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"Nohat?" Viper deic would dee situation more fully It would be beyond foolish to rush into a trap simply because they were i Desmond the opportunity to slip away and cause evenspree to vampires? Styx would have no choice but to call for a clan war

And he would be caught in the rim determination he considered his options Not that there were many

He wasn’t about to walk into the house without knoas within

The only choice was driving Des the trap without getting caught," he at last said

Viper studied his fierce expression "Do you have a plan?"

"Actually I intend to use Darcy’s plan"

"Is that supposed to make sense?"

"She proved the best way to distract a varimaced "A fire will certainly catch their attention, but it’s hardly the best way to win friends and influence va friends" Styx’s tone was downright frigid "I’m here to ensure that my laws are obeyed"

"Spoken like a true Anasso," Viper said, with a faint slance "If you think back, Viper, you will recall that you were the one who forced me into this position"

"Only because I didn’t want to take the chance that I ht be stuck with the job"

"Thanks a lot"

"Anytime" Viper returned his attention to the nearby house, a so on his face "I don’t suppose you happen to have a lighter or a book of matches on you?"

"That won’t be necessary All I need is to find where the electricity coh" Viper didn’t hesitate as he flowed to his feet and angled toward the back of the house "This way"

Styx was close on the vah the cold night air Only fairies and possibly imps could move with such stealth

They didn’t so much as stir a flake of snow as they cover the short distance to the backyard

Luck for once was on Styx’s side, and he easily located the circuit-breaker box that was near the small porch

He didn’t bother to open the box but, instead, put a hand on either side before allowing his power to begin flowing through the metal to the hidden circuit breakers

"Stand back," he warned as he felt the h not to question as he backed away fro box Styx could not actually create fire, but he could heat the wires until they melted

He didn’t want Viper hurt if his power flared out of control

Concentrating on the box beneath his hands, Styx paid little attention to his surroundings At least not until he felt Viper turn sharply

"Styx " he warned in a soft tone

With reluctance Styx dropped his hands and turned to hear the sound of an approaching vehicle Grasping Viper’s ared him behind a nearby bush even as the van pulled into view and over a half dozen va that the clan chief h from the house that they could not be sensed At least not until Styx and Viper had stepped into the trap And it was a trap, he gried There could be no doubt "I will stay and hold theave a low hiss "You can’t hold them off on your own"

"There are toothe clan chief and his two coh they would be surrounded "Our only hope is for you to escape and return with your clan It is not far to your lair"

"Then go and I’ll re his friend would argue until they were both caught and staked, Styx assuive you a request, Viper; I gave you an order"

There was apride "Daave his aret killed I will be seriously pissed"

"So you have said before," Styx said dryly

Waiting until Viper had melted into the shadows, Styx slowly rose to his feet and stepped fro va Viper before he could escape

He needn’t have worried

As he stepped forward the vae form as they lifted their crossbows and pointed them directly at his heart