Page 36 of Dark Reckoning
Sure, supernals were extremely powerful and had all kinds of advantages over humans, but if mages joined the humans instead of us... that could really be a deciding factor. Best not to test those waters. “Look, we need to get going. I don't think that son of a bitch will be going anywhere. But if his people start to get antsy, that barrier will keep them out.”
Salino hissed. “Yeeesss, his people would be expecting to hear back from him. I think I'll raise the barrier when you leave as a precaution and just hope he doesn't wake up or move before you can get back.”
“We won't be gone long,” I said.
“Perhaps you should split up,” Salino said.
“Why the fuck would I do that?” I asked.
“Because, though my home here is protected, my other safe houses are not. I believe I'm in the immediate need. Not only do we have to protect my vampires from those things out there, but also any attack from Emperor Martin's army. Once they can't get in contact with him, they will act,” Salino said.
I sighed heavily, because the shit just kept fucking coming. “I should charge your ass for all of the trouble you've caused us.”
Salino rolled his eyes. “The way I see it, we benefit from each other. But let us not waste any more time. Send Adrian to Damon and you put barriers on my properties. Do you need more blood?”
“First off, I'm not sending Adrian any fucking where alone,” I said. “And secondly, yes, I will need your blood.”
“Not only that, but I need Sage in order to work the same barrier on his home that we did here,” Adrian added.
“Fine. Go with him, but then after you've completed the spell, I expect you to protect my homes. I can't send vampires into Damon's territory, but if he's asking for your help, he should provide Adrian with escorts,” Salino said, then he walked over to his cabinet and pulled out a vial of what I assumed was his blood and put it into a case. He returned, handing me the case.
I took it. “You keep your blood on stand-by like this?” I asked.
“From time to time, I award my most elite vampires with the treat that is my blood,” Salino said. “It promotes loyalty and competence.” He pointed to the case. “Will that be enough?”
I nodded. “Yeah, I'll use this to root you to your other houses. Now, my barrier spell words are different than Adrian's or even the one we installed here. Mine shuts down the whole place and anyone trying to enter will die. Anyone who knows the password that you create will be able to lock and unlock it, so to speak. But that's how powerful my individual barrier spell is.”
“Impressive and dare I say, exactly what my safehouses need.” Salino smiled. “By the way, my password will be belle mort.”
I rolled my eyes and slipped his case with the vial of blood into my pocket. “You would be dramatic with it.”
“You lack culture,” Salino retorted.
“Before you two get out of hand, since we're talking about defense, I want Sage protected too.” Adrian looked at Salino, head held high. “He may be very powerful, but I don't want him out there alone while he's going from one of your properties to the other. None of us need to be.”
“I'll have Shi come with me,” I said, then pulled out my cell to text her to meet me on the roof.
“I'm used to you having Shi and Nadia,” Adrian said. “If I can't be your backup, I want you safe. We don't know what we're up against, Sage.”
Salino smirked and nodded. “Awww, so sweet. So be it, I'll have MB accompany Sage. Go, and hurry back,” he said with a wave of his foppish hand.
I rolled my eyes and motioned for Adrian to join me. Salino and Nakago began to talk as he brought his Right-Hand up to date and the female vampire from before led us up to the rooftop where Salino's pilot and helicopter were waiting. We ended up meeting Shi in the elevator and I quickly began explaining the situation. There was a female vampire waiting outside, fully dressed in combat gear, gun and sword included.
“I could take her,” Shi boasted.
I chuckled. “Of course, you could.” I had nothing but confidence in my females.
Adrian paused as he stared at the thing with an expression a child had when they saw Santa Claus at the mall and weren't sure they wanted to get any closer.
“Are you scared?” I asked him.
“A—a little. I've never been on one before.”
I smiled. “They're fun. Come on.”
The female vampire's gaze took us in. “I will be accompanying you to Damon's, but I'm not allowed off the copter,” she said.
“Territory issues, I know. That won't be a problem. Shi will stay with you,” I said. Because I was also breaching Damon's territory with a shifter.
