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Luther busied himself by laying out a map of Swanicott over the large central table in the room. He planted small pewter wolves on each corner to secure the map in place.
When the leadership gathered around, Luther said, “Tell us what you need, Mastyr.”
Zane leaned over the map and swept his hand toward Angler’s Cliff and the Dead Zone in the west. He talked about the camp and the shielding spell Margetta had in place. “Olivia and I will be heading to the Fae Guild next to meet with Regan, the Ruby Fae. I’m hoping she’ll be able to disrupt the spell that has kept this camp hidden from us for who knows how long.”
Luther scowled. “Then this explains why our realm has had more Invictus trouble than any of the others.”
“It does,” Zane stated firmly. “And tonight, we’re going to burn this camp to the ground.”
A shout went up, loud and strong, feeding Zane’s heart.
Luther held Zane’s gaze. “But does the Ruby Fae have enough power to counteract Margetta’s spell? That’s the real question. We won’t be able to attack unless we can see the camp.”
Zane had known Regan for a long time and he felt confident in her abilities. “I’m convinced she does.”
A murmur of approval went round the table. Regan was a woman of great character and immense power. At one time, she’d led the Fae Guild of Swanicott, but in recent decades she lived on a nearby estate and mentored the younger fae in spells and visions.
The strategy session entered the timing and numbers phase, including where Zane wanted the Shifter and Troll Brigades positioned as well as his Guard. “Since at least half the Troll Brigade and three-quarters of the Vampire Guard will be involved in the assault, I want the Troll Brigade coming in the from west. You and your shifters will attack from the north, and the Vampire Guard from the east. We’ll set the hour for midnight.”
“One more question,” Luther added. “We can’t see into the camp, but I’m assuming they can see out. Is that correct?”
Zane nodded. “Which means we’ll need to be well away from the camp boundaries, then put on some real speed when it’s time to attack. How does that sound?”
Another shout went up. Shifters were game.
With the essential plan laid out, Luther broke away to talk to his brigade leaders.
Zane stepped away from the table and Olivia joined him. He ran a hand down her back, caressing her slowly. You were amazing, he pathed, earlier, and throughout the entire interview with Luther. His fingers drifted below her waist just a little.
He felt a shiver run through her.
You should stop doing that, Mastyr. It’s giving me certain ideas.
He held her gaze. After I watched you bound through the lodge, I’ve wanted my fangs in your throat. I’ve been in pain since you returned to my side.
She reached up and ran a finger the length of his dagger tattoo. Well, we can’t have that, now, can we? Any chance we’re done here? I’m hoping the answer is yes, since I know we don’t have to be at the Guild for a couple of hours yet.
He growled softly, then cleared his throat. He turned slightly to address Luther. “We’ll be heading out now. I’ll be in contact as soon as I meet with Regan. If you have any concerns, you can call Marian at my Communication Center or use my cell if it’s an emergency.”
Luther lifted his chin in a short jerk. “We’ll take it from here. See you at midnight in the west.” But to Olivia
, he added with a smile, “Great to have you home.”
Zane heard Olivia’s soft intake of breath, and he could feel that she was overcome. “Thank you, Cousin.”
Luther nodded, then reverted his attention to the map once more.
Zane took Olivia’s hand, but didn’t lead her back through the main lodge since he knew members of the packs would besiege her. And right now, he was desperate for some alone time with her.
It had been hard seeing Luther embrace her, and he’d barely prevented a growl from forming in his throat. Despite the fact that they were no doubt related, Zane didn’t like any man touching Olivia. The possessive door swung both ways.
He guided her to the back of the lodge and to a huge deck that overlooked a mixed forest. In this part of the mountains a lot of the trees were pine so that much green showed among the bare, deciduous trees.
When he held out his arm, she stepped up on his booted foot as though she’d been doing it for ages and slid her arm around his neck. Her other hand gripped his bicep, fondling as she liked to do. He loved it.
His heart beat hard in his chest as he pulled her against him and kissed her, a full kiss, nothing held back. To his surprise, his mating frequency began to hum within his chest. He’d never bound himself to anyone, but he’d heard the experience during sex was amazing, beyond comprehension. What would it be like if he completed the blood rose bond with Olivia?
The thought sent a bolt of excitement rocketing through him.
