Immortals of Indriell- The Collection

by Melissa A. Craven

  “I’m an open book, Liv, baby. Ask away. You’re kinda hot when you go all dominatrix on us.”

  Don’t be a douche, you idiot. But crazy-Quinn wasn’t listening. Quinn wasn’t even sure his alter ego could hear him anymore.

  Oh, we’re just ignoring you the same way you’ve ignored us for years.

  Fine by me, but you know what we need to do to get out of this place, right?

  We’re up to speed.

  And?

  And we won’t dish on the plan. But we’re in control and once we’re out of here, we make the decisions. Deal?

  Deal.

  “Let’s be clear, crazy-Q,” Livia said. “I’m in charge. You will answer my questions. Pull any bullshit and we go for round two. And you don’t want me to break you twice.”

  “What you wanna know?” Quinn eased back on the floor, leaning on his elbow like he was having the time of his life.

  “Tell me about your family first. Then we’ll see if I believe you.”

  No. Quinn’s heart clenched in fear.

  Quinn, let it happen, Lennox said. This is what we want.

  She was right. This was their plan. His only job was over now.

  I believe in you, Quinn, Lennox whispered.

  “Mom used to be a pirate and tops the Margrave’s most-wanted list,” crazy-Quinn blurted. “Dad’s a wreck and kinda useless since he was in a Coalition prison for most of his life till Mom broke him out. Little brother’s a pain in the ass, but he’s a talented techie. You know that. He’s practically the poster child for what Soma wants in their young Immortals.”

  “What exactly does Graham do?” Livia leaned in close, eager for the answer.

  “He talks to machines or some shit like that. Put a computer in front of him and he could take over this place in an hour.”

  This was all going exactly as planned, but Quinn didn’t have a shred of control over what came out of his mouth. All his family’s secrets would lay at Livia’s feet the instant she asked.

  “And Allie. Tell me about her?”

  “She’s like a homeless stray some friends took in last year. Didn’t even know what she was till her Awakening hit her. She’s an unknown.”

  “What is so significant about her?”

  “Wouldn’t you like to know?” He cackled at his own joke. “We weren’t paying attention. She was into the other dude. She’s crazy powerful but hasn’t got the sense God gave dirt.”

  “I want to collect her. And you’re going to lead me to her.”

  “What’s in it for us?”

  “Absolutely nothing,” Livia said. “But you’ll do it anyway. Tell me where I can find her.”

  “Kelleys Island, Ohio. But you can’t step foot on the island without an engraved invitation from the Great Lakes Governor. It’s protected. Even Allie doesn’t realize how protected she is.”

  “So I’ll grab her from school.”

  “Can’t do it, Liv, babe. From the moment you took off with our buddy, Quinn, the other kids have been under constant supervision. You can’t touch her. Not without our help.” He gave her a manic grin that would have scared most people.

  “And how do you propose to help?”

  “Ask your resident prophet.”

  “My prophet?”

  “James. You’re so focused on modern gifts that you didn’t realize you had a prophet right under your nose.”

  “There’s not been a true prophet in centuries.” Livia sat back in her chair. Quinn could see the wheels turning in her mind.

  “He’s been writing and drawing all sorts of prophecies about the redhead.”

  “Why? Why would a prophet have any interest in an insignificant girl?”

  “Maybe she’s not so insignificant,” Quinn said. “She’s powerful, Liv. We know you want her. Bad. You think we’re one of the strongest of our generation? She has more power in her little finger than we can ever dream of owning. And she doesn’t even know what to do with it. She’d be putty in your hands, baby.”

  “You’re going to tell me exactly where she is and how I can get my hands on her.”

  “Piece of cake, princess.” He winked. “You do what we say and she’ll be yours. But we get to make her squeal first.”

  Quinn was surprised Livia hadn’t hit him yet. But she seemed completely enthralled with the new information on Allie.

  A huge part of Quinn still wanted to fight. To keep this psychotic version of himself from telling Livia all his secrets. But she was buying it, and that was the important thing. But there was another part of himself—a part that was tired beyond belief—that just didn’t care.

  It’s okay, Quinn, Lennox said. We got this….

  ~~~

  CHAPTER

  THIRTY-ONE

  Sasha: Summer

  Outside the Chola Valley

  Sasha woke to the scent of beef jerky.

  “I knew that would wake you.” Jayesh laughed.

  “Did you just wave that under my nose?” She stretched her stiff muscles.

  “Yep.” He smiled, offering her a piece. “Food is typically the fastest way to get your attention.”

  “How long was I out?” She took a big bite of the jerky, hoping he had more. Using her healing power on the leopard cub had left her ravenous.

  “Almost two hours.”

  “Aide should find us soon.”

  “My team will be heading for us by now.”

  “We should move to open ground.” Sasha reached for her pack.

  “We’ll leave in a minute. I need to say something first.” He grabbed her hands, easing her back against the tree where she’d slept.

  “Don’t,” she whispered. “Don’t say goodbye, Jayesh. Come with me?”

  “I can’t, angel. And I’m not saying goodbye. I need you to make me a promise first.”

  “Like what?”

  “Go back to your life and try to be happy. Do whatever you can to help Quinn but do not, under any circumstances, go to Atlanta like you planned. I will help him if I can, but I cannot bear the thought of you ending up in that place. Not after everything you’ve been through.”

  “I can’t make that promise, Jayesh. I’m so much more capable now than I was when I arrived. I know I can get him out of there.”

  “The moment you step into Sterling Tower, your life is forfeit. It is an impenetrable fortress with no way out. Not for someone like you—not even a Chola assassin. Promise me you will not step one foot in Atlanta.”

  “I won’t. If you’ll promise to come home with me and help me find a way to get him out. We could do it together.”

  “I would if I could, but I am needed in Africa.”

  “Then come find me when you get back? I will keep your promise if you will promise me that much.”

  “I will.” Jayesh nodded as if in defeat.

  “Then we have a deal,” Sasha said. The hum of a chopper sounded in the distance. “We should get close enough to see if that’s yours or mine.”

  “Let’s head up the path. The forest isn’t as dense toward the peak,” Jayesh said.

  Sasha followed him, laying low in the shadows in case the chopper wasn’t her uncle.

  “I don’t recognize him,” Jayesh said, crouching low at the edge of the woods. “Doesn’t feel like one of mine.”

  “It’s my uncle.” Sasha recognized his familiar presence.

  “Then we should head down the other side. There’s a grassy slope not too far from here,” Jay said. “He’ll never see us up here.”

  Sasha gauged the distance of the chopper against the dense forest between them and the clearing where Aide could land. They would have to hurry if they were going to make it before Aide circled the area and missed them.

  “We only have one shot at this. If we miss him, my team will find us.”

  “Let’s go.” Sasha grabbed his hand and ran along the steep path down the other side of the mountain. Sasha was careful not to run faster than Jayesh. She didn’t want to risk losing him. He
was coming with her if she had to drag him onto the helicopter herself.

  Imogen’s weave of protection warmed her skin. “They’re coming.” She chanced a look over her shoulder. She couldn’t see them yet, but the patterns along her body grew hotter with each breath she took.

  As they broke through the trees and rushed the clearing, Sasha waved and shouted to draw Aide’s attention.

  “They’re closing in.” Jayesh watched over his shoulder.

  “Yes! He’s seen us,” Sasha said. “He’ll get here first.”

  Jayesh stood with his back to her, putting himself between Sasha and those who would take her. “Get ready!” he shouted over the roar of the helicopter blades.

  As soon as Aide landed in the clearing, they ran.

  “I’m not ready,” Sasha cried over the sound of the blades. “Please, come with me, Jayesh. I can’t leave you like this.” She clutched his hand in an iron grip.

  “It’s time, angel. Go back to your life, and live a good one.” He pulled her close, dropping a kiss on her forehead.

  “You don’t need to do this, Jay.” She tugged him back toward the waiting helicopter. Aide stood crouched in the doorway, ready to pull her inside. “You don’t need to go back to that life.”

  “People count on me. I have to go.”

  She saw his team breaking through the trees behind him.

  “They’re going to hurt you.”

  “Nothing will hurt me more than seeing them take you. Go!” He shoved her hard, but she held on to him, refusing to let go.

  “Please, Sasha, you have to go.”

  Imogen’s protective marks lit Sasha’s body on fire as the patterns moved to break her hold on Jayesh. Sasha stumbled back.

  “Get her out of here!” Jayesh turned to face his pursuers.

  “No!” Sasha took a step toward him. But Aide pulled her back into the chopper. “Protect him!” Sasha screamed as her uncle flung her into the co-pilot’s seat.

  “Time to go.” Aide took the pilot seat and lifted them into the air.

  Sasha pressed her face against the window and watched as the leopard and every predator within her reach came to stand between Jayesh and his pursuers. Monkeys, mountain lions, panthers and even a tiger guarded him. She called the yak, the deer and even the elephants to stand with him. It was the only thing she could do for him now.

  ~~~

  Sasha walked across the rocky shores of São Miguel in the Azores, the sound of clashing weapons carried on the warm breeze.

  Less than twenty-four hours ago, she was shooting a sniper rifle with Jayesh, all thoughts of home far from her mind.

  She watched as Allie and Aidan sparred along the rocky jetty reaching into the sea. They seemed so young to her now after everything she’d been through. It suddenly occurred to her that her relationship with her brother might never be the same as it was before. He’d always treated her like a little sister that needed protecting. But she felt so much older now, like decades stood between them rather than weeks.

  “Sasha!” Allie cried. Throwing down her practice sai, she charged up the jetty, hopping along the rocky path like she’d spent her life training on such terrain.

  She’s changed. Allie moved more confidently, but she carried a heavy burden on her shoulders. Sasha wasn’t the only one who’d gone through something. She’s stronger than when I left.

  Aidan raced past Allie and slammed into Sasha first.

  “I missed you,” he whispered, holding her close. He held her at arm’s length, studying her carefully. “Senate internship, my ass.” He shook his head. “Tell me where you’ve been. I’ve been so worried.”

  Sasha smiled, and thinking of Jayesh she said, “I hope never to speak of such things with you, brother.”

  ~~~

  CHAPTER

  THIRTY-TWO

  Sasha: Fall

  Kelleys Island, Ohio

  “My niece is seventeen.” Liam slammed the bar bill on the table in front of the Immortal Sasha had come to meet. “Get out of my bar.”

  “Liam, I can take care of myself.” Sasha sighed.

  “Out. Of. My. Bar.” His blue eyes sparkled with rage. “Jack is not the sort you should be hanging around with, Sasha.”

  “You didn’t tell me Liam was your uncle.” Jack leaned toward her. “We’re just talking, sir. I’m not here to make trouble.” Jack held his hands up in surrender. “She just has a few questions for me.”

  “Imogen’s on her way to pick you up, Sasha. I suggest you make it quick.” Liam stalked back behind the bar.

  “That is one big Viking,” Jack said nervously.

  “Your report?” Sasha asked.

  “Right. I don’t really know what else to tell you. Jayesh just … doesn’t want to be found. I’ve done all I can do. The man is a ghost.”

  “Keep digging. He came back from Africa more than a month ago. There has to be some kind of trail.”

  “I told you, he left for Indonesia within days of returning to the States. He’s gone, Sasha.”

  “He wouldn’t do that unless something went wrong.” She shook her head stubbornly. Jay had promised he would come find her when he returned from Africa. There was no way he wouldn’t keep that promise.

  “I do have something for you.” Jack pulled an envelope from his coat pocket. “I found this in my car about a week ago. I don’t know how it got there, but it’s addressed to you.”

  Jack passed the note across the sticky table. Sasha recognized Jayesh’s handwriting.

  “Any news on Quinn?” Sasha slid the envelope into her purse, her hands trembling with the desire to rip into it right there.

  “Nothing new. If you want my advice, go to Amrita. I hear it’s coming to Cleveland later this month. You might find a fresh lead there, but be careful. It’s a dangerous place. Don’t go alone.” Jack stood, tossing a few bills on the table to cover their drinks. “Good luck to you, Sasha.”

  “Thank you, Jack.” Sasha sighed as she sat back and sipped her drink. Jack was the third man she’d worked with in the months since she returned to the real world. At first Sasha focused on diving back into her efforts to help Quinn, but as the weeks went by and there was still no sign of Jayesh, she began actively looking for him too.

  Assimilating back into her life was just as difficult as Sasha had expected. She went through the motions each day. School. Basketball practice. Training. Homework. She did what was expected of her but she kept to herself, finding it impossible to return to the life of a seventeen-year-old.

  Sasha’s three years in the Chola Valley took place in the span of six short weeks. Going back to high school after that felt like some kind of cruel joke when she felt like a twenty-year-old master assassin.

  “Why do I find myself throwing you out of my bar every time I turn around?” Liam took the seat Jack had just vacated.

  “What can I say, Uncle Liam? Your bar caters to the kind of clientele I’m looking for.”

  “You know I’m better at this sort of work than any of the idiots you’ve hired. I wish you’d just come to me for whatever it is you’re looking for.”

  “You’ll just tell Dad.”

  “If it gets you out of my bar and away from creeps like Jack, then I’ll keep your secret and tell you everything I know about Quinn.”

  “All right. You’re hired.” She leaned forward. “But this isn’t about Quinn. Not entirely, although I’m going to hold you to your promise.”

  “If this isn’t about Quinn, then what are you up to?”

  “I’m looking for the man I trained with this summer.” Sasha pulled the worn photo from her purse. The selfie she’d taken with Jayesh on their last afternoon before they left the valley. “His name is Jayesh Basu. He was supposed to come here as soon as he returned from Africa. But that was weeks ago.”

  “I see. I haven’t crossed paths with Jayesh in a very long time.”

  “You know him?”

  “Once upon a time I did. Let’s hope he’s changed s
ince then.” Liam set the picture down on the table. “Are you sure about this? Wouldn’t it be best to leave him in the past and move on?”

  “Unacceptable,” Sasha said.

  “Okay.” He nodded. “I will put out some feelers and see what I find. I can see he cares about you.” Liam frowned at the picture. “I wish to see you happy like that again.”

  “Thank you, Uncle Liam.” Sasha reached for his hand.

  “Are you sure he hasn’t just … gone on about his life?” Liam asked. “He is quite a lot older than you.”

  “This isn’t about some silly summer romance. I can’t expect you to understand what we went through together. But he made a promise he wouldn’t break unless something went wrong.”

  “Very well.” Liam nodded as he stood. “Wait here for Imogen, and for God’s sake, don’t talk to anyone else.”

  “I won’t.” Sasha lifted the envelope from her purse. Her heart raced at the sight of Jayesh’s handwriting. She slipped her finger under the flap and tore into the letter. A single sheet of paper lay in her hands. She stared at the five little letters that broke her heart.

  I lied.

  It seemed Jayesh never intended to keep his promise. So why should I keep mine? Sasha decided right then that she would go to Amrita, look for new leads, and then she would head to Atlanta. It was time she took matters into her own hands.

  “Sasha, this is becoming a habit,” Imogen said as she marched across the bar. “Next time I’m bringing Mom with me.”

  “You of all people should know what this has been like for me. You know I don’t feel seventeen anymore. Haven’t for a long time.”

  “I know, sweetie.” Imogen sat down across from her. “I really do. But coming to places like this, snooping around for clues about Quinn and Jayesh … it’s not healthy for you. Both of them would want you to focus on yourself now. Take the time to heal.”

  “And how’s that working out taking your own advice?” Sasha glared at her sister. Imogen had returned just a few weeks after Sasha. But the moment she saw her sister’s face, Sasha knew the time in the Chola Valley had taken its toll on Imogen. Since her return, Imogen threw herself into her role as head of security at Cliffton Academy, spending every moment she had as far away from her husband as she could. They were having problems. Lucien was much younger than Imogen. He’d had very little experience with the more ancient aspects of the Immortal world, so it was difficult for him to identify with what she’d been through.