by Unknown
“Well, shit,” Thorne muttered under his breath.
“My thoughts exactly.”
“Thanatos. You know what’s funny? Someone just told me that behind my back I’m called Thanatos. Since no one knows my origin, apparently they found it a fitting name.”
“That is … ironic.”
“What’s his ploy? Why is he aiming for the highest office on Earth?”
“Why indeed? The oldest reason in the book. He’s after vengeance.”“Against?”
“It would seem Apollo is up to his old tricks. He brought about a deadly plague … and the plague killed off Thanatos’s family.”
Thorne ran his hand through his disheveled hair. “I would say that was not a wise move.”
“No, it wasn’t. Now Thanatos wants to kill off all of mankind, which—as you have learned—would also take out The Realms. If he can’t have his family he doesn’t want anyone to have theirs either.”
“Do you know how he plans to go about this?”
“No, I don’t. I want to stop him before he can get in the place of power. He’s already a shoe in and elections are right around the corner.”
“I hate to say this, but I’m not sure I can kill Thanatos.”
The cat merged back into Nike.
Ragner took a hasty step back. “What the hell?”
“Ragner, meet Nike.”
Flustered, he fought to regain control of himself. “It’s a pleasure.” He held out his hand, and Nike lightly placed her hand in his. Thorne could see the power shoot through him. It took a lot of effort for Ragner to remain on his feet.
Ranger knew all about The Realms, but he did not have their bloodline or power.
“I think you should have a seat,” Thorne said, and kicked his computer chair toward Ragner. It was obvious he was about to argue, but he thought better of it and sat down. The chair squeaked as he shifted uneasily in the seat.
“Nike, why don’t you take the honor’ of filling Ragner in on what’s going on with your visit.”
She smiled, lighting up the room. “I actually need to speak to Athena, but this could very well be the catalyst she saw in her vision when Thorne was born.”
“Why was I kept out of the loop on all of this?” Ragner demanded in a controlled voice.
“Probably the same reason I’m just finding out that Thanatos is on Earth. Because up until now it was none of my fucking business.”
Ragner ran his hands over his face. Slowly pulling them away, his expression grave, his gaze met Nike’s. “Do you think Thorne can handle this?”
She shrugged wearily. “Like you said, I think he’s your best chance. It wouldn’t hurt to have Benny with him. This is certainly not going to be a quick hit like they are used to. Thanatos is cunning, and a daemon hell bent on revenge is a very dangerous man indeed.”
“That’s not all.”
Thorne and Nike’s heads jerked up.
“The woman you had me look into?”
His body stilled. “Kataya.”
“Yes, Kataya Clarke …” Ranger rolled the chair back over to the computer. He pulled up several images of Thanatos, and at his arm was an older woman. Short dark hair, clear blue eyes, and laugh lines. Even through the computer screen Thorne could feel the essence. Thanks to his power of electronics the vibe came through to him as if she were standing right in front of him.
“What is she to him?” His voice had taken on a steely edge.
“His wife.”
Thorne felt a sudden surge of savage rage explode inside of him. That bitch had been fucking with him all along. Soul-tie or not, she was a dead woman walking.
“Oh shit,” Nike said … right before she disappeared before their eyes.
“Where did she go?”
Thorne couldn’t take his eyes off of the images. “To see Athena would be my guess. I need everything you have on this man, Geoffrey Willis.”
“It’s all there on the drive.”
“How long do we have before elections?” Thorne never paid any attention to that shit. Under normal circumstances he couldn’t care less who ran the country.
“Less than seven months.”
Thorne nodded. “I need to talk to Benny, now.”
Part 4 will be release mid December. If you want to keep updated sign up for my mailing list.
Hired Gun 1-3
Now or Never
Truth or Dare
Unintentional Virgin
A.J. Bennett
A.J. Bennett lives in Nashville, Tn with her husband and bulldog. She’s addicted to coffee, popcorn and books. To find out more about A.J checkout her website. www.ajbennettauthor.com