Free The Coming Storm by Flynn Eire Page A

of Chicago, though yes, being around him would be a wonderful bonus,” he hedged, looking worried he’d hurt my feelings.
    “Dude, just spit it out. I’m sleepy.” I shot him a wink. No hard feelings. I wasn’t going to stay for him either. We had our own lives after tonight.
    “Of course, my apologies.” He dipped his head towards me in acknowledgement before focusing on his boss again. “Once our fun and feasting was over, Eric and Max retired while you had a private moment with Chicago, and I was left to my thoughts. I realized we’ll have the information they learned from the humans but that’s it. Our phones are tapped as they found.
    “Yes, they have a few burner phones they will use and could call us on some of our own but what if those are found out or damaged? Then we are without any line to the situation. Would it not be better to have someone we trust and who will not only advocate for the vampires but keep our coven’s best interest at the forefront of any planning and decisions that might be made? I feel very strongly that this is why you made me a lieutenant recently, Director Fabian.”
    “How so? What does one have to do with the other in your eyes?” The man stared curiously at Aurelo now as I did. I wondered the connection as well.
    “I have a background with the human military and Department of Defense. I know how they think. I can be an asset in this situation and help the brothers get to Parliament. You didn’t pick me for my knowledge of paranormal politics but how to keep us blended among humans and our security. It was as if you knew in your wisdom this day might come.”
    “No, not even close,” Daniel sighed. “I was thinking you would be helpful now coming up with an escape plan. It might be best to flee to another location. They have to know of this one if our phones are tapped. How did they even get them in here?”
    “I don’t know but you don’t need me to relocate, which I agree with. Set up something and start getting supplies there. I would make a deal with some shifter allies to combine resources because we’ll need blood.” He paused as his director debated. “I wouldn’t be gone more than a couple of weeks of course. I would keep you apprised of the situation and still help with most of the planning.”
    “Of that I have no doubt.” The director nodded in agreement and then rotated his tired neck. “I just never thought we’d come to this day and I find myself very tired.”
    “We’ll get through it. You’re old enough to have survived worse, I’m sure,” I said as I leaned up and kissed his cheek. “We need the wisdom of guys like you to help ones who will get trampled all over like me.” I bit my lower lip, not wanting to insult him and he caught me.
    “Speak freely, dear Chicago. I won’t hold it against you. It’s just us.”
    “Will you only help those who give you something in return? Can’t someone just promise to help the coven? I mean, I wouldn’t have had anything to give you for protection if I wasn’t at the core of this. Would you have turned me away?”
    “No, but we would have asked for blood. If we’re providing protection and a place of safety, we need to be fed. Plus, everyone would need to work to see all the jobs were done.”
    “That’s fair. I just didn’t know if they had to have their payment upfront.”
    “No, we are not so cold.” He gave me a sad smile.
    “Never said that. Just curious, so if we come across others who need help, I can tell them I know a wonderful director who will take them into his fold if they promise to work for the common good and help feed his vampires,” I told him firmly. I leaned up and kissed him, not caring that Aurelo was there. “If someone shows up here saying I sent them, would you hate me? Be mad at me?”
    “No, but I might ask you to come explain yourself in person after you’re done with the PP,” he growled playfully, nipping my lower lip. “Naked of course.”
    “Why,