Page 4 of Blood and Embers
“Yes, just making sure the property is secure.”
“Makes sense.” He looked back over his shoulder at the warehouse behind. “Does Rose own that too?” It was a secret butan open secret. Scott could find out the truth easily enough, so Pike did not try any deceit.
"Yes, he does." Pike took a couple of steps closer to Scott and breathed in the amazing scent of cotton candy, letting it soothe and warm him.
“Would you be interested in getting dinner and drinks with me this evening?" Scott asked, and his expression brightened when Pike smiled. Pike liked that look; it proved he was feeling something, too.
“I’d love to. Where would you like to meet?” Pike was definitely on board. Scott let his gorgeous gray eyes travel Pike’s face for a few seconds before responding. The moment was electric.
“The Granary on Pine. Meet me at eight." He said it more like a question, and Pike nodded.
“See you then.” He said and turned to leave, but then turned back. "I'm going to get to the bottom of this, Pike." He said good-naturedly.
"I don't doubt that, Scott." Pike shot back.
"A couple of cuts and bruises." He yelled furiously and slammed his fist down on the table. "You people are pathetic. I gave you the gear to take that place to the ground, and you leave them with cuts and bruises and a club that can easily be rebuilt. You’re a bunch of fucking failures.” He slammed his fist again.
Tank Bagwell, the self-proclaimed Alpha of the Bagwell Pack, tried to instill fear and loathing in his men, but they just sat there and stared at him. That’s what you get when you have no criteria for membership. Bagwell let anyone join as long asthey were willing to fight, and the dirtier the better. He ended up with a pack filled with community rejects.
They weren't ideal, but they would do anything for money, and that was all Bagwell was looking for. He would worry about loyalty after his territory expanded and his income increased. This group was necessary for the battle, but he planned to cultivate a better crop of soldiers once he had established a name and a position of distinction.
His core group of four were solid fighting men and had been with Tank since before coming to Chicago. They would help him put together a proper pack once the dirty work was finished. For now, he would deal with these halfwits and ne’er-do-wells as long as they get him what he wants. What he wants is half of Conall Rose's territory. It was time for Rose to learn to share, and Tank was just the man to teach him that lesson.
“The Coven was trained and prepared.” One of the men seated at the table spoke up.
“Who prepares for an attack like what we launched. There is no preparing for the death that should have befell them. You fucked up." Bagwell continued to yell, but no one was really listening.
"They're not going to go down easy. They're not like the others." This time, the voice came from across the room, a man standing by the doorway. This was Jinx, a dark Fae who joined their group a few months ago. He hadn’t gone on the attack last night, stating at the time that it was a mistake. Tank didn't like to be second-guessed and was finding this new routine particularly irritating.
“They’ll die just as easily as any other," Tank said with a little less bluster this time, considering the previous outcome of their efforts.
“The Blood Rose entertains humans, and the Coven takes their safety seriously, unlike the other establishments that were strictly paranormal hangouts.” Jinx clarified in a tone that denoted boredom.
“I don’t give a fuck about humans.” Tank shot back.
“Master Rose clearly does.” Jinx finished and walked from the room, and several others joined him. Tank's control was seriously slipping.
“Fuck them,” He said in disgust. “We hit the Blood Rose again tonight. They won’t be expecting us, and this time we level the damn thing and kill everyone in our way. Do not return unless there is blood on your hands.”
Pike was given the evening off after explaining that he had a dinner date set up with his beloved. Drakon was very understanding but emphasized that he may be called in if things escalated with the Bagwell Pack. Pike knew they were still under attack, and the perpetrators had not yet been apprehended. He could pursue his beloved, but must be prepared to respond if called upon to do so.
"Congratulations, Pike, and good luck." Drakon left it at that. He'd been through it himself, finding his human beloved at the Blood Rose. He understood that it could go easily or very hard.
“Thank you.” He responded. “He’s a Lieutenant with the Chicago Fire Department and puts himself in danger regularly." Pike could find his protective instincts kicking in at the thought of Scott being in mortal danger.
“It’s his job and probably a large part of his identity. You’ll have to find a way to be at peace with it.” His words were true, but it didn't make it any easier to accept.
"It's not going to be easy," Pike admitted.
“The best things in life are rarely easy but well worth the effort.” Drakon was unusually philosophical. “He’ll be a fine addition to the Coven." That was more like a Drakon comment, always looking to the practical. “Take the evening and get to know your man.”
"Yes, sir." With that, Pike was dismissed and immediately went in search of Hugh. They'd been on guard duty earlier when Scott showed up, and Hugh was called away to follow up on a lead on a Bagwell man. He was back, and Pike wanted to know if the man had been located.
Draken had trailed the attackers last night but lost their scent at the salvage yard. He'd put three teams out searching the area, but hadn’t discovered anything until Hugh had gotten the call today. Everyone was eager to put an end to the Bagwell Pack.
CHAPTER THREE
“Hugh.” He called out to him as he left the dining hall.
