Caia smiled at her. Like she had with the pack, Caia had come to know Marion well over the last few months, and despite her business-like approach to everything, she had a penchant for mischief that was funny, depending on if you were her target or not.
“Well?” Caia asked expectantly.
Marion’s smile faltered, and she drew her small shoulders back as if bracing for battle. “Marita would like you to play a part in the defense of Pack MacLachlan.”
A small growl emitted from Lucien. “Isn’t it a bit soon?”
“I want to.” Caia placed a placating hand on his arm, her eyes hardened with determination. “I knew this was coming.”
Marion sighed. “I’m afraid Marita is quite adamant about it. Anyway.” She turned to Lucien with a sarcastic smirk. “Not to worry. She would like to meet you as well, Lucien.”
Caia frowned. “Wait. Are we going to the Center?”
Marion nodded. “As soon as possible.”
“And how are we getting there? I thought it was in Europe?”
The magik chuckled as if she had said the funniest thing in the world. “Really, Caia, you should know better than that by now.” At their continued silence she seemed to sense that neither Caia nor Lucien had the patience for ambiguity or inappropriate amusement. “OK. We want you, you and Lucien only, to travel to the MacLachlans. Not for them exactly. You see, there is a gymnasium on Bryant Street called Magic Fitness-”
Caia snickered. “You’re kidding?”
Marion ignored her. “Go in as inconspicuously as you can.” She threw a pointed look at a rather large Lucien. “To the left of the front entrance is a doorway that takes you down a corridor. On this corridor is a studio room, studio number 3. Go in, and stand in front of the first pane of ceiling-to-floor mirror on the back wall. Caia, if you place your hand on the first pane the mirror will recognize you as a magik. Take Lucien’s hand and walk into the pane.”
“What?”
She smiled almost arrogantly. “It’s a portal. To the Center.”
“And when do we leave?” Lucien asked quietly.
“I’ll give you a week to arrange a suitable situation for the pack.”
He nodded, and looked ready to ask another question when Marion cleared her throat, appearing suddenly uncomfortable. “There is something else.”
The hair on the back of Caia’s neck rose in warning. “Yes?”
But it was Lucien Marion was looking at.
“My sister has become aware that Jaeden Rodriguez is breaking Coven law.”
A snarl erupted from Lucien’s throat, his entire body tense with shock and anger. “I doubt that very much.”
The witch looked saddened. “Jaeden has been killing rogue vampyres.” She pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket and handed it to Lucien, who snatched it from her. “She’s been living with a group of vampyres and hunting with them.”
Caia felt herself shaking. “What does this mean?”
“Usually imprisonment. But considering the circumstances, Marita has agreed to let Ryder collect her, and bring her back to the pack.”
“She’s getting off on a warning?” Caia breathed in relief.
Marion nodded, and Caia literally felt the tension drain out of Lucien. He grunted and tucked the paper in the back pocket of his jeans.
“I’ll call Ryder immediately.”
3 - Find and Retrieve
Ryder cuffed the hands-free around his ear and pressed speed dial one.
Three rings rang out before... “Lucien.”