The news surprised him. How could anyone find fault with such a gentle human? Ill deal with her. Whoeverwhatevershe was. Do you know what Sirena is?
Yes. Evil.
So you arent sure?
No, she grumbled.
Monday, when he flashed Nicola to work, he would find a way to question this Sirena. She wasnt Nefas, and she wasnt demon. But she was something. And if she hated Nicola, she could be working for his father.
At this point, Koldo had to suspect everyone.
Axel sidled up to his side and patted him on the shoulder. Glad you could leave Chesticles long enough to make an appearance.
Call her that again, and Ill cut your heart from your chest and give it to her as a trophy. As he spoke, he spotted Malcolm and Magnus.
The two looked to be of Asian descent. Malcolm had dark hair dyed green at the ends, the strands sticking out in a single spike along the center of his head. He had eyes so pale they were almost white, and bones tattooed on his neck.
Magnus was as serious and clean-cut as any human businessman. Well, if any were six foot eight and three hundred pounds of muscle.
Axel waved the threat away. May I recommend you peel my skin from my body, too?
What could you say to a male like this?
His gaze landed on Thane. The warrior nodded a greeting.
Bjorn and Xerxes frowned as they looked up, up the steps at...Zacharel, who was walking onto the dais alongside the six other members of the Elite.
There were four males and three females, each representing one of Germanuss armies. Though they possessed the same wings of solid gold, that was their only similarity.
The blond and dark-eyed Lysander stepped forward, held up his hands, and the crowd instantly quieted. Expression serious, he said without any hint of emotion, It pains me to be the bearer of bad news, but the time has come. You need to know the truth. You need to know that our king...our king is dead.
* * *
KOLDO REELED. He wasnt sure how much time had passed since Lysander had made his pronouncement, he only knew that time had indeed passed. Shouts of denial and despair had resounded, and, emotions high, chaos had ensued. Fights had broken out, Sent One against maniacal Sent One. Tears had been shed and the future of their kind had been bemoaned. Eventually, things had calmed enough for the meeting to continue. To end. Then, one by one, the armies had flown away. All but Zacharels.
Zacharel had commanded them to stay, and so they had stayed.
Koldo paced back and forth, his body moving of its own accord. His leader was...their king was...Germanus was...dead. Dead.
Gone.
He never should have allowed his anger to override his affection for the male and keep him away from the temple. And not just his anger, but regret. Hed known Germanus would disapprove of his plans for his mother, and he hadnt wanted to give the male a chance to express his displeasure, to warn Koldo against his actions.
Now he would never again have the opportunity to sit with the Sent One who had fostered and nurtured him and soak in his many words of wisdom.
After everything Koldo had endured in his childhood, Germanus had been the only one to give him hope for the future. And now his body was dust, his spirit in the heavens with the Most High.
When could this have possibly...happened? The answer slid into place before the question finished forming. The shaking of Nicolas office, he thought. At the time, hed guessed the shaking sprang from some kind of isolated earthquake. But no. A great and powerful being had died, and even the entire world had felt it.
But Koldo hadnt known, hadnt suspected. Had continued on, as if nothing was wrong.
Zacharel waved the soldiers closer. They stomped forward, and Koldo fought for calm.
We had planned to tell the armies this news at the same time, but after such a strong reaction to our first order of business...well. Zacharel cleared his throat. I want you to know that the Most High didnt want us lost, even for a moment, and so He has placed a new king in charge of this realm. His name is Clerici, and in the coming months he will be summoning each of you individually to meet you and reassure you.
Clerici. Meaning, the clergy. Koldo had never met the male, but he had heard of himheard he was fair, just and driven to succeed.
But he wasnt Germanus.
Z just gets right down to business, doesnt he? Axel muttered in his ear. Hes a man with balls of brass.
Were warriors, not babies, Koldo snapped. We dont need any coddling. But oh, all he wanted was to return to Nicola, tug her into his lap and bury his face in her hair. He would sob like the baby hed just said he wasnt, mourn for the father figure hed turned his back on.
She would wrap her arms around him and tell him the pain of this loss would pass. And he would believe her.
Someones on their period, isnt he? Axel said.
A growl rose from deep in his chest. Do you not regret the loss of Germanus? Was he not torn apart inside?
I didnt know him. Not really.
Then you should regret that.
Zacharel continued to talk, but not about what Koldo most wanted to know. How was he killed? he finally interjected, able to stand it no longer.
Zacharel frowned. That was explained during the
Explain again! A call from the depths of his bleeding soul.
At any other time, Zacharel would have struck him down, he was sure. Instead his jade-green eyes radiated sympathy. Lucifer decided to make another power play for mankind and sent six of his best soldiers to kill our king. They didnt kill him right away, but absconded with him and tempted him to evil before delivering the deathblow. These demons are the worst of the worst, and they arent through with their plan for destruction.
Demons.
Fury burned his chest. Fury and sorrow. Guilt and remorse.
Why didnt you summon us sooner? Thane growled, his own restraint bursting. We could have hunted the attackers. Killed them before they delivered the final blow.
And we would have liked it, Bjorn snarled.
Zacharels expression was grim. You know as well as I that the only way the demons were able to reach Germanus was because he allowed it. For whatever reason, he allowed it. There was nothing you could do that we werent already doing. But we shall employ your skills now, for the demons are on earth and in hiding. We have reason to believe theyre planning to build armies of possessed humans, making it impossible for us to fight effectively.
Because the humans werent to be harmed. Because the humans couldnt be possessed unwillingly. They had to fall to the toxin or welcome the demons with open arms.
They must be found, Zacharel continued, and they must be stopped before their evil spreads like the disease it is. And you, my soldiers, are the ones charged with this task.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
ZACHAREL DISMISSED EVERYONE except Koldo and Axel.
Thane, Bjorn and Xerxes flew up and darted west. The females stepped from the cloud and arrowed down, toward the earth. Each person wore a similar expression: a blend of shock and horror, fury and determination.
Koldo wanted to curse. There was only one reason to keep him herean assignment that would prevent him from hunting the demons responsible for Germanuss death.
A horde of Nefas and serp demons did some damage to a park in Wichita, Kansas. Zacharel rattled off the coordinates. Clerici has asked that I send the two of you to clean the mess and find the culprits, since you each have a personal stake in this.
Because we fought the serp scum a few days ago, Axel said, a statement rather than a question.
Zacharels piercing green gaze locked on Koldo. Thats one of the reasons, yes.
He didnt know. He couldnt know. Not even Germanus had known about Koldos origins. Zacharel had to be referring to the fact that Nicola was involved. Ill take care of this. Alone. His fathers people had done the damage, and so Koldo would be the one to fight the battleand finally wipe out the entire clan. And then Ill hunt the demons responsible for this travesty.
Zacharel arched a brow, amused rather than irritated. Actually, youll do it together. Ive decided to make your partnership permanent. And no, you wont be hunting the demons responsible for the kings demise. Youre too busy guarding the human.
I can do both.
But you wont. You singled her out, and I allowed you to bring her into our world because I wanted to see you happy. I know how drastically love can change your
I dont love her, he said in a rush. He couldnt.
Zacharel patted him on the shoulder. You agreed to look after her, and you cannot do that if youre never with her.
Bottom line: he had to choose between helping Nicola and avenging his dearest friend. If your men havent found the demons by the time Nicola is healed and able to defend herself, Ill take over the hunt.
Take over? No. One day, however, I might allow you to join the hunt. One thing you need to learn, Koldo, Zacharel said tightly. You cant do everything on your own. Sometimes you have to accept help. Its a lesson I had to learn, as well. With that, the Sent One flared his golden wings and shot straight into the night.
Should we get rings to seal this deal, life partner? Axel asked, stroking his chin.
One day Ill probably remove your head, Koldo replied, and flashed to the park in Wichita.
The change in time zones brought him to a sun-drenched paradise. Humans strolled through the grass and along the cobbled walkway. Mothers pushed strollers, men walked their dogs. Trees stretched high, casting shadows. He knew this was where Nicola and Laila had spotted his father, but where was the mess Zacharel had mentioned?
He dug the phone out of his pocket and dialed Nicolas number. After three rings, she picked up.
Hello?
The sound of her voice soothed the roughest edges of his emotionsand the knowledge irritated him. Where did you see the bald man?
Oh. She described the area.
Thank you. A pause. Ill be late.
No worries.
He cleared his throat. Are you wearing the pajamas I got you?
I am. But, Koldois everything okay? You sound upset.
Do you care? he wanted to ask.
Axel landed beside him, wings snapping into place at his back.
I must go, Koldo said, shifting from one booted foot to another. Ill speak to you soon. He closed the phone and stuffed it back in his pocket.
So...no rings? Axel asked, as if their conversation had never lagged.
Koldo picked up where hed left off, as well. One day might be today. He walked until he reached the location Nicola had described. There! Tracks. He pounded forward and crouched in front of a pair of footprints. The soles of the boots had been spiked with serp venom, leaving the grass singed. It was a pattern he knew well. His father or one of his men had stood in this very spot and
He sniffed. And infected the bark of the tree, as well. Frowning, Koldo studied the trunk. Several areas had been scraped and left jagged by sharpened claws. The sulfur-scented black smoke the Nefas projected covered the wood. There appeared to be hundreds of tiny bugs crawling from the damage.
Already the tree bore signs of impending death. The leaves were withering. The grass around it had yellowed. Several dead birds lay in its shade. A nearby dog had attempted to mark the tree but was now hopping around next to its owner and whimpering, its paws probably burning.
Whats the damage? Axel asked, stepping up beside him.
Have you ever been exposed to Nefas smoke?
Well, yeah. Who hasnt?
Almost everyone still breathing. But all right. Axel knew what to expect if he allowed himself to so much as brush against the stuff. Check all the other trees. Any bearing the taint will have to be uprooted, the entire area cleansed.
So you plan to be the boss in our little partnership? Axel asked casually.
Koldo ignored the question. Do you have a cloud?
Is this silly-question day? Of course I have a cloud.
Summon it.
Axel nodded, and a split second later, white mist enveloped them.
Let the humans see the park, Axel told the cloud, but dont allow them to come near us.
As the mist cleared, becoming translucent to the eye and somewhat solid to the touch, forming a bubble around them, Koldo jumped into the necessary work. The venom and smoke wouldnt kill him, but it would weaken him. Still, he wrapped his arms around the tree trunk and, using all of his strength, ripped the roots from the ground. He tossed the entire thing into an air pocket to be burned later. He also scooped up every grain of dirt bearing the sharp, telltale aroma of the smoke. He picked up every fallen leaf, even the dead birds.
There were five others, Axel said, returning to his side.
They spent the next few hours on cleanup, Koldo leaving pieces of the cloud around each of the sites, preventing any humans from seeing what had been done. Tonight, when the people were tucked safely in their beds, Axel could remove the barrier. The humans would arrive tomorrow morning and assume what they would about this travesty.
What do you know about the Nefas? he asked Axel as they picked up the last of the infected leaves.
They like to attack humans, Sent Ones, or anyone, for that matter, and they think rules, compassion and generosity are stupid. Oh, yeah, and theyre as bad as demons.
Koldo nodded. Theyre planners. They do little things at first, to see how their opponent will react, as well as to elicit as much fear as possible, since fear confuses, weakens and makes you do things you wouldnt normally do.
Your mother took your wings, but Ill take your heart and feed it to the dogs, his father said. The silver glint of a blade he held waved in the light. Do you want me to take your heart, boy?
Why not? Youve already broken it. I want you to die. He sat in the far corner of his cage, dirty and blood-caked from his many failed attempts to escape.
A mocking laugh boomed. Too bad. Im here to stay. And Ive given you five days to do what I commanded you to do. Now, you have five seconds to do it. Kill the human or else. One.
Someday Ill make you suffer for this.
Three.
Someday soon.
Five. Hinges squeaked as the door to a cage he could not flash in and out of was thrown open.
Koldo jumped to shaky feet, stalked over to the trembling human that had been shoved into the cell and struck.
In the present, he ground his fists into his eyes to disrupt the sickening crimson-soaked images behind them. If he could go back... He so wanted to go back.
You have to forgive yourself, Nicola had said.
He doubted she would have uttered those words if shed known even half of the things hed done. He should have died rather than cave to his fathers demands. He should have
Concentrate. Distraction killed. Right. So. An old war had now been renewed. Strike one, Nox had appeared to Nicola. Strike two, the decimation of this park. The third would happen all too soonbut it would be by Koldos hand.
He would bet his father had left a man behind, someone to watch the area to report Koldos every reaction. He gazed around, and sure enough, he spotted a tall male with a bald head and the dark eyes of a predator at the pretzel stand, buying a midday snack and peering at the right area.
Even though the contact with the smoke had left him a little shaky, Koldo stepped from the protection of the cloud, allowing the Nefas to spot him.
The male grinned a wide, toothy grin, his fangs gleaming bright white as he approached. The smoke wasnt seeping from his pores. The bodily function was something all Nefas could control; most days they simply opted not to.
Were doing this, are we? Axel asked, sounding excited. Well, okay, then. Good thing I strapped on my big-boy panties today.
Anticipation buzzed through Koldo. He met his enemy in the middle, studied him anew. Theyd never met before. Either the male was younger than Koldo by several centuries, or his father had stolen him from another Nefas clan.
He munched on his treat, as if he hadnt a care in the world, assuming Koldo would do nothing in front of human witnesses. Took you long enough to gather your courage and show up, said the Nefas in a too-deep voice. I have a message for you, Koldo the Terrible.
Koldo had no desire to hear the rest. All Nefas could flash and he had to act quickly. In one fluid motion, he withdrew his double-edged short swords from the air pocket he used to store his weapons and struck, crossing his wrists to form a giant pair of scissors.
Cloud, Axel said, as the mans head detached from his body.
The cloud was there in an instant, shielding the happenings as both pieces thudded to the ground and a pool of black blood formed.
Well, the pretzels ruined, the warrior added conversationally. So you werent curious about his message?
No. I knew what he was going to say. A hello from Koldos father, as well as a threat to Nicola, all in an attempt to draw out Koldos apprehension.
Mind sharing with the rest of the class?
I do.
Fair enough, since I wasnt really interested. But I gotta say, I am so proud right now. Axel flattened his hand over his heart. You borrowed my patented move, proving Im made of more than awesome. Im awesalicious. Is that a word? Its probably a girl word, but who cares! Seriously. Do you see a tear in my eye? Because Im pretty sure I feel one.
Koldo didnt understand the mans humor, and yet, he realized he was coming to like Axel despite that. He was strong, courageous and never backed down from a fight. He never allowed Koldos moods to affect his own, and he was happy to do anything Koldo asked. Or demanded.
What was the males history?
Youre very weird, Koldo observed.
Nah. Im mysterious. Theres a big difference.
Youre definitely weird.
Koldo placed the body and the head in the air pocket with the trees and dirt, and searched for any other spiked footprints. He found none, but then, he hadnt expected to. Had only hoped his father would have left a trail behind, thinking to lead him into a trap.
A trap you knew about wasnt actually a trapbut a weapon.
So, where do you want to go from here? Axel asked.
I need to burn the air pocket and check on the females. Lets meet tomorrow night and go hunting for the Nefas.
Color me there.
* * *
MORNING ARRIVED, sunlight seeping through the crack in the curtains covering Nicolas bedroom window. She stretched muscles gone tight, and sat up. After shed tucked Laila into bed, shed reclaimed her spot on the couch and read. After a while, shed closed her eyes, thinking to recharge, and then...nothing until now.
She hadnt made it to the bed, but she was there now. She hadnt covered herself up, but she was wrapped in the comforter. There was no way Laila had carried her, so that could only mean Koldo had returned. He just hadnt woken her up.
Argh! He was too sweet for his own good. Now she couldnt avoid him forever and pretend the kiss had never happened. Now she had to face him and thank him for his kindness.
She grumbled as she lumbered out of bed, grumbled as she brushed her teeth and showered, being careful of her new tattoos, and even grumbled as she pulled on an adorable pink top and glittery jean shorts.
The moment she looked at herself in the mirror, the grumbling stopped. She had worn hand-me-downs most of her life. Her parents had shopped at thrift stores, and then, when she had been in charge of her own finances, so had she. Now...look at her. It was... It was...amazing.
A groan bubbled from her. Once again, Koldo was responsible for something wonderful in her life. And really, for a little while during the kiss, shed made him feel this same sense of awe. Shed made him feel special. She knew it, would never forget the way hed trembled.
Maybe...maybe she wasnt such a bad choice for him, after all. Yes, shed passed out during their second intimate moment together. And yes, she could pass out next time, too. But cutting him from her life rather than facing the infirmity and the embarrassment that followed? How silly could she get?
She might be weakbut she was stronger than that, she thought, anchoring her hair in a ponytail while the strands were still wet. It was her mothers hair, and shed almost cut it a thousand times. But every time shed grabbed the scissors, shed remembered the way her mother used to brush and braid it, the way her father used to call her Mini Kerry, after her mom, and the way her brother used to tug on the ends.
Her brother. Her beautiful Robby.
Were sorry, Miss Lane, but your brother was thrown
Nope, not going there. Thinking about him opened wounds that had never really healed. So, she always removed him from her thoughts before they had time to form.
Raising her chin, she marched out of her room and decided to check on her sister first. But Lailas bedroom was empty, the bed unmade and clothes strewn across the floor.
She moved through the living roomstill no sign of her sisterand into the kitchen. Nicola breathed a sigh of relief when she spotted Laila at the table, her head resting in her upraised palm. A cup of tea steamed in front of her.
Dont talk, her sister croaked. Just...dont.
Hangover?
Laila groaned. Co Co! Please.
Sorry, she whispered. Nicola fixed a cup of tea for herself, and sipped at the hot, sweetened liquid.
You should eat the fruit, a male voice said, and Laila issued another groan.
Nicolas heart sped into a faster beat as she twisted to face Koldo. He wore the same flowing white shirt and pants hed worn at the hospital. There were lines of tension branching from his eyes. A tension that matched what shed heard in his voice last night.
He paused to look her up and down, and his jaw dropped. He began a more leisurely perusal of her, his pupils expanding. You...you...
Yes? she asked hopefully. Are beautiful? Stunning? Worth trying to kiss again?
Are wearing the clothing I picked for you. A croak.
Yes. She waited. He said nothing more.
Seriously? Thats all she got? The obvious? Ill eat if you eat, she grumbled.
He thought for a moment, nodded stiffly and sat at the table. Nicola eased into the chair beside him. There was a plate piled high with oranges, strawberries, bananas and melon. She selected a strawberry and bit into the center, the juice running down her throat and making her moan.
Oh, thats good. Almost enough to make her forget Koldos lack of appreciation for her makeover. Almost.
He reached out and swiped a droplet that had dribbled onto her chin. Her eyes widened as he brought the finger to his mouth, and tasted. It is, he agreed, a husky note to his voice.
Her skin tingled where hed touched her, burning in the most delectable way. And when his gaze lowered to where his finger had been, a gleam of satisfaction glowed in his eyes.
Okay, so she finally forgot.
Youre in better spirits today, he said.
She liked that he was so attuned to her. I am.
Why?
Her unease with yesterdays kiss was private, something between them, not something to be shared even with her beloved twin. So, she said, changing the subject. Who decorated your house?
There was a pause before he shrugged, and said, I did, surprising her. What, no pushing for an answer? No deep concern for what had bothered her?
Youre a mess. Just so Im clear, you decorated every room?
Yes, every room.
But...theres so much pink in mine.
And I cant like pink?
Her eyes widened. The room is yours?
No. But when I was younger and foolish, I hoped my moth He pressed his lips together. Never mind.
Hoped his...mother would stay with him? What had made him think such a hope was foolish?
Sorry, guys, but Im in desperate need of a thousand profees. Laila stood, pushing back her chair. And maybe a total body massage, a nap, an hour-long shower and a TV marathon of How I Met Your Mother.
Profees? Koldo asked.
Ibuprofen, Nicola explained.
Once they kick in, I plan to get ready for my date. By the way, Im sorry I busted into your room last night. It wont happen again. Probably. Laila shambled out of the kitchen.
Koldo held Nicolas gaze. Why the change? he asked, pouncing the moment they were alone.
Hed known why shed avoided the question. Hed cared. Melting... I was embarrassed that Id passed out.
A breath gushed from him, and she thought she caught threads of relief. I never want you to be embarrassed with me, Nicola.
Good, because Im over it, she said. Mostly.
So, you didnt regret what we had done? Didnt think I was too rough?
Not at all. You were amazing.
Then why did you dress this way for your date? he asked softly. As if you crave another mans desire.
She gulped, then answered honestly, II didnt. I did it for you.
A pause. Then, in a strained voice, I dont want you to go. I...need you here. With me.
Nicolas stomach performed a series of flip-flops. The way hed said the word needhe did care. And hed issued a request this time, rather than a demand. Her own relief was palpable, her elation hard to tamp down. But... I wish I could cancel. I really do. Just then, more than anything. But you heard Laila. Shes excited, and she wont go without me. And shes been so upset, and Ive been so worried about the toxin inside her. I need her calm, peaceful and joyous.
You can control your emotions, not hers.
I know, but I have to try something. Please understand.
His hands were on the edge of the table, and his knuckles began to bleach of color. Finally, the side of the table snapped off, wood chips raining on the floor. Koldo jumped to his feet and stomped from the room.
Leaving her alone.
So heartbreakingly alone.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
THANE LANDED IN THE CENTER of Teaze, a salon and dance club on earth that catered to immortals. Eleven women of varying species bustled around the small building, each prettier and more scantily clad than the last. The only male on the premises was William of the Dark, aka the Ever Randy, aka the warrior who refused to reveal his origins, and he was currently sitting in a swivel chair with sheets of foil in his hair.
I know youre here, William said, sipping at a glass of what looked to be ambrosia-laced red wine.
Tensing, Thane stepped into the natural realm to fully reveal himself to the warrior. Immediately he smelled the sweet scent of the wine, the sharp odor of hair products, the pungent aroma of nail polish and the familiar fragrance of sex. Lots and lots of sex.
William must have bedded every single one of the stylists.
How did you know? No one could sense him when he had no wish to be sensed.
Hes been saying that every two minutes for the last hour, said the girl stepping up to William to remove the foil.
Electric-blue eyes glittered as William handed his glass to a female strolling past himelectric-blue eyes that reminded Thane of Axel. But then, there was a reason for that. Did you have to ruin it, Lakeysha?
The gorgeous black girl grinned widely. Well, yeah. You ruined me for other men, so I thought Id return the favor somehow.
Thane studied the building, halfway expecting their easy banter to be a trick, for an enemy to be waiting in the shadows, ready to attack him. He saw bricks and mortar, open indoor spaces with fifteen beauty chairs, or whatever they were called, and a row of round hair dryers and sinks. No menacing shadows. No swish of a weapon.