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“If you insist. They believe they can resurrect their allies using the blood of the living,” Leif said. “Not sure how they plan to pull that off. Bade couldn’t keep those jaws shut. Some things never change. Armand put an end to the conversation. If they get what they need, and have the power of the idols, I’m afraid we might have a war on our hands.”
“It’s a bit more complicated than that.” At least I hoped so. As Leif said, Armand had acclimated well to modern life. He would understand that an attack of any kind would have consequences, and wouldn’t go unnoticed by humans and shifters alike.
“He could probably use a few of those hunters.” Leif chuckled. “Not that I offered him that resource when I took care of a few of them.”
Sweet moon. “You’ve killed humans since you’ve been…back?” I’d never wanted this to be a nightmare more than I did right now. My brother and the modern world would simply never mix.
He nodded. “It was kill or be killed. I plan to make the most of this second chance, brother, and I suggest you do the same.”
“You can’t kill humans.” I rubbed my hand over my face. “Things have changed. They can track who did it.”
“First they’d have to catch me, wouldn’t they?” He grinned and flipped a patty.
“Wait, what are you cooking?” I wasn’t sure I wanted the answer. Chances were very good someone would come looking for his dinner.
“Something absolutely mouthwatering.”
“I have to go.” Even though Bibi wasn’t my mate, she was a strong enough wolf that I’d learned to sense her. My brother didn’t appreciate strength, unless it worked for his benefit, so it was best to keep them far away from each other. “Stay in the mountain. Don’t talk to anybody. And for the love of the moon, don’t kill anyone.”
“I make no promises.”
* * *
“It’s not scientifically proven, but I have enough evidence if you roll your sleeves up to…right there.” The stylist stopped me when I had the fabric folded up to just below my elbow. “Yes! You have a one hundred percent chance of driving your girl wild.”
“That’s all it takes?” I appreciated the distraction. Leif had known exactly what he was doing, dropping a bomb like that on me right before I left for my first official date with Hannah.
But his plan was about to backfire. He was about to have a war on his hands, alright. One that he didn’t expect. If he was killing those hunters, they’d come at us with much more fire power. He’d never believe it until he saw it with his own eyes.
“There’s no doubt that Hannah’s completely smitten with you, but there’s no need to make this complicated.” Bibi waved a hand. She’d come to join us as the glam squad came to give me last looks. “All you have to do is be authentically yourself. Don’t hold back to fit in some box you think she wants.”
I raised a brow. “You think I’m holding back?”
Bibi sighed. She’d gone all out for the special occasion herself, wearing a purple glitter cape over her bodysuit. “I wouldn’t have mentioned it if I didn’t. You’ve seemed a little restrained. Maybe it’s because I’m not used to you being human anymore, or your energy is different.”
I shook my head. “There are reasons.”
She tipped her head. “Do you need to talk about them before the date?”
“I really want this to be amazing for Hannah. For both of us. To have that same spark of our first night together.”
“It won’t be like that.” Bibi squeezed my hand. “And that’s a good thing. You’ll have new energy. It can be even more exciting as you get to know each other. Is that the only thing you’re worried about?”
“No.” I’d been thinking about my brother’s proposal the whole ride here, and hadn’t found a way to make it sound plausible. “Leif thinks we can bring Tanyth back.”
Bibi failed to catch her gasp with her gloved fingers. “How?”
“Maybe with the relics, but she wasn’t cursed. She was ill. It won’t work. And if does, I’m afraid she’d be miserable.” The last thing I wanted was to cause my beloved any pain. I’d prefer that she continued to rest peacefully, even if she had to do it without me. “He thinks Armand’s wolves are using the blood of mortals to resurrect some of the beasts from our past.”
“That’s a serious accusation,” Bibi said. “Does he have any proof?”
“My brother was king. He’s not used to being questioned.” I sighed. “But he wouldn’t make an accusation that wouldn’t stick.”
“Armand’s pack has been very interested in Hannah’s friends. And another date with Hannah,” Bibi said. “So far they’ve been slipping past our security team. We’ve got a team focused on the house. But somehow, we’re missing their comings and goings.”
“Wouldn’t surprise me if they were the ones behind those Calista letters,” I said.
Bibi’s eyes widened. “If that’s the case, we need to make sure they don’t have anyone else in their grasp.”
