Wild and Free by Kristen Ashley
“You wanna fill us in on what you’re talking about?” Abel suggested.
Gregor looked to Abel. “We’re attempting to talk a variety of world leaders into devising a plan to expose the existence of immortals in a way that will not be alarming, at the same time sharing that there is some cause for concern due to those who wish to cause harm and explaining how they could take precautions.”
“And you’re gonna manage that how?” Abel asked but didn’t allow an answer. “First off, humans are gonna totally freak. Then they’re gonna totally fucking freak when you share that there’re evil supernaturals who want to enslave them, are pretty much impossible to kill, can get in their homes without invitation, and are impervious to silver, garlic, shit like that, which means humans are essentially completely unsafe.”
“I’ll admit, it’s a diplomatic challenge,” Gregor conceded, and I swallowed back my snort.
“Yeah, a challenge,” Abel muttered sarcastically, obviously feeling the same as me.
“It’s your destiny not only to ensure humans live freely but also to create harmony between humans and immortals,” Serena pointed out, and I was glad she seemed so positive and didn’t mention it could go the other way.
“Which brings us to you and Lilah, Abel,” Gregor stated, and I looked to him. “We’ve consulted with experts in the field and they believe that, of The Three, with your manner and the fact you’re a hybrid, as well as Lilah’s vivacity and, well”— he flicked a hand out to me—“her attractive every-girl characteristics, you two would be the best poster couple to show how not only are immortals nonthreatening, but that humans and immortals can live in harmony.”
I felt Abel’s tenseness and reached out a hand to curl it around his thigh as he asked, “Poster couple?”
“We’d like to place carefully crafted articles in a variety of reputable media outlets about you and Lilah, sharing that you’re an immortal and she is your human mate. This would include photo spreads,” Gregor explained, and unfortunately he wasn’t done. “And due to our need to prove this is not nonsense, we must utilize television in order that people can see you transform.”
That was when I got tense.
Abel performing for the masses?
I did not like that.
“Are you fuckin’ crazy?” Abel barked.
He didn’t like it either.
Gregor ignored Abel’s question and assured, “This would all occur behind these walls so you both would remain safe. And we’d have approval over what was written or broadcast. It would help enormously if Jian-Li and your brothers would agree to participate too. Our experts feel your close connection with a family of humans would hold much sway with humanity.”
“You are crazy,” Abel whispered dangerously, and I gave his thigh a squeeze.
Gregor again ignored him.
“After this is shared, we’d strategically release Leah and Lucien’s story. And after that, we would share about Callum and Sonia, they being last as both are wolves,” Gregor continued. “However, Sonia’s lifetime as a human would be carefully communicated. We also have other wolves who have taken human mates, not to mention vampires who have recently coupled with humans. We would ask they tell their stories as well. And the concubines have agreed to come out about what they do for vampires and share our own version of…” He paused, “Humanity.”
I knew about concubines, or the women (and dudes) who, for centuries, provided their blood to vampires so that vampires didn’t have to go out and find their meals, freaking out humans in the process. There had been a lot of rules around selecting them and keeping them. Some of those rules ended when Leah, who had been Lucien’s concubine, fell in love with her vampire and he did the same in return, this being forbidden. Until them.
“The Council is crafting a media plan that will eventually expose wolves and vampires within society,” Gregor kept going. “Doctors. Nurses. Businessmen and women who provide jobs. It will be explained we already live harmoniously with humans. We own property. We pay taxes. We purchase goods and services. We provide employment opportunities. We’re involved in our communities.”
“Did you live amongst humans all your centuries?’ Abel asked when Gregor quit speaking.
“I have, indeed, Abel,” Gregor confirmed.
“Right, so you know all that’s shit and they…are gonna…freak,” Abel returned. “It doesn’t matter that I’m a biker who has a Chinese American family and Lilah’s the shit. They’re just gonna freak.”
I was feeling warm inside about Abel describing me as the shit when Gregor kept at him.
“This would be you doing what you need to do as a member of The Three to convince the American people, the people of the world, that your people mean no harm.”
I felt Abel preparing to reply so I squeezed his thigh and quickly leaned into him.
“He’s right. It is,” I said quietly.
“He’s right. It is,” Abel agreed. “It’s also not gonna work.”
“That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try,” I pointed out.
“And put your face out there for people to think shit about you? You with a werewolf vampire? So even when we do sort out those assholes, everyone everywhere knows you and me and can give us shit…for eternity?”
“Uh, babe, you’re hot. Women the world over are totally gonna get it,” I shared, and he stared.
Then he stated, “Lilah, this is not about me bein’ hot.”
“People forgive a lot if you’re hot, believe me. That means Lucien is gonna kill and so is Callum, and I mean kill in a good way. Everyone will want their own vamp or wolf.” I turned to Gregor. “Actually, that’s more of a problem than the other stuff. Especially if it gets out that vamps can make their mates live for eternity.”
“Specifics about certain things will be shared carefully, Lilah, or not at all, until that knowledge is needed,” Gregor told me.
“Good call,” I muttered.
“Seriously, are you thinkin’ of goin’ for this shit?” Abel asked, and I looked back to him.
“Do you have another idea?” I asked.
“Find those fuckers who wanna turn the world upside down, obliterate them, then go back to normal,” Abel answered instantly.
“This idea holds more merit for me as well,” Lucien put in.
“We’re working on that too,” Gregor shared.
“That’s good since an eternity of fame is far from tedious. It’s often frustrating and can be aggravating and I’d rather not expose Leah to enduring it,” Lucien shot back. “Therefore, I can obviously understand why Abel feels the same.”
“Lucien can seriously kick ass, as you know,” Leah said as explanation to me. “What you might not know is that the immortal world knows it too and thinks it’s awesome, and that’s not always good.”
“Ah,” I murmured.
“Find another way,” Lucien ordered Gregor.
“We are all destined to live in harmony,” Gregor returned, then finished on a dire note. “Or not.”
“We can accomplish that without all of us being poster couples in the press,” Lucien retorted. “So find that way.”
“Do you have another idea?” Gregor asked calmly.
“That’s not my job,” Lucien bit out, not calmly. “My job is to save humanity while keeping my bride and the rest of The Three alive. You’re the politician. Do your job.”
“I had concerns our plan would meet with negative reactions, so this isn’t surprising,” Gregor replied. “However, I’d still request that all of you consider it.”
“You’ve explained that you’re concerned about your family’s safety.” Cristiano spoke for the first time, his attention on Callum, “That being the case, I would further request that you consider utilizing Calder. He has a vast worldwide network and is able to find out a good many things. If The Three don’t wish to come out publically, then we must intensify our efforts privately to understand what the enemy is planning.”
“And Calder has act
“He has a way with them,” Cristiano pointed out carefully.
“And he’ll use that way over the fucking phone,” Callum returned.
Cristiano drew in a breath before he nodded.
“Avery?” Leah called softly. “What do you think?”
The strange-looking man turned kind eyes to Leah and didn’t hesitate with his response. “Although I understand why it was suggested we utilize the media in our efforts, I’ll share with you what I shared with Gregor, that being I don’t think it’s an exceptionally good idea to have any of The Three identifiable by anybody around the globe. I believe this creates unnecessary vulnerability.”
To that, Gregor’s only response was for his lips to thin.
“There might be desperate times that call for desperate measures,” Avery went on. “Fortunately, we have not yet hit that time.” He took in a breath and finished, “Unfortunately, if we do not do something, I’m afraid that time is fast approaching.”
“And your idea would be…?” Callum prompted.
“My idea, I’m afraid, will be even less popular,” Avery told him.
“Share it anyway,” Callum ordered, and Avery nodded.
“I believe we should allow our adversaries to make their first move.”
Something about this made my body string tight.
Abel felt it and his hand curled around mine at his thigh.
“This way,” Avery continued, “our immortals, and there are many, including The Three, would swoop in to protect humanity. This would offer a very powerful message. Obviously, losses would be had on both sides. But humanity would see that there are immortals who are guardians, not vanquishers. The Three would be able to go about whatever they’re required to do anonymously so that, when we all taste victory, they can enjoy their eternities without celebrity.”
“I’m not all fired up about that plan,” I said quietly.
“I’m not either, Delilah,” Avery replied. “And we can hope we receive some intelligence that will allow us to make much the same statement without any human losses. Thwarting such a plan by immortals and doing it publicly, sharing in that way that immortals exist, the bad being in the minority, the good willing to put their lives on the line for harmony, would also be a powerful message.”
“I hear you. I’m not super hip on the idea, but I’ll deal with people knowing who I am if it means saving lives,” I shared, and Abel’s hand tightened around mine. “Though, I’m not big on Abel transforming. I haven’t even seen that. He could just extend his fangs or something.”
“That says a great deal about you, my dear,” Avery returned but did it shaking his head. “But even if you and Abel, Lucien and Leah, and Callum and Sonia made the public aware of who you are, that doesn’t ensure that an attack will not be forthcoming.”
He had me there so I could do nothing but nod.
“There’s much to think about and much to do,” Gregor put in. “So I suggest we go about that and reconvene this evening for further discussion.” He looked to the wraith. “Serena, you’re away to Gastineau shortly?”
“Indeed,” she confirmed.
“Let’s brief,” he murmured, throwing his napkin down and pushing his chair back.
He rose and gave Cristiano and Avery meaningful looks.
Cristiano took a sip of coffee before he rose.
Avery said, “You’ll excuse me,” and he got up as well.
Stephanie muttered, “I haven’t had a real breakfast yet so I’m going to Kyle.” She got up and looked around, finishing, “Later.”
Caleb threw his napkin on the table and rose from his seat too, saying irritably, “I got twiddling of my thumbs to do.”
Callum sighed.
Sonia smiled at me.
“We’ll talk further after we have our session with Abel,” Ryon stated, also moving to leave.
It was then I remembered that Abel was going to train as wolf with his wolf brothers. It was also then I hoped I got to watch.
My thoughts came back into the room when it hit me that the only ones left were The Three.
“Gotta admit, sittin’ on our hands and waitin’ for shit doesn’t sit good with me either,” Abel told the table.
“It’s smart and it’s safe,” Callum replied.
“It’s still irritating,” Lucien murmured.
“Your last battle was five hundred years ago, Lucien. Mine was last Christmas,” Callum said quietly. “We should be smart and we should remain safe.”
“I don’t disagree with you, Cal,” Lucien returned. “However, this…” He swept a hand across the fine china and silver littering the table. “It isn’t our nature. Especially when that’s going on out there.” He pointed a finger at the window. “Therefore, we need to remember precisely what our nature is so we don’t end up doing something stupid due to impatience or frustration.”
“Agreed,” Callum said. “So we prepare. I train Abel to fight as wolf and you work with Abel’s brothers to further improve their abilities.”
“Agreed,” Lucien repeated Callum’s word.
“That’s good with me,” Abel added.
“Uh, what do we girls do?” I asked.
Lucien, Callum, and Abel (yep, all three) looked at me, baffled.
Yeesh.
Men.
“We are in on this destiny of saving the world too,” I reminded them and turned to Abel. “Xun, Wei, and Chen offered to train me in some of their kung fu magic.”
“I want them going two-, three-, four-on-one with Lucien and Callum’s wolves so they can improve their ‘kung fu magic,’” Abel said the last three words like they amused him, then added, “And so they can stay alive again if more shit goes down.”
“Okay, so I’ll get in on that. Leah and Sonia can do it with me if they want,” I returned.
“Sonia’s practicing with her abilities, attempting to increase her affinity with wildlife by communicating with them,” Callum shared. “Perhaps you can go out with her.”
“And miss my opportunity at throwing a ninja star?” I asked.
Callum’s lips quirked and his eyes slid to Abel.
Abel’s arm slid along the back of my chair and I looked to him. “Pussycat—” he began, and I knew what was coming. I didn’t know how, but I did.
And all I could think about what was coming was, Oh no he didn’t.
“I get your protective instinct, baby, but I have one too,” I reminded him.
“The boys need to be prepared,” he reminded me.
“So do the girls,” I returned.
“True, but it’s doubtful any of you will see actual fighting,” Abel retorted.
“You don’t know that,” I pointed out, and his face got hard.
“I fuckin’ do,” he growled.
Oh man.
“Abel—”
“Let us do what we gotta do.”
“Abel!”
His face suddenly was in mine. “Lilah, let us do what we gotta do.”
I narrowed my eyes. “And what about what we gotta do?”
He leaned a bit back and threw up a hand. “I don’t know. Go try to zap some shit. See if you got some ability like Leah and Sonia.”
I blinked.
Then I glared.
Then I fought back slapping him upside the head.
When I got that under control, I hissed, “You didn’t just say that.”
“Right,” he clipped, his patience gone. “A day, Lilah, for me to work with Callum and see what I gotta do to get my shit sorted, fighting as wolf. A day where Lucien works with Xun and Wei to see where they’re at and what they need. After that, we take you on.”
Compromise. And a good one.
It was also an annoying one precisely because it was good.
“A day,” I snapped, and he grinned.
More annoying.
Then he leaned into me and ran his temple along mine.
That was not annoying, but I decided to pretend it was by turning away in a huff when he was done.
“Good call, not weighing in on that,” Sonia noted, and I looked to her and Callum.
Callum just grinned at his empty plate and murmured, “Mm.”
“Next time I’ll let one of you go a few rounds with your bitches so I can avoid gettin’ shit from mine,” Abel remarked, and my angry eyes shot back to him.
“What you did was avoid the doghouse. Don’t court a permanent stay,” I warned.
“Like you’d send me there for eternity,” he retorted.
“Don’t try me.”
Abel burst out laughing.
I again fought back the urge to slap him upside the head.
I did this by pushing my chair back, throwing my napkin on the table, and announcing, “Time for me to go and try zapping something. Any of you girls with me?”
“I’m in,” Leah stated immediately.
“After you’re done zapping things, we’ll all go out so I can talk to bunnies,” Sonia added.
“We’ve got a plan,” I decreed and turned to go but didn’t get very far when Abel caught my hand.
I looked down at him.
“Thanks, bao bei,” he said softly.
“Just so you know, you being sweet totally works. I’m still gonna pretend it doesn’t and bust your chops,” I informed him and got another grin.
“Have a feeling I draw from you again later, I’ll get tangy Lilah, seein’ as you’re in the mood to be sassy,” he replied.
“And just so you know, you being hot totally works too. I’m still gonna bust your chops.”
That got me a full-blown smile.
It also got me a tug on my hand that forced me to bend to him. When I got close, his other hand shot up in a blur and caught me at the back of the head so he could pull me to him and give me a short, but hot and wet, kiss.
When he broke it, he whispered, “Good luck zapping something.”
To which I replied, “Whatever.”
To which he delivered his kill shot, giving him the win.
He did it with his eyes to my mouth, still whispering. “Regardless of the extraneous shit and the centuries I had to wait to get what was mine, destiny fuckin’ loves me.”