doubts anyone knew about it at the time.

“She’s hoping that means the group has broken up since Anton and Chantal were killed, but she’s not sure if there are any other leaders. She’s waiting for her ‘big three’ to return from somewhere. She didn’t go into detail about them, so I don’t know where they are.”

Tristan set his mug on the table. “Does that mean she’s wanting to do another raid on the club? Wouldn’t the traffickers know she’s onto them and move the operation elsewhere?”

Emma frowned and leaned against Mason’s side. “I asked her the same question. Since the night we saved the two teen girls, she’s had trusted ears to the ground, listening to rumors and taking note of who’s doing the talking. I haven’t talked to her in a while, so I don’t know how that’s going.”

“What’s her deal?” Nate asked. “She suddenly moves into the spooky mansion on the hill after it’s been abandoned for umpteen years?”

Emma shrugged a shoulder. “There’s not a lot I know about her. Aria’s a daywalker, which is a vamp who can take the sun.” She nodded at the raised brows. “Trust me, I had a s**t ton of question for her, too.

“Oh, and she’s not dead because she was born a vamp and not changed into one.” Emma grinned. “How freaking cool is that? I had no idea you could be born a vampire! She’s a direct descendant from the original vampire queen and has more power than made vamps. Her family built and owns the mansion. Why it was abandoned for so long and why she moved in, I don’t know.”

Mason whispered in her ear. She turned to the group. “I forgot the most important part. She doesn’t drink human blood from a human and those in her pack, wait…what did she call it?” She pursed her lips. “Coven. That’s the word. They have vowed the same. That’s why there’s a battle. There are some in her group kidnapping people to drain.”

Ellie met Aria. She liked the vampire and knew it was only a matter of time before she and the wolf, Trevan, ended up together.

“Is that why we’re involved in their fight? They’re taking wolves?” Aric asked.

Tristan stepped in. “Not only that. We have strong suspicions that Rocco is working with stray vamps by providing them victims, especially young female.”

Barbara spoke up. “I still don’t get why he would do that.”

Ellie jumped in with what she knew. “We think he’s exchanging victims for the vamps’ help in fighting on his side.”

“Oh shit.” Nate slapped a hand over his mouth. “Sorry, Mom, but Rocco having vamps on his side is some scary crap. It takes two of us for one of them.”

“Maybe three of us,” Mason tossed in. “I remember how easily the one slashed through Emma.” He wrapped his mate tighter and pulled her closer on his lap.

The sound of four car doors shutting snapped up everyone’s wide eyes. Ellie got that twisted feeling in her stomach again. Jordan was now the closest to the window, and following in Nicole’s footsteps, she peeked at the front of the home, behind the curtains. “Speak of the devil. It’s Aria, but I don’t recognize—oh, cool. One of the guys is dressed exactly like Dracula in Bram Stoker’s movie version. You’ve got to see him.”

Jordan looked back to the room and all the men were on their feet. The doorbell sounded. Ellie’s father hesitated, looking at the women. Emma went into action. “Good grief. I’ll get the door. Aria won’t hurt us.” Ellie wasn’t sure about the other three.

Emma hurried to the front door. Mason jumped from the chair he shared with Emma, which was normal for the couple. Emma blasted her way through those gathered in the alpha’s main house for a family meeting, and Mason brought up the rear to save hers. Emma opened the door, and she and Aria squealed then hugged each other. She’d missed the vampire. With Aria handling her coven, it wasn’t often Emma got to see her. The others in Aria’s group stared at her with eyes the size of quarters.

Aria suddenly released Emma and stood straight and proper, clearing her throat. “Emma, these are the ones I told you about. They’re among the oldest and strongest vampires around. They are also part of my coven.”

“Please, come in.” Emma stepped back to let the group enter the house.

Mason whispered as they passed by, “You know you just invited vampires into the house. Now they can come in any time they want.” She backhanded him in the chest then put a finger to her lips, shushing him.

“I’d offer you a drink,” Barbara started, “but I don’t think we have your choice of beverage on hand.”

Aria dipped her head slightly. “Thank you, Mrs. Wolfe. But you’re correct.”