She lay on the floor, words spoken around her, yet they weren’t resonating. Her cheek lay on the cold concrete of the warehouse. Tears leaked from her eyes and that’s when she spotted them. Axel’s guns. Her gaze moved up to see Axel focused and his mouth moving. Words her mind couldn’t make sense of because she was too far gone with grief. The only thing her body, mind, and soul knew at that very moment was revenge. This time the revenge was directed toward the man who just destroyed her.
She scooted slowly, praying she was being ignored as men’s voices grew louder. She had managed to work one hand free, the fall having loosened it. She kept her hand hidden behind her. Closer and closer she came, but just before she could make a move, Axel was on the ground, rolling toward the guns.
“No!” she hissed, reaching as she watched in horror as he grabbed both of his guns. “No!” she screamed as the sound of gunfire erupted around her.
Chapter 21
As soon as he saw Sophia in the chair with her hands tied behind her back, the side of her face swollen, Axel knew he was going to have to pull off a miracle and keep his shit in check.
So far, he felt that Savior was buying his bullshit, though he knew the man wasn’t stupid. Every lie that came out of his mouth tore him apart as he saw the devastation on Sophia’s bruised face. He watched life seep from her huge expressive eyes. Each one of these motherfuckers would pay for making him do what he knew he had to do to save her.
Her scream of hatred was like a knife to his heart, but if they survived this, he would make damn sure he made it up to her. He watched as she managed to stand and rush him. He was ready and prayed she made it to him so he could shield her as he grabbed for his guns. The bastard detective grabbed her instead, throwing her back onto the floor where she hit hard. He would pay for that.
“You know I can’t let you take her,” Savior said, glancing down at Sophia on the floor. “I have a reputation to uphold. She killed my men.”
“As do I,” Axel countered, then frowned. “And I also killed some of your men.”
“Yes, I’m aware of that,” Savior growled, his eyes narrowing. “I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I will let you walk out of here, but without her. I have to make an example of her. She is too well known now as the Slayer of Vampires.”
“Which is exactly the reason I won’t be leaving without her.” Axel cocked his eyebrow at him. “My client has a much further reach than you, I’m afraid, and well, I’ve already spent half the money, so you can see my predicament.”
“Sounds like your problem, not ours.” Detective Halloway chuckled.
Axel grinned without looking at the asshole. He already knew where everyone in the place was and he was about ready to end this whole fucking charade, starting with him.
“I’m going to give you two options,” Axel said to Savior. “One, let me walk out of here with my target.”
“And two?” Savior crossed his arms over his chest.
“Everyone in here dies, starting with him.” Axel pointed to Halloway, again without looking his way.
Axel knew that Sophia was making her way slowly toward his guns; so far no one else seemed to notice. He needed to act quickly and at the precise moment. The room erupted with laughter at his second option, but he didn’t smile. He just stared at Savior waiting for his answer.
“What if I don’t like any of those options?” Savior chuckled, thinking he had the upper hand. He didn’t. No one fucked with Axel Walker and lived.
“Then I automatically revert to option two, motherfucker,” Axel said as he dove for his guns. His action threw everyone off guard, which he knew would last only a second. He heard Sophia scream out as his hands made familiar contact with his guns, and that’s when the assassin took over. He rolled, aiming toward Halloway, who pointed his gun at Sophia. One shot between the eyes ended his days of being a dirty cop. The city could thank him later.
He rose to his knee shielding Sophia the best he could as bullets began to fly. Using his gunfire to cover them and his body to shield her, he grabbed her by the shirt and dragged her behind some boxes, hoping that would suffice. She fought him the whole way, trying to pry his fingers from her shirt.
“Get off me!” The rope wrapped and tied to her other arm smacking him in the face.
“Dammit, Sophia. Stop!” he hissed, trying to calm her and keep her from getting killed. Somehow, she managed to get his gun from his hand and stood, aiming it right at him. “No!” He reached for her, but it was too late. He didn’t fear being shot; he feared that she was out in the open.
“Get up!” she ordered, not caring she was in the line of fire, and that had his heart in his throat. He slowly stood, knowing her gun wasn’t the only one aimed at him. As he stood, he took count. Savior and the asshole that was with the detective at the library were the only ones he spotted.
“Do it, Sophia,” Savior urged her. “He killed your friend, Darin. He doesn’t deserve to live.”
Axel looked away from the two men. His eyes met hers. A tear escaped, rolling down her cheek.
“Why didn’t you just kill me?” Her voice was low, almost weak, and it killed him to hear the defeat.
“Sophia—”
She sneered at him. “Shut up,” she hissed, the gun held tight and true in her hands. “I wouldn’t believe anything you say anyway, so save it.”
“That’s right, Sophia. He’s a liar.” Savior’s voice reached them, sounding almost gleeful. “I’m sorry for what has happened, and I think we can come to an understanding. Kill him and then we can talk.”
Axel watched the turmoil battle across her face. Slowly, her eyes closed, but when they opened again, he saw something in them and knew she wasn’t totally defeated, but he had no idea what that look meant. He prepared himself for anything that was about to happen.
“Savior, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.” Sophia turned her head first to look at him, the gun slowly aimed his way. “Karma’s a bitch, then you die.” The shot was fired.
Savior looked down at his shoulder after the bullet slammed into him. It oozed through his suit. He laughed, but no smile curved his cruel lips. “You missed, you stupid bitch.”
“No, I didn’t.” Sophia aimed the gun to the right. “I just wanted to make you suffer like my sister did.” She fired again, this time hitting him in the head, but he didn’t go down as he flew back. He landed against the wall, his head bent at a weird angle as he growled in pain.
Axel kept an eye on the man who just stood, watching the scene, not making a move toward Sophia to protect his boss, which struck him as odd. Savior’s roar brought his attention back to him.
“Kill her.” Savior screamed his order at the man, but the man continued to stand there looking bored.
“Actually, I’m hoping she does what she has set out to do because once she kills you, then I kill them and take over as the Savior.” His smile became wicked as he glanced at them all. “You’ve all made this so simple for me, even that fucking cop. Oh and, Sophia, I won’t kill innocent women like him. Your sister would have been safe with me.”
Axel wasn’t surprised by this turn of events. It actually played in his favor for the moment. This asshole wanted Sophia to kill Savior, and he would be free of any guilt by peers and could take over with a clean slate. Takeovers like this were done a lot, but unfortunately, Axel hadn’t put the puzzle together until now. He knew one thing for sure, no one was going to take Savior’s place; he’d make damn sure of that. Not on his watch.
Savior reached up and touched his head then looked at his hand. His eyes shot to Sophia, hatred and rage evident. “Her sister was a weak little whore,” he spat out as he took a wobbly step toward her. “She didn’t deserve to live. Yes, I took her money. Yes, I had her killed. And yes, she begged for her life just like you are going to do.”
“Anna was never weak. She deserved more than dying in the men’s restroom and left like a piece of trash.” Sophia’s voice grew stronger with each word. “An
d Anna and I are going to make damn sure you never do that to anyone ever again.”
Savior roared to life as he sprang toward her, but she unloaded the gun into his chest. That’s when the other man made his move, and so did Axel.
Sophia held the gun as she watched Savior’s death dance on the ground. Walking toward him as Axel and the other man fought, she stared down at him. He was still glaring at her, his mouth moving as if trying to speak. She had no remorse, no feelings whatsoever for this bastard as he finally lay still. Dropping the empty gun on his chest, she glanced over her shoulder to see Axel still fighting.
Turning away, she ran out of the warehouse, knowing that not killing Axel was a mistake, but Darin’s words came back to her. The tears flowed thinking of Darin. She could still hear his voice clearly telling her that Axel couldn’t die like other full bloods. And even if he could, she couldn’t do it. Couldn’t even wing him. She felt so fucking disloyal to Darin because of that fact. She ran faster, then spotted Axel’s Viper on the side of the road. Rushing toward it, she knew the chances of the keys being inside were slim to none. The window was down. Her heart sped up as she stuck her body inside to see the keys in the ignition.
She quickly opened the door, got in, and started it up. Without thought of anything other than getting as far away from there as she could, she put it in gear and took off. The further she drove, the faster she went. Tears poured from her eyes, and her body shook with the after effects of what just happened. It was a nightmare she would never wake up from, and she was to blame for Darin’s death. Maybe she was to blame for her sister’s. She should have been more in tune with what was going on with her.
And then there was Axel. The tears fell harder. She had trusted him, and his betrayal cut deep. Her phone rang, scaring her to death. She screamed and swerved from jumping. After getting the car back in control, she pulled her phone out of her back pocket. She had even forgotten it was there. Darin’s name showed up on the screen, and the phone rang and rang. She finally answered.
“Who is this?” she demanded, angry and confused. This was a sick fucking joke.
“It’s me, dammit.” Darin’s voice came through loud and clear, surprising her. She dropped the phone in her lap. Scrambling to grab it, she looked down, then as she picked it back up, her eyes widened when she saw Axel standing in the middle of the road.
Slamming the brakes, she screamed as the car went into a spin. She held on to the steering wheel trying to regain control, but it wasn’t working. Something loud hit the car, and she squeezed her eyes shut, then felt the car slowing. Peeking with one eye, she screamed again when she spotted Axel hanging onto the car, bringing it to a stop.
The door swung open, and she was pulled out. “Are you okay?” Axel’s voice penetrated, and she pushed away from him.
“Get away from me.” She fell backward, landing against the car.
He cursed, moved her out of the way and looked inside the car. Coming back out, he handed her the phone. She could hear Darin yelling on the other end.
“Sophia!” his booming voice was shouting.
“Darin, is this really you?” she whispered into the phone, her eyes squeezing shut, afraid that it was a cruel joke, part of the nonending nightmare that was her life.
“No, it’s the spirit of Christmas past coming to tell you to chill the fuck out.” His reply made her chuckle and cry at the same time. “Yes, it’s me, dammit. I’m not dead. Everything Axel said was a lie to save your ass. Jesus, Sophia, for someone as smart as you are, you sure do have blonde moments. Now get the fuck off the phone and get over here so I can yell at you all proper and to your face.”
Sophia stared at Axel who was leaning against the car staring at her. She pulled the phone away from her ear. It was all a lie. Everything he’d said was a lie.
“You didn’t kill Darin,” she whispered, her heart mending slightly.
“No, I didn’t kill Darin.” He shook his head, his eyes not leaving hers.
“But business is business.” She said the other words that had hurt her deeply.
“Business is business,” he agreed, then pushed away from the car. “But you are my business, Sophia. And anything I had to do to get you out of harm’s way, I was going to do.”
She dropped her head and stared at the blurring ground beneath her feet. “It’s over.”
“If you mean with Savior, yes, it is,” Axel replied, his voice deep and closer. His boots came into focus in front of hers. “If you mean with us, then no, it’s not.”
“It’s not?” She finally looked up at him.
He pulled her into his arms, tilting her face up to his. “I love you, Sophia Karma Deluce. Nothing short of death will change that for me.”
She stared up at him realizing the truth. She loved him. “Thank you, Axel.” She tiptoed up and kissed his lips softly. “For everything. I love you, have loved you and should have known… should have trusted you.”
“I’ll make sure you make it up to me.” He grinned, then kissed her hard before leading her to the passenger side of the car with a loving slap on the ass. “Now to see what damage you did to my car.”
“I didn’t hurt your precious car.” She frowned, but before she could get in, he stopped her.
“We’ll see, but if there is any damage, I’ll have to take it out on you tonight.” He winked at her, then shut the door as soon as she was safely inside. He got in and started it up. “Sounds a little rough. I think you’ve messed up the engine.”
“So what does that mean?” She couldn’t help but grin.
“It means Darin will have to wait. This punishment needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.” Axel put the car in gear and took off.
Sophia smiled, watching the scenery pass her by. She had been through so much in such a short amount of time. Thank God, she bounced back quickly. Glancing up at the sky, she smiled sadly. “Rest easy, sister,” she whispered. “Karma has had their revenge.”
Epilogue
FIVE YEARS LATER
Sophia sat in the backyard enjoying the day and sunshine. Her life had changed so drastically that she had to pinch herself almost daily to truly make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Her nightmares had stopped completely. She barely thought about the horrors from years ago, instead choosing to think of happier times.
She gave up her revenge status as well as being the Slayer of Vampires, which was now more like an urban legend. She still worked at the library, even though she really didn’t have to, but she loved it and didn’t want to give it up.
Her eyes went toward the house and she smiled. Axel had also given up his career as an assassin. He now did security work for large companies and private individuals who could afford his fee.
Giggles and shouting caught her attention, making her stand.
“Anna, stop poking your brother with that stick,” she scolded, but couldn’t help the grin on her face.
“It’s my sword, Mama.” Anna pouted, holding the stick out as if it were her prized possession. “Just like her, the Slayer of—”
“What did I tell you about that story, Anna?” Sophia frowned with a sigh.
“That it’s not true.” Anna whipped the stick around.
Carl pouted with his hand on his hip. “But Dad says—”
“Your father is just making up stories.” Sophia shook her head as Anna dropped the stick before Carl took off after her. She watched them run around the yard knowing for a fact their clean clothes would be a mess within minutes.
Axel walked out of the house carrying more chairs. She glanced around making sure everything was ready for Anna and Carl’s birthday party.
“Dad, Mom says that your stories aren’t true,” Carl yelled as he ran past with Anna now chasing him.
“Oh, she does, does she?” Axel gave Sophia a wink as he put the chairs down then pulled her into his arms.
“Yes, she does.” Sophia poked him in the chest. “Stop filling their heads with Slayers and assassin’s nonsense.”<
br />
“Well, that nonsense is why we met and why they are here,” Axel teased, nibbling on her neck.
“They’re only four, Axel.” She whispered, then laughed when both Carl and Anna wrapped their little arms around their legs, giving them a hug.
Sophia realized just how lucky and happy she was. Glancing down at Anna’s little blonde head, tears clogged her throat. The only thing missing was her sister, but she knew that her namesake would have made her proud.
“No sadness today.” Axel tilted her chin up and gave her a kiss.
“Eww, Dad.” Carl scrunched up his nose then yelped when Axel made a grab for him.
“Just wait until you’re older and have a million girlfriends. Then we’ll see who is saying eww.” Axel chuckled at his son’s look of disgust.
“He’s already got a giiirrrlllfriend,” Anna teased, then screamed when Carl took off after her.
“Do not!” Carl shouted, his little legs pumping after his sister.
“Guess I better go break that up.” Axel gave her another kiss before jogging after the two.
Sophia laughed as she watched them, knowing she would never change a thing. She had a complete understanding of what her mother and father went through with having twins. It was a blessing, but a blessing that wore you out.
A funny sounding horn honked, bringing her out of her thoughts. She turned to see a tall, albeit glamorous clown with multicolored overalls, a huge curly orange wig and the loving made-up clown face of Darin. He was followed by others from Ruby’s, as well as some of the kids from the library Anna and Carl had made friends with.
This was her family, as crazy as they were, and she wouldn’t change a thing. Ever. She glanced toward Axel who was staring at her, and she knew he was thinking the same thing. He mouthed, “I love you,” then gave her a wink.
She mouthed it back with a smile then went to meet the crowd that came to help them celebrate the loves of her life.
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