by Lizzy Ford
Declan’s mind worked furiously. “Who is with her?”
“Tommy’s girl and the Bennies,” Wes answered.
“No Sucubatti?”
“None.”
“Olivia was standing beside me the whole time. We need to backtrack Zoey’s entire day and figure out when, how and where Olivia set this up,” Declan said.
“You think she knew.”
“I know she did. The minute you called in, she started smiling like the Cheshire cat.”
“Not good.”
“Wait ‘til you hear the rest,” Declan said, mind going to the information Zoey sent him about Olivia. “Deactivate the trackers long before they make it to Site Z. We’re not going to risk discovery.”
“Understood.”
“Liam’s in the command center, and I’m going to check in with Dad. Take care of my Zoey.”
“Like she was mine, minus the second ass-kicking.” Wes chuckled. “I’ll let you handle that one.”
“Declan out,” he said and switched frequencies. “Dad, we need to talk.”
“I’m thinking so. The Council is holding an emergency session in the morning. For now, no one knows we’re involved with helping Olivia,” said the grim voice of his father. “Still, I want to transition to Site Z over the next few days.”
“Thank god the construction is done. The sex energy we siphoned off was moved last night, according to Liam,” Ethan said. “The site is ready for the worst. Are you at the building now?”
“Headed to Z.”
“Can you make sure Vikki is in the bunker, preferably in a room she can’t get out of?”
“That’ll be a fun conversation with Liam’s fireball,” his father said, amused. “Will do. How are the evacs going on your end?”
“Relatively smoothly,” Declan replied. “Olivia activated Zoey somehow. Wes stepped in, but I’m worried Vikki might be at risk.”
“I have an idea how. We’ll talk when I arrive. Ethan out.”
Intrigued, Declan barely stopped himself from pursuing. He paced for a minute in the hallway, until the tightness of his chest eased.
“Zoey, you okay?” he whispered.
I think I kicked Wes’ ass.
Declan laughed, not expecting her blunt humor. “That wasn’t exactly his version of events.”
You probably shouldn’t tell him that, then.
He was relieved that she’d lost none of her spirit. There was weariness in the bond, along with distant pain. He guessed she was too stubborn to tell him that she was injured.
“You still coming by for that shower tonight?”
Yes. The sadness that accompanied her response wasn’t because of him. Declan needed to feel her skin against his with a desperation that disturbed him.
He rubbed his temples, assured the crisis was over for now. His own headache was bothering him.
The movement of someone down the hallway caught his attention. He looked up and froze. Zoey was there, walking down the hallway towards him. Dressed in a black tactical uniform, her loose curls bounced with her quick step, a familiar gleam in her dark blue eyes.
She smiled coyly before ducking down an intersection, out of his view. Declan shook his head, uncertain how she was there and on her way to Site Z. He trotted down the hallway to the intersection.
No one was there.
Maybe the underground lair of the Sucubatti didn’t have the high quality ventilation of Site Z. He tried to tell himself this was the case, but his body was burning for Zoey after the strange hallucination.
“Everything alright?” Olivia’s voice came from behind him.
“Of course,” he replied. He plastered on his game face and turned.
The sexy brunette – who did indeed have traces of Zoey in her features – was watching him closely in a way that left him no doubt something else was going on.
“My father is headed this way,” he told her.
“Very well.”
He strode past her to the command room, a sinking feeling in his gut.
Chapter Eighteen: Strike Three
The small group continued to make its way under the cover of night through back alleys towards a destination Zoey didn’t know. As her magic settled, she grew aware of a bigger issue. The wound in her shoulder was worse than she thought. Zoey tugged a bandage free from her belt and wrapped her shoulder, using her teeth to pull the bandage tight.
An hour passed before they stopped for the elders to rest.
“Comms check,” Wes’ voice came over the mic.
“Ginny here.”
“Zoey here.”
“Location?”
“Hour out,” Zoey replied. “Barring issues.”
“Expecting issues?” he asked.
“No,” she said.
“Only because she can’t use one arm,” Ginny added.
“I only need one!” Zoey retorted, glaring at her friend over the heads of the seated elders.
“None of us play well with others, Zoey, but dammit, sometimes, I wish you’d just stop to think,” Ginny snapped.
“It’s been a rough few days,” she replied.
“No shit! But what was that?”
“I don’t know what happened,” Zoey said. “I guess I lost control of the magic.”
“The problem isn’t the magic. The problem is the same one Vikki has. You don’t know when to quit or to accept the fact that you can’t change the way things are,” Ginny said angrily. “You could’ve gotten all of us killed.”
Zoey sighed, hearing the truth in her friend’s words. She rubbed her face, skin cold from rain, but body still too warm from magic. It didn’t explain why she couldn’t remember killing all those Cambions.
“I know you well enough to know this shit with Declan has you flipping out, especially after the bad break with Eric. Doesn’t help that he’s fucking powerful enough that you don’t have a chance. My three nights took two months. I knew Tommy pretty well before the end of it,” Ginny said, calming. “I feel for you, Zoey. Two strikes in two days? It’s insane. But you’re the strongest of all of us. Trust me – you can do it.”
“How can you say that? Their society has supported Cambions killing innocent people,” Zoey challenged.
“I know that. I’m not saying it’s right or that it’s easy on us,” Ginny looked as troubled as she sounded. “But, I’m not leaving Team Rogue. We’ll form our vigilante group, go to the clubs and kick Cambion ass.”
“Sleeping with the enemy. It’s fucked up.”
“Totally, but that’s the way it is. Go with it, Zoey. If nothing else, finishing the rite will keep you from killing us all when we hunt down Cambions.”
Zoey looked at the Professor, who appeared to be meditating. She hated the idea she’d put him in danger, all because she was afraid for the first time in her life. She grappled with Ginny’s words and her emotions then felt the last barrier within her give.
As much as she wanted to fight it, she belonged with Declan. He was the only one who could balance her. He brought her back from whatever happened an hour ago. By doing so, he probably saved the life of Ginny and the Professor. The idea she was a greater danger to them than the Cambions made Zoey sick to her stomach.
Ginny was right. Declan helped Zoey balance the magic in a way the Professor had never been able to. Further, she wanted to feel what she did in Declan’s arms: the sense of being accepted somewhere finally. He was right in saying she considered him home, even if the need to be with him left her confused, after being so independent her whole life.
If she wanted him, and he wanted her, then why was she so resistant?
“I’m sorry, Ginny,” she whispered. “You still owe me ten dollars.”
“Double or nothing on the first club Team Rogue takes out?” Ginny bartered.
Zoey smiled at her friend. “Deal.”
Ginny returned the smile.
“Get moving,” Wes’ voice was quiet, reminding her that he’d overheard everything. “How’s the shou
lder, Zoey?”
She hesitated then gave in. “I can’t move my arm.”
“Your path should be clear. If you get in trouble, Zoey …”
“I’ll call,” she said.
“Good. Go.”
Ginny flashed her the thumbs-up sign, and Zoey went to the Professor, helping him stand before she assisted the others. She tried to figure out her emotions as she dropped back to become the rear guard for the small group, eyes on the dark surroundings. She was still scared. That hadn’t changed. Knowing she had her friends and some semblance of a plan of what happened next – Team Rogue – helped. Knowing she had Declan …
He wasn’t talking to her since checking in after the incident. Why did she hope he was busy and not mad?
An hour later, they reached the low key building at the edge of town sitting on top of Site Z, an underground facility designated as the back-up center for the Incubatti during emergencies. Wes had texted the address only when they were four miles away.
The entrance was hidden down a ramp behind a concrete door impossible to spot without knowing where to find the keypad. Wes was in the shadows of the building, which had no lights on, and opened the door for them. It led to an elevator with steel doors thick enough to withstand a nuclear blast. Zoey trailed the group. She took in the level of security, technology and sophistication with appreciation. There was nothing this advanced on the Sucubatti campus.
They passed by the door to a huge command and control center with massive screens lining an entire wall too fast for her to determine what they tracked. The screens were busy, and there were people in the room monitoring them. A vault leading to an armory, training and locker rooms, sleeping quarters …The smell of new paint came from one hallway, indicating the facility was new.
The only people she saw were Incubuses. The other three evac teams – consisting of elderly Sucubatti and Hunter escorts – were nowhere. She checked her cell phone and saw there was no signal. The place was locked down. No one looked twice at them as they passed through, but she didn’t feel comfortable at all in the Incubatti facility. Tension rose within her at the prospect that she might’ve led the Professor into a trap. Heidi agreed for them to come here unwillingly, and Zoey hadn’t stopped to think why they were here at all, until now.
Wes led them down a hallway lined with dorm rooms. He paused and opened a door, motioning the first elder Benefactor in.
“We’ll bring you dinner,” he said. “Go ahead and rest for a bit.”
He opened another door and motioned the Professor in. Zoey stepped forward, taking her friend’s arm. She didn’t let him enter. Wes didn’t miss a beat. He left her standing in front of the door and moved down the line. All the Benefactors except one were soon behind closed doors.
“Are you okay?” the Professor asked, eyes on her shoulder.
“I’m fine,” she replied. “Are you?”
“Ready for a cigar and a book.”
She half-expected Wes to order her to take the Professor in. Instead, the Enforcer stood back, arms crossed, waiting.
He’s safe, Declan told her.
She shook her head and gripped the Professor’s arm more tightly.
“Declan,” Wes said over the radio.
“Everyone but Zoey, off the line.” Declan’s husky voice ordered through her earpiece. It swirled through their connection, touching and tormenting her.
She glanced towards them. They removed their communications devices. Zoey stepped away from the Professor without turning her back on him. Panic fluttered through her.
“Zoey.” Declan’s voice was softer.
“No,” she replied.
“I won’t let anything happen to him.”
She leaned against the wall, the concrete rough and cool against her forehead. Warring with herself, she closed her eyes.
“What the fuck is going on, Declan? Where are the others? Why did you bring us here?”
“I’m asking you to trust me, Zoey.”
“I’m pretty freaked out right now,” she murmured.
He chuckled, a warm sound that made her shiver and ache for him despite her fear of leaving the Professor in the hands of the Incubatti. He released magic into the strong, subtle bond, calming her, reminding her of what they shared. Exhausted, she opened her eyes to see a small pool of blood forming on the floor from her shoulder wound.
“I can’t lose him, Declan,” she told him at last.
“I know. Trust me.”
Zoey pushed herself away from the wall with her good arm and went to the Professor. She kissed him on the forehead and opened the door.
“Come by tomorrow for tea, kiddo,” the Professor said, his voice wearied.
“If my handler knows what’s good for him, he’ll bring you cigars, too,” she said with a flash of fire, the words for Declan, not the Professor.
The Professor smiled knowingly and closed the door.
“That will have a price tag,” Declan said, the tension leaving his voice.
“Fuck you, Declan,” she said acidly.
Wes replaced his earpiece. “I take it that’s the cue to hop back on.”
“Bring her home, Wes,” Declan said.
“You have the patience of a saint, Declan,” Wes said, eyeing her. “I understand why you’ve been as friendly as a rabid shark the past few days.”
“I’ll be back to normal tomorrow,” Declan replied.
“I’m not staying. I just need a shower,” she snapped.
“That bet I’ll take,” Wes said.
She reached for her earpiece to throw it.
“Don’t,” Wes’ warning made her jump. The fire flared in his eyes again, the dangerous one that scared her. “Declan’s girl or not, if you give me any more shit tonight, I’ll show you why no one fucks with an Enforcer. I’ve already kicked your ass once today.” He backed her into the wall. He released a trickle of magic, enough to make her want to run.
“Then you’ll deal with me,” Declan said, amused.
“I’m ready to go,” she said quickly, inching away from Wes.
“Declan out.”
Wes glared at her. She didn’t dare say anything. He relented at last and waved for her and Ginny to follow him down the hall. Zoey gave the Professor’s door one last look, unsettled at leaving him.
Trust me. Declan said again into her mind. See you in thirty minutes.
“Just a shower,” she said through clenched teeth.
“If you don’t fuck him, I will. Between the two of you, my day has been hell,” Wes said.
She said nothing, not wanting to provoke him. She stayed quiet all the way back to the familiar apartment building, where the Incubatti elite lived. Wes and Ginny joined her in the elevator. Ginny was one floor down from Declan, Wes on the same floor.
“Earpiece,” Wes said as the elevator door closed behind them.
She handed it to him.
“Down this hall, six doors down. See you in the morning.”
She rolled her eyes and started down the hallway. Wes went the other way. Zoey stood in front of Declan’s door for a full two minutes before she finally knocked. He had to know she was there; he wasn’t making it easy on her this night.
The door opened, and her breath caught as it always did when she saw him. Chiseled features, whiskey eyes, a body as strong as it was sexy, clothed in a snug t-shirt and jeans – combined with the scent of toasted vanilla – made her want to melt at the front door. His sex energy wrapped around her immediately, compelling, intoxicating, irresistible. It made her whole body ache for his touch. She drew off the magic to keep on her feet.
“Just a shower?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said with effort.
He smiled faintly and moved away from the door, receding into the apartment. Zoey followed him through the penthouse. To her surprise, he didn’t go to the bedroom, but sat down in front of the television, his laptop on the table in front of him. She missed a step, wondering if he really did think she was there for a
shower.
“Let me know if you want that shoulder healed,” he said casually.
“Son of a bitch.” She strode to the bedroom. It was lit by a single candle and smelled of him. Hurrying to the bathroom, she was cheered to see the shower already running for her. Steam had fogged up the mirror.
With difficulty, she managed to make it out of her clothes without the use of her bad arm. She groaned as the hot water hit her battered body. Zoey closed her eyes and stood in the large shower, letting the multiple shower heads wash away the blood from her day.
They couldn’t get rid of her emotions. Exhausted, but wired with Declan’s sex energy, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to sleep or throw herself at his feet. She thought about the awful day, about losing the Professor’s home, and sleeping with an Incubatti. Her confusion hadn’t gotten any easier to handle. Her whole world overturned, there was only one constant...one source of comfort. Right now, she needed him.
“Declan,” she whispered.
A moment later, a coolness swept over her as he opened the shower and stepped into it. His magic touched her, stirring her blood. Heart pounding, she opened her eyes. Declan stood a few feet away. Zoey took in his naked body hungrily, loving his lean strength, the muscular shoulders and chest that rippled with his movements. His narrow hips were meant for riding, his large hands for branding every inch of her body.
She closed the distance between them. He waited, not touching her.
“I’m sorry,” she began.
“For?”
“Fighting you every step of the way and letting my fear control me and not trusting you and for breaking all the soul-mate rules, which I guess no one else does.”
He smiled but stayed where he was. There was something different about him this night. She wasn’t sure what. He’d been edgy with her since they met. This night, the edge was gone, though she sensed his emotion for the first time. He was happy to see her – but troubled as well.
“Please?” she asked, uncertain of his distance. Her body was trembling as much from the influence of his magic as her emotions. “Fuck me?”
He held her gaze, silent.
“I can’t really follow rules. But don’t trade me for someone less Zoey-like?” she ventured.