Ill have to mark her, Koldo thought. Not just with the essentia, but with ink. He would code her.
The Most High had made a blood-covenant promise to the Sent Ones. In exchange for obeying His laws, they were given protection. Koldo hadnt been kicked from the heavens, therefore the promise still applied to him, and the code was still etched into his heart. And because Nicola was his charge, his responsibility, the promise now extended to her. But he would have to give her an outward sign of it.
He would etch the code into her flesh, and that code would be able to create a barrier between her and any demons that dared approach her. All she would have to do was concentrate on the numbered sequences during an attack. The more she stared at her tattoos, the stronger the power of the code would become, until finally expanding, covering her entire body and shielding her.
But if a demon managed to distract her...
Not going to happen, Koldo assured himself. He would train her for that, too.
So why were the serps after you? Axel asked.
Id like to know the answer to that, as well. Was his father still out there or not?
Koldo hadnt seen Noxs body, had only watched as grenade after grenade soared toward him, the unsuspecting male not knowing to flash away. Thered been multiple booms and an intense wave of heat, flames drenching the ground and bouncing into the sky.
Should have killed him up close and personal. But Koldo had had a choice. Destroy Nox face-to-faceor destroy the man and everything hed worked for in one swoop. Koldo had chosen the latter.
When the fires eventually died, hed dug through the rubble and found too many bones to count.
If Nox had survived, why was he making himself known now? How had he tracked Koldo to Nicolas home?
So, what do you plan to do with the redhead? Axel asked.
Why do you live in a place like this? Koldo retorted. You clearly thrive on what you probably consider adoration from your peers, and yet you seclude yourself.
A pause.
So we agree not to question each other, the warrior finally replied.
We do. They both had their secrets. Koldo finished off the fruit. And now I must go.
Okay, but uh, hey, Axel said, standing. You might want to hunt down your girl and give her a stern talking-to. Normally I wouldnt tattle, even on a human, but if I keep quiet this could really come back to haunt me. Meaning, youll want to punch my pretty face.
Rambling? Now? Just tell me!
Shes planning to go on a date with another guy.
* * *
FUMING, KOLDO FLASHED to Nicolas home. He wasnt sure what hed do when the two of them were face-to-face. He only knew he had to see her. But she wasnt there, and another flash proved she wasnt in her office. Jamila and another girl, the blonde with the mysterious origins, were in her office, and the two were hurtling curses at each otherwhile the girl had a male pinned to Nicolas desk, her fingers curled around his neck, his pants and underwear pooled at his ankles.
Sleeping with every guy here? Jamila spat. Really? Thats your master plan?
Part of it, the blonde smirked. At least her clothing was in place. So why dont you do me a solid and get lost? And next time knock before you enter an office.
Sure, Ill go. By the way, your plan is stupid.
Yeah, well, your hair is stupid.
Females.
Jamila bared her teeth in a scowl. What does this accomplish? she asked, waving a hand in the males direction. I mean, really.
When the girlfriend finds out what hes done, shell be hurt, want to cry.
He doesnt have a girlfriend.
Fine. He has a love interest.
And you want to hurt her, why?
The blonde grinned evilly.
The males cheeks were bright red as he struggled to sit up, but the girl was obviously stronger and managed to hold him down without any effort.
Koldo stepped into the natural world. Wheres Nicola? he demanded.
All three gazes swung to him.
The blonde paused for a moment, momentarily rendered speechless. Then she shook her head, blinked and smiled slowly, wickedly, an invitation and a declaration. Well, hello, handsome. What can I do to help you?
The male increased the fervency of his struggles. He would have spoken, but his tie was stuffed into his mouth.
Jamila scowled at Koldo, as if her predicament was his fault. You! Even though Little Miss Human is your responsibly, Zacharel told me to stay here.
A detail he didnt care about. Ill ask again. Where is she?
Her sister showed up and they went to lunch. They mentioned a park.
Forget about her, the blonde said. Youll be better off with me. Ill take care of you in a way she never will. Just give me a chance.
A park. Very well, he would search every one nearby.
Without a word, he stomped from the office. The human had been too distracted during his arrival to notice his sudden appearance, but he certainly wouldnt miss Koldos departure.
The blonde called out a protest, and she actually sounded angry. Not that he cared about that, either.
Once he cleared the reception area, and knew no prying eyes were locked on him, he flashed to the park closest to the office. Searched. Found no sign of her. Next, he tried the one closest to her house. Searched. And
Spotted her.
Laila was beside her, the two walking along a cobbled path, talking and laughing and eating chocolates. The pair of demons perched on Lailas shoulders spotted him, hopped to the ground and darted away.
Some of the tension faded from Koldos shoulders. This kind of interaction was good for both of the females. They were relaxing, enjoying themselves, purging the poison. He would leave them to it, he decided. Without yelling at Nicola for making a date with another man.
He flashed to her house and began to box up her things. He wanted her installed in one of his homes by the end of the day. There would be no discussion, no debate. And this had nothing to do with her decision to turn to another man for her joy.
Nothing at all.
Nicola would probably cry because of Koldos actions. He would have to calm her down, do something to make her happybut he would also have to harden his heart. The move was for the best. He would be able to protect her better.
But he would have to bring her back for the date, wouldnt he? Because...what if the male did indeed bring her joy? What then? She would need him. He would help her purge even more of the demon toxin.
Flickers of rage danced through Koldo, and he found himself breathing far more heavily, battling the urge to punch the walls.
If he gave in to his temper, Nicolas home would topple.
He was a little rough with the boxes in the back of her closet, the things inside clinking together. He checked to make sure he hadnt broken anything and found a box of photos. The more he flipped through the prints, the more his actions gentled. There were shots of Nicola and her sister, and the two of them with their parents, as well as a redheaded little boy. He looked just like them, had to be a relative, but...who was he? A brother? Nicola had never mentioned him, and he had never come around. In all the information Koldo had uncovered, nothing had been mentioned.
Intrigued, Koldo dug deeper into the box. He found articles about her parents death and learned a drunk driver had slammed into their car, killing the couple as well as their young son, Robby, and that the driver had been released from prison last year.
Nicola had lost more than Koldo had ever realized. She had lost a healthy six-year-old brother with a bright future, a boy who had most likely owned prime real estate in her heart.
She must despise the man who had ruined her life. She had to dream of his painful demise. She had to crave revenge. She just hadnt been well enough and hadnt had the time or resources to do anything about it.
Perhaps Koldo would hurt the male on her behalf. Punishment or not. Perhaps then she would like him more than this other
He shook his head violently, stopping the thought before it could fully form. Koldo wasnt interested in earning anyones affection. Hed tried that before, and hed failed miserably. Hed vowed never to do it again, and it was a vow he would keep. And paying Nicolas bills wasnt an attempt to earn anything, he told himself. He needed Nicola relaxed, that was all.
Finish this.
Yes. He would keep her in...Panamas Chiriqui Province, he decided, and flashed most of her things to one of his more opulent homes. There were lush green mountains in every direction, and a blue sky filled with puffy white clouds. The weather was springlike and constant all year round. The food was fresh, organic and homegrown, and would nourish both Nicola and her sister in the best of ways. They would thrive herewhether they liked it or not.
Unpacking her belongings took very little time. She owned so little. Well, he would buy her and her sister a new wardrobe. And the clothes wouldnt be an attempt to win their affections, either, but a simple gesture of kindness. A welcome-to-your-new-home gift.
But what did he know of human fashion? Nothing.
He knew someone who did, however.
Koldo flashed into the foyer of Zacharels home and called out a greeting. A few seconds later, the mist thinned and Annabelle stepped into view, wearing a T-shirt and jeans. Her blue-black hair was swept into a ponytail, reminding him of Nicola, and her golden-brown eyes gleamed merrily.
She smiled when she spotted him. Hey, Koldo. Zacharels not here.
Im not here to see him.
Her smile fell into a frown of confusion, and she glanced behind her. When she refocused on him, she tapped at her chest. Me, then?
Yes. I need a favor.
A favor?
Would she question everything he said?
But were out of Water, she added.
I know that. I need... Ugh. Was he really going to do this? he wondered, then pictured Nicola in a lacy pink top and a pair of tiny shorts hed once seen a human female wear. A strange burning ran from his nose to navel. Yes, he was really going to do this. I need to take you shopping.
Annabelle rubbed at her ears. Wait. Did you just say mopping? Is your home dirty and you want a maid? Because I know a warrior like you would never say my favorite S word.
Did someone say the S word? a female called out. Because I couldnt help but overhear your conversation as I was eavesdropping.
Excited twittering echoed. Footsteps followed. Then four of the women in Zacharels army stepped through the mist. Charlotte, Elandra, Malak and Ronen.
He would rather have battled a horde of demons than face these women. They were trained soldiers, monsters on the battlefield, cold, callous killers, and yet they liked to twitter incessantly about nothing.
What are you shopping for? asked Charlotte, a lovely brunette with bold features and dusky skin. A new sword? Well, good news. Ive got one I know youll love, and with my friends with benefits package, itll only cost you a portion of your soul.
I told you guys to stay back and stay quiet, Annabelle scolded.
You mean that wasnt just a suggestion? said Ronen, a black-haired vixen with an addiction to popcorn.
Elandra was the shy one of the group, and she looked down at the floor, where the hem of her robe swirled. She was, by far, the most beautiful female Koldo had ever seen. Or had been, until hed met Nicola. From the top of her head to the soles of her feet, Elandra reminded him of a living diamond. Her long white hair sparkled. Her silver eyes sparkled. Her pale skin sparkled.
Malak was the only one in the group with a flaw, though she hid it well. There was a large round scar in the center of her forehead, probably from an injury shed received when she had been too young to regenerate. Her hair, which had been dyed a bright green, sported thick bangs to hide it.
Give the man a chance to explain, Annabelle said.
The females stared at him, expectant.
Koldo had no idea what theyd done to land in Zacharels Army of Disgrace. Unless their irritating personalities had been the deciding factor.
He looked to Annabelle, saying, My...woman Wait. Was that what Nicola was to him? He wasnt sure, considering she would soon be going on a date with another man. And were his teeth elongating like his fathers when the man was enraged?
He would have to be more careful.
I have a friend, he added a little more harshly than hed intended, and stopped himself from going on. She wasnt that, either. I have a human, a female, and shes in need of new clothing.
The Sent Ones exclaimed excitedly. Ronen even jumped up and down and clapped. Juiciest gossip ever, she said. Koldo has a gurl-friend.
I bet shes ten feet tall and six hundred pounds of muscle, Charlotte exclaimed.
Get. Give us some privacy, Annabelle told them, shooing them away.
Though they frowned and pouted, they obeyed.
Okay, so let me get this straight, Annabelle said. You want to take me, rather than your woman, friend, human, female, to pick and buy these clothes?
Yes. He would hurt her feelings right now. He might ruin her newfound happiness. I dont wish to wait, he said through gritted teeth. Truth. He wanted this done, out of the way. And...I dont know what females prefer.
Her hand fluttered over her heart, and she grinned. Zacharel once had the same problem with me. So why dont you buy her what you would prefer to see her wear?
I will buy her what I like, yes because he wouldnt be able to help himself but I would like her to have choices. He had to get this right. That way, she would have no reason to refuse the gift.
Do you even know her sizes?
He held up his hands. Shes tiny, like this. Delicate.
Annabelle laughed, the sound carefree. Oh, you are in so much trouble, buddy. But yeah, okay. Ill help you.
Relief was as potent as a drug. For a price, of course.
Nope. Not at all. I know thats how you guys like to operate, but this ones free of charge. Just invite me to the wedding, and well call it good.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
YOUVE GOT TO TRY THIS. Laila shoveled a piece of chocolate into Nicolas mouth before she had time to form a reply.
Chocolate contained caffeine, so very rarely did she allow herself to indulge. But when she did... The gooey goodness delighted her, and she closed her eyes to savor. A mistake. She and her sister were in the process of strolling along the cobbled path winding through the park, and she bumped into a trash can.
The thud brought Lailas attention around, and her twin burst out laughing. Kooky Co Co kicks a carton.
Empty wrappers, half-eaten sandwiches and Starbucks cups spilled onto the concrete, yet Nicola smiled as she cleaned the mess. How wonderful to hear her sisters amusement. When she finished, she dug the antibacterial gel from her purse and slathered her hands.
Youve got chocolate on your chin, Laila said, trying to be calm but failing. The gray of her eyes glimmered gorgeously. The sun cast bright, golden rays over skin that hadnt seen the outdoors in months, illuminating her, making her radiate health and vitality.
Nicola wiped her face with the tips of her fingers. Better?
Much. Now youre almost as pretty as me. Pretending a vanity shed never possessed, Laila studied her decimated cuticles. Notice I said almost.
Someone needs glasses. Your hair is blond but your roots are red, Nicola replied, giving her ponytail a flip. Its quite hideous.
Laila gasped with mock outrage. Ill have you know this look is all the rage right now. Total style and sophistication.
I dont follow trends. I make them.
Grinning, her sister held out her hand. You are so totally lame. Come on, walk with me.
They linked fingers and resumed their stroll. The tranquillity of the moment helped diffuse the memories of the attacksomething she hadnt shared with her sister. Memories kept trying to rise to the surface of her mind. While she was in the shower. While she selected todays underwear. While she cooked breakfast.
Once, shed almost broken down and cried. But then shed remembered Koldos kiss, his sweet, sweet kiss. His uncertainty. His vulnerability. His desire to make sure she was enjoying herself. And everything had changed.
He was such a big, strong warrior. There was a time she would have bet nothing could shake his confidence. But then she had.
As if her opinion mattered to him.
I could hear you at the hospital, you know, Laila said, delving into a subject they had previously avoided.
Really? Shed always wondered. Had always hoped.
Yes, and you kept me there longer than I wanted to stay. Anytime I would feel myself drifting away, you were right there to tug me back.
That makes me happy.
But not me. I was ready to go.
The words were like a fist to the gut. Well, Ill never regret holding on to you, La La. I love you.
And I love you, too. Lailas smile was sad. But, Co Co, if were ever again in that situation, I want you to let me go.
Nicola stopped, forcing her sister to do the same. They faced each other, right there in the middle of the path, causing the people behind them to trip to the side in an effort to avoid slamming into them.
No, she said with a shake of her head. I wont. Ill fight for you with every bit of my strength. And Koldo would fight with her. Right?
She wanted to believe it, but hed seemed to abandon her. Hed promised to give her an hour a day, to teach her, to train her, and then hed vanished for good, leaving her to believe he regretted showing her so much vulnerability.
And why shouldnt he? She had nothing to offer him. He was tough, fierce and knowledgeable. She was weak, defenseless and ignorant of the truth.
Exasperated, Laila spread her arms. Be practical about this.
Expecting a twenty-three-year-old girl to die of heart disease was practical? Koldo says we have to
Ugh. Koldo this, and Koldo that. Laila anchored her hands on her too-tiny waist. Shed gained weight since her release from the hospital, but not enough. Hes all you ever talk about anymore. Whoever he is, hes lying to you, my love. Why cant you see that? Hes not an angel any more than Im the tooth fairy.
Youre right. Hes not an angel. Hes a
I know, I know, but it doesnt matter. If hes so concerned with our health, where is he? Her sisters tone gentled as she added, Why isnt he here, giving me this information himself?
Her shoulders drooped. I dont know.
A mother pushed a stroller around them as Laila reached out and tugged at the end of Nicolas earlobe. In the background, a dog barked. Hes not a Sent One, whatever that is. Hes a con man.
Ive seen him pop in and out of thin air.
Youve seen an illusion.
Just wait until you meet him.
Laila tsked with a mix of exasperation and pity. Darling, hes only looking to sell you a miracle cure.
No. Hes giving me a miracle cure and paying our bills.
So you think.
Nicola swallowed a sigh. No matter what shed said, or what angle shed tried, her sister had rejected all things Koldo. Shed called Sent Ones a romantic idea. Shed scoffed at the concept of demons.
Frustration and upset had tried to take up residence inside of Nicolaneither of which she welcomed, per Koldos orders. She just... She had to get through to her sister. Lailas life was in danger. She needed saving, and Nicola would do whatever was necessary to save her.
Laila shook her head, saying, You only believe him because you have a crush on him. Your eyes go dreamy every time you talk about him.
Do not.
Do, too.
Not!
Too!
Laila dropped the empty box of candy and they began a slap fight, giggling like the girls they used to be, before sickness and fear and loss had taken such a vicious toll. But Laila sobered all too soon, too busy fighting for breath.
Nicola picked up the box and tossed it in the nearest trash can, then reclaimed her sisters arm to urge her forward. Shed missed this kind of interaction. A few years ago, shed gone to the local community college and Laila had opted not to waste what little time she had. Then Nicola had gotten a job at Estellä and Laila had focused on her art. Then, Laila had gotten sick. Well, sicker. After that, Laila had stopped painting and had started spending every free minute inside a doctors office or in bed.
I promise you, Laila said. There isnt a demon following me around.
Not right this second, no.
Another sad smile was cast her way. Youre seeing things again, thats all. Thatll stop, just like before.
No, it wouldnt. Not this time. Nicolas spiritual eyes had been opened, and she would never shut them again. But she didnt want to spend her lunch hour arguing. So, listen. I already said yes to this, and Id love for you to join me. Just...promise youll keep an open mind when I tell you about it, okay? Please.
Lailas brows drew together with confusion. What are you talking about?
A guy at work asked me out. Asked the two of us out, really. On a double date, not anything weird, she rushed to add. Some men heard the word twins and their minds went to strip clubs and tag teaming.
Im intrigued so far. Go on.
Yesterday I called him and accepted. For me, not for you. And shed only debated three hours before picking up the phoneand another hour after that. Shed just gotten tired, and maybe a little resentful, of waiting for Koldo to appear, of hoping for something more than a conversation and a kiss with him, of dreaming of what might have happened if Laila hadnt interrupted them, of wondering how he would look at her the next time he saw her. Tenderly? Fiercely? Or as coldly as a teacher with his student?
And what if he wasnt allowed to date? Or, what if he was already committed to someone and forever off the market?
A fiery fog rolled through her mind, and she experienced what she suspected was a killing rage. If that sleazebag had a girlfriend...
Uh, Co Co?
What? she snarled.
Nothing. Nothing, Laila said, holding up her hands, palms out. You just tell me when youre ready and not a moment sooner, and I wont wonder what this little mini makeover is all about. I mean, one second I was talking to my big sis, and the next I was staring at a serial murderer.
Calm down. Just calm down. Already her heart was pounding erratically, and if she wasnt careful she would pass out. Or worse, strengthen the demon toxin. And really, this was silly. She was raging for nothing. Koldo wasnt the type to cheat. He was the type to just flat out tell you he was done with you.
Theres the sis I know and love, Laila said. So...continuing our previous convo. You accepted a date with a coworker.
Yes. And Id love to call him back and accept on your behalf. The other guys name is Blaine and hes
Stop right there. The rest of the deets dont matter. Im in!
After Lailas last disastrous relationship, Nicola had expected a little resistance. Really?
Really. Im not sure how much longer Ive got to live, so yeah, Ill be doing anything and everything I possibly can.
That includes listening to what Koldo has to say, I hope.
Laila stuck out her tongue. Well see. So, whatd this guy at your office have to do to get you to say yes? Youve always been oblivious to the male population.
I have not. I just didnt want to have to deal with all the complications. And, okay, yes, the argument fell a little flat considering Koldo brought more complications than most.
A shirtless guy in blue shorts grinned as he jogged past Laila. Hey, beautiful.
Hey. She returned the grin with one of her own, and even waved, causing him to slow and then stop, clearly determined to approach. Her sister saved him the trouble and closed the distance.
Sighing, Nicola stepped off the path to wait. Another five minutes, and shed have to head back to work.
She sidestepped a man walking his dog and
Saw a shaved Koldo?
No, not Koldo, she realized with disappointment. A few yards away stood a male with the same body type as Koldo, with a bald head and bold features almost eerie in their similarity. This male wore a black shirt and black leather pants, and both were molded to his skin. He was, perhaps, ten or twenty years older than Koldo, the skin around his eyes and mouth lined. He was handsome, but he was without a sexy, beaded beard.
They had to be related, though. There was no way two guys could look so much alike and not spring from the same family line.
She waved, only to freeze in place when he reached up to stroke...a snake. A large snake with fur sticking out from underneath sickly green scales and the long, multipoint antlers usually only seen on deer. The rest of the creatures body coiled around the man, the tail shaking and rattling. Its eyes were as red as rubiesand watching her intently.
Not a snake. That thing couldnt be a snake. A...demon?
Evil wafted on the breeze, a hint of sulfur in the air. Oh, yes. A demon. And demons caused sickness, Koldo had saidand probably a thousand other things she wanted no part of.
No way this man was any kind of Sent One.
Laila, she called hollowly.
Just a sec, Laila replied. Im currently memorizing a very important number.
The jogger chuckled.
The bald man grinned at Nicola, but it wasnt a nice grin. A gaze as dark as the night perused her from head to toe, reminding her of the leering Mr. Ritter. Her heart, already amped up from the chocolate, kicked into an erratic beat.
Nicola raced forward and grabbed her sisters hand, tugging her a few steps backward. Come on. We have to get out of here.
But the jogger began.
Why? Laila said, turning her back on him to concentrate on Nicola. Whats wrong?
Do you see that man over there?
Laila glanced to the right. Baldy? Yeah. So?
What about his pet snake? Do you see it?
Uh, he doesnt have a pet snake. Or a dog or a cat or a bird. Honey, are you okay? Youre pale and shaky.
Her sister still couldnt see the demon, then. Come on. She pivoted and quickened her pace, dragging Laila with her.
Whats going on? her sister demanded.
Ill tell you later. The park was crowded with moms and their kids, dads and their dogs, as well as businessmen and women out on their lunch break like her, hoping to soak in a little sun before crawling back inside the shadows of the daily grind. She maneuvered around them, but wasnt quite at her best and ran into a few.
She heard Hey! and Watch it! multiple times, and had to mutter a few hasty apologies. Her blood chilled to a dangerous level, even as her skin threatened to overheat. Sweat rolled down her spine.
Slow down, Laila huffed.
She cast a glance behind them. The man was still there, still grinning at her, and still stroking the demon. But he wasnt following her. Relieved, she slowed...slowed...and finally halted.
Panting, Laila pressed her palm over her heart. Can you tell me what that was about now?
She opened her mouth to do just thatonly, another demon slithered from the tree beside her, baring long, sharp fangs with dripping ends, and the words formed a jagged knot in the center of her throat, only a few gurgling sounds escaping.