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“I think that’s a great idea. They’re chomping at the bit to see some action.”
“Then tonight would be a good place to start. Go ahead and contact Rayle. I’ll leave you in charge of that part of the operation. Just get them out there.” Rayle was the alpha and had command of his men.
Reese took off.
They also discussed whether or not to alert the general population to the mist problem. The central issue became clear, that to let all of Kellcasse know about the killing mist could cause wide-spread panic. And if that happened, Jude would end up with more problems than his limited Guardsman force could possibly manage.
And never mind about the bad press Jude would receive in the Kellcasse Chronicle. He’d be crucified in print. One way or the other, this was shaping up to be a PR nightmare if he and his Guard didn’t figure out how to deal with the killing mist.
Hannah made her own contributions, her observations of the mist, of Margetta, how the ancient fae seemed able to pull the mist with her, and that Hannah’s fire dispelled it.
In the end, it was agreed that each of the team leaders would alert their men about the mist and the necessity of avoiding it, but to report any sign to Longeness and his staff at the Kellcasse Communication Center. Longeness had the ability to reach the Guardsmen all at the same time when needed.
As the Guardsmen dispersed, leaving by the front door this time, Hannah hurried with them for the simple reason that she loved to see vampires in flight, especially the super-fit Guardsmen.
Jude stood close to her, one arm around her waist.
As the last one left, he turned to her and said quietly, “I don’t like you looking at other men, either.”
“I wasn’t eyeing them as ‘men’. I was watching your Guardsmen fly. It’s an impressive sight.”
He growled softly and nuzzled her neck, nipping her throat. She gasped, since the possessive gesture lit her up.
But she pushed away from him. “Don’t start that or we’ll never leave this place.”
Jude remained where he was but she could see that he was using every ounce of his energy to retain control.
“Fine,” he said at last. “Then let’s fly.”
Chapter Five
Jude realized that taking Hannah into the air had one solid advantage: Her body was pressed up against his and he could keep her there. She slung an arm around his neck for balance, adding to the closeness. And for one of the few times in his life, he cursed the leather Guardsman coat he wore because it prevented him from feeling the swell of her breasts against his side.
If all went well, he’d have her back at Castle Island in a few hours, safe and sound.
Then he’d have her in his bed.
What are you thinking about, Jude, because the air has this wonderful spicy, peppery scent.
He chuckled. Nothing much. You. My bed.
She sighed. How long until dawn?
Too long.
But as they cleared the hills to the east and continued on a slow path in that direction, he decided he’d better get with it. He touched the com at his shoulder and contacted his communication center. “How we doin’, Longeness?”
“I’ve been collecting data from the time that Paul gave me your orders. So far, my staff says ninety-five percent of your Vampire Guard is in the air. And with the exception of one, whose wife is in labor, the remainder will be airborne within the next half hour.”
“Excellent. Any reports of mist?”
“Nothing yet.”
“I want to hear about even the smallest hint of trouble. Are you monitoring the civic forces?” Each county had a policing force that worked within county lines and Longeness could listen for reports of mist from their centers as well. In an emergency, Jude could command all the county teams.
“Yes, Mastyr.”
“Good. Again, let me know if anything even slightly off-center shows up, no matter which part of the realm.”
