DAGE'S POV
The large screen fizzled from deep black to static grey in front of my eyes. Sometimes the reception in my underground headquarters left something to be desired, though the pure oxygen that flowed through the well-lit caverns and reinforcements to the granite walls ensured not even a quake from Mother Earth herself would harm the inhabitants here. Several meters under the surface, where heat-seeking missiles or scopes would never penetrate, I let the pure scent of earth and rock ground me.
My shoulders had been in a relaxed state since Taki's check-in the previous night—he and his new mate were safe. I figured it had taken my brother less than an hour yesterday to reclaim and protect the woman. Pride filled me.
I focused, and the picture cleared to reveal furious activity surrounding the nearest Kurjus camp.
"Sir." Charles, my computer expert, looked over my shoulder. "They want to talk."
I straightened in my chair and punched a series of buttons on the control panel to my left. A large image immediately filled the screen.
"Kayes." The figure moved closer to the screen and coal black eyes hardened. "It has been awhile."
"Not long enough." I acknowledged the current Kurgan ruler with a bored nod. "Sorry to hear of Lance's death." I studied the iron ore and taconite making up the blank rock wall behind Logan. The headquarters could be anywhere from Russia to Brazil. Though my money was still on Minnesota, and when my intuition whispered, I listened.
"Yes, well." Logan had pulled his bloodred hair back from his pale face, showcasing the blackness of his eyes. "Accidents do happen." He shrugged and gestured with a slash of sharpened nails. "I was named Ruler last week. Things are about to change, Kayes."
"Really?" I asked as another Kurgan moved into view to whisper something inaudible to Logan. "I don't think so."
He nodded at his subordinate and lifted his head, his dark eyes gleaming. "You have the child." He accused.
"What child?" I kept my voice neutral as Charles ran fast fingers across the keyboard to gain information. He better not have a security leak. Though chances were the Merodize gang had already reported back to Logan.
"You know what child," Logan hissed, his naturally red lips contrasting with the pasty whiteness of his skin. "Our Oracles have seen her destiny. You must turn her over to me now." He growled.
"No transmissions in or out the last day," Charles mouthed silently, his hands tapping across the control panel. "No breach on our end," he continued.
"There's no child here, Logan. You might want to reevaluate your informants," my bored façade remained in place. "Plus, what could you possibly want with some human child? Are you starting a school for humans?"
"Funny. This girl is special. She has the gift of sight we've been waiting for and is to be mated on her twentieth birthday to my eldest son, Collins. The Oracles have declared the future that must happen, if any of us are to survive what js coming." Logan's eyes gleamed to rusted purple. "And the mother is mine." He said through gritted teeth.
I lifted an eyebrow at my brother's certain response to that claim. "Really? I asked with a provocative smile.
Something is coming, huh? You know, I have always wondered why each Kurgan successor is just a bit nuttier than the one before. Is there some sort of lunatic criteria you guys try to meet?" And God help them all if that nut job Collins ever took office. I have not met him personally, but his nightmares told of a possible fate none of them would survive.
"Silence!" The force of Logan's bellow sent his subordinates scurrying back a foot or two, and I watched impassively as his eyes morphed to a pinkish purple. "You will not mock the Oracles. They have seen the future to arrive. For even your people, the shifters will end us all." He visibly struggled to control himself, his canines grinding like a rock crusher. "Turn the child and mother over now, and you will avoid the war you've run from the last three centuries. Last chance," he warned.
I smiled the predatory grin I was known across the Realm for. "Fuck you." I nodded to Charles to arm the weapons stored deep below the earth's surface.
Logan failed to hide an uneasy swallow. "Fine." He moved back from the screen, apparently not willing to start his war at this time. "But you won't be able to concentrate on human women for long, Kayes. In fact"—his yellow teeth gleamed in the semi-darkness—"I think you'll be occupied with more important matters. Soon." With the last word, the screen went black.
"Damn it Charles!" I keyed several commands into the console at my fingertips. "Contact our scouts and find out what the hell is going on." I ordered.
"Yes, sir," He replied absently, his gaze on the computers.
I sent out a message for my brothers to contact him. Jesus. Ray was across the ocean, Taki raced through the U.S. with a mate in tow, a mate.
Rubbing my hand across my eyes, I sighed. I couldn't order Conn to reacquire his mate, especially since they'd probably have to go to war for Moira ever to leave the green isle. I grinned. He'd liked that spunky witch from the get-go.
A request sounded through my earpiece, and I pushed a button to let the door slide open. Jane bounced inside and hopped to perch on my lap. "Hi, Uncle Dage." her tiny voice came.
I settled her safely into place. "Hi, sweet girl." Determination flowed through me to protect the perfect child. Her blue eyes gazed with adoration as she showed me the drawing she carried. "I made a monkey."
Well, maybe. Or a dog with long arms. "It's perfect." I said with a grin.
She grinned, giving a happy squirm. "What are you doing?" Her world had apparently righted itself last night when I had informed her that Taki and Clara were safe.