Bane of Tenebris (Wolfgods Book 2) by Blaise Ramsay (i love reading books txt) 📕

fell across Desdemona’s face. “It is good to see one who remembers the old customs. Alexander Kain, I have not seen you since my late husband’s unfortunate demise. The reason I invited you here is twofold. One, I wish to persuade you to know neither me nor my family condone the rash behavior of the Don of Great Falls. Two, I wish to offer a gesture of goodwill. Anything you may ask of me as long as it does not cause conflict between Anthony and myself, you are free to ask.”

The mention of the latter perked Damien’s ears. “Let’s skip the persuasion. I don’t give a damn what you say. You’re letting this psychopath murder our people and doing nothing. Prove you want to help us.”

Kain covered a smirk at Damien’s boldness. It was just like him to give customs the middle finger and get to the point.

Instead of reacting the way Kain expected a vampire who was just insulted, Desdemona laughed. “Ah yes, the young Purifier. It makes sense you would not know our ways. Forgive me, I am still getting used to such modern ways of speaking. What is it I can do to prove what I say is true?”

“Lend us someone who can get a hold of Stoker Cromwell. He’s been hiding behind Anthony and feeding him information. I want the bastard brought to us.” Damien’s hands landed hard on the wood of the table.

Desdemona motioned for Zane to lean down to whisper in his ear. Kain watched and listened as best he could but Desdemona kept her voice low enough not even a lycan could hear.

Following the short exchange, Zane nodded and returned to attention.

Desdemona sighed. “You will have Zane’s full cooperation. He is former American military and more than capable of obtaining the vampire you want. I am familiar with this Cromwell. We do not much like him either. Is there anything else, Mr. Pierce?”

Damien continued, “I want Anthony cut off from Big Timber. This is too close to your territory. I doubt you want your son’s actions drawing unwanted attention to your coven. If he wants to talk in neutral territory, fine.”

Desdemona appeared to think for a moment. Taking such actions could make it seem like she acted openly against her son which could result in conflict. “Zane, do you have such influence in Anthony’s organization?”

“I can arrange whatever you want. There are many in Anthony’s employ who are loyal to me or who would betray him at their earliest convenience. Magnus, Dante and Steele are among the most loyal. Of course, you know the others,” Zane replied.

Kain could see him stifling a grimace at the latter part of his sentence. He had a feeling he knew who Zane spoke of.

“Very well. It will take some time to give you what you requested, young Purifier, but we will assure it gets done.” Desdemona raised her hand.

As if out of nowhere, servants carrying trays of various types of food arrived and began setting them down in the middle of the table.

Succulent filet mignon sat dripping in its own juices next to a platter where the most delicious pheasant hung on a spit. Scents of dinner rolls and fresh salad mingled with the meat, filling the room.

Desdemona gestured her hand towards the dishes. “We were not sure what you would want so we relied on our information regarding previous visits from lycan nobles.”

Each dish looked delicious but Kain hesitated to eat any. He didn’t trust Desdemona not to try poisoning or drugging the lycans in a strategic attempt to get rid of them. He’d seen them try such things at dinners meant to promote ceasefires in celebrations of holidays or to end battles.

Beside him, Damien sat with his arms crossed over his chest, refusing to eat anything as well.

“Is there something wrong?” Ramona finally spoke after remaining silent since the lycans arrived.

Her soft, ruby eyes were nothing new to Kain. His history with Ramona showed in the awkward glances the two shared throughout the dinner. However, she showed no such awkwardness to Gabriel who didn’t stop himself from flirting back.

Kain rolled his eyes at his friend’s behavior.

“You’ll have to forgive me if I’m not openly trusting. It’s not like I wasn’t almost raped, turned and had my head bashed in by this place’s former mistress.” The tone in Damien’s voice held a sharp sarcasm and blatant disdain for the coven.

“Damien, I was there the night Lilith held you prisoner. I did my best to get her to see reason and release you, but she refused to listen. My daughter and I hold a manner of pacifism regarding the war. We too have lost many. I ask you not judge us the same as you have the Stones,” Desdemona responded with her own level of severity. The insult and hate for the Stones evident on her face.

Damien scoffed, averting his eyes.

Desdemona’s gaze met Kain’s with an interest capable of bringing about a sense of agitation in him. He’d seen the look a couple of times in the grand hall. “Alexander Kain, may I request your presence in my private study following our meeting here? You and your kin are welcome to stay for the evening. We have a guest room prepared for you.”

Kain’s first instinct was to stay next to Damien and close to his pack in case they fell under surprise attack. However, a nagging feeling in his gut told him he should accept the invitation. He nodded to Desdemona in agreement.

Kain made sure Damien, Jill and Gabriel were safe in the guest room before being led by Zane to Desdemona’s study. He opened two large double doors and let Kain in, closing them without a word.

Desdemona stood next to the window. Her slender body outlined in the light of moon. Her pale complexion and the way she held herself gave Kain a glimpse back into ancient times when the Wars were at their worst. The beauty of her kind radiated an