Three Sexy Wolves and I

Chapter 9- Stefan

"There have been reports of rogues roaming your region's back alleys. I wondered if it might be the Demons of—"

Stefan rolled his eyes and said, "They have a new leader. A foolish demon named Sebastian. A pureblood who is far too ambitious for his own good."

"Have you tried to reason with him?" Van asked.

Stefan narrowed his gaze. Whether he wanted the position or not, he was now King of the Werewolves. This meant that werewolves bowed to his commands, but not demons.

"He refuses to meet with me," Stefan's tone was as cold as his expression. "He claims that the Demon Rogues will no longer be subservient to other demons, and that any treaties that were made in the past are now void."

Van lifted his brows, no doubt wondering why Stefan hadn't already executed the beast.

"He's either very brave or very stupid."

"Very stupid. I have called for a meeting of the Council, but it could take days, if not weeks, before they can be gathered in one place." Stefan referred to the council that settled disputes between the various demon races. It was made of ancient oracles that rarely left their hidden lairs. Unfortunately, they were the only legal means of passing judgment upon the king or leader of another race without retaliation. "In the meantime, the reckless actions of the demon rogues threaten us all."

"My pack stands ready to offer assistance." A smile of anticipation touched Van's lips. "If you want this Sebastian dead, I'm sure it can be arranged."

Stefan could think of few things that would please him more than ordering the death of Sebastian. Unless it was sinking his own fangs in the mangy demon's throat.

There were times when being a responsible leader was a b***h.

"A tempting offer, but, unfortunately, the demon rogues are uncommonly devoted to this man. If he were to suddenly die, I don't doubt that the werewolves would be held to blame. Faes were after him too. I hope to avoid all-out warfare for now."

Van gave a small bow of his head. Whatever his own desires, he would concede to Stefan's authority.

"You have a plan?"

"Hardly a plan, but I do hope that I might have discovered a bit of leverage over Sebastian." He pulled a small photo from his pocket and handed it to his companion.

For a moment, Van studied the small, delicate woman in the photo. With her short, spiky red-blond hair and green eyes far too large for her heart-shaped face, she looked like a beautiful urchin.

"Not my type, but certainly eye-catching." He glanced up. "Is she his lover?"

"No, she is a human, but Sebastian has spent a considerable amount of money and energy tracking this woman. I believe he has at last discovered her here in your territory."

"She is here?" Van asked and raised his brows.

"Yes, Van, that's why I'm telling you."

"What does he want with her?" Van inquired and took a wine glass from the table.

Stefan shrugged. The warrior he had sent to track the erratic Demons had obtained the photo and followed Sabastian here.They couldn't, however, get close enough to discover the reasoning behind the man's obsession with the woman.

"I don't have the slightest idea, but she's obviously very important to him. She is important enough that he might be willing to negotiate for her return if I am able to capture her first."

A hint of surprise touched the pale face. "You intend to kidnap her?"

"I intend to keep her as my guest until the demon rogues can be made to see reason," he corrected, his entire body stiffening as Van tilted back his head to laugh with rich enjoyment.

"What is so amusing?"

Van pointed at the picture in his hand. "Have you taken a good look at this woman?"

"Of course." Stefan frowned. "It was necessary to memorise her features in the event the picture was lost or destroyed."

"And yet you will willingly take her beneath your roof?"

"Is there some reason I should not?" Stefan demanded.

"For obvious reasons," smirked Van.

Stefan battled a flare of impatience. If Van had information on the woman, why did he not just say it instead of behaving in such a mysterious manner?

"You speak in riddles, old friend. Do you believe the woman might pose some sort of danger?"

Van held up his hands. "Only in the manner in which any beautiful woman poses a danger."

Stefan narrowed his gaze. By the gods, did Van believe he was susceptible to the lures of a mere female? a human one at that?

If he wished for a woman, he had only to glance over the balcony. The nightclub was filled with females and more than a few males, who had made their interest flamboyantly clear since he had walked through the door.

"The woman will be my hostage, nothing more," Stefan said coldly.

"Of course."

Sensing Van's lingering amusement, Stefan impatiently pointed toward the picture. It was, after all, the reason he had come here in the first place.

"Do you know the location of the establishment she is standing in front of?"

"It's familiar." Pausing a moment, Van gave a nod of his head. "Yes. It's a human bar. I'd say four, no wait. . . live blocks south of here."

"I thank you, old friend." Stefan was swift on his feet. He reached out to take the picture and replaced it in his pocket.

Van pressed himself to his feet and placed a restraining hand on Stefan's arm.

"Wait, Stefan."

Stefan swallowed back his surge of impatience. He didn't have time to linger. The sooner he captured the woman, the sooner he would know if she was indeed of importance to the demon rogues.

"What is it?" he asked.

"What are you going to do?"

"I told you. I intend to take the woman." Stefan muttered with clear annoyance.

"Just like that?" Van demanded.

Stefan frowned in confusion. "Yes."

"You cannot go alone. If the Demon Rogues are keeping watch, they are sure to try to stop you."

"I do not fear a pack of uglies," Stefan retorted in a scornful tone.

Van refused to relent. "Stefan."

Stefan heaved a sigh. "I will have my guards near," he promised, referring to the five werewolves who had been his constant companions for centuries.

They were as much a part of him as his own shadow.

Van was still not satisfied. "And where will you take her?"

"To my lair." Stefan answered.

"Good God." Van gave a sharp laugh. "You can't take that poor woman to those damp, disgusting caves."

Stefan frowned. In truth, he hadn't really considered the less-than-welcoming atmosphere of the caves he inhabited.

To him, they were simply a place to remain safely out of the sun.

"Most of the caves are quite comfortable."

"It's bad enough that you're taking the woman hostage. At least take her somewhere that has a decent bed and a few amenities."

"What does it matter? She is nothing more than a human."

"It matters because she is a human, Stefan. Hell, they are more fragile than dew fairies." With swift, gliding steps, Van moved toward the desk that consumed a large part of his office behind the balcony. He reached into a drawer and pulled out a sheet of paper. After scribbling a few lines, he dug his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small key. Returning to Stefan, he placed both in his hands. "Here."

"What is this?" Stefan demanded.

"A key to my estate north of the city. It's quiet and isolated enough for your purpose, but far more pleasant than your lair." He pointed to the paper. Those are the directions. I'll alert Santiago and the rest of my staff to expect you."

Stefan opened his mouth to protest. Perhaps his lair was not the most elegant or luxurious of places, but it was well protected, and more importantly, he was familiar with the surrounding landscape.

Still, he supposed there was something to be said for providing a bit of comfort for the woman.

As Van had pointed out, humans were tediously fragile, and Stefan knew that they were prone to a puzzling array of illnesses and injuries. He needed her alive if she were to be of any worth.

Besides, it would keep him in a position to keep an eye on Sebastian.

"Perhaps it would be best to remain close enough to the city to negotiate with the Demon Rogues," he admitted. "And close enough to call for assistance if you need it." Van insisted.

"Yes." Stefan pocketed the key. "Now I must go."

"Take care, old friend."

Stefan gave a sombre nod of his head. "That I can promise."