No Man's Land by Debra Dunbar Page A

pack about the ins and outs of running a casino resort, or how to navigate vampire politics, but she really hadn’t been privy to anything beyond her own specialized role in the family. All she knew was gossip, but gossip was more than what these werewolves had right now.
    “The northern family is facing civil war if they can’t find a territory for their Prince. The Kincaids down south have always had a target on their back. The only thing that’s saved them from an attack in the last century is that their territory isn’t all that profitable. That’s starting to turn around, and given the situation up north, even a less–profitable territory is tempting, especially one that’s run by a Made.”
    Jaq leaned forward, donut forgotten. “You’re losing me here. Why would it matter whether your Alpha is Born or Made?”
    The coffeemaker beeped, and Kelly poured two cups, handing one to Jaq. “It matters. Back before the humans walked upright, there were vampires. They were the original, the pure of our species. Thousands of years later, when they began to turn humans, the Made ones were slaves. We’re not slaves any longer, but preference is still given to those who are Born vampires, especially those who have come from the pure line. Blood and family ties command great loyalty, but lineage trumps it all.”
    “Seriously? You all would ditch a good Alpha and follow a complete stranger, who may be a terrible leader, because of the circumstances of his birth.”
    “Yep.” Kelly sipped her coffee, choosing her next words carefully. “It’s more complicated than you think. We don’t fall under any scrutiny from the angels, because we’re considered a separate species. If the original line dies out, and we become just a group of turned humans, that might change. And we really don’t want a bunch of angels all up in our business.”
    The werewolf shivered, her hands tightening on her coffee mug. “On that, we’re in total agreement.”
    “I’m sure you see why the Kincaid lands are so tempting. Kyle Fournier, our Prince, is a Born from the original, non–human line. Up north he has a sizable following of those who think a younger, more dynamic vampire would better our financial interests. Overthrowing the current Master would be near impossible — he’s ancient, and although he may be out of touch with modern businesses and the culture that surrounds us, he’s powerful. The Prince would need the whole family behind him to take his father down. It’s easier to snatch Kincaid’s territory, and then let any world–domination plans wait until he gains power and resources. Probably a few hundred years.”
    Jaq cradled her coffee and leaned back in the chair, considering Kelly’s words. “When? When can we expect a war on our doorstep? Given the amount of vampires we’ve seen, I’m assuming soon.”
    Kelly shrugged. “Could be a few years, could be a few centuries. The good news is, vampires don’t do anything in haste. All this intensive spying could go on for fifty years while they formulate a very detailed plan.”
    The werewolf raised her eyebrows and took a sip of coffee. “Then we have a deal as long as you continue to provide us with information, even if you’re brought back into your family. I’ll guarantee your safety from the werewolves as long as you don’t prey on any humans or attack us, and I’ll assist you and supply you with the information we have on the southern clan, but you need to tell us everything you know about this war as soon as you find out.”
    “Deal.” Not that she’d have much to report if she wound up shelling shrimp in the kitchen back in Atlantic City. Still, it wouldn’t be much of a hardship to send an occasional stealth message with some gossip to appease the werewolves. She owed this woman at least that much.
    “If we get blindsided, “Jaq warned with narrowed eyes. “If our borders get swarmed and you didn’t give us a heads–up, the angels will be the