Kym Grosso - Tristan's Lyceum Wolves

Jax Chandler was the New York Alpha. Dangerous and cunning, he’d spent the last couple of months trying to convince Tristan’s sister to mate with him.

Tristan stood again, interrupting his brother. “So for now, Kat is safely tucked away in New Orleans. Marcel’s leaving tonight to keep a close eye on her and his pack. As for Lyceum, we are locking down. This new building has several empty apartments with state-of-the-art security. All pack members are welcomed and encouraged to stay here when in the city, or remain at the pack house up state. To date, no one’s claimed responsibility for the fire, but that doesn’t mean this is over. Logan?”

Logan, calm and stoic, raised his gaze to meet his Alpha’s. He was Tristan’s best friend and confidant. As beta wolf, he took second in command, and often shared responsibilities with his Alpha in both work and play. Logan had idolized Tristan when growing up, knowing his power first hand. Until recently, he’d helped run Eden, but now he vowed to stay close to Tristan, guarding him with his life. Over the past century, Logan had become accustomed to the visions that plagued his sleep; good or bad, he usually only shared them with Tristan. Today, he’d been asked for the first time to talk with a group.

Tristan strode over to Logan and put his hand upon his shoulder, giving him assurance of his protection. He wouldn’t push Logan too far, realizing that he preferred to keep his visions private. But this time, Tristan needed him to tell the others what he’d seen.

“I’ve seen a dead wolf. A male. I felt he was ours. He definitely wasn’t one of the wolves down in New Orleans. My visions,” he looked up to Tristan, then back to the others. “My visions, they aren’t always clear. But this, what happened to the club, what happened to Kat, it’s only the beginning. All members of the pack need to be on alert for out-of-territory wolves. In the past, we’ve been relatively lax about wolves entering and leaving our territory. No more. Tristan’s put out an advisory to all other Alphas. Anyone who comes into our territory as a non-pack member must seek the Alpha’s permission or else there will be consequences.”

Consequences. Mira and the others knew what that meant. Death. Tristan wouldn’t hesitate to kill another wolf after the recent attacks. Nor would Marcel.

“In addition, there is no traveling outside our territory until after this issue is resolved,” Logan explained; his serious expression cast a dark cloud over the room. No one was used to Logan speaking about his visions, and they now knew death was coming for one of their own.

“That means all wolves need to be brought up to date on this mandate. Willow, you’re in charge of pack communications, so as soon as the meeting’s over, get on it,” Tristan ordered. “The visions. It’s possible things can change, but our wolves are indulged, used to freedoms. It has not always been peaceful, and unfortunately, such is the way of territorial disputes. I expect everyone here to read and digest the security dossiers that Logan’s put together in front of you. Any questions, see Logan.”

Tristan looked over to Mira. “Mira, from here on out all deals through my corporation will need to be approved by Logan. In addition, I expect you to run in-depth background checks on all prospective clients, whether we’re buying or selling properties.”

She nodded in agreement. “Yes, Alpha.”

“As for me, I’m setting up a face to face with Chandler to be held off territory in a neutral location. This meeting will be held within the next few days. Even though the location is neutral, that doesn’t mean there won’t be a confrontation. If I sense he is responsible, I will take action. You must all be prepared,” Tristan pointed out with a calm demeanor. He heard Mira let out a barely audible gasp. They all knew it could mean his death if he didn’t win.

Without encouraging their fear, he continued speaking. “Also, Léopold Devereoux is here in Noir, tonight. For those of you who don’t know him, he’s my friend Kade’s maker. I’m not sure what he’s got, but Kade said he’s bringing me intel on the arsonist. So I expect I’ll have more info within the next thirty minutes.”

Tristan raised an eyebrow, surveying his wolves, and then looked down to check the time on his cell. “Any questions? Now’s the time to ask them.”

Declan was the first to speak up, yet again trying to assert his dominance over the other wolves. “Why are we bringing a vamp into pack matters? Wolf battles need to be fought by wolves.”

Tristan smiled coolly at Declan, eyeing him until he lowered his gaze. “Ah, jeune loup. ‘There is at least one thing worse than fighting with allies – And that is to fight without them’ ”.

A flummoxed Declan stared back at him. “What?”

“Churchill,” Tristan quickly responded. “You will learn with experience that allies are allies, no matter the species. Wars are won based on both strength and information. It is foolish to cut off areas that bring you either. Any other brilliant questions?” He was losing his patience, knowing that Devereoux was on the premises. There was no time to waste. Whatever information the vampire had, it was important enough that he was visiting the club.

Léopold Devereoux was not only ancient and powerful, well over a thousand years old, but he was quite elusive. Tristan had been surprised when Kade called him to let him to know to expect a visit. He was even more surprised that Léopold was coming to see him and not Kade. Whatever the vampire had to say must be damn important for him to travel to Philadelphia, and Tristan wasn’t waiting a minute more to hear it.

With no other questions, Tristan stood. Mira hurriedly entered the security code, unlocking the door.

“Well, then. Carry on with your orders. Anything out of the ordinary, contact Logan or me immediately. Meeting adjourned. Be safe, my Lyceum Wolves.” With those words, Tristan strode out of the conference room with Logan close behind. Mira watched as her men walked away, knowing danger awaited them all.

Tristan knocked once. A response, “Come in”, registered, before he proceeded to open the suite door. Entering, he heard the faint sound of a zipper being zipped as a man adjusted his pants, dressing in front of a long mirror. The debonair vampire turned to face Tristan, a smile on his face, quite comfortable with the intrusion. Léopold Devereoux, Kade’s maker, looked as if he was in his late twenties, with short dark hair spiked into a shark’s fin. Lethal and quick-witted, he casually and smoothly proceeded to button his tailored shirt. Admiring a naked blonde and brunette, who both slept contently on the bed adjacent to the long leather sofa, he licked over his fangs in delight. A moan escaped one of the women as she turned to spoon the other and found the warm breast she sought.

“Lovely, aren’t they?” Léopold asked nonchalantly with a slight French accent. “Your club Noir… c'est magnifique. Exquisite blood and even better sex.”

“Monsieur Devereoux?” Tristan questioned, confirming his assumption that the man before him was indeed Kade’s maker.

“Oui.”

“Monsieur Livingston?”

“Oui.”

“Please call me Léopold,” he insisted, checking his appearance once more.

“I’m pleased you’ve had a chance to enjoy Noir’s amenities but we need to speak privately.” Tristan eyed the nude women, smiling at Léopold. As much as he enjoyed viewing the opposite sex without clothing, business came first.

“Ah oui.” Léopold snapped his fingers loudly and the women on the bed began to stir. “Up now, my lovelies. Time to go. Next time in Philadelphia and all that good stuff. Now off you go.” He handed each of them a white fluffy spa robe, complementary from Noir. Each woman grabbed their clothing and shoes off the floor, sheepishly giggling as they left the room.