by Brenda Trim
Ayil chuckled at the familiar sight. However, the usual calm that suffused him when he visited Bladz eluded him this time no matter how hard he chased it, and it was pissing him the fuck off. Just when he thought he’d put that infuriating female behind him, Fate once again put her in his path.
Admittedly, Fate wasn’t some vindictive bitch like many believed, but a powerful entity that was tasked with helping keep the balance of existence in check. She had a reason for everything. Unfortunately, there was no way for anyone to ask so they all stumbled through life doing what they thought was right.
The crack of balls splitting as Araton’s cue connected with the white ball echoed. The neat triangle of spheres scattered, and a solid red ball rolled into the corner pocket. Araton prowled the table, clearly searching his options to provoke Ayil, but Ayil was too preoccupied to let it bother him. And, that just pissed Araton off more.
Ayil was a male of faith and had learned through some majorly fucked up mistakes that it was vital he pay attention to the signs he was sent and make course corrections as needed. He had enough blood on his hands to drown every Angel in Heaven and didn’t want anymore. Problem was he was too far into his head…or cock as it was when it came to Kennex that he didn’t entirely trust his judgement.
The blade in hand was in constant motion as Ayil tried to relax and push his racing thoughts aside. He was getting nowhere and had met his brothers at Bladz to chill for a bit. Ayil glanced around and thought about the new rule issued by the bar owner, Thorne. It was odd to see Angels hiding their wings in Heaven.
Ayil acknowledged too many gathered at Bladz to allow twenty-foot wings to take up the space. Not to mention things tended to get out of control when alcohol became involved. To ensure everyone followed the rules, Thorne used a spell which inhibited wing expansion in his establishment.
“Beat that, big brother,” Araton boasted as he rested against the long wooden pole he held on the ground.
Ayil tucked his dagger in the back of his waistband and picked up his cue from where it leaned against the table then ran chalk over the tip. “I came across that Phoenix clan again,” Ayil mumbled as he leaned over the pool table and rested his hand on the green felt.
The smooth wood slid over his knuckles as he struck one of the spheres, sending it into a pocket. He hadn’t planned on telling his brothers about the encounter and wasn’t sure why he mentioned it now.
The comment got Abraxos’s attention away from the sexy Fae. “They’re still aligned with the demons, aren’t they?”
“Not sure. I saw them on a crowded beach in San Diego…” Ayil divulged and his voice to trailed away. He moved around the other side and lined up his next shot.
“Why are we here if they are attacking humans?” Araton asked, ready to skip the game and head to Earth with his weapon of light blazing.
“Chill out, Araton. Is it possible to sense demonic energy this long after the incident in Arizona?” Ayil directed that last part to Abraxos. It wasn’t until after Kennex stalked away, taking her spicy scent with her, that he noticed the needles scraping lightly over his nerve endings. He missed his next shot and Araton stepped up to the pool table to take his turn.
“Seems unlikely that what you sensed would’ve been from weeks ago. Thank fuck demonic energy dissipates fast or Seattle would be worse than New Orleans. That city sees more demonic activity thanks to Zander and his Dark Warriors than anywhere else,” Abraxos replied then returned a smile to an Angel of Forgiveness that entered the bar.
Ayil rolled his eyes. There wasn’t a female in Heaven his brother hadn’t bedded. Granted, Ayil was a hot-blooded male with a high sex drive, but his brother could scarcely brush his teeth without having a naked female in his bed.
“Are there ley lines in San Diego?” Araton asked as he bent over and smacked his cue stick into another ball. The hit was enough to make the ball bounce once before sailing into a side pocket.
“There are some close to the border, but nothing like they have in New Orleans and New York City,” Abraxos informed them. Ayil knew enough about the ley lines to know that meant there was no natural portal to the Underworld in San Diego so that would not account for what he felt.
He couldn’t trust his senses to determine present demonic activity in the few cities like New Orleans and New York City because their unique collection of ley lines created natural portals which meant demons were constantly crossing over. Most being that took the chance in crossing at those spots were lower level demons that had no help from higher-level demons. They were the spots lower powered demons could cross. It was also the reason crime and chaos was rampant in the cities. There were warriors stationed in those cities that did nothing but hunt rogue demons.
All warrior Angels served time in a city with a natural portal. It was a rite of passage. Ayil and his brothers had done their time in New Orleans centuries ago. Life was relatively carefree in those days. Illianna was the bright spot in their lives, hadn’t been kidnapped and taken to Hell and the only blood he had on his hands was demonic.
Araton remained bent over the table and sunk another ball. “Did it feel like a possession?”
“Not really. I didn’t feel anything while in the surf and when I got to shore it took a while for me to notice anything.”
“A demon-possessed being wouldn’t be able to tolerate the afternoon sun very well. Did any of the Phoenixes appear sick?” Abraxos asked.
Ayil tried to think back. He’d been distracted at the time by Kennex. Before he noticed her a group of human females had approached him. Dozens of humans had surrounded him, and it wasn’t until he saw Kennex that he realized the group hanging out next to an unlit bonfire were Phoenixes.
At the time, it struck him that Kennex had segregated herself from the group. The female looked beyond miserable. He assumed at the time that her demeanor was from being cold. Phoenixes were a race of fire and heat. Rarely did they live in cold climates. They stuck to the Southern United States where it was often hot and humid and remained inside during the cold winter months. Could he have been wrong about that?
No fucking way, he thought immediately. The way her body shivered and the blue tint to her lips weren’t signs of possession sickness.
“No. They looked damn cold despite the sunny day, but none of them were twitchy and none were eyeing the humans as if they were dinner,” he replied.
Abraxos’s eyes continuously scanned the room and paused on every female within the walls. “Did you ask them about the energy you felt?”
“No. I only talked to Kennex, not the other clan members. And, I didn’t mention anything to her because I didn’t notice anything until she walked away,” Ayil admitted.
“You were too busy admiring her ass. I’ve seen the way you look at her,” Araton teased.
“Are you talking about Kennex, the Phoenix?” a deep voice interrupted. Ayil and Abraxos turned to see Jared at the next table, listening into their conversation. The urge to punch the male in his perfect face nearly overwhelmed Ayil.
Jared had always been a pompous ass, but it wasn’t until Zakara was accepted back into Heaven that he and his brothers discovered the role he played in her fall from Heaven. It still pissed him off that Jared was walking around Heaven without paying a price for causing Kara to fall from grace. The fact that he seemed familiar with Kennex only served to up the heat on his anger.
“This is our case. Stay the fuck out of it,” Araton barked and Jared jumped from his seat. Araton bumped chests with the male, and Jared quickly snarled and pulled his fist back.
Ayil stepped between the two. “What do you know of Kennex?”
“I know that she’s dead,” Jared replied with his arms crossed over his chest. He glared at Araton before shrugging and leaning back against the wall. “She disappeared about ten years ago and her family reported her dead.”
Abraxos scratched the back of his neck and set his beer down. “We had a clan of Phoenixes that sided with demons and heard the name.
Nothing major. Have you much experience with their kind?”
Jared didn’t reply right away, just stood there quiet as he watched Ayil and his brothers. Ayil swore he saw satisfaction cross Jared’s features before a smirk tipped his lips. “I’ve got more experience than you, I’d wager.”
Ayil’s hands fisted at his side and he nearly gave in to the desire to beat the shit out of Jared. The innuendo wasn’t lost on anyone. For some odd reason he idea of this male having sex with Phoenixes sent Ayil’s anger into the Underworld, a deep dark place in his gut that frightened him. It wanted blood and didn’t care if he extracted it from another angel.
Abraxos smiled wide, but Ayil knew his brother better than anyone and understood he was as close to gutting Jared as he was. “There are few with more experience than me, but I admit I’ve never had a Phoenix.”
“You don’t know what you’re missing,” Jared replied. “Tell me where Kennex is and I will introduce you to a few wild ones.”
“I don’t need your help. If I wanted a Phoenix, I would have one. You really are an arrogant prick, aren’t you?” Abraxos snapped.
“He’s lower than demon scum,” Ramiel snarled, startling Ayil. He was so focused on Jared that he didn’t hear the Angel of Retribution approach. Now, hatred emanated from Ramiel in waves as he glared at Jared.
Zakara was Ramiel’s mate and he had more reason than anyone to loathe Jared. Rami didn’t agree with Kara’s position of not punishing Jared. He wanted his pound of flesh for what the male put his mate through. That wasn’t a big shock given that Rami was an Angel of Retribution. His driving mission in life was vengeance for wrongdoings. The fact that Jared was still alive and breathing spoke of Ramiel’s considerable control.
Zakara was Ramiel’s entire world. Ayil envied the love between Kara and Rami. There was nothing Rami wouldn’t do for Zakara, including not taking action against Jared.
If it wasn’t for what Jared did to Zakara, she never would’ve become a Fallen Angel, been banished to the Underworld, or tortured. Ayil thought her horns were sexy, but most in Heaven saw her purple wings, horns, and black diamonds as an abomination. She still suffered because of what this asshole did to her centuries ago. Ayil didn’t think he could live knowing the male that harmed the love of his life walked free.
Guilt over what he’d done in his search for his sister burned like lava through his veins. He’d done far worse than killing one sonovabitch. No doubt, Ramiel was one of the best Angels in Heaven.
“Don’t be jealous because I had Zakara first,” Jared taunted. It was the wrong thing to say and Ayil saw the moment Ramiel’s control snapped. An instant later, Rami roared his rage and ran at the angel.
Ramiel moved with such speed that Jared couldn’t move out of his path. Jared issued a painful grunt as Rami slammed into his middle. “Anything you had was a lie. You may have gotten away with trying to kill her, but I swear to God I will make you pay somehow!”
Jared wrapped one arm around Rami and lifted the Angel up. Thorne called out and headed their way at the same moment blue light flared around the room. Either Rami or Jared tried to expand their wings and get an edge in the fight, but magic stopped them. Ayil would bet it was Ramiel. The Angel of Retribution had razor sharp wings and it was clear with every blow he wanted to shred Jared limb from limb.
Rami twisted and kicked out, connecting with Jared’s leg. A loud snap echoed loudly followed by a howl of pain from the male. Femur fractures hurt like a bitch and Rami took advantage jumping on Jared’s back.
“Hold up, Thorne. Give ‘em a few more minutes,” Araton encouraged. Thorne glared at Ayil’s brother.
A body slammed into Ayil, sending him soaring through the air and into a fire demon at the next table. Translucent skin flared orange where it smashed against Ayil’s face. A growl rumbled against his shoulder and he realized the fire demon was about to attack.
Ayil sprang to his feet as fast as he could despite his disorientation. He hadn’t been expecting to be tackled in the fight. “I’m not looking for a fight.”
The fire demon didn’t look appeased and Ayil threw up his hands. “If you want to take it out on someone, hit Jared. He’s the problem.”
The fire demon’s hands briefly flared with fire before sputtering out. “Absolutely fucking not,” Throne yelled. “There will be no fires in my club and this fight is done, Rami.”
Ayil saw the broken silver disc in Thorne’s hand. Thorne’s brown eyes narrowed, and his shoulders rippled. The air thickened around them, telling Ayil the disc must have contained some kind of ward. It stopped the fire demon before he even got started and grabbed everyone’s attention.
Ramiel stood there with barely controlled rage, his chest heaving and his fists clenched. Blood dripping from the corner of his left eye was nothing compared to the blood pouring from Jared’s nose. It took all of Rami’s considerable control to remain still while Jared stood there with a smug look on his face. The idiot was asking for his features to be rearranged.
Leaving Thorne to deal with Jared, Ayil headed to his brothers, wondering what Jared meant when he said Kennex was dead. It was obvious from his statement that no one cared that he attempted to locate her. The question was why. One thing was certain, he wanted to keep Kennex off that motherfucker’s radar.
* * *
Chapter 3
“Take that, asshole,” Kennex called out to the figures on her television. Her thumbs moved over the left and right thumbsticks while her fingers rapidly pressed the triggers and buttons. Her animated character jumped, twisted, kicked and fired upon the enemy. Fake blood splattered the television screen as dead bodies were left in her wake.
Gods she loved her job, she thought as she forced herself to focus on the positive in her life. Forget about the infuriating Angels that once again ruined her life and relegated her from the place she called home. She had a nice townhome and a stable job that allowed her to work from home.
Supernaturals lived as separate from humans as possible. Her parents and other clan elders told stories about how it used to be far easier to remain a secret when humans didn’t outnumber them a thousand to one. Back when the Earth was young, anonymity was a guarantee. Now, humans numbered in the billions while supernaturals remained in the thousands.
Survival in the world today was difficult for any supernatural, but particularly for those that stood out like fire demons, many Fae, harpies, as well as, her kind. Phoenixes could hide their wings and dampen the fire in their eyes, but it was tough to maintain for any length of time so most didn’t spend much time around mundanes. At only thirty-five years old, Kennex had a hard time conceptualizing what life was like before humans had nuclear weapons and outnumbered them to such a significant degree.
Kennex heard the rumors that shifters wanted to come out and claim their position of power over the humans. She had no idea if it was true, but she hoped not. There was no way mundanes were going to accept supernaturals without lashing out. Fear was a driving factor for any species, and they had the numbers and resources to control paranormals regardless of how weak they were.
She imagined if they were discovered there would be a war similar to the virtual one she was currently battling on her console. She pressed buttons on her controller and unleashed fireballs and energy missiles at the enemy. Kennex was one of the lead designers on a popular video game. She was a product of her generation and worked comfortably in the virtual world so she could support herself while keeping her true identity a secret. Those maudlin thoughts weren’t helping improve her mood at all.
Pressing pause on her game, she reluctantly climbed off her sofa and went into the kitchen to retrieve a cold soda. Normally she hated anything remotely cold. Mountain Dew was the one exception. The drink was one of her favorite beverages, but it was awful warm so she kept cans stocked in the fridge.
Unused to so much ambient noise, Kennex nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard a pan clatter. Placing a palm over her racing heart, she want
ed to shout at her next-door neighbor, Lexi, for making so much noise. She popped the tab and gulped the caffeine-laden beverage.
Her home back in Arizona, and even where she grew up in Georgia, were far enough apart that she wasn’t privy to how often Lexi had a male over, what she was cooking, or what she was watching on television. Now, she knew far more about her friend than she ever wanted.
The sound of sizzling reminded Kennex she needed to eat, as well. The one thing she enjoyed about living in San Diego was the food delivery. Her mother was an amazing cook and made the best fried okra on the planet, but Kennex didn’t inherit that skill. Cereal and hot cocoa were the extent of her abilities which explained the takeout containers she was pulling out.
Despite knowing she shouldn’t, Kennex allowed her mind to travel to the last time she saw her family. It wasn’t exactly one of the best moments with them. Her dad was bitching at her about talking to them and asking why she looked as if her best friend had been killed. Her mom made excuses for her behavior and told her dad to give her a break. It wasn’t those memories she wrapped around herself like a blanket, but their love and affection.
Her chest ached and tears blurred her vision. Opening to those memories was a mistake. It always brought her loss to the forefront of her mind. Angels kept taking everything from her. The more her chest ached the worse her anger became until she scarcely held onto her fire. The last thing she needed was to burn her home down.
Popping one carton open she immediately gagged. She could swear that a pixie took up residence in her leftovers, but the fuzzy green stuff wasn’t hair. That had to be left from the day she moved into the house. Loading her arms with every box she had, she opened and nearly tossed more than the spoiled food.
Her mouth watered and her skin was slick with the vomit-sweats. A noise behind her startled her. She opened her mouth as she twisted her head to give Lexi a piece of her mind for not announcing her presence as loud as she did everything else. A lump formed in her throat and her heart plummeted to her feet while simultaneously racing to burst through her chest wall.