Page 100 of The Vampire's Thirst
Kole’s eyes sparked. “While maintaining they oppose killing humans, the majority voted against the extermination of Cerberus’s forces. They want the Firebrands to adopt a wait-and-see as far as Cerberus’s group.”
Rein shifted in his seat, his heart gripped by a fist of ice. “Wait and see what?”
“See if Arisen Dawn conquers the human realm,” said Cadmon. “Some want to return as rulers. Fera. Rike. Dolph. Others fear we shall need Cerberus’s soldiers if the Earthers find a way through the portals and attack us.”
“The Temple has commanded the Firebrands to stand down. We are to patrol Scath but ignore Arisen Dawn. We are to let the humans worry about themselves.” Kole molded a ball of fire in his fist.
Rein unfolded to his full height, his upper lip curled back, his fangs long, sharp. “That’s an order I won’t obey.”
Kole rose from his chair. “You espouse treason, vampire.”
“I pledged an oath.” He fisted his sleeve, pulling it up to uncover his brand while he pointed at the words beneath it. “Natis in Igne. Probata est in Sanquinem.Born in Fire. Tested in Blood. I will not dishonor Braelyn’s ancestry. I will not dishonor my vow to protect.”
The commander of the Covenkirk stronghold grasped Rein’s forearm. “Freron, I take the same stand.”
One by one, the Firebrands at the table rose to their feet, destroying a thousand years of obedience to those who governed Scath. They were not easy males. They weren’t even good males. With personal demons nipping at their asses, they often walked the edge of right and wrong, fighting to maintain balance for the good of their realm. But the Phoenix called them for a purpose. And they were the fiery symbol’s warriors first. Screw the Temple. Screw the lawgivers.
Cadmon sighed, nodding at all six Firebrands. “This is not a thing I would ask of you. I had already decided I would no longer submit to the rule of the Temple of Justice. But you … consider your actions with care.”
“You didn’t ask. But we’re with you, ylve,” said Kole. “For duty. For honor.” He quoted the words above each stronghold’s entry. “If ourfreronsjoin with us, we will no longer fight under the Temple’s banner. To them we’ll be traitors. If the Firebrands decide against joining us, we sever our ties. Stand alone. Each commander must meet with his warriors. Let them choose their own path.”
Rein folded his arms. “Your stronghold’s gonna follow you, Kole. We have never followed the Temple. You are our destiny. And we’ll have your six through the gates of Angor, into its frozen pits, and back out again.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Skyler’sthoughts were with Kole. He seemed distracted. Regardless of the problems facing him, he agreed to help her. She reached out a hand to accept the locket from Jace. “Personal objects like this are great.” She turned it over, examining the piece of gold jewelry.
“I had forgotten all about it because it’s been on my neck ever since Celene lent it to me.”
Jace had told Skyler at the welcoming party she could see the history of an object by touching it. But she couldn’t use her gift to find Celene’s current location.
Each Blood Coven descendant proved to have a distinct talent. Braelyn manipulated minds. Margo influenced microwave energy. Denim controlled the elements. Lizette was a conjurer. Nico was a magnet. Chiara was a healer with a side ability to kill. Fin called wild animals. As a plus, she could talk to them.
“What’s the next step?” asked Tyr.
“Kole is fixing up a room for me.” Skyler pointed toward a closed door down hall. “He knows what I need to do my best work.”
“Can we help?” Jace fingered the buttons on a pale yellow sweater which looked great with her straight-legged tan pants and matching flats. As Tyr often teased, she was a throwback to another time, quite a contrast to the pierced, bejeweled Goth-like Firebrand.
“I could do with a few more vanilla-scented candles. Braelyn usually has some. The ones I’ve been using are nearly kaput. I have all my other supplies. The mat, iTunes, my mate to set up the room.”
“Tyr?” Jace aimed her arched brows over her shoulder.
He returned the gesture with a mock salute. “Right. I’ll run upstairs to see if Braelyn has candles.”
Jace put her arm through Skyler’s after the warlock disappeared in the stairwell. “I have to save Celene. I promised, and she’s my best friend. I would never have survived without her.”
Skyler patted her hand. “I’ll do my best.”
“May I watch you work?”
“No. I need complete concentration.”
Just then, her huge, thickly muscled, and brutishly handsome demon opened the door. Seeing Skyler, Kole grinned, a crooked smile tugging at his lips.Breathtaking. “All ready to go, Frisca. Check it out.”
“Where’s…?”
“Last I saw, Kae was propped on Bounty’s desk in her cradle, getting her nails done.”
