Dying to Date(66)

“She’s got a point,” Abbey said, running her fingers through Lucian’s hair. “You knew this day would come.”

Lucian grit his teeth. “Loving your child isn’t a switch you can turn off.”

“But respecting her choices is a reality you can adapt to,” Melissa replied. “I will go with Tarian and buy you the time you need to hack the electrical systems. Once you shut off the lights, I’ll run for cover. Promise.”

“They’ll be armed,” Lucian said.

“Then so will we,” Melissa replied. “I’ve got some daggers here, and I’m sure you can supply suitable supplements if necessary.”

“I’ll have backup ready. If we can’t kill the lights quickly enough, then we’ll have to resort to the old-fashioned method and try to overwhelm them with numbers.”

“I wouldn’t advise it,” Tarian said.

Lucian pinched the bridge of his nose. “The main goal has to be capturing Dominic. No matter what. I’ll ensure all my guards know the risks.”

“I just foresee one problem,” Abbey said. “Say killing the lights works and you capture the necromancers in the dark. What happens when the lights turn back on?”

They’ll use their powers and force their guards to release them, Melissa thought.

“We have to knock them out,” Tarian said. “And once they’re down for the count, we will need someone other than a death race member to take over their transport.”

“I’ll call the witches,” Lucian said. “If we handle the violence, I’m sure the council will be willing to step in and transport the criminals.”

“Well,” Abbey said. “It sounds like we have a plan.” She stood and grabbed her purse, rummaging through it as she moved toward Tarian. “There’s just one more piece we need to discuss. Ah, here it is.” She withdrew a gold folder and handed it over to Tarian. “I believe you’ll be needing this.”

“Abbey,” Lucian said in warning.

Tarian flipped open the folder and picked up the first pamphlet inside, reading the title aloud. “‘So you’re thinking about becoming an elder.’”

“If this all goes according to plan and the necromancers are welcomed into the supernatural fold, they’ll need a voice on the council,” Abbey said. “I got all the information from Miranda. Apparently the requirements are being at least six hundred years old, though older is preferred, and a leader of the community. That’s usually determined by a vote, but under the circumstances, I think we can bend that rule a bit.”

“You’re championing his cause?” Lucian asked his mate.

She whirled to face him and crossed her arms. “Yes. From a human standpoint, the necromancer’s banishment is ridiculous. Besides, this is an excellent idea and you know it.”

“I could argue.”

“You could,” she agreed. “You could also spend the next two weeks sleeping on the couch.”

“What do you think?” Melissa said, sliding up to her lover’s side.

“Dos and don’ts of the council,” Tarian read. “Do represent your race and support the unification of the supernatural community. Don’t plot for world domination or commit crimes that can be easily traced back to you.”

“Seems simple enough.”

He closed the folder with a shake of his head. “This isn’t a job for me.”

“You are the only one fighting for your people,” she replied with an arched brow. “Well, at least in a positive sort of way.”

“I’m not a leader.”

She snorted. “I beg to differ. And look at it this way. Half the council meetings are just people arguing with Lucian, and you’re already really good at that.”

A small smile touched his lips. “How about I promise to think about it?”

“Fine,” Lucian cut in. “Because if I don’t get Dominic, you don’t get the council.”

“We’ll get him. How long will it take you to organize your team?”

Lucian glanced at his watch. “We’ve got enough time before dawn. Give me twenty minutes then make the call.”

“Tonight?” Melissa said. “We’re not going to take a day to plan this out?”

Tarian shook his head. “I agree with Lucian. Dominic will be expecting me to act quickly, given Eilin is in his grasp. Prolonging the inevitable may raise his suspicions.”

Abbey exhaled, puffing out her bangs. “Gotta say, this night definitely took a turn. I had dreams of getting to bed early and forcing Lucian to watch something dreadful on the reality TV network.”