As quietly as she could manage, she went into the bathroom to clean up. She kept some disposable toothbrushes and a makeup kit in her bag. Too many nights like last night in the past few months had taught her to be prepared.
But once shed gotten into the bathroom she noted her clothes from the day before had been laundered and folded, left on the counter with a new toothbrush.
She smiled. He was a good host and a nice man. Lycian. Whatever. He was welcoming and took care of her when she needed it. It was blessedly appreciated.
She managed to clean up into some semblance of humanity with some mascara and lip gloss, rebrushing and braiding her hair before she went out into the main room. She had split ends and was in dire need of a cut. Helena avoided even looking at the wreck of her nails. She usually spent time at her stylist and time at the range. No time for her stylist at all, though sadly, a lot of real-life experience with fight preparedness of late.
As much as she hated it, shed have to wake Faine up, as he was expected at the meeting. She had the car hed driven, which was from the Gennessee fleet, but they might as well drive in together since they both needed to be there.
And. Well, she could admit she liked being around him. He smelled good. He was huge and battle hardened so it was nice to have him at her back.
But he was already awake. Standing in his kitchen with a mug of coffee in his hand and a smile on his face.
He looked good. Like so good her libido stood up and saluted him. Stupid libido. Didnt it know she had shit to take care of and jumping on Faine Leviathan was not on her to-do list? This was Larks fault for putting the idea in her head.
Thanks for washing my clothes. I appreciate it. She waved at herself, hoping he couldnt tell how awkward she suddenly felt.
Not a problem. Mine needed washing too. Nicer to have clean ones than to trudge around covered in soot and blood.
Or a T-shirt so big it could have been a dress.
He looked her up and down slowly and she couldnt have moved if she had to.
Youd have made it look like a designer outfit. You have that way. I heard your phone. His tone changed back to business. I figured youd need some breakfast before you have to rush off to work. Coffee is done and Im nearly finished with all the ingredients for a breakfast burrito.
She got herself a cup of coffee and freshened his as well. Now that she could smell breakfast she was aware of how ridiculously hungry she was. I was trying to be quiet, though I was going to have to disturb you anyway, Im sorry to say.
Sit. He indicated the table. I only need about three hours sleep a night. Ive been up about half an hour. Lets eat and you can tell me about what Im needed for.
Wow. I wish I only needed three hours. I could get so much more done.
He pulled a chair out and waited until she sat. He befuddled her sometimes.
You run yourself ragged. You and your sister both. Molly too. None of you are superhuman. You need rest or youll just fall apart. I know you need to charge your magick and you cant if you constantly rush from one emergency to the next.
He placed a number of platters heaping with food on the table before he sat to join her. He began to fill his plate and she followed suit, feeling better after shed taken a few bites.
Its not like I plan it that way. It seems that my whole life has been reduced to running from one emergency to the next. Ugh, Im whining. Sorry. She sighed and ate some more.
Anyway, thank you. For everything. She started speaking once shed filled up a little. They needed to get moving soon and she might as well tell him what was up. Im afraid Im going to have to ask you for more help.
Faine put his mug down but continued to eat. Youre not whining, so stop apologizing. Im here to help. Tell me what you need.
It was Lark on the phone. I need to be at a videoconference at Gennessee in two hours. Well, an hour and forty-five minutes now. They want you to be there too.
Like you, this is the job I signed on for. Im pleased to do it, especially if it aids you.
She blew out a breath. I dont want you to regret that.
He snorted, finishing his plate of food rapidly. I was bred to do this. Much like you. He stood. Finish up. Theres aluminum foil in the pantry if you want to make an extra burrito or two to take with us. Im going to change and we can get moving. The traffic should be a little better by this point.
She watched his retreat and totally ogled his butt. Magnificent ass.
* * *
HED wanted to talk with her on the drive out, but shed taken one call after the next, working on her laptop as she did. Helena was rarely still. Most of him approved of this. She was a woman who knew her mind, who understood the severity of the situation and put all her attention on solving it. There was an intensity about her that he responded to. That her people responded to and seemed to be calmed and focused by.
But on the other hand, shed taken one hit after the next and he wanted her to have just a brief respite from all this damned tragedy. Intensity like hers tended to take a great deal of energy and focus. Never having a break from it was hard on body and mind. He knew it was taking a toll on her. Knew the stress beat at her, splintering and drowning her. He wanted to protect her when he could. Knew on some level that the way she made him feel was different than hed felt about anyone before. And he accepted it.
He could also admit he wanted her attention. He liked it when she focused on him. All that bright intelligence homed in on whatever he was saying.
Why Pasadena? he managed to ask once theyd gotten off the freeway and were headed to the Gennessee headquarters.
She looked up from her work with a smile and he was glad he asked. Magick is good here. Its clean, runs in strong ley lines from the mountains out to the ocean. When they first settled hereOwen witches I meanthey had their headquarters down in whats now Long Beach. Near the port. But about fifteen years later, we settled out here. We sort of, I dont know, dug in. The Gennessees have had houses out this way for the last three generations. My family are just over there in those hills. She pointed. Of course, weve got satellite offices all over the state. The territory is too big to manage otherwise.
I like the mountains. Its nice to be able to go run.
Its not as heavily forested as close to the city as Seattle is. But its good. The wildness of it all, city and nature, feeds my magick.
Helenas magick was vibrant. Golden yellows and blues. Larks was electric in a different way. But Helenas had a taste his beast could identify with its eyes closed.
Driving that thought from his mind wasnt too hard as he headed through the streets to the office. More police presence of late. And now, he noted, they were far more militarized.
He wasnt alone. Automatic weapons. Christ. She blew out a breath as she noted the cop on a nearby corner.
At least here they have some decent relations with Gennessee.
Decent. She shrugged. Getting worse though. Its factionalizing more by the day. Out here its not too bad. Weve worked with them since the Magister. But their relationship with the shifters is more tenuous.
The packs down here have some problems. Lazy to have let things get so bad.
He disapproved quite deeply of how poorly and disorganized the werewolves ran themselves in Southern California. They had big problems with rogue wolves, so big they allowed the witches to cull their numbers. Lycians handled their own problems. In Faines opinion, to have allowed not just outsiders but another race to deal with an issue of their own making rendered them weak.
They could take lessons from the Wardens. Undisciplined down here. Someone needs to take over and whip them into shape.
She laughed and he turned, not very used to hearing the sound from her. He liked it. His beast liked it too. What?
You and Simon are so judgy when it comes to the wolves here. Its cute.
Cute? He snorted, not sure if he should be offended or not. Im not cute.
You totally are. They are undisciplined down here. For too long they just let things happen and didnt really care to enforce their own rules. But theyre trying now. If they dont rise to the occasion, theyre screwed. I guess if facing obliteration cant up your game, youre beyond help.
He grumbled, not entirely satisfied. To have witches culling their rogue wolves is a disgrace. Lex Warden should take over. Theyd be better off with real leadership.
Lex has enough on his hands right now. I think theyre scared. Which is good. They switched out their leadership. If they can use this to tighten their pack up and be better, they deserve the chance. Its not that I enjoyed having to do their enforcement. I didnt. I have enough to do without being their boogeyman. But these are dark times. Their new Alpha is stepping up since they pushed the old one out. We cant all be as awesome as Lycians.
He hmphed.
Im not joking. You and your brother are trained in ways I could only dream of getting my people up to. But for them its been a huge cultural shift. Theyve done their own thing for so long and its hard to get used to the new reality. I dont like it much either, but you adapt or you die. If they dont get their act together, its Cade Warden they need to worry over, not Lex.
Cade Warden was the Supreme Alpha of the National Pack. In charge of all the Packs in the United States. Though Faine had only met him in person once or twice, hed been impressed by Cades power and commitment to protect his wolves. It was an Alphas job after all, but one that was difficult, especially now.
I should thank the wolves down here anyway. Helena spoke as he turned down the street where the Gennessee offices were.
Why is that?
Tracking wolves is serious business. Because I had to do it so often for so long, Im good at it. Its made me a better hunter. She turned and then laughed at his expression. What? Im trying to have a glass-half-full moment.
Ive yet to see you track, but Ive seen you in several other guises as a warrior. Youre quite good. If youd like, Im always happy to help with training of any kind.
Really?
He turned to her, smiling at the excitement in her tone as they waited in line for security to come and examine the car.
Yes, of course. He liked that shed responded in such an enthusiastic manner. He also liked the possibility of working closely together with her in that way.
Witches at the security points checked for magick as well as bombs and guns. No car was allowed to park in their lot without a pass and a check.
The witch whod come nodded at Helena, taking the pass and running it through her handheld. Helena was adamant that everyone, including her, have their documentation reviewed each and every time. All visitors were logged. All employees were monitored as well. Owen had adopted this policy recently, as had several other Clans and Packs.
Helena had told him it impressed the gravity of their situation in ways her saying so never could. Every day they were confronted with the severity of what was happening. Each time they had to run a security protocol, or be the subject of one, it underlined it. Made them safer because of it on multiple levels.
She was right.
Once theyd gone through the car check, it would be an armed camp inside. Even before the Magister theyd prepared and trained their hunter team. That level of preparedness was an adaptation to the far more dangerous environment they lived in and was now an international model for the other Clans and covens dealing with the new threat post-Magister.
Once theyd been waved through and hed taken a spot in the garage, she got out, bending to grab her things. He wanted to take her bags but knew she wouldnt allow it or anything anyone could ever perceive as weakness. She moved like a predator, her gaze flitting from place to place as they moved. Evaluating. Always measuring threat.
It was so sexy he had to look away, pushing his beast firmly beneath the skin.
From there they passed through more checkpoints, including a fingerprint and retina scan, and finally they were on their way to the restricted floor where the hunters and Full Councils offices were.
Ill see you in the conference room in ten minutes. She stopped at the end of the hallway, touching his arm briefly. Thanks again for the ride. She handed him a bundle. I made you two more burritos.
He paused, filled with warmth and something else he didnt examine too closely right then. Shed taken care of him.
She blushed, which charmed him more. I mean, you made all the food and I was wrapping up an extra for myself. You have to keep your strength up if youre going to drag me all over the place.
He took the bundle, briefly placing his hands over hers. Thank you. Ill see you in a few minutes.
Trying not to be flustered by the way hed put his hands over hers, the warmth still on her skin, Helena headed to her office. Once shed closed her door, she changed into one of her more professional outfits and did a better job with her makeup while going through her messages.
Grateful for her assistant and her top people who shed hand all this stuff off to, she headed into the conference room. It was already filling up. Though hed gone into a sort of retirement after an injury years before, her father waited at the table. He taught her everything she knew and had run the hunter crew long before she and Lark had been born.
He stood to give her a hug. Good morning, sweetheart. Call your mother today, all right? She worries.
Helena smiled at him. He worried too, she knew, though both her parents seemed to be doing better since she and Lark had finally worked through some long-standing but stupid personal stuff and were once again as close as they had been before.
United Jaansen sisters made a scary threat. It was fun to be that once more instead of mourning the distance between herself and her sister.
Will do. I have to stock up on her tea anyway.
Thatll make her happy. Shes not in a position to do much for you or your sister. But her teas and tinctures are something tangible. Does all three of you good, and when all my girls are happy, it does me good too. He said it quietly, making sure no one else heard, knowing shed be embarrassed. But it warmed her. She needed that.
Swallowing back the emotion, she nodded to the head of the table where Rebecca Gennessee sat as leader of the Clan, several of the Full Council to her right and left.
As a woman, Rebecca was someone Helena had grown up thinking of as an aunt. But when she embodied The Gennessee, she was every inch a leader. Slightly aloof, her magick rolled off her in waves. It was awe-inspiring as well as comforting.
Thank you for the detailed report on yesterdays situations. Do we have any new information regarding the firebombing? Rebecca nodded in Helenas direction.
Ive checked in with the local police this morning. They told me nothing. The FBI has a new task force. I touched on that in my update to you. Ill get you more information when I get it. As of now I have a call in to the agent who was on the scene in Whittier last night. Ill update you when I hear back.
Before anything else could be discussed, the videoconference started with Larks face on the screen, which widened back a little to show Meriel Owen at the head of the table in Seattle.
Meriel spoke, clearing her throat. I appreciate everyone coming together for this. I know things are busy right now but I figured if we could do it all at once with all the involved parties, it would be the best use of our time. Molly is going to start us off. Just quickly, before we do that though, I wanted to say Lex Warden, who is the liaison between the werewolves and the COO, is here. Weve also got Grace Warden, the female Supreme Alpha; Max de La Vega, the Alpha of the de La Vega Jamboree and the liaison with the COO for the cat shifters; along with his brother, Gibson, who is their Bringer. Lark will liaise with the Vampires when were done here.
The Vampires had been pushed past their patience when a car carrying their protected was attacked and the Vampires and humans inside were killed. Theyd pulled back and were a breath away from open war with the humans. For the time being, Molly was keeping this from happening with her mixture of charisma, common sense and breathtaking ability to cajole just about anyone about anything.
Breathtaking or not, that would only last so long. Everyone was pushed to their limit and a lot rode on what happened over the next little while.
Meriel introduced everyone else and, finally, Molly took over.
The video equipment didnt hide the healing wounds on her forehead and right cheek, though the bruises were mostly faded. Or the brace on her wrist. Shed been attacked in a federal hearing room just two weeks before. It was a lucky thing she was alive. Now she was not only alive, but Helena noted the light of ferocity in her gaze as well.
Were going to need to get moving again. Our road show has to get back to work if we want to take advantage of this window weve got. Ive been in contact with senators Sato and Sperry, along with Representative Carroll. This new FBI task force is Senator Satos idea and he was able to convince the justice department to give it some actual teeth. Its staffed with Others as well as humans, and will operate out of three major cities at this point, each taking a third of the country. How was it, Helena?
The locals waited far too long to respond to the scene and when they did arrive, they were hostile. I regret to say this is not unusual. However, once the FBI came on scene, things changed. They listened to me and followed up. My people reported that their agents were respectful and thorough. I dont know what that means other than our brief exposure last night, Im still waiting on a call today, but at least weve got that much.
Good. Molly made a quick note before looking back to the screen. Helena, Id like you to take the point on this team. Ive spoken with The Gennessee and shes given her support.
Helena blinked, surprised by Mollys request.
As most of you are aware, Helena runs the hunter team for Gennessee. Its her efforts and innovation thatve kept the West Coast witches safe. And through them, other witches as they are trained by members of her crew. Molly spoke and Helena saw herself through the other womans eyes. It was flattering and sort of overwhelming.
With major help from Lark. Helena didnt want anyone thinking she was taking all the credit for what shed done with her sister.
Lark broke in. Helenas leadership is exactly what the team needs.
Theres no one I trust more to head this team than Helena. Rebecca spoke from her place at the head of the table and Helena realized she was one of the last to know about this. The full council of Owen and Gennessee both had discussed it to let it get this far, and Lark had known that morning when shed called too.
Part of her job was understanding that other people made the decisions she carried out. She accepted it. But part of Helena, the part she walled off and kept to herself and let no one else rule, was pissed that no one, including her sister, had bothered to bring this up with her first. She could have told Helena on the phone earlier, at least to allow her to be prepared.
Resentment was useless, no matter how valid. So she shoved it away and focused on her job.
Rebecca spoke again. The witches are leading this charge with the human government. It makes sense that we are in charge of any security team to protect our people. Its no secret were the most human looking of the Others and theres no sense in not using that to our tactical advantage. She paused to let that settle in. Weve got a prominent place on the Council of Others as well, and Helena, Ill expect you to sit on their defense task force.
Over the phone lines Helena heard the rumble of shifter agreement to that.
Okay then. She started making mental notes to hit the ground running once the meeting ended.
Owen is in total agreement. Lark will be here working on continuing our nationwide training for Others but she will continue to liaise with Molly and Helena and the other members of the Council of Others regarding our internal and external security. Meriel nodded. Faine, if we could continue to rely on your help and the support of Lycia, Id consider it a favor if you could serve as Helenas lieutenant on this security team. Shell need to be protected while shes protecting everyone else.
Of course, Ms. Owen. I would be honored. You have Leviathan support for as long as you require it. Faine rumbled this from his space next to Helena and the echo of it seemed to brush her skin.
We start tomorrow afternoon in Sacramento with a two p.m. meeting. Helena, if you could get with Satos people as soon as possible, Id appreciate it, Molly added. Were arriving late tonight. Im going to forward you the details.
Well have you met at the airport and escorted in. Ill leave for Sacramento as soon as I can to ready things. I assume Gage will be part of your detail?
Originally, Faine had been Mollys bodyguard, but when things had gotten very serious between Molly and Gage and shed been injured, Owen had sent Faine to Los Angeles to help Helena while Molly had been confined to her bed for a while.
From the look on Gages face, Helena wagered no one, not even a nearly seven-foot-tall Lycian, would be good enough to take care of Molly. Hed want to do it himself and she understood that.
Yes. Gage spoke, looking sort of feral. Though still smoking hot. Aside from the attempts to kill her, Molly was a lucky woman. Ill touch base with you in an hour or so with more information.
Helena nodded.
The call ended and Helena turned to her father, a man whod run the hunter corps before she and Lark had taken over when they were in their early twenties. You have to take over for me here until Im back.
He sighed and Rebecca mirrored that sound.
She shrugged. I cant do it all if Im going to be traveling so much. Theres too much here that should be covered. You know the job already. People respect you. Youve worked with most everyone on the team and they need to rely on a leader. Our people need to be safe.
Her father nodded. Ill step in, but not as your replacement. Ill be your other lieutenant here. Its the best way. You lead this crew and you do it better than anyone else could.
She didnt say it, but it hung between them unspoken anyway. Anyone but Lark.
She swallowed but didnt argue. Fine. Work with Marian and Evan. Theyre in charge while Im gone. Im briefing everyone. She glanced at her watch. In twenty minutes in our common room. I need to be out of here by noon.
Her father nodded. On it.
They dispersed and Faine waited for her. Ill drive. We can take my car to Sacramento.
You can fly up if you like. Its a long drive. No use both of us having to drive. I just want to get started and itll take a while to arrange flights. And I like to take all my weapons.
He just raised one brow at her, daring her to keep arguing. She wanted to, just on principle and just because she wasnt one to turn down a dare. But she needed to get moving.
And every time they got into an argument, she only ended up more attracted to him.
Fine. Thank you. If you drive I can work.
Or you can sleep.
No time for that. She needed to contact the hunters in the San Francisco office to have them meet her in Sacramento. Shed leave the majority of her people in place, but shed used the witches from the San Francisco office several times before so they knew the routine and would work perfectly.
He frowned at her and she had to swallow back her demand to know how it was he could do that and still look so good.
See you in just a few minutes at the briefing. She turned and left, taking a thick file folder from her assistant, who walked at her side as they headed to the hunters conference room.
All the information is here. I printed out everything Molly and Lark sent. The hotel has a floor set aside for you in Sacramento. The usual. Get me your schedule and Ill take care of all the reservations for the team as well. Your special ammo is in the lockbox. Ill have it loaded when youre ready.
Just the balance of their world all in her hands.
No pressure.
Chapter 4
HELENA stood at the head of the room, pacing just slightly as she addressed her crew. Her father, David, sat off to the side, letting her hold the reins, which Faine respected. His own father tended to be like that. He was the symbolic head of Leviathan, but Pere, Faines oldest brother, ran things.
I dont know how long this is going to take. As head of this new team, I expect to be gone at least seventy percent of the time, so in my absence from this office, David will take the lead, along with Marian and Evan. Things need to continue as theyve been. I want three shifts of patrols, and keep on those police bands. Ill still check in via video for the daily briefings when I can, and you know you can contact me if you need to. Well continue our position here. We will not back down when locals demand it when our people are in danger. This is the new normal, folks. No one seems interested in protecting our witches, but its our job. We will do it. They want to tell us what our power is. But no one knows better than we do. We dont need to be given our power, its already ours.
Heads nodded throughout the room and Faine noted the pride on David Jaansens face. This was a man whod raised his children from birthif the stories hed heard were trueto be hunters. Considering the performance of both Jaansen sisters, hed done an exemplary job.
These hunters believed in her. Followed her orders without hesitation. That was rare. And important. He wondered if she even saw it.
I need to get on the road now so I can get into Sacramento. John, youre with me. Caspar and Bridget will be coming over from San Francisco to staff the Road Show team. Ill be rotating staff through, so if youre interested, let Sasha know. Shes keeping a list. The rotations will be in two-week increments. Helena paused. Any questions?
A few hands went up.
Youre guarding the human? Why not have his own take care of him?
Helena tapped the back of her hand with her pen for a moment. Hes risking everything to back us. Were guarding the whole group, including the other legislators who are Others. Its the right thing to do. He does have staff to guard him. But were better than they are.
Her smile was cocky, but she told the truth. Despite the danger, it had been the Other guards whod kept everyone alive, even in the midst of bombings.
A few more procedural questions and she was stalking to the car, her arms full of files.
Faine carried a big lockbox of ammunition that had been specially created to deal with the mages. The Others knew some of the mages still allied themselves with the human hate groups, and they worked on regular humans too. She used guns, knives and magick on her job.
A lot of Others hesitated in using human weapons on their law enforcement teams, though that was changing. In large part due to Helena and Lark.
Faine remembered the look on her face when shed slapped a magazine of the special ammo in place. She told him she wasnt about to waste a tool if she could use it to protect her people. He liked her ruthless streak.
A lot.
I need to stop at my house to grab some clothes, she said as she got in the car.
He drove the fifteen minutes to her apartment, noting that the warding was still in place and holding. The building was owned by a Clan family and was guarded, not quite as openly as the enclave he lived in, but it was a magickal fortress so he approved.