Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 145341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 727(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 727(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Andros’ clothes were covered in dirt, blood and rips. It was easy to see he had been in a fight of some kind. He nodded his head. “All help is gratefully accepted, Nikolay. Alyona is my fiancé’s daughter. She’s only three. We must go. There’s a slim chance she’s still alive.”
Vasilisa knew if the child still lived, it was because she was Lycan. That was the “slim chance” Andros was talking about. She knew he was feeling crazy inside. He was broadcasting his distress so loud she was certain the Lycans could feel it the way she did. He didn’t want to be at the inn, he wanted to be at the oil field looking for Alyona. He had to protect the government agents.
Part of the three-pronged attack on the Lycans was to have the government people murdered and Andros and his family implicated so there would be an investigation. Again, Xayvion counted on those he controlled in the Sacred Circle to come forward and tell the investigators Andros had declared himself a king.
They expected an attack on the government agents before the night was over. Andros and Vasilisa were the bodyguards for the four men. They knew Sokolov would want to come with them. He’d been told the oil fields were producing and he would want the chance to be able to inspect the fields without appearing to do so. He would also be in the confines of a vehicle with Andros on the ride to the fields. That meant he could ask questions while trying to appear friendly and casual.
They rushed outside to the waiting vehicle. The engine was still running, and the moment everyone was seated, Andros tapped the driver, the signal to go. The narrow, little used trails were barely open, but that didn’t deter their driver from going at breakneck speed. Around them, other vehicles followed. Most of the Lycans had disappeared into the forest already, shifting to make the run fast. They could cut through the forest and get there much quicker than those in cars.
Nikolay glanced uneasily out the window, although he couldn’t see much. Dark clouds blotted out the moon, and the cold seemed to just get colder. “You’re certain your driver can see to drive at this speed through the trees?”
“Good reflexes,” Andros said. He allowed his gaze to slide over the government agent as if really seeing him for the first time. “You’ve come for a visit at a hell of a time.”
“What’s going on, my friend?”
Vasilisa thought Nikolay looked as friendly as a tiger.
Andros frowned and rubbed his temples. “It’s been a nightmare. There’s a belief system here among some people based on old traditions and very strict codes that date back, it feels like, to the beginning of time. I made an enemy out of them because I testified against the son of one of the members. The man had attacked a woman outside the inn. I wasn’t the only one that heard her scream. Four of us testified against him. That was a good two years ago, maybe longer. I guess they’ve been holding a grudge.”
“Why would they take a child?”
“My fiancé wasn’t married when Alyona was conceived. As I said, this particular sect is very old-fashioned and wanted to punish her. He was Sacred Circle. I am not. They ambushed me when I tried to get to Lada. It’s been hell, Nikolay.” He leaned forward to look to the driver. “Do you need help driving, Klim? I can switch places.”
Vasilisa put a gentle hand on his arm. “He’ll get us there. The search has already started. At least you managed to get a tip that might pay off.” Her voice was soothing.
“I probably should have turned down your offer,” Andros continued. “I believe these people are going to try to kill me again. At least when I was interro—” He broke off and changed his wording. “Speaking with several of those involved in the conspiracy, it seemed as though this sect was very determined to kill me and the other three men who testified against one of their own. They also believe in hanging traitors in trees with hooks in them until they die. Anyone who speaks of their beliefs or talks to outsiders about their plans is considered a traitor.”
“Andros,” Vasilisa spoke softly, one hand going to her throat. “When your friend first introduced himself to me, he mentioned that old rumor, the one about our family being royalty and ruling over people.”
Andros groaned and shook his head. “Nikolay would never fall for that. We still can’t afford to fix that old place up. Half of it is modern, the other half needs to be torn down.” He looked directly at his friend. “What brings you up this way?”
“A letter, Andros, and now I’m very disturbed, as well.” There was speculation in Nikolay’s voice. He slid his hand inside his coat and loosened his gun. “The letter said you called yourself king and people here worshiped you. They said you were drilling for oil and selling it privately. I was sent to investigate.”