Pulling into Dukes driveway, Nat took a breath. Things were proving to be rather dire and the year had barely started.
Thankfully for the dhamphir teen, her parents never discovered the massive party she had thrown, nor had they learned about the Normal hit squad that attacked. Although she felt guilty about keeping this secret, she rationalized it was for the best. Especially considering what Duke had asked her to do.
Theire were problems in the vampire realm. A civil war had removed Wyatt from the throne and left him a refugee along with the Five. While this wasn't a concern for Nat, it did need her attention considering Wyatts wife and children were now hostages to the supposed Mad Queen. Knocking on Dukes door, Nat waited patiently wondering what exactly she was about to get herself into. As Duke opened the door, he smiled, inviting in the girl he viewed as a kid sister. "Good to see you again," he smiled. "How has everything been?"
"Okay I suppose," Nat shrugged. "Aside from a bunch of thugs trying to shoot up my house its been an okay year so far." Duke sighed, apologizing for not being there himself. It always made her smile, knowing Duke cared about her well being. Since their introduction a couple years ago, the dhamphir heir of Dracula had made it a point to check up on her. For Nat, who had always been an only child, the attention was appreciated. For her Duke was a surrogate big brother, a trusted confidant she could turn to instead of her parents or friends in times of need. That proved to be needed when she told Duke all about Diana and Trisha and how they rescued the gurl from being brainwashed. "So how bad is it," she asked.
"Bad," Duke replied closing the door. "Over the weekend my brother and I attempted a meeting with a supposed informant. Turned out to be a trap to capture Wyatt." Nat paled slightly, she hadn't heard about this yet. "Is everyone okay? Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine," Duke smirked. "Sashas car on the other hand is going to need some work. Honestly I'd rather face a thousand angry Normal soldiers than listen to her scream about the car again." Nat stifled a laugh, appreciating Dukes joke at his own expense. "I'm just glad you're okay," she smiled. "So, what's going on now?"
Nat now listened intently as Duke explained the situation. Whether they liked it or not, they were going to help Wyatt. Already S.P.E.A.R had sent agents to scope out the area and gather Intel. Their mission was to be covert. Enter the castle if possible and rescue the hostages, still Duke worried if the mission would be a success. "Do you really think it could go that badly?"
Duke nodded, taking a breath as he gazed out his picture window. "A little bit yes," he replied. "If the agents are discovered then alot of people could get hurt. That's why I need your help."
"So you want me to go with you into the vampire realm?"
"No I need you to lead a team into the vampire realm."
Nat gaped, stunned by what Duke proposed. Entering thr vampire realm was extremely dangerous. Duke feared that sending any humans would be suicide. This meant only a few individuals could enter the realm safely, Nat being one of them. "So why aren't you going?"
"Wyatt, Sasha, and I are investigating a lead," he said. "This Mad Queen gave Dracula himself a run for his money. If she's anything like my father, we're going to need to know about any weaknesses." Nat simply nodded as her stomach began to churn. The idea of entering the vampire realm was stressful enough, let alone the idea of actually leading people. "Do I even want to know who's going with me?
Duke rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish look spreading across his face. "I called in a favor with Caleb and Spark," he said. "He was able to convince Aloe'la to help. She's the spy master for the fae and a cunning warrior." Nat nodded, remembering her brief introduction with the fairy after Stephanie's grandparents obtained magic. "Is that it?" Duke shook his head no, knowing Nat would certainly not like the other member of the team. "Ezekiel Kane will be going as well."
"WHAT!"
"I know," Duke groaned. "But he maybe the best option you have. Remember he was a demon hunter before he was turned. You're going to need his kind of help if you're going to make it through this." Nat raised an eyebrow, giving Duke a critical look. "You do realize he almost killed me and my friends last year right?" Duke sighed, nodding and conceding Nats point. "I know but I want you to have the best chance of getting through this," he said softly. "I know this is asking alot but I believe in you Nat. If you want, there's room for one maybe two more for the trip. You could ask Akira or Miranda, they're both pretty adept at dealing with the undead. Regardless I know there's no one else that can pull this off."
Nat nodded, appreciating the confidence Duke had in her. Sneaking into the vampire realm would be hard enough but leading a team consisting of Ezekiel Kane would be almost impossible. Regardless, she needed to think of who to add to this motley crew.