A deep breath calms me, pushing back the primitive drives raging within me. I slow my steps for the briefest of seconds. The door to my apartment stands ajar. Likely the assassin I’m meeting left it open on purpose. The few I’ve met have been cocky enough to do such a thing. Getting a free pass to commit murder makes a man feel powerful, as if they’re gods who can toy with their victims before ending their lives. I’ve never enjoyed killing, but each criminal I take out means our world is a little safer.
With a soft click, I enter through the basement and close the door behind me. Complete darkness enshrouds me. There are no windows on this floor. At one time, it was a garage. Now, it’s a room to pile junk. Makes it a great place for an assassin to hide. I don’t reach for the light switch on the wall, and I don’t walk straight to the stairs either. I close my eyes and listen.
Humming from the furnace drowns out any heartbeat I might be able to pick up on. The moldy, dank scent clinging to this level covers up any evidence of my visitor too. There are no changes in air currents, indicating someone or something was moving in my direction. My wolf doesn’t sense any danger either. The absence of it bothers him. I share his concern. As a dominant, I pride myself on my ability to protect and react. As an agent, I’m not surprised at the lack of clues. The angels of death didn’t earn their reputation by being sloppy.
Without bothering with the light, I take the stairs. My shifter genetics enhances my senses. I can make it to the second-floor door without tripping over anything. All the while, I assess my surroundings. Josh’s scent lingers in the staircase. So does Ilan’s. Neither strikes me as odd. Josh owns this place and Ilan was supposed to move some boxes left by the previous tenant, Josh’s sister, who apparently up and left out of the blue several months ago.
The door to my apartment remains shut. I don’t hesitate, wondering if my assassin visitor is sneaking up behind me. If he’d wanted me dead, I’d have lost my head already.
Leaving the door ajar, I enter my place. The scent of coffee hits me. My attention zeroes in on the wolf Royal who interrupted Mya and me the other night. Ilan’s back is to me, hiding his features, but his wide shoulders and distinctive scent give his identity away.
“You’re an angel of death?” It’s no wonder neither my wolf nor I sensed danger close. We classified Ilan as a friend for the protective demeanor he showed toward Mya.
Ilan looks over his shoulder. Sunglasses hide his eyes, but the smirk on his face gives me insight into his mood. He’s amused by my response. “I am. Do you want to exchange business cards, or will my word be enough for you?”
“What do you want?” I’m not playing into his game, nor do I want to feed his ego any more than I already did with my shocked question.
“What’s your interest in Mya?”
I kick the door closed behind me and move directly to where the Royal assassin is sitting at the small table near the kitchen. “That’s none of your business.”
Ilan dips his head slightly. I’m not sure if he’s acknowledging my statement or if he’s studying my aggressive posture. Those sunglasses hide more than his eyes. They obscure any insight I might gain.
“You should know my stance on Mya is conflicted. It always has been.” Ilan pushes his sunglasses to the top of his head, exposing deep orange eyes. The emptiness in them sets me on edge. No wonder he wears contacts around the humans. One look into Ilan’s natural eyes would send those around him into a panic.
“Yeah?” I meet Ilan’s gaze as if he was my equal. I don’t care if Ilan’s a Royal or a heartless assassin. The moment he mentioned Mya, this conversation took on new meaning. I’d take on a league of assassins if it meant keeping her safe. “Why’s that?”
“She’s the only assignment I’ve been given that I didn’t complete.”
I move without thinking, wrapping my fingers around Ilan’s throat and yanking him to his feet. “You’re supposed to kill Mya? Why?”
“Was supposed to kill her. Obviously, I didn’t.”
“Then why are you still here? Waiting for a new directive? If so—”
“Don’t threaten an angel of death. I’d be obligated to meet your challenge.” Ilan’s smirk turns into a grin. “But I do like your fearless attitude. It’s good to know my little sister has finally found a protector besides me.”
The Royal wolf is talking in riddles. The term little sister is one used by male shifters to refer to female pack members whether they’re blood relatives or not. I have no time for Ilan’s play on words, especially not when Mya’s life is on the line.
I release Ilan and cross my arms over my chest to avoid attacking this male. It’s always best to keep your friends and enemies close. At the moment, Ilan might fall into either category. “No games, assassin. Tell me what it is you want me to know.” Guessing at the meaning behind Ilan’s words will get me nowhere.
“I was supposed to kill Mya, along with her human parents. They’d planned to video her shifting, then upload the video to the internet. The order stated Mya had been planning this stunt for months. She wanted money and fame. Her online forum posts were flagged, and I was called in to make sure it didn’t happen. I took out her parents, then went searching for her. Instead of planning her stunt, I found her crying on the shoulder of a waitress at the Black Widow.”
“And you decided not to kill Mya because she was crying?” While I’m grateful things turned out the way they did, I can’t help but wonder why. Emotions don’t matter to assassins. Neither should tears.
Ilan turns his attention to his coffee, adding powdered creamer and sugar. “Sara’s human, and she doesn’t know about shifters. Back then, even Josh didn’t.”
Sara must be the waitress Mya turned to for comfort. Given that insight, there’s only one conclusion I can make. “You couldn’t make a clean kill because of Sara’s presence.”
Stirring his coffee for longer and more vigorously than I’d deem necessary, Ilan nods. “Humans make an assassin’s job difficult. They’re full of emotion and hope. Everything’s got to have a positive spin.” Ilan stills his hand and raises his gaze to me. “You know what I mean. They talk about how everything is going to be okay. How you’re going to get through this. That I’m going to be there for you. Shit like that. All the while, they’re crying too.”
My chest tightens with a wave of emotions I can’t name. I push them aside. The regret will get me nowhere. I wasn’t there for Mya. No changing that. I’m just damn grateful Sara was around. This moment she shared with Mya saved her life, likely in more ways than one.
“And I’m standing in the shadows listening to this crap.” Ilan whips the spoon a few more times in the mug until coffee sloshes over the side before tapping the spoon on the rim and setting it on the tabletop. “I came to two conclusions that saved Mya’s life while I had to endure that emotional drivel.”
Silence descends while Ilan stares at his coffee and I hold my breath. Finally, I prompt Ilan, “They were?”
“Mya was too naïve to have ever written the posts I read, and my wolves are the most obstinate animals any shifter has been born with. The more Sara and Mya cried, the more protective my wolves became. There was no way in hell I would’ve been able to end Mya’s life.” Ilan rolls his shoulders, cracking them, then drops his elbows to the table. “I ended up doing a little investigative work. Her parents were behind the whole thing. I took my evidence to the Council, and she was given a pass.”
“As long as you watched over her to make sure she had no intentions of betraying our species’ secret.” It’s a guess, but a logical one. The Shifter Council isn’t known to be trusting and understanding.
“Exactly.” Ilan stands and moves toward the window on the other side of the room. “And while I’ve been in town, I’ve looked out for Mya, putting out the word she’s under my protection. I’ve also stalked her a bit. For her own good.” Ilan turns his head just enough that his orange-eyed gaze snags mine. “You understand that, right? I feel nothing sexual toward Mya.”
“I do.” If Ilan wanted Mya, Todd would be dead. I don’t doubt that one little bit. In a way, I envy the Royal assassin. Todd’s death would make my life a lot easier.
Ilan grunts, then studies the parking lot again. “And because she’s stuck with that loser breeding partner of hers, I spent many hours watching him. Besides being a worthless excuse of a male, I can tell you he’s trouble. One of these days, he’s going to bring Mya down with him.”
I didn’t need Ilan to tell me that. Meeting Todd was enough to convince me he’s a loser. The list of misdemeanors attached to his name is proof. “Trouble? As in he’s committing major crimes?”
“That’s exactly what I mean.”
“Do you have proof?”
Ilan shrugs. “I’ve never collected any. I’m an assassin, not an agent. My investigative work on Mya was a one-time thing with a goal in mind.”
“Shifter Affairs is recruiting assassins for both retainer assignments and part-time agent work. You should look into it. If anything, you’d learn some valuable skills.”
A deep laugh shakes Ilan’s chest. “I’m an ancient. A second-generation Royal.” Ilan looks over his shoulder. “My blood is so pure and close to the goddess who birthed my father that I pick up on things other shifters can’t. Like I knew Mya was pregnant with girls that night she cried on Sara’s shoulder. And I know she’s carrying twin boys now. Powerful boys who will one day lead her pack.” Ilan faces the window and presses his hand against the glass. “I don’t need to learn anything from Shifter Affairs or you.”
Boys. Mya’s carrying boys. I’ll have the perfect family. I just need to get them away from Todd. I tamp down my excitement and focus on Ilan. With the experiences he’s likely had, he’d make a powerful addition to our unit. If Ilan’s continued presence in this area has the added benefit of ensuring this town is safe for my family, then all the better. “Then let us learn from you.”
“Are you admitting you don’t know everything?”
“If I did, I would’ve been around to save Mya from Todd.”
“Sometimes things happen for a reason.”
Ilan’s voice lowers, turning reflective. Over what, I have no clue. I don’t know this shifter well. Whatever it is that has Ilan contemplating life gives me the opening I need, though.
“True. They do. Our goddesses still touch our lives, guiding us as best they can from the heavens. You being here in my place to watch over Mya is proof.” I round the table and move closer to where Ilan is standing by the window. “So tell me what Mya’s breeding partner has done so I can take over for you.”
“Todd’s selling drugs to humans. Dangerous stuff that’s killing them, making their organs age quicker than normal.” Ilan splays his hand on the glass and studies some distant spot in the parking lot. “These humans, who are in the prime of their lives, start to smell like an old person who’s got one foot in the grave. Then their bodies shut down. Kidneys going first, then livers and hearts failing. They’re not made to process the shit they’re ingesting.”
“I’ve heard about this drug. The humans call it Elixir.” And that’s about all I know. I’ve always stuck to drinking to alleviate my depression.
“Our kind calls it Ambrosia.” Ilan turns, facing me and leaning against the window at his back. “It’s a mix of natural hallucinogens that was used by the original shifters before the gods ever swooped them into the heavens for their games. It gives the ultimate power rush, but depending on the dose, it’ll kill both single shifters and humans.”
“Is Todd a user too?”
“Yeah. Casual.”
It doesn’t matter how often Todd indulges. Hallucinogenic use turns him into a danger to Mya and her daughters. He could kill them and not even know it.
The pacing of my wolf draws my attention inward. Closing my eyes, I allow my mind to slip into my wolf’s realm in order to comfort the dominant animal. His determination radiates through me in the brief moment our souls are merged. We need to claim a piece of Mya’s soul. With it, we’ll be able to sense if she’s hurting or afraid. I agree. Carrying a piece of Mya’s soul is my ultimate goal. First, I need to earn her love so she’ll willingly give herself to me.
Leaving my wolf with the promise I’ll do what it takes to claim Mya, I open my eyes and study Ilan. “But you have no evidence.”
“Just my word, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t find something damning at his uncle Wyatt’s place or even at the diner he owns. Business there has been booming.”
Uri and I are already planning to visit Wyatt’s diner on Monday. While we didn’t secure a warrant, we can look for evidence to justify one. I incline my head. “I’ll do that.”
Ilan grabs his mug of coffee, then walks to the front door. “If I think of anything else you might find useful, I’ll call.”
“While you’re doing that, think about what I said. Ella Montgomery would love to have you in her unit.”
Without responding, Ilan opens the door and slips out of my apartment. I glance at the half-full coffeepot. I’m going to appreciate the caffeine boost for the night ahead. I need a crash course on ancient hallucinogens and human drug addiction. Looks as if I’m working three cases at once—Ben’s murder, the town’s drug problem, and Mya’s forced mating. Todd has his hands in all of them.
Flexing my fingers, I reach for a mug instead of my gun. Right in this moment, I envy Ilan for his ability to kill without reprimand. It’d make my life so much easier if Todd died.
Chapter 16
Mya
The shrill ringing of my landline jerks me awake. I roughly shove at the wild strands of my hair, then rush into the kitchen to answer the phone. The corded receiver that’s probably older than I am slips from my grip and bangs against the floor.
Saying a little prayer it’s Rick calling, I snatch the phone as it bounces. “Hello?”
“Ms. Ammon?”
At the sound of the woman’s voice, my shoulders hunch. Not Rick. I look at the wall clock. I slept all morning. He said he’d call if he couldn’t come back to me.
My breath quickens as the scenarios play through my head. I can’t help thinking the worst. Anxiety has got to be a trait triggered by motherhood. I never used to be so paranoid, but I never had anything worth caring about before I had Peyton and Rey.
Now I have Rick too. One day with him and I’m ready to unleash my claws to protect him. Or pace the floor worrying about him. That’s what I did until exhaustion overcame me and I had to lie down or fall down.
Biting my lip, I twist the phone cord around my hand. I should never have let him walk away from me without explaining my words to him. What if he actually thought I’d never want to remember our bond?
No! No, I’m not going to let myself walk that path of paranoia. Rick promised to fight for me and for us. He’s not going to let a little misunderstanding stop him. The man is all alpha, full of determination and honor.
“Are you there, Ms. Ammon? Or is this a bad time? I can call back, but I admit this is important.”
Squeezing my eyes closed, I dip my head and focus on my breathing. This stranger doesn’t need to hear the panic in my voice. “Yes, this is Mya Ammon. Who are you?”
“Ella Montgomery from the West Virginia SA office. I’m assuming Josh told you about me?”
“He did.” Josh gave me a packet of information too. I never looked at it. Rick’s visit distracted me. I wish I had. Knowing I don’t have to go through this alone is the push I need to finally leave Todd. Now I’m anxious to get on with my life. “I was planning on calling you Monday morning to discuss things.”
“Waiting might not be the best. Our time and options are limited.”
My blood turns to ice. “Why’s that?”
“Is this a good time to talk?”
“Yes.” I grip the phone tighter. “I’m alone.”
“Good, then let me come up, and I’ll do this in person. I’m actually sitting in your apartment’s parking lot.”
Holding the edges of my robe together, I hurry to the window and peek through the blinds. The same blonde woman Rick was leaning over the other night in the bar gets out of her car. The lights flash. She drops keys in her purse and strides purposefully across the lot.
“Apartment 3B. Knock, please. The door’s locked.” I hang up the phone, buzz her in, and rush to my bedroom.
After slipping on the first outfit I see, I grab a hair tie, then hurry to the front door. The black, clingy turtleneck dress I’d planned to wear to a mating celebration next week isn’t the most appropriate thing to wear for this impromptu meeting, but it covers my nakedness and the scar on my shoulder. Hiding both gives me the shield I need around people.
Exposing any skin, even if it’s only my forearms, leaves me vulnerable. It’s Todd’s fault. He thinks I’m too pasty and freckled. Obviously, I didn’t have a problem being naked in Rick’s presence. Then again, why would I? Rick makes me feel good. I won’t lose that feeling or the man. No matter what my options are concerning Todd, I’m going to find the best one and take it.
At Ella’s knock, I open the door. The thin, beautiful woman dressed in black wool pants and a soft pink sweater doesn’t fit my expectations of a Shifter Affairs agent. She looks as if she should be waited on by butlers, not dealing with dominant shifters on a daily basis.
I push my judgmental thoughts aside. This woman holds my future in her hands. If I’m to get away from Todd legally, that is.
“Please come in.” I motion Ella inside, closing the door at her back. “And I hope you’ll excuse my appearance. I was getting ready to go out.”
I cringe at the lie, but Ella isn’t even looking at my outfit. Instead she stops halfway between the door and the couch and digs papers out of her purse. “I smuggled these out of your file.”
“My file?” I suppose I would have one since Josh initiated a case for me, but if Ella’s assigned to my case, I can’t imagine why she’d have to smuggle anything out.
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