Trayis was the one to speak. “What’s wrong?”

“I’ve told you about Michael.”

“The master of L.A.?”

Velder nodded at Trayis. “Yes. He’s got one of the largest nests in the United States. The reason for it is that he takes in strays.”

That confused Lavos. “Strays?”

Velder shrugged. “From what Bat and Kraven have said, he actually has a heart and morals. They like him a lot. You know how humans go to L.A. to become movie stars? Well, it seems Vamps go there seeking sanctuary from harsh, abusive masters. Michael accepts Vamps with his same beliefs.”

“Which are?” Lavos asked.

“He likes to keep the peace between races, values human life, and even allows Lycan packs to exist in his territory. Most masters use their nests as slaves. Not Michael. They’re allowed to work and have somewhat normal lives for Vamps. He doesn’t take their money or force them to sleep in only one place. From what I’ve gathered, he only demands they have to follow his rules to stay in his territory.”

“What are his rules?” Crocker looked interested.

“Don’t kill humans. Don’t use them like cattle. Don’t cause a war. No selling or distributing drugs to make money or to control humans. No blood stealing or turning a human into a Vamp without permission. Shit like that,” Velder answered. “I did my own checking on him since I knew Bat and Kraven were fond of him. I only heard good things.”

“Rare for a master,” Crocker muttered.

Velder nodded. “That’s why Kraven likes him. Michael kept his humanity. Bat told Michael about the Vampires that attacked Lorn’s clan and gave him all the details. He sent out a mass email to his nest, asking for information on a master who called himself a king to see if anyone knew Charles Borrow. As I said, Michael takes in strays. A female Vamp responded. She used to be part of Borrow’s nest before she fled to Los Angeles.”

“Borrow is dead,” Lavos pointed out.

Velder held his gaze and smiled. It was cold. “Michael called the female, and learned that Charles Borrow always kept three Vamps very close to him. He referred to them as his court. They were his most trusted. He never traveled without them by his side. I remembered the details of the attack on that nest. Vlad played the part of assistant and caretaker to Borrow. Veso killed this Vlad during his initial escape from that mine with his mate. Denny sounded like the one that was found hiding under the pile of bodies. It was his job to play jailer to their human victims and make certain the master always had live food. That’s the one you killed, Lavos.”

The implications sank in, and Lavos understood. “We can only account for three full Vampires dying—including Charles. There should have been four. One did get away.”

“What about the four that died the night they kidnapped Veso and attacked Kira? Maybe one of them was the last of Borrow’s supposed court.” Lorn glanced at his brother.

Velder caught Lavos’s gaze. “No. Listen to what else I have to say. The Vampire Council probably sent a few of their own with Charles Borrow. The missing one is named Horton. It was his job to bring in new Vamps to the nest when they wanted to increase their numbers and defend it. The Vamp woman who spoke to Michael said Horton made soldiers sometimes to terrorize anyone in the nest who pissed off him or Borrow. He’s supposed to be a real sick bastard, and she believes he’ll do anything to seek vengeance for the loss of his master. He worshipped Borrow to an almost godlike degree.” He paused. “He also fits the description given by that soldier who made others.”

“Goddamn,” Lorn growled. “This Horton made Mitch.”

Velder gave a sharp nod. “Michael did more than get us that information. He called other masters he’s made secret alliances with. Not every nest is comfortable with the power the Vampire Council wields. The good news is, he got a lead on Horton’s location. It’s not exact, but there were enough rumors to pinpoint a city neighborhood. Horton destroyed the nest he came from. Word was, they were too happy to see Borrow gone and liked the taste of freedom. They wouldn’t bow down to Horton and follow him.”

“Less assholes in the world,” Lavos said. “They had to be nuts to have a master like Borrow.”

“It’s not all good news though.” Velder hesitated. “Horton slaughtered them and has hooked up with rogues. They’ve been spotted in Washington State. Vampires and Lycans are taking orders from him. He’s reached out to some nests and packs, spreading lies about us.”

“What kind?” Crocker’s eyes darkened, going black. He was obviously angry.

Velder took his time to answer, glancing at different faces in the room, finally staring at Lorn. “Michael used his contacts to reach out to those same packs and nests. Horton told them that a team of VampLycans attacked his nest, took Borrow and his court captive, and brought them here to torture and gain information.”

“That’s bullshit,” Lorn snarled, rising to his feet.

Lavos put his hand on his brother’s shoulder, instantly on alert. He glanced around, worried that the other clans might attack. “That’s something Decker might have done, but not us. It’s a lie,” he growled. “They attacked us, invaded our territory, and kidnapped Veso.”

“They turned my Kira into a Vampire,” Lorn yelled. “She almost died!”

“Easy,” Velder soothed. “I said Horton was telling lies. I don’t believe them.”

“I don’t either.” Trayis actually smiled. “Sit down, Lorn. You’re amongst friends. We all know Decker sent those bastards here to kidnap one of your clan. Borrow wanted a VampLycan to breed with his human relative, and Decker sure as hell wouldn’t give up one of his enforcers right now. They’re all he has to keep his ass alive. None of us would have attended the dinner today if we didn’t have total faith that you’re honorable.”

Lorn sat. Lavos released his shoulder and breathed easier.

“What kind of shit is Decker trying to start now?” Crocker’s eyes were still near black and hair had grown along his face, his Lycan side showing through. One glance at his hands revealed that his claws had come out.

“Easy, my friend.” Velder reached over and placed his hand on his arm. “We all hate Decker and knew he wouldn’t go quietly. He’s been a pain in our asses since the beginning, but I don’t think he’s responsible for what Horton is doing right now.”