“Thank you so much, Maria,” Lucas said as we crowded in. “Tell him I’m here as well. He and I are old friends. We will await your return.”
My nose was on high alert, but I wasn’t picking up anything unusual. Just a lot of paint, plaster, dust, and people. No power signatures from any supernaturals. I wasn’t the one with the super scent, however. I casually glanced at my brother. “Finding anything of interest?”
He shook his head as he turned in a circle. “We’re only a few feet inside the building. Give me a minute.”
“Picking up on any magic?” I asked Marcy.
“Nada. This place is dry. But I am getting a rather creepy sense of foreboding. That could be the nature of the building, though. These old places are ghostly hideouts.” She rubbed her arms as James pulled her to his side. “I hate specters. They’re so incorporeal and rude.”
Maria came back a few minutes later wearing a bright smile. “You’ve been approved! I can take you through. Please follow me.”
Lucas grinned as we began to walk. “It is your lucky day,” he said.
My eyebrows rose. “Why’s that?”
“Because Leonardo Russo doesn’t agree to see just anyone.”
9
“Leonardo Russo?” I asked as we followed Maria through a long, narrow passageway. The name had no meaning to me. The back rooms of the gallery were how you’d expect a museum to look: art on shelves in various degrees of rehab, tools, clutter, stuff stacked in corners.
Overall, a calculated mess.
It was interesting, but my mind was occupied elsewhere.
“Of course,” Lucas answered. “You’re here to see Leo, aren’t you? That’s the reason we came to Accademia in the first place. You’re not actually interested in the art. You wanted to find a powerful supernatural, and he’s likely the one you’re looking for.”
“Er…” I quirked an eyebrow, both wanting to divulge our mission, and not. It seemed Lucas was cagier than he’d let on, and I’d underestimated him. “It might be? I guess it depends on who exactly Leo is.”
“I understand your trepidation and lack of trust. We just met,” Lucas said. “But it’s misguided. I am completely trustworthy. I mean, it’s not every day that I get to be in the company of Jessica McClain.” He grinned, giving me a saucy wink. “I won’t betray you.”
I stumbled and had to grab on to his arm to steady myself. “What do you know about me?”
“Quite a bit,” he replied casually. “Every time something new happens in our world, we gather around to hear the latest. Word travels fast. When you took out that powerful supernatural in the Underworld, Lili something-or-other, everything changed here, and supernaturals became fearful of what’s to come. Julian is both excited by your arrival and very anxious. He is hoping to glean information from you, so he can decide what needs to be done. You weren’t exactly forthcoming at breakfast.” He smiled. “Good strategy.”
I’d had no idea people were talking about me on such a large scale.
I was a little aghast. “Do you know why I’m here in Florence?”
He shook his head. “No, not exactly. Obviously, you have friends missing and hope to find them here. But your arrival happened so quickly, and with so little notice, no one knows your true intent.” I was relieved he didn’t have more specifics. It would not be good if everyone knew our day-to-day business.
I asked, “What did you mean when you said so Julian ‘can decide what needs to be done’? Is his Pack allegiance compromised to the other wolves?” Ahead, Maria stopped. Lucas and I had dropped back, everyone hearing our conversation and letting us be. Nick asked Maria a question, so she was occupied for the moment.
“Julian’s allegiance has always been to Julian alone,” Lucas replied, trying to be discreet. “I expect him to make wrong decisions regarding you moving forward.”
I appraised this hybrid wolf in a new light. “Why are you trusting me with this highly sensitive information? It’s risky for you to go against your Pack. Your Alpha will not be happy if he finds out.”
Lucas shrugged. “I’ve lived my entire life at the bottom. Julian has not been kind to me. He let me accompany you today because he feels I’m worthless and know little to nothing about Pack proceedings. Even if I had something to share, he feels it will be of no use to you. I owe my allegiance to the Coalition, as does every other supernatural in the world. You are the higher power, not Julian.” He inclined his head. “You have my trust and my fealty.” I was happy he didn’t drop to one knee. That would’ve alarmed the human.
I was overwhelmed.
Maria tapped softly on the closed door in front of her. “Signore Russo, may we enter?” She smiled over her shoulder. “This is the main sculpture room. It’s a place where most of the statues are stored, repaired, and replaced. It is quite a sight to see and is as big as a warehouse. When Signore Russo is in the building, he usually resides here.”
“You may enter,” a voice intoned.
As Maria turned the handle, I leaned into Lucas. “How do you know Leo?”
“I am an art lover,” he whispered. “I was here many years ago admiring the statues, and I caught a strange scent. I was curious, so I followed my nose. Leo was the end result. I am certain it is he who you seek.”
“How can you be sure?”
Lucas shrugged once again. “Because it makes sense you would want to find the most powerful supernatural in the city to aid your cause, whatever it may be. And Leo is that supe.”
It did make sense.
I had to hand it to Lucas. “Does Julian know Leo?”
Lucas shook his head. “No. There was no reason to tell my Alpha about this particular supe. He is of no consequence to wolves and poses no threat. Plus, not many would be able to detect him, especially if he didn’t deem it so. There is no worry that he will be uncovered. He chooses to live in peace, and I respect that.”
We moved into a big, cavernous room.
The walls were a few stories high and whitewashed, and old paned windows were lined up across the top. Platforms and scaffolding were scattered here and there, holding various busts and full statues, some covered with sheets, some not.
In the middle of it all stood a real-life Adonis.
He was easily over six feet tall, had a full head of wavy brown hair, bronze skin, and a face that looked like it’d been chiseled out of stone.
The man was flawless.
Rourke growled low. What is he? I can’t make out his scent.
I have no idea, I answered.
“Holy beautiful man,” Marcy muttered. “The Greek gods forgot this one down here.” James made a disgruntled noise, but didn’t comment further, other than to put a protective arm around his mate.
As we came closer, Leo gave a small bow, his hands clasped behind his back.
He wore expensive slacks and a black dress shirt. “Welcome to my inner sanctum.” His English impeccable, only a slight Italian accent was detectable. “This is where I feel most at home—among the artifacts and relics of times gone by. Feel free to take a look around.”
Leo appeared no more than forty human years, if that. I didn’t want to push my power out to investigate his signature, even though my wolf kept urging me to do exactly that. We have to be polite, I told her, reining her in. People don’t like it when we examine them. What does he smell like to you? I can only scent dirt, stale plaster, and dried paint. She flashed me a picture of Leo illuminated by blinding white light. I don’t know what that means. You’re going to have to be more specific.
I’m coming up short, Tyler said, interrupting us. He doesn’t smell like much, just wet soil, outside, and some old paint. He’s hiding his signature, and he’s damn good at it. He must be powerful if none of it leaks around the edges. Maybe this isn’t the guy we’re looking for.
Oh, it is. I was sure of it.
By the look on Leo’s face, he knew it too. If he was as powerful as Lucas said, he knew what kind of a supe each of us was instantly,
likely before we’d even entered the building.
But we had to play the game. So it was small talk and no feeling him up for power. “Are you a sculptor by trade?” I asked as we all began to meander around the room to investigate things.
“You sure got a lot of stuff in here,” Ray commented. “It’s like a bank vault of art and stone sculptures and stuff.” Eloquent, Ray. Really smooth.
Leo nodded, a small smile forming. “Yes, sculpting is my trade. Try not to touch anything. These artifacts are priceless. Most people have no idea how much worth lies in this room.” He nodded to indicate a large pallet to his right where a half-completed statue stood. “This is a work of Michelangelo’s, but none believe it to be true, as it can’t be properly authenticated. It was done when he traveled abroad to the South Seas and is atypical of his other works. So here it stays.”
“How do you know it’s a true Michelangelo?” Nick asked curiously.
“Because I was there when he started it,” Leo answered nonchalantly.
My head jerked around to locate Maria, curious to see if she knew her boss was a supernatural. But Maria was nowhere to be found.
By admitting that tidbit, Leo had let the proverbial cat out of the huge elephant-sized bag, opening up our conversation to the real reason we were here. I decided to play it cool. “You’ve been an art lover for a long time, then,” I said. “Have you held this job long?”
“Yes, dear wolf,” he replied, casually letting me know where we stood. “Art has been my passion since the day of my birth. Many of my very own works are in this museum. Produced under pseudonyms, of course, because I could not continue to create art under the same name for centuries at a time. That would become a bit suspicious.”
I tried not to gape. “You’re Michelangelo, aren’t you.” It was a statement, not a question.
Marcy gasped, her palm thumping over her heart. I was glad I wasn’t the only one having a moment.
“Indeed,” he answered, inclining his head. “My birth name is truly Leonardo. But during the time of Michelangelo—some of my greatest years—Leonardo da Vinci had already claimed that moniker. There could not be two famous Leonardos who hailed from the same city. So you see, I was forced to pick a false title. But it has served me well.”
I didn’t really see at all. It shouldn’t be as surprising as it was, but I was shocked by the news that he was the Michelangelo and we were standing in the room with him. “May I ask what kind of supernatural you are?” I couldn’t hold back my curiosity any longer. “I apologize for asking so bluntly, but we’re having a hard time deducing it.”
Leo glanced over at Lucas, who stood quietly to my right, smiling. “My friend, the Kitsune, had no problem identifying me. In fact, it was a pleasure to meet such a skilled supernatural, as I had not immersed myself in that world for a very long time.”
Lucas appeared a little flustered by the praise. “It is in my nature to be curious. Although, to be fair, you do not smell like a supernatural. I just knew you were other.”
Kayla surprised me by speaking. “I agree,” she said. “You don’t smell like a supernatural, but you do smell odd.”
“Odd?” Leo chuckled. “Do explain.”
A low growl emitted from the back of Tyler’s throat, but it was so low I wasn’t sure others had heard, or if it had been only in my head. He took a protective step toward Kayla.
Leo was a charmer, that was for sure.
Kayla appeared flustered by the attention. “You smell…like the earth and the sky combined,” she finally answered. “Like they met in the middle to create you. My magic comes from deep within the earth, so I’m familiar with how it smells. The air scent is distinct, crisp, like a fall day.”
“I agree,” Marcy chimed in. “My magic also comes from the earth, but to me you smell celestial. I’ve never scented anything like it. Like how I would imagine a star to smell.”
Tyler nodded. “It smells like dirt in here, but I took that for the clay, not the man. You fooled me.”
“Don’t worry, young wolf. It’s much harder for shifters to scent me,” Leo said. “You smell of the earth yourself, so it’s harder to discern. But the women are correct. I was made from the earth, the sky, and the stars.”
“You’re an angel, aren’t you?” Kayla said in a tiny voice.
An angel?
I was blown away.
Leo made a full bow, complete with an arm crossing his midsection. “Indeed, I am.” As he stood back to his full height, which was at least six foot five, he directed his gaze solidly on me.
It held weight.
I knew, without a doubt, that if Leo decided to unleash his magic, the entire city of Florence would be obliterated.
I hadn’t known angels existed until right this second. There was mythology surrounding them, but no one I’d ever known had met one. “I…” I cleared my throat. “I mean, we…are pleased to make your acquaintance. Thank you for allowing us to come into your private space.” I had no idea what else to say to this spectacular being. “We were lucky to catch you on a day you were in town.”
Leo tossed his head back and laughed. It was a vibrant sound, like bells chiming. “There is very little in the world that has to do with luck. Or in any of the worlds, for that matter.”
“Do you know why I’m here?” I asked. That would save some time. I had no idea what kind of abilities angels had, if they were oracles or not.
“In general, I know why you seek me,” he replied. “But I am not a seer or a predictor of the future. And, unfortunately, I’m very out of touch these days. I have not lived as a true supernatural in too many years to count. My life is very simple here, among the art and the statues.” He gestured around the room. “This is where I am content to live out the rest of my days, and I have many of them left.”
“If you know why I’m here, will you help us?” I asked.
Leo walked over to a stool next to a cluttered workbench and sat. He picked up a chisel that lay on the worktable and spun it idly. “You must state your case to me, and then I will decide. Helping you means I must reveal myself to the supernatural world, and doing so would put me at risk.” That’s exactly what Jeb had said. “Other powerful supernaturals of my stature have died out or left this plane long ago. There are very few, if any, left. Exposing myself would alert all races and creatures that I exist. But I will listen to what you have to say. If anything, I’ve learned to have an open mind after all my years of interacting with humans.”
I had to convince him.
Walking over, I pulled out another stool and sat facing him so I could plead my case. “Are you familiar with a warlock named Jebediah Amel?”
Leo nodded, his brilliant blue eyes flashing. They were disconcerting compared with his otherwise bronze complexion. And they weren’t just blue—they were clear, like two crystals reflecting the bluest sky. “Yes, I am familiar with the warlock. I have not seen him in centuries. He lives outside this realm, because of the things I already mentioned.”
“Yes,” I said. “He’s my assistant—or will be my assistant soon—and the one who alerted me to your presence here in Florence. I’m not sure how much you know about what’s happening in the supernatural world, but a new Coalition is forming.”
“I’m aware.”
“I’m slated to sit on that Coalition as the Enforcer,” I told him.
“I’m aware.”
I fidgeted on my stool. “I recently killed a powerful supernatural, Ardat Lili, and in doing so, I ended the chance of Bianca, the third Hag, being reborn, which has altered my true path.” I tried not to rush, but it all poured out, words tumbling over my tongue as fast as they could get out. “In order to set things right, one of the Hags, Enid, believes I should die. And another one of the Hags, Juanita, believes I should live. If I were to die, chaos would ensue before the world righted itself again, which could take a thousand years. There would be a huge loss of life. I’ve been told that if I live I would have to sacrifice something d
ear to me, and if I did, all would be right, and I would assume my seat on the Coalition.” As I spoke, I tried making my expression imploring, hoping that would help my cause. “I can’t give up on that chance. I desperately want to survive, and I want everyone else to keep on living as well. I don’t want innocents to die or the world to dip into chaos. That’s why I need your help. Without you, I believe my chances are slim to none. Jeb said you alone have the capabilities to cloak me from Enid, who sees my every move. Right now, she has the upper hand, and if I follow her missives to the letter, Jeb says all is lost.”
“Are you prepared to make a great sacrifice?” His voice was so intense, it caught me off guard, his brilliant blue eyes boring into me.
I leaned back. Was I?
If he wanted an honest answer, I had to search my soul.
It scared me that I had to go in blind, not knowing what I had to give up ahead of time. I answered with the truth. “If the sacrifice doesn’t involve me killing an innocent, or someone I love, I’m ready. Honestly, I don’t think I’d be able to murder anyone in cold blood, especially someone I care about. Other than that, yes, I’m ready.”
Leo picked up the chisel and twirled it in his hands. Then, looking resigned, he tossed it down with a clatter and stood. “I believe you’re sincere. And if you’re willing to sacrifice something for the greater good, it would be silly for me not to as well. I will help you.”
10
I leaped off the stool, but stopped short of embracing the angel. That would’ve involved getting into his personal space, and neither of us was ready for that. “Thank you!” I gushed, relief flowing through me. My wolf howled her joy. “You’ve given us a chance to succeed, and I’m so grateful.”
Blue Blooded: Jessica McClain Book 6 Page 7