Sweeter than Wine

CHAPTER 12

Matt didn't quite know what to make of Benjamin Steel, but so far, his quiet ways were endearing rather than annoying. The man was almost as still as the night. He had that creepy Special Forces way about him – like Hastings, and Matt's older brothers. It was odd to encounter in a person who wasn't supernatural at all.

Not that Matt didn't like human folk. From time to time, Redstone Construction employed some of his brothers' former comrades-in-arms. They were invariably good workers with strong ethics. The few who were close enough to his brothers to get a job with the company knew about the were, and their integrity was unquestioned. They wouldn't go blabbing to anyone about werecreatures anytime soon, though were, in general, weren't as obsessive about secrecy as vamps. For one thing, there were a lot of highly placed were in positions where they could be helpful in covering up any indiscretions. For another, were could pass for human with few exceptions. Unless blood tests were involved-and those could be gotten around in many ways-folks who claimed their neighbors were werewolves ranked right up there on the credibility scale with alien abductees and UFO nuts.

Matt knew Steel hadn't learned the truth about the supernatural world until his final mission for the Navy into the rainforests of South America. Hastings had a file on Steel he'd let Matt read. It seemed Steel's SEAL Team had run into a rogue band of werepanthers in the rainforest and Steel was the only one who'd made it out alive. He'd been a changed man after that. Not too much later, according to his file, he'd been recruited by the Altor Custodis.

«Make yourself at home,» Matt said as they entered the media room. It was buzzing now with Hastings' agents, all busy filtering through various feeds of information. Matt perched on a table as Cameron greeted Hastings and his men with hearty handshakes all around. The fey had manners, Matt would give him that. Meanwhile, Steel held back, observing.

He stood near enough that Matt didn't have to raise his voice to be heard by the human. «Cam's a special one, don't you think?»

Steel glanced at him, an eyebrow raised. «I've never even seen a fey before.»

«I figured he'd told you. The guy likes you for some reason.» Matt snorted with good-natured humor. «But he's not just fey. There are rumors he's some kind of elite fey warrior. From what I've heard, he can fight on magical and material levels simultaneously. Not many in our realm can boast that skill.»

Steel looked both knowing and curious. «Not even the vamps? They've got a lot of power – physically and magically – at least from what I've seen.»

«Good point, but no. Many of them don't have enough time in to know how to do both simultaneously at peak efficiency. At least that's what Ian told me. And he's got a few centuries on the others. He was a knight in the Crusades.»

Steel turned to face him, giving him all his attention. «I'm curious how a werecougar became so tight with a whole nest of vampires. I was told you guys didn't mix.» He gestured to the bustling room. «I mean, Cam told me about how Sebastian helped a werewolf way back when, but what about the others? LaTour doesn't seem like the warm and fuzzy type to me, and that Ian guy is a stone killer if I ever saw one.»

Matt barked out a laugh before he could stop himself. «Man. Sorry. You're so quiet, you caught me by surprise with that one. Yeah, Ian's intense and so is Marc, but you haven't exactly seen them at their best. Right now, the shit has well and truly hit the fan and they're in battle mode.»

Steel seemed to consider. «Okay. I'll give you that. But still, what gives with you and the vamps?»

«Well, it started with Sebastian. We've been friends for a while. My family was suspicious at first and some of the clan still doesn't exactly welcome him with open arms, but they know he's a good guy. When my sister was killed by her mate, he…» Matt felt a lump rise in his throat at the thought of his lost sister. He'd loved her and missed her still.

«He helped us track the rogue and helped me, personally, put the grief away long enough to get the job done. He was there for me and I'll always value his friendship.» Matt shifted on his uncomfortable perch. «So when he asked for my help with Christy, I couldn't say no. I'd do a lot for that man. And helping a woman who nearly died at the hands of her husband felt right. I could help Christy where I failed my sister.»

«I'm sorry for your loss.» Steel's voice conveyed his sincerity. Matt nodded, saying no more as Cameron came back to them.

They went through the information gathered that day, but when Matt asked if anyone was up for some dinner, Steel and Cam both nodded eagerly. They dined in the giant, state of the art kitchen that saw little normal use. Now though, it'd been taken over by a contingent of were who were turning out some tasty meals for those gathered in the house and prowling the grounds.

When the sun went down, Matt felt Sebastian and Christy stir in his mind. He balled up his paper napkin and threw it in the trash with deadly accuracy from across the room, then rose and rinsed his plate before putting it in the dishwasher.

«We'd better get back.» The others had finished eating long before Matt, but had stayed to savor coffee and a slice of pie. «They're awake.»

Cameron slapped Matt on the back as they headed back toward the media room. «I can only imagine how you ended up bonded with a vampire couple. I had no idea our Sebastian was that kinky.»

«It was sort of an accident.» Despite his usual candor about all things sexual, Matt felt some embarrassment on this one issue.

Cameron chuckled. «Oh, I'll bet. I don't believe any vampire, thinking sanely, would engage in a threesome with his One and a were friend-or anyone for that matter-before they'd actually bonded. There must've been higher powers at work, my friend. Of that, have no doubt.»

«You think?» The idea made Matt feel better…and worse. Better that fate had played a hand, and worse, wondering why fate would have interfered in such a way. What dreaded future role would their bonding play?

«Aye, laddie. Don't worry. The Lady works in mysterious ways. Value Her gifts, even if you don't understand them yet. She has plans none of us can fathom, but we all play our roles.»

As they headed down the hall from the kitchen, which was located on the other side of the spacious house, they ran into Lissa and Atticus first, then Christy and Sebastian. After exchanging greetings, they all proceeded together to the media room where the troops were gathering.

Hastings greeted them when they entered. «I've set up a conference call for later this evening with the Lords and left messages for LaTour and Sinclair at the numbers they gave me.»

«Excellent. They'll be here soon, then.» Atticus escorted his wife to a seat on one of the large couches, then turned to check over the data displays the weres had been working on all day.

Christy was content to sit and talk with Lissa while the men conferred. She could easily pull the details of what had been learned while they were asleep all day from Sebastian's mind. The longer they were together, the more comfortable she became with the ability, though at times his stray thoughts still startled her. It was odd to be privy to someone else's innermost thoughts.

«Sebastian says Sensei Hiro is coming over tonight, Lis. If you want to learn some self defense moves, you couldn't have a finer teacher.»

Lissa shifted on the couch. «I've never been very athletic, but I'd like to try. Only you can't laugh if I make a fool of myself, okay?»

Christy smiled. «It's a deal.»

A short while later, Marc and Ian arrived with an unexpected, but very welcome addition-Kelly. Christy hadn't seen her friend since that night in the hospital. They exchanged greetings and the men congregated around the computers while the women relaxed together.

«Christy, you're looking good. I've never seen such a sparkle in your eyes. Not since senior year.» Kelly smiled and Christy could feel her friend's very real happiness for her. «I had suspicions about Sebastian from the way he reacted when I got the call from the hospital. He was working at the house with Marc that night and he got really scary when he heard what had happened to you. I didn't think much of it at the time, but later I realized he'd insisted pretty strongly on coming with us to the hospital. Now of course, I realize why. Congratulations, sweetie. You've got a good man there.»

«I know. He's the best.» Christy watched him move across the room, working with the other men. To her, he was the most handsome, the most amazing, of them all. «I still can't believe he's in my life. It all seems like a dream.»

Lissa snorted delicately and shook her head. «Well, last night was more like a nightmare.»

Kelly's face clouded. «Marc told me. I was so worried about you guys. And Marc's concerned for my safety now too. It's part of the reason I'm here tonight.» She looked around at all the men in the room, most of whom were quite lethal with or without weapons. «With so many of us and the were here, Marc figured we'd be safe enough. Plus, I put my foot down. I wanted to see you guys and I'm sick of being under virtual house arrest. Marc is too overprotective!»

They all laughed when the man in question looked up and blew a comical kiss across the room at his wife. His wink was pure deviltry and Christy began to understand a little of the Master Vampire's charm.

On the other side of the big room, another large video display flickered to life. The colored bars were soon replaced with a new signal and a rather startling image of two identical men staring back at them. These, then, were the Lords of the Were. Christy pulled the information from Sebastian's mind as he faced the small camera pickup that would send his image to the twin men on the other end of the connection. Seems the supernaturals were down with technology. This was an honest to goodness videoconference.

Marc moved to the front of the group.

«Thank you for taking the call.»

The twin on the right nodded. «Hastings said you had a situation we might be able to help with.»

«Did he send you the information he's gathered so far?» Marc looked over at the private eye, who nodded.

«We got it. Sounds like you've got a serious problem.»

«You could say that.» Marc smiled for the first time and the men on the other end of the line seemed to relax marginally.

The twin on the left sighed and shook his head. «Hell, if you've got Venifucus on the loose, we know how you feel. We've been there. Done that. Got the scars to prove it.» He sat back in his chair, relaxing even more. «I'm Rafe. That's Tim.» He pointed with his pen at his twin.

«Pleased to finally meet you. I'm Marc, this is Sebastian, Atticus, Ian and Cameron.» He gestured to the men ranged around him in turn. «Do you know Matt Redstone? He's one of yours.»

«We know his brother Grif. How is he? Still up in the mountains?»

Matt nodded. «Yes, Alpha. He's got some soul searching to do, but he's in touch. If he's needed, he'll come home.»

The twins nodded. «No need for that quite yet. He needs this time and you've proven yourself well able to handle things so far.»

A commotion on that end of the call momentarily halted discussion until two females came into view on the camera. One was older, and incredibly feminine. She walked right up to the camera and stared hard, her beautiful eyes squinting.

«Is that you, Cam? Darnit! I knew you were into mischief.»

Cameron stepped forward with an easy smile on his face. «Guilty as charged, Bette. How've you been? Long time, no see.»

«Well you can remedy that anytime, Cam. You know where I am.» The petite woman moved back from the camera and took a seat. The other woman who'd come into the room with her was seated between the men. Christy wasn't surprised when the information came to her from Sebastian that the younger woman was married to both men. «Now, I'm sorry to burst in on all this male bonding, but there are important matters to discuss. Where is your mate, milord?»

Christy jumped as she realized the woman was talking to Sebastian. He looked a little nonplussed as well, but recovered nicely, motioning for Christy to join him by the video setup. When she walked into the picture, the older woman's face softened.

«It's good to see you, child. Your image has haunted my dreams for many weeks now. I'm Betina. What's your name?»

«Christy. It's nice to meet you.» She didn't know quite what to make of the woman, but then she moved and her sleeve fell away to reveal a glowing, swirling pattern. Christy gasped.

Betina's smile was cunning. «Ah, so it's true. You see what cannot be seen?»

Cameron stepped forward. «That she does. Tested her myself.»

«Listen well.» The older woman's demeanor changed and Christy perked up. «This skill and others will be key in the confrontation to come. It will take all of you, working together, to defeat this evil.»

«You always did have strong sight, Bette,» Cameron commented, breaking the somber mood.

«And you always were a loudmouth, Cam.» Betina smiled and her entire face lit up. She winked, softening her words and Cameron obliged by bowing his head as he smiled.

«Guilty as charged, milady.»

«So how are you all getting along down there?» Tim, the more serious of the twins asked. «Any cross-species problems we can help clear up?»

«Because,» the other twin spoke up, «we're all going to have to learn to work together to get this job done. It's not were or vamp anymore, it's good versus evil. Plain and simple. We're either working together or we're all sunk.»

«I couldn't have said it better myself, Alpha.» Marc endorsed the werewolf's words. «As for my region, I've sent out the word to those under my dominion. As far as I'm concerned, we have an alliance against the Venifucus. As long as you're in agreement?»

Both men nodded. Rafe spoke first. «We've sent out the word to all our Alphas. Our governing structure is a little different than yours, but few will contradict us in this, I think, and those who do will be given a chance to reconsider before more serious action is taken. This fight is too important.»

«The cougar clan is the largest in your area and you've got the Redstones on board, so you shouldn't have too much trouble with any of the other tribes, packs or clans.» Tim spoke with calm certainty. «Hastings, I assume the raptors are in line with this?»

«Yes, Alpha.» Raised eyebrows met Hastings' reply since none of the vampires had known the man was that high up the were food chain to be able to speak for the entire group of birds of prey.

«Let us know if you run into any problems. We'll do what we can,» Tim said.

«Thank you, Alpha,» Marc said, «we appreciate the endorsement and I want to assure you, for my part, my brotherhood is fully aware of our understanding. If any of mine cause problems, they will be dealt with. They have been warned.»

The men talked a bit more about logistics and passed along some rather innocuous-sounding information about Mario's habits and phone records while Christy listened. She was fascinated by the women on the other end of the videoconference. Both shone with a slight glow of energy, but it was more pronounced around the older one. They were alike, yet different somehow.

«When this is all over,» the younger one spoke as the men began to draw the meeting to a close, «I'd like to meet you in person, Christy. Maybe you and your mate could come visit us?»

«Yes.» The older woman nodded. «You two are sisters under the skin. More alike than you know-a vampire with were blood and a priestess with were genetics. Both of you have your feet in two worlds. You have much in common.»

Christy nodded politely. «I'd like that. Thank you for the invitation.»

«Some time in the country might be just the ticket, Christy, after what you're embarking on.» The younger woman's smile was friendly, almost teasing, as if she knew more than she was saying. And perhaps she did. These women were strange…and powerful. Christy could see that, even over a video screen.

They ended the call after a few more minutes and the men settled around a large table to go over reports and data. Hiro came into the room sometime later and offered to take the ladies to the dojo for a little self-defense class.

Christy hadn't had so much fun in ages. She'd almost forgotten what it was like to laugh, hang out and have fun with her old college friends. Hiro was good natured about all their fumbles and even joined in some of the jokes himself. Christy hadn't known about his mischievous side, but she was charmed by his wit and earthy humor.

He even talked her into doing an advanced kata with him in front of her friends. Normally not one to seek the spotlight, Christy thrilled to the approval in her friends' eyes when she finished the form with a flourish.

«Where in the world did you learn how to do that?» Kelly seemed astonished as she walked over and took Christy's hand. «Chris, that was amazing!»

«Sensei Hiro has been a big help.» Christy blushed a little while Hiro stood back, taking no credit.

«I bet all that were blood didn't hurt either,» Lissa said with a knowing grin. «Atticus told me what were blood can do to our kind.»

«Christy!» Kelly looked shocked. «You've been biting weres? And they let you? Or rather, Sebastian let you?» She chuckled at her own words.

«Just one were, actually,» Christy moved toward the bench against the wall, wanting to escape the good natured interrogation. This was embarrassing. «And it was before Sebastian and I…»

«Sebastian was your maker.» Kelly appeared to be thinking through the sequence of events. «So you mean to tell me, he brought in a were for you to bite before he even claimed you? From the way you can jump, it'd have to be a werecat. Holy crap! You've been biting Matt Redstone?»

Christy gulped, caught. «Now how did you arrive at that conclusion?»

«Well, he's a cougar, and he's one of Sebastian's closest friends.» Kelly dropped down onto the bench next to her. «Marc always seemed a little perplexed about the friendship. He likes Matt. Respects him.» Kelly turned to her with a wicked gleam in her eyes. «And I think Matt's totally hot!» She pressed forward a bit. «So tell me, have you done it with him? I mean, before you joined with Sebastian. I don't see Sebastian sharing.» Christy's blush deepened as she squirmed. «Holy crap! You did them both? At the same time? Details! Girl, I want details!»

«Kel, you're embarrassing her.» Lissa sat on Christy's other side, offering support. She'd always been the mother of the group. «Of course, I want to know too, but she can tell us later…in private.» Lissa's eyes gestured comically to where Hiro stood across the room, trying hard not to laugh. Lissa's eyes turned speculative. «But it would explain what Atticus said, about you two being joined to Matt. Seems Matt was the only one who took time to explain to everyone else what was going on at our house last night when my husband and Sebastian took off. Handy, that.»

Hiro came over and crouched down in front of Christy, commanding the attention of all three women. «Matt and Sebastian gave you a gift, Christy. You need never feel embarrassed or shamed by it. Your life is different now. Our customs are different. That's something I had to learn when I was first changed. In time, you'll come to understand it too, but it takes a while. So-« he looked pointedly at Kelly and Lissa, gentle humor in his dark eyes, «-give her a break, ladies. Okay?»

«Taking a break?» Sebastian asked from the doorway. Atticus and Marc were visible over his broad shoulders.

Christy stood, jumping nimbly around Hiro as she went to Sebastian, glad for the distraction. He pulled her into his arms and just held her, cuddling her head under his chin.

Hiro stood. «I think that concludes the lesson for today. You did very well, ladies.»

The other women thanked Hiro, as did the men, but Christy and Sebastian were lost in their own little moment of time. It felt so good to be in his arms. So safe. So warm. It was like a slice of heaven on earth.

«I think we'll leave you two lovebirds alone.» Atticus's tone was teasing as Christy looked up at him. He had Lissa tucked under one of his muscular arms as he headed for the hallway.

Marc took his leave as well and Christy waved to Kelly as she headed out with her husband. Christy knew they'd be going to their own home for the day. Hiro cleared out a moment later with a nod in their direction.

«Did their teasing really bother you?» Sebastian looked down into her eyes.

Christy felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she remembered. «I was never one to kiss and tell, Sebastian, even in college. Those guys always enjoyed torturing me the day after a date, so this is nothing new.» She shook her head, smiling. «I should be used to it, but darnit, I'm just not, and they know it.»

«But you know they love you.» Sebastian's voice was soft, almost wistful. «Which is why they're not going to like the plan we've come up with.»

Christy pulled back to look up at him. «What are you guys up to now?»

«You don't know how rare it is for one of my kind to find his One. After so many years, I'd almost given up hope.» He stroked her hair back, with loving attention. «Atticus had. I know that for a fact. He told me his life was empty before he met Lissa. He was ready to die. He welcomed it. But finding her changed that. Just like Kelly did for Marc. I convinced them to take their mates far away, where they'll be safe until all this is over.»

Christy thought about that for a moment. «I can't imagine those men are too pleased to stand down from a fight.»

Sebastian nodded, smiling. «You've got that right, but for their ladies, they'll do anything. I'm more concerned that Lissa and Kelly will balk at leaving you, but they're only fledglings and have no real control over their abilities yet.»

She chuckled. «Yeah, they won't like it at all. But I'm glad they'll be safe.» She rested her head against his shoulder, snuggling close again. «I don't want to see any of them hurt. We've got a lot of help between the were and the others, right? I'd hate to see our newlywed friends torn apart by any of this. They deserve a little happiness.»

Sebastian stroked his big hands over her back. «You are a miracle of understanding, my love, and you're braver than any person I have ever known.»