The petite woman in front of Rowan was her mentor. A mother figure. A friend. Someone who’d taught her not only how to be a better Hunter, but how to accept affection from those who cared about you.
“Come along then upstairs. Rex has put out tea.” Susan linked her arm through Rowan’s and pulled her along. Rowan knew every detail, every squeak of the floorboards, every photograph on the walls.
But it wasn’t until the top of the stairs, the house became a home. The intimate heart of Susan and Rex Espy’s life and home.
Rex, Susan’s husband and another partner at Hunter Corp. was already in the room, with a tray of food he artfully placed on a low table between two couches. A teapot with cozy bearing a dozen tiny James Browns in various dance poses. Rowan had given it to him for his birthday years before as a silly tease because he loved James Brown’s music.
It made her smile.
Rex took her hands and looked her over before he pulled her into a hug and kissed both cheeks. “Despite the near constant threat on your life, you’re looking quite well. I’m glad you finally came to us.” This earned a censorious look.
Susan pushed Rowan to sit and perched next to her while Rex poured out.
“You’re lucky we knew you’d show up soon and had the ingredients for salmon salad sandwiches and that cheddar you enjoy so much.” Susan put milk in her tea as Rowan filled her plate with sandwiches.
“I’m totally lucky to have such friends,” Rowan told them, meaning every word. This was balance in her personal and emotional life. Remembering there was more to her life than constant battle.
She had people who worried over her. Who made sure her favorite things were around when she was. That they knew her favorite things in the first place.
It kept her from toppling into the darkness of her job. She made enough terrible choices. It was her community, her friends and family who kept her balanced on that edge. Anchored her when the violence of her existence threatened to tear her moorings once and for all.
“To be honest, I needed a few days of relative anonymity. I wanted to watch everything that was going on. If you’d have known I was here, you’d have acted differently. I want to assay our security in a realistic way. Oh and then naturally, some Vampire bullshit came up.” She told them both about Trevor and the rogue problem the Vampires had in London. “I think Warren will handle it before it gets to be a bigger problem. But you should know about it anyway. Just to keep an eye out. I didn’t file a report with HC, naturally, but this is better anyway.”
Rex nodded, approving. “We’ll be aware and make sure all our Hunters are extra wary. As for the rest, I take it, given this level of secrecy, you haven’t disclosed to anyone else at HC that you’re in town?”
“Other than you two, I don’t know who all to trust at this point.”
The schism at Hunter Corporation was destructive for more than one reason. She and the other field Hunters put their lives on the line every day. They did so trusting their colleagues within Hunter Corp. would safeguard them to the best of their ability. To have their back.
Finding out Roth and his little buddies had been responsible for the multiple attacks on hers and David’s lives had been enough of a blow. Not knowing who else was part of this group aside from a few key players she’d always trust, still sent Rowan reeling.
Rowan lifted a shoulder. “When I’m done gathering all the evidence and ammunition I need, everyone will know I’m in town. Tell me what’s going on at the Motherhouse.”
“Things are chaotic right now. They didn’t expect you to do the job in Venice and kill Enyo. Hilary Sams has stepped out of the shadows at this point as one of Roth’s little band. She and Roth threw so many things in your way. So openly. In front of others who don’t need further convincing Hunter Corp. has a big problem. Sides are being declared. There are fence sitters. The usual suspects.”
The wishy-washy middle. Ugh.
“Mostly though, Hunters are aligning themselves for what we all know is an inevitable schism. I know you’re feeling stung right now. And you should be. The betrayal not just to all Hunters, but you specifically is terrible. I wish I could save you that. But I want you to understand this lining up of sides is clearly weighted toward you. People are on your side. We will get through this.”
The words Susan had just given her meant so much. More than Rowan had allowed herself to really think about too closely.
In that happy relief, she let go of some of that stress. “I married Clive,” she blurted out. They hadn’t really told anyone officially though she’d had a conversation with Theo on her way to London. He’d wanted her to come to the Keep to be presented formally and she’d had too much stuff to do. So she let herself be talked into coming back for some sort of official thing. Which she’d been informed would take place the following week.
But she’d agreed and once she had, Theo backed off enough that she was pretty sure she’d given him a few reasons to keep his shit together and under control. A party to plan would give him something to concentrate on. Help him get his discipline built up to lead them through a time of crisis.
Rowan needed him better too. There was too much to carry. Something like the sanity of one of the most dangerous things on the planet was a big job when she was trying to avert a war set off by a group she only saw hints of, whose reasons still eluded her.
For Roth it was greed. But whatever, whoever was truly behind the scenes had something bigger than a corner office in mind. Each new thing Rowan uncovered convinced her more that this plan had been in place for some time.
Rex cleared his throat, bringing her out of her thoughts. Susan blinked at her several times over the rim of the pretty teacup she then placed carefully back into the saucer on the nearby table.
“Well.”
It wasn’t until right that very moment that Rowan realized how much she needed them to accept what she’d done.
“Well, she did tell us she had something to share when she was with us face to face.” Rex’s tone was mellow, slightly amused.
“Are you happy?” Susan asked.
“This isn’t something I ever thought would happen. I didn’t...expect him. Or being someone’s wife. A Vampire’s wife. He comes with so much baggage. Power struggles and peacocking and all that stupid Vampire shit.”
She looked around the room, figuring out how to say things.
“I’m unhappy about a number of things. But not Clive. I wasn’t planning to get hitched to a Vampire on a hunt, don’t get me wrong. But since it happened?” Rowan shrugged. “Yes, I’m happy.”
Susan moved to her to envelop her into a brief hug. “Well then, congratulations. Rex and I are pleased. Scion Stewart will have to get used to all the people in your life you like to pretend don’t think about you as much as they do.”
“I’m quite looking forward to sitting back and watching the reaction of both his people and ours.” Rex’s smirk reminded Rowan of Clive a little.
She harrumphed, but didn’t bother to hide a smile. “People could actually mind their own business. But we know they won’t. So people get what they’ve got coming if they poke at me or mine. I’m going to have to meet his family. Goddess.”
Susan’s delighted laughter had Rowan rolling her eyes.
“What can we do to help you with this investigation?” Susan let her off the hook by getting them back on track.
“I have enough to prove he did it. The sorcerers we captured told us about Roth. Other people told us about Roth. He’s in it up to his taint.”
Susan’s eyes widened for a moment and Rowan nearly guffawed.
“But of course, for whatever fucking reason, I’ve got to prove this even more. Which agitates me.” The betrayal of it had set her back on her heels, leaving nothing much in its wake but a white-hot need to burn the rot from the foundations of H
unter Corp.
“I’m still not convinced you do,” Rex said. “I’m opposed to waiting a moment longer. We have more than enough information and evidence. If we move now we’ll draw him out and cut him from Hunter Corp. before he can do any more damage.”
“But he’s just one of many.” Rowan pushed to stand. “It’s a big, fat pain in my ass conspiracy we’ve got here. It’s not Roth. He’s fronting for someone. And he’s a pawn. That he doesn’t even know it only underlines his ineptitude. This is more than Hilary and Roth and their little anti-Treaty group. The magic users are working both sides. We’ve seen it again and again. In Prague, in Venice, here, at the Keep. This is complicated, Machiavellian stuff and they’re not that smart. So. Who is then? To what end and who is ultimately pulling the strings? That’s the crux. When we move, I want it to be from a position of such strength there’s no room for hesitation.”
“That’s our girl.” Susan winked.
“I will burn it all to ash.” This threat to the balance that kept all the parties in check was not something Rowan nor Brigid would stand for.
“David and Wallace have set up a regular exchange of intelligence,” Susan told her as they continued the discussion. Susan’s valet had been something of a mentor to David, which had been a service to Rowan as well. “We’ve got listening devices on Hilary and a few of her cohorts.”
“I have a few leads of a magical nature to check up on. The conjurors have put out the word about whatever icky mojo was going on in Venice.” A type of forbidden magic had been used by Enyo and her Blood Front Vampires. Something so awful Rowan had been asked for her discretion when the conjurers who’d helped her had finally told her what it was.
The type of magic that tore a soul from a human being. Something so fucked up and spooky dark and awful that everyone in the magic community, even the super creepy ones swore it off.
They threatened not only the humans she was tasked to protect, but the safety and existence of the Vampire Nation too. Pretty much everyone was in trouble if these assholes got a leg up so it was her job to make sure that didn’t happen.
“Genevieve Aubert is in London. A coincidence that works out perfectly. I’m seeing her soon and hoping she’s got something that can help us out,” Rowan explained.
“From the Conclave?” Rex asked.
“Yes. I see her from time to time. She called a while back, said she was in London and to look her up when I was in town. And here I am.” It wasn’t such a bad thing to have a powerful magic user in her corner.
“Update us on that. Now, when do you meet Antonia and Charles Stewart?”
Rowan shot a glare Susan’s way. “Why must you spoil this lovely revenge-plotting session with that?”
“You’re married now. To an important Vampire. Obviously you know this comes with all sorts of pomp and circumstance.”
“You don’t have to look so pleased with yourself.”
Susan’s laugh sounded through the room. “I don’t know why not. I am pleased with myself. Imagining you meeting them has me quite amused. Though to be completely honest, I’m sure you’ll do fine. If you can handle their son, you can handle them.”
“Or kill them if they get out of line.” Rex sniffed as he tried not to smirk.
It did make her feel better to know she had that option. Though she supposed Clive would be pretty mad if she staked his parents.
Marriage was already sort of sucking. She frowned as she tried not to gobble down all the dainty sandwiches.
“Can I just ask what the purpose of such tiny sandwiches is?” Rowan popped a cheese and crunchy green thing on brown bread into her face. She’d already demolished the salmon ones. “If you eat five of these, why not just have one full-sized sandwich? Because I’m also going to have five of the ham salad ones too. So now I’m in like three sandwich territory and I’m obviously going to have to eat the lemon curd tart things and the berry deals. I’ve had four entire meals now.” She sighed, exhausted.
They smiled at her as she sank back against the cushions. “I have a townhouse in Belgravia. Townhouse. What a word. It’s a mansion, that’s what it is. Like this place.” Rowan motioned around her. “I have staff. Staff. A butler who keeps everything gleaming and smelling of citrus oil and beeswax and his wife who appears to be a pretty fantastic chef. They both have an array of impressive personal defense skills too.” Rowan said it all in a rush, needing to get the words free before she freaked out.
Rex stood and moved to sit next to her on the couch, pulling her to his side for a brief hug before giving her space once more. “You do, sweetheart. Susan and I are quite pleased by this turn of events.”
“Why?”
Rex held back a smile. “So sullen. As if you cannot possibly imagine why people who love you are happy that you’ve found yourself at such a fine place in life. As to why? You were ready for this. The girl you were when you came to London is long gone. You’re a woman who has reached a time and place in her life where she’s got room to be in love. In the midst of all this violence and uncertainty, it’s good to have a mate to ground you. And one like your Scion will be a match for you in many ways.”
“This is going to be a hot mess of politics, gossip and power. It was bad enough when we were just seeing each other. Now? We haven’t announced it yet because it needs to be presented first to his family and then mine. Then The First does some official thing.” Just thinking about it made her want to stab something.
Rex said, “People want to know about you. You’re mysterious and the man you’re connected to is equally so.”
“I know it’s bound to irritate you, Rowan. But it’ll happen in either case so you may as well focus on thinking up ways to make it entertaining for yourself,” Susan added.
Rowan thought on that a moment. “Oh. I could start the most amazing rumors and see what they sound like a few months later.” She nodded, pleased with all the possibilities. “You’re a wise one.”
“It comes in handy from time to time. Do you need to borrow a car or a quiet place to hide until you’re ready? Eventually you’ll be seen at your townhouse.” Susan’s shrug didn’t say how she felt about that one way or the other.
Rowan waved a hand. “They’re lazy and weak.” She wanted them to notice her. Eventually.
Sometimes being underestimated was a good thing. It allowed her to get close enough to strike. It wasn’t Hunter Corp. that was the threat just then anyway. Not the biggest one.
Rowan continued, “You know Roth’s a puppet. We just need to see whose hand is up his arse. This is far bigger than some disgruntled Hunters.”
“I’d like for us to speak about your attitude toward Hunter Corp.” Susan appeared to brace herself, but Rowan shook her head.
“I will when I’m ready. But I’m not ready right now.”
“You sounded as if you were considering leaving when we spoke last,” Susan said, not at all letting it go.
“When I was in Venice dealing with multiple death threats and ambushes because Hunter Corp. did absolutely nothing, or worse, cockblocked me directly? That conversation?”
“I’m quite sure you didn’t mean to take that tone with me,” Susan warned.
“I did, actually. Field Hunters depend on the support of the Motherhouse. Not only was I given faulty intelligence, not only was I actively thwarted in the performance of my job, I was exposed by my position and someone—no, more than just one—used their ability to track my movements to give that information to those who aimed to murder me and my valet. My tone is mild compared to my feelings. I have very little reason to stay. Even less to not rip Hunter Corp. apart for what it did to me and mine. To all of us in the field who deserve protection, not treachery. Now, I said I didn’t want to talk about it right now and this is why.”
Susan’s look was slightly more restrained than murderous. Row
an knew that look, had managed a fairly good imitation of it herself.
“There’s no reason to throw the baby out with the bath water.”
“Who even thinks this shit up? Who doesn’t take the kid out before you toss the water? What kid is small enough to go down a drain? Why not just caution for some logical thinking? So dumb.” Rowan held a finger up. “Anyway. Totally done with this conversation. And I haven’t slept much so I should get moving.”
Susan huffed, but left it alone.
“You will keep us apprised.” Rex rose and they walked back out. “They’re watching the front of the house, but they never bother to sweep the alleys.”
“I suppose we know they’re not anyone either of you trained.” Susan would have kicked anyone’s ass who got that lazy.
“I said the same thing to Rex. If those were my people they’d be bleeding and weeping all alone in their toilet right now.” Susan pressed a bag into Rowan’s hands. “Fruit. Eat it.”
It was so ridiculous and yet sweet Rowan burst into laughter. “Thank you.” She accepted hugs and snuck out once more, promising to keep everyone in the loop.
She didn’t head straight back home though. There was something about rambling that freed her mind enough to work through things in the background. She set her problem on simmer and let herself come back to London.
Roth was guilty, no doubt. Whether or not Hunter Corp. wanted to deal with it was something else. But at this point in Rowan’s life, she didn’t care what anyone else thought on that matter. He was guilty. She would make sure he was punished.
She’d even enjoy it because he was a tool and he deserved it.
So, what HC felt, if it wasn’t in line with what Rowan did, mattered not a whole lot in the big scheme of things when it came to this particular issue.
However, she couldn’t deny that it mattered in other ways. She wanted them to be on her side. At her back. Wanted them to close ranks around the Hunters in the field and reject Roth and Hilary with extreme prejudice.