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Chapter 5 - Infatuation

Kraven was alive.

All this time, the coven had been in an uproar wondering where he was. The rumors knew no bounds and she'd had to grit her teeth to keep from speaking her mind. Things were unstable these days and it was not the time to draw attention to oneself. Markus was on a rampage, furiously searching the farthest reaches of the world for answers. He, himself, was changed. Oh, she knew he was trying to hide it. They all knew, but none would ever go so far as to challenge him. These were dangerous times for everyone. No one was safe from the last elder's rage as conspiracies ate through the coven like a living virus, devouring everything it its path.

But now, finally, things were beginning to look up for her. He had contacted her, just like she'd known he would. She'd known her Kraven wasn't dead and he'd asked for her help. She had sworn to do everything he asked of her, just like always. And this time, with Selene out of the picture, she might actually get what she wanted. She made her way through the manor, quiet as a cat stalking its prey. Kraven needed information and she would get it for him or die trying.

The suspense of what she was doing clung to her like an errant lover. The excitement of the chase, the intrigue, pulled at something deep within her and she had to stop herself from laughing with the giddy splendor of it. The smile quickly vanished, however, as her ears picked up voices. She pressed herself against the stone wall, feeling the cold seep into her spine as she moved forward another few feet. The hall ended here; spiking off into two separate directions. If she was caught...well, that didn't even bear thinking of.

"Still no word?" It was Kahn, speaking with the other Death Dealers. He was leading them now, with Selene a renegade and Soren dead, there was no other with as much experience left. Most of the Death Dealer's had bit the dust, so to speak, during the battle in the sewer's. Along with Viktor and Lucian if the rumors were true. She didn't believe that part about Lucian though. Her Kraven had dispatched the lycan leader six centuries ago. No, the rumors were just that; rumors. Meant to stir up shit.

"None, sir. They've gone deep underground, eluding the best trackers we've sent."

"Well, that's to be expected, isn't it?" Kahn's anger rang false to her ears. "Send out another team to search west of here and don't come back until you have information. Markus wants them both brought in...alive, preferably."

"Do you really believe Selene would be sloppy enough to leave such a clear path? It could just be a ruse to throw us off her true path."

Kahn's voice raised a notch, "I said to go west. We have to search out every lead. Now, do you think you can handle your mission or should I assign the task to someone else?"

There was a slight pause before an affirmative answer came. She listened, waiting for the militant footsteps to fade before she let herself relax a bit. She hadn't heard Kahn leave, but she was beginning to think that maybe he'd had when a barely audible sigh reached fast, girl..."

Straightening with shock, she wondered what secret the Death Dealer was keeping. Did he know where the traitor was hiding? She didn't have time to wonder, however, as footsteps were quickly approaching her hiding spot. Not wanting to be caught, she stepped quickly around the corner, throwing up a hand to her chest in feigned surprise. "Oh, Kahn! You startled me."

Something flashed in his eyes, so quickly she almost thought she'd imagined it, but, no...it was there in his voice as well...fear. That rank emotion oozed from his every pore.

"Sorry 'bout that, love. I was just conferring with the Dealers." He said, studiously avoiding her gaze.

"Any word on Selene, then?"

Again, that slight hesitation. "No, no, they haven't found anything."

"It must be so hard for you..."

"What's that?"

"I mean, I know you and Selene were close." She placed a kindly hand on his shoulder. "Knowing that she killed Viktor and has turned her back on the coven must be tearing you apart. Especially now that you've been given the task of hunting her down...as though she were no better than a lycan...like her lover."

His jaw clenched, teeth grinding together before he replied, "Not really. My loyalties are to the coven. Selene broke the covenant and I'll do what I have to do to bring her in."

Erika grinned, running a tongue over her elongated fangs as Kahn excused himself and moved briskly down the hall. His casual tone hadn't fooled her. His body language alone proved he wasn't as loyal to the coven as he proclaimed. She would have to keep a closer eye on that particular Death Dealer. It seemed he was keeping secrets of his own. Kraven would be pleased with her.