Page 54 of Rafe
“He’s right,” Kenji interjected. “I don’t know much about what’s going on here in Vegas, but I do know Hell. This is demonic.”
Rafe turned to Greyson. “Who did this?”
Greyson shrugged. “There are many bad people in this world. You of all people should know that.”
“Skylar mentioned a name.” Rafe’s mind spun searching for the word. “Zyaire. Who is it, Grey? I saw that look on your face earlier when she mentioned it. You know, don’t you? What vampire kills another vampire? Doesn’t take over but unleashes some weird zombie shit?”
“It could be anyone. I can look into it,” he hedged.
“Are we really doing this again? You do know it wasn’t that long ago one of these things from Hell almost killed me?”
“You didn’t die though, did you?” Greyson plowed his fingers through his salt and pepper wavy locks.
“And now…now,” Rafe’s voice grew louder in anger. “Now she’s gone. This whole thing is fucked to a level that I can’t even comprehend. How am I supposed to keep these wolves safe? They need an Alpha. Where’s Jake? Where’s Hunter? He was supposed to be here. The Alphas should find an upcoming wolf to take the pack. And it’s not me!” Rafe’s fangs descended.
“He’s not wrong.” Xavier pointed at Greyson. “This is a vampire issue of a higher order. I’m telling Kade. This rogue coven is into some dark stuff. You ancients need to help fix this shit.”
“Stay out of this Xavier,” Greyson growled, flashing his fangs. “You best remember who you’re talking to.”
Rafe yelled at his mentor. “Leave him alone. Xavier is right. What I saw tonight? That’s black magick. You could just feel it. That sacrifice? Those things? Are you kidding me? You call Viktor. Ask about this Zyaire.”
“I’ll ask Kade, too. We must find the things behind this,” Xavier insisted.
“Someone’s lying. Someone knows the truth. They always do. It’s time to set the truth free.” Rafe’s stone-cold stare landed on his friend, suspecting the ancient held secrets about Zyaire. Rage coursed through his veins.
“Stop it!” Kenji stepped between Rafe and Greyson. “This evil has us fighting each other. It stays on you. Seeps into your soul. Take a breath. Shake it off. Come on.”
“I can tell he’s lying,” Rafe accused the ancient. “Who’s Zyaire?”
“Not every secret is yours to know,” Greyson growled.
“See, that there.” Rafe took a step toward him. “I don’t want to fucking be here. I did this for you. Fucking Kade doesn’t command me. Neither does Hunter. He’s not my Alpha anymore.”
Greyson crossed his hands over his chest and glared at Rafe. “Did you hear a word Kenji said?”
“We should consider asking Ilsbeth. Maybe she knows of Zyaire?” Rafe suggested. Ask her about removing the vampire.
“You must stop with this!” Greyson roared.
“You don’t get to tell me what to do, vampire.” Rafe waved his hand and shook his head. “I need a fucking break. Alpha or no Alpha. I’ve got to get my fucking life back. If the witch wants to help me a second time, I’m hearing her out.”
“I already told you I’d go. But it’s a bad idea.” Greyson released an audible sigh.
“It’s my mistake to be made, my friend. I’ve come this far. No matter how accustomed I’ve become to the strength of my wolf, that bloodthirsty beast inside him will never allow him to be Alpha. Not in the true sense of the word. No. I’m going to see her. I’ve got nothing to lose.”
“You’ve got a good life,” Greyson countered.
“What would you know about my life? About having your entire life turned to shit?”
“I know more than you think. I just don’t wallow in it.”
“Ilsbeth is getting better. She might help us find Zyaire. I think that should be our next step. She can help figure out where the demonic energy is coming from. Then you and Xavier can go back and fix it. The wolves will be with Hunter.”
“Okay, okay,” Greyson shook his head.
Xavier crossed the room to the kitchen and opened a cabinet. “Where’s the tea?”
“Your guess is as good as mine.” Rafe stepped toward Greyson. “I know you care about me. And I appreciate you. But this thing with Ilsbeth and me is my decision. If things go south, it’s on me, not you.”
