Book of Watchers

by Mary Ting

  “Sorry, but I’ve just been informed someone I’ve been waiting for has arrived.” Kenan twirled his seat to face the window. “Her name is Liana, and she is Malum’s daughter. Malum owns many nightclubs. Only demons and humans are allowed in. His international ones are successful. The rumor has it he went soft when he brought his daughter into his world. I believe she was only twelve years old. Killed her parents and her sister. She has no idea what happened. As far as she knows, her human mother died after giving birth and he raised her. It’s a secret no one dares to tell. One day, I might be the one to open her eyes if it suits me.”

  “What does this have to do what us?” Jonah said. “We’re running out of time. We need your word your men will be there.”

  Kenan raised a hand without eyeing Jonah, as if he were a lowly peasant and Kenan didn’t want to deal with him. “This is important. Something you must understand. Those with demon blood can’t enter my nightclub. So how is it that she can enter? I have one explanation. She is not only of demon blood, but also of archangel blood. It is the only way.”

  “Then she is special indeed.” Samyaza moved closer to the window as the brunette approached.

  “Why does she come?” Jonah asked. “Why would she come to this nightclub when her father owns so many?”

  “Exactly.” Kenan rocked his chair, his fingers intertwining. “Perhaps she’s spying for her father. Or maybe he doesn’t know.”

  Closer. Closer, Liana came.

  “Most importantly, why would she stare at the wall as if she is searching for something?” Kenan said. “What does she see? What does she feel? Such a mystery.”

  My attention had averted to various weapons hanging on the wall. When Liana came closer, I finally looked at her. Her beauty struck me as she seemed to lock her gaze on me, impossible though that was.

  At first she reminded me of Keira. Their features were similar. Same heart-shaped face, full lips, and those eyes, eyes that could compel you to do anything. Eyes that said I will make you fall in love with me and then I’ll crush you.

  Samyaza cleared his throat, probably the only one not mesmerized by her. “Do I have your word, Kenan?”

  “I want twelve,” he said, keeping his eyes on Liana, who turned away.

  Samyaza’s shoulders went rigid, the lines on his face deepening. “Twelve what?”

  “Twelve million.”

  Samyaza shot to his feet. “That’s—that’s—you—”

  Kenan spun back his chair darted his eyes at Samyaza. “All my men, especially the ones I’m sending, are irreplaceable. You know very well we are nearly extinct. Our women cannot have children. Human women cannot endure the pregnancy. And since you’re not telling me why you need them, their deaths seem inevitable. If you’d rather have second-rate soldiers, then let me know. I’ll just grab a few from the street.”

  Samyaza released a heavy sigh and yanked Jonah up to stand. “Your men better be there on time. Every minute they’re late, I’m deducting a million.”

  Kenan snarled, showing his sharp canines. “A deal is a deal, no conditions, Samyaza. Be good to my men unless you want to never do business with me again.”

  “This is not business. This is blackmail.” His words gritted through his teeth.

  I rose when Samyaza gestured me to follow and eyed two blondes and two males leaving the nightclub. Something tugged at my gut. Keira. She had been here. Had she followed me again?

  “Don’t forget to text me the location,” Kenan said mockingly as the door shut.

  Chapter 29

  The Club

  Keira

  After Daniel and I stormed out of Enoch’s apartment, we went back to the NU institute. I wanted to stay and spy on Uriel, but when I’d called Ezekiel to let him know what had happened and what we had found, he’d demanded we leave the premises.

  “Where did you go?” Suri stepped beside me when I rushed in with Daniel.

  I wasn’t sure how much Ezekiel had shared with the others, but I trusted Suri. She was like a sister to me. I gestured Daniel to go on ahead and pulled her to the side.

  “Daniel and I went to spy on Enoch.” I looked over my shoulder to make sure no one was around, and turned back to meet her piercing gaze.

  “And what did you find? And don’t hold back. I know you better than anyone.”

  “Okay.” I released a breath. It wasn’t like I was telling something she wasn’t supposed to know. She would find out when Ezekiel informed everyone soon. He was probably doing it right now.

  Suri crossed her arm and tapped her feet like a drum. “Well...I can stand here all day if you like.”

  “Sorry.” I pinched the bridge of my nose with my thumb and middle finger. “Enoch is Uriel. He used Enoch as a vessel to return.”

  Suri’s jaw dropped. “Shut up. I mean. We knew the possibility, but hearing it actually happened is so surreal. Did you see Uriel?”

  “Yeah,” I said gravely. “He looks like Enoch. I mean, his face didn’t change, but his build seems bigger. And his wings, Suri. Holy cow. I wish you could have seen them. They’re massive. Beautiful. I’ve never seen wings like that on anyone.”

  Suri lit a wicked playful grin. “I wonder if the size of their wings determines the size of their—”

  Oh God. I covered her mouth before she could say it. “Don’t go there.” I shook my head. “They’re celestial. You’re not supposed to have naughty thoughts of them.”

  “Why not? I already have dreams about Enoch anyway.” She inched closer. “Wet ones,” she emphasized. “But now it’ll be bigger and better.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

  I smacked my forehead, hiding the heat rising up my neck. To be honest, I had had sexual dreams of Enoch. Probably far worse than hers, and much dirtier. “You’re impossible.”

  “No, I’m just being human. I’m twenty-two and my hormones are at their peak. So what’s our plan? Is he going to open the book?”

  I took a quick glance to my left when I heard footsteps. “I don’t know. But I gave him my two cents. We should probably go to the meeting. Ezekiel will most likely inform us about our next move; that is, if he thinks we should intervene.”

  “Wait, what? You actually spoke to Uriel? I thought you meant you saw him. You know, like from a distance.”

  “Yeah. I spoke to him. I made a fool out of myself, but hey, what do I care?”

  Suri looked out the small window, her eyes lighter than the sky in the sunlight. “You make a fool out of yourself all the time. So that’s nothing new.”

  I frowned.

  Suri draped her arm around my shoulder, guiding me toward the main room. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. I’m the cool one and you’re the spontaneous one.”

  She was so right.

  We entered the control room where the screens were set to monitor demon activities. Ezekiel stopped talking and everyone stared when we entered as if we had interrupted a secret conversation.

  “As I was saying,” Ezekiel continued. “We are to stand down. This is not our war. Whatever happens on the battlefield, it will be between Uriel and whoever exits through the gate, do you understand? If I find out anyone has disobeyed, you’ll no longer be part of NU.”

  Voices erupted with disappointment. Even I bristled and scowled.

  “Let me remind you.” Ezekiel shot a glance at me. “This is not coming from me, but from the head of the NU. Not only will you be expelled, but possibly imprisoned at the institute. NU around the world is ready at our disposal, should we need their help.”

  Angry murmurs filled the room.

  “I don’t want to hear another word about this. Everyone back to your stations. Keira, Daniel, Suri, and Kai, meet me at my office now.”

  At Ezekiel’s last words, we dispersed. His office meant I had to face Kelly the demon again, and in my state of mind, I didn’t know what I would do if she got on my nerves.

  “Do we have to meet in here?” I asked. “Can we meet in a meeting room?”

  Ez
ekiel glared at me. “You have a problem with my office, Keira? If you can’t handle Kelly, I’m not sure if you belong in NU.”

  I blinked. His words felt like a slap. I didn’t answer—instead, I glued my eyes to Kelly, who was on the ground gloating at me.

  Why me? I would not let her slither and weave through my nerves. Then I let the worst of me take over. I tried not to think about Ezekiel’s words but...I’m not sure if you belong in NU. How dare he say those insulting words in front of my peers?

  “Why are you so mad?” I asked, schooling my face in anger. “If you have something to say because Daniel and I intervened, then say it.”

  Daniel shot a glance at me and backed up a step. I turned away.

  Ezekiel stood up, his eyes squarely on mine. “I told you only to observe, but you disobeyed me. What if there had been more? What if something happened to you or to Daniel? This team...” He made a circle with his finger. “You might be the best, but it doesn’t mean the two of you can take on a family of demons. You call it in and wait for backup. This is rule number three in your handbook. Must I send you two back to training?”

  “No. Sorry. It will never happen again,” Daniel said, his head low.

  Of course, I couldn’t just keep my mouth shut. “We knew we could handle the situation.” My conviction faltered slightly when I thought about how Daniel had been yanked through the already-punctured wall. I had no choice but to jump into a blind spot. Ezekiel was right, but I wouldn’t admit it. “And we did call it in.”

  “After it was over.” Ezekiel’s voice jerked higher.

  “Fine. It won’t happen again. I’m sorry. Just don’t punish Daniel. He follows me so I won’t get in trouble.”

  Daniel shook his head. When we were alone, he would give me an earful. He had asked me not to point the blame only on myself. That we were partners. If I got in trouble for what we decided to do, he was to be blamed as well.

  “That’s what you said last time, Keira.” Ezekiel sighed. “For the love of God, stick to the rules and don’t give me a heart attack.”

  “Okay,” I said and meant it.

  Ezekiel adjusted his cap, one I hadn’t seen him wear before, and faced the group. “I asked you to meet me because I’m going to ask you to do something I asked everyone not to do.”

  “What do you mean?” Daniel arched one brow and then his lips curled wide. “You want us to go, don’t you?”

  Ezekiel inhaled a deep breath as if the decision he made weighed heavily on his heart. “Yes. But you are not—I repeat, you are not to engage. If you see watchers resurrect, you get your asses out of there. No ifs, ands, or buts. No excuses. They will kill you on the spot just for being there. They are ruthless. And after a century, they’ll want revenge. Do you understand?”

  “We don’t know where Uriel will open the book,” Suri said.

  “I had Tammy spy on the priest they’d been spotted with before,” Ezekiel said. “Apparently he made some calls. One is at a nightclub. Go back to Enoch’s place and follow them.”

  “They will kill that one for sure.” Kelly’s tongue flicked out of her mouth and hissed, looking right at me.

  “Shut the hell up. Go to the ground where you belong,” Suri spat and slapped the glass wall, as if she could hit Kelly.

  Kelly pressed closer, her eyes gleaming bloody red and icy breath fogging the glass. “Hear me, little girl, for your fate has been sealed. When both kingdoms fall, all will be revealed. Born into a world of demons and angels, you had to kneel. But it will be no more when the book is unsealed. You will either rise or fall, for your destiny is to kill.”

  Rage boiled through my veins and I hit the thick glass so hard it nearly broke the bones in my hand. “Shut up. Shut up. Just shut up. You are not a prophet. I swear if it’s the last thing I do, I’ll kill you. Your kind do not belong in our world.”

  “There cannot be good without evil. How boring your life would be. We’re here to make things fun. And fun we shall have.”

  I bit the inside of my cheek, rage trembling inside me. Kelly smirked and I felt her watching me walk out the door. Ugh! She’d crawled under my skin and I let her. I was appalled at my loss of control. I was better than that.

  The four of us drove to Enoch’s place after the sun went down, and we tailed them to a night club called Addiction. Uriel and Jonah looked handsome. The priest Samyaza was with them, but he wasn’t in his uniform. Who were they meeting?

  Suri and I put on long blonde wigs. Dressed to blend in, we wore tight black dresses, and Daniel and Kai wore slacks and dress shirts. It had been a long time since we’d dressed out of our comfort zone.

  “You look good with blonde hair,” Daniel said, linking his arm with mine. “You can’t tell it’s you.”

  “Are you trying to tell me I’m not attractive and I should dye my hair?”

  “No. That’s not what I meant.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Never mind. I talk too much.”

  I knew what he meant but I wanted to give him a hard time. Teasing him made me less nervous, and I wasn’t good at taking compliments. Daniel looked really good in a way I hadn’t noticed before. But I decided not to say anything to him. He might take it the wrong way. We were friends and I wanted to keep it that way.

  Daniel and I had been to Addiction before, so getting in was not a problem. Suri and Kai followed as we headed to the dance floor to blend in and hide. My heart thumped to the bass as I swayed to the music with Daniel. I glanced at Uriel often enough not to lose him.

  After ten minutes, a big man with bodyguards around him walked straight to Samyaza. They exchanged words and then they went behind a closed door.

  Kai stopped shaking his body, but his eyes were wild as if he had seen a ghost. “The white-haired man. I know his kind.”

  “Crap. Should we follow?” Daniel asked over the loud music.

  “He’s no human,” Suri added.

  “No, he’s not.” Kai still looked terrified, unable to peel his eyes away from the direction they went. “I never thought I would see a vampire in my living days. I believe his name is Kenan. One of the oldest and deadliest. I’d—we’d all heard of them, but I thought they were extinct. I thought the flood wiped them out, but then again, we thought all watchers were dead too. His kind not only drink human blood, but nephilim blood too. They don’t eat human flesh like the demons, though.”

  “I don’t feel...” Suri began and gasped. “Three o’clock, you guys. Vampire guards are looking our way. Either we dance or let’s get out and wait in the car.”

  I didn’t want attention or a fight. Without a word, I tugged Daniel away from the dance floor. When we reached the exit, one of the nightclub guards blocked the door. He was at least a head taller than me and his muscles doubled Daniel and Kai put together.

  “Hey. What are you doing? Move over,” I spat. My pulse throbbed in my temples.

  What if we’d acted too suspicious and Kenan wanted to question us? No big deal. This was a club for nephilim and humans. We had every right to be there.

  “You’re leaving so soon?” the guard asked in a low, husky voice. “You just got here.”

  I could either be a bitch or be seductive. Being a bitch would only get me in trouble.

  I placed my hand on his huge biceps. “Listen, big guy, I’m hungry. I’m coming back after I get my fill.” I leaned closer. “Maybe you and I can check out the coat closet when I get back?” I winked, pulling away, giving him my best smile.

  His eyes widened predatorily and he licked his lips like he could already taste me.

  Gross. So gross. I tried not to breathe in tobacco and his awful cologne. When he didn’t respond, I yanked Suri next to me.

  “Two blondes. You can have two.”

  Suri jerked against me, and then smiled nervously. “Yeah. Two. Hot stuff.”

  I wanted to poke Suri on her forehead for being a dimwit. She could flirt better than that. Come on. Take the bait and move away.

  After his eyes raked
my body and then Suri’s, he slowly moved out of the way.

  Thank God!

  We went back to Daniel’s car and waited.

  Chapter 30

  Introduction

  Malum

  I was at my office in my house doing bookkeeping when the door flew open of its own accord. Annoyed, I opened my mouth to swear when Dom walked in with two stunning women under either arm.

  His twin conquests from last night? One blonde, one brunette. Why bother to introduce me?

  “Malum. Meet Awan and her sister Corian. They’ve arrived,” he announced like they were some kind of royalty.

  I imagined witches to have long white hair, warts, hunched backs, and scarier faces than the demons, but they exceeded my naïve imagining. They even dressed in modern attire—elegant dresses. One royal blue and the other forest green.

  “Welcome.” I weaved around my desk and kissed the back of their hands as I greeted them. “I hope your flight was pleasant.”

  “Indeed, Malum.” Awan’s golden curls fell around her face when she gave a graceful nod. “We’ve heard great things about you from your dear brother.”

  Awan’s seductive voice sent a tingling sensation through me, and I wondered if she was using her magic. Her amber eyes lightened a shade when she met my gaze and her lips twisted at the corner. Not a full smile, but enough.

  “It’s too bad we can’t really ride brooms.” Corian giggled, stroking her braided chestnut hair. Her dark skin gleamed under the light. “Perhaps we would have gotten here sooner. Our private jet needed an inspection. We’re not used to flying across the ocean.”

  “I see. Nevertheless, you are both here,” I said. “Are you hungry? Would you like to have dinner before we get started?”

  “That would be marvelous. However, you do know my sisters and I have not come alone. We have twelve others with us. They are not of the same rank, but they are skilled and powerful. We are so proud of our prodigies.”