CHAPTER NINE
Ivan DeLaFontaine stood as they entered the room. There were a thousand other places Vivi wished she could be, mainly the lab. But instead she found herself forcing a smile as Ivan walked up to her. "Thank you for seeing me. I have a few questions concerning Prince Magnus."
"I'm not sure how much I will be able to tell you that wasn't shared last night," Vivi said.
Ivan reached out and took her hand in his. He bent over slightly raising it to his lips when out of the corner of Vivi's eyes, she saw a dart of light. Moments later, Ivan was jumping back cursing, holding his bleeding hand to his chest.
"Restrain him!" Gavriel ordered, moving Beth behind him.
Tarak, in one fluid motion, swept Ivan's feet from under him and slammed his face into the floor. "Yes, sire." He replied as he pushed his knee into the back of Ivan's neck.
"What is the meaning of this!" DeLaFontaine screamed. "I demand you release me at once!"
Gavriel turned to Meryn. "Was that Felix?"
She nodded. "Yes." She turned her head to her shoulder. "What's the matter?"
Seconds later, a tiny sprite shimmered into view holding a bloody little sword. "He tried to hurt Vivi!" Felix exclaimed as his wings fluttered in an aggravated staccato. Vivi had never seen a sprite before, but she was pretty sure they were passive flower lovers, not sword wielding warriors.
Gavriel leaned down so that he was eye level with Felix on Meryn's shoulder. "He looked like he was simply going to kiss her hand in greeting."
Felix shook his head causing his auburn curls to bounce. He took flight and landed on the floor next to DeLaFontaine's wrist. "He was going to stab her!" he pointed to DeLaFontaine's cuff. Etain swept Vivi behind him. Vivi held onto the back of his shirt. She stepped to one side, so she could see what was happening in the room.
Gavriel stepped on DeLaFontaine's arm before it slipped under his body. "What have we here?" he asked. Kneeling down he carefully removed Ivan's cufflink. He turned it over in his hands. The more he examined it, the more his eyes changed, turning from a bright ruby red to a deep crimson.
He held it out to Vivi. "Be careful."
Vivi hurried forward, with Etain at her side. She took it and held it up. On the other side of the sharp cuff, a small dram vial was filled with a clear liquid. "I'll have to test it to be sure, but I think we may have the source of our virus." She was impressed at the miniaturization of the delivery system. "This cost a small fortune."
Gavriel pulled out his walkie talkie. "Viktor, Dimitri I need you both on Level One."
Viktor's reply was almost instantaneous. "At once, sire."
Aiden walked over and placed his foot on DeLaFontaine's arm so that Gavriel could move. "Why Viktor and Dimitri?"
"Because I trust Viktor's loyalty as the son of a Founding Family head. BelleRose has always been a supporter of Magnus." He gave Aiden an evil grin. "And Dimitri, because he is the most creative when it comes to 'Advanced Questioning Techniques'."
Aiden's answering smile was no less wicked. "Perfect."
Gavriel turned to Kari. "As soon as this traitor is moved to the detention cells we will need to have a meeting with just the Founding Family heads." He looked at Meryn. "You've already cleared Simon and Javier, but we need to check out Jervasius Régis."
Meryn glanced up from cuddling Felix. "Sure."
There was knock on the door which Sebastian quickly answered. Viktor and Dimitri walked in and looked down. Their eyes widened. "Did we miss something?"
"Your word that what I say will go no further?" Gavriel asked.
Both men nodded. Viktor looked to Dimitri then back to Gavriel. "You have our word."
Gavriel pointed to the floor. "Ivan DeLaFontaine just tried to use his cuff link to inject an unknown substance into Vivi." Vivi held up the small cuff, and he continued. "We think this may be the source of the virus." He looked from one warrior to the other. "I would like for Viktor to stay here on Level One for a Founding Family meeting, Dimitri, I would like for you to escort DeLaFontaine to our detention cells and see if you can get him to share any information about his cuff links."
Dimitri's face hardened as his fangs lengthened. He knelt down and pulled DeLaFontaine's head up by his hair until his neck was at an odd angle. "I have two small, precious friends among the shifter children on Level Six that are sick. If I find out that you are the reason why, not even the gods will be able to hold back my anger," he growled.
DeLaFontaine began to struggle at that point. "I demand to be interviewed by the council!"
Dimitri slammed Ivan's face into the floor. "Too bad, they're stuck at the Council Estate since the city is on lock down due to the virus."
Meryn edged closer her eyes bright. "He's so cool."
Aiden pulled her against him. "You just like violent people."
Meryn turned to Dimitri with puppy-dog eyes. "Hit him again?" she asked pouting.
Dimitri gave her a wolfish grin and reached for DeLaFontaine. Gavriel shook his head. "Save it for later."
Dimitri stood and winked at Meryn. "He will get what is coming to him."
Meryn gave a short nod. "Good, because he upset Felix and that's not acceptable."
Vivi frowned. "Where did he go?"
Meryn pointed down her hoodie. "He's still shaking." She pulled the hoodie away from her chest. "That was totally badass though Felix. We need to get a picture of you with your bloody sword, that was awesome."
Aiden peeked down Meryn's shirt. "Where did he learn how to use a sword?"
"YouTube," Meryn replied glibly.
Gavriel pointed to the door. "Dimitri, if you would?"
Dimitri placed a hand over his heart and bowed. "My Prince, it would be an honor." He bent down and pulled a thrashing DeLaFontaine to his feet. He looked around the room until he spotted Kendrick. "Air shackles?"
Kendrick spoke low staring at DeLaFontaine. A moment later, he exhaled. "That should do it." DeLaFontaine's hands were now lying on top of each other seemingly pinned to his tailbone.
"My thanks," Dimitri said and dragged DeLaFontaine from the room.
Gavriel turned to Kari. "Kari if you..."
She held up a hand. "Five steps ahead of you. They'll be here in ten minutes."
Gavriel grinned. "Of course you are."
Rheia, Anne and Ellie walked over with Colton, Law and Grant. Rheia jerked her head toward the door. "You don't need us for this. We're heading to Level Six to start a blood drive of older blood for the next set of trials and to check on children."
Gavriel waved Micah over. "Can you go with them as an additional guard?"
Micah wrapped an arm around each woman's shoulders despite the low growls coming from their mates. "I would love to spend more time with these heavenly creatures." He steered them toward the door, their irate mates in tow.
"Kendrick, a soundproof spell please?" Gavriel asked.
"Five steps ahead of you," Kendrick teased as the air flexed.
Gavriel pinched the bridge of his nose. "I am surrounded by comedians."
Aiden clapped him on the back. "Welcome to my world."
The rest of their group sat down and got comfortable. Vivi was ensconced in the love seat with her mate. She kept turning the cuff link over in her hand. Etain reached over and took it from her.
"Here," Kari said handing Etain something small and red.
Vivi looked at her. "What's that?"
Kari held up a pencil. "The eraser. We do not want anyone dosed accidentally." Etain affixed the eraser to the cuff and dropped it in his front pocket.
It didn't take long for the Founding Family heads to arrive. Javier and Simon were all smiles until they saw the grim expressions around the room. Javier paled. "Magnus?"
Gavriel shook his head. "He is the same. No, this is regarding something else, please have a seat."
The three couples sat down looking worried. Gavriel eyed each one in an appearance to be neutral. "I will ask a single question and require an immediate answer." They nodded, and he continued. "Do you have any knowledge regarding Ivan DeLaFontaine distributing the virus around the city?"
The BelleRose and Géroux couples answered immediate. "No, sire."
Jervasius Régis turned a deathly shade of gray. His mate shook her head and meekly whispered. "No, sire."
Gavriel walked over until he stood in front of the Régis Founding Family head. "Well Jervasius?"
Jervasius shook his head and covered his mouth with a trembling hand. "No, sire."
Gavriel looked over to Meryn, she was watching the distraught man closely. Finally, she gave a firm shake of her head. "He's a complete asshole, but he's not lying." She turned and looked at his mate. "She needs help though. I think she lied when she told Kari that she was with her mate willingly."
The woman looked up sharply, fear in her eyes. "No, I am."
Meryn in an uncharacteristic show of empathy, walked over and took her hand. Using all her weight, she pulled the woman to the other side of the room and sat her down in an empty love seat. "No, you're not. But that's okay. You're safe now."
Jervasius went to stand and Gavriel simply pushed him back into his seat. "You stay there until I tell you otherwise." Gavriel told him his voice devoid of emotion. The man began to shake when faced with the prince's anger.
Gavriel walked over and knelt in front of the woman who had buried her face in her hands. "Bree is it not?" he asked gently. She nodded without looking up. "Bree, do you know who I am?" Bree lowered her hands slowly and looked at him before shaking her head. "My name is Prince Gavriel. I am in charge of the city until Magnus is feeling better." Bree covered her mouth with both hands and swayed in her seat. "Now, I need you to answer me truthfully. Are you mated to Jervasius against your will?" When her eyes cut to the mate in question, Gavriel very lightly turned her head until she was facing him. "You need not fear any reprisals. If you wish to leave him you will be protected, no harm will come to you for speaking the truth."
Tears began to spill down her cheeks. "Will you protect my mate as well?"
Gavriel frowned. "Jervasius?"
She shook her head causing her shiny curls to bounce around. "No, my real mate."
"He is not your mate! I am!" Jervasius screamed.
Gavriel stood and turned so that Bree did not see his anger. His eyes were blood-red and his fangs extended past his chin. "You kept her against her will knowing she had a mate?" he asked in a low growl.
"Sire, we have been mated for centuries. We have three fine sons together." Jervasius protested.
"No, we do not," Bree said softly.
"Quiet woman!" Jervasius hissed. "Sire, she is very weak minded. She does not know what she says."
Bree stared down at her hands. "I may have been forced to endure your attentions over the centuries, but I was not the only one you lay with. Each time I declared I was pregnant you left me alone for months at a time, and you were never there for the birth of the child. Each one of your sons was born by a different woman. Their silence bought their child a life of ease as a legitimate son of a Founding Family head." When she looked up, there was a spark of defiance in her eyes. "They are your sons, not mine."
Jervasius flew out of his seat toward his mate only to be brought up short by Gavriel. The prince simply cold clocked him, sending him to the floor. Gavriel looked around. "We seem to be running out of escorts to the detention cells."
Declan rubbed his knuckles. "Oh, please. Let me," he begged.
Rex stood and cracked his neck. "This could be great for brotherly bonding. Plus, I can make sure DeLaFontaine is settling in."
Gavriel mockingly gave a half bow. "He is all yours gentlemen."
Declan walked over and kicked the man in the stomach before pulling him up by the back of his collar effectively choking the man. "Let's take the long way around, shall we?" Declan slammed the man into every wall as they walked toward the exit. Sebastian opened the door for them as Declan was describing exactly how long it would take them to reach the detention cells. Rex was laughing as he followed. Sebastian closed the door behind them.
Gavriel had to take a few calming breaths before he turned back to Bree. "Now, about your mate. If you tell us his name, we will call him down here for you."
Bree looked around shocked. "Just like that, it is over?"
Beth sat next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Just like that. My mate does not tolerate bullies."
"His name is Pavil Desrosiers. He is the Régis squire," she replied demurely.
Vivi wasn't the only one who simply stared. The idea that she had found her mate and had been kept from him while living in the same household sounded like a form of hell.
Beth's eyes were filled with fire as she looked up at her mate. "A fine will not be enough this time."
Gavriel nodded. "Agreed." He turned to Etain. "Would you please go up to Level Three and retrieve Pavil?"
Etain stood and kissed Vivi on the top of her head. "I will return shortly."
Gavriel practically collapsed into Jervasius' empty chair. "We have lost two Founding Family heads in less than an hour." He looked over at Kari, who was tapping away on her iPad. "Kari, please tell me you have an idea how we can salvage this."
Kari looked up frowning. "Of course I do, now hush. I am thinking."
Gavriel rolled his eyes and slumped down in his chair. "I cannot wait for Magnus to return."
Kari gave a final tap then looked at the room. "Okay I have an idea." She frowned at Gavriel. "I would tell you to act your age, but that may have you mummified in the corner." Beth giggled as Gavriel straightened glaring at his borrowed personal assistant. Kari continued. "We are giving Gavriel mystical powers."
Gavriel's mouth dropped. "We are what?"
Kari waved her hand about. "You are the Dark Prince. We could say that DeLaFontaine and Régis looked at you wrong, therefore incurring your wrath and the people would cheer." She smirked at them. "But that would be a waste of a golden opportunity. Instead, we will make a huge general announcement that over time Gavriel has acquired the ability to detect evil in those around him. Now that he has stepped forward to lead the city and has the backing of the Founding and Noble Families, he is clearing house for Magnus. We will simply say that he is starting at the top and working his way down."
Leana clapped her hands together. "That pretty much gives us carte blanche to arrest anyone later with impunity."
Kari nodded. "Plus it will send all the other rats scurrying. We may find a pest or two we did not know about in the scramble."
Gavriel turned to Adriel. "Why is she not in charge again?"
Adriel sighed. "She is smart enough to avoid the responsibility."
Bree looked around eyes wide. "Is it always like this on Level One?"
Beth shook her head. "No, usually we are just sharing updates and eating pudding."
Vivi turned to Bree. "Do Jervasius' sons know you aren't their mother?"
Bree gave a short nod. "They kept quiet of course, to preserve their own way of life."
There was a knock at the door and Sebastian hurried to open it. Seconds later, Etain and a handsome vampire walked in. The man looked around the room before locking on Bree. He was at her side a moment later. "Lady Régis, how can I assist you?"
Vivi gave her mate a flat look. "You couldn't tell him?"
Etain shook his head and sat back down beside her. "There were too many people listening in."
Pavil's eyes narrowed in anger. "Tell me what? What have you done to my charge?"
Gavriel gave him a sly smile. "Your charge or your mate?"
Pavil sucked in his breath and looked down. Bree nodded, wiping her tears. "Prince Gavriel has arrested Jervasius. We are finally free of him." The announcement drove Pavil to his knees in shock. "What?" Bree held his face between her hands. "We can finally be together. The prince will protect us."
Pavil looked over at Gavriel and struggled to stand on shaky legs. He placed his fist over his heart and bowed low. "If I can serve you in any way, you need only to ask." Vivi found herself tearing up as the man choked the words out, he was that overwhelmed with emotion.
Gavriel looked at Adriel, who shot him a questioning look back. Gavriel then turned to Pavil. "How would you like to become the squire for House Ambrosios?"
Beth squealed her excitement. "My love, that is a perfect idea!"
When Pavil swayed Beth hopped up and had him sit down next to his mate. She walked over and sat in the chair closest to Gavriel. Leaning to one side she rested her head on his shoulder.
Gavriel continued. "It is a recently revived house, so there is much work to be done. The living quarters have not been attended to in centuries." He pointed to Adriel and Eva. "They will be the primary ones you will be serving after I return to Lycaonia."
Pavil clutched at his mate's hand tightly. "It would be an honor to serve House Ambrosios."
Adriel looked relieved. "When can you start?"
"Now?" Pavil blurted.
Eva simply shrugged. "Sounds about right." She stood and stretched. "Come on Pavil. Let's go snag a warrior or two along with some of my packmates, and we'll head to your old place to get your stuff."
Pavil's eyes widened, and he jumped to his feet. "Lady Ambrosios, please do not trouble yourself."
Eva waved him off. "I'm feeling kinda restless after hearing about the shit those two assholes have been up to. With any luck, some idiots on Level Three will try to stop us." She flexed her fingers together cracking her knuckles.
Adriel stood and clapped Pavil on the shoulder. "Lady Ambrosios is not like most women."
Bree looked up at Eva in awe. "She is amazing." Eva blushed at Bree's sincere praise. Pavil turned to his mate. "Is this something that you want? You are essentially going from being a Founding Family member to a squire's mate."
Bree stood and took his hand into hers. "I have wanted nothing else since the day we met." She looked over at Eva shyly. "If Lady Ambrosios is amiable to it. I can help maintain her schedule and guide her in navigating the politics amongst the other high-born ladies."
"She's your Yoda," Meryn whispered staring at Bree.
Eva laughed at Meryn's declaration and turned to Bree. "I would appreciate any and all the help I can get." She turned to her mate. "While I go up and get their stuff, you wanna show Bree our new living quarters?"
Adriel turned to Gavriel. "Do you need us for anything."
Gavriel waved them off. "No. You both go get House Ambrosios back in order."
When they left Gavriel exhaled. "I could kill Jervasius for what he put that woman through."
Beth patted him on the leg. "You showed great restraint. I am very proud of you."
Gavriel looked over at Meryn. "It is a scary day when I am leaning towards Meryn's version of politics. I swear it would be easier just to kill him and be done with it."
Meryn looked over at Javier and Simon. "Speaking of politics. What happens to the Régis and DeLaFontaine Houses now?"
Gavriel rubbed his chin. "To be honest I am not sure. I do not think we have ever had a situation here two Founding Family heads were arrested within thirty minutes of each other."
Simon leaned forward. "Jervasius has three sons who can take his place, each one horrendous in his own special way."
Javier grunted his agreement. "Thank the gods Viktor turned out so well," he turned in his chair to smile proudly at his son.
Without missing a beat Viktor smiled. "Must be the genes."
Marie laughed. "Yes, mine." Javier chuckled and brought her hand up to kiss. "Of course darling."
"What about DeLaFontaine?" Kendrick asked.
Simon shook his head. "He has no heir."
Leana frowned. "Does he have any relatives?"
Gavriel looked to the ceiling as his mouth moved. To Vivi, it looked like he was counting. When he looked around he looked surprised. "He is the last of his line."
"Might I make a suggestion?" Kari interjected.
Gavriel indicated the floor was hers. "By all means."
Kari scrolled on her iPad. "I will have to check our records, but I vaguely remember that something like this has happened before. A son was adopted into the bloodline from the highest ranking Noble Family."
Beth's face scrunched up. "That would be DuBois, they aren't much better."
Meryn waved her hand. Gavriel smiled at her. "Adriel has told you that you do not have to raise your hand."
She shrugged. "It's kinda a habit now. Any who. What about Warrick? He's a DuBois we like. But instead of making him take that douchebag's last name, we change the Founding Family to his name. Only since he was just disowned from the DuBois family he can use his mom's name or something." When no one spoke she ducked her head. "It was just a suggestion."
Leana turned to Beth. "She is brilliant."
Beth preened. "I know. She shows so much promise."
Javier looked from Simon to Gavriel. "Can we get away with it?"
Gavriel smiled. "It will work out perfectly, especially considering who his mother was."
Beth thought about it for a moment this smiled. "You are right. It is perfect." She turned to Meryn. "Did you know about his parents?"
Meryn looked lost. "What about his parents?"
Leana turned to Meryn. "His father of course was Gerald DuBois' older brother. But his mother was a Fortier." When Meryn just blinked at her, she continued. "After the Great War when the collective council elevated Ambrosios and Rioux, they offered to make the Fortier bloodline a Founding Family. The Fortiers are very altruistic. They believed that they should only serve a higher purpose, so they declined the elevation."
Meryn started nodding. "Let me guess. DeLaFontaine was elevated instead."
"It's almost as if we are putting things the way they were meant to be," Beth said. Her words hung in the air.
Kendrick recovered first. "Either Fate has a more intricate weave than I can imagine, or she just likes to roll the dice."
Vivi couldn't shake Beth's words. Did that mean she was always meant to be here too? Across the room she met Meryn's eyes. The small human just shrugged as if to say 'what can ya do?'.
Vivi stood needing a break from the headache of politics. "I have hit my quota for royal stuff." She looked at Gavriel. "Whenever you're ready."
He looked confused for a moment then nodded. "Of course. Give me just a few minutes to set things up with Javier and Simon to get the ball rolling to elevate Warrick."
Kari clutched at her iPad. "You are serious?" She swallowed hard. "My baby brother. My innocent, sweet, baby brother will be a Founding Family head?"
Meryn winced. "Sucks to be him."
Kari grabbed at her chest. "He needs guards. Lots and lots of guards." She reached for her walkie talkie. "Law, I need you."
A moment later, Law answered. "I'm in the infirmary at the moment."
Kari's knuckles turned white from grasping the handheld. "I do not give a flying fuck where you are! I need you here now. There better be warriors heading your way now to relieve you or so help me gods!" Viktor ran from the room.
"Oh dear," Beth said watching her friend unravel.
Law strode into the room a minute later. The air around him pulsing with magic. "Who has upset you?" he demanded.
Kari just stared at him from the center of the room her chest heaving. She pointed to Gavriel then Meryn. "They said...she suggested that they... and they are serious. He... he... Founding Family..."
Law was at her side in a moment rubbing her back. "Sweetheart, you're having a panic attack. Just concentrate on your breathing."
Law looked around the room. "The only thing that sets her off like this is if something happens to Avery. So will someone please tell me what the hell is wrong with my little brother and sister!" he roared.
Vivi waited for someone to speak up but everyone was simply looking at each other as if asking how they should respond. Vivi sighed. "Basically, we arrested DeLaFontaine for possibly being the one to distribute the virus." She paused. "I say possibly, but there's a ninety-nine percent chance he's guilty as hell. Anyway, since he doesn't have any heirs Warrick is being elevated to Founding Family head under his mother's name." She pointed to Kari. "She began to meltdown when she realized that Avery would be a new Founding Family head right along with him."
Law's mouth dropped. "Avery. Our Avery will be a Founding Family head in Noctem Falls?" Kari just pointed and waved as she tried to catch her breath.
A door slamming against the wall had everyone turning to see Declan and Rex snarling in the doorway. "Kari!" Declan shouted moving furniture to get to her side.
Law held up a hand. "She's fine. What has upset her is a good thing but overwhelming. She just needs some time to process." Declan and Rex seemed to shrink in size as they began to calm down. They stayed close to Kari whispering encouragements and trying to get her breathing under control.
Meryn began to giggle. Declan glared at her. "What?"
"You and Rex puff up like house cats when you're mad."
Both brothers scowled at her. Behind them Kari began to laugh. She put both hands on her knees and bent over slightly. "She is right. You do." Rex and Declan exchanged hurt expressions.
There was a knock at the door and Sebastian chuckling to himself moved to answer it. After a moment an enormous warrior and small man rushed into the room.
"Kari! Are you okay? We heard you on the walkie-talkie, but I couldn't get off the phone with the Council Estate." The small blond threw himself at Kari.
"Oh, Avery honey, I am so sorry to worry you."
Vivi stared at Avery's slight build and delicate features. No wonder Kari was having hysterics. The ranking vampires of the city were going to eat him alive. Vivi eyed the tall man at his side. Then again, maybe not.
"Warrick DuBois?" Vivi asked.
The large warrior turned and nodded. "Yes," he said his voice kind. "I am sorry I have not introduced myself yet Princess Vivian, but I have been working with Avery in answering questions from the Council Estate."
The more she looked at the pair, the better she felt. Warrick was a good choice to lead Level Five. Vivi gave Meryn a thumbs up. "Good job."
Meryn grinned. "I know right?"
Vivi reached down and took Etain's hand. She was amused at the rapt attention on his face. He was watching the scene unfold as if it were a favorite soap opera. Looking up he schooled his features when they made eye contact. Clearing his throat, he stood as well.
Vivi turned to Gavriel and pointed to the room. "You have your hands full, but I will need you in the lab within an hour to get the processing started."
Gavriel nodded then eagerly turned back to Avery, who was now in the process of completely melting down. It seemed her mate wasn't the only one entertained by the scene in front of them.
She tugged at Etain's hand. "Coming my love?"
"Of course."
As they left a loud screech bounced off the walls. Vivi smothered a chuckle. Little Avery had just found out he was going to be a Founding Family head.