Dark Spy’s Mission

by I. T. Lucas

  Gross. But who cared about that?

  Kalugal had Arwel, and she had no idea how Kian was going to free him.

  It had felt awful to drive away without Arwel and Jacki, but it had made no sense to stay in the club either. Kalugal’s release was going to kick in in a few minutes, and all those humans wouldn’t remember anything from what had happened. About forty-five minutes would be missing from their lives, but they would be under the impression that they’d been watching a concert on the club’s big screen.

  If not for Magnus filling in the blanks for her and Kri, they wouldn’t have remembered any of it either. Luckily, Kalugal had deactivated the earpiece he’d taken from Arwel before issuing his command to forget what had transpired inside the club, so the compulsion hadn’t affected the Guardians. Curiously, Magnus’s input had triggered the return of their memories, but Kri’s were not the same as Jin’s. While Jin had been hiding behind the counter and hadn’t seen much, Kri had seen everything.

  None of the other club goers would remember the gunman, though, or the bullet that had by some miracle missed its target.

  Well, not by a miracle. By Arwel. The hero who had saved who knew how many lives tonight and by doing so had sacrificed himself.

  She should have left the tether attached to him.

  Damn, she should have refused the mission and then none of this would be happening.

  She and Arwel would be in the village, working on her transition and planning a wedding.

  The one thing keeping Jin from falling into despair was the tethers she had to Jacki and to Kalugal. That was enough to give her a good picture of what was going on. Thinking that Jacki and Arwel were a couple, Kalugal had them thrown into the same cell.

  So far, no one had questioned either of them, but that was only because Kalugal was busy talking to William. Hopefully, Kian would take over soon and negotiate something.

  What she worried about, though, was that Kalugal would assign one of his men to interrogate Arwel away from Jacki, and he would be tortured. But that didn’t make much sense. Kalugal was the only one who could compel Arwel to tell him whatever he wanted, and he could do that without resorting to torture.

  He didn’t seem like the mean type. So far, the only nasty thing the brute had done was to lock poor Jacki in the trunk of his car. Some other guy had taken her out and carried her tied up to a cell that wasn’t as nice as the ones at the keep.

  Stopping at a red light, Kri glanced at the rearview mirror for the thousandth time. “Magnus told me to keep driving until he gives me further instructions. He is moving everyone out of the house.”

  “If they leave, who will watch Kalugal’s gate?”

  “All the other Guardians who are on their way to surround his compound. In a few minutes, the bastard will be under siege.”

  “That bastard can walk out of there, and no one will be able to stop him.”

  “That’s true. It’s a fucked-up situation. I don’t know how Kian is going to handle it.”

  “He should trade me for Arwel. Once he tells Kalugal that he is tethered, the guy will do anything to get rid of it.”

  Kri cast her a sidelong glance. “Yeah, and that includes killing you. That’s the easiest way to get rid of the tether.”

  “He is not a killer.”

  “What makes you think that? Kalugal is an ex-Doomer. Don’t think that all of them are like Dalhu. Amanda is his fated mate, and she is the only reason he switched sides and reformed. Before that he was a killer like the rest of them.”

  Jin passed a shaking hand over her mouth. “Kalugal escaped, which means that he didn’t agree with his father’s agenda. And his actions so far prove that he is not heartless. Besides, I don’t care what happens to me as long as I can free Arwel and Jacki and save everyone else in the village.”

  “No one is going to trade you, so you can forget about that crazy idea.”

  Jin had no such intention.

  Holding the phone in her pocket, she thought about calling Kian directly and convincing him that this was his best option. Except, right now he was in the midst of managing a crisis, and her call would only distract him.

  But maybe she could send him a text?

  The moment Jin took the phone out, Kri put a hand on her arm. “Don’t.”

  “Don’t what?”

  “Text Kian.”

  “He needs to know that trading me for Arwel and Jacki is an option.”

  “Wait until he calls you.”

  “What if he doesn’t?”

  “He will need you to tell him what Kalugal is doing.”

  “Right.”

  Waiting for Kian to call her was better. That way, she wasn’t going to distract him. Jin put the phone away.

  As the light changed to green, Kri glanced at the rearview mirror before pulling out of the intersection. “You have guts. I admire that.”

  Jin chuckled. “I’m terrified, and when Kian trades me, I’m probably going to pee in my pants.”

  Kri cast her a knowing glance. “You must really love Arwel to be willing to do that.”

  Jin nodded. “I would do anything for him. But this is so much bigger than just the two of us. Even if he wasn’t my fated mate, this is the right thing to do.”

  75

  Kian

  As Kian’s phone rang, he had a feeling bad news was coming his way, and when he saw Magnus’s contact information on the screen, he was sure of it.

  “What happened?”

  “Kalugal has Arwel and Jacki. You need to lock down the village and evacuate the keep.”

  Kian’s blood ran cold in his veins. This was worse than the worst scenario he’d imagined.

  Syssi’s panicked expression reflected his own feelings. The only difference was that he was better at hiding them.

  “Hold on. I’m going to put Onegus and Turner on a four-way call.” He got up from the couch and started walking toward the door while arranging it. “This is an emergency,” he said once he had them on the line. “I’m on my way to the war room. Head there while Magnus tells us what happened.”

  By the time the Guardian finished his report, Kian was halfway to the pavilion, and as he entered the elevator, a text from William arrived.

  Kalugal has Arwel’s earpiece and he is talking to me. Put yours in. I already have your channel connected. I’ll try to keep him on the line for as long as I can.

  Kian didn’t answer. That would only break William’s concentration, and after hearing Magnus’s account of what had happened, he had no intention of putting the earpiece in without Turner right next to him.

  The motion-activated lights turned on as soon as he entered the war room, and as he booted up the computer, Turner and Onegus rushed in.

  “Onegus. We need to lock down the village and evacuate the keep. Whoever is not here will have to find a room in a hotel. Everyone in the Bay Area has to relocate. Find them accommodations. Everyone other than William needs to leave now. All the Guardians are to get in their cars and surround Kalugal’s compound.”

  “I’m on it.”

  “Do it in your office, and don’t listen to the channel.”

  “Got it.” The chief rushed out.

  “Turner. If Kalugal compels me, take over.” He wrote his override codes on a post-it. “Mine aren’t going to work without Onegus putting his in. If I’m compromised, go to his office and lock the door.”

  Turner took the note and stuffed it in his pocket.

  “Get Lokan on the line and tell him what’s going on. Call Ella and have her bring Parker over here.”

  “Good move.”

  Kian wasn’t sure that it was, but he had no choice.

  His phone pinged with another text. Don’t open the channel without Turner next to you. I’ve connected his earpiece to Arwel’s as well.

  Way ahead of you, buddy. Kian pulled out his earpiece from his pocket and put it in.

  Turner did the same, connecting his to Arwel’s channel as well.

  “
His second-in-command is an immune,” Kian heard William say.

  “How fascinating.” Kalugal sounded like a smug son of a bitch. “I can’t wait to hear who your boss is and what he wants with me.”

  He was in for one hell of a surprise.

  “Hello, cousin.”

  William’s sigh of relief was the first response.

  The second was Kalugal’s. “Who is this?” His tone was no longer smug.

  “I am Kian, son of Annani, your mother’s sister.”

  COMING UP NEXT

  The Children of the Gods Book 37

  Dark Spy’s Resolution

  To read the first 3 chapters

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  Don’t miss out on:

  The Children of the Goos Origins

  Goddess’s Choice

  Goddess’s Hope

  The Perfect Match Series

  Perfect Match 1: Vampire’s Consort

  Perfect Match 2: King’s Chosen

  Perfect Match 3: Captain’s Conquest

  The Children of the Gods Series

  THE CHILDREN OF THE GODS ORIGINS

  1: Goddess’s Choice

  When gods and immortals still ruled the ancient world, one young goddess risked everything for love.

  2: Goddess’s Hope

  Hungry for power and infatuated with the beautiful Areana, Navuh plots his father's demise. After all, by getting rid of the insane god he would be doing the world a favor. Except, when gods and immortals conspire against each other, humanity pays the price.

  But things are not what they seem, and prophecies should not to be trusted...

  THE CHILDREN OF THE GODS

  1: Dark Stranger The Dream

  Syssi's paranormal foresight lands her a job at Dr. Amanda Dokani's neuroscience lab, but it fails to predict the thrilling yet terrifying turn her life will take. Syssi has no clue that her boss is an immortal who'll drag her into a secret, millennia-old battle over humanity's future. Nor does she realize that the professor's imposing brother is the mysterious stranger who's been starring in her dreams.

  Since the dawn of human civilization, two warring factions of immortals—the descendants of the gods of old—have been secretly shaping its destiny. Leading the clandestine battle from his luxurious Los Angeles high-rise, Kian is surrounded by his clan, yet alone. Descending from a single goddess, clan members are forbidden to each other. And as the only other immortals are their hated enemies, Kian and his kin have been long resigned to a lonely existence of fleeting trysts with human partners. That is, until his sister makes a game-changing discovery—a mortal seeress who she believes is a dormant carrier of their genes. Ever the realist, Kian is skeptical and refuses Amanda's plea to attempt Syssi's activation. But when his enemies learn of the Dormant's existence, he's forced to rush her to the safety of his keep. Inexorably drawn to Syssi, Kian wrestles with his conscience as he is tempted to explore her budding interest in the darker shades of sensuality.

  2: Dark Stranger Revealed

  While sheltered in the clan's stronghold, Syssi is unaware that Kian and Amanda are not human, and neither are the supposedly religious fanatics that are after her. She feels a powerful connection to Kian, and as he introduces her to a world of pleasure she never dared imagine, his dominant sexuality is a revelation. Considering that she's completely out of her element, Syssi feels comfortable and safe letting go with him. That is, until she begins to suspect that all is not as it seems. Piecing the puzzle together, she draws a scary, yet wrong conclusion...

  3: Dark Stranger Immortal

  When Kian confesses his true nature, Syssi is not as much shocked by the revelation as she is wounded by what she perceives as his callous plans for her.

  If she doesn't turn, he’ll be forced to erase her memories and let her go. His family's safety demands secrecy – no one in the mortal world is allowed to know that immortals exist.

  Resigned to the cruel reality that even if she stays on to never again leave the keep, she'll get old while Kian won’t, Syssi is determined to enjoy what little time she has with him, one day at a time.

  Can Kian let go of the mortal woman he loves? Will Syssi turn? And if she does, will she survive the dangerous transition?

  4: Dark Enemy Taken

  Dalhu can't believe his luck when he stumbles upon the beautiful immortal professor. Presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity to grab an immortal female for himself, he kidnaps her and runs. If he ever gets caught, either by her people or his, his life is forfeit. But for a chance of a loving mate and a family of his own, Dalhu is prepared to do everything in his power to win Amanda's heart, and that includes leaving the Doom brotherhood and his old life behind.

  Amanda soon discovers that there is more to the handsome Doomer than his dark past and a hulking, sexy body. But succumbing to her enemy's seduction, or worse, developing feelings for a ruthless killer is out of the question. No man is worth life on the run, not even the one and only immortal male she could claim as her own…

  Her clan and her research must come first…

  5: Dark Enemy Captive

  When the rescue team returns with Amanda and the chained Dalhu to the keep, Amanda is not as thrilled to be back as she thought she'd be. Between Kian's contempt for her and Dalhu's imprisonment, Amanda's budding relationship with Dalhu seems doomed. Things start to look up when Annani offers her help, and together with Syssi they resolve to find a way for Amanda to be with Dalhu. But will she still want him when she realizes that he is responsible for her nephew's murder? Could she? Will she take the easy way out and choose Andrew instead?

  6: Dark Enemy Redeemed

  Amanda suspects that something fishy is going on onboard the Anna. But when her investigation of the peculiar all-female Russian crew fails to uncover anything other than more speculation, she decides it's time to stop playing detective and face her real problem—a man she shouldn't want but can't live without.

  6.5: My Dark Amazon

  When Michael and Kri fight off a gang of humans, Michael gets stabbed. The injury to his immortal body recovers fast, but the one to his ego takes longer, putting a strain on his relationship with Kri.

  7: Dark Warrior Mine

  When Andrew is forced to retire from active duty, he believes that all he has to look forward to is a boring desk job. His glory days in special ops are over. But as it turns out, his thrill ride has just begun. Andrew discovers not only that immortals exist and have been manipulating global affairs since antiquity, but that he and his sister are rare possessors of the immortal genes.

  Problem is, Andrew might be too old to attempt the activation process. His sister, who is fourteen years his junior, barely made it through the transition, so the odds of him coming out of it alive, let alone immortal, are slim.

  But fate may force his hand.

  Helping a friend find his long-lost daughter, Andrew finds a woman who's worth taking the risk for. Nathalie might be a Dormant, but the only way to find out for sure requires fangs and venom.

  8: Dark Warrior’s Promise

  Andrew and Nathalie's love flourishes, but the secrets they keep from each other taint their
relationship with doubts and suspicions. In the meantime, Sebastian and his men are getting bolder, and the storm that's brewing will shift the balance of power in the millennia-old conflict between Annani's clan and its enemies.

  9: Dark Warrior’s Destiny

  The new ghost in Nathalie's head remembers who he was in life, providing Andrew and her with indisputable proof that he is real and not a figment of her imagination.

  Convinced that she is a Dormant, Andrew decides to go forward with his transition immediately after the rescue mission at the Doomers' HQ.

  Fearing for his life, Nathalie pleads with him to reconsider. She'd rather spend the rest of her mortal days with Andrew than risk what they have for the fickle promise of immortality.

  While the clan gets ready for battle, Carol gets help from an unlikely ally. Sebastian's second-in-command can no longer ignore the torment she suffers at the hands of his commander and offers to help her, but only if she agrees to his terms.

  10: Dark Warrior’s Legacy

  Andrew's acclimation to his post-transition body isn't easy. His senses are sharper, he's bigger, stronger, and hungrier. Nathalie fears that the changes in the man she loves are more than physical. Measuring up to this new version of him is going to be a challenge.

  Carol and Robert are disillusioned with each other. They are not destined mates, and love is not on the horizon. When Robert's three months are up, he might be left with nothing to show for his sacrifice.

  Lana contacts Anandur with disturbing news; the yacht and its human cargo are in Mexico. Kian must find a way to apprehend Alex and rescue the women on board without causing an international incident.

  11: Dark Guardian Found

  What would you do if you stopped aging?

  Eva runs. The ex-DEA agent doesn't know what caused her strange mutation, only that if discovered, she'll be dissected like a lab rat. What Eva doesn't know, though, is that she's a descendant of the gods, and that she is not alone. The man who rocked her world in one life-changing encounter over thirty years ago is an immortal as well.