Atlantis Unmasked by Alyssa Day Read Free Book Online Page B

new, all-vampire third house of Congress, the Primus, didn’t exactly get staffed by election. Vampires didn’t vote. The vamp who was old enough, powerful enough, and ruthless enough to take it was the one who won the coveted position of Primator, ruler of the Primus. Right now, that meant Vonos.
    â€œVonos is definitely not on our side, and he’s bad news. Worse than Barrabas, even,” Alexios said. “At least with Barrabas, we could use his hot temper against him. This Vonos is as cold as those ice spears you used, Christophe. Nice job, by the way.”
    Christophe’s grin would have terrified any humans who happened to see it. “Thanks. I’ve been practicing. I would have thought Vonos was too busy with his new job as Primator to be messing with enthralling shifters in Yellowstone.”
    â€œI heard you all had something to do with that. Senator Barnes’s disappearance, I mean,” Lucas said.
    â€œSenator Barnes.” Christophe snorted. “Barrabas, you mean. Damn leech had a lot to answer for.”
    â€œYeah, that was us,” Alexios said. “Long story. Vonos is the new big bad and apparently he’s trying to blaze a name for himself as being even more powerful than Barrabas.”
    â€œWe need to investigate this further,” Brennan said. “I would suggest we return to Atlantis and see if we’ve had news from Tiernan and her fellow journalists. The movement to enthrall the shape-shifters is sweeping the country; not only that, but we have recently had news that the same is occurring in Asia and Europe. Maybe even Africa.”
    Christophe rolled his eyes. “Sure. That ’s the only reason you want to get in touch with Tiernan. It’s not like you went bat-shit crazy and almost dropped her and banged her on the spot when you first met her or anything.”
    â€œChristophe—” Alexios began, but Brennan held up a hand.
    â€œAs you know, I have no memory of this occurrence. In any event, I would suggest we return to Atlantis immediately and refrain from further pointless discussion on this or other issues until we are in possession of more facts.”
    â€œI’ll second that,” Alexios agreed. “Lucas—”
    But Lucas’s gaze was turned inward; he stood straining toward the east, his head lifted into the wind. “It’s time. Honey is ready to go into labor. I have to get back to her. Now.”
    â€œAre you sure? Do you need us? Is there anything we can do?”
    Lucas shook his head and grasped Alexios’s proffered hand. “No, my friend. This is a time for Pack and celebration. We’ll talk again soon. I give you my bond as alpha of the Yellowstone Pack that we will work together on this. The bloodsuckers don’t have a chance against the combined might of Pack and Atlantis.”
    Lucas grinned fiercely, again more wolf than man. He threw back his head and called out a long, undulating howl. “Until then, Alexios. Right now, I’m going to be a father.”
    With that, Lucas took off running in a blur of speed. Before he hit the tree line he was already fully wolf. Alexios watched him for a moment, silently wishing him well, and then turned back to Brennan and Christophe.
    â€œI think it’s time for us to go as well. We can do nothing more here.”
    â€œAnd these?” Brennan said, gesturing toward the fallen shifters, who had returned to their human forms in death.
    â€œLucas will take care of them. For us to do anything with their bodies might violate pack law.”
    â€œLet’s get out of here then,” Christophe said. “It’s still early enough to find a top-notch ale and a woman with a big, round ass who is willing to do very nasty things to me.”
    Alexios shook his head. “Seriously, Christophe, you need help. In the worst way.”
    Christophe laughed. “That’s what I’m talking about. The worst