Evie dropped the shovel and withdrew a pyre-gun, aiming the barrel at the wheezing Arcadian. All right, boys. Playtime is over.
Gorgeous, wily woman. Blue had never been so happy to see her. Whered you get the shovel, boo-boo?
Grinning proudlyand ignoring his choice of nicknames for onceshe said, I have all kinds of fun things in the trunk of each of my cars. Pray you never find out firsthand.
Always prepared. Could she be any sexier?
Blue heaved his prize over his shoulder and stomped over to the SUV. There was no one inside. They closed in on Coopers house and didnt bother ringing the bell, just burst inside.
A startled human sat in a chair in the living room, a bottle of whisky in hand. He was too drunk to care about the invaders.
Stay, Evie told him, marching forward.
He stayed. And waved.
Blue tossed the Arcadian face-first on the dark shag carpet. He slapped a hand over the otherworlders mouth, then ran a blade across the backs of his knees, silencing and hobbling him at the same time.
When the muffled screaming stopped, Blue turned him over and straightened, looking over his opponent. Bright lamplight revealed an otherworlder of average size. Meaning he was bigger than a human but far smaller than Blue. Typical Arcadian white hair and lavender eyes. Skin weathered from the harshness of the earths sun. Extensively armed. Blue removed each of the weapons.
Im going to ask questions, and youre going to answer or youre going to suffer, Blue said, the seriousness of his tone making the guy shudder. First up: Why were you sent to this house to see Mr. Cooper?
Message, the Arcadian moaned.
Good. There would be no messing around. Tell me.
Cant.
Or maybe there would. Blue raised his knife.
I cant tellI have to show you! the guy said in a rush.
Then show me. Just dont make any sudden moves or youll lose an appendage.
Fat tears cascaded down the males cheeks as he slowly dug into his pocket and withdrew a small IDC. An identification card.
Blue took it and pressed the button in the center. Inches above it, the air flickered with tiny blue lights, and the Chinese symbol for revenge formed. The same symbol had been painted on the box holding Johns ribbons, as well as on the house walls of the seventeen people Star was suspected of abducting.
When Blue had first seen the symbol in the crime scene photos, he assumed it was either a mistaketoo many people had gotten inked with symbols for constipation rather than, say, courageor that it was meant to be deliberately misleading. What could Star have against all those people? People he wasnt linked to in any other way.
Why were you supposed to give this to Mr. Cooper? Evie demanded, picking up where Blue had left off.
II dont know, the otherworlder said. I wasnt told.
Have you ever had to deliver this type of message before? Blue asked.
Yes.
To whom?
The male rattled off a list of names, all of the ones on the abduction list and several that were not. Interesting. Blue would have to check into the others and find out if the individuals were missing and just hadnt been reported, or if something else had happened to them . . . or if nothing nefarious had happened at all.
Mr. Cooper, Evie said, her tone gentle now. She crouched in front of the homeowner. Can you tell us whats going on? Why Gregory Star would want revenge against you?
Thats when the human began to sob. Great, heaving sobs, with tears and snot and slobber. He spoke, but his words were incoherent.
Theyd get no answers from him anytime soon.
Evie met Blues gaze. Lets take him to Michael and get you to the stadium for your pregame workout or whatever it is you jocks do. Once Mr. Cooper has sobered up, he can be questioned further.
Blue nodded, then turned his attention to the Arcadian. Does Mr. Star have a Rakan hidden somewhere in his home?
N-no.
Are you lying to me?
No! I havent seen a Rakan, I swear.
Have you heard one?
No!
Okay, then. Blue confiscated Evies pyre-gun and squeezed the trigger. A bright white light lanced to the mans chest, burning through his heart in seconds. He was dead before he had time to panic or scream.
Blue had been IDd as an agent. Maybe Star already knew, and didnt care. Maybe he didnt. No reason to take chances, and every reason not toJohn could be used against him.
You get Mr. Cooper to your father, he said to Evie. Ill take care of the Arcadian.
What about your practice?
Ill be on time, dont worry. Then: You gonna come to the game tomorrow? he asked, unable to help himself.
She closed the distance, took her gun, and peered up at him. You want me to?
He didnt need to think about his answer. Yeah. He liked the thought of her eyes on him while he kicked ass all over the field.
The look in those dark, dark eyes softened. Then Ill be there.
Sixteen
EVIE SAT IN THE owners box at Black Stadium. She had invited Tyson Star, to thank him for renting out the roof of the Star Light Hotel to her the following night, but hed declined. What was it going to take to meet the guy?
Secretive cur!
To place a cherry on top of an E. coliinfested sundae, she hated football. So far, Blue had endured eight major body slams. He had to have a concussion, among ten thousand other injuries. The Strikers were clearly determined to bag and tag him like a mangy animal.
There was one highlight, however. Blue ran the ball in for the first quarters only touchdown. She cheered so loud she nearly shattered the armored window in front of her.
And okay, all right, fine. That wasnt the only highlight. Blue was sexy as hell in his black and gold uniform, and she was beyond turned on.
Like thats anything new.
It was just, shed never met a man like him, and doubted she ever would again. He wasnt just beautiful on the outside, a fallen angel in an otherworlders skin. Or something out of a fairy tale. Like a prince/villain hybrid. He was beautiful on the inside. He treated her with respect, even when she didnt do the same to him. He protected. He amused.
She wanted him. Naked. In her bed. Not just for hand play, or oral, but straight-up sex. Hard. Fast. Rough. And then, when the first frantic wave of need was finally sated, she wanted him slow and soft.
Why wouldnt he give it to her?
And why did she want it from him and him alone? Why couldnt she just let him go and pick someone else? Tomorrow he might have to do things with Tiffany, in public . . . and in private.
No. No. Not this time. He hated that part of his job. Hated taking things so far.
That kind of crap stopped now.
She wanted him, and he wanted her. Therefore, she would have himnot Tiffany. He could get answers from the girl another way.
Evie would talk to him. He would either agree, or not. One way or another, she would have a solid answer, and she could decide her next move.
A one-time seduction . . . or more.
Because, at the end of the day, she trusted him. And, wow, what a difference a few weeks had made. Theyd gone from hate and disgust to . . . whatever this was.
I know! a female voice proclaimed.
Just isnt right, another said.
The voices snagged her attention. Behind her, a gaggle of the players spouses and girlfriends talked and ran the gamut of emotion. Each female was tall, thin, and gorgeous, dressed in skimpy clothing meant to lure and tempt men famous for their feminine conquests. Somehow all of the girls were the bestest friends ever.
Oi. Because Evie graduated so early, the only female friends shed ever had were Claire and Eden, and as family theyd had to like her. Shed never made a friend on her own. Besides Blue. But he didnt have boobs so he didnt count. The mechanics of female bonding utterly baffled her.
At least she had the best seat in the box, the only one directly in front of the window. The rest of the women were squeezed behind her in rows of six.
The entire situation is just so uncool. But I talked to Pagan last night and she told me theyre just taking a break, one of the girls said in a stage whisper.
Well, she lied. Her neighbor was interviewed this morning, another replied, using the same loud-hush tone, and the guy told reporters he heard Blue tell Pagan they were finished forever.
So brutal!
Evie remembered how terrible Blue felt when it was over. No way hed been brutal.
Good riddance, I say. I never liked her.
Me neither. Talk about sleazy. That girl would do anything with a penis. Supposedly, the day after Blue dumped her, she was seen making out with three different guys at Club Joy Ride.
I can believe it. I caught her eye-stripping my man once. As if he would ever be desperate enough for the likes of her.
There was no response, and every moment of silence caused the air to thicken with tension.
Uh-oh. Bet her man had done Miss Cary at some point.
What? the girl demanded.
Uh, nothing. Nothing at all.
Well, I think Pagan had every right to seek comfort from other men so quickly. How many times did Blue cheat on her? Countless.
Evies hackles rose. These women . . . they didnt know Blue. They didnt know his thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams. They didnt know the situation or what happened behind the scenes. And yet they acted as judge and jury, as if theyd never made a mistake.
Once, I was just as guilty. But no more.
Besides, lovers went to Blue with their eyes wide open. They knew what they were getting. He told them. Just like hell tell me.
The conversation tapered into another subject, saving her from having to throw a pimp hand around. After a while, even the newest topic lagged into silence. The girls turned their attention to the game. Unfortunately, the reprieve didnt last long.
So, Evangeline. Its nice to see you here.
She turned to meet the gaze of the only redhead, and offered a tight smile. Though the girls tone was friendly, there was a speculative gleam in her brown eyes. This was a gossip hunt, no question.
Thanks. What was Reds name? The girlfriends came and went so frequently, Evie never bothered to learn.
The speculative gleam deepened. I feel so bad that so many of the players want out of their contracts now that Michael is gone. Im sure it has nothing to do with you personally, though. I wouldnt worry.
What a sweet little backhanded compliment. Passive-aggressive behavior at its finest. Better to combat this head-on. Anyone wanting out of his contract has only to ask. Hell be cut and replaced within a single day. And, actually, thats why Im here. Now that Ive taken over Black Industries, I want to give the boys a look-see. Then, just to be contrary, she added, Might be fun to restructure and use new starters, dont you know.
Red flushed and said nothing else.
Break time. Now, if youll excuse me . . . Evie stood and walked through the spacious room, past the long L-shaped bar surrounded by multiple padded stools. In the far corner, hidden in the dark wood-paneled walls, was the entrance to a private bathroom. She stepped inside, locked the door, andeven though she told herself not to do itcranked the volume on the concealed mics in the box, multiple conversations filtering inside as she washed her face. She concentrated on one.
should take bets on Blues next conquest, Red was saying.
A catty laugh sounded. Whoever she is, shell be blond and stacked.
Great. Like Evie really needed the reminder about Blues preferenceeverything she wasnt!
So, what do you think of Evangeline? Ive never been a fan. Shes such a bit
Okay. Enough of that. She cut the feed.
Bracing her hands against the sink, she leaned her forehead against the mirror. Im in way over my head, arent I?
Blue could be on the Bedroom Olympic Team.
Evie had experience. A lot of experience. More than she liked to admit. So much she was ashamed, often trying to hide behind a mask of propriety. I can be honest with everyone but myself. But all of that experience had come before the age of eighteen, when shed desperately craved male attention. Whatever attention she could get. Shed learned from boys, not men. How was she supposed to seduce someone like Blue?
Uh, you havent had trouble so far.
True. Three encounters with him, three earth-shattering orgasms. But what was it going to take to get Blue to go all the way with her?
Sighing, she left the confines of the bathroom and settled back in her seat. None of the women spoke to her. Wise.
Both teams rushed onto the field for the next play. Every member of the Invaders and every member of the Strikers was an otherworlder of some sort. From white-haired Arcadians like Blue, to big and meaty Ell Rollies, to thin and colorful Mecs, to catlike Terrans and Bree Lians, to Viking-like Targons.
Each race came with different abilities, which made the game a thousand times more dangerous . . . and exciting. There was only one rule. No using super-speed. Otherwise, spectators and refs wouldnt be able to track what was going on.
Evie watched the players explode into action, the ball whizzing through the air, some men diving for it, some throwing others halfway across the field. After a particularly nasty tackle, the Arcadian known as the Mack shoved Blue, his hands exploding with a ball of light. Blue went soaring backward. A giant Ell Rollie pounded through the men forming a circle of protection around Blue, tackling him. Once again Blue soared backward . . . and yet still he managed to maintain a solid grip on the ball.
He rolled to his feet and launched into motion, slamming into the Ell Rollie and nearly splitting the man in two.
The crowd went wild, loving his use of brute force.
As the male writhed in pain, Blue grinned a cocky grin while lifting the ball and ending the play.
The third quarter concluded with no touchdowns.
In the middle of the fourth quarter, the other team finally managed to score, and she could tell Blue was ticked off royally. Then the . . . whatever his title was threw the ball to Blue and Blue threw the ball to . . . no, Blue faked a pass and now ran . . . and ran . . . and ran . . . until the Mack caught up with him. Rather than dodge, Blue grabbed him by the neck, twisted, and flung the limp body to the side. The Mack wasnt dead, but hed be in pain for days to come.
Half of the stadium jumped to their feet and clapped as he sprinted . . . across . . . yes! Hed just crossed the finish line.
The Invaders scored their second touchdown!
Blues teammates dog piled on him. Behind Evie, the women whooped and danced.
The game continued with two more plays, but the opposing team couldnt break through the Invaders defensive line. When the final buzzer rang out, the Invaders were still ahead.
Victory belonged to Blue.
Utter chaos reigned on the field. As the other team jogged away to sulk, the Invaders, their coaches, and the fans closest to the action hurried together, cheering and hugging.
Blue stood in the middle of the storm, somehow set apart from it. He combed a hand through the pale hair plastered to his scalp. The black streaks painted under his eyes were smeared. Blood streaked his chin.
White-hot awareness held her in a tight clasp. Hed never looked more rugged.
Hes mine.
For right now, at least.
He glanced up at the window where she waited and grinned slowly.
At her?
Heart thumping, Evie walked out of the box. She joined a group of reporters already congregating outside the locker room, and leaned against the wall to wait. A few eager beavers asked her what she thought of the game, but her answers must have bored them, because she was soon forgotten. An hour passed before Blue finally emerged, showered and clean, wearing a black tee and jeans.
She straightened as recorders were shoved in his face and questions were hurled at him. He ignored everyone, his gaze scanning the crowd. When he found her, a megawatt smile broke out on his face. Her heart skipped a beat and her blood heated.
He marched forward, and anyone stupid enough to stay in his path got mowed down. Then he was standing in front of her, thrums of his power stroking over her, making her tremble.
As the new owner of the Invaders, whatd you think? he asked.
She gave him a more colorful response. A little tame, yeah. I expected rivers of blood stopped up by the occasional organ.
He barked out a laugh.
Ill see you tomorrow night at Star Light, Mr. Blue. She left as reporters snapped pictures and threw more questions at him, but waited for him in the private parking garage the players and their significant others used.
He arrived a short while later. None of the others had made it yet, which led her to believe her man had rushed to get to her.
The thought warmed her.
As they walked side by side, he bumped her with his shoulder. Whatd you really think?
You should have broken every bone in the Macks body, not just his scrawny neck.
His lopsided grin was too adorable for words.
A blond woman with tear tracks on her cheeks stepped from behind a pillar. Blue stopped abruptly.
Pagan, he said, surprised.
Instant guilt.
If I cant have you, no one can. The girl aimed a .44 and squeezed off two shots before Evie had time to process what was happening.
Blues body jerked once, twice before a crimson flood sprang forth, soaking his shirt. It looked like two valves had burst inside him.
Crimson. Blood.
Not Blue. Anyone but Blue.
Pagan sprinted off. Evie wanted to chase after her, so badly, but she wanted to see to Blue more. Concern coursed through her as she dug through her purse, searching for the first-aid kit shed decided to carry only this morning, thinking Blue might have a few cuts and bruises after the game.
He pressed his fists into the wounds, then lifted his blood-soaked fingers to the light. Fury bathed his expression. Ill be fine. Go get her. Bring her back. Mostly alive.
Blue, youre
Evie.
Fine. She tossed him the kit and launched into motion, following the path the human had taken. As she ran, she palmed her pyre, her gaze constantly scanning . . . there! The blonde shut the drivers-side door to a navy blue BMW. And she had clearly already programmed her escape route into the GPS, because the vehicle darted into motion.
I dont think so.
Evie aimed. Fired.
A stream of golden light arrowed to the back tire, and the vehicle slowed, stopped. That was the problem with preprogrammed systems. One little thing went wrong, and the entire vehicle shut down.
Evie closed the distance and jerked at the door. Locked. She aimed the gun at the window and said, Open it and get out on your own, or Ill open it and drag your bleeding carcass out.
Wide, watery blue eyes stared at her for a long moment. Pagans gun rested on the passenger seat, but she didnt reach for it. Her empty, trembling hands pushed the door out of the way.
Slowly, Evie commanded.
Pagan straightened at a snails pace, gripping the side of the door to remain standing as her knees knocked together.
Evie had once felt bad for this woman. And, okay, a part of her still did. But shooting Blue? Hell, no. That wasnt allowed.
D-dont hurt me, Pagan stuttered. Please. Im . . . pregnant. With Blues baby. Please, just let me go.
Pregnant? Hardly. Blue was smarter than that. Dont be that girl. Now step away from the car, and drop to your knees.
Tears falling in earnest, Pagan obeyed. Evie moved behind her, dug a pair of laser cuffs from her purse, and fastened them around her wrists. When Evie pressed the center, the cuffs lit up, bonding to Pagans skin. If she tried to break free, shed lose her hands.
Evie helped her to her feet. A little push between her shoulders propelled her forward.
Blue hadnt budged. Hed removed his shirt and strapped bandages over the wounds, but the cotton was already soaked in blood. Evies anger revved back up.
Knees, she commanded, forcing Pagan to the ground. Then she placed the barrel of the gun at the back of the girls head. I wouldnt try anything else, yeah. Im already looking for an excuse to end you.
A sob bubbled from the girl. Im sorry. Im so sorry, Blue. I didnt mean to kill you, I just . . . Im so sorry. I wanted you to hurt the way Im hurting.
I know, he said, and his gentle tone surprised Evie. But you could spend the rest of your life in prison for this, Pagan.
Her head bowed. Her body shuddered.
Tell him what you told me, Evie snapped.
Im . . . not, the girl said, her shoulders hunching in. I lied.
About? Blue asked.
Evie met his gaze. Pregnancy.
His lips pressed into a thin, firm line.
Im sorry, Pagan said again.
He sighed. Im going to let you go.
What? the girl gasped.
Yeah, Evie said, baffled. Mercy from a hardened agent? What?
Go home. Get some help. Dont approach me again. Dont approach Evie. You do, and Ill consider you a threat and act accordingly.
Yes, yes. A stream of rapid nods. All right. I promise.
He looked to Evie, his expression granite hard. Release her.
Though she wanted to argue, she removed the bands. Pagan drew her wrists to her chest and rubbed at the sensitized skin. Thank you, Blue. She stood, saying, Im sorry for what I did, I really am.
Go, he said.
She didnt have to be told twice. Off she scampered.
Well, that was stupid, Evie said, disappointed, relieved, and a thousand other conflicting emotions. Shell try again.
No. Its out of her system. And besides that, it was deserved.
Hello self-recrimination. Blue
No, he said. Dont say it.
I will say it. What happened wasnt deserved.
He gave her a small smile. Lets go home and get these damn bullets out of me.
Fine. But this conversation isnt over.
Seventeen
EVIE WASNT SURPRISED THAT Blue remained conscious during the drive. There was no man stronger. But she was concerned by the amount of blood he was losing, and the way he was staring straight ahead, his breathing choppy, his heartbeat too hard and too fast every time she checked.
Distract me, he said.
How?
Talk to me. Tell me about your life.
No way she could refuse. Well . . . I tested out of school, and attended university at the age of thirteen. I majored in chemical engineering, my first love, but Mum made sure I took private classes on weapons technology and security.
He frowned. You were too young.
Yeah. Believe me, I know. Kids never let me forget. No friends, but lots of teasing.
No wonder youre so guarded.
Guarded? Me?
He snorted. You know you are.
Maybe. Okay, definitely. Letting people in was tough. Caring about someone other than yourself made you vulnerable. Left you wide open for all kinds of hurt. And if you lost a loved one? You would never be the same.
No pain no gain, though. Right?
Ugh. Stupid cliché. But, okay, she got the gist. Letting people in also came with great rewards. Youd have someone to rely on. Someone to protect your back. Someone to pick you up when you were down.
How did you become a doctor? he asked.
Medicine was already in my wheelhouse. When I worked with people in drug trials, I realized I enjoyed the fruits of one-on-one contact, making individuals better. I switched my focus, and pharmacology became a hobby. The NOWNew World Orderallowed students to dive into their chosen field without retaking subjects theyd mastered in high school. However, I opted not to take a residency and instead came to the New States to be with Michael. He trained me for two years before sending me on that first fateful mission.
I knew you were young when you started working with him, but wow. Only twenty.
How old were you on your first mission?
Mission, twelve. Kill, fourteen.
Blimey! Now thats bloody young.
Yeah, but I trained with Michael since the age of five. Hed found me on the streets and placed me with my human family. He paired me with John and Solo. He gave me a purpose.
No wonder Blue loved her father so much.
No wonder her father loved him. Theyd been together a long time. Relied on each other a long time. I was jealous of you, you know. During our first meeting.
He shook his head, as if hed misheard. Jealous of me? Why?
For the entire two years I spent with Michael, he talked about you and your magnificence. Blues so good at this. Blues so good at that. What a privilege it was to work with you, blah, blah, blah. It was quite disgusting. Id waited my whole life to be with him, only to see his devotion directed at someone else.
He gave her a small, sad smile. That explains a lot.
Yeah. But it wasnt your fault, and Im sorry for the way I treated you.
You keep saying that.
Because its true. I am.
If I can get past it, you can, too. Stop apologizing.
Are you, though? she continued softly. Are you past it?
He reached over to smooth a lock of hair behind her ear, grimaced at the smear of blood he left behind, and dropped his arm. I really think I am.
Think was far better than no.
But even if I wasnt, he added, you wouldnt need to apologize again. You said it, you meant it with all your heart. If thats not good enough for me, the problem is with me and youd be better off dumping my ass.
I
Dont dump my ass, he rushed out, and she smiled. The only thing Ill ever make you beg for is pleasure.
They reached the house before she could question him further. Her beautiful redbrick home had three sets of windows on both stories, everything lit up by strategically placed night-lights. At the side of the house, she went down, down, down the ramp into the basement garage.
She parked and rushed to Blues side to offer her body as a crutch. He refused, linking their fingers and leading her inside. He-man, she thought with a shiver. Such strength.
He took her straight to the top floor, to the suite of rooms shed turned into a womans paradise. There were plush couches and chairs made of real leather and drapes of velvet, plus gilded mirrors, and cherrywood furnishings. Her favorite? The huge bed with marble posts, swathed in ice-blue fabrics.
Sit, she commanded. In the bathroom, she grabbed her medical bag from under the sink.
He was in the same place shed left him. Standing.
I told you to sit.
No way. The moment I bleed on your sheets, youll stick me with a bill for a couple thousand dollars.
True. You can afford it.
Not if I continue to hemorrhage cash at Chez Black.
Their arms brushed as she moved past him, and she gasped as bolts of white lightning flashed through her. Flushing, she set the bag on the nightstand and dug through the contents, removing everything she would need. Bullet extractor, hand sanitizer, two syringes of cell regenerator, bandages, and wet wipes. All packaged and sterilized.
Im surprised you didnt have these supplies in your purse, he said. Speaking of, have you added anything new?
Here. She lifted the strap over her head and handed the entire bag to him. Have a peek.