“Mother Night, this wasn’t Corvelli’s.”
Maniacal laughter filled the entryway. Stupid mixed blood whore, did you really think it would be that easy? That you’d just happen to find the one weapon you needed to destroy me? Did you also think I’d let you walk up and stab me in the heart? Where’s the challenge in that?
Furious with herself for not realizing it sooner, Sha growled low in her throat, tempted to punch the wall a few times.
“Don’t, temptress. It’ll only hurt your hand and give him the satisfaction of riling you.”
Under normal circumstances, the endearment would have soothed her. Normal circumstances had gone out the window the instant the Nexus ruptured, spewing her into the Human Realm with no warning whatsoever. “He played us. How in the Seven Hells can you be so damn calm about it? Evil Bastard’s two steps ahead of us and we’re being led around like dogs on a leash,” she said, words as bitter as the bile that had risen.
“Look at me.” She didn’t want to obey the demand, wasn’t ready to meet his eyes yet. This was supposed to be her forte and she kept messing everything up. “Stubborn temptress, look at me.” Reaching around the back of her head, he grasped her hair, gently pulling so she had no choice but to comply.
His eyes were anything but calm. Whereas they’d always had a subtle shifting movement, now the irises swirled and gathered like storm clouds, the color close to charcoal and filled with danger. Realization dawned. Metallum Sorceri were renowned for their control, their ability to portray an air of utter placidity when inside, they seethed with rage. “Push your emotion aside for a minute and think. He has the advantage, yes. But all that means is we’ll seize it from him, turn his own arrogance against him.”
A deep, shuddering breath helped her push aside the anger. Aquarums tended to be tranquil, but her personality more often than not resembled the Infernum temper. “I hate that you’re right.”
“The curse of being a man…ooomph.”
Sha smiled innocently despite the glare he shot her. Not her fault his foot had been in the way of her heel.
“Brat,” he accused, lips quirking.
“You deserved it. And thanks.”
“Anytime. I’m—”
Stalling, are you? Or maybe you’re too afraid of what awaits you outside. Sniveling cowards.
“Ignore him, focus. Why would he hand us the means to his destruction?”
Why, indeed? “Doubtful there’s poison because I’d assume one of us would’ve started displaying symptoms. Perhaps he enchanted the blade with something.” Closing her eyes, she reached out with her magic, probing the athame. Or tried to.
“That son of a bitch godsforsaken bastard. He’s put a binding spell over this that renders any magic attempted by the wielder useless. You’ve never dealt with a wendigo before, so sending you in would be tantamount to a suicide mission, and I’m severely limited in what I can do.”
“You’re missing one glaring fact, temptress.”
How he could sound so calm, she couldn’t figure out. There was no time to hunt another silver blade; as soon as they set one foot outside that door, Evil Bastard was going to strike. “Enlighten me,” she bit out.
“You’ve said yourself, I seem to augment your abilities, able to lend you strength. What if it works in the reverse?”
Gods she loved his mind. “It could work. I could provide enough distraction that you might be able to flank him. When you get close, I should be able to shield you from magical attacks long enough for you to deliver the death blow. It’s dangerous and it’d mean you’d have to allow me to enter your mind with no reservations.”
Connor shrugged. “We’re dead if we do nothing, so danger’s a moot point. As for letting you into my head, you’ve made it into my heart, what’s one more organ?”
Warmth exploded through her. It was too soon, illogical to think she could be in love with him, but when had anyone accused her of being logical? “This could still be suicide for us both,” she felt compelled to caution him.
Again, he shrugged. “At least we’d die trying.”
“Then I guess there’s only one thing left to do.” Closing the distance between them she locked her hands behind his neck, claimed his mouth with hers, tongue sweeping over his in strong strokes. It didn’t matter that a few yards away, a mad man waited to slaughter them in cold blood. In this moment, nothing else existed.
Drowning in his scent, in the feel of his arms around her, she pushed against his natural mental shields. They gave way instantly, as if they were no more than a gossamer web. Deep within her, a bond locked into place, emotion pouring across the link and running in both directions. Few people ever experienced the wonder of this kind of joining, because few trusted another so completely. Fools have no clue what they’re missing.
An eternity later, they came up for air, breathing ragged. “Wow,” he murmured, forehead pressed against hers. “Is this permanent?”
Sha nodded, wondering if he’d regret the decision. “You’re stuck with me now.”
“Good. And no, I don’t regret it for a second.” A gentle kiss on each of her cheeks emphasized his words. “Ready to kick some ass?”
Adrenaline and anticipation coursed through her veins, the thrill of the coming battle giving her a boost of energy. Or maybe it was their bond. Time enough to discover that later.
After they destroyed Nightmare.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
“Anything I should know about the wendigo before we meet him?” Connor’s heart was pounding, his palms damp at the unknown that awaited them on the other side of the door. Every primitive instinct screamed that they should run, should do anything but open the door. Screw the primitive instincts. If he’d wanted safe and secure, he’d never have joined the police force. Denver may not be as hazardous as New York or Los Angeles, but it wasn’t always a walk in the park.
He struggled to tune out the cacophony of blaring car alarms, panicked cries, explosions, and a number of noises he thought it best not to dwell on. Rushing headlong into the mayhem wasn’t going to help the innocents under siege.
“Wendigos are notorious for being near impossible to kill. They’re cannibalistic spirits who can take the flesh of their victims. Some call them Skin Walkers. Evil Bastard would have some power, otherwise how else has he been communicating with me, but most of it would be derived from blood rituals. They thrive on agony, fear, and tormenting their victims. A single kill never satisfies them; they’re gluttonous, always demanding fresh victims and never content.”
“That sounds…unpleasant. Will it look like Corvelli?” Though it wouldn’t do them much good, Connor checked his weapon and extra clips. Maybe it’d be useful for a distraction.
“No. Evil Bastard skinned him so he could walk this earth in a physical form, but he’ll look barely humanoid.”
Her words conjured visions of depictions of demons he’d seen as a child. Perhaps he’d live up to the name Nightmare in appearance, but the apocalyptic future he’d prophesied would not come to pass.
“Anything else? From the sounds of it, we’d better get out there soon. I don’t think he’s very pleased with us loitering in here.”
“Evil Bastard can go to the bowels of the Seven Hells for all I care. And yes, there is one other thing. Don’t let him strike out at you. Given the opportunity to rip into you with his claws, he’ll tear you to pieces, flay your flesh from your bones in seconds, and cannibalize you. It’ll make the banshee seem like a midday stroll in comparison,” she said, mouth set in a grim line.
Every few seconds her skin would flare, faint blue and green runes appearing only to fade away moments later. “What’re you doing?”
“Protection wards. Almost finished with mine then I’ll do yours. I guarantee you, he brought company. Assuming he’s bent on unleashing Ferren unto the world, he’d need an army to help weaken the Nexus. It could stand against intense, focused attacks on the Mythrian side. I have my doubts the same would be true from this
side. Hold still and don’t be alarmed when you start glowing.”
Fascinated, he watched the runes materialize on his arms, bathing him in a faint, tingling sensation. Flowing like water down his body, the tingling continued until it dissipated at his feet. “What will those do?”
“If you’re attacked with magic, it should buy you enough time to run like hell. The wards won’t provide much resistance against the Wendigo’s talons, so watch yourself.”
Worry thickened her voice, traveled down the amazing bond between them. Inconceivable though it was, he wouldn’t give it up for anything. He wasn’t afraid to admit he was possessive; having her inextricably linked to him on a level so deep was astounding. Days ago he hadn’t known she existed. Now, he couldn’t imagine being without her.
“We’ve done all we can. I’m ready when you are,” she said, eyes steady, all but the slightest tinge of fear masked. Had he not been so in tune with her, he’d have missed even that tiny amount. Her courage awed him.
“Ready as I’ll ever be. Stay in one piece, will you?”
“I will if you will.”
“Deal.”
Steeling himself with a deep breath, silver blade hidden up his coat sleeve in a makeshift sheath, Connor reached for the knob, turned it and eased the door open.
And walked straight into hell.
*******
Sunlight reflected off the hood of a car as it hurtled through the air, tumbling end over end, headed straight toward them. Shock at seeing the massive weight being thrown as effortlessly as if it were made of paper rooted Sha’s feet to the ground.
“Duck!” The warning shout came from their left. A teenager in a black coat and jeans, blood running sluggishly down his leg beneath a makeshift bandage. The same kid from earlier. Alec.
Connor didn’t hesitate, grabbing her around the waist and pulling her down, twisting to take the brunt of the impact as they hit the ground. The vehicle was mere feet away when it veered to the side, slamming into the side of the apartment building. Shards of brick, mortar, glass, and metal rained down upon them, most falling around them as Sha regained her senses and threw out a protective barrier.
“Idiot, you don’t need to shield me,” she protested, pushing against his shoulders. “Was that you? Did you deflect the car?” Searching for the teenager, she saw he was ushering civilians out of the vicinity. Brave, if foolish, kid.
“Dunno, maybe. I didn’t think, just reacted.” Amazement, followed by concern, crossed his face. “You alright? You’re bleeding,” he said, bringing his fingers to a wound on the side of her head and wiping away a trickle of blood.
“I’m fine, I’ve got a hard head, remember?” It stunned her to realize he’d moved a car with nothing more than his will. She knew plenty of Metallum Sorceri incapable of exerting their will over such a heavy object. Maybe the bond was already working both ways and her powers were supplementing his.
How touching. What did you think of my welcome present?
It could use a little originality. Where are you, you son of a bitch?
Is that any way to speak to a god among men?
Sha scoffed. Your arrogance is increasing by the second. Don’t worry, I understand if you’re afraid to take on someone more than willing to kick your ass.
We’ll see about that, little girl. I’ve bested you every step of the way. In what realm did you honestly think you could battle me and win?
“Can you get a lock on where he is?” Connor asked, scanning the chaos.
All around them people ran, screaming in terror and pain, weaving in and out of overturned cars and ruined buildings reduced to smoldering piles of rubble. Smoke filled the area, choking her and stinging her eyes, the pungent stench of blood and sulfur permeating the air. This was truly hell on earth.
The ground began to shake, throwing Connor and Sha off balance and sending them tumbling back down before they could gain their footing. Fissures opened in the sky, ripping through the fabric of space itself. Distorted runes circled the holes, pulsating a sickly greenish red.
“Mother Night, Connor the Nexus. He’s shredding it. We have to stop him. If the Nexus falls, there will be nothing to stop some of the most vicious, sadistic creatures ever to have lived from crossing over to this realm.”
You’re too late. Your only recourse is to submit to me, to Ferren, and beg for mercy. He’ll be free soon.
Gods she was tired of listening to his babbling. She glanced at her detective, wondering if he knew what she planned to say next. At his nod, she smiled. Good to have his approval, not that she’d needed it.
I think you’re all bark and no bite. You hide behind your threats and insults like the coward you are. You can’t even act for yourself, can you? Everything you do is to awaken Ferren from his prison. You’re the pathetic one if you ask me.
A bellow of fury reverberated from an alley half a block away.
I will not tolerate your insolence anymore mixed blood whore. Why the hell did he keep calling her that? She was of two classes, but she was pure Sorceri.
Worry about that later, temptress. Draw him out so I can flank him. Stay safe.
Connor’s voice in her mind coaxed a smile in spite of their dire predicament. I think I can manage that. You stay safe too, Detective.
She hesitated, watching as he slipped into the shadows. By the flame, what was she waiting for? The odds were stacked against them, in all likelihood they were about to meet their maker at the hands of a sadistic psychopath. Was now really the time to be shy?
Connor, wait.
Yes? He sounded distracted, his thoughts already turned to strategizing the best way to outmaneuver their opponent.
I—I love you. Cheeks burned with embarrassment. Gods, she should’ve kept her mouth shut. Or thoughts to herself, Whatever.
Before she could try to retract her words, somehow backtrack, he filled every corner of her mind. Don’t even think about taking back those words. You’re mine, Sha. We’re surviving this, saving the world, and figuring out what comes next. But know this, you’re mine. I love you, too. See you on the other side.
Joy burst within her. Mother Night, when had she become so sappy?
I like sappy. Stay alive, temptress.
You too.
A brief caress brushed down her face. How had he figured out how to do that?”
Am I boring you? Perhaps this will gain your attention.
Rough hands shoved her aside as another car hurtled in her direction. Perplexed, she stared up at the face of Alec. “Thanks. For both times.”
He grunted. “Don’t mention it. Know how to kill that shithead?”
“We’re working on it. You should take cover, stay out of the line of fire.”
Alec’s chin jutted, stubbornness etched in the lines of his body. “I’m staying. I can help.”
Kid had guts, she’d give him that. Guts weren’t enough, though, and she didn’t want his death on her conscience. “Look, I appreciate your help, but you have no idea what we’re dealing with.”
“A wendigo bent on breaking down the Nexus. Pretty sure I’ve got it figured out.”
Sha felt her jaw hit the floor. “You’re human. How in the name of the Seven Hells do you know about that?”
He arched a brow at her, crossing his arms in a cocky posture. “You sure I’m just a human?”
“If not, what the hell are you?”
“We can sit down for tea and tell our life stories after we’re done saving the city and not dying.”
Argue later, focus now. We’ll figure out what the hell he is afterward.
Connor was right; they didn’t have time for this. “I’m not responsible for you, you got that? I tried to warn you, if you get yourself killed it’s your own damn fault.”
“Fair enough. What do you want me to do?”
“Get civilians out of the area. I can’t worry about Evil Bastard targeting one of them when we try to take him out. There’ll be a window where he can assume a new form if he
can cannibalize his victim fast enough.”
“Evil Bastard?”
“My pet name for the wendigo. If you want to help, that’s what you can do. Otherwise, stay out of my way.”
“You got it.” With a mock salute, Alec turned on his heel and raced to a group of huddled, weeping women. His speed was incredible, legs carrying him across the distance faster than they should have.
I’m getting into position. See if you can lure him out of wherever he’s hiding.
Hey, Evil Bastard! Come out, come out, wherever you are.
You dare taunt me, insolent whore?
Pretty much. All you’ve done is babble incessantly. Why not come out and fight me? Or are you too scared?
Fury rippled through her mind. Your blood will run like a river through these streets. When I’m done with you, I’ll go after your lover and bestow upon him the honor of giving me his skin.
Heavy footsteps echoed from an alley to her right and she jerked her head toward the sound, indicating the area to Connor. A few seconds later, they got their first glimpse at the wendigo.
He was an ugly bastard, no longer remotely resembling a humanoid figure. His arms had elongated, growing razor sharp talons designed for rending the flesh from his victims. Where Corvelli’s skin had been a few shades darker than her own, Nightmare’s complexion was a dull gray, bones protruding grotesquely. Corded muscle ran the length of his body, speaking to the immense strength packed on his frame.
“You puny Sorceri. You’re no match for me.”
Gathering her power into a concentrated ball of flame, she met the black voids that served as eyes, her gaze unflinching. “Prove it,” she demanded a moment before releasing the flames, directing them at the wendigo. Predictably, he dodged. Straight into the fire.
Shrieks of tormented agony mixed with rage made her ears ring. “You forgot who you were dealing with didn’t you? I’m not just an Infernum, I’m Aquarum. First rule of the water class, learn to make illusions.
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