“Rowyn?” warned Tyrius. “You sure you want to do this? It’s not like the council ever did anything for us.”
“Yeah, I’m sure.” My eyes moved from the demonic word on the body to Jax. “I’ll tell you what I have, but it’ll cost you.”
Jax laughed, shaking his head. “Why am I not surprised.” His expression was calm, but he sounded bitter as he crossed his arms over his chest. Ethan was staring at me with an awkward look on his face.
I smiled at Jax, real this time. “I don’t particularly care if you’re surprised or not. That’s the deal. If you want information, you gotta pay.” I felt a deep satisfaction at the annoyance on Jax’s face. Did that make me evil? I didn’t think so. It was called... paying the rent.
“That’s not a fair exchange,” Jax mocked, and Tyrius made a dangerous rumble in his throat, leaving me wondering if he was about to pounce on the angel-born. “Seems to me like you’re abusing the situation.”
“Seems to me you should pull your brains out from your ass,” said Tyrius, making Gareth laugh. “Pay up, buddy boy. Or you get squat.”
Jax ran a hand over his face and I tried not to dwell on how hot he looked doing it. I knew I had him even before he opened his pretty mouth. “How much?”
“One thousand.”
“What?” asked Jax incredulously. “You can’t be serious. That’s an insanely large amount of money for translating a simple demonic text.”
I raised a brow. “If it’s so damn simple, why hasn’t the council figured it out yet? No. I think it’s just the right amount.”
I caught Gareth’s eyes on me, and when I looked at him he was beaming, making my insides squirm just the right amount. Did I mention I liked this elf?
“I need new summer tires,” I said, which was totally true. “They don’t come cheap these days. Take it or leave it,” I said, my attention back on Jax, feeling incredibly satisfied all of a sudden. “That’s my offer.”
“We should take her offer,” said Ethan, surprising me. “We’re wasting time. I want to know what it says. And so does the council. Daniel might not turn up anything.” He turned around and looked at me, his jaw set. “The council will pay. I’m sure of it.”
I stilled my face, feeling a great payday on the rise. Damn, this feels good. “If the council finds out that you could have had this information and refused because of your stellar negotiating skills, I don’t think they’ll be too happy with you. Might even be replaced.”
“Fine,” said Jax through gritted teeth. “Consider it done.”
“Okay then,” I said, my mood brightening in spite of the dead werewolf. “You can tell the council to send me the check. They have my address.”
Jax sighed, visibly bothered that I wouldn’t give up the goods straight out. But I was good at what I did, damn it, and I needed money. “What does it say?” he asked after a moment.
I gathered my resolve, glancing at the corpse, to his butchered chest before I shifted my weight and tried to look casual. “Half-breed. It says half-breed.”
At that, he looked at me through his thick eyelashes, his chiseled features showing surprise. “Half-breed?”
“Ooooh, look how surprised he is,” whispered Tyrius, and I felt the smile on his face. “He had no friggin’ idea.”
I looked over to Detective Walsh, who was still on the phone. “That’s what it says,” I confirmed, turning back to Jax. “Half-breed. Over and over. On the walls, the pews. Everywhere.”
From the corner of my eye, I saw Jax’s features scrunch up for a moment when he and Ethan exchanged a look. But then he smoothed them, his face easing into a bland, business-like expression.
“But why?” questioned Jax, his green eyes piercing through me like I had all the answers. Part of me was flattered he actually believed me. The other part still wanted to kick his lame ass.
“Beats me,” I answered truthfully. “Now you know as much as we do.” No one said a word and I took that as a sign that we should leave. “Well,” I said and exhaled loudly. “Love to stay and chat, but I think I’ve seen enough blood for one day. Don’t forget the check,” I said as I turned to leave, surprised to find Gareth walking in step next to me.
“Rowyn, wait!” I heard Jax call, but I kept walking. I did my part. There was nothing left to say to him.
Imagining new mags with my new tires, I headed towards the exit, aware of Detective Walsh’s attention on me. The man was still on the phone. Who the hell was he talking to? It didn’t matter anyway. I’d given him all I had and could at the moment, without any hocus pocus.
“Rowyn!” louder now. I felt someone grab my elbow as he jerked me around. “Just wait a second, will you,” ordered Jax as we faced each other, his grip tighter than necessary.
Seething, I yanked out of his grip, careful not to throw Tyrius off my shoulders. “I have places to be,” I grumbled. “Demons to kill.”
“I just wanted to...” Jax sighed and then smiled. The bastard actually smiled.
I took a deep breath, unable to let that stand. “You just wanted to what? What the hell do you want from me?” If he was going to pull the friend card on me, I was going to freaking kill someone.
I felt the air shift and looked up to find Gareth brushing past me, heading for the exit. I knew he wasn’t being rude. He was giving me privacy. But I found myself watching him go until I remembered why I had stopped and flicked my gaze back to Jax.
For a moment, Jax looked at his feet. When he looked up, there was a softness in his expression that I hadn’t seen since he walked into the church. “I don’t like what’s happening between us.”
“Us?” I laughed mirthlessly. “There’s no us. There never was.”
“Maybe not,” said Jax. “But I thought we were friends.”
Tyrius cursed. “That ship sailed, my friend, when you ditched us. Friends don’t ditch other friends after they save your ass.”
I nodded. “Like he said.”
Jax gritted his teeth, his jaw muscles tightening. “Why are you being difficult? I’ve only just started to get my life back together. It’s been hard. The things I’ve been through...” He hesitated, like he was trying to keep it together. “Well, I thought you of all people would understand.”
Me? I frowned. Right. Because I had demon essence.
“Oh, does the itty baby need a little love?” mocked Tyrius. “Get a hooker.”
Trying to keep my face straight, I said, “I’m sure it was a horrible experience. And I’m sorry you had to go through that. No mortal should. But don’t expect more from me, ‘cause you’re not getting it.”
“Rowyn, you don’t understand,” Jax said, as if trying to convince himself. “I’m sorry—”
I lifted my hand. “Don’t. I’m not.”
“Rowyn, come on. Don’t do this.”
“See you around, Jax,” I said, meaning it. And with that, I turned on my heel and headed for the exit.
I never looked back as I strode across the church’s floor and walked out the doors. Whatever feelings I’d had for Jax had vanished like a puff of smoke. Much more important matters needed my full attention.
And one of them was how to kill an alpha werewolf without getting caught.
7
I sat in my subbie, my hands on my lap, while I waited for the clock on the dash to turn to 10 p.m. That was when the security guard shifts changed at The Office of Chief Medical Examiner. The graveyard shifts began and lasted until seven in the morning. It had only taken Tyrius a few minutes to hack into their system and figure that out. Smart kitty.
After a brief phone call to Detective Walsh—who hadn’t appreciated me calling him—I’d found out the body of the werewolf had been brought here to The Office of Chief Medical Examiner to conduct their own independent investigation using the latest high-tech forensic science on the murder victim for the criminal justice system.
An autopsy was scheduled for tomorrow morning. Steven would never let that happen.
My bre
ath came fast, and I clenched my trembling fingers. It was also the perfect time for Steven Price, the head of the werewolf court in the city, to break in and steal the body of one of his pack.
I’d called him after I’d left the church. He’d been quiet as I gave him the horrible news and tried not to throw up as I talked. The big werewolf had listened attentively and then he’d thanked me—genuinely thanked me—for calling him, which only made me feel worse for what I was about to do.
I was luring him into a trap, in a way, so I could kill him. God, I was going straight to the Netherworld.
My pulse hammered, and I was restless. I felt like a giant SOB, like someone else.
I’d gone home to prepare for tonight as soon as I left the church. I’d looked for Gareth, half expecting to find him waiting outside. But there’d been no sign of the elf. Guess he got what he’d wanted and split.
I’d packed my last two soul blades, a silver net, and a silver short sword. I didn’t want to bring any guns. Shooting a werewolf would not only bring the unwanted attention of the human police, but it would also alert the rest of the pack. I wasn’t invincible or stupid. I might be able to handle one werewolf at a time but not a pack of them. Steven would never come to the facility on his own, but I also knew he wouldn’t bring his entire pack. He’d be accompanied by a handful at the most—a handful of big and powerful werewolves.
“Here come the wookiees,” sang Tyrius’s voice next to me as he stood on his back legs, staring out the open passenger’s window. “I can smell them from here. I count five werewolves, including the one that looks like a grizzly bear who I’m guessing is Steven.”
I sat up straighter and stared out the window. Sure enough, I recognized the big, handsome black man, with his signature swagger and confident stride. I didn’t recognize the others, not that it mattered anyway. I watched, impressed as they walked through the front door. How were they going to get past the security? Maybe they knew something I didn’t.
I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans until they burned. Damn it all to the Netherworld. I was really going to go through with this...
“You okay?” Tyrius turned in his seat. “You look pale and a little green. You look like you’re about to puke your guts out.”
Maybe I was. “I’m fine,” I lied, knowing it wouldn’t make a difference with the baal demon. I hadn’t had anything real to eat all day. I just couldn’t. Nothing wanted to go down and stay down.
“It’s just,” I said softly so my voice wouldn’t quaver. “I can’t believe I’m about to do this. Me. Going in there and taking that werewolf’s life—and that’s if he doesn’t take mine first.” My heart hammered, but I forced my breathing to remain even. “I never thought I’d be that person, you know. Now. I’m like the rest of them.”
“You can always turn around and go home,” said the cat. “There’s no shame in that.”
“And risk having Gran killed?” I shook my head and held my breath. “I can’t do that.”
Tyrius leapt over to my seat. “So let’s tell her. Let’s tell her and move. I’ve already talked it over with Kora and she’s with me. It doesn’t matter where we go, as long as we’re together.”
My eyes burned at that and I had to look away from the cat before I broke down. I swallowed, feeling the tension rise in me. “You want to tell my grandmother that she has to leave the house she loves and go into hiding from everything she knows? She’s eighty-two. I can’t do that to her. It’ll kill her.”
“Not if Lisbeth kills her first.”
A surge of anger rose at the thought of Lisbeth and I found my hands around the wheel, squeezing while pretending it was her neck. It would be so, so easy...
“Gran will say yes,” said the cat, shaking me out of my murderous thoughts. “If you tell her the truth about Lisbeth, she’ll understand.” Tyrius put a paw on my lap. “She loves you, Rowyn. You’re her only family. She’ll do this. I know she will.”
But Lisbeth had warned me not to say anything to anyone, and I knew that included my grandmother.
Feeling unreal, I looked back to the tall building of clustered wide plate-glass windows that rose three stories up. A surge of panic soared out of nowhere. I closed my eyes as I tried to still my emotions and only opened them once I was focused.
There was no getting out of this. I had to do it.
Saying nothing, I pushed open my door and stood on the pavement, only to find Gareth in my way.
“Gareth?” I said as I stepped back. “What are you doing here?” The elf had a way of just showing up at the oddest times. Wizard elf indeed.
Tyrius jumped out of the car and looked up at the tall elf. “Dude. Where’ve you been?”
“How did you find us?” I asked, seeing Gareth smiling down at the cat.
Gareth met my eyes, and a ghost of a smile passed over his face. “I followed you.”
Sure enough, when I looked down the street, his infamous 1970 Ford F100 light blue pickup was parked three cars behind me. Crap. I’d never even noticed it. Had he followed me home and then all the way back into Manhattan?
“That’s really creepy,” I told the elf, my eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Borderline stalker.”
Gareth lost his smile as he looked at me, his dark eyes penetrating. “Don’t do this, Rowyn.”
My mouth dropped open. How the hell did he know? Belligerently, I looked at Tyrius, scowling.
Tyrius winced. “Don’t look at me,” cried the cat, his eyes wide. He lifted his front paws in surrender. “I didn’t say anything. Baal’s honor.”
I went to shut my door but Gareth held on to it. “I heard what the old angel-born said to you. Her threats.” His expression took on a sudden urgency. “I know what you’re about to do. I’ve been watching you. Waiting... hoping you would change your mind.”
“Watching me?” I searched his expression, wanting to find a reason not to kick his ass right now.
“I knew she would come to you eventually,” continued the elf, as though I hadn’t uttered a word. “Her hold on you... I know she’s threatened your grandmother’s life.”
My expression became stiff. “Then you know I can’t refuse.”
A deep sadness flashed in the elf’s eyes and I shifted uncomfortably in his stare. “Yes, you can. You can refuse. You do have a choice.”
“I don’t,” I said, my anger rising and mixing with my unrest. “Not that it’s any of your business, Mr. ‘I don’t like to get involved.’” I was so utterly confused with my overwhelming emotions of shame and doubt. Gareth’s sudden appearance and council were making it worse.
Gareth’s face twisted with emotion, unguarded, stripped of its usual distance. “If you go there,” he began, taking a breath. “If you kill that werewolf, you can never go back. Once you take that life, that innocent life, you’ll be marked forever. Do you understand, Rowyn? There’s no coming back from it. Ever. It’ll change you, and not for the better.”
I gritted my teeth, hating how right he was, and I felt as though he was speaking from experience. “Tell me something I don’t know.” I sighed, exhaling as if it were my last breath. “There’s nothing you can say to me that’ll change my mind. You don’t understand. I have to do this.”
Gareth’s shoulders tensed, his jaw clenching and unclenching. “Don’t.”
“Or what?” I moved closer to him until I was nearly touching him. “You going to try and stop me? You do this, and my gran dies. Is that what you want? My only family to die at the hands of some of Lisbeth’s thugs?”
His expression going empty, Gareth looked down at Tyrius, unknown thoughts sifting behind his dark eyes, which looked black in the dim light from the street lamps. “No. Of course not.”
“Then stay the hell away from me.” I made to turn but he grabbed my hand and held it firmly in his. I don’t know why, but I let him. Maybe because part of me wanted him to stop me, to knock me out with his elf dust so I couldn’t go through with this. And I think he knew it too.
I’m not sure how long we stood in silence, facing one another. His fingers were warm, rough, and very male. His scent was pleasant too, a spicy mixture of manly perspiration and lavender. Heat rushed to my face at the worry and tenderness I saw there. Damn it. This was not how I wanted to start this job. Why did he even care?
I felt flustered, partly because I was confused by the elf’s sudden pouring out of feeling and partly because I knew Tyrius was watching. Finally, I pulled my hand away and slapped my shoulder.
“Tyrius,” I called, my voice rough with emotion.
The cat sprang onto my shoulder. “I mean it, Gareth,” I said as I shut the car door. “Stay out of this.” I fueled my anger because I knew if I didn’t, I would probably break down and lose it.
I felt the elf’s attention on me, but I didn’t look at him. I couldn’t.
“Don’t follow me.”
Blinking rapidly, I crossed the road at a slow jog, pulled open the tall glass door and stepped inside the morgue.
8
My breath coming in fast, I strolled into a hallway. The walls were painted in the same generic white of all hospitals, and the air had that stale antiseptic scent I hated that practically burned the cartilage from my nose. And yet it was overpowered by the strong scent of wet dog, werewolf.
Long shadows stretched out into an intersection of hallways and doors. A phone rang as we came across a reception area. My eye caught a bundle next to an empty chair, and when I leaned over the counter, I spotted a man dressed in a gray uniform lying on his side, his arms and legs splayed unnaturally. A security guard.
“Is he dead?” inquired Tyrius, leaning forward as much as he could without falling off my shoulders.
“No,” I said as I pushed myself off the counter. “I can see him breathing. They only knocked him out.”
Pulse racing, I headed to the elevator down the hall. From what Tyrius and I researched on the net about this facility, I knew they kept the newly arrived bodies downstairs, in a refrigerated room, prior to their autopsies.
My pace was hurried as I tried to mask the dread and nerves in my posture and movements while fighting the part of my brain that kept insisting what I was doing was wrong.
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