heard about the serial killings, and of course, the incidents of the other day were broadcast far and wide. I saw your press conference with the mayor. What do you want from the Vampire Nation?”
“We’ve made arrangements with the Fae Courts and the Shifter Alliance to outfit militias to help tackle the problem with the undead. Humans can’t handle them—not without weapons. And bombs and hand grenades aren’t the answer for crowded city streets.” Herne shrugged. “So we come to you, seeking a similar agreement. We realize that vampires cannot come out during the day, but we’re wondering if you can create patrols to walk the city at night, to help keep the rising dead at bay. And if we need reinforcements at night, to help back us up in case of a fight. The police were forced to stand back and let us take care of things since they weren’t prepared.”
Dormant took another sip of his drink. “So you want a vampire militia? Who would have authority to call them out?”
“The Wild Hunt, or if something should happen to us, then Mayor Neskan. But most often, it would be me. This would cover the entire greater Seattle metropolitan area.” Herne paused, then added, “You said to speak bluntly. This would go a long way toward cementing relations between the city and the Vampire Nation. And I know there are several vampire rights issues that are floating around the political arena. This might be a good boost toward passing them.”
The regent smiled, looking even more fierce than when he was stone-faced. The tips of his fangs appeared at the corners of his mouth, but instead of feeling pulled toward him, I felt terrified. Vampire glamour could be used in a multitude of fashions, and he obviously wasn’t trying to charm us.
“You make an excellent point. Very well, I’ll give the orders and contact you when we’re ready.” He straightened up, uncrossing his legs. Motioning to his guard, he set the glass on the tray and stood. “If that’s everything?”
Herne looked as surprised as I felt. We had discussed the possibility of rejection, or of the regent stalling us, but we had never expected an immediate agreement.
“You’re agreeing?” Herne blurted out.
“Of course. It makes sense and, as you say, it would show…that we’re good neighbors. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll begin work on this tonight and contact you within a couple of days. Expect a call from me by Thursday.” He turned to the guard who was still holding the tray. “Fetch Eldris and see them safely out.” And with that, he followed the other guard out of the room.
“Wait here,” the guard said, carrying the tray with him as he headed to the door. As soon as he was gone, I turned to Herne.
“Can you believe that went so smoothly? Do you think it was too easy?”
Herne shook his head. “He might be many things, but from what I understand, once he makes up his mind, that’s the end of a subject. We’ll have the vampire militia working with us, and I suspect it will be far sooner than we expect. Now, quiet until we leave the Catacombs.”
The guard returned at that moment, Eldris behind him. Eldris motioned for us to follow him and we retraced our steps. Within ten minutes, he had led us back to the elevator leading to the exit through the art studio.
He turned to us before we stepped into the elevator. “You must have impressed the regent. The guard told me that Fire & Fang is receiving a bonus from the VN, which means things went well and I’m getting a commission out of it.”
I glanced at Herne, who shrugged. Turning to Eldris, I said, “We came to a mutual agreement, yes. Thank you for playing intermediary.”
Eldris smiled then, once again the glamour hitting me full force. “You’re welcome, Ember. Any time. And whenever you feel the need for a jaunt on the wild side, you know where to find my club.” Before Herne could warn him off, the golden-haired vamp turned and vanished into the crowded corridor. We silently rode the elevator up to the main level of the Viaduct Market and, given it was barely eleven, managed to leave the way we had come, through the art studio.
When we were on the streets, I took a deep breath, holding the fresh air in my lungs. Regardless of what anybody said, vampires made me nervous, and I suspected one day, we might regret