Wyvern and Company by Connie Suttle Page B

imagined that everything in his study had a huge,
invisible price tag. They were correct. Many collectors would highly prize what
Wlodek had ceased to see or consider long ago. Still, vampires sent gifts, in
attempts to curry favor or elicit decisions from the Council. Wlodek was never
swayed. That was what I admired most about him.
    "Tell me," Wlodek leveled a dark gaze upon Merrill,
while steepling his fingers. I'd seen the same gesture many times from Merrill,
so it was no surprise where he'd gotten it.
    "I'd like to borrow the vampires who helped in Corpus
Christi all those years ago," Merrill began. "They are familiar with
those who need our help, and I think they'd be glad to offer assistance again."
    "What will they be doing?" Wlodek's voice was calm.
Even. Deadly. Merrill didn't blink; his face remained an impervious mask.
    "You've seen the news reports from California, I assume?"
    "I have."
    "There is something—I cannot say what, exactly—preventing
those we know from actively hunting these spawn. They are concerned that spawn are
not only being made here, but are also being brought from other worlds to
devour the population."
    "I cannot imagine why anyone would prevent them from using
their full abilities," Wlodek said, revealing a tiny crack in his
emotions. There were many reasons for the vampire race to protect humans, the
source of blood being chief among them. If spawn were allowed to take over,
Earth's vampires would starve.
    "They cannot lie—you know this. I heard this directly
from Adam."
    "Ah. Our former Chief of Enforcers." A multitude of
unspoken words lay behind Wlodek's statement. He missed Adam's cool efficiency
more than he would ever admit. Russell was a good replacement, but his sense of
humor never failed to irritate Wlodek. Oddly enough, Russell was one of those
Merrill requested.
    Merrill didn't respond, so several minutes ticked by while
Wlodek considered Merrill's request. "Very well," he said eventually.
"I will allow it. Charles, notify those concerned and have them report
immediately to Merrill. I trust you have made arrangements to bring them all to
the U.S.?"
    "I have," Merrill agreed. "Transport is
available and ready the moment I report their locations."
    "Good. Keep me apprised; Charles will let you know if we
have assignments that cannot be ignored while you chase and destroy these
creatures."
    I almost breathed a sigh, but held it back. Wlodek had made
the correct choice, with no advice or cajoling needed. It was a tremendous
relief.
    * * *
    Adam's Journal
    Kyle will come , Merrill acknowledged. As will
Russell, Will, and Radomir. I hope that will be enough from our side. Who will
come for the Grand Master?
    Daniel Carey , I sent. Martin Walters' son, plus
Theodore Williams, Second to Thomas Williams, from the Sacramento Pack. He'll
send others if Martin requests it . Martin intends to help if the spawn
are in this area—he and his pack are at our disposal .
    Good. I hope this will be enough , Merrill returned.
    There's one more , I responded. My son, Justin. He's
a Wyvern and has been deadly against spawn in both battles he's fought . I'd
appreciate it if you and the others would assist in his training, and that of
Martin's son, Mack. I believe both could be elite fighters with only a bit of
tutelage from those most experienced .
    I will see it done , Merrill promised. I think
Russell will be happy to participate in the training of young ones .
    My vampire brother will be a perfect teacher , I agreed. I'll be glad to see him again .
    Are you planning to tell Justin that Russell is his vampire
uncle?
    I believe that would be a good start , I said. Russ
is still young enough to engage young ones .
    Precisely my thinking , Merrill agreed. Will can
help—those two work very well together .
    Let me know when you are ready for transport , I said. Dragon
and I will come.
    I will. Kiarra is truly pregnant with your daughter? He
asked before ending the mental conversation.
    Yes, and