"Why the fuck do you guys own a minivan? This is so: modern family, and not at all: teen wolf," Rebekah cried from the back seat. "Seriously, does it even have air conditioning? Something stinks back here too!"

"Hush, Vamp," Thyra grumbled. "We haven't had to use this in years. Besides a few casual hookups."

Eve's flushed cheeks had everyone recoiling from their seats.

"You guys are such horndogs! Now I have to sit in your c-"

"That's enough!" Thana yelled over the young Vampire while Visena giggled quietly.

Gideon remained quiet at her side but had a firm hand glued to her mid-thigh. Are you okay? She queried through the mind link.

I'm disappointed I couldn't distract you from being the saviour Queen anymore.

What? Visena thought back to their conversations about the Council, and she gasped quietly in realisation. You've been distracting me with the mating ceremony and sex! You're a sneaky one, aren't you? Maybe you're the Faery in the relationship.

Gideon's chuckle and increasing pressure on her thigh had her warming.

"Don't be mind fucking over there," Thyra warned. "The windows don't wind down, and I don't need to smell your horniness for five hours.

Visena groaned before being overcome with fits of giggles.

"Thyra!" Eve said with her flaming face buried in her hands.

"You guys are fucking hilarious. I wish I'd met you when I was human," Rebekah said with a snicker while her companion, Leon, stared out the window awkwardly.

The wolves looked up at the skyscraper in awe and contempt when the car pulled to a stop.

"This is the place that ordered so many packs deaths, killed an entire species and has a chokehold on all the pack funds?" Rebekah commented sceptically, more to herself than her companions.

"Which entrance is for Witches?" Gideon asked quietly.

"I will bring you through the Vampire section. Should help you avoid suspicion," Thana said, pushing the door open with her foot. "You'll need to change too." Her eyes raked down Visena's body. "You should look like a Queen, not a street urchin."

Visena didn't mind the faded jeans and black bomber, but she agreed it wasn't very 'Queenly.'

The small group followed Thana through the Vampire entrance and up a large elevator to her penthouse suite. It appeared much more modern than Mihnea's, Visena recalled, and messier. "Here, put this on."

The item in Thana's outstretched hand looked ridiculous, but Visena tried it on regardless. The bathroom mirror revealed a midnight blue velvet jumpsuit with form-fitted long-sleeves and pants. A faux skirt wrapped around her midsection, giving the suit the appearance of an elegant gown which hid a few nasty surprises. Thana strapped a sharp blade to Visena's left thigh and a subcompact pistol on her right. She had no interest in using either, but even Gideon encouraged her to be armed.

"They're Witches, Visena. They can be unpredictable."

"What can they do against a Faery, a couple of Wolves and Vampires?" Rebekah asked, slurping on a refrigerated bag of O-Negative.

"Don't Jinx us, Rebekah," Thana said, snatching the bag and downing the last few sips. "And don't drink my good blood, you little shit." Her side glance was killer.

The Queen stood in front of a mirror in the lounge, adjusting the kevlar bodice that hugged her breasts up to her chin. She ignored Gideon's lusting emotions dripping down the mind link, pulling the phone from her dress pocket and calling Svend. He answered on the second ring, "Who is this?"

"It's Visena. I need you to get the wolves out of the building and return to your packs. I also need the details of all the bank accounts you use to pay the packs before I leave here."

"But-"

"Svend!" Her Queen's command spilt accidentally, and her companions shrank away. She mouthed an apology to them before walking to the nearest window. The humans beneath were as tiny as cockroaches.

"I'm sorry," Svend whispered. "I will do that, but... I don't have a pack."

What?

The Council leaders are technically a type of rogue. Eve spoke into Visena's mind.

Shit.

One look at her mate, and she made the call. "Go to Invictus. We'll speak soon." Visena hung up before Svend could babble any longer. She didn't have time to answer questions. It's time to face the humans.

*

The halls were empty, and the sky outside darkened. All they could hear was the tapping of their shoes on the linoleum and their shuddering breaths. The closer they drew to the Witch Council, the edgier Visena became. A brick of dread compressed her chest as they passed the central garden space.

A gasp escaped Rebekah's mouth, and the group turned their attention to her. Her eyes stared widely at an approaching figure.

Ambrose.

"Hello again," Visena quipped.

"Child. What are you doing here?"

"Mihnea didn't tell you?"

"I want to hear it for myself."

"I guess we're here to confront the Witch Council." She stared awkwardly at the Witch as she finished her sentence. "We think they hired the hunters to kill the Earth fae. They need to pay for what they've done."

Ambrose's mouth twitched with the ghost of a smile. "You've changed."

"Thank Hina," she responded with her own grin.

His blackened sockets appeared to gaze over the group.

"Nimueh and Cornelius are spineless. They would never lower themselves to mingle with hunters nor help them. They aren't even on the continent at the moment. So I would reason it had to be the Human Council responsible."

"You think Mara and Teiv would order this? They were always nice to me. For humans at least..." Rebekah interrupted, unconvinced.

"There is no other explanation," Ambrose replied, expertly perusing the group. For someone with no eyeballs, he seems to get around pretty easily.

"The humans have feared us all since the Council's founding. We threaten the very structures they put in place to flourish in this world. Thus keeping us under their control would benefit them the greatest.

"In my time, I have watched them kill newborn Vampires for their lack of control, force packs from their indigenous lands for human developments and annihilate Sky Fae to extinction," he spat in disgust. "If anyone were to hire the hunters, it would be them."

The group remained silent as the realisation sunk in deep. Visena was sickened and wished to destroy the Human Council that moment when Thyra spoke up.

"What are we trying to achieve anyway, Visena?"

Good question.

"I guess it's just a conversation right now. I want to figure out if they killed Oren and Elowen and-"

"That won't go down well," Rebekah interrupted. "Mara and Teiv are nice enough, but if you accuse them of murdering the Fae, they will probably go on offence... It's what I would do."

"Why do you think they're nice?" Eve said with a scowl. "Humans are notoriously cruel. They destroy everything good and beautiful in the world. So why would they care about us? They're afraid of us."

Eve's words dimmed the mood another notch for good measure.

"She's right," Gideon said as he claimed his mate's hand in his. "So everyone, stay alert and cautious."

Ambrose turned on them. His hollow gaze stared from one person to the next, scrutinising.

"This won't be enough. I will come with you."

Visena was grateful for his presence, especially after his help escaping the Council hellhole the first time, but his words had her throat constricting. This won't be enough. Gideon's grip on her hand tightened, and he pulled her fingers to his lips. He kissed her knuckles lightly and said, "You can do this. We're all here with you."

The group all muttered their confirmation with varying degrees of enthusiasm.

"Let's go."

Ambrose and Thana led them through the glass doors. The crisp air shot shivers down Visena's spine. The place smelled of disinfectant and alcohol wipes, causing her nose to scrunch.

Humans walked past and offered scrutinising looks, but no one spoke or tried to stop them.

It didn't take long before they reached the familiar imposing doors. Here we go again.

Gideon dropped her hand and placed his on the door handle flicking his green eyes to hers. Don't leave my side. Visena nodded and grabbed the opposite handle, pushing it open with unusual effort.

The pair were greeted by four grinning faces. "Ah, welcome. I've heard a lot about the new 'Wolf Queen.' Vienna, is it?

The Fae cringed internally. "Visena, actually."

The remaining members of the group trailed behind as their Alpha's walked deeper into the room. Eve, Thyra, and Leon cautiously scanned the space while Rebekah smiled slightly and waved. "Hi, Mara. Teiv." She appeared to be taking the 'innocent until proven guilty' approach.

The Human Alderman's reciprocated genuinely. Visena was taken aback by their demeanour and ordinary appearances. Mara had deep brown eyes and matching hair with fair skin, while Teiv had rich olive skin, hazel eyes and a buzzcut. The other two humans appeared to be twins. They shared sandy blonde waves, light blue eyes and a half-smile. They didn't look like evil dictators or mass murderers.

A strange aura swarmed around them though, with an accompanying sensation Visena couldn't quite decipher.

Keep your guard up. Gideon sent across the mind link to the wolves.

"What can we do for you?" Mara asked with a smile. "Ambrose! Long time no see. How's Sybil, Nimueh and Cornelius?"

"We are fine, Mara." His curt response did nothing to dim her smile. In fact, it widened.

"Alderman Thana? I'm surprised to see you fraternising with wolves. Where's Master Rău?"

"Currently indisposed. I am here as an intermediary."

The twins raised their brows, almost comically, as they took in the Vampires words. Thana slinked behind the group and kept her eyes on the open doors.

"So, Viola. How can we help you?" Teiv said while walking to his seat, while the others followed.

The wolves bristled, but the humans looked blissfully ignorant, borderline arrogant.

"It's Visena," she tried again, stalking toward the four humans now seated behind their curved desks. Gideon matched her stride while the others made a half-circle behind them.

"Sorry," Mara said. "It's been a busy few weeks. Visena, Mr Steel and friends, what can we do for you? We have pressing matters to return to, so if you could be quick, that would be great."

Visena's nails dug into her palms. The human's patronising niceties were starting to irritate her. "I witnessed something barbaric this morning, and I would like to know who made the order."

The smiles didn't slip a millimetre. "What order?"

Be careful. The thought came from Gideon as the following words poured past her lips.

"The Earth Fae are all dead."

Visena could almost see him rolling his eyes in her mind.

"I think you're mistaken. I haven't killed anyone. Wouldn't dream of it." Mara gave a subtle look to Teiv.

Wouldn't dream of getting their own hands dirty.

Be quiet, Eve!

Visena swallowed her annoyance and tried again. "Our worlds don't need this Council anymore. The Wolves, Vampires and Fae can govern themselves, and I'll be speaking to the Witches next. So it's time for you to pack up and go home."

Teiv and Mara's peals of laughter had fury rising in Visena's throat.

When Mara finally stopped, she wiped tears from her eyes. "Oh no, that won't be happening. We are the largest group, and I'm certain the witches are more inclined to side with us. Majority rules in this case. Besides, we are very necessary to protect our species."

"By killing the others?" Visena struggled to suppress her fury.

"I think you should take your little posse and leave now," Teiv said, pressing his lips together. His eyes still held the incessant twinkling smile.

The humans stood and peered down at the group from the platform. Their smiles took on a menacing gleam. "We don't take kindly to accusations like this," Mara said. "Go back to your little pack and live out the rest of your lives as animals. We have no issue with you."

"What about the Fae? Did you have an issue with them? Or Zeir. Did you give him the means to kill my people?"

The room buzzed with violent energy. Yet, the humans remained infuriatingly calm as the wolves bunched closer, readying for a fight. Rebekah looked warily between the two groups, realization suddenly dawning.

"Did you make the call?" Rebekah asked quietly. "Did you get them killed?"

Mara's gaze cut to the Vampire, and her smile turned into a sneer. "Oh Rebekah, don't be sentimental. We all do things to protect our kind. You aren't innocent either, I'm sure. How many wolves have you killed?"

Rebekah shrunk back and looked fearfully at the wolves she was currently protecting. "I only did it to protect myself."

"Exactly, and I'm sure they would have no qualms killing you either. You should know better than anyone, Mr Steel. Your poor parents, drained by Vampires. Your species have warred for centuries."

Gideon tensed beside his mate. "Only my pack and the Vampires who escaped me knew how they died."

Rebekah looked horrified, and Visena started putting the pieces together.

"A slip of the tongue. " Teiv smirked.

"You arranged it, didn't you? Set us up to hate one another," Eve ground out.

"Ridiculous accusations. Leave," Mara pulled a weapon out of her waistband and held it at her side. Her companions did the same.

"The only reason we are enemies is because of you!"

"Get out." Mara's voice was deadly. The humans raised their weapons at the group in perfect synchronicity.

Visena turned her palm towards the humans and went to incapacitate them when Mara laughed.

"This room is plated in cold iron. Your magic won't work here. Now get out before I use this." She jerked the gun towards Gideon as he stepped in front of his mate.

Visena gripped his hand and pulled him back as Thyra and Eve shielded their King. Ambrose shook his head sadly and left the room while Teiv's weapon aimed straight at his head. Thana, Rebekah and Leon watched their flank as they backed up to the exit.

The fury in Visena's body quickly turned to fear as the human's weapons cocked, still pointing at her family. Her panic caused her to stumble on her velvet skirt, which tore from her waist, revealing the concealed weapons. Visena went to hide them when one of the twins yelled, "She's going for the gun!"

His arm jerked toward her, and the weapon went off, deafening beast and human alike. They fell back through the door, and Rebekah slammed it shut as the wolves sprawled on the linoleum floors in a growing pool of blood.

~~~

A/N

Oh shit....