I am so sorry for how late this is, which is why I hope this extra long chapter makes up for it a little bit. This chapter is a little more fast paced getting to the details of exposing a villain. Thanks for all your support!

RECAP: Kane is from the darkness kingdom, killed Alex's mother, and is now trying to revive the Mother of All Darkness, an ancient vampire. In the meantime Taras has told Alex that she will save them all her and her mate Jean-Claude, who of course Alex can't really stand. James, her werewolf, and her bond has returned in full swing and she has found a new best friend in Claudia her bodyguard.

Disclaimer: Cover image for the story and all characters, powers, places, and overall setting of Anita Blake are the creation of Laurell Hamilton. Other characters and powers, such as Mizelle and elementals, are of my own creation. Please review, review, review. Reviews encourage me to keep writing, and gives inspiration for the story as well. Please forgive grammar errors, I have no beta.

ENJOY!

Alexandra POV

I had fallen asleep in that fetal position. I noticed the smell of wolf, specifically James, it was faint but still noticeable. My sheets had probably been renewed with smell. I wouldn't get rid of it for a while and that was actually comforting. If James had been here, and wasn't here now that meant that Claudia was probably here already.

I started thinking of all the bombshells that had been dropped last night, and for the umpteenth time I sighed; inhaling deeply wishing that my mom was here to offer her advice. She always seemed to have a solution, a course of action that I had missed. However, that treasure had been taken from me what seemed like a lifetime ago. I patted around my sheets and covers looking for my phone in the nest of covers. Finally I found it near my pillow plugged into its charger. I smiled. Did I mention how much I love James? I immediately felt his happiness; I had forgotten that the bond was back in full swing. He must have felt my own happiness.

To say I was popular this morning would be a slight understatement. I had seven text messages on my phone. I don't think I had ever woken up to that many messages. There was two from Claudia, and one each from James, Taras, Jean-Claude, Asher, and Anita. Since there were two from Claudia I decided to check her messages first.

Taras has filled my head with the Russian that he taught you. I'll see you in the morning.

Thank goodness! I was glad someone had remembered and got that done. I wasn't in the right mind frame after everything last night. I'm still somewhat normal, wait is that even possible? Anyway, I can't handle everything. It was going to be interesting to see the guys listen to Claudia and I speak in Russian. I could see that providing a good amount of entertainment. I changed my focus to the next message.

We can't have another big kid afternoon until you wake up your highness!

I couldn't help but laugh. I knew she heard me because next thing I knew she was yelling through the apartment.

"I'm putting in Pocahontas! You better get in here, you can't tell me I have to see this movie and not watch it with me." She said opening my door and scanning the area in a way only an experienced bodyguard could.

"I'm coming you little rat!" I joked at her. "Let me finish looking at these messages."

"Hot chocolate on the counter, if it gets cold that is on you." She added. Jean-Claude was definitely going to regret making us spend more time together.

I skipped down to Taras message, hoping that it wasn't more bad news.

Everything isn't always what it seems, your enemies are your mate's enemies as well. Fire lesson starts your first night at the Circus.

Of course, he would have me wake up to a riddle that at the moment made no sense at all. I sometimes hated that Russian man, and it looks like starting to learn fire was going to start sooner than later. It was barely two days to full moon. Oh did I mention that it is early September too which means the nights are far longer. Jean-Claude was certainly going to enjoy this full moon, it was unclear whether I would.

But that was a thought for another time. I got up smiling at Claudia as I grabbed the hot chocolate off the counter thankful that it was still warm. I took a sip and looked at Claudia amazed. "Stove top?" I asked happily. I hadn't had hot chocolate made that way since my visits with my grandmother. I think it was spiced too with cinnamon or chilies.

"What other way is there? Seriously how you drank a microwaved version I will never know." She said with a smile watching the movie. "Pocahontas your favorite Disney movie?"

I smiled and shook my head. "Beauty and the Beast."

I was amazed at the pure laughter that fell from her; her body cringing in happiness. "You realize how ironic that is with Sir Dracula around?" She asked not really expecting an answer.

I simply shook my head giggling along with her and plopping on the couch next to her. There were still other messages to check on my phone.

"Oh, Ras is talking about starting my lessons on the full moon." I mentioned to Claudia as I opened the message from my wolf.

You were out like a light. I cleaned your face up, you were turning red that's creepy. That fanger needs to watch his actions with you. I'll kill him. It feels amazing to have the bond back. Missed ya!

I couldn't help my smile and I sent him my love through our bond. It was like a green thick cord I saw in my mind that was attached to my heart like a ventricle. I immediately received love and joy back the cord pulsing in my mind with the emotions transferring back and forth.

I missed the bond too, seems it's almost back in full swing. Tattoo is back.

"Well he isn't wasting any time, and that has me worried for you." Claudia said pulling me out of my bond. "We need to know how soon these threats against you will start."

"I think they already have."

"Explain." She said in a non-joking tone that quickly made me realize she had a military background most likely.

"JC said that the police visited him about a vampire attack. There is a master he can't sense. Ras's text this morning said that his enemies were mine as well."

"Someone is trying to challenge him for St. Louis."

"That is what I'm thinking but I think Kane has a hand in this as well." I sighed thinking of the person who used to be my friend. "Darkness truly does corrupt."

"We'll handle it." She said answering her very loud ringing phone. She started speaking shortly and I could tell that something was wrong. She stood there for a moment and I waited for her to speak. I had to still check my messages from Anita, JC, and Asher but they seemed to quickly vanish from my immediate priorities when I looked at Claudia's face.

She turned to me tears making her eyes shine, though they never fell, and anger turning her face red. For her to show that much emotion bluntly only increased my worry. "My king has been kidnapped."

"WHAT?! By who?" I yelled jumping up to stand in front of her.

She sighed. "I think the same master vampire that you were just discussing."

My phone went off and I knew this wasn't going to end well. I answered putting the phone on speaker. I knew Claudia could hear it anyway but I still acted like they were human sometimes. I wasn't even going to question how the bad guys got my number.

"Hello."

"Afternoon, my dear elemental it is an honor to make your acquaintance."

"That requires and exchanging of names."

"I'm called Mr. Oliver, now do me a sweet and give me your real name otherwise I'm afraid the rodere will lose their king."

"It's Alexandra."

"Beautiful. I will have someone pick you up at sundown. Your rat bodyguard is not allowed but I will allow one, just one, companion."

"I'm guessing if I refuse the rat king dies."

"Beauty and brains, brilliant, that will allow you to be more reasonable. Til sundown Alexandra."

*click*

Claudia looked furious but I knew she wanted to protect her king. "Is your king a good man?" I asked.

"Rafael is the greatest king the Dark Crown Clan has ever had. When the old master of the city tried to call us all to her Rafael made sure she couldn't. That witch could create a powerful call and he would resist until she tried to hurt one of us and then would go but still wouldn't turn over his people." She said having to take deep breaths between the words. He sounded more than a king to her, not a lover, but a father someone who cared. The loyalty in her eyes told me that I had to get him out of there.

"I will get him out Claudia."

"I can't protect you."

"Time for me to help you out." I said with a smile which she barely returned. "Call James for me tell him everything."

"I'll leave a message for the guys. You stay with the guys and make sure they stay. We don't want to give this guy more leverage. We have about six maybe seven hours til sundown. In that time we plan and arm ourselves."

Claudia nodded and quickly dialed James. I could hear when he found out. I was glad I hadn't called he would have busted my ear drums. I called Guilty Pleasures and spoke to the manager leaving a very specific message for Asher and Jean-Claude. I may have had to threaten the poor vampire but he was being difficult and I had no time.

Next I dialed Anita. " X?"

"Hey Mizelle." She said sharply. She was using my middle name great she was angry. Most of the time she was calling me Reap.

"Look I know you are angry but I don't have time to work on getting your stubborn forgiveness. I need guns." I still had my blades here but I would need gun power for this. I doubted James had any fire power so I needed at least one for him. Most of my armory was in storage, maybe I could get it out and store it at the Circus now.

"What? Why? Are you okay?" She asked concerned.

"I'll tell you when you get here but I need the Browning and the Firestar with extra mags." I said quickly. James hand would better fit the Browning, I might have hated a Firestar but I didn't have my Beretta.

"Be there within the hour. Bullets?"

"Silver."

"Rushing now." She said as she ended the conversation.

I sighed and went into my room grabbing a long wooden box from underneath. I walked back into the living room with the box and set it on the coffee table. I opened it and looked at my blades. Most of them needed to be sharpen but the holsters all still looked intact. There were two silver blades about as long as my arm almost that fit at my spine with the holster, two iron blades that fit underneath my sleeves and still allowed me to move my arm, and two stainless steel blades about the size of a dagger that fit in my shoes or under my pants.

"Nice blades." Claudia said sitting down.

"Thanks they need to be sharpened, silvers ones will be best for this occasion. They were made with holy water."

"Definitely most appropriate, we might need to spar together some time." She said admiring my choice of weapon.

I smiled. "Maybe definitely, today lets just get your king back."

"Thanks for this."

"I was not joking when I called you a best friend. Get use to this." I said patting her on the back.

A stronger smile spread across her face.

I went to sharpening my knives with some old equipment I had. Anita was true to her word and arrived within the hour with the guns and bullets. Claudia had filled her in while I took a shower and got dressed. It was most likely going to be a battle and it was September. I quickly grabbed a pair of nice fitting black jeans, my small black boots with a silver heel. It comes in handy believe me. I wore a short sleeve blue shirt and a leather jacket. My hair was up in a ponytail with my one blue strand hanging loose, force of habit.

James had arrived by the time I was dressed angry as hell but calmed when I assured him that he would be going with me and handed him the Browning. He looked at it and complained about it not being our usual choice of gun but accepted it. I know its weird how much James and I have done together despite the distance, but he would sometimes use Water as his personal taxi to me.

We spent the rest of the time planning and trying to strengthen my bond with James, mind to mind communication would be a huge advantage in this moment. We didn't have time for the bond to slowly return, we had to send it into high gear. The plan was relatively simple for everyone else. Claudia and Anita were to stay with the guys keep them safe and make sure they didn't try to contact me or intervene in anything. Claudia had already secured the supernatural doctor, who was also a rat, Doctor Lillian at the club in case Rafael was injured.

The real task was going to be me getting him free. I didn't know what this man wanted. Correction, what this master vampire wanted. Things were moving quickly, and that worried me even more. About an hour before sundown I sent Claudia and Anita away. If they were here when the bad guys arrived we might have more of a problem. Anita was still angry but she still didn't know about the mate thing and that scared me more than the master vampire.

James sat there with me in silence while we waited until he finally spoke. "Car is pulling up."

I nodded at him and we went downstairs. There was a man probably a little shorter than six feet with dirty blonde hair standing next to an old black town car. "Mr. Oliver sends his regards." He said opening the door.

I got in, James right behind me. We were sending encouragement and love back and forth like crazy so we would remain calm. I took a deep breath and decided to test our connection. Can you hear me?

Loud and clear lil aqua.

Thank heaven. You think he's human?

He smells like a vampire but something is off.

Attached to a one who called me somehow.

Eventually we pulled up to an old estate on the outskirts of the city. It seemed to be a good mile or two before there was another house. The structure was beautiful it seemed an old European style of architecture but I couldn't tell you what century I wasn't that good. Yet, it still seemed abandoned. There were vines crawling up the faded white walls, moss covering the base. Nature had seemed to claim back most of the structure back, I wouldn't know for sure until I got inside.

There are at least two weres here. I can't taste what flavor.

Two guards at front gate, three strolling perimeter all vampire. We tread this carefully mi lupa.

The car stopped and another vampire came to open our door as the driver got out. He offered me his arm and I took James's arm instead. He smiled showing a bit of fang for effect.

"Mr. Oliver will see you now." The opening-car door vampire said leading the way into the house.

I took another breath and tightened my hold on James's arm as we walked into the building. It wasn't as bad inside the furniture looked recent, but it was obvious this wasn't expected to be a permanent home. There was dust everywhere. Only a few lights worked, which wasn't a necessity for vampires. It was temporary; the vampires were planning to move soon. We were led into what I would assume was the day room. There was a deep red carpet that covered a good section of the floor. Upon it was a couch, a coffee table and two arm chairs. It was what was behind the chairs that had my eyes changing colors.

Behind the chairs were chains that held a tall, dark man. He seemed like he was of Hispanic descendant but that was something I could ask when I got him out of here. There was a blade in his side and his shirt had been removed. I knew James could smell the blood if I could. It seemed like there were cuts all over his body. I could tell he been tortured thought the extent of his torture I was not sure.

"Please come sit down, we have much to discuss." It was a small man that spoke but I could feel the power radiating off him. Vampire for sure, definitely master, he was very old. He wasn't largely intimidating though. He couldn't have been more than four feet tall.

James and I moved into the room sitting on the couch, which of course was facing who I assumed was Rafael.

Bastard! Alex that damn blade is silver! He can't heal with that damn thing in and can get poisoned from it!

I kept a poker face even while I felt the rage bowling inside of me. "Mr. Oliver I assume?"

The small man spoke. "Indeed." He gestured to his right to our driver. "This is Alejandro."

"Now that you have our attention, what is it you want from me?"

"Why my dear elemental it is quite simple. I want the name of the Master of the City, and I want you as my human servant so that I may rule your people as well as vampires." He said smiling.

James growled next to me and I patted his arm. "What do you mean rule vampires?"

"Vampires have grown compliant in this age. We are gods among men and yet we cower in fear that sheep will slaughter us. No I will gain a foothold here and bring others to my side. But don't you worry yourself with the details."

"Why shouldn't I?"

"My dear you will be on your plane ruling as I command you."

"Do I have time to consider this offer?"

"You have one day from exactly this moment."

"He leaves with us."

"Why would I deprive my people of a new toy?"

"Consider it a gesture of good faith that you won't attack me tonight."

"Very diplomatic. I'll agree, but.." Suddenly I was across the room my head slamming into a wall. I could hear the wall chipping. Alejandro had pinned James, well him and another vamps. Water might give him a boost but Alejandro was ancient too, though not as ancient as Mr. Oliver. Well, that was it for the niceties. "Reveal my location and the rodere will not be the only to suffer."

I growled and flung my power at Mr. Oliver knocking him across the room. My blades were quickly in my hand as I flashed to James side fighting off two of his attackers that were coming from his right cutting them both deeply. I pulled another vampire close to me and shoved my blade up under his ribcage into his heart while I stared into Mr. Oliver's eyes. The ones who had rushed us were clearly younger, almost cannon fodder.

"Never threaten me again. Now release the Rat King before more of your underlings die."

Two werepanthers flanking you coming up behind. I got the two vampires in front of you by the wall.

I didn't even turn around as I saw through James's eyes. I pulled out the browning and shot one in the head. I pulled the other closer and chopped off its head using my power to fling it at Mr. Oliver. James had changed one of his hands into claws and it tore the heart out of one of the vampires. The other he had at gun point, the holy water, that I bathed the guns in, was burning his face.

"We done now." I said sternly.

Mr. Oliver growled at me as his guards released the Rat King tossing him to the ground. James was there in a flash catching him before he hit the ground. He walked to my side while I held my gun pointed at Mr. Oliver.

"We will meet again Alexandra. One day."

"Be careful how you tread during that day."

We walked out my weapon still out not trusting anyone in this place. It was full dark now. The moon shining brightly in the sky, Alejandro was already in the car waiting.

We got in with Raphael and we sped off. We were dropped back off at my place and we quickly switched cars getting into mine speeding off to Guilty Pleasures. I quickly called Anita as we pulled off.

"Anita, we are on our way. Raphael still has a silver blade in him. I worried about him bleeding out if we pull it out."

"Lillian is here I will tell her. Hold on Jean-Claude wishes to speak to you."

"Êtes-vous blessé?" That buttery voice filled my ear and in French his voice sounded even better. I could detect the concern he was hiding and it caused a slight smile.

"No I'm not injured. " I said quickly. I figured he was only speaking in another language for Anita's benefit. "I'll be there soon."

"Come in through the back entrance, no need to cause a panic within the guests."

"Okay. I will." I hung up.

"Aqua, hurry he is losing way too much blood."

"Screw this!" I said stopping the car parking where I would remember and turning the car off. I grabbed their hands and let water free. I turned us all into water mist and quickly moved us towards the club. Once we were at the back entrance I busted open the door moving us in.

"Good move aqua."

"Let's hurry."

"I'll take him." James said effortlessly lifting the man and running full speed.

I followed as best I could. By the time I caught up Rafael was on the medical table and who I assumed was Dr. Lillian was taking care of him.

"We need you to take out the blade." She said turning to me no introduction just straight to business.

I quickly moved and grabbed the blade. "I'm sorry." I said softly as I pulled it out with one grab trying not to tear anymore at his flesh.

The doctor quickly moved me out of the way and went to work. Claudia nodded at me and stayed by her king's side probably trying to help his healing. I moved out of the room to come face to face with Asher and Jean-Claude.

Asher touched my hair gently. "You look like a warrior and smell of blood."

"I'm fine. I killed a vampire and chopped off someone else's head." They both looked at me shock and I just shrugged my shoulders. "He threatened me. I don't take threats well."

"What did he ask of you?" Jean-Claude asked quickly.

"He wants the name of the Master of the City and he wants me to become his human servant so he can send me back to rule Rya as he commands."

Both of them growled so deeply I almost felt like a lamb in a very pissed off lion's cage.

James can behind us and touched my shoulders. "How did he know of Rya though and that you could rule it?"

"Kane." I said catching on and growling so deeply myself that James stepped back a little.

James looked at me and smiled a little. "Seems we have to develop a strategy."

I nodded as Lillian came out and looked at me. "My king won't let me put him under until he speaks to you." She said turning and walking into the room.

I followed her and looked at the Rafael. He seemed weak. "Doc wants to put you under sir."

"Why'd you save me?" He asked.

"Because of Claudia, she is extremely loyal to you and since you inspired such loyalty in her that I knew you were one of the good ones. I personally want to kill all those bastards for you but I figured I let you have dibs."

He laughed and started to choke a little. "The rats owe you."

I smiled. "You owe me nothing but getting yourself healed."

With that Lillian put him under I guess trying to get his body to heal naturally. I looked at Rafael for a moment and just watched the way Lillian and Claudia worried over him. Yea, I would definitely do my best to kill all of them for him. He was one of the good ones. With all these power hungry men running around it seems nice to meet one of the good ones. I hope I didn't get him killed in all this.