Page 117 of The Demon's Fire
“You will not leave, and we will marry. Snap out of this mood.” He squeezed tighter.
When Skyler yanked her hand from Winston’s grasp, his wine glass flew off the table, shattering on the floor.
She stood. “I am sorry. I didn’t know you planned to be so insistent tonight. I thought you wanted to hear how I felt. I’m terribly sorry.” She walked determinedly toward the door.
“You’ll regret this,” he shouted, all other conversation in the restaurant coming to a halt.
“No. No, I won’t, Winston.”
As Skyler started to pass Manfredo, she paused. “I ordered steak Diane. Please give it to the lovely young couple near my table. They ordered with an eye to prices. I think they might enjoy it. Keep it on my friend’s bill, though.”
The owner gave her a brief nod and grin.
Skyler hailed a cab, riding home with her thoughts.
Now what? Kole’s a realm away and seemingly disinclined to return. I’m going to change his mind. After all, I’m known for my cutthroat negotiating skills.
****
Danterarely met Cerberus outside his English estate, but tonight they had scheduled appointments at the London gentleman’s club.
The building dated back to 1720, and it was well-known the Prince of Wales had joined later the same century. Dramatists, statesmen, artists still gathered in grandiose rooms to argue politics, philosophy, and the arts. Unknown to members, Aeternals had been frequenting the posh establishment for centuries.
It was here Dante first met Cerberus not long after his daughter’s death. During their meeting, he learned of Scath, the realm of Aeternal breeds. Plans for his revenge began.
They started this evening in a lavishly decorated lounge where they sipped scotch and chose items from a tray of assorted cheeses and sausages. They followed up with a massage. Now, they sweated in the steam room.
Dante scooped water from a bucket, tossing it onto the coals.
Cerberus wrapped a towel tighter around his waist. “Margo Hunter, the female my people captured with the Firebrand ylve, used a spell to escape. The residuals of it were still in the cell when I investigated. It is no surprise her test sample proved she was a Blood Coven descendant.”
“Wretched bad luck. But you still have two in captivity. What are their names?”
“Jace and Celene.”
“Yes.” Dante swiped at moisture beading on his face. “Have they shown an ability to use witchcraft?”
“No. Though wards on the house where they are kept block magic, we would detect its attempted use.”
“To use the descendants to open portals, do you need them to possess magic?”
“Yes. I must learn how this Margo tapped into her gift.”
Dante leaned against the wet white tiles, his elbows resting on the ledge above. “What about Skyler Maxwell?”
“The CLO of the Alliance has proven to be a slippery adversary. But, as you have said, I am persistent. Her home will be the best place to reach her now. Though agents guard her door, they will not be a challenge for my males.”
“You have Jace and Celene. They have Margo. Since you can trace your heritage back to two mages in the coven, eight of thirteen are still out there.”
“I wish it were so simple, friend. It is not a matter of numbers. I will need a witch or warlock from each line to destroy the portals and Whorl. While we locate more descendants, we must also find out how to trace their ancestry. And how to activate their powers. No small tasks.”
Dante scooped more water onto the coals, the thick steam obliterating Cerberus. He took his seat again, wrapping the towel tighter around his waist. Though playing a risky game himself, Dante suspected the Aeternal played one of his own. He figured the crafty Cerberus wanted to gather Blood Coven descendants to open the portals so Scath breeds could enslave mankind.
Dante’s need was quite different. A slight smile curled his lips as he considered his artfully crafted ruse. He would go along with the hubristic man to fulfill his own goals, hiding his true motives while he provided funds and services to his co-conspirator.
Years ago, when his estate, like others in Britain, had fallen on bad times, he developed new business contacts. He threw in with London’s crime bosses, providing them with legitimacy and access to the elite. His profits exceeded his imagination, allowing him to maintain his family home and invest in other properties around the world. His money grew until it rivaled that of kings.
So far, part of Dante’s ill-gained lucre funded Cerberus’s hunt for the descendants. But most of it went to finance his own projects, ones which would bring down the pompous Aeternal and his entire realm. His own plan was already in motion. He had almost everything he needed from Cerberus.
