Chapter 37

"I don't like this." Pierce stood with his arms crossed, frowning at the ancients who were studying a map of the Carpathian Mountains. Ever since last night when Tyrell revealed the vampires claimed they discovered the Albino and were secretly planning an attack, the Dark Twins and Julian were quickly moving to intervene. They had gathered inside Mikhail's home to plan out a strategy.

Julian glanced up at him, his eyes clearly flashing in annoyance. "We aren't asking you to join us."

Samuel rolled his eyes. "Of course not. You clearly think with our inexperience we'd only get in the way."

"Well, this is a complex hunt. Not only could it be a trap for us, but there are several vampires. It is too dangerous for anyone still sharpening their skills."

Mikhail, who was also nearby, eyed Julian with disapproval.

The golden hunter looked back down at the map. "We've been to this remote part of the mountains a number of times. Mikhail, even you know it is an area that is quiet disorienting. The forest can be the most dense in this area and it has numerous caves."

"Ah yes," retorted Samuel in a sarcastic voice, "we might just get lost in the woods. As city twins, we have no sense of direction in the wilderness."

"We need some of the males to stay behind," said Lucian in a reasonable voice.

Now Mikhail looked annoyed. "Because your prince is a helpless chick who cannot protect himself, is that it?"

"That's not what I meant…"

The Prince held up his hand. "It's fine. The Falkland twins will be leaving soon and I prefer to meet with them over some of my assets anyway. And besides, they are all the protection I need."

Pierce sighed. "While I appreciate the vote of confidence in our abilities, Mikhail, I'm more concerned about what the vampires may be planning. Tyrell may be seen as a vampire, but that does not mean they include him in everything."

Ivory nodded. "I agree. Which is why we have to plan as if this is a trap meant for us. For all we know, the vampires could be luring us in hopes they can use us as bait."

"She's right," Vikirnoff agreed. "The vampires don't want to end up being controlled somehow by the Albino. They might be plotting to find a way so we are simply a distraction to this wizard."

Pierce remained silent. While they had a point, his gut told him otherwise. Knowing Tyrell for a short period of time gave the twins a glimpse into a vampire's mind. Tyrell was cunning and could even be ruthless in his dark days. Yet Pierce now was beginning to understand vampires lacked the patience when it came to power. Tyrell had mentioned an older, master vampire likely in charge of this hunt for the Albino. But how loyal were these vampires, especially if this master was far away?

Carissa reached out to both of them. She was in the cottage alone which they hated, but they'd provided a number of safeguards. Tyrell doesn't trust anything the vampires are telling him. He now regrets even saying anything.

Then why did he?

I think he somehow wanted to prove to Mikhail that he isn't a vampire. By sharing information he thought…

What? snapped Samuel, that he would once again be fully accepted after everything he did to betray his people?

So you don't believe there is anyway to forgive someone like him? What if there was a cure found for vampires?

There is no cure when the soul turns, Carissa. Vampires, especially ancient ones, can never return.

But what if you're wrong? What if there is the possibility of others like Tyrell? She directed her thoughts to Pierce. This isn't right. Both of you know you can believe Tyrell. You feel what I feel because he is concerned. He is trying to find out more information. Tell them to wait.

As Vikirnoff discussed their strategy, Pierce looked at Samuel. His twin was already looking right back at him, hating the situation. but in agreement.

There is something not right.

Pierce stiffened. I agree. But they won't believe us.

Samuel stepped forward. "How is it you believe Tyrell is telling you the truth in any of this?"

The ancients stopped talking and looked at him. "We don't," said Lucian. He spoke in a soft voice, acting as if he were trying to be patient. "Hence the reason we must plan for a trap."

"We've already discussed this," replied Julian with some impatience. "We understand that both of you are distrusting of the situation. We agree with you, so what's the problem?"

Pierce drew a deep breath. "Don't go. There is something not right. We can feel it."

"What do you mean?"

"We don't know."

Nicolas De La Cruz narrowed his eyes. "You don't know," he echoed. "So you want us to just wait?"

Darius shook his head as his face darkened. "There is a band of vampires plotting something. Regardless of the Albino, I am called upon as a hunter to serve them justice."

Pierce knew Darius hated Tyrell given the two had obviously had battles within the United States. Which was probably one of the reasons he was allowed to go on the hunt despite not being an ancient like some of the others.

They are even taking the boy Dimitri, reminded Samuel.

Fine. Our ego is bruised enough. What else can we possibly say to convince them?

"And what if the vampires are successful in obtaining the minerals?" asked Pierce suddenly. "What if they are used with more of our unattached males and made under their control? Those who we think are our allies could turn against the Prince." That got Gregori's attention. His silver eyes shifted toward Mikhail.

Julian hissed. "All the more reason we go tonight!"

Armando, who had been standing quietly in the back of the room, suddenly spoke. "One should never rush to battle. Mistakes can be made."

"Which is why we've been planning," argued back Julian. "There are ancients who are very experienced. It may be more of a hunt than an actual battle."

Lucian placed a hand on Julian's shoulder in attempt to calm the golden hunter. "Mikhail, even you can agree this cannot wait. If they succeed, the danger far exceeds anything happening to one of us. It is our duty to seek justice and protect our people." He looked at the Falkland twins. "Even if that means we sacrifice ourselves."

Mikhail remained silent for a moment as his powerful shoulder grew tense with the situation. He didn't have any rationale for denying the hunters what they were born to do. Mikhail himself longed to join them, ready to seek out not only the vampires, but the Albino who cruelly kept his nephew and the children captive for so long.

Don't even think about it, Gregori cut into his private thoughts.

The Prince gave him a faint smile. "My second in command seems to think I'm just as helpless as the rest of the ancients."

"You are too important…"

Before Mikhail could receive a full lecture, he held up his hand. "A hunting party will leave tonight to see what they can find." His eyes grew dark and serious. "It matters little how much experience my ancients have in this room. This wizard is highly dangerous. If he has these minerals, it is unknown if even any of you can withstand the power he may have over you." Mikhail looked at Gregori. "I want you to follow our hunters but remain hidden in the event something goes wrong." That should satisfy your need to protect me, he added on their private link. You can immediately warn me and race back here to defend your helpless chick.

Hours later, Pierce and Samuel found Carissa in he cottage. She was pacing, anxious for them to finally return. She ran to them and the twins embraced her at the same time. Samuel took over, kissing her long and hard as his entire body immediately tightened.

Pierce felt the same reaction in his own body and abruptly turned away. He wanted her more than anything at the moment, but his logic pushed him to focus on the situation. "Where is he?"

Carissa broke the kiss with Samuel. She looked over at Pierce who stood at the window. She didn't have to ask who he was referring to. "Tyrell has been gone for a long time. He's been searching for them for hours."

"Are you saying he's lost them?"

"He wanted no part in their plans," she replied defensively. "He gave them some excuse about their master wanting him to focus on something else. The information he gave Mikhail was the last he'd recently heard of their plans."

"But it was supposed to be tonight, correct?" asked Samuel. "The vampires had planned to find the Albino tonight."

Carissa nodded. "Yes, they revealed everything to him. They thought he was communicating their progress to their master."

"And yet he can't find them."

Pierce turned around. "You heard the others. The area is quite complex. It's not likely that easy just to quickly spot them."

"But he was a vampire. He should be able to sense them."

Carissa touched Pierce's arm. "I'm worried."

Samuel made a noise of irritation. "I can't believe you'd be worried about him."

"No, not just him. It's his concern that has me nervous. I've never heard him like this. He's so confident all the time. But now, he wishes he'd gone with the vampires. If they are setting a trap for the hunters who are going out there tonight…"

"He's just condemned himself to death," finished Samuel.

The wind shifted and the twins became alert. "It's Mikhail," said Pierce. He went to the front door and opened it. "I thought you would still be at home."

The Prince smiled. "Just because the majority of the ancients have gone on a hunt, doesn't mean I can't take care of myself traveling wherever I wish to go."

"Forgive me, it's just…"

"Tyrell can't find the vampires," interjected Samuel.

Mikhail's smile disappeared, but he didn't look concerned. "I'm certain Gabriel and Lucian will find them." He looked at Carissa. "However, you should be prepared that if Tyrell is caught in the battle, the ancients will not hesitate if he gets in their way."

She backed away. "You do not understand. I'm filled with…I'm scared. But not because of that. I don't think Tyrell is in danger."

Mikhail's expression turned to confusion. "What are you saying?"

Carissa crossed her arms, holding herself. "There's something wrong."

And then Tyrell's voice reached her on their private connection. I found them. Carissa, you must leave right now.

What? Why?

The vampires. I should have known. She heard him curse. Patience is not a trait among vampires. Without the master vampire, they became too impatient. They already found the Albino last night. They won't communicate with me. I fear he is controlling them.

"Carissa?" asked Samuel, "what's going on?"

They are coming for the Prince.

She grabbed onto Pierce. "They're coming!"

"What are you talking about?"

"The vampires. Tyrell says they are coming for the Prince."

The twins looked at each other with alarm. "The hunters," murmured Pierce.

"They're far away," finished Samuel. "This is the real trap." He glared at Carissa. "Tell that cursed traitor to-"

The wind picked up and the cottage began to shake. The twins pulled Carissa close, but were shocked when Mikhail calmly opened the front door. "What are you doing?" hissed Samuel.

"Facing them in the open where we can be sure to see just how many there are."

The twins immediately followed him outside and the wind died down. What they saw in the night sky was at least ten vampires. One by one, they landed on the ground several feet away from the cottage.

We cannot defeat all of them, said Samuel, making sure Carissa heard him.

Then we die protecting Mikhail, answered Pierce. Carissa, we are sorry.

Don't be. She was trying hard not to cry. She was terrified for her lifemates and the Prince. But she also felt their resolve and their honor. They wanted her to go inside the cottage, so she would hide herself behind safeguards.

And so she wouldn't see first hand what was going to probably happen.

"The others will never get here in time," said Mikhail softly.

As Carissa turned to go back into the cottage, Pierce and Samuel moved on either side of Mikhail, stepping slightly in front of him. "We won't survive this," said Pierce to the Prince.

"But we'll make sure you will," said Samuel in a firm voice. "We will buy time for you to call any nearby Carpathians and have the hunters return."

The twins stepped forward again, ready to face their fate.