“On some level I think you did,” Zan said. “You never gave Alicia a chance. I think it’s because your heart already had someone else in mind for you and me.”
He put his hand to his chest. Cade admitted he’d always looked a little longer at her than any other woman, but fall in love with her? “What about you?” Cade asked with a frown.
“You already have me, Cade,” he murmured. “I already love you.”
“You do?”
“Why do you think I’m willing to do this your way, baby?”
Tears misted his eyes. “Zan!” He leaped into Zan’s arms. “I love you, too.” He claimed his mouth softly and then broke the kiss. “Sorry.”
Zan laughed. “Are we keeping her?”
He nodded slowly. “I think I might be falling for her, too,” he said.
* * * *
Ashley’s killer stepped into Jarvis’s office, unsure why the man had asked to meet with him in broad daylight. Jarvis was all about the appearance of propriety and associating with him was nothing if not improper, all things considered.
“You wanted to see me?” he asked and Jarvis turned his head from the window he was staring out of. His expression was pensive.
“Last night was inspiring.” Jarvis smiled and he saw a hint of calculation in his eyes. “I need you to finish the cats tonight. Set some charges near the northern border to keep the northerners from giving aid.”
“Fine,” he replied and continued studying Jarvis. What was his master plan? He was sure there was one, but something had changed. Finishing off the cats hadn’t been part of the agenda last night. He’d been content to know they’d been decimated.
“Good.” Jarvis nodded, a gleam in his eyes now.
“What’d you have taken from the judge’s?” he asked. “Why kill him? With the eastern council down more than two men, you wouldn’t have to worry about losing a majority vote. The southern elders are prepared to back your agenda.”
“Nothing was taken.”
“Then why ransack the place? He was killed at his office, so there was no need to make his home look a mess.”
Jarvis shrugged and averted his gaze slightly before meeting his again.
He was about to lie.
“I—the judge knew something.”
“About what?” he demanded, getting to his feet. “I’ve taken all the risk here, not you, so I want to know what you think he knew.”
“I don’t have time for this,” Jarvis snapped. “Get out. I have a meeting to take with the council before I leave. I have a case in the city, and I’ll be there the rest of the week.”
“First you’ll tell me what you’ve been up to, Jarvis.” He rounded the desk and Jarvis raised his hand. Ashley’s killer caught it, prepared for it.
He gave the wrist a jerk, breaking it quickly, and Jarvis let out a cry. He backed Jarvis up against the wall and put a hand over his mouth as he held the other against his stomach. The widening of Jarvis’s eyes was no surprise.
He knew he was feeling the pain of his ability. “Now, tell me what you took or I’ll kill you.” He removed his hand from Jarvis’s mouth.
“Y-you wouldn’t dare. Julie saw you come in here.”
“You’d make me kill her too?” he asked softly. Being a killer had never been on his agenda. He was an accountant, an upstanding citizen. People liked him despite his father being a judge. However, circumstance—misguided as they had been—had changed him rapidly, and he had no compunctions about killing the secretary.
The horror on Jarvis’s face didn’t faze him, and he didn’t cease in the pain he was giving him.
“What did you take?”
“A fucking journal,” he cried. “But I don’t have it here. You’ll have to come by my place to get it.”
“Not good enough,” he murmured and covered Jarvis’s mouth. With a quick press of a finger, he broke the finger Jarvis wore his ring on. He removed the ring while Jarvis screamed behind his hand. “That’s the problem with borrowed power, Jarvis, and the problem with being human.”
Something flickered in Jarvis’s eyes triggering a memory in the killer.
Jarvis mumbled behind his hand and he removed it.
“I sent the book to the FBI,” he said. “It was a journal containing proof Logan was of alien blood. He mentioned a few names, all dead guys, founding fathers. The journal was mainly about how he longed for his home and Tangela.”
“That sounds about right,” he said and ignored Jarvis’s moan of pain. “But we still have issues. You betrayed our alliance without a heads up to me.”
“Damn it,” he snapped, shaking. “I was pissed about last night. I figured it’d serve you right.”
“I know you didn’t send it anywhere,” he said. “So you better get it for me by six tonight. I’ll be done planting the charges at the cats’ by then.”
“Meet me here,” Jarvis said. “I’ll have it.”
“Or you and I will have serious issues, buddy,” he said. He patted Jarvis’s cheek. They already had issues and Jarvis was a dead man as a result. He just didn’t take too kindly to that kind of betrayal.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Zan left the office early to head home at his brother’s request. He sent Zaria home twenty minutes earlier. When he arrived, Cade was already at the lodge seated at the bar along with Jaxon, Daisy, and Travis. They were a solemn group sipping drinks.
“What’d I miss?” he asked, moving to kiss the back of Cade’s neck.
“Not much yet,” Kel told him. “Travis just finished telling us about the anchors and how their function was to filter the power of the crystals. They are apparently Zytenian and Barrian with only two from Utaria.”
“Anchors are people or crystals?”
“One in the same essentially,” Travis told him. “The southern anchors had very little power because our job was going to be to provide stabilization by filtering the power off through everyone in our sector.”
“The western anchor has the same job?” Zan asked.
Travis nodded. “And they had two anchors, though it could be as many as three alive per sector at any given time depending on the lifespan of the anchor before. The anchorship is something handed down from one family member to another.”
“But the northern anchors actually outnumber the others at any point in time,” Cade told him and held up a black book. “It belonged to one of the original founding fathers. Actually two. Mine and Zaria’s relatives were friends and all their data was put into one place.”
“How many anchors do we have?” Keyos asked.
“Four and that’s because it’s going to take at least two of us to properly direct the energy from the crystals during the transformation. Since there are three of us so much the better. Otherwise, the town will become inhospitable to humans. If there’s only one of us, the crystals will cause an earthquake that will swallow the town.”
“Goddamn,” Kel muttered. “What about the cats?”
“Also filters,” Zier told them. “Without them some of us will die because we’ll lose the filtering power. The shockwave from the energy that we’ll each receive will be larger than if the entire cat community was alive.”
“There are only thirty-seven adults and young adults, four elders, and seven children. The children are under twelve and range from five to ten. The ones under ten won’t be strong enough. They’ll pass out beneath the initial wave of power.”
“Initial?” Rhys asked with a frown.
“There will be two waves,” Zier told them. “The transformation has begun, but interestingly enough the first wave wasn’t actually felt by many. My grandfather said he only felt a burst of energy this morning when it swept through, which means the most powerful waves are still to come.”
“Do the anchors need to be in the same place?” Zan asked.
“No,” Zier replied. “Just all alive. So we need to know who the other cat anchor is, Daisy.”
“She died last night,” Daisy told them sadly. “Her repl
acement hasn’t been trained, let alone come into her intuitive powers. She’s only five.”
“The other southern anchor died last night, too,” Cade told them. “The judge. So, the western anchors are going to have to work twice as hard to help Daisy and Travis, but without enough people to take the energy…” He trailed off shaking his head.
“Does your book say who the northern anchors are?”
“I’m a northern anchor and so is Zaria, but the other two aren’t mentioned. Why did you come here?” Cade asked.
Zan shrugged. “Keyos suggested it.”
“Our guardian said there was a place waiting for us here among some of our own in the northern sector of town,” Keyos answered.
“Did you know the previous owner? He was pure Barrian with a Zytenian wife,” Cade told them.
“No,” Zan said. “We never even met him. Key?”
“I bought the land from the realtor,” his brother replied.
“They were killed in a home invasion,” Travis said. “It was a big thing because Jarvis’s grandfather was found dead on the edge of the property and his father was demanding justice.”
“They had no kids?” Daisy asked.
“No,” Travis said with a shake of his head. “They were always hanging out with Zaria’s uncle. He had no kids either.”
“But the guy was an anchor,” Cade said.
“Which means we’re four anchors light,” Zan muttered. “We’ll just have to ride out the next two waves and if the humans die, they die. Jarvis did set this in motion even if he isn’t behind the murders.”
“I don’t think Dade has any clues who is,” Rhys said. “And it’s frustrating him.”
“He might not have to worry about it,” Zan murmured. “None of us may.” He hugged Cade. “Let’s get out of here. I’ll talk to you guys later. We can decide what we’re going to do.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Keyos told his brother impassively. “Travis and Daisy can’t leave and neither can Cade.”
“We night not have a fighting chance,” Rhys snapped. “We have to think about leaving, Keyos. Don’t be pigheaded.”
“My family’s still here, but they said they were leaving,” Daisy confessed. “They want me to come, too.”
“I’ll talk to Dade,” Rhys said.
“I guess we all have some thinking to do,” Kel said. “We need to decide within a few hours. So, Rhys, see if you can get Dade home and, Cade, I think you should call Zaria. If we leave, the first wave alone might kill her. She needs to know what she’s facing.”
They all left the lodge and when they reached Zan’s cabin, Cade called Zaria. His hands shook as he did because the very thought of her not being part of their lives terrified him. What if she decided to stay, and they left?
* * * *
In a fresh shirt and casual pants, Julian Bridger entered the sitting room that evening with a little more blood on his hands, but convinced now more than ever that a compromise was essential to their survival. It didn’t matter what the others thought, it would have to be. If the elders had learned to work things out on Barria, they could do it here.
He stood in the doorway listening to plans for Judge Logan’s funeral and ran his free hand through his hair before striding forward, mind made up.
“What kept you, Julian?” Myles asked, giving him a pointed look.
“I had business with Jarvis,” he said and held up the journal.
“What kind of business?” his father asked. “The city is engaging your services?” he asked jokingly.
“Jarvis is dead,” he said. “He was leaving town along with the humans he recruited.” Julian put the journal on the wet bar and poured himself a drink. “We’ve lost the cat anchors.”
“What is he talking about?” Mrs. Dillon asked, frowning at him before casting glances around at the others.
“The anchors are connected to the crystals buried deep in the earth. We have no idea where, but we know there’s at least three in each sector and two in the center,” Myles explained to his daughter.
“Jarvis was behind the mass murder of the cats?” Sed demanded. “And you knew and didn’t tell anyone?”
“The important thing is what’s going to happen to us now,” Julian told them. “He had the judge killed for this. It contains some information on the anchors but no names. It only says the town will face destruction without the anchors.”
“Surely, that’s not correct,” Myles insisted. “Nothing that I’ve ever been taught about our town says the loss of the anchors will bring our demise.”
“They probably thought we’d embrace our otherness,” Julian said. “Too many humans were allowed to move in.”
“I agree,” Myles said coldly. “But—”
“It will happen. Everything is in the judge’s writing and Jarvis knew if the cats were gone this town wouldn’t survive. Their numbers were the greatest and they would be able to filter the energy the crystals will discharge as they change this town over the next few days.”
“What are we talking?” Sed asked. “How bad will it get?”
“Total destruction of all life,” Julian told them. “The town will become nothing more than a gaping hole in the earth unless we pull together as a race.”
“The others don’t know anything about this” Myles said. “Let’s keep it that way and once the transformation is over the humans will be gone.”
“We can’t bury our heads in the sand and pretend, Myles,” Sed snapped. “The others need to know. We have no idea how powerful the waves of energy will be. If the remaining anchors aren’t ready, it could kill us all.” He got to his feet. “I’m calling Tangela and Domain. Maybe they have some idea who the other anchors are.”
“Sed—”
“Enough, Dad,” Mr. Dillon said softly. “Let’s compile a list of pure-blood families and contact them. We know the anchor isn’t in our family.”
“I’ll call Jaxon and tell him to pass the message along to Travis,” Trek, Jaxon’s brother said. “Travis’s grandfather was from pure Barrian blood.”
“I think—”
“Too damn bad, Myles,” Sed snarled. “I’m not leaving my life to chance based on your arrogant assumptions and thirst for power. It all stops here or we stop you. Your choice.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Zaria was surprised to get Cade’s call, but she had no problems meeting them sooner than planned. Her parents hadn’t been home anyway. They’d gone out before she even arrived leaving her a note that they’d see her later.
She pulled onto the smoothly paved driveway, her heart jumping in excitement. Her stomach fluttered and an ache deep inside her throbbed. She’d missed them as crazy as that sounded.
She cut the engine, and released her seatbelt before climbing out with the dessert she’d picked up from the diner on her way home. She’d called in ahead for it and had been told they were closing early.
Zaria retrieved the box from the passenger side and made her way to the porch. The door opened and Cade smiled at her. She grinned, heating all over.
“Hi,” she said and hoped her tone didn’t sound too warm.
“Hey.” He gave her a light hug that was a little awkward but his eyes, now they held the same hope that bloomed anew inside her. “What is that?” he asked.
“Dessert,” she said.
“Great,” he exclaimed. “We didn’t really have time to put anything together.”
“That’s okay.” She held up the box and he took it.
“Come on in,” Cade said and put a hand on her hip and it glided to the small of her back as she led the way inside.
His touch felt so right on her back, she was sure he belonged to her. Zaria threw him a look over her shoulder as she wondered where Zan was. She’d really enjoy a moment or two alone with Cade.
“The kitchen is straight ahead and turn right,” he told her.
She followed his instruction arriving at a spacious kitchen in white with space saver microwav
e over the stove. An island occupied the middle of the room with chairs on one side. The window over the sink provided a view into the backyard.
He put the box on the island and she faced him, reaching up to stroke his cheek. He covered her hand with his and their gazes held. The sparks of color in his seemed to answer the connection she felt to him and not just because they were of the same race.
“I meant what I said earlier, Cade,” she said softly. “I really want you in my life.”
He caressed her skin causing it to tingle. “I feel like I’m standing on the edge of something new,” he told her and leaned toward her.
“Me, too.” Zaria glided her hand to the back of his head. His hair was soft to her touch and she pushed her fingers into the hair at the nape.
He kissed her softly, and she parted her lips allowing his tongue to dart inside to brush against hers. She moaned and closed her arm around his neck as she drew closer to him.
Cade wrapped an arm around her waist and held her tight as he deepened the kiss, but it was slow and delicious, reaching into the core of her. Her head spun as he savored her allowing her to savor him.
The fire of arousal heated her blood, but she didn’t want to rush this. Getting to know, Cade, falling in love with him now that she had her chance was something she wanted to enjoy.
She broke the kiss and slowly her eyes opened to gaze into Cade’s blue ones. The tiny swirls in his eyes were green, and his lips were swollen from their kiss. She inhaled roughly and a smile played on her lips.
“You’re so pretty with those swirls of color in your eyes,” he said breathlessly.
“So are you,” she murmured and kissed the corner of his mouth. “You feel so good in my arms.”
He grinned and her heart flipped over.
“Are you two done making eyes at each other?” Zan asked in a teasing tone.
She gave him a curious look wondering if he was upset or even worried that they might bond and Cade might not want him anymore.
“Zan, we were just—”
“Saying hello?” Zan asked but his eyes danced with laughter and Cade moved away from her to go to him.
Passion’s Brewing Storm [Alien Passions 4] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 13