Julian de Rossi looked exactly the same as when I’d last seen him, around eight years ago. His jet-black hair was slicked back in his signature style. His expensive button-up shirt was popped open at the top, and a gold chain hung loosely amidst a thick nestle of dark chest hair. He affected a casual stance, looking every bit the debonair Italian he was, but I detected a slight change of expression as he took in the rest of the group as we proceeded down the steps.
Apparently, my father hadn’t informed him about the motley crew who would be accompanying me. Wolves were devoted pack animals, and they rarely interacted with other Sects. It was highly unusual for a wolf to travel with so many different supernaturals.
Julian recovered himself quickly, reaching his hand out to James. “It’s good to see you, James,” he said. “I’ve never seen Callum travel without his second, but times in our world are changing.”
“Indeed, they are,” James replied. James was indeed my father’s second-in-command, but since he’d found his pairing with my friend Marcy, and considering all of the dangers I’d faced over the last few months, it’d made sense for James to travel with us. It was risky for my father to be without his second, in case a challenge arose, but for now the wolves were occupied with the common threat to Pack, so it was safe enough. “I’d like to introduce you to my mate. This is Marcy Talbot.” James steered her toward Julian, grinning at her with a pride that made my heart swell.
They were a perfect match.
Marcy stuck her hand out. “Pleased to meetcha,” she said. “I’ve heard a lot about the Mediterranean Pack over the years. Nice to finally meet the wolf in charge.”
“Well, I hope for my sake what you’ve heard has been favorable,” Julian replied with a grin.
“Yes and no,” she deadpanned. She paused just long enough to make it awkward and then expertly followed with, “I’m just joking. Honestly, I know next to nothing about you or your wolves, but I’m sure things run like a top around here. What I’m really hoping is that you’re in contact with other supernaturals in the area. My aunt is missing, and my first priority is to find her, hopefully with your help.”
Julian recovered nicely, smiling to reveal a set of perfectly straight teeth. “Of course.” He bowed. “I am at your service. Callum informed me that someone close to you was missing.” He glanced over Marcy’s shoulder at me. “Or more than a few, from what I gathered. I have many contacts. I’m happy to share them with you.”
I walked forward, extending my hand. “It’s nice to see you again, Julian. Thank you for meeting us here. Sorry if this put you out because it was so last minute. And, yes, you are correct. We are here to track down a few of our friends who are missing. That’s our top priority.” I left out the Enid hunting us part. I didn’t know how much my father had shared with the European Alpha, but it was best to be strategic and keep as much information as we could to ourselves, releasing it only if we were forced to.
Julian’s gaze flicked past me, landing on Rourke, who stood behind me.
The two Alphas held eye contact, and I felt Rourke tense.
If he wants a fight, he’s got one. Rourke’s words filtered through my brain.
I was about to answer my mate when Julian broke contact first, pretending to hear something over his shoulder. That was big in the Alpha world. Breaking eye contact first was akin to giving up.
In order to allow him to save face, and to keep the peace, I said, “Julian, thank you for being such a gracious host. We’ve clearly invaded your turf uninvited. We are happy to defer to your lead while we’re here.”
No, we won’t, Rourke growled in my mind.
Be nice, I warned. We’re here to retrieve Tally, and find Danny, Naomi, and Jax. We’re not here to war with the Mediterranean Pack. Plus, he just dropped eye contact. That was a willing submission.
He’s dangerous, Rourke said. I can smell it. We can’t trust him.
Luckily for us, Julian’s attention was diverted as Eudoxia made her grand exit, striding down the short set of steps like she owned Florence and everyone in it. “I forget how much Europe smells like the backwoods,” she sniffed. “It’s not pleasing at all.”
Julian brushed by me. “Ah, Vampire Queen, I am delighted you have graced us with your presence. It’s been far too long between visits. You look ravishing, as usual.” He swept her hand up to his mouth, kissing the back of it reverently, his head bowed.
I had no idea if it was an act, or just how people did things in Europe, even if they were from opposing supernatural Sects. I desperately hoped it was a show for our eyes only and that when he’d mentioned the word ravishing, he’d meant good enough to eat—as in ripped apart by a wolf.
Wolves and vampires notoriously did not get along. I was curious what their background together was, because it was apparent Julian and Eudoxia had a past.
For once, I was glad Eudoxia had monopolized the situation.
It had diffused the incident with Rourke.
Julian turned back to the group, Eudoxia’s small hand tucked under his elbow. “We have a few cars waiting.” He gestured toward two SUVs parked at the edge of the field. “If you will follow me, we will be on our way.”
Ray met my gaze. I nodded. He stepped back from the group.
He would follow us by air and make sure Julian delivered us to our destination as planned. Rourke was right that we didn’t know Julian, or what his agenda was. We had to stay vigilant.
As we made our way to the waiting cars, I said to my mate, We don’t have to trust him to take advantage of his resources. He and my father have always been on good terms, but they run their Packs differently. It’s been a lot of years since they’ve seen each other in person.
They ran them very differently.
Over the years, stories had trickled in about torture and forced submission. The Mediterranean Pack had the highest number of defectors, contributing to a rampant Stray problem. A wolf had to be part of a Pack. It wasn’t okay to be a lone wolf. It led to issues, and eventually mania, as wolves were meant to be social animals, not loners.