Page 62 of Accidental Blood Lust
“Relax, pet. Ihatethe Nocturne Consortium. They’ve been a pain in my ass for centuries.”
“What?” Roman asks.
“I can’t tell you how many run-ins I’ve had with them in the race for souls and artifacts. I used to think they must be tracking me as one of their soldiers always showed up when I was summoned to the mortal realm. I might have spent a decade or so in one of their sex dungeons. It was fun, but they get greedy.”
Cassius flinches. “Eww.”
“Oh, don’t be such a prude, Cas.” Auri rolls his eyes. “Everyone has sex.”
“Not everyone,” Rune adds. “There are some people who don’t have those urges.”
“Quit being pedantic with me. You know what I meant.”
“It isn’t pedantic to recognize that other sexualities exist on a spectrum.”
“Oh for hell’s sake.” Auri huffs. “Fine, I retract my statement. All I’m saying is the fae can offer a good time, but it comes with many strings attached.”
“We know,” Roman grunts. “That’s why Loch is here.”
Auri taps a long nail on his chin. “I have an idea.”
“Uh-oh,” Drax murmurs, drawing my curiosity.
“I could use some additions to my collection, and the Nocturne Consortium likely has many treasures that would delight me. Plus, they annoy me.” He claps his hands once. “That settles it. Your next mission is decimating that terrible little group and bringing me their treasures.”
Roman’s jaw drops. “Youwantus to attack them?”
“I believe I was clear.”
“But that could start a war,” Mac says. “Right?”
“We’re merely defending ourselves,” Auri says, unconcerned. “We have a right to do that. We aren’t breaking any rules. Not really.”
I turn my gaze to Roman, who is staring off into space, his brow creased.
“All of you,” Auri continues. “And perhaps I can even recruit my second line.”
“Second line?” Atlas finally breaks his silence. I’ve noticed he tends to be quiet, observing while everyone else talks through things.
Auri waves airily. “Yes, yes. I have a waiting list now to add to my crew.” He grins. “I haven’t had a need yet, but I could try some of them out to see how they handle a job.”
“Sending rookies to deal with the fae?” Roman asks. “We don’t have time to babysit.”
“Don’t worry your furry little head, pet. They wouldn’t be waiting in the wings if they weren’t ideal choices. Wait for my order, then you can start your assignment.”
With that, he dissipates and the three-headed dog that was sleeping in the corner pops one head up, whimpers, then goes loping after its master.
This place is weird, but also pretty cool.
“Well, isn’t that an interesting twist?” Rune asks. “I can’t say the idea of taking out some arrogant fae doesn’t do it for me though. I’m down.”
“No one likes the fae,” Mac says. “I’ve had my share of trouble with them too.”
“Who hasn’t?” Roman grunts.
“We have some friends in New Orleans,” Atlas says. “Well, friends is probably a strong word, but they owe us a favor.”
“Ah, yes.” Rune nods. “Some very powerful witches and maybe even the gargoyles. The more power on our side, the better.”
