by Wendi Zwaduk
“Yeah.” Emily sighed.
His emotional heart went out to her. Thinking that what you had been trained to do was all wrong had to suck. She wasn’t doing anything wrong by keeping the evil off the streets, but if Maslow was interpreting good versus evil, they were all fucked.
“If it helps, not all the Supers are bad, just as not all of the Hunters are bad. You’re not evil.” He kissed her knuckles. “Promise.”
“But I could be.”
“I know you’re not.”
“No you don’t. For all you know, I could be an assassin sent to put you in your comfort zone before I destroy you and everyone you love.” Her hand trembled and she pulled away from him.
She was trying to be tough and sound harder than she needed to be. “Do you really want me to buy that? I’ve been in your head and seen your heart. You’re scared. You’re trying to prove yourself to the world because the world you know is falling apart.” He turned in his seat and faced her. “When I lost Ava, I thought that was it. I was done and couldn’t go on. Then I got this second chance with you. I’m not squandering it.”
“Hagan.”
“I’m serious. You’re pushing me away while every cell in your body wants to pull me close. You’ve been scarred by the past. Me, too. If we stay strong together, we can move forward.” Being honest with himself and her freed him. He wasn’t strapped to Ava’s memory or the things they’d done. He could forge a new future with Emily.
“You actually believe we can do this?”
How could she doubt him? He’d never been surer in his life or un-deadness. “I do. Completely.”
“Remember that when you see your girl.” She nodded. “We’re at the mansion.”
At the mansion? He glanced out the window. Sure enough, they were in the sweeping half moon driveway of a large home. He’d never seen a house so big. “Wow.”
Hagan drummed his fingers on the Jeep door. He didn’t understand what she meant about seeing his girl. He had his girl right next to him. Ava wasn’t his any longer. He’d been on the fence about her for so long, but the more he busted Emily into emotional pieces, the harder he fell for her. Ava didn’t matter. “How exactly are you planning to get in? We can’t break down the front door.”
Emily grinned. “You.”
“Me? I don’t follow.”
“Yeah, you go to the front door. They’ll accept you way faster than they’ll ever let me in.”
“Hon, that’s really ballsy.”
“Do you have a better idea?”
“No, but—”
“Then that’s what we’re doing. I go balls to the wall. If you’re with me, then that’s the plan.”
“No guns.”
“Huh?”
“Don’t bring weapons. Good faith show. No armaments.”
“Uh-let me think…no. I’ll leave my guns in the Jeep, but I’m bringing my butterfly knife.”
“Honey, I’m just as deadly as any of them. Until the sun rises, I’ve got vampire power and can kick ass. Plus, I’ve got something even stronger to live for.”
“What’s that?”
“You.”
****
Emily gritted her teeth. No guns. At least he was letting her bring her knife.
Good Lord.
She needed something to protect herself. Yeah, he was dangerous, but they were outnumbered. She climbed out of the Jeep and followed him. At least her guns were in the vehicle in case they needed to flee. She wondered if her little Jeep could outrun a vampire horde?
Hagan marched right up to the front door. He pressed the bell. Bright lights flooded the space around them. Emily blinked and shielded her eyes with her hand. The overwhelming illumination reminded her of bright daylight. Any cover they’d managed was blown.
The door opened a crack. “Hello.” Emily couldn’t see the person on the other side of the barrier.
“Hi,” Hagan began. “My name is Hagan. I’m a vampire and trying to keep from getting killed. I set out for here a while back with my friend Ava. Is she here? Did she make it?”
“Who is the young lady with you?” The person sounded male.
“I’m Emily Cross.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m a Hunter.”
“Leave.” The door slammed shut.
Oh hell no. Emily snorted. I did not come here to have the door thrown in my face.
Hagan whipped around and glared at her. His eyes blazed. You need to slow down. Have some finesse with them. I need them to trust you and they won’t if you go off half-cocked. His fangs elongated. You have to trust me.
Shit. She’d screwed up. Sorry wouldn’t be enough. Tears burned behind her eyes. She wasn’t much of a crier, but she hated screwing up. Hated.
The door creaked open once again. This time, a man stood in the doorway. “I’m Kynan Laing. Either you’ve come here for revenge or to be killed,” he said softly. “Which is it?”
“Mr. Laing, my name is Hagan Dean. My friend, Emily, and I are here to join your group. I started out on my way here with my girlfriend at-the-time, Ava. We were separated. Have you seen her?”
“Ava Grant?”
“Yes. Do you know her?”
“Hagan?” A brunette woman pushed past Kynan. “Oh my Goddess. You’re not dead.” She threw her arms around him. “I never thought I’d see you again.”
He hugged her back and closed his eyes. “I missed you, too, silly girl.”
Emily fought back wave after wave of jealousy. He’d said Ava wasn’t his future, but she knew this moment would come. He’d see his old flame and all the feelings would come back. She trusted the good thing she had with Hagan, but still she couldn’t keep the green-eyed monster at bay.
“Let’s move inside. It’s not safe out here.” Kynan opened the door wider and ushered them all into the foyer of the house.
“Who is this?” Ava disengaged from him. “I’m Ava.”
“Emily.” Should she shake hands?
Ava smiled again. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I’m sure,” Emily replied. Jealousy and panic crept into her mind. God, she hated feeling so off-kilter.
“I need to be sure you’re not a threat.” Kynan rested his hands on his hips. “Both of you.”
“No, they’re fine.” Ava linked arms with Hagan. “I know in my heart everything will be fine.”
Kynan nodded. He stepped back, allowing Ava and Hagan to leave the room. He stepped in front of Emily, keeping her from moving. He glanced over his shoulder and waited for Ava and Hagan to get out of earshot.
“Hunter, I want to trust you. I do, but I’m very uneasy. I don’t want to be played. Understood?”
“I understand. I’m not here to dick you over. I’m very fond of Hagan. I can’t handle seeing him hurt.” She couldn’t handle being hurt, either.
“I know what you are—you’re not just a Hunter, but you’re a Seer, as well. I knew of your parents. Your father was a gifted Hunter. You don’t have the visions like your mother, but you’re gifted.”
“Thanks.” He knew about her and her folks? Then why did he try to toss them out?
“Just because I knew them doesn’t mean I can trust you. You need to think, lead with your heart and make decisions you won’t regret. We’re all in this as a team or you’re not in this at all. I’m keeping my eye on you.”
The ferocity in his voice resonated in Emily’s mind. Kynan wasn’t dangerous to the other Supers, but he’d make sure Maslow paid. “I hope you do watch me.”
“You love him.” Kynan folded his arms.
“I’m not sure,” she said, admitting the truth. She wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about Hagan, other than she liked him a lot and the sex they shared was off the charts.
“I’m sure. You’re struggling with duty to the cause and your love for the vampire. Follow your gut and your heart. You won’t regret it.”
“I’m glad you can be so sure.” She followed Kynan deeper into the house. Wouldn’t old Ben love to see the new wor
ld? He’d no doubt slaughter everyone. Other Supers gathered in a large living room space. In the largest Hunter gatherings, she’d never felt so small. With the Supers, she felt invisible. She wanted to be beside Hagan, but she refused to put herself between him and Ava.
Come here. Hagan met her gaze. He nodded slightly. Talk to me.
I can’t. At least she had one thing to connect her to Hagan…one thing Ava couldn’t take away.
No? You just did. He waggled his fingers enough for her to see the gesture.
I don’t do well with abandonment. She sounded so needy. Crap. Did love make people so goofy? She hoped not. Her past unfortunately was coming back to haunt her. First, left by her parents by death and then left by her first husband because she’d gone through the Hunter training. She couldn’t bear to lose someone else she loved. Yeah, she’d started to love Hagan.
Who is abandoning who? I told you I’m yours. This link isn’t a joke. You’ve got to trust me. I’m not that jerk you married. I care about you more than you understand.
It’s hard.
It goes against everything you know, but I promise you, on my life, I won’t do anything to hurt you.
She ducked behind Kynan and eased up beside Hagan. When he held her hand, her worry subsided. He wasn’t the jerk she’d married; he was a decent guy who cared about her.
“Well, you’re here.” Kynan clapped his hands. “Tell us, Hunter and Hagan, what you know.”
“Not much.” Hagan let go of her hand and draped his arm around Emily’s shoulders. “Maslow drugged me. Ava and I got away. Looks like she ended up here. I found my way to Emily. Maslow is running the Hunters. He’s turned them into cold blooded killers in order to bring his fucked up prophecy to life.”
He’d been choppy in his delivery, but he’d been honest. Emily slipped her hand into his back pocket.
“Is this true?” Kynan sat on the arm of the couch next to another brunette. “Maslow did indeed infiltrate the organization?”
Emily found her gumption. She had a job to do, even if she might be the last true Hunter left. “Maslow came on like a Messiah. Most of the Hunters believe him. I can’t say how many don’t, but he is charismatic. His plan is to kill all Supers. Why? I’m not sure. If he can see them, then he has Super in his bloodline. If he can’t see them and is relying on those who can, then he’s creating chaos and playing a lot of people for fools.”
“Then that’s his play.” Kynan stood. “He wants to be adored. He wanted to be God and have his own utopia.”
“Exactly.”
“Sounds familiar,” Emily muttered. What Kynan had said was exactly what Maslow was accusing Kynan of doing.
“He’s blaming me for the chaos, isn’t he? He’s convinced I want to kill the humans, right?”
“Yes.” Hagan nodded.
“Then we draw him out. We’ll make a big spectacle where I give myself up and hand my friends over to him.” Kynan pointed to another couple, who stood and left the room. Emily didn’t know who they were, but apparently, they trusted the vampire.
“We’ll make him think he’s winning. All of us are at full power,” the brunette said. “We need to fool the old bastard.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Lexa. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Emily nudged Hagan. She hadn’t reached full power. She wasn’t even sure Hunters could reach full power—whatever it was. She’d never been taught the ways of the Seers—just the Hunters.
What’s full power?
I’m not sure. I’ve never heard of it, Hagan replied.
Then we’re the risky part of this plan.
We need to trust Kynan. He knows what he’s doing.
“Were you followed?” Lexa asked.
“We hope not.” Hagan hugged Emily tighter.
“I can’t say for certain. The Hunters check on each other. My partner, Ben’s always monitoring me. He might not know, but then again, he could know everything.” Her stomach soured. Now that she knew more about Ben, she didn’t trust him.
“Partner?” Ava asked. “Hagan’s not your partner?”
“As far as anyone knows, I’m not with Emily,” Hagan said. “I don’t exist.”
“Hagan.” Ava gave him a patronizing look and her bottom lip jutted out. “That’s awful.”
“Enough. It’s for the best. If I don’t exist, then she’s not at risk.” Hagan kissed the side of Emily’s head. The move should’ve reassured her, but the gesture felt more like a show than a show of gratitude.
Ava opened her mouth to say something, but Lexa stepped between Ava and Hagan. “Then we’ll need you both to stay here. We can’t keep throwing the word risk around. Creighton and Vanessa are on the computers, no doubt getting the word out via the internet. Ava, I want you to take Joachim and Paddy to the bunker. Stock the shelves with enough items to last a month. Ky, go help Creighton. I’m sure you’ll want to know what’s going on and you’ll want to get Hagan up to speed. I’ll show Emily upstairs.”
“You bet.” Kynan touched Lexa’s cheek. “This is why we work so well together. Love you.” He winked, then ushered Ava and two other men out of the room.
Lexa sighed as Hagan and Kynan left the room. “The Hunters are a good organization. We need them for balance. Not all of them are corrupted. Someone should stand up to the rotten eggs and ensure the rest of us are safe. I refuse to believe everyone in the Hunters’ organization and I think all of us working together is the best thing we can do. I trust you because you’d be crazy to come here knowing any one of us can destroy you. I see the light in your soul. I’m not afraid you’ll hurt us—but I can’t speak for everyone.”
Emily balled her hands. She knew exactly what Lexa meant. Lexa was probably her only friend in the house, save for Hagan. Hunters weren’t trustworthy lately and because of her association with the group, she was guilty. She also understood the gravity of the situation. They’d die if she messed up. The other Hunters didn’t need to know she’d switched sides. Not a bit. She didn’t know the other Supers in the house, but for the first time since her husband left her, she felt at home. No way would she give up the thing she wanted most—Hagan.
“Well?” Lexa tipped her head. “This is a hard decision. We’re asking you to give up everything you know for people you aren’t sure you can trust. We’re a screwed up bunch, but we’re loyal. We’ve got your back, if you’ve got ours.”
“Understood. This is where I belong.”
Chapter Six
Hagan kept up with Kynan down the hallway of the mansion. He knew the place was big, but when they turned the corner, he realized the house was more like a maze. He wasn’t sure where he was in the building.
A hand grabbed him, yanking him into one of the rooms. Ava plastered herself against the door and put one finger to her lips.
Hagan rubbed his forehead. He’d finally made it to the Laing mansion and Ava wanted to cause him issues. Wonderful. “What’s up?”
“She’s pretty.” Ava folded her arms.
“Thanks.” He glanced over her shoulder at the door. “I should be with Kynan and the others.”
“She’s angry.”
Good Goddess… Why did Ava want to discuss this right now? “Wouldn’t you be angry if your life was turned upside down?”
“I was upset. I’m not now.” She unfolded her arms and flicked a lock of her hair over her shoulder.
He shouldn’t enter into a pissing contest with her, but the desire was too strong to resist. “I see you’ve got not one but two mates. Nice. You always wanted more than most people.”
“The Sources dictated I needed two. They said I was wounded and needed the extra care.”
He would’ve snorted, but what was the point? She always did get what she wanted. She’d conned him into helping her only to ditch him when he became unnecessary baggage. “I worried about you.”
“I worried about you, too.”
He knew this moment would come and expected her to want to argue. Fine. He’d argue. “Oh? You
never came back.”
“Because it wasn’t safe.”
“That’s true.” He turned his back on her and admired a painting of a forest and ducks. “Because I was so safe crisping in the sunshine. I wanted to help you, but the moment I lost my importance to you was the moment I became nothing.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
His frustration boiled over. “You were so sorry you found a life and moved on with two mates. Did you even think about me?”
“It wasn’t like that.” She wrapped her arms around one of his. “I promise. I wasn’t planning to find them. They found me.”
He sighed. “Ava, we were a pair. We had each other’s back. I turned away from you long enough for you to escape. I thought you’d return for me. Instead, you totally blew me off—like you have every other time—in order to save your skin. You take what you want and good old Hagan cleans up the mess. What’s worse? I did clean it up. I helped you out…again.”
“It wasn’t supposed to be that way.” She thumped his bicep. “Come on. You have to believe me.”
“No, I don’t. How many times did you tell me you’d be right back, but you were gone for hours? You’d take off on me for another man, then when he dumped you or whatever, you’d come running back to me. You were supposed to be my girl. I’m not sure what you are to me any longer.”
“I belong to Joachim and Padraig.”
“I gathered that.”
“I’m sorry. I made a mistake. A massive mistake. I thought about you so much, but I wasn’t sure what to do.” She paused. “Is she good to you?”
“Emily is, yes.”
“She’s a Hunter.”
“Someone mentioned that to me along the way.”
“I deserve your bitterness, but you can stop at any time.”
“I could stop, but I don’t want to.” He paused long enough to think through what he wanted to say. He could tell her to piss off, but what good would it do? He couldn’t change the past or force Ava to get along with Emily. “Look, you moved on with your …mates. I understand now. I was never enough and I accept that. We can be friends, but you have to accept Emily is with me just as much as I have to come to grips with you having two other men.”