The Royal Flush (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles(Book Three)) by D.N. Simmons Page A

an hour.”
    “Thank you, I’ll send Devin to get you.”
    “Well, I can drive on over there, it’s no need  ”
    “No. I don’t think it would be wise for you to travel alone. Devin will be there soon. I’ll see you when you get here. Be careful,” Elise replied.
    “Okay, I’ll talk to you when I get there.”
    Natasha ended her phone call. Now she was really worried. She walked into her beautiful black and blue marble bathroom. Quickly, she bathed and dressed, putting on a pair of blue jeans, black tank top and white and blue sneakers. She walked down the hall, passing a few of Darian’s human servant along the way to the living room where Billy sitting on the sofa reading a sports magazine.
    She sat down next to him.
    “Billy, I have to leave. If I’m not back before Darian and Xavier wake up tonight, tell them I’m at Elise’s. Well, at least check there for me first. But I’ll still call later when I think they’re awake,” Natasha requested. She trusted Billy would give her two lovers the information.
    “Sure no problem,” Billy said then continued to read his magazine. After realizing that Natasha was still sitting beside him, he looked at her. “Do you need a ride? Want the limo to take you?”
    Natasha shook her head. “Devin is coming to get me. I just don’t want Darian or Xavier to worry.” She smiled.
    Billy nodded and continued to read his magazine. Twenty minutes passed before Natasha heard the melodic chimes of the doorbell. Billy rose from the sofa in one movement and walked towards the door, opening it. After quickly identifying the guest, he stepped aside. Devin walked in dressed in a pair of black leather pants and thin white t-shirt. Natasha looked at the pants and doubted if he would be able to pry a finger into the side pocket. She rose from the sofa as Devin approached her.
    “Are you ready?” Devin asked.
    Natasha nodded. She could tell right away that something bad was happening. Devin, who was normally fun-loving, energetic and festive was now somber and looked to be exhausted. She walked towards his Viper sports car as he held the door open for her, then he walked around the front to the driver’s side and climbed in. They drove to Elise’s mansion. Every few minutes or so, Devin would try to spark up conversation that didn’t pertain to their immediate problem.
    “So, how are you, Xavier and Darian fairing these days?” he asked, hoping to ease the mood somewhat.
    Natasha looked at him. “We’re doing fine. How about you and John?”
    The atmosphere had not changed as both tried to ignore the obvious. Natasha wanted to know what was wrong, but decided to wait until she could speak with Elise directly.
    “Oh, we’re doing great. We went out last night,” Devin said as he tried to hide his anxiety.
    Natasha sensed that he wasn’t at ease and she placed her hand gently on his thigh and smiled reassuringly.
    “It’ll be okay, Devin,” she said.
    He gave her a weak smile and nodded. They continued their drive in silence until they reached Elise’s mansion. After Devin parked his car in the driveway, they climbed out and headed inside. He led her to the den where everyone was waiting. Natasha stood in the doorway as she surveyed the others. Elise sat on the divan and Sergio sat on the floor beside her. Devin took a seat on the floor next to Miranda. The others sat on chairs or the floor as well. Natasha greeted everyone in general as she took several steps into the room. Carmen rose from the chair closest to Elise’s and gestured for Natasha to sit down.
    Natasha thanked Carman and took the seat.
    “You want to tell me what’s going on?” she asked, concerned.
    “One of our own is missing. She’s been missing for approximately twenty-seven hours,” Elise said.
    Natasha felt her heart sink into her stomach. Circumstances were becoming grimmer with every passing minute. First Xander informed her that their Pack member was missing and now Elise had the same