“I appreciate that, but for now, I’d like to keep the wolves out of this fight for as long as possible. I’ve spoken with the alpha a couple of times in the past month, and he has an understanding of the current state of vampire politics.”
Aiden was being polite. What he really meant was, shit was going to hit the fan very soon, and it was smart if the wolves kept their fucking heads down for as long as possible.
“But the plan isn’t to start a war with hundreds of vampires,” Marcus said. He shifted from one foot to the other, as if anxious to take action rather than simply discussing it. “We can kill Damon, and this will be all over.”
“Cut the head off the snake,” Winter murmured, and Marcus nodded.
“It worked with Minerva and the Black Wolf clan. It worked with Nolan and the MacPherson clan,” Bel listed.
“Maybe,” Aiden softly hedged.
Winter sat up from where he’d been slouched in the chair, eyes narrowing on their father. Aiden had been incredibly tight-lipped when it came to Damon, other than to point out his lack of respect for human life. Any life, really.
“What are you thinking?” Winter inquired.
“Killing Damon would create a power vacuum. The forces are already gathered. I wonder if someone wouldn’t simply step into that opening and pick up where he left off.”
“Like Christopher Heller?” Bel asked.
Winter was already shaking his head. “I’ve watched him. He has no more ambition than Damon lets him have. He can barely manage his own clan. They follow him out of fear of Damon.”
“No, I was thinking Paavo,” Aiden admitted. “I’ve encountered him a few times in my long existence. He’s smart, crafty. I think Damon’s ego makes him miss some critical things when it comes to Paavo. The vampire would happily use the murder of Damon as an excuse to deftly seize power and come after us.” Aiden paused and scratched his jaw. “We need to think on this some more. We can’t do anything rash.” He looked directly at Winter when he delivered that final statement. As if his father knew he’d just decided to pay the vampire’s lair a little visit.
With a smirk, Winter nodded. He would hold his blade for now.
Aiden then turned his gaze over to Rafe. “As much as I hate to suggest this, it would be a good idea to close Blush temporarily.”
“What?” Rafe cried, jumping to his feet. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am. Damon would have no qualms over starting this war in front of the humans. And he would have you at a great disadvantage.”
“The security at Blush is excellent,” Rafe snapped.
“But limited. You and your people wouldn’t hesitate to save the humans that packed the club. Damon’s soldiers would use that. They would happily slaughter countless humans, using them as a distraction to hurt you and any vampire who worked for you.”
The angry energy in Rafe drained away to be replaced with weary resignation. His brother loved his nightclub, and he loved his human customers. They had been a source of endless amusement for him over the years, and he was quite protective of them. Aiden’s words rang with a painful truth. Rafe would do anything to protect the humans, and he would die trying to keep them safe. Winter could easily see the same thing happening to Rafe’s mate, Philippe, and his friend Lola.
“You’re right. Closing Blush would also make it harder for one of Damon’s little bitches to get to a clan member,” Rafe grumbled. He nodded and returned to his seat. “I’ll tell them tonight that the party was a bit of a farewell. I’ll see the staff paid handsomely and the club closed for the foreseeable future.”
“I’m sorry, Rafe,” Bel murmured. He reached around River to place a hand on his twin’s arm.
The vampire smiled as if he didn’t have a care in the world, but there was worry in his deep blue eyes. Winter could see it even from across the room. “No worries, my sweet Bel. This will give me a chance to spend some much-needed quality time with my Philippe.”
Ethan snorted. “Yes, I’m sure he’s been sorely neglected.”
“Bite your tongue, Little Varik. I’d never neglect mon ange. I was just thinking of some more intensive bonding,” Rafe finished with a devilish deepness to his voice.
“Just keep it off Instagram and out of my text messages,” Winter groused.
Aiden cleared his voice as if he were trying to cover up a laugh and pushed on. “Damon’s gathering army is one concern, but it’s not our only one.” He turned his attention to Winter, indicating he should take over.
“I recently spent some time poking around Christopher’s lair. Their security has improved, but they are definitely more disorganized than what I’ve seen from Damon or Paavo.”
Marcus groaned, scrubbing a hand over his eyes. “I don’t want to think about you being anywhere near any of their clans.” He turned and dropped onto the love seat with Ethan. His lover cuddled close, wrapping his arms around his waist as if he could protect Marcus from what was still to come from Winter’s lips.