by Brianna West
We didn’t really have any other option. If we staked it out, we’d lose the lives of the humans they brought. Brute force required us to take down the enemies rapidly and hope they couldn’t call on reinforcements, or that unforeseen obstacles presented once we’d gotten inside.
My body hummed with partial transformation, stripes materializing along my body as my nails sharpened. My senses heightened dramatically as the magic inside of me responded in low pulses to the excitement flowing through my body.
With our speed, Conall and I worked in sync to take out the outside guards, while Aidan and Laura started to work their way inside. The subtle smells drew me to a side door, finding that the guard who stood outside it was also a were-beast.
“Who—”
Gold and orange encircled me, and with great force, slammed into the man before he had time to call out his question. His body made impact with the wall before faltering to the floor. I took a long knife from my belt and, aiming for his heart, stabbed through his chest while he attempted to recover. His lifeless eyes stared up at me from the floor as I recovered my weapon, and then yanked on the metal door with all my strength. After several hard pulls, it gave and the screech of metal rang out as I discarded it to the floor.
Alarms blazed inside the building, red lights blinking in warning. I sensed several coming my direction, but was immediately stalled when I put one foot inside the door. Conall had grabbed me by the shoulder, a long dagger in his hand as he peered into the darkness. I tried to shake off his hold, confused by it, but it didn’t yield.
“Something isn’t right. Feel it in my bones.” Conall attempted to drag me out with him, but I shook off his hand finally.
Looking into the dark space, I reached out with my senses to find what he might be referring to. When the heavy weight of darkness echoed back, I realized that we were dealing with more than our four could handle. A collection of darkness that dense could only mean a few things, and all of them were too much for us to handle by ourselves. But the innocents must be retrieved at the very least. I toyed with how best to tackle the situation before Conall was calling out to me.
“Carl, we need to retreat,” he ordered. “They’ll find us at this rate.”
Growling, I fisted my hands. “There’s still innocents down there. I’m not leaving them.”
“We’ll get more Guardians. We don’t have what it takes to deal with a high-demon.”
A high-demon. Of course it would be a high-demon. In recent months, we’d been discovering several had been crossing over to this realm. High-demons were the bureaucracy of the Underworld and the equivalent of high society there. They very rarely dealt with matters in the mortal world that didn’t directly relate to them, as they were inherently self-involved. So seeing as many as we had in the recent year, there wasn’t a clear reason why. But it was a frequent enough occurrence that I wasn’t surprised anymore.
High-demons were amongst the strongest demons we could’ve faced, and there wasn’t any other choice but to retreat. Going against a high-demon with our very few Guardians was suicide. Often angels were called when there was a report of a high-demon, and Guardians were merely there to assist.
Conall took hold of my hand and forced me to face him. “I have a plan, but you need to come with me first.”
Reluctantly, I followed him back out of the blaring building. We ran a short distance away, finding the other two crouched behind a set of large boulders. Aidan had a phone against his ear while Laura was chanting something quietly, pink magic floating above her hands. I suspected they were communicating to get reinforcements. Clicking my tongue, I paced and thought through how best to retrieve the innocents.
When I looked up, I noticed that Conall was no longer there. Searching around us, I attempted to see where he’d gone.
“Where did Conall go?”
Aidan looked up, sighing. “Because you gave him blood, he’s probably doing that.”
Laura smiled gently when my confusion seeped into my expression. “He’s one of the best infiltrators in the Promiscus Guardians. His ability allows him to disguise himself enough to blend in like one of the Dark. He needs blood to boost the ability, otherwise it won’t be as effective. And before he was our team leader, he used to be a spy for the Council.”
“A spy?”
The information was shocking to say the least. There weren’t many who could accomplish spying on the Dark, because it required both the use of concealment and Dark aura projection—strong ones. Both of which were incredibly difficult to do. But to do it for the overseeing Council, Conall must be immeasurably talented. It would also explain why I’d never heard of him. The discovery, while surprising, explained a lot about how Lucas and Conall possibly met.
Victor, my team’s supervising angel, was on the Council that oversaw the Guardians. If Conall had assisted with infiltration and information gathering, then it was likely how he’d become close with Lucas, who was one of the best trackers in the Guardians.
Conall materialized, smiling brightly as Guardians began to appear around the building. “All safe and tucked into their beds.”
I stared at him blankly. “Who?”
“The innocents,” he responded happily. “The high-demon fled, but I suspect he’ll be back at some point. We’ll leave it to the angels to settle.”
I barely grasped how he could do it at all, but to accomplish it so easily and in almost no time at all was unfathomable. Aidan and Laura appeared to have expected as much, however, so I tried to rein in my shock. But to think that Conall was able to infiltrate with a high-demon in his midst, one of the most formidable Dark creatures we could face, it was hard to believe of the easy-going, fun-seeking team leader.
“Like I said, a total cock-up, but an amazing Guardian in spite of that,” Laura reiterated with a wink, passing something over to Conall before patting down her clothing. “We’ll wrap this up. I think you and Carl have a few things to chat about.”
Her expression was clearly strained, and I had to wonder why that was as she stiffly wandered back over to Aidan. Their eyes met, and even though nothing was said, there was something that passed between them that sent a clear message that they both understood. I felt out their intentions, but nothing I could feel gave them away.
Conall offered me a short glance before thanking Laura. “Right. Report to me tomorrow and we’ll debrief at headquarters once we’ve all had a good night’s rest.”
I tried to ignore the flood of emotions returning now that our mission had been completed. The realization that I was going back to a place where I’d be alone with the one person I was terrified to be alone with was enough to make me want to escape this place and never look back.
Lord, have mercy on me.
Chapter Five
“Carl? I know I deserved that punch from before, and when we got home. And yeah, in the hallway just now, but I’d like to explain myself if you’d give me a chance,” Conall called through the door, which I’d slammed only seconds after he cornered me in the hallway.
My heart was palpitating like I’d been running. In a way, I had been. I wasn’t quite sure what I felt. At the very least, I was angry. That much I knew. It had been a long time since someone made me feel vulnerable, and I didn’t like it. Not at all.
I yanked the shirt I wore hard enough that the buttons sprayed out and scattered all over the floor. Discarding it, I fingered through my hair and then pulled off the undershirt I wore. The muscles in my chest tautened with my furious undressing as I started for the belt holding my precious Glock.
“I know you’re raving mad right now, as you should be, but I’ve never gone that far with someone I’ve worked with. You have to believe me.”
I heaved a bitter laugh, glaring at the door as if it could penetrate the wood to the man on the other side. Like I’d believe that load of bullshit. I could bet money that this was one of many times the Irishman had taken the joke one step too far, and I’d be damned if I became the butt of h
is joke again.
I tore the belt off and threw it with the holstered Glock onto the bed. I could hear the subtle beat of Conall’s heart through the door, but ignored it all the same. I was worried I might actually do something I’d regret if I responded. Yet, a part of me, albeit small, wanted to hear the bastard out.
I turned away from the door and ran a hand over my face, breathing out the frustration gnawing at my head. None of my usual calming techniques were working.
“I’ll sleep here. I will. I’ll shiver and catch a cold until you open this door,” Conall threatened, making my lips unfortunately twitch upwards.
Stupid bastard.
“You’re a vampire, you damn idiot,” I growled, effectively baited.
I heard the soft laughing sigh before Conall’s voice called through again. “I had to hire the clever one. Toss it! Then I won’t have a drop of blood until you let me in.”
Grinning, I sat on the bed. “Suit yourself.”
“Hey now, that’s where you open the door! I’m still famished and not as young as I used to be. You wouldn’t do that to an old man, would ya? Take pity on this poor sod.”
Rolling my eyes, I stood and walked over to the door. I’d rather not listen to him whine through my door all night, and I still felt some residual guilt for hitting my superior. I pulled the door open, eyeing Conall before stepping back and motioning for him to come inside. His carefree smile had me itching to punch him again, but I managed to keep from doing so.
“Say your peace and then get the hell out,” I demanded, nearly forgetting my half-dressed state. “I’ll be finding new lodgings tomorrow morning, so this’ll be you’re only chance.”
Conall’s smile faded. “I’ve really done it this time, haven’t I?”
I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms against my bare chest and staring as coolly as I could at the handsome bastard presumptuously sitting on my bed.
“Right,” he said, sighing. “I went too far earlier. I know that. I should’ve ended it when I had the chance, but…” His green eyes rose as his jaw worked, “—I want you. More than I’ve ever wanted anyone.”
I swallowed around the unease the sudden confession brought about, locking away my surprise and maintaining the indifferent expression I was offering him. “You don’t know me. Besides, what makes you think that’s a sufficient reason to touch me against my will?”
Conall’s eyes faltered as he brushed back his red hair and hummed to himself. “It isn’t, of course.”
He had dressed down to a thin t-shirt, so the tension in his body was easily noticeable. I tried my best to ignore the heat inspired by the sight of his chest tautening with his contemplation. The last thing I needed was to be lusting after the bastard when that was what had gotten us into this spat originally.
“There isn’t a way to explain it properly, you see. I’ve been drawn to you from the moment we met. I can’t explain it any better than that.”
As much as his words flattered a part of me, the other, much louder part argued that it was obvious he did this on a regular basis. I was simply the newest conquest. A fun game to play. I wasn’t the sort to throw all my morals away for a night of pleasure, and I wasn’t about to start now. I’d already been caught up in Conall’s current, and I was now paying the consequences.
There was no other choice. This had to end. My body was already reacting to him, betraying my resolve. It was too dangerous to stay.
Sighing, I straightened and took a t-shirt from my suitcase. I dressed in it quickly and headed for the door. “I’m not interested in being your passing fancy. I think you and I both know it’s best if I leave tomorrow, for good. I’ll help you find a temporary replacement, but I’ll be leaving in the morning regardless of what you say.”
“Carl…” Conall started, but I left and headed downstairs to escape him.
My throat burned as I did my best to convince myself that breaking a promise and fleeing my duties was the only option. Nothing good would come from staying. I wanted to return before I could regret any more than I already did. It was a bad idea to come here. Even in those moments where anger filled every space inside of my head, I remembered his touch. His kiss. The pleasure he’d given me.
Leaving was the only way to ensure it all stopped before it had a real chance to begin.
*
‘It is unlike you to break a promise, Carl,’ Victor said gently, his voice coming through the receiver of my phone. ‘Is there nothing I can do to persuade you?’
“I’m afraid not, sir. The team leader and I have irreconcilable differences. I apologize.” I grabbed the suitcase beside the bed before heading towards the door after hearing the honk of a car horn.
‘That is unfortunate. Shall I arrange transport from the London airport?’ I could tell from his voice that he wasn’t pleased to hear my decision, but Victor wasn’t one to pry where there wasn’t a need.
I sighed softly. “No, sir. I’ve got it covered.”
‘Safe travels, then.’
I hung up the call and slipped the phone into my pocket before shouldering my bags and heading for the taxi awaiting me outside. I only made it a few feet out of the door before someone was yelling my name. I glanced over my shoulder as Conall clamored out of the house, breathing harshly and dressed in what appeared to be a woman’s robe.
“Wait! I’ve…got one thing I need to say,” he all but shouted.
I was mostly left frozen by the sight of an out-of-breath half vampire wearing a bright pink woman’s robe. The sight of it was enough to stall me long enough to hear him out. Conall adjusted the obnoxious silk robe, which barely covered the most important bits, and smiled unabashedly. I stole a glance at the driver of the vehicle as muffled laughter rang out behind me when he’d finally caught sight of what I was chased down by.
“What is it?” I demanded, not quite sure what to make of the man in front of me.
Conall nodded. “Right. What if I told you that someone you knew aided and abetted the high-demon who escaped last night? Would you still wish to leave if you could help us track him down?”
“Someone I knew?”
“An old friend from your previous team,” Conall answered, his eyes fixed to mine. “Someone you thought was+ dead.”
My eyes widened. The only person he could be talking about was…
“Niko Lindberg.”
Conall nodded, his expression serious. “If I’m not mistaken, you two were quite close.”
Niko and I had been very close. So much so that he’d been the first man I’d ever truly acknowledged feelings for. I never acted on them, of course, but there was a time when I thought he might’ve felt the same. But shortly after that, Niko disappeared on a mission chasing down leads to a string of underground hubs, which were thought to be feeding and distributing humans to the Dark. Much like the one we’d discovered the previous evening. We later discovered a body that was subsequently identified as Niko, and I’d mourned his death all these years.
The confirmation that Niko was somehow alive struck me so brutally that I nearly dropped my suitcase.
How could he be alive? How was it even possible?
Conall eased forward and took hold of the suitcase I was close to dropping, leaning towards the taxi and motioning for the driver to roll his window down.
“Here’s something for your trouble. This one is staying.” He slipped the driver enough euros to pay for a round trip and then stood in front of me once the taxi had driven off. “Come inside. I’ll tell you what I know.”
*
I held the cup Conall had offered me the moment we’d arrived in the sitting area. It helped hide the shaking in my hands as I did my best to compose myself. Conall hadn’t bothered to dress, still wearing the odd robe and not paying any mind that everything was left practically out in the open from the way he sat.
“So, what makes you believe Niko is alive?” I asked as I directed my eyes away from the peculiar man beside me to the empty fireplace. “Ho
w could they have been wrong about it for so many years?”
“Even the Guardians make mistakes,” Conall argued unconvincingly.
My responding glare only served to entertain him as he smiled and perked up on top of his chair. “Victor called me shortly after our little discussion last night. Thought I might persuade you with the new information. Since I overslept, I didn’t have time to properly dress. What is it with you Americans and five o’clock in the morning?! Seriously, at least have a bit of tea first before you rush out the door.”
I couldn’t keep the surprise from my expression. “Why would Victor…”
“I begged him,” Conall admitted proudly. “He owes me a favor, so he passed along the information.”
I didn’t know what to say, so I chose to sip my coffee instead. I’d been beaten, and I didn’t like that one of my own had turned against me. Still, I knew Victor well enough to know he’d never did anything without a purpose, and I trusted him never to intervene without my best interests in mind.
I was duty-bound.
Defeated, I eased back and closed my eyes. The smell was already hitting me, and there was a fog in my head and subtle yearning stirring that I attributed to Conall’s need for blood, because it was taking all of my willpower not to go to him and offer myself. Presently, I was able to ignore it, but it was only a matter of time before I no longer could. If I was going to remain here to help, I needed to find another place to stay.
The scent of the others hit me, and I looked over just as Laura and Aidan appeared in the entry corridor. The two stood for a moment before walking in. Aidan’s were eyes pinned to my uncharacteristic posture and Laura was already bee-lining for Conall. She huffed contemptuously before dragging the man up by his ear.
“Ouch, ouch!” Conall cried out as Laura’s face distorted with a murderous rage.
“Whose robe do you think you’re wearing, you daft bastard! Take it off! You’re going to stretch out the silk, you oversized brute!” She was already attempting to take the clothes quite literally off his back. Conall squealed, laughing with pure delight as he squirmed away from her. “Come back here, you bloody fool!”