In seconds, he bounced back up and twisted his neck from side to side. Kalina smiled, looking at him through a haze of indigo as she heard the sound of rain starting to fall. She didn’t have the heart to kill him, but she could beat the hell out of him for a little while. It would take some time to knock him unconscious, since he was a vampire. Cracking her fingers, she circled him. He matched her movements. He reached out for her and she knocked him back, then decked him.
His head snapped back, his nose giving under her fist. Jared roared. Grabbing his wrist, Kalina punched him several times in quick succession. He fell to the ground. She straddled him, pummelling his face from side to side, enjoying the cracks of bone.
Hands grabbed her, pulling at her. She fought them, still hitting Jared repeatedly.
“Kalina, come on, stop! Kalina, come back!” Ryne begged, his voice sounding far away.
Coming to her senses, she looked down at Jared’s wrecked, bloody face. She stumbled back against Ryne who trembled as his arms encircled her. The coldness left her. With a glance at the broken window, she saw the falling indigo rain with streaks of red. Lightning flashed as thunder rumbled while clouds swirled angrily. Her emotions had brought to life the rain.
The lightning flashed again and it resonated inside her. A sizzle sound came followed by the sound of a car alarm. Lightning flashed again, then a boom. She watched as a car flew past the window and disappeared into the clouds. She shrugged out of Ryne’s hold, and went to the window then raised her hands to the sky.
The lightning flashed and came to her, swirling around her arms, coming home. The power of it filled her up to near overflowing. Closing her eyes, Kalina contained it, sucking it deep down. After a moment, the fierceness of the storm ease, and the weather calmed.
She opened her eyes, staring up at the rain falling in a gentle mist of indigo. It drenched her face, soothing her raw nerves. She turned back to face the room, Ryne, Christos and Lennox watched her cautiously. Beyond them she noticed the air wavering. Her wards were still in place although they had breached them. She waved a hand, bringing them down. Ryne approached her again.
“No, I can’t, not right now.” She held up a hand to keep him at bay. “I need time.” Kalina steeled herself against the look of sorrow and pity on his face knowing it was on her behalf, but she couldn’t afford to break down. Not now. Not in front of everyone. Ryne nodded and said nothing.
She walked over to Lennox, who stood the closest, and put out her hand. “Thank you.”
Lennox looked at her, then took her hand. She slid her fingers up his muscular arm, circled them around his elbow. Surprise lit his eyes before he nodded and did the same.
“You honour me with your trust, Amazonian Warrior.”
Kalina smiled, squeezed his elbow before she withdrew her hand. “You humble me with yours.”
Looking at Christos, Kalina saw the anger shimmering in his gaze as he glared at the unconscious Jared. He stared at her next, a fierce wildness on his face.
“He’s the traitor, and there’s no way he worked alone.” She responded to his unspoken question.
Christos turned in a boneless motion, looking at the agents outside the room. Before he could speak, a voice rose from the back of the gathering.
“Yeah, I know. Look what I found trying to sneak out.” A languid feminine voice filled the quiet.
The agents parted. Kalina saw Allure Davis, one of the few other people in the agency she called friend, walking towards her with five men before her. She held her assault rifle steady and trained on them. As she got closer, Kalina saw the unholy-hell look in her hazel eyes, an expressionless mask that said ‘death’ on Allure’s honey-toned face. Her dark brown hair, usually contained in a braid, fell loose around her face and there was a bruise on her cheek and the corner of her full lip bled.
When they reached her, Kalina saw Allure’s twin sister, Harmony, beside her. Harmony’s short-cropped hair quivered from her power. The woman flicked her wrist, uncurling her whip, making a man stumble forward, then drop to his knees.
Kalina realised the men were all from the Assassination Unit team leaders.
“As always, Allure, your help is appreciated.” Christos’ cold formal tone was vicious.
Kalina’s focus bounced between him and Allure. She knew he and the other woman had a history. Allure nodded, her gun never wavering.
“Harmony, thank you.” Christos nodded in the twin’s direction.
“If you would let a Seer be a part of this team, this wouldn’t have happened, Christos.” Harmony’s silken tone chastised.
Kalina bit her lip. Harmony didn’t care how much power Christos, or anyone else, had. The woman spoke her mind.
“Most of your team of Seers, including you, are empaths and human, Harmony.” Christos gave her a look that spoke volumes.
Kalina understood his concern without him having to state it fully. He couldn’t let them near what they did in the Assassination Unit. They went up against the ugliest of humanity and inhumanity. Death was their constant companion. For an empath Seer to be a part of the team, he or she would have to be very strong, and willing to go against their own nature of healing in order to kill.
Harmony glared at Christos. In that moment, Kalina saw the same cold purpose in Harmony’s eyes that she saw in Allure’s. Christos ignored Harmony, staring at the men. They tried to look defiant, but she tasted their fear in the air. She noticed Allure’s hands tremble and knew she tasted it too.
Allure’s mouth opened and her fangs flashed. Her hands shook even more. One of the men turned swiftly, trying to knock away the gun. Allure didn’t lose her grip as he obviously planned. In a simultaneous motion she shifted her weapon to her left hand then with her right she gripped his throat before raising him off the ground.
Fury filled her gaze and her fangs flashed again. “I hate traitors.” She threw him into a wall, then raised her gun at the other four who had turned towards her at the ready. “Try it.”
They looked at her, then turned back around. Impressed, Kalina fought a smile. It had happened so fast they hadn’t had time to interfere.
When Allure was turned into a vamp eight years ago and first joined the team, they’d hated each other. They were two dominant females in a team made up of many men, but after partnering a few times, they had learned to respect each other. Even as a newly turned vamp, Allure had her power under control—well, everything except for the hunger. Kalina knew Allure’s ability with her vamp powers was partially due to her military training. If she were the best in the unit, then Allure was the second.
Christos glanced at the men then waved a hand. They all flew into the wall into a pile, out cold.
Allure shook her head, lowered her gun and put the strap over her head. She settled the gun against her back and quickly braided her hair. “I could have done that. Now we’ll have to wait for them to wake so we can question them.”
Christos stared at her and she returned the look, flashing her fangs. He dove for her, but Allure didn’t move a muscle, watching, waiting.
“Christos,” Kalina called softly.
He stopped, stiffened and turned to her. He pulled his control around him like a cape. Allure had a way of getting under his skin like no other.
He nodded abruptly, then motioned to the guards. “Take them to the infirmary, then interrogation.” Christos looked back at Kalina. “You’re in charge of the unit.” He raised his hand, cutting off her protest. “We’ll have to recover from this, and you are the only one I trust for this job. You’re also the only one your colleagues will follow.”
Kalina started to shake her head in protest, but the rousing cheer that filled the room stopped her. She looked around at the team members within the office and those outside the room, surprised as they applauded and agreed.
Christos spoke again. “Do what you must to rebuild the team and make it stronger.”
Humbled by the faith he and the team members put in her, Kalina’s focus shif
ted from man to man as they quieted, waiting for her to speak.
“I appoint Allure Davis as team leader for Alpha Team One.” She saw the nods of approval, then looked around. “Lennox S’chaech will be leader of Alpha Team Two.” Kalina inclined her head towards him.
Shock filled his face before he nodded. She glanced at the other agents, searching for any problems with her choices. Their acceptance was evident. Kalina knew it wasn’t that easy. Lennox would have to prove himself to the team before they accepted him, but by his closed, determined expression he would be up to the challenge.
His attention flicked to the side and she followed where he looked. She realised he watched Allure and Harmony.
She turned back to the twins, and spoke again. “Harmony Davis and Storm Davis will be our exclusive Seers.” Kalina stifled a grin as fierce pleasure flashed across Harmony’s face before it went blank.
Harmony nodded. “I will inform Aunt Storm of our new assignment.”
Kalina returned her nod, then turned to meet Christos’s gaze. The expression of resignation on his face was comical. The look in his eyes said he hoped she knew what she was doing and getting into. She knew Harmony would do as necessary. As for Storm Davis, she would have to assign her a partner who could counteract her impulsiveness.
Turning to the rest of the agents, Kalina spoke again. “The Assassination Unit’s name has been smeared by our leader. We. Were. Betrayed. We will rebuild and show the rest of the Agency that the code of Ryne is not just words, but what an Assassination Agent lives by. We are the Assassination Unit of the Phoenix Intelligence Agency, and no one will bring us down.” She raised her fist in the air, and the other assassination agents matched her.
Their cries of support rang through the air. Kalina looked over at Ryne and saw the pride in his face, giving her a tender look. Then he turned and helped the Security Agents remove the prisoners out of the room.
The sound of mocking laughter filled the air, Kalina turned just as Jared broke free from a guard then grabbed the man’s gun. The ex-leader pointed it at her and pulled the trigger.
Chapter Six
Kalina raised her hand and a masculine back filled her vision. She heard the report of the gun followed by Ryne falling against her. The sensation of power rising made the hair on her arms stand up then a high-pitched cry resonated but stopped abruptly—leaving an eerie silence behind. Kalina stumbled back as she caught Ryne and lowered him gently to the floor. Frantically, she searched for his injury, trying to find any hint of damage.
“Ryne, where are you hit?” She searched him to find where he was hurt.
Breathing hard, he opened his eyes. They glittered with pain. “Fuck, I think I broke a rib.”
“What?” She didn’t understand.
Ryne grinned. “I broke a rib.”
Kalina ran her hand down his chest. She reached out with power, and sensed the break. She placed her hand over the injury then repaired it before she smacked him on the chest.
Ryne flinched. “Don’t beat on a downed man.”
Kalina rolled her eyes. “Get up, you slacker. I have work to do.”
Ryne stood fluidly, bringing her with him. He tightened his grip and pulled her into his arms before kissing her senseless. Then he stepped back, winked and walked back over to the guards. Picking up one of the prisoners, Ryne then walked out of the room. Kalina watched him go.
Dragging her attention away, she looked for Jared. She moved forward and looked down, seeing the scorch mark he had left. Ryne had incinerated Jared. She turned to watch Ryne in the area outside Jared’s office. The agents were staring at him with awe and respect. She sighed. The legends of The Ghost would get even crazier now. The agents were silent as Ryne left the area. The rest of the Security Agents departed, followed by Christos.
Once everyone had gone, the agents looked at her, grins on their faces.
The attention made her squirm. “Let’s get to work.”
Laughing, they went back to their desks. The last one out closed the door behind them. Shifting her attention between Lennox, Allure, and Harmony, who had stayed, Kalina crossed her hands behind her back.
“In a week, I want an evaluation of the team. Then we’ll divvy up the agents between us. Harmony, you and Storm need to check every agent to make sure there are no more traitors. Including me.”
Harmony looked surprised. “You?”
Kalina nodded. “It will be your job and Storm’s to make sure this doesn’t happen again. No one is above this check. To ensure your safety, Lennox will be your partner.”
She saw them exchange a look.
Lennox seemed indifferent, while Harmony appeared furious. “I can take care of myself.”
Kalina sighed. “I know you can, but a lot of this team will try to test you. And from now on, everyone will have a partner.” Harmony opened her mouth, but Kalina cut her off. “Don’t question me, Harmony. I’m your boss now and you follow my orders.” Her voice sounded harsh, even to her ears.
Harmony nodded stiffly.
“Dismissed.” Kalina turned away and went back to the shattered glass and broken wall.
She glanced at the sky, she stared at the still-falling indigo rain. Raising her face, she let it drench her, then stiffened as an arm came around her followed by another. She looked left, then right, into the concerned faces of Harmony and Allure before allowing herself to relax.
“I’m sorry about Jared, Kalina,” Harmony said in a soft tone.
“He was an asshole,” Allure countered.
Kalina looked at her out of the corner of her eye. “You didn’t like him.”
Allure shook her head. “No, I knew from the time I joined he was an ass.”
“You never said a word.” Kalina couldn’t believe she hadn’t known how Allure felt about Jared.
Allure expression was serious as she replied. “I’m a good soldier. I learned to work with people I thought were asses a long time ago.”
Kalina tried not to laugh.
“Why don’t you tell us how you really feel?” Harmony asked dryly.
Allure snorted. “I just did.”
Kalina chuckled and touched their arms wound around her. They all watched the wind blowing, drenching them with rain. After a moment, Kalina broke the silence.
“I can’t believe it—Jared a traitor and me the leader of the team. Shit. I don’t want to be chained to a desk.”
Harmony patted her hand. “You’ll be just fine. You made me afraid to cross you.” She shivered playfully.
Kalina chuckled. “If only that were true, Harm.”
Harmony’s expression shifted, becoming sly. “It was true for a minute.”
Kalina laughed. They joined her.
“So, when are you going to tell us about that scrumptious man you’re mated to? Hell, girl, it’s been over a week. You could have at least called and told us,” Allure groused.
Kalina looked at her out of the corner of her eye. “Nosy.”
Allure nodded. “And you know it. Give us the details.”
“Leave nothing out,” Harmony seconded.
Kalina let them pull her away from the open window. Waving her hand, she repaired it within a moment. They settled on the couch, sandwiching her between them. They fired question after question. She answered them absently. Feeling a strange sensation, she lifted her head up and saw Ryne through the glass wall of her office. He winked at her, blew her a kiss and walked away. Kalina stared a moment, then turned her attention back to her friends.
* * * *
Five hours later, Kalina walked into her empty house. She turned on the light glancing around the room, feeling strange. Since she had mated with Ryne, she hadn’t been back. She walked deeper into the living room and it felt even stranger being there. She entered the kitchen then passed the table and went to the sliding glass doors. She opened them then stepped into her gardens.
Kalina paused, raising her face to the indigo rain that continued to fall from the sky. It would
n’t stop until tomorrow. She lowered her head then walked into the lush garden oasis she’d created. She strolled the winding paths, letting her thoughts go back to all that had happened.
He betrayed me. Oh God, he betrayed me.
She fell to her knees and mud soaked into her pants, welcoming her. Dropping her head, she mourned for Jared and for her lost faith and trust. Hard arms curled around her and she stiffened even though she knew whose arms she was in. She tried to pull away, but he held her firm, turning her. He raised her face and looked at her, really looked at her.
Kalina locked her gaze with pale blue. The tender and understanding expression on Ryne’s face undid her—leaning into him, she let the tears fall. The keening cry of pain buried in her chest free broke free. Collapsing against him, she wailed as the hurt filled her. Jared had been like the father she never had. She had given him her trust, and that wasn’t something she did lightly.
The rain mixed with her tears as she cried while Ryne murmured to her, stroking her hair. Harsh breaths racked her lungs. Curling into him, she let his strength infuse her. Dry heaves made her shudder. After a while, the storm of tears passed, but he continued to hold her and run his fingers through her hair.
She saw the tears on his lashes mixed with indigo rain. She touched his face before gripping his hair and drew him down to her. Lightly she kissed his lips, tasting his tears as they mixed with her own. Kalina pulled away then stared into his eyes.
“I love you, Ryne.”
Pleasure filled his face, then a fierce emotion quivered in his eyes. “Don’t say it out of pain, Kalina.”
She thumped him on the chest. “Why do you have to second-guess how I feel? I said I love you, damn it! Do you have something to say to me?” She followed each word with another thump of her fist on his chest.
Indigo Rain (Phoenix Intelligence Agency) Page 6