“Yes, ladies and gentleman.” The funky Mage reporter came back onscreen, the mud wrestling video finished. “You’ve guessed correctly. The castrator would be none other than your next Queen Elemental.” His brows waggled. “And I have it on good authority for those of you who are wondering, she did, indeed, spend the night with my good friend the announcer.” He winked.
A commercial came on.
Ever so slowly, King Collins raised a hand and turned off the television.
The only noise in the room was his continually ringing phone. Until he put a hand into his pocket, turning it off. He was not looking at me.
Realizing my hand was still over my mouth, I quickly dropped it and cleared my throat.
I tried to meet this head-on by placing the blame directly on him. “They never would have known it was me if you hadn’t called this morning announcing who you were and who I was.” I flicked a finger at the black screen. “You couldn’t tell there, but my hair was spelled black, and I used a different name.”
“Yes.” King Zeller cleared his throat. “So we heard.”
I waved an irritated hand at him but kept my attention on my King. “Another name.”
King Collins began rubbing his forehead. Staring at the ground, he asked in a very soft voice, “Are there any other videos from last night I need to be aware of?”
I waved a pointed finger at the screen. “I didn’t even know that one was out there.”
Slow, quiet words. “Is. There. More?”
My lips pinched. “Not that I know of.”
More rubbing of his forehead. “I heard multiple voices this morning over the line.” Rubbing of forehead. “How many eyewitness accounts might there be of your time after the illegal contest?”
I blinked. “Are you asking what I think you’re asking?”
Brown, cool eyes flicked to me for the first time, holding my gaze. “How many fucking people am I going to have to shut up over this?”
I exhaled on a bittersweet laugh. “Oh, God.” I held my stomach as I chuckled. “Fuck.” I shook my head, staring him right in the eyes. “Staying here with you is a test to my damn patience.”
I continued chuckling and stood, placing my hands on the table and leaning forward. My tone changed as I growled, “Did it ever fucking occur to you to ask me if anything actually happened, instead of automatically assuming I did as that report alluded to, or what you thought you overheard this morning?” My fingers gripped the table, curling because I wanted to hit him so badly. “One day you will apologize to me for every fucking assumption and lack of trust you’ve had for me so far. And you’d better fucking pray I accept it, because right now, especially after yesterday, you’d be the last one I’d save in a fight.”
My mouth snapped shut as I realized what I had just said to a man I respected.
His jaw clenched and he jerked forward, grabbing my bicep and yanking me harshly away from the table. A furious zap of his power jolted through my body, a tiny cry emitting past my lips before I bit it down. I gritted my teeth through the pain while he continued pulling me from the room. His icy power fluctuated through my body. He stopped abruptly in his tracks, jerking me to a halt next to him when a tiger rounded the corner.
Tristan’s teeth were bared. A low, bone-chilling growl reverberated in his throat as he deliberately crouched, his eyes intent on King Collins.
Through gritted teeth, I choked, “Tristan, no.” His eyes flicked to me then quickly back to King Collins. “My fault.” I sucked in a harsh breath, my arms trembling from King Collins’s alarming power. “This is due.”
Tristan continued growling, not really caring what I had to say.
The One’s overly lazy drawl drifted from the table. “Tristan, stand down.”
Tristan moved to the side, sitting proudly, his growl cutting off.
But his teeth were still bared at my King.
King Collins jerked forward, continuing to yank me from the room. He didn’t let up on the power he was pushing, silently telling me just how furious he was.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Sandpaper would have rubbed less than my tone. “How kind of you to invite me.”
Brown eyes flicked to me, narrowing. King Collins returned his attention to where we were walking through the Elemental section. “I didn’t have to, Prodigy. Remember that.”
I barely withheld my snort. I had been ‘grounded’ for two days for my filmed stunt on television. “And how wrong would that be? After all, I gave you every single avenue available to make this happen.” We were currently on our way to a conference room where the Royals and all the spirit Elementals were. It was time for the One to obtain the whereabouts of Philip Masterson and Jacob Angel.
“Do you want to go back to your room?” he asked, his tone clipped in irritation. “Are you going to continue to be disrespectful toward me?”
“If you don’t speak, probably not,” I mumbled. His eyes flared, and I quickly held up my hands. “Sorry. That just tumbled out. Smart-ass, you know? I’ll be the good little Prodigy while I’m released from my room.” That I could easily escape from it, I left unmentioned.
He grumbled under his breath. Eventually, his steps smoothed out and he walked at a steadier pace that was less like speed walking. “Just so you know, the One’s not in a very good mood today. Last night he received a phone call that apparently upset him.” His hands waved wildly. “I’m sure you felt it, because the whole damn Manor shook. It frightened the staff and the Shifter drifters.”
“Is that why you came to get me for this?”
“I make the rules here, not him. I came for you because you deserve to be here.”
I nudged his arm. “You like me, don’t you?”
“Quiet, smart-ass,” he muttered, but he placed an arm around my shoulder. “I should never talk ill about the dead, but between you and my last Prodigy,” a rough squeeze of my shoulder, “I choose you.”
My smile was genuine. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He kissed my forehead before we turned the corner, his arm instantly dropping when we came into view of the glass paneled conference room. The whole group was inside. He tilted his head toward the end of the room. “Elder Farrar did a good job disguising him, don’t you think?”
My brows puckered in confusion as I peered in that direction. “Christ, he’s going to create a mob.” I picked up my pace, marching into the room and waggling a finger in the One’s direction. My incredulous eyes were on Elder Farrar. “Are you kidding? You call that a damn disguise?” I waved a huge hand at the One’s ‘hidden’ form. “All that says is: Fuck me now and ask my name later.” I threw my arms wide. “What the hell are you thinking?” My eyes narrowed, a thought coming to mind. “Are you trying to get him killed?”
Silence followed my furious outburst.
“Is that what this look says?” the One drawled to Reese standing next to him.
“I wouldn’t know,” Reese deadpanned. “You’re not my type.”
Elder Farrar’s lips twitched. “Ms Jules, there’s certainly nothing wrong with his look—”
I instantly waved a hand, cutting him off. “Bullshit.” I jammed a finger in the One’s direction. “Make him old. Make him look like a Com. Or even an unremarkable woman. But for God’s sake, don’t give him black hair, more tattoos, and dress him in fucking thousand-dollar jeans and a black leather jacket.” I stared at the Elder like he was crazy, because he was acting like a moron right now. “Women and men will flock to him. He won’t be able to blend in and do what’s needed. I guaran-fucking-tee it.”
“Maybe she’s right,” Queen Ruckler murmured absently, staring at the One. He looked like every woman’s naughty fantasy. Her head cocked, her professional gaze running over him from head to toe. “I saw the staff eyeing him, and it sure as hell wasn’t to ask if he needed more towels.”
I crossed my arms, my point proven.
The One cleared his throat. “Actually, one very kind earth Elemental di
d ask if I needed extra towels.”
Dry words from Queen Ruckler. “Yes, I overheard.” Red brows quirked. “Right before she asked if she could use one after she had joined you in the shower.”
I choked, pounding on my chest, then I waggled my finger at the One again. My attention homed in on the Elder Mage. “Try a middle-aged Com. One that looks like he’s on a bender. There were always plenty of those around the casinos.”
Elder Farrar’s lips trembled, and his head tilted toward the One. “That’s the look he needs.”
I blinked. “I’m confused, because that’s the get-me-fucked-then-shot look.”
Another head tilt toward the One. “That’s the look he needs.”
I might have been setting a trend with my slow blinking. “You’re stating it like it’s a fact.” Not to mention that he was repeating himself.
Again he said with calm words, “That’s the look he needs.”
I stared for a long moment. Then another. Another crept on by. “Oh.” I nodded curtly, not a hundred percent sure what the hell I was feeling, but I was pretty clear I was a mess of emotions. “Right.” Another curt nod. “I understand.” I moved fluidly, keeping my muscles loose as I sat on the closest seat.
“Well, I certainly don’t understand,” Queen Ruckler stated slowly, her blue eyes on me. “What did he just communicate to you that apparently only you understood, since I happen to agree with you about the disguise.”
Arms still crossed lightly, I shrugged a nonchalant shoulder. “The One is about ready to go on a special voyage to one of the swankier establishments of the Bossman’s.” My head teetered in thought, but I just shrugged and went with the blunt truth. “The ones that cater to high-end prostitution societies. The prostitutes are so talented, you not only need to have the cash to afford them, but you also have to look good. Because they pick you, not the other way around.”
Queen Ruckler picked up my previous habit of slow blinking. “That is interesting.” Another blink. “Do you already know where this establishment is?”
I gritted my teeth. “I know where most of them are, along with the rest of his businesses. But I don’t know which exact one it is. There’s too many to even guess at.” I jerked my head in the One’s direction. “As long as he’s got cash on him, he’ll be able to maneuver the area fine, appearing as he does.”
“He’s got enough in his wallet,” Elder Farrar stated evenly, glancing at the One. “Inside jacket pocket, by the way.” Mrs Damon began rummaging through her purse, and Elder Farrar’s lips really trembled. He glanced at the One again. “There’s also a small bottle of hand sanitizer in there.”
Mrs Damon glanced up from her digging, her wide eyes going to Elder Farrar. “That was very thoughtful of you.” A prim nod of her head as she zipped up her purse. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Elder Farrar stated studiously. As soon as she glanced away from him, he sat back on his chair, shaking his head slowly at the One. He mouthed, “There’s not.”
King Collins sat forward. “So, we’ve gone over this. First you’ll seek out Jacob Angel but not directly. Next, you’ll do the same for Philip Masterson. Find out where they are and any intel on their plans.” He glanced at his watch. “After a half-hour, if you’re not back, we’ll send Elder Farrar after you to assist.” Barely a beat of silence. “Do you have any questions? Do you need to see Philip Masterson’s picture one last time?”
Instant reply from my left. “No.” The One lifted his right hand to his mouth.
And he was gone.
Chapter Twenty-Four
When Elder Farrar tilted his head and closed his eyes, appearing to be taking a nap, I did the same, deciding that nothing too horrendous was going to happen right now. I closed my eyes, even kicking my feet up on the table, and tried to work through the fucked-up issues zinging through my mind about a man I barely knew. I was not about to jump on the Leric Damon train again.
Even for the real Leric Damon.
God, my life was complicated.
Twenty minutes later, my issues not resolved in the least, I heard Elder Farrar’s chair across from me squeak through the quiet conversations happening around the room. I peeked open one eye, then both, watching as he stood. He folded his black shirt sleeves to his forearms and took off his watch—everyone staring at him by now—before proceeding to move to the corner where the One had left from.
He stood there silently, cracking his neck.
The One flashed in right next to him, jacketless, shirtless, black short hair all askew and red lipstick smeared along his jaw and chest. The biggest issue, though, was apparent as he fell forward, grunting in pain as Elder Farrar caught him. Elder Farrar ordered Mr Damon, “Get your wife out of here now, please.” Because the One had blood running down his chest from multiple gunshot wounds, most of them bleeding red blood, but there was also some silver blood.
Mrs Damon shrieked her son’s name, but her husband lifted her off her feet. He glowed white, and they were suddenly gone, doing as Elder Farrar had so steadily ordered.
I stared unblinkingly as Elder Merrick jumped over the table, easily helping to lift the One onto the cold marble table and lying him flat. A flurry of activity happened all around me in my instantaneously numb state while I walked steadily toward Elder Farrar. And…my boot crunched on something as I walked. I blinked down, moving my boot slowly.
And saw…my nose ring. The Primal Diamond.
Just lying on the floor.
I blinked and bent, squatting. I picked it up, numb to my movements and unhurried. I stared at it a long moment as around me people shouted orders to one another. It disappeared from my hand with the barest use of my power, gone into the collection of my secret treasure trove, which was the one place the One couldn’t find, and more importantly, that no one could find.
Elder Farrar glimmered golden, wiping away at the One’s blood to view the wounds better. Queen Cooper was on her cell phone calling the physician, Bindi. King Zeller was blurring in and out of the room, bringing in supplies. Roselle was on her cell phone, apparently giving a byplay to Mr Damon wherever he was with Mrs Damon now. Reese glowed and flashed out of the room.
Lifting to stand, I looked up. Queen Ruckler was directly in front of me holding an armful of towels. Blue eyes with years of deep knowledge gazed into mine. She said not a word, and I didn’t really care. I moved around her, lifting onto the table and getting a few glares in the process. I sat crossed-legged right above the One’s head and stared down at his bloody torso, which continued to bleed both red and silver as the Mages in the room worked on him.
“Ms Jules,” the One said in pants, his breathing labored. “You shouldn’t see—”
I slapped a hand over his mouth gently but firmly. “Save your breath.” He was lucky Elder Zeller was gifting him peace. Those wounds were deadly. I took my hand back, placing both hands calmly on my lap. “If you die, there’s going to be a lot of pissed off people.”
He actually chuckled, not feeling a thing thanks to the Vampire power. “True.” He went quiet, but I could feel his eyes roaming my face while I watched the others work, and I felt very cold inside, bizarrely detached as his chest labored for air. “You should leave.”
“And I said be quiet.” My eyes flicked down to his nose, then back to his bleeding wounds. “You should know, the Primal Diamond is now back in its rightful owner’s hands.” He went completely still for a long moment, and my gaze snapped to Elder Zeller, but his hand was still on the spirit Elemental. My gaze altered to Bindi as she raced into the room, already glowing and assessing the situation. “And you really won’t find it this time.”
It was silent in the room as Bindi began running her hands over him, so everyone in the room heard him bark, “That is my goddamn diamond. I want it back. You will give it—”
I snapped a hand back over his mouth. “Bindi’s trying to work and you’re not helping, so shut up.” I pointed out, “You shouldn’t have dropped it for anyone to p
ick up.”
His voice was muffled behind my hand but not any less mad. “Excuse me for fucking being shot by goddamn automatic machine guns.”
“You should have moved faster,” I muttered absently and waved my other hand at Bindi. I snapped at her, “Do you think you might put a rush on healing him before he bleeds out or too much silver enters his damn bloodstream?”
Golden eyes flicked to mine as she worked. “Maybe you could take your hand off his mouth so he can breathe while I save his life?”
“He’s got a nose for that,” I stated clearly, in case she had forgotten. “And his mouth will only make my head pound.” I snapped my fingers at the wound on the right side of his body. “He’ll breathe easier if you fix this one first.”
“A doctor now, are you?” she muttered, but she did start healing it first.
“No, I’ve just been stabbed and shot and beaten enough to know what helps and what doesn’t for certain issues.” I leaned to stare at one wound on his chest, pointing at it. “And I’m thinking this one next. The bullet could move and nick his heart.”
His voice was a strong growl beneath my hand. “I. Want. My. Diamond. Back.”
“Are we back to this again?” I glanced down to his nose, back to the wound I was waggling my finger at, and then to his nose again. “It’s not that hard to understand. You dropped it. I took it. It’s mine. Has been for the last five years.”
I yelped—he had bitten my damned hand. “That was uncalled for!” I held my stinging hand in a fist against my chest, glaring down at his nose. “I didn’t physically hurt you.”
“I barely bit you,” he muttered. He bared his teeth. “But I will bite your fucking ass if you don’t give me my damn diamond back.”
Chosen Fool (Forever Evermore Book 5) Page 21