by Nina Bangs
Passion didn’t have to think about what she wanted. “Don’t fight against the Big Boss. Walk away from the battle.”
Murmur pushed himself to a sitting position. He looked at Edge. “You didn’t kill me, you killed my body.”
“I knew that.” Edge’s voice was still strangely flat. “But you would’ve had to return to the underworld. It would’ve taken you out of the fight.”
“You knew he wasn’t dead?” Passion felt outrage.
Edge shrugged. “His body was dead. Same thing for our purposes.”
“For your purpose, not mine.” She looked back at Murmur. “I’m sorry. I thought you were reaching for a weapon, and Edge believed I was in danger. My mistake, because all you wanted was your music.”
Murmur slowly struggled to his feet. “First, I’m glad you saved my body. I like it, and I’d hate to have to search for another one.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet.
Passion swallowed hard. “Where did this one come from?” Did she really want to know?
Murmur shrugged. “One of the fey was kind enough to vacate it, and I moved in. I don’t often get a chance for something this perfect.”
Edge moved closer. “Just idle curiosity, but why did you grab your iPod? Doesn’t seem like the logical thing to reach for in that situation.” His gaze rested on her for a moment—cold, expressionless. “Even though Passion didn’t find it surprising. It wouldn’t be my weapon of choice.”
Murmur’s smile was hard, taunting. “Yes, I got an up–close view of your weapon. I won’t forget.” His smile softened as he shifted his attention to Passion. “Music increases my power. That’s why I always have it with me.”
“Who wanted to hire you and your demons?” Passion refused to think about Edge right now.
“I don’t know.” Murmur answered Passion but kept a wary eye on Edge. “Someone of power summoned me here. He made no attempt to bind me—not that he could have—but he also didn’t show his face. He proposed a deal. I would help him overthrow the Big Boss, and he’d pay me with a favor owed. Very tempting. I don’t need money, but a favor owed by a powerful being is worth a great deal.”
“And he didn’t give you a name, or something?” Edge sounded disbelieving.
“I told him I would stay here to look the situation over. He said if I decided to help him, we’d talk. Well, I’ve been looking the situation over. You didn’t endear yourself to me tonight, Death.”
“You know, somehow that doesn’t bother me.” Edge moved a little closer, but the tension was gone from his body. “What about Bain? What does he have to do with this?” His gaze shifted to Passion. “I noticed that she didn’t give much information about his side of the conversation.”
Passion stiffened. She? He wouldn’t even say her name now?
Murmur’s expression hardened. “Maybe you should ask him about it.”
Passion would never know what Edge would’ve said because someone spoke from the doorway.
“I’d really like to know what the hell is going on here.”
Bourne stepped into the room.
14
You’re death, and I’m life. Passion had laid the truth out. Not that he hadn’t known it before, but somehow having her say the words made it real.
Even with Bourne standing behind him, Edge couldn’t ramp up the old adrenaline rush. He felt dead inside. Fitting.
This was his fault. He’d overreacted to Murmur. Not his usual style. He went for cold, calm, and rational. The demon had said it. He’d been sloppy. But something had happened when Passion flung herself between them and he’d thought Murmur was reaching for a weapon. Fear for her had wiped away all reason. He’d simply reacted. Stupid. He knew Murmur didn’t need a physical weapon to fight him.
She’d reduced him to a brainless caveman mentality. And he’d probably horrified her for all time. Way to win her heart, dumbass. He turned to face Bourne.
“Well, I’m waiting. Let the story begin.” Bourne leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.
The bastard was fully dressed. Figured. “I killed the demon. Passion brought him back to life.” Edge glanced at Murmur. “Want to tell your side?”
Murmur raised one brow. “An assassin of few words.” He shifted his gaze to Bourne. “Your loose cannon here blew in my door and then accused me of selling my services to your enemy. When I reached back to pick up my iPod, Passion thought I was going for a weapon. She stepped between us. Then your cosmic troublemaker in charge of idiocy went all Neanderthal and killed me.” He paused for effect. “But luckily, there was an angel of mercy—God, I love clichés—on hand to save me. I have ‘You Raise Me Up’ on my iPod if you’d like to hear it. Music always adds atmosphere to the drama, don’t you think?”
Passion looked shocked. “You can say God?”
The demon exhaled wearily. “Yes. God, God, God, God.”
“Are you selling your services to the enemy?” Bourne pushed away from the wall and dropped his arms to his side.
Murmur shrugged. “He made the proposal, and I was considering it. But you can relax. I promised Passion I wouldn’t fight against you or yours. My thank-you to her for saving me.” He held up his hand to stop Bourne from interrupting. “And no, I don’t know your enemy’s identity. He didn’t show himself when he spoke to me. But I felt enough of his power to know he could kick most butts. I think I’ll stick around to watch the show.”
Bourne turned to Edge. “How did you find out about this, and why did you come to his room without me?” He didn’t look happy.
Edge searched his mind for a way to protect Passion, but she didn’t give him time to answer.
“I heard Murmur and Bain talking. Maybe I should’ve come to you with what I’d heard, but I don’t know you.” Her expression said she didn’t trust him much either.
“Bain is involved in this?” Real anger moved in Bourne’s eyes. “Guess we’ll have to get his take on things.”
Bourne said no words, didn’t even blink, but suddenly Bain appeared in midair and crashed to the floor with a startled grunt. He at least wore pajama bottoms. Good thing. Edge didn’t think he could take the sight of another naked demon.
“What the hell…?” Bain rose to his feet in one fluid motion. His eyes glowed red and his fingertips had sprouted claws. He bared his teeth. Edge didn’t remember them being that sharp. “I’m going to kill someone.”
“Calm down.” Bourne didn’t sound worried. “I just need to ask you a few questions.”
Edge tried to send Bain a warning glance. Bourne sounded calm, but that meant nothing. The demon might not have long to live if the Big Boss didn’t like his answers.
Bain met Edge’s gaze and gave a brief nod before concentrating on Bourne. “What happened to the old-fashioned way of communicating? It’s called a phone.”
Bourne’s cold smile should’ve iced over the walls. “This kind of summoning has more impact and usually gets me the answers I want.” He shrugged. “Yes, I like to intimidate. It’s a weakness.”
Bain had taken a moment to glance around the room. His gaze lingered on the blood-soaked floor and the equally bloody Murmur. He looked worried by the time he returned his attention to Bourne. “So ask.”
“We know why Murmur is here. How do you figure into it?” Bourne signaled his complete unconcern with his safety by sitting on the nearest chair. “Oh, and before you try to lie your way out of this, know that Passion heard the two of you talking.”
Passion winced, and Edge wanted to hammer Bourne into the floor. He could’ve done this without bringing her name into it. How much did Edge really know about Bain? What if the demon was into revenge? Almost every time the Big Boss opened his mouth he reinforced Edge’s belief that he was a cold, unfeeling bastard. Of course, before Passion those same words would have described him.
Bain stared at Passion. Edge could imagine the demon’s thoughts. How much had she heard? How little could he get away with telling Bourne?
“You know, I really would’ve liked Bain to answer that question.” Bourne’s expression said he knew exactly why she’d answered. Now Bain knew he could keep quiet about everything else he’d said.
Bourne drew in a deep breath, and Edge figured he was trying to hold on to his temper. “So you knew Murmur might be a danger to the castle, and still you kept quiet. Why?” Left unasked was why Bourne shouldn’t fry Bain’s ass.
Edge gave Bain credit. No matter what he felt inside, he kept everything cool on the surface.
“I’ve known Murmur a long time, a lot longer than I’ve known everyone here. And he understood we’d be fighting on different sides if he went with the enemy. And he definitely knew I’d tell you if he made the wrong decision.”
Bourne narrowed his eyes. “I suspect that’s not all of it.” The glance he threw at Passion wasn’t friendly. “But I guess that will do for now.” His gaze turned thoughtful. “At least we now know whoever’s doing this is trying to bring in outside forces.” He looked at Murmur. “Did you hear his voice? Was it definitely a male voice?”
Murmur nodded.
“Okay, so we’re probably looking for a man, although with his power, he could appear as whatever he chose.”
“What will you do with Murmur and me?” Bain subtly changed. Power flowed around him, and he bent his knees in the beginning of a crouch.
Edge moved closer to Passion, ready to get her out of here if violence exploded. Not that he thought either Murmur or Bain could take the Big Boss. But then, who knew. He’d never seen Bourne in a battle. But he was a legendary figure. The few who had witnessed him in action spoke of his power in whispers.
“What do you think I should do?” Bourne aimed his question at Murmur.
Murmur shrugged. “I think Frank Dane had it right. ‘Love your enemies just in case your friends turn out to be a bunch of bastards.’” His gaze slid to Edge before returning to Bourne. “Hey, it could happen. But it’s your call. I might mention, though, that if you manage to destroy Bain and me, legions of demons will descend on this castle. I don’t think you can afford a battle on two fronts. Maybe I’m wrong and your power is limitless. In which case, we’re shit out of luck.”
“Are you my enemy?” Bourne still wore no expression.
“I could be.” Then Murmur smiled. “But right now Mercury is in retrograde, so I don’t think I’ll begin any new enemy-making ventures for a while.”
Edge might not trust demons as a whole, although he sort of liked Bain, but he had to admit that Murmur had balls. Not many would give attitude to the Big Boss.
Bourne seemed to consider his options. Then he shook his head. “Against my better judgment, I’m walking out of this room without doing anything.” He turned to leave but then paused. “That doesn’t mean I won’t be watching.” It looked as though he included all of them in that. He glanced at Edge. “Would you give me a few minutes of your time if you’re through killing demons?”
Edge hated his sarcasm, but he nodded. He stared at Passion. She wouldn’t meet his gaze.
“I think I’ll head back to my room.” She didn’t look at anyone as she left.
Murmur walked over and sat in a chair. “Conflict is stimulating. I’m not even tired anymore.”
From the expression on Bain’s face, Edge figured Murmur was about to get a little more stimulation from his old buddy.
Edge followed Bourne out of the room. Bain slammed the door behind them.
Bourne walked in silence for a few moments before speaking. “What if that had been a trap? What if Passion had lured you to the demon’s room and he’d attacked you the moment you stepped through the door? What if Passion had joined him in the attack?”
Rage flared. “Passion is not the enemy.”
“How do you know? Tell me what she is, where she came from. Tell me anything that you know about her other than what your cock is telling you.”
Edge wanted to slam his fist into Bourne so bad that—He took a deep breath. If he lost his temper, Bourne would have something else to bitch about. Why couldn’t he stay calm when Passion was the object of the conversation?
“I don’t have any proof. I just know.” Yeah, that would convince the Big Boss.
Bourne shook his head. “I can’t fight emotion. Just do one thing for me, keep your eyes and ears open when you’re around Passion and Hope. Oh, and don’t try to face down a powerful demon alone when help is near. That’s just stupid.”
Edge opened his mouth to argue that he hadn’t gone to Murmur’s room looking for a fight. He closed it. The truth? He’d been itching to kick some ass. Besides, from the expression on Bourne’s face, arguing would just ring the bell on Bourne’s personal piss–o–meter. He’d pushed his leader as far as he was going to go tonight.
“One thing I need to know.” Edge figured this question wouldn’t jiggle any of Bourne’s hot buttons. “How did you know what was going on in Murmur’s room?”
“The universe gives off vibrations. You and Murmur disturbed those vibrations.”
What did that mean? “Yeah, but how did you know we were the ones doing the disturbing?”
“You and Murmur are not exactly common folk. You give off a hell of a powerful vibration. I sensed the disturbance and followed it to Murmur’s room.” He smiled ruefully. “Okay, I know you don’t get it. You’ll have to trust me on this.”
The word “trust” triggered other thoughts—of Passion’s lack of trust in him, of Bourne’s lack of trust in her, of Edge’s lack of trust in the universe.
A few minutes later, Edge was back in his apartment. He raked his fingers through his hair. She wouldn’t sleep in his bed tonight, maybe never. If she were smart, she’d wash her hands of all of them. The only good thing about that was he wouldn’t have to act the part of a spy. No, he was wrong. There was nothing good about what had gone down with them tonight.
Passion dropped into the nearest chair while being careful not to make eye contact with her bed. What a disaster. She didn’t know which one of those guys had ticked her off the most. Okay, it was Edge. Because she cared for him more. Yes, yes, she was to blame too. She shouldn’t have acted on impulse and jumped between them. She’d love to believe Edge reacted the way he did because of how much he cared for her, but that was probably wishful thinking on her part. More likely, he would’ve blasted away at Murmur with or without her blocking the way.
Time to stomp on any and all dreams that included Edge. His boss didn’t trust her, and Edge was, in the end, accountable to Bourne.
She pushed herself out of the chair and was just reaching for her nightgown and robe when someone knocked. Passion closed her eyes. No, no, no. She didn’t want to talk to anyone else tonight. It was almost dawn, and she was drained.
But the knocker didn’t give up, so finally she went to the door. She was wiser now than a week ago, so she asked the all-important question. “Who is it?”
“Cinn. Could I talk to you for a minute?”
Surprise. Passion opened the door.
Dacian’s wife stood holding a big bushy plant in her arms. With her warm brown hair, big hazel eyes, and friendly smile, Cinn didn’t look like Passion’s personal image of what a vampire’s mate should look like. But then, Dacian with his puny circle of sins wasn’t exactly what she’d expect from a big bad vampire.
Passion waved her in. “I’m surprised to see you. It’s almost dawn.” She automatically checked her out for sins. Nothing but a little pale blue. Lust. Not unexpected if you were anticipating curling up next to someone as yummy as Dacian.
Cinn walked over to the arrow-slit-slash-window and set the plant on the floor. “After what happened tonight, I wanted to make sure I got Sweetie Pie to you right away.”
“You wanted to bring me a plant?” Nice lady, but she probably neede
d to know that Passion was death to plants. Everyone else’s cubicle had a leafy friend to keep them company. Not Passion’s. Every plant she touched went to the great potting shed in the sky.
Cinn sat on one of the chairs and motioned for Passion to take the other one. “You probably should know a little about me so you can understand Sweetie Pie.”
Sweetie Pie needed understanding? Looked like your typical leafy plant to Passion. Nothing exotic about it.
“I’m connected to Airmid, the goddess of all healing plants. So I’ve inherited a certain…talent with them. You saw a few in the greenhouse.”
Passion couldn’t tell her that she saw nothing but Edge in that greenhouse.
For the first time, Cinn looked a little uncertain. “I guess there’s no easy way to say this, but my plants are sentient.”
Passion stared at her and then slid a quick glance at Sweetie Pie. “Umm, explain.”
Cinn grinned. “If you have a few minutes someday, I’ll introduce you to all of them. But Sweetie Pie’s claim to fame is that she feeds on sexual energy.”
Well, at least Cinn had come up with a statement guaranteed to take her mind off of her troubles for a few minutes. Passion couldn’t think of one thing to say about Sweetie Pie, so she said nothing.
Cinn’s uncertainty returned. “I know this is tough to believe.”
“Not at all. If I can believe in cosmic troublemakers, vampires, and demons, then I can believe in Sweetie Pie.” Not completely. A plant that fed on sexual energy was just weird.
Cinn’s smile said she recognized and understood Passion’s doubt. “So here’s why I’ve brought my plant to you. As you and Edge were leaving the greenhouse, I noticed Sweetie Pie.”
Passion grinned. She’d bet Cinn didn’t notice the plant for long.
“I couldn’t believe it. She’d grown at least six inches during the time you were there.”
“And that means?” Passion thought she knew.
“Sweetie Pie had been depressed for weeks. We’d tried putting her in a few of the guests’ rooms, but nothing helped.”