The Prime Alpha chose to conceal something, but as the leader of his people, he was entitled to his secrets. But why wouldn’t his brother want to join the hunt? He seemed capable enough.
Caster forced his attention back to the conversation at hand, lest his mind wander to the effect the Prime Alpha’s brother had on him.
“Then we should do it tonight,” Damien said. “The sooner we put all of this behind us, the better it will be for everyone.”
Caster rose from his seat, the sudden need for blood clawing at him. “Then tonight it is. If you’ll excuse me…”
Damien and Riley knew him well enough to look concerned, but Dean said something about arrangements to be made and walked out in the direction of his room. Caster ignored both Damien and Riley and reached for his phone. Perhaps Nicholas from the other night was free for some playtime. He wasn’t in the habit of using the same partner twice, but he didn’t have time to go hunting before they needed to leave.
§
“They have an idea of where she could be, but they’ve narrowed it down to about 1000 miles.” Dean’s explanation sounded reasonable enough. Still, Mark knew he held something back, and he wouldn’t like it.
Too exhausted to think straight, Mark had retreated to his room, careful to avoid all vampires, one in particular, as he made his way back. Less than an hour later, his brother had come barging in claiming to have a plan.
“Tracking her over such large distances will take more than you and Mikey.” His heart ached at the implication that his inability to transform would once again render him useless.
Dean paced the length of the sitting area. “Not if Riley enhances our senses.”
Mark shot out of his seat, ready to unleash his full anger, but the look on his brother’s face stopped him.
“I know what you’re going to say. But think about it, Mark. Without magic, we’d need at least a hundred wolves patrolling the area for days to find her. This way, one night is all we need.”
Mark sighed. His brother had a point. Still… “Is it safe?”
Dean rubbed the back of his head, the bashful expression on his face the answer Mark didn’t need.
“You didn’t ask?”
“I don’t need to.” He raised a hand when Mark opened his mouth to argue. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I trust Riley and Caster. If they say it’s safe, it is. Plus is only temporary.”
Mark crossed his arms over his chest. “They told you that?”
Dean closed his eyes in response.
“Dean…”
“OK. Why don’t you go ask all the questions you need to getcomfortable with the idea? But it is happening. If we want to get this witch, we’ll have to play ball, and this is it.”
Mark held his brother’s gaze. “I will, and I am coming with you.”
Dean sighed. “I thought you’d want to. But how will you explain…”
Anger pricked his already irritated mind. “I don’t owe anyone an explanation.”
Dean turned and walked towards the door. He opened it but didn’t leave, instead turning toward Mark. “Go get your answers. Be quick about it. This has to be done before dawn. I’ll go find Mikey.”
Mark walked further into the bedroom, needing to change and a plan, but Dean’s voice stopped him as he approached the closet.
“Hey…”
He met his brother’s unwavering gaze.
“Tonight, that witch pays for everything.”
Mark nodded. He was so close to the end now. Perhaps his heart would find some reprieve when he held hers in his hand.
Mark didn’t have much luck finding Riley, so he went in search of Caster instead. Full awareness that he searched for the person who rendered him speechless hadn’t penetrated his overwhelming anger. He wasn’t as trusting as Dean, and he would need answers if he would allow both his brothers to place their lives at risk. He would be there too, of course. But he cared little for his own safety.