Chapter 319 - Declaration of War (2/2)

”Hey, you're more than welcome to give me a hand if you think you can do better!” He furrowed his brows as he stared down at the gas stove. He scratched his head. ”I've just never cooked on one of these...”

”Move to the side, kid. I'll do it before everyone starves from your attempts.” Ry said stepping into the room.

”Be my guest.” Russ said giving a mocking bow.

”How's the home repairs going?” Jaden asked Jos.

”Arei's out meeting with the insurance adjuster now. Once the Fire Marshall's official report is turned over to them, we should be able to begin repairs.”

”Oh, I'm sorry to hear that... It seemed like such a lovely home.” Jaden said, sadness heavy in her voice.

Russ walked over and rested his chin on Jaden's shoulder. ”You're both welcome to say here as long as you need, though I'm sure Poseidon has already offered as well.”

Ry chuckled from the stove. ”Even with all that's happened, Arei would rather take you up on staying here than he would dad. I don't think they'll ever see eye to eye on anything.”

Russ shrugged. ”That's fine with me. It's not like we don't have the space here.” He said turning his attention to Ry. He arched a brow as Ry strolled over with a plate of perfect pancakes. ”Where's your cat apron?”

Ry was just about to whack Russ upside the head with the spatula when the doors of the kitchen slammed open.

”We're sorry, Sire... but they insisted.” The two guards posted outside the main doors of the kitchen were able to say before they were pushed out of the way by well-armed men. The emblem for the Embassy rested on the thick Kevlar of each man's vest.

”We have reason to believe Joslyn Decker is currently residing here.”

Jos's entire body trembled as she pushed up from the stool. ”I am she...”

The lead man nodded and began moving forward taking cuffs and something else from his belt as he did. ”You are under arrest and are to be detained immediately. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the courts. Any resistance will be met with extreme force.” He was pulling her trembling body toward him and placing the cuffs, when Russ moved to stop the guard, but Ry stopped him.

”On what charges?” Ry demanded, keeping a tight hold on Russ.

The man turned cold eyes down to Jos. ”The mutilated body of Councilmen Marcus Rigoletto was found earlier, not far from your residence. The council has reason to believe it was Miss Decker.”

”On what grounds?!” Ry growled.

The guard sent Ry and irritated glare. ”It is well known that the councilmen and Kraken were not on good terms. The injuries were consistent with the other victims of the Kraken, and the head of the European vampire ȧssociation were able to uncover and hand over undisputable evidence that the councilmen and Miss Decker have been in contact since his escape.”

”Lies!” Ry growled. ”It's obviously a setup, she's not left my brother's sight this entire time!”

The man arched his brow. ”Is that so? Then where is your brother now?” When Ry only glared and bit into his lower lip, the man nodded. ”As I thought.” He turned his focus back to Jos and tugged her toward the door.

”No! Wait, I can't leave like this! At least give me a chance to tell Arei goodby-” Her words were cut off as a syringe was plunged into her arm causing her to go instantly limp. He scooped her into his arms and headed toward the door. He paused just outside the door and turned back. ”Oh, and you should know, your brother was picked up earlier as well on suspect of involvement... or in the very least allowing the crimes to happen. I wouldn't expect to see him leave the Embassy prison with his job still intact, Orion the hunter.” The man bit out before turning leaving, followed by twenty other armed guards.

Russ struggled against Ry's grip. ”Let go! If you're not going to go after them then I will!” His body rumbled with the impending shift of the Alpha form. Everyone else in the room were frozen in place by shock and worry.

Ry gripped Russ tighter. ”No! Let them go. There is nothing you can do against them. Interfering right now would only cause Jos more problems and get you locked up as well.” He nodded to the others in the room. ”There are too many other people relying on you now, kid. Leave the corrupt council to me.” He said as he glared at the armored vans as they pulled away from the driveway. ”Leave it all to me....” The low growl of his voice held a malice that Russ had never heard there before.