Page 131 of Sun-Kissed Fangs
Róisín raised a perfect eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you be grateful, then?”
Jackie frowned. “What?”
“You’ve amassed the largest pack North America has seen in centuries. A loyal one too, if you look past this recent debacle. But loyalty needs an anchor.”
Her eyes hardened. Steel rather than ice. “I’ve heard about you, Ms. Mayfield. And about the stories you used to gain your following. A lot of people hate the Chains, and you offered a place where such like-mindedness could thrive. All those displaced wolves didn’t run to you because you were the best. You just had the best narrative. Until you had competition, at least.”
When Jackie’s face turned red, Róisín tsked.
“It appears the truth hurts.” She dragged on her cigarette. “Fortunately for you, Winter is on your side in this. With the loss of St. Louis, we’re now lacking a valuable asset, and I’m eager to see it restored. If either of your factions agrees to help clean up this issue, you will have the benefit of Winter’s aid.”
“You brought soldiers?” Maya asked.
“Didn’t need to. The season is still on my side.” The wind picked up, making the building groan. “Blizzards are useful things. They work as shields and shackles both. Can conceal you from view and lock down your enemies. My bloodline was created by such storms. They listen to my guidance.”
Maya had learned a lot by shadowing Aleksander. While all the Courts survived on secrecy, most of them hid in plain sight, and none did it better than the sídhe of Winter.
They veiled their true names behind human ones rather than take titles based on aspects of nature, like Summer did. They made their homes in urban centers, made most of their deals in corporate offices, and bought up so much property that entire cities were undertheir control.
And, apparently, some of them could control the goddamn weather.
“You don’t know how shitty this situation is,” Jackie said sharply. “If you wanted to assist, you should have brought soldiers. Why didn’t you?”
“Why would that be necessary?” Róisín asked. “You know the terrain, and you know the man. That gives you an edge. This should be easy for you to deal with.”
Maya caught her smile before it could form. That wasn’t an answer. The sídhe might not be able to lie, but deception was still one of their favorite tools.
“I knowhalfthe terrain,” Jackie said. “Packs don’t thrive in cities, which is why Kieran’s governing from an encampment south of here. And me knowing him is a double-edged sword. My people shared a pack with him. If I order our forces to clash, my members will revolt. How will your snowflakes help with that?”
Going by Róisín’s tight grip on her cigarette, they would not.
“Is that why you called on Night and the Chains, too?” Maya asked, making both women look her way. “You trust us to restore the status quo?”
There was another, far sharper question she could have asked. One pertaining to the fact that Róisíndidn’ttrust them, but was just more inclined to risk the lives of her Court’s enemies than those belonging to her own faction.
This might just be a grand trick. One that wouldn’t reveal itself as an attack until you were already bleeding.
“I would have trusted the Chains more if Night was here to keep you in check,” Róisín said, voice even. “However, this issue directly impacts you, and that should be sufficient motivation. Having a neutral zone so close to your border is more beneficial than an enemy faction. It’s in your best interest to clear it of strays.”
Regents gaining power from their territory was part of why the Courts rarely interacted. Leaving your borders put you at risk, especially if you went into someone else’s territory where they had the advantage.
Neutral zones fixed that. The few times business was conducted across the Courts, it happened either at the borders or in areas not controlled by any one Regent. This little town was technically Winter’s domain, for instance, giving Róisín the advantage of nearby allies.
Except, other than her, no fae were within its boundaries. Maya wasn’t the onlycuriousaspect of this meeting.
“If we do move in, the victory will be brief,” Maya said. “Kieran has impressive numbers, most of them wreaking aimless havoc around St. Louis. They can retreat with minimal losses, and then move back in as soon as the Chains withdraw.” She offered a sweet smile. “Unless you’re suggesting that the Chains maintain a foothold in the city.”
The air chilled a few degrees.
“You claim thisexpansion kick,” Róisín glanced at Jackie, “is only occurring because you want enough space to house your members. From what I’ve heard, you’ve more than accomplished that.” Her gaze turned razor-sharp. “Stretching chains beyond their reach rarely ends well. Don’t you agree?”
“I think the chains in question have more links than you’re giving them credit for.” Maya maintained her calm expression, keeping her smile pleasant. “But we’ve arrived at the real problem in this situation. Since no one owns St. Louis, no Regent is responsible for fixing this issue. Seems the three of us need to work together.”
“Fuck you,” Jackie spat. “If I even consider allying myself with the Chains, my pack will put my head on a spike.”
“Who’ll tell them you did? I won’t.” Maya eyed Róisín. “Will Winter?”
She paused. Then dragged on her cigarette.
