These lovely characters are the creation of Jeaniene Frost.

Van, Ash, Candace, and Leanna are ours.

Many thanks to our betas, the lovely Kristin Elizabeth and A Redhead Thing. You are awesome!

Any remaining mistakes are all ours.

Chapter 14

"Mencheres, hi. Just calling to say all is well and I'm taking care of things here. I hope to be on a plane to Switzerland very soon." There was a pause and then Mencheres heard Kira's soft voice again, "And I love you, forever. See you soon."

He ended the call, exited his voice mail, and dialed Gorgon. Again. No answer. Then he dialed his voicemail and listened to her message. Again. He should have never allowed Kira to go off alone. He should have known better. When he couldn't reach Gorgon, he should have stopped her. But he didn't...no, he couldn't, not without putting Bones, Cat, and the rest of their line in jeopardy. He had to go. He had made his choice, and there was always a price in choosing.

Would Kira be the one to pay the price? He didn't need his visions to tell him what he knew from all of his experience. Something was amiss. He tried Ian's phone, and again, no answer. Where the hell were they all?

He waited five minutes and redialed Kira's cell phone. It went straight to voicemail. He closed his eyes as he listened to her voice and considered leaving a message. What would he say? He should have stayed with her? That he should have helped her with her ailing sister and missing brother? That his love for her was more important than the love of his people? No, apologies were best delivered in person, not in a voice mail.

His power swirled within him, unsettled and coiled with tension, as the thought that her recorded voice might be all that remained of her, crossed his mind. No, it was too soon to make that presumption, even though centuries of experience suggested otherwise. Kira was strong-willed and would do all she could to survive. He had to remember that, and focus on what he could do to put this situation to rights, not on what might have happened.

The plane continued its descent into the Zurich airport and with the bump of tires hitting pavement, he started dialing the numbers again. Where were they? What had happened to Gorgon? And what of Kira, Van and Ian? His incredible power sparked as he realized the extent of what was happening. He reined it back.

"Mencheres?" Bones was at his elbow, many unasked questions hidden in that one word. He looked at his co-ruler and wife hovering over him. He had forgotten they were on the plane, and now they were a welcome, although temporary distraction from the unanswered calls.

"Bones. What is it?"

"Cat will get on the next plane back to Chicago. She'll find Kira." Bones answered.

Mencheres thought for a moment and shook his head. "No. We will stay together."

Bones snorted. "You haven't been able to reach any of them, have you? Why wait?"

"Everyone who has gone off alone has disappeared so until we know more it would be prudent to stay together. Whoever is behind this may be trying to separate us or force us to disregard our required attendance before the Law Guardian Council. We are more vulnerable if we are scattered about." He paused for a moment, and then looked out the window of the plane as it moved slowly toward the terminal. "Kira is smart and has police training. She knows how to fight and stay alive. Gorgon too. We will return to Chicago as soon as our business here is completed."

"Then let Cat go. She isn't required to appear before the Council, and she can coordinate a search. Bloody hell, Mencheres, don't wait any longer."

Cat walked over and stood next to her husband, wrapping her hands around Bones' arm. "Something isn't right, Mencheres, and you know it. I can go. Let us help you."

Mencheres looked between Cat and Bones. All of the history between the three of them, an unspoken indictment of his past mistakes. He had almost lost these two, the vampire he loved like a son, and his uniquely magnificent wife, because of his decisions. Yet here they stood at the ready to help him. How many times had he been the cause of their separations? Put them in harm's way? No, he would not do that again. He would bear the atonement of his sins against them, as he should. He would not inflict the same pain upon them that he was feeling himself.

"Thank you, but no, it is best we stay together. Bones, we will go to the Council, and if it is as Veritas said, this matter will be resolved swiftly. Cat, can you book us a return flight, a charter if necessary?" He looked at his watch. They would stay no longer than necessary at this ridiculous and obviously contrived meeting.

Candace. He should have paid more attention. What did she want from him?

Mencheres went back to his phone and dialed again. Maybe someone was at the house, and he could send them to Tina's. It was something.

The phone rang twice before an accented voice answered.

"Sweet bleedin' Christ, who the hell is this?"

"Who is speaking?" Mencheres demanded.

"Mencheres? Sire, I am hurt. Has it really been so long that you don't recognize my voice?"

"Ian, is Kira there?"

"No. At least I don't believe so, having never met her. No one is here, Mencheres. Except for me. And to be honest I have no idea why I'm here. There better be a good reason I left my nice warm bed and a nice warm body to sit here cooling my heels at your house."

"We were on our way to Switzerland when Kira's sister had some trouble. Kira stayed behind to attend to it. I asked you to come in case she needed help. Is that explanation sufficient?"

"My apologies, Mencheres. What do you need me to do?" Ian asked, his tone agreeable.

"Kira should have returned to the house with her sister by now. I cannot reach Gorgon. Something is wrong."

Mencheres opened his mouth to give Ian further instructions when he heard voices in the background. "Ian, what's going on? Who is there?"

"Your man Friday just showed up, stinking like the bloody bowels of hell."

"Gorgon? Put him on!" Mencheres sat up in his chair, aware that the plane had stopped at the gate, and the flight crew was preparing to open the door. He inclined his head toward the doorway, and Bones and Cat moved forward to distract the crew. Mencheres could hear Gorgon, Ian and another vaguely familiar voice in the background. What was taking Gorgon so long? The background sounds became louder, and then Gorgon was on the phone.

"Sire, I have failed you."

Not the words he wanted to hear. Mencheres stiffened in his seat, and his eyebrows flew up. With a measured tone he asked, "What has happened to Kira?"

"Kira? Isn't she with you, Mencheres?"

"No, when you said you had failed me I thought you meant—"

"No, sire. I went down into the tunnels to retrieve Ash as you requested. When I couldn't find him, I figured he had moved on. I was very deep in the tunnels when a number of vampires ambushed me. I tried to fight them, but there were too many to subdue, and they managed to capture me. They took everything I had on me, my phone, my keys, everything. They had some vampire holding areas already set up, and they shackled me there and left. They must have been confident that I wasn't going to escape because they didn't even bother to leave one guard on me. I tried to escape, but I couldn't. After many hours, I heard someone coming. It was Ash, and he helped me get free. I'd still be down there if it wasn't for him."

"Where is Ash?"

"Here with me, sire."

"Ask him if Candace is still in Chicago."

Mencheres listened to the voices in the background as Gorgon questioned Ash. Maybe, just maybe, Ash might be able to shed some light on what was happening.

"He says he believes Candace is still in town, and that there's been an abnormal amount of movement of her people. He's been monitoring their movements. That's how he found me in the tunnels. What's going on, Mencheres? Where is Kira?"

Mencheres paused for a moment. "Kira returned home to help her sister and brother. The brother is missing, and Tina—

Gorgon interrupted. "Tina? What about Tina, Mencheres? Has something happened to her?"

"Tina called as we were on the way to the airport, to say that Rick had disappeared. Kira went to retrieve Tina from her apartment. She was to bring her to our home, then meet me here, but they should have returned to the house hours ago."

Then Mencheres heard Ian's voice.

"Some lass called and left you a message, Gorgon, while you were hanging around in those tunnels. Think it might be important?"

Mencheres heard Gorgon hiss at Ian. "Why didn't you tell me? One moment, sire. Let me check this message. I'm going to need to hang up and call you back."

"Yes, do it." Mencheres closed his phone, clutching it in his hand while he watched the seconds tick away. Another phone message. It had to be her. His power swirled again, as if it was impatient to strike, but had no target. His phone rang.

"She's down in the warehouse district, Mencheres. I'm going there now."

"The message was from Kira? What did she say?"

"Yes, sire. She just asked me to meet her at the warehouse district on Kinzie. Nothing more."

Mencheres closed his eyes. Maybe Kira was waiting for Gorgon as he asked. His brief moment of happiness washed away when he recalled his last visit to a warehouse. The day he met Kira. The day she saved his life. He knew what went on down there. " Look near Ashland first. Van was with her. Take Ian with you and put Ash in Bones' holding cell until my return."

"Yes, sire." Gorgon hesitated. "One more thing...the message was left five hours ago."

Five hours. His face might have been expressionless, but inside he felt shredded. Five hours was a long time. "Call me when you find her, Gorgon."

"Don't worry Mencheres, I'll find them."

^V^

Gorgon had arranged for a private car through people they could trust, and the car ride from the airport was relatively silent and uneventful. No telling how far reaching this threat was with Candace. Mencheres was sure that she was involved, but he just didn't know how deeply or if there were others involved. It was all too much to have been a coincidence, and he was angry with himself for not seeing it sooner.

Cat sat looking out the window. "It's so beautiful here," she said softly. Then she turned to Bones, "Have you been here before?"

"Yes, Kitten, many times."

Bones had one arm draped over Cat's shoulder, the other outstretched and pointing out the window, ticking off the various names of places they passed. Mencheres watched them. He didn't begrudge them their happiness. He had wanted to share the exact same thing with Kira. He had been looking forward to putting this business behind them and traveling the world with her, seeing it through her eyes.

"Hey, where are we going, anyway?" Cat asked.

"We'll be staying at Mencheres' flat while we wait for further instructions." Bones replied.

Mencheres explained. "Yes, Gorgon has arranged for my home in the city to be made ready for us. We shall await word there from Veritas as to the exact location of the meeting."

Cat snorted. "They don't trust us?"

"The Law Guardian Council never reveals the location of their meetings." Mencheres replied.

"Why's that?"

"It would make them sitting ducks, luv."

Cat thought about that for a moment. "I suppose it would be easy to take them all out if you knew where they were meeting."

"Yes, and it would be devastating to our race. No one would be safe then."

Cat looked between Bones and Mencheres. "Right. Wouldn't want any lawless vampires roaming around."

Several minutes later, the car stopped in front of the Palais Kraft, a huge, stark white, neo-classical mansion in the prime section of Zurich. It was an odd contrast to the smaller homes located in this residential area, but somehow it seemed to fit in perfectly. It had old classic lines, with four columns over the main entrance. The building took up the entire block, the edges coming almost all the way to the street with stone steps leading to the front.

"This is your apartment?" Cat asked astonished.

"I keep one of the penthouse apartments. I stay here when I have business in Zurich. I usually prefer something more remote, but this location is perfect for business in the city."

As the limousine pulled up, a doorman appeared immediately, opening the door and removing their bags before rushing back to open the front door of Palais Kraft. Once inside, a beautiful dark-haired woman approached Mencheres, touching her cheek against his, first one then the other, as she delivered delicate air kisses. She spoke softly with a German accent.

"Welcome home, Mencheres. The penthouse has been made ready for you, as requested. Otto will bring the bags up momentarily. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"Thank you, Johanna. We may require assistance with booking a return flight for later today."

"Of course, I can help with those arrangements. Whatever you require. Is there anything else?"

"Has Veritas arrived?"

"Yes, an hour ago. She is in the Wilson Room. Would you like me to let her know of your arrival?"

"Yes, thank you. I believe we will be leaving after a brief rest."

"I'll keep the driver and car available, Mencheres."

With a nod, Mencheres directed Cat and Bones to the staircase leading to the penthouse. Otto had already brought up the luggage, and the bags sat in a neat line just inside the door. The penthouse offered beautiful views of the city of Zurich and the lake. Inside, the walls were stark white, just like the outside of the building. The clean lines of the furniture only helped to accentuate the panoramic views seen through the walls of glass separating them from the balcony.

Bones ran his hand through his hair as he stood by the fireplace, and Cat walked over and stood beside him. She gave him a curious look.

Mencheres could sense Bones' disquiet, not by scent, but by his demeanor. "What is it, Bones?"

Bones voice was quiet, but his tone was firm. "Mencheres, why do I have a feeling there is more to Kira's disappearance than you've let on? What are you hiding? One minute we are chasing down Ash in the tunnels, he tells us about Candace, and now she's filing charges against us with the Law Guardians? In spite of your relationship with Veritas, I don't fancy appearing before the council for any reason that might take my head. Don't you think it's time you tell us what's going on?"

Cat continued. "Mencheres, we know whatever it is, it can't be good. I mean, come on, you called Ian in to help. Bones is right...what is going on?"

"As I said that night we met with Ash, I have never met and do not know Candace...but there is a connection."

"And?" Bones waved his hands in frustration.

"She was responsible for the death of Patra's twin, her brother, Alexander."

"Patra? Are you bloody serious? You didn't think that was important?" Bones' voice was cold, and the scent of his anger filled the room.

"That was the only connection between us. I am not aware that Patra ever met her, but I do know she hated Candace for what she did to Alexander."

Cat snorted. "Patra hated Candace? Oh, we know how that usually ends up, don't we? This can't be good, Mencheres. You shouldn't have let Kira go off alone."

"That wasn't my decision to make, Cat. And she is not alone." He hoped.

"But won't Candace have to appear with us before the Law Guardian Council?"

"Yes, if she brought forth the charges, she will need to appear to present them to the council."

"Well, if Patra hated Candace, why would Candace come after you? That doesn't make any sense. Unless Patra can reach out from the grave, I don't see why Candace would come after you. Isn't the enemy of my enemy, my friend, or something like that?" Cat asked.

Mencheres smirked at Cat. She always had an interesting way of seeing things. "I agree. Patra never spoke of her. There is something else going on here. Kira had dreams of Radjedef coming after her. Somehow he is involved."

"Radje? How?" Bones asked.

"You heard Ash; he said Radje had been visiting with Candace. Perhaps he put her up to this in the event of his final death. That is the only logical connection I can make."

"Radje is connected to this too? You should have stopped Kira, Mencheres."

"What would you have me do, Cat? Force her as I forced you when I took you from Gregor?" He shook his head. "No, I learned that lesson. I would not force her. That's why I asked for Ian's help. He and Gorgon will find her."

"Well, they better bloody well find her, and then we go after Candace."

"Yes, but first we need to focus on this meeting with the Law Guardian Council. Veritas has assured me that it is only a formality to appear and refute the charges, but now I have my doubts."

Just as he finished, there was a knock on the door. Bones walked over and opened it. Veritas stood there, her face expressionless, but her aura was full of tension.

"Veritas, lovely to see you again. Time to go?"

"Not quite. There is a delay. Candace has not arrived yet." She brushed past Bones and entered the penthouse.

Mencheres took in her words, and mentally cursed to himself. "We are leaving."

"Mencheres, you cannot leave. The meeting has only been delayed. Candace's people have called to say her plane did not take off on time. You and Bones must still appear before the council. If Candace attends, and you do not, the council will take that as an act of guilt and rule against you."

"Yet the council permits her delay? And her unfounded charges?" Mencheres became very still. Then he shook his head. "No."

Veritas looked between the three vampires in the room before settling her gaze on Mencheres. "While I have expressed my unofficial opinion of these matters to you, there is still the council that needs to decide if these charges are indeed unfounded or not. You must listen to me, Mencheres."

Mencheres walked over to the glass doors leading out to the balcony. He looked across the city to Lake Zurich, trying to control his tremendous power as it snapped inside him. Candace had never intended to come to this meeting. He knew that now. She had Kira, and probably Rick and Tina too. She had what he loved. His power knew its target now and was anxious to strike. She would pay for this, but first, he had to make sure that Kira was safe. He opened his phone and checked again for messages. Gorgon had not called yet. His power vibrated, wanting the freedom to reach out and find Candace, and crush her.

Then he closed his eyes, and tried to focus that power on locating Kira. His visions had not returned in any way since that one time over the jungles of the Yucatan peninsula, but if he could just call them forth one more time, he might be able to locate her. Get word to Ian or Gorgon, and have them rescue her. Because he was sure now that Kira was with Candace. A pain stabbed his head, but he kept his focus, searching for her in the dark expanses of his mind. Then he saw a flash, and a brief glimpse of Kira, standing tall and defiant in front of a shadowy figure. He reached out and put his hand on the glass to steady himself. She was still alive.

He waited, but no other images came to his mind. He would try again later. He turned back to where Veritas, Cat, and Bones waited.

Bones stood up. "Mencheres, what is it?"

"I have seen her. She is with Candace."

Veritas stood as well. "Who is with Candace? Your visions have returned?"

"Kira—"

Cat cut Mencheres off. "Veritas, don't you see what's going on here? This has all been an elaborate plot. Candace has used the Law Guardian Council to separate us, and now Kira is in danger." Cat paused for a moment then added, "with all due respect, ma'am."

Veritas looked at Cat as if she was letting her words sink in. Then she pulled out her phone and walked out to the balcony.

Bones touched Cat's arm lightly. "Go book us a flight, Kitten."

Cat looked between Bones and Mencheres, nodded, and then walked over to the table on the far side of the room. She picked up the phone and was just about to dial the concierge when she stopped. Veritas entered the room again.

"I have spoken to the council. Candace has one hour to appear before us. If she does not, all charges are dropped, and she will not be able to reinstate her claim."

Mencheres bowed to Veritas. "Thank you. Now all we need to do is wait. Cat—"

Mencheres' words stuck in his throat as he grabbed the back of the couch, his face contorted with sudden agony. In his mind he saw Kira again, a quick flash of her lifeless body lying motionless on the ground. A sharp pain crushed his chest, and he looked down, expecting to see silver. He glanced over at Bones, and saw the anguish on his face, too. Somewhere he heard Cat cry out. Mencheres clutched at his heart while his legs gave out from under him, and as he sank to the floor, one word crossed his lips as he fell into darkness.

Will Gorgon and Ian ever find Kira and Tina? Is Van dead or finally dead? And what happened to Mencheres, Cat and Bones? Stay tuned…