Chapter 3 (Revised Version)
Encrypted Message...
Sent: Sunday, August 25 at 9:24am EST (Eastern Standard Time)
Received: Sunday, August 25 at 3:24pm EET (Eastern European Time)
Subject: Report #4,126 - Major Raid in Manhattan
As you've probably already heard on the news, we hit a major nest last night: 25 vamps and 42 slaves. I managed to corner the leader of the nest and question her for several minutes before being forced to stake her to maintain my cover, but she only confirmed what we've suspected for some time now. His Highness is attempting to amass a private army unknown to the other Upper Orders. The vamp was unaware of other nests like hers, so it's possible our strike on the nest did long-term damage to His Highness's plans. Hopefully, others can confirm this.
I should also report the Hunter of Hunters coordinated this raid. She led multiple teams throughout the night and always took point. Without her, I believe at least several hunters would have died. As it was, only minor injuries were sustained. There was also a minor altercation between the Hunter and a subordinate, due to the Hunter's interrogation technique of a slave, but I obtained copies of all filed reports and the witnesses are firmly on the Hunter's side. I've put the cadet on a one-week suspension and I doubt there will be any follow-up.
I would like to repeat my continued recommendation. The Hunter should be invited to join us. I believe she would bring honor to us all.
Your Faithful Servant
...End Message
Khiara closed the e-mail, and since there were no others, turned to her wife, who was sitting with her own laptop, having already read the message.
"You know, I do believe that boy is infatuated with the Hunter," Khiara said.
Shani shook her head and smiled.
"No, he just recognizes talent. Not to mention the strategic significance of having the greatest vampire hunter of all time on our side."
"Please. What strategic significance? The slowest of our warriors could run circles around her."
"Not if she became one of us."
Khiara paused for a moment, studying her wife. Her eyes widened.
"You're serious."
"I bet it would piss off the First Born, too," Shani muttered, a devilish smirk curving her lips.
"Shani..."
"You know, for a while there I thought she was going to take her, but then she seemed to lose interest. I still don't know what that was all about. It's the only time I've ever seen her show that kind of interest in a human without killing them."
"You're not going to start up with that again. And we're not going to extend an invitation to the Hunter out of spite. It's meant to be an honor, not part of some... vendetta."
"It's not a vendetta. And pissing off the Great Goose would only be a bonus, not the point."
"And the point would be?"
"That it's been a long time since our clan recruited fresh blood and I bet the Hunter would make one hell of an interesting addition."
Khiara shook her head.
"She wouldn't join us any faster than she would the vamps. In fact, if she ever found out about us, she'd probably start hunting us as well just on principle."
"Oh, I think she could be persuaded."
Khiara narrowed her eyes.
"Shani... You know our laws. We can't force anyone to join us, not by blackmail or any other means. She must join us willingly."
Shani rolled her eyes.
"You always think the worst. That wasn't exactly what I had in mind."
Shani set her laptop aside and stood up and stretched. The silk of her sheer gown clung to her figure, causing her wife's eyes to turn decidedly yellow. Shani grinned, baring even white teeth with just the tips of her fangs showing. She heard a low growl and felt a shiver cause goose bumps to chase each other up and down her spine. She turned and headed for their bedroom.
"There are many different lures, wouldn't you say?" she tossed over her shoulder, and then took off running, her wife in hot pursuit.
