Club Noire

Chapter8

I let Baz leave to pack up his things at his pack while he promised to return that evening. I took care of my day’s appointments and arranged to have my friend and vampire/witch hybrid, Yolande, watch over my businesses in my absence. Yolande was mated to one of the IT guys, a hilarious, burly bear shifter named Griffith. She was a perky red-haired, caramel-skinned beauty who only stood around five feet. Griffith was part of the shifter faction from London who had relocated and luckily met his mate at a night out. They were a cute couple, and both had earned my absolute trust over the years. The enormous blond bear doted on his tiny other half. Yolande took down all I needed to do while I was gone and all the leads I would follow up on in New Orleans.

I told her I would call daily to stay apprised of the business side of things and discuss everything Saul and his team had found. Yolande nodded her head and peeked at me with a smirk.

“Spit it out. I know what’s on your mind,” I sighed as I sat back and looked at her. She giggled and bounced in her seat. This was going to be fun. Not.

“Sooo, I saw that handsome Alpha leaving here this morning, and you’re taking him to New Orleans with you. Does that mean that you’re mates? I hope so because you deserve to find a love like my Griff and I have. You have always treated us so well, and nobody should have a happier life than you,” she said in a rush. I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiastic chatter.

“Well, the ‘handsome Alpha’ thinks we are mates,” I began. “However, I still want to take things slowly. Alexei also thinks we’re bonded. I mean, who knows what the future holds? We’ll see after I get back. Maybe I have…more than one mate,” I finished slowly. It wasn’t until I said it out loud that I realized the truth of it. Maybe there was more than one “the one” for me. It may have been part of the reason that I never felt settled in my home.

Yolande let out a squeal. I winced and thanked the gods for the soundproof rooms. That girl had some lungs on her, I swear.

“Oh my god, I hope so! Oooh, what if there’s more than just the two? What will you do?”

Merciful gods, I hadn’t even thought of that. I almost paled at the thought, and my brow furrowed as I considered another one or two mates out there, waiting to be found or on their way to finding me. Two sounded like a lot of attention, thinking I had sworn off significant romantic attachments a few days ago. I almost wanted to change my mind and stay here in hiding. But I knew that wasn’t who I was, and I couldn’t start anything new now. Just pull up my big girl panties and press on. If I had more mates, then that was what the fates decreed, and who was I to question it. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. What a day this was shaping up to be. First, I needed to call Alexei to see if he wanted to come with us to New Orleans.

I called him from my apartment as I organized everything I needed for the trip. His velvety accent came through my speakerphone. I swear he knew the effect he had on me as he answered.

“Good morning, varóbushik. What can I do for you?” he said. I suppressed a shiver at his term of endearment. Little sparrow, indeed. I was a grown woman. I cleared my throat and ignored him.

“Yes, I need to go to New Orleans. I believe there may be some information there that can help us. I am taking Phaedra, Baz, and Jas with me. As there is a large vampire faction there, I may need an in with them that only you could provide. It is better to appeal to his vanity than for any personal reasons. Of course, he saw right through me, darn him.

“Are you sure you didn’t just want to spend time with me in a romantic city? I am always at your service; you only need to ask,” he purred. I rolled my eyes and smirked. Such an arrogant vampire, but it was par for the course.

“I am positive I need you to help me officially. You can bring two more people with you if you choose. I know Dima is your right hand, and he won’t leave his mate behind now. Mercedes could come as well,” I knew how possessive and protective mates were of each other and would never think of making him choose between his duty to Alexei and his mate. I also knew Alexei trusted him explicitly and wouldn’t want to keep him at home.

“I appreciate your concern and will inform them to pack for the journey. When do we need to meet you?”

“We will leave this afternoon at 2 o’clock. That will give everyone time to pack and arrange their affairs in their absence. How does that sound?”

“Perfect. We will meet you at the club at two. See you soon, love,” he said and hung up. I turned to my empty apartment and went into my bedroom to finish packing up everything. I arranged my jet to be ready by three. I had a pilot and flight crew on call for me. They worked for me so I had others who used them even when I didn’t. Thankfully, everyone I requested was available. I texted Phaedra all the updated information and was utterly unsurprised at her calling me back immediately.

“Yes?” I asked.

“What do you mean, ‘yes’?” she shrieked. “You have Baz and Alexei accompanying us to New Orleans, a place with a high likelihood of having at least one more of your mates? We will be talking on the jet. No questions, ma’am.” I rolled my eyes.

“Don’t you roll your eyes at me!” How on earth did she know? Well, besides the fact that she is my oldest friend.

“Fine,” I huffed. “We will talk later.” She seemed appeased and told me she would see me later and bring lunch and coffee because she knew I would be so busy beforehand I would neglect myself.