He told me he’s a guardian angel and a member of the Third Hierarchy of Angels. Archangels are members of the Second Hierarchy of Angels. Seraphs are in the First, and each level has particular gifts. As a guardian angel, Kieran could create Protection Orbs around himself, but not others; he can disappear or be ghost-like and can fly. He uses angel Light as a weapon that draws out evil. To know if a being is an angel, they must allow humans—Ordinaries—to “see” their tattoo by using Light. And rare people, like me, can see through their Light without assistance. Both angels and demons have wings and a special symbol. Males have theirs on their upper arm while females get theirs on the undersides of their wrists, and it’s called a Triquetra symbol.
Fairies have a different kind of mark. They have either a blue lily if they are of the Winter Court or a green lily if they are of Summer, like Sidelle. And werewolves have a paw print.
Shay has the same Mark and has wings. As God’s warriors, he has enhanced human traits: speed, hearing, and strength. Plus, he’s a member of the Order of Naturals—beings who live longer lives.
I guess that sort of narrowed it down since Aiden does have wings. He must be a Fairy, Angel, or Nephilim. Come to think about it, I’ve also confirmed a tattoo on his arm. It was during gym and the whole class, even me, stared at his perfectly sculpted body.
Chapter Fourteen
Shay
Saturday, six hours after Zoe’s disappearance.
Two hours later, we make the descent into Las Vegas. I feel the downward pressure, making me stir from my sleep. Through the small window bright lights illuminate the strip. We land fifteen minutes outside of Vegas Boulevard at Bellator Executive Suites on their own private runway.
I shouldn’t be surprised on how well the Bellator family has done. They are one of the oldest packs in North America, and their ancestors date back to the 1600’s from England.
Outside the runway is a black SUV awaiting with its doors open. Vash glides down the mobile stairway and onto the red carpet. I follow, making sure I have my duffle bag. The driver steps forward and grabs Vash’s bag and extends his hand to mine. I relinquish it and watch as it’s placed in the back. Vash whispers something into the driver’s ear. He nods and saunters back to the office building.
“I told him that we don’t need his services today, and I’d like to drive,” Vash informs me.
“Yeah, I don’t think he needs to witness anything that I end up doing.”
“I’ll do my best to ensure it doesn’t come to that, or that I need to call my cleanup crew.”
I nod my gratitude and climb into the passenger seat. “Since it’s early and the clubs are still in full swing, let’s hit a few bars to see what the climate is like,” I suggest. “It’s been a while since I’ve been here.” My eyes follow the massive towers and blinking lights ahead of us, even though we’re a few miles away.
“I’ve secured two rooms at The Cosmo for us,” Vash says.
“Thanks. I haven’t even thought about that. My only thoughts have been to come out here and see what anyone can tell us about Zoe, or who has her, and why.”
“Do have you a specific bar in mind? We need to start somewhere.”
“Yes, I know of a demon who might help us. I spared her life some time ago, but I don’t know if she still hangs out there or not. She used to be a regular at the Purple Zebra, right outside of The Flamingo.”
“All right, yeah, I’ve heard of that place.”
Vash creeps the massive SUV down Las Vegas Boulevard, dodging drunk party-goers, and takes a right onto a service road between The Flamingo and O’Shea’s Casino. He stops the vehicle in a no parking area and gets out. “Let’s go,” he says.
“Won’t you get a ticket?” I’m hesitant to leave my bag in the back, especially if it gets towed away. “Let me grab a few more items out, just in case.”
Vash clicks the back hatch open, and I rummage through, grabbing more daggers and knives, sheathing them into holsters that are strapped to my thighs.
“No. Every cop in Vegas knows this vehicle.” He kicks the license plate, drawing my attention.” It reads: BELLATOR. “We’ll be able to park it wherever, right in front of main doors, alleys, delivery spots, and yes, even the fifteen-minute parking places. While the city has granted the company use of the fire lanes and handicap spots, we don’t ever park there. People with needs use those spaces. As long as I still have two working legs, I can walk a few feet.”
We approach the violet doors of the casino, and my heart beats in time to the music. The place hasn’t changed much, if any, since the last time I was here. The larger than life purple-striped zebra still greets us at the door. Zoe would love this place since all the cups and glasses are various shades of purple along with the neon lights, the menus, and the advertisements. I make a mental note to bring her here after we win the war. But first, I need to find her.
We stroll to the bartender and plop down on two bar stools. His back is turned to us, fixing someone their drink. We wait.
As he turns around, his eyes widen slightly as he huffs. “What can I get you?” he shouts over the blaring music. His mask slides back into place hiding his recognition of what we are, which is why he doesn’t card us for the alcohol.
“I’m looking for Oriana,” I say. “Know where she is?”
“Nope. Haven’t seen her in a long time. Years, maybe.”
“You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?” I stand, leaning closer to him.
“Me?” He lowers his voice. “Never Nephilim. Just doing my job, keeping my head down.” He sets a beer down in front of us, even though we hadn’t ordered it. “Who’s this? Haven’t known you to get a partner. Thought you were a solo worker.”
“I usually am, but not today.”
“Don’t play with me, Demon,” Vash growls. “Oriana. Where has she been hanging?” He doesn’t have to shout, I can hear his chest rumble.
The bartender’s nose flares, but he keeps any quips to himself. Wise choice.
“Fine, you don’t have to go all whatever you are on me.” Using a white towel, he cleans a spill. “She’s been down on her luck lately and got kicked out of the high stakes games a few weeks ago. You’ll find her at the penny slots.” He nods to the right.
“This better be good intel,” I threaten. “Or I’ll be back after your shift and beat it out of you.”
“It’s good, I swear. Oriana walked in a couple hours ago. She’s drinking today’s special. It’s the drink that flashes purple and white, in that three-foot plastic bottle.” He holds up an empty one.
I nod to Vash, and we leave the bartender to his grumbling. We head farther into the room and scan the crowd. I know exactly where the penny slots are. After people part the aisles for us, I spot her in the far corner. I stalk in her direction, but Vash pulls on my arm.
“What does she look like, and what is she? I need to know so I can prepare myself, if need be.”
“She’s the one in the rainbow hair sitting on our left. She’s a Knight. Pretty harmless, but on a good day, she will fight.”
“Okay, you go directly toward her, and I’ll come in from a different side in case she decides to run.”
“Good plan.”
I continue my way toward the Demon Knight sitting in front of a purple zebra machine, hoping that today isn’t a bad day for her. The bar is crowded even at this time of the morning. I don’t want to have to fight her and accidently injure an Ordinary. With any luck, she’ll see reason and give me information, or we can somehow get her into the alley.
I glance over her shoulder to see how much money is in the machine. She’s betting high, and her balance is in the low thousands. But since this is a penny slot, her total is a bit over ten bucks. She’s placing her last bet when I tap her on the shoulder.
“Get your hand off me,” she yells but remains staring at the screen. “This machine is taken.”
“I think you’re done.” I dig my fingers into her shoulder.
“I
said...” She spins around to face me. “Oh, it’s you. I was having an okay day, but it seems that it’s gotten a bit worse.” She scans me up and down. “Haven’t seen you in a while. You still holed up in Minnesota?”
“Yes.”
“What ya doing in Vegas?” Oriana swivels back to the screen and presses the “Bid” button.
“Searching for you.” I lean against the machine, pressing closely to her.
“Well, you found me, so now you can get lost.” She waves her hand.
“Hey, now, is that how you talk to someone who spared your life?”
“We’re even, Shay.”
“Not even close.”
“What do you want?” Oriana slumps her shoulders in defeat. “Since you’re not going to let me continue playing until you get what you need from me, so shoot.”
“Answers.”
“I don’t have any.”
“That may be true, but you might know someone who does.”
“What do I get out of it?”
“Your life.” Vash steps out from other side of the machine. “Now, let’s go somewhere a bit quieter, so we can talk like civilized beings.”
“But I’m not done here,” Oriana whines.
I move to stand on her other side, one hand leaning against the machine. With my other hand, I press the “Bid” button, and we all watch the pictures go around and around.
“Come on zebra.” Oriana bounces in her seat. “Momma needs a new pair of shoes!” I roll my eyes. The first picture stops on a purple zebra. “Oh, yeah. Come on. Come on. Come on.” She hits the front of the machine as if that will help her get lucky. The second picture lands on a purple zebra. Dull silver Light glows under my palm that’s touching the top of the machine. It’s inconspicuous with all the other neon signs flashing, the machines swirling, and drinks blinking in cups.
Vash smirks at her and taps his fingers on the side of the machine. He has no powers, but Oriana doesn’t know that.
“Hey, stop doing that.” She slaps Vash’s hand away. “This is it.”
The screen totters between the purple and the pink zebra. The last picture rolls to a stop.
My face mirrors Vash’s smirk. She’s going to hit the big jackpot.
“Please, please, please.” Oriana’s head tilts back.
“I didn’t know you were the praying type,” I say.
“A demon’s gotta do what a demon’s gotta do.”
The light on top flashes like an ambulance and sirens blare. “WINNER, WINNER, WINNER” scrolls across the middle screen.
“Oh, hells.” She kicks the stool away and jumps up and down. “I won. I won. I finally won!” She glares around at the other gamblers. Some clap and others scowl.
“See what a little faith will do?” I glance at Vash, and his face is stern. He knows what I did, but I don’t care. I ignore him as a security officer dashes in our direction.
“Congratulations, miss,” he says. “I need to verify your player’s card and will escort you to the Guest Service counter.”
Oriana beams. Purple lights reflect across her face. She can’t stand still. The officer checks Oriana’s card and nods for her to follow.
Vash stops me from following her. “Why did you do that?” he asks.
“I thought if she won some money, she’ll be on a high and more apt to answering our questions. If she lost everything, she’d be depressed and reluctant to help.” I shrug. “I’m not going to justify my actions to you. I need answers, and she’s going to give them to me.”
We catch up to them and wait for Oriana to get a payment voucher. She turns and heads back to a different penny machine, but I block her path.
“I think it’s time to take your winnings and leave while you’re still ahead.”
“Get out of my way, Shay.”
“No. You’re going to answer my questions.”
“Hell, no. Now, I’m on a winning streak. I can’t stop now.”
“Yes, you can,” I grit though my teeth.
“I can’t—”
“Please. Give me ten minutes.” I can see her wavering. It’s sad, really. She doesn’t have the money to spend, yet this is all she wants to do. How did she get like this? I can’t save her if she doesn’t want to be saved. But I can save Zoe. “If you don’t, I’ll make you lose all of it and more.”
“You did this?” She holds up her credit voucher. I nod. “No, you didn’t,” she huffs.
My face shows nothing. She launches herself toward me. I dodge her punches, but she persists. She shoves me hard. I jump, missing her leg sweep. She comes at me again as I step aside. I don’t want to fight her in here or at all. People are moving out of our way, and the floor is shaking a bit. Security officers are coming.
Vash is on her in a flash, pinning her arms behind her. “Stop,” he demands. “Do you want to be kicked out from this casino? I can make that happen.”
“Doesn’t matter,” she spits back. “There are others who will let me in.”
“I can ban you from all of them in Las Vegas. Don’t push me.”
She hangs her head. “Where are we going?”
“Follow me,” Vash says as he releases her.
Oriana glances my way. “After you,” I say.
Vash leads us through an emergency exit and out to the alley where the SUV is parked. There are no bystanders milling around, so this is perfect.
“So, talk.” Oriana leans against the brick wall.
“Have you heard anything about a demon who is keeping someone prisoner?” I ask.
“You have to be a bit more specific on that. Hell has a ton of beings in its cells.”
I inhale and close my eyes.
“How about any Ordinaries being held?” Vash asks.
“No.” She flicks her eyes to mine. “Wait, humans? No. We don’t take them to Hell.”
“You sure about that?” I ask. “Because I was there.”
“But you’re not a full human; you’re a Nephilim.”
“True, but because you don’t know of any, doesn’t mean that other demons don’t take them there.”
“Look, I can’t betray my own kind.”
“Yes, you can, and you will.”
“They’ll kill me.”
“If you won’t tell us, I’ll kill you.”
“Shay.” Vash nods. “We’ve got company. There are three Knights coming toward us. Oriana, if you know what’s good for you right now, you won’t warn them.”
She nods.
“What do we have here, Oriana?” the center Knight asks. “Didn’t pay your bookie on time?”
The three of them wear matching black jeans, boots, T-shirts, and leather vests. The two on the outside each have a dozen earrings in their ears, and both have their brows pierced. The one on the left sports a chain from his ear to his lip.
“Naw, it’s gotta be more than that if a Nephilim is here to collect,” the Knight on the right says, flicking out his tongue and playing with a bar piercing.
“Stay out of my business!” Oriana shouts.
“Oh, we plan to.” Middle Knight nods. “But it’s just that we heard Bellator was in town, and we wanted to see the young pup for ourselves.”
“Who else would be driving around with those custom plates if it wasn’t actually the Alpha himself?” Tongue Ring thumbs back toward the SUV. “I had to come see if a demon had horns to steal it, or if Vash was here in Sin City.”
“From the looks of it, the vehicle isn’t stolen,” Middle Knight says. “So, you must be Vash.”
“Too bad about your dad,” Tongue Ring contributes. “I heard he died a painful death inflicted by the Marqs. How many of them were there to take him down again?”
“Don’t talk about my father.” Vash fists his hands.
“Oh, I think we brought up a touchy subject, hey, Pup?” Face Chain asks, continuing his baiting. “I heard it took about a couple dozen to overtake your lands. It’s not an impenetrable as you think it is.”
“I�
��m Alpha, I can take you all on,” Vash grits out.
“Vash,” I say. “We don’t have time for this.”
“Is that a challenge, Pup?” Tongue Ring asks. “Oh, come on, Nephilim, have some fun.”
“Where’s your sense of humor?” Middle Demon asks. “We’re just messing with you. Aren’t we boys?”
The air tingles, and I know that these three demons don’t mean to walk away or let us go without a fight. Face Chain won’t stop ribbing Vash. He’s barely holding it together; the memory of losing both his parents still fresh in his mind. Vash’s body shakes, and I don’t know how much longer he’ll stay in human form.
And I see it. Face Chain smirks at Vash and then pulls out a Viking sword from behind his back. He charges and swings right for Vash’s head.
But Vash is no longer in human form. He’s instantly changed to his harder-to-kill wolf body.
“The night is young, and we haven’t had any worthy opponents in a long time,” Middle Demon says. “You didn’t think we would let the Alpha go without a chance to kill him, did you?” Both male demons draw their weapons and step closer to Vash, who is snarling fiercely.
I call my Light and my Nephilim Sword and then join the fight. Metal clashes from our swords as I parry with Middle Demon, but the noise is drowned out by the beating music from the Purple Zebra. Neither Vash nor I can create a Void, so we’ll have to keep the damage to a minimum. Thankfully, no other gambler has found their way into this ally.
Oriana is shuffling back to the door while the males battle. “Don’t go too far, Oriana, you still need to answer my questions.” I slice Middle Demon across his chest; black blood oozes out. These demons are better with their swords than any I’ve ever come across. Usually, it’s the Marqs who carry them.
Vash is still dodging and dashing around Face Chain and Tongue Ring. He leaps off the dumpster and claws Face Chain’s arm. The sword drops. Face Chain attempts to pick himself from the ground but stumbles back down. Vash rounds on Tongue Ring, stalking him farther into the ally. Neither of those demons are as good with their swords as Middle Demon.
My attention is drawn back to Middle Demon when he slashes across my cheek. I shriek in pain as my eyes water. My free hand goes up to my face. That split second is all Middle Demon needs. He swings down on my Sword, hard and relentless. I barely block, trying to catch up with his movements. He’s fast and good. I have no time to check on Vash and can only think he’s doing okay. Howls fill the alley, so at least I know Vash is still alive.
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