Bishop

by Gabelman, Teresa

  Charger stopped, then finally looked down at her. His eyes were dark as he leaned into her space. “Her decision, not mine.” He growled the words, obviously not liking the confrontation.

  “Watch yourself, Charger,” Bishop warned but remained where he was.

  “Charger,” Sloan called out, and Bonnie stepped out of his way, but not before she saw regret flash briefly in Charger’s eyes. “Heard you lost a man.”

  Surprise flittered through Bonnie to hear that and instinctively knew it was Val. She pulled her phone out and sent a quick text before putting it back into her pocket.

  “Don’t get involved, Bonnie,” Bishop whispered, making her jump.

  After rolling her eyes, she gave him a sideways glance. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Her lie sounded just that even to her own ears.

  “Any luck finding Vanessa’s son?” Sloan asked Charger, and Bonnie paid close attention.

  “No,” Charger said, irritation clear in his voice. “No clues. Nothing.”

  “What’s his name?” Bonnie asked, and prayed silently to the Goddess that Orjyll didn’t have him.

  Charger glanced her way but remained silent. He opened his mouth but stopped as he glanced over her head. Turning, Bonnie saw Raven standing at the door staring at Charger.

  “So much for staying out of it,” Bishop growled at her, but she ignored him.

  “His name?” Bonnie repeated, looking back at Charger. “If my father has him, I may be able to find out. And the quicker we get him back, the better. My father is not… kid friendly.” And wasn’t that an understatement. Orjyll despised children. The why of it she didn’t know, but he was a cruel, unfeeling asshole the best of times, but throw a kid in there, and yeah, he was every child’s monster hiding under their beds, or in their closets.

  “My son’s name is Kevin.” Vanessa’s voice rang out behind her. Vanessa had been used by Pike who was working with Orjyll, helping grow his army of half-breeds. The Warriors had also learned that Vanessa’s son had been taken and used for her cooperation. With Pike dead she had told the Warriors everything she knew, and it was very useful information. The search for the little boy was high priority.

  Bonnie cringed, realizing Vanessa had heard her. Dammit. Honestly, she didn’t have anything against this woman, but she did have loyalty to Raven. Turning, she saw Vanessa and Katrina passing Raven in the doorway and walking inside. She went straight to Charger.

  “Why?” Vanessa’s wide blue eyes stared at her. “Do you know something that will help me find him?”

  Dammit, Vanessa really shouldn’t be here. No way was she bringing up her son if she was present. Who knew what the hell Orjyll would say, and she really was sorry to say that could ruin Bonnie’s plan. Not that Kevin, Vanessa son, wasn’t important. He was, absolutely. If Orjyll had her son, there was no telling what he would say, and that could drive Vanessa right over the edge.

  “Did Pike give you any hints where your son could be?” Bonnie knew time was of essence; it always was with children.

  “No.” Vanessa shook her head, and Bonnie could tell she was trying to keep the tears at bay.

  “Are you ready?” Jinx asked Bonnie as he sat down at the computer.

  “Not yet.” Bonnie shook her head, still looking at Vanessa. “Listen, if my father knows anything about your son, I can get it out of him, but you need to leave.”

  “But—” Vanessa started to argue, but Bonnie stopped her.

  “No. I refuse to do anything with you here.” Bonnie stood firm. “Not only is finding your son of the utmost importance, but so is finding Orjyll. If you lose your shit, if anyone here loses their shit, then all could be lost, and I don’t know when the next time contact with him will be made.”

  The room was silent for a second as they all stared at her, but at least no one was disagreeing. That was a plus with this group.

  “Out of anyone in this room,” she continued, “I know this bastard better than anyone. I know how he operates. I know the depth of his evilness. I know how to get under his skin. And honestly, I want Mira and Kira gone also, as well as Steve and Ronan,” Bonnie said, then waited for the blowback from that bombshell.

  “Wait a minute.” Kira frowned, taking a step forward. “I should be the one here, especially if I’m the one who is going to defeat him.”

  “This is what he wants. Every Grail woman in this room to hear his words.” Bonnie knew it was time to become the bitch she knew she was, deep inside. “If I don’t get my way, then I walk and you’ll be screwed. Take it or leave it.”

  Bonnie knew Kira was pissed, but so be it. If she had her way, it wasn’t going to be Kira and Orjyll in the final showdown. It was going to be the person who deserved to take the bastard to his grave the most, and that was her. Sure, Mira and Kira’s life had been a living hell, but nothing compared to what she had been through. This was her right, and she was going to do everything in her power to take that right back. They may hate her for it, but yeah, what was new? She was hated by many and could still hold her head up.

  She waited as Steve and Ronan ushered Mira and Kira out the door. Both Steve and Ronan gave her a nod of understanding, which she didn’t need but appreciated. Her eyes went to Vanessa.

  “I will do everything I can to find out where your son is, Vanessa. You have my word on that, but with you here, that will not happen. I cannot take the chance.” Bonnie waited for Vanessa’s decision.

  Glancing up at Charger, who gave her a nod, she let Katrina lead her out the room, but she stopped in front of Bonnie. “He is my life.”

  “As he should be,” Bonnie replied immediately. “I promise to do what I can, but you have to trust me.”

  “That’s not easy for me.” Vanessa gave her a sad smile.

  “Yeah, you’re not alone in that,” Bonnie mumbled her reply, then waited until Vanessa and Katrina were out the door and it shut behind them. Her eyes then went to Charger, then everyone else. “If you don’t think you can remain cool and calm keeping your mouth shut, then leave.”

  She glanced at Sloan, who had a small grin on his lips as he stared at her before he looked around at everyone present. “You heard her. If you’re going to have a problem, then get the fuck out.” When no one moved or said a word, his attention went to Charger. “Don’t make me regret you staying.”

  Charger glanced from Sloan to Raven and then down at Bonnie. “Do it.”

  Bonnie nodded, then glanced at Jinx. “You heard him.” She nodded to the computer. “Do it.”

  “Jesus, this shit is intense,” Jinx said, his eyes round as saucers under his glasses. “Okay, one evil Warlock coming right up.”

  Bonnie swallowed hard as she sensed Bishop step closer to her. It comforted her in a way, but it also made her more nervous as the conversation after this showdown was going to get ugly, very ugly.

  Chapter 12

  Raven kept her place near the door, feeling as if she didn’t belong. Yet when she received the text from Bonnie to come, she didn’t hesitate. She had just gotten off her bike at the Guardians’ and was ready for the hard task of getting her belongings as well as shutting the door to that part of her life when Bonnie’s text arrived. It couldn’t have come at a better time.

  As she watched Vanessa, along with Katrina, pass her and head straight toward Charger, the action nearly tore her dead heart out of her chest. She sucked it up and doggedly appeared emotionless. That’s what Guardians did. Wait… she wasn’t a Guardian anymore. No, she was a VC Warrior now. Looking around the room at the emotionless stares of her new comrades, she realized yeah, she was definitely in the right state of mind.

  Even though she wanted to tear every hair out of Vanessa’s head, as well as tear her from limb to limb, she felt for the young woman as she talked about her son. Anyone, especially a woman, could see the pain radiating from her. No matter who the mother was, or father for that matter, a child was a child—an innocent thrust into a cruel world, especially the one she lived in
. At that moment, she pushed her feelings aside for the woman and made a vow to do everything in her power to find the kid. Yeah, she wasn’t as heartless as she let others believe.

  Her eyes met Charger’s more than once, and it was a fight to keep every single emotion locked away and hidden from his gaze. No way in hell would she ever show him weakness again. Never. She was here for Bonnie. That was it. She hadn’t even known Charger would be here.

  Her mind wandered as she leaned against the wall. She heard Bonnie kicking Mira and Kira out, along with Steve and Ronan. She had to grin at that. Bonnie was definitely a force to be reckoned with. She loved it. Next, it was Vanessa who was being led out of the room. Their eyes met briefly as Vanessa passed, but no words were spoken. As she looked toward Charger, surprise flittered through her—he wasn’t staring at the beautiful woman who’d just left the room, but at her. She held his gaze until she heard Bonnie say, “Do it.”

  The room was silent as a guy named Jinx, along with Lacey, worked on a computer. A moment later, they stopped and stared at the monitor before looking at each other. Raven’s eyes roamed the Warriors, stopping on her father, Jared, who glanced her way. He gave her a cocked eyebrow, but that was it.

  Jinx turned and motioned for Bonnie to say something. Raven watched as Bonnie physically prepared herself by straightening her shoulders and taking a long, deep breath.

  “Hey, saggy ass,” Bonnie called out to the room. “You wanted me. Here I am.”

  Everyone remained silent, only a slight buzzing came over the computer. The screen black.

  This time it was Lacey motioning her.

  “Father, wherefore art thou, asshole,” Bonnie continued, her tone a mix of boredom and sarcasm. “Come on, you summoned me. You scared, you piece of shit? It’s just me, your loving daughter.”

  A crackle came over the intercom, but then went silent.

  Raven watched Jinx and Lacey work frantically on the computer as Jinx mouthed, “Fuck,” then pulled at his hair and flipped the monitor off twice with such vigor she couldn’t help but grin. Then she felt bad until she saw Bonnie chuckling behind her hand.

  “Okay, Daddy-o, stop wasting my time. Got things to do, people to see, and a father to kill. Oops, let the cat out of the bag. Oh well, fuck you,” Bonnie said flippantly. “Catch ya later, dickhead.” She then gave Jinx and Lacey the cut signal.

  “Damn, if he was listening, I’d say he’s pretty pissed about now.” Jinx eyed Bonnie with raised eyebrows.

  “Good.” Bonnie grinned with a nod. “The bastard hates any type of disrespect and gets sloppy when his rage takes over his thought process. The angrier I make him, the better.”

  “Do you think he was listening?” Raven said, and felt Charger’s eyes slam into her, but she ignored it. “And if so, could he be listening now?”

  “He could have been,” Lacey replied, glancing over her shoulder at Raven. “And no, we’ve cut the audio from our side.”

  “Do you want to try again?” Jinx asked, standing up and stretching. “I’m free all night.”

  “Let him stew for a while if he actually was listening,” Bonnie answered before anyone else. “And yeah, I want to try one more time. I’m serious when I say if he has that little boy, the quicker we can get him away, the better. That is now my main concern.”

  Raven glanced at Charger who was talking to Kane, but then turned and walked her way. Raven acted like she was busy by looking around at everyone but him. Dammit, she wished someone would start talking to her. She started to go to Bonnie, but he was there before she could take a step.

  “How’s it going?” Charger’s voice seemed to cocoon her, and she hated it.

  “Fine,” she replied, making herself stare right at him.

  “You did good with training.” Charger appeared visibly relaxed, but she felt some tension coming from him.

  “It wasn’t too bad.” Raven realized how damn stupid and awkward this conversation was. “Listen, I’m fine. You don’t have to worry or feel guilty.”

  “Who says I’m worried or feel guilty?” he shot back, his eyes narrowed, then shifted toward something behind her. She turned to see Kane walking back in with Vanessa.

  “Oh, yeah, my mistake.” Raven laughed bitterly. “I forgot who I was talking to for a second.”

  “What in the hell is that supposed to mean?” Charger growled, not looking too relaxed now.

  Raven ignored him as she stepped to the side. “I’ll get my shit out tonight and be out of your way for good.” She turned to walk away, but he snatched hold of her arm, turning her back around.

  “This was your choice, not mine,” Charger whispered harshly.

  Once again, she glanced at Vanessa who was watching them closely. She jerked her arm away from him with a sneer on her face. “Was it?”

  Raven left him with only those words. Spotting Bonnie standing alone, she headed toward her.

  “You okay?” Bonnie asked as if knowing her turmoil, and maybe she did.

  “Never better,” she replied, and they both knew she was lying out her ass.

  “Yeah, okay.” Bonnie gave her a sideways glance before looking around. Quickly, she pulled Raven toward the back of the room away from everyone. “I need a favor.”

  “That depends on what the favor is,” Raven replied, giving her a stern look.

  “I want you to have my back,” Bonnie whispered, then pulled Raven closer. “Please.”

  “What am I having your back for, Bonnie?” Raven frowned, not promising anything until she knew exactly what she was being asked.

  “Dammit, why are you guys so untrustworthy?” Bonnie cursed, making Raven grin. “Just freaking promise me. I don’t even know if it’s going to happen, but if it does, I need someone on my side.”

  “Okay, but why can’t you tell me?” Raven questioned, not feeling good about this for a second.

  Bonnie bit her lip as she looked up at the much taller Raven. “Because I’m afraid you’ll say no and I’ll be alone.”

  “Well, fuck!” Raven finally said, then squeezed her eyes shut. “You’re lucky I like you. I don’t like many people, especially smart-ass witches. Shit, this is going to get me in trouble, isn’t it? Yes, Bonnie, I’ve got your fucking back. Shit.”

  Bonnie beamed, then hugged her, surprising Raven. She couldn’t remember the last time someone hugged her like that. “Thank you!” Bonnie said, then pulled away. “I’ll try not to let you regret it.”

  “Great! Just fucking great!” Raven threw up her hands, knowing that she would never go back on her word. “So when do you think I’m going to know about this thing you need me to have your back for? I swear, if it puts you in danger, I’m going to be pissed.”

  “Ah, no comment,” Bonnie said, then quickly slipped away.

  “Bonnie!” Raven called out after her, but she managed to get away. Raven headed in the direction Bonnie had gone.

  “What happened?” Steve asked as he walked in with Mira.

  “He was a no-show,” Jinx said in disappointment.

  “Actually, I’m not really surprised.” Bonnie shrugged, then looked at her phone. “I say give him half an hour and we’ll try again.”

  “Maybe he was dropping a stink pickle,” Steve said, gaining the silence of the room. All eyes went to him, and Raven couldn’t help but laugh.

  “A stink pickle?” Jinx frowned, then a grin split his face. “You mean a shit?”

  “Yeah, man.” Steve nodded. “Warlocks shit too.”

  Jinx laughed so hard he gagged, then gave Steve a high five. “Dude that’s the funniest shit, pun intended, I’ve ever heard. Stink pickle has been uploaded to my vocabulary.”

  “Holy fuck, I think we’ve met another Steve.” Jared shook his head, looking a little afraid. He then looked at Raven. “What in the hell are you laughing at?”

  “He’s funny.” Raven grinned when Steve turned to give her a high five.

  “Thanks, Rave,” Steve said with a huge grin. “Just stick around.
There’s more to come.”

  “Yeah, stick around and you’ll want to kick his ass daily.” Jared cocked his eyebrow at her.

  “Dude, why do you always have to ruin my mojo?” Steve frowned at Jared. “Let me have a moment.”

  “Your mojo is going to get you killed,” Sid warned Steve, then high-fived Jared.

  “So it’s not safe to hang with him?” Jinx jabbed his thumb toward Steve.

  “No,” the whole room erupted, which caused Steve to flip everyone off.

  “Nice knowing ya, dude.” Jinx snorted, then sat down at the computer.

  Raven shook her head and caught a glimpse of Charger leaning against the wall staring at her, ignoring everyone else and what was going on. Her body tingled, but she shut that down real quick. He was bad news for her—her heart and mind. She needed to mold herself into a VC Warrior, and quick.

  “Hey!” Lacey said loudly over the talking. “It’s showtime!”

  Raven glanced at Bonnie, who paled slightly, but appeared to quickly pull herself together. “You got this,” she told Bonnie, who nodded at her.

  “Fuck yeah, I do,” Bonnie said, then walked closer to the computer, her head held high. “Everyone who needs to get out, get out now. Playtime is over.”

  “Damn, Sloan,” Jared said in all seriousness. “Looks like Bonnie may be taking over your job soon.”

  “Nah, I wouldn’t work with you assholes if ya paid me,” Bonnie said, then laughed when Jared looked at her shocked.

  “Well, you’d definitely fit right in.” Sid chuckled. The room then became silent as the door shut behind Steve.

  Seeing the vulnerable side of Bonnie, even if it was only for a split second, and now seeing her as the hardass she portrayed herself to everyone, told Raven she would most definitely have this woman’s back, no matter what. She glanced at Bishop, who stood behind Bonnie with a proud look on his face. What Bonnie didn’t know was that there would be others standing with her also, and Raven felt a ping of jealousy over that.

  Keeping her eyes off Charger, Raven focused on what was about to happen. She needed to keep her mind clear and be ready for anything. That was her life as a Guardian once upon a time, and it was her life now as a VC Warrior.