by Austin, RB
He ran his hands through his hair. Actually the HQ’s ebhed received over that amount. “Fine. Tell me how much you want to get paid.”
She frowned, crossed her arms over her chest. “This was a mistake.”
He sighed. “So you keep saying.” She didn’t respond. “Look, I have to go meet Cade. I’ll send Martha to you. She’ll tell you about the job. When I come back you can either tell me how much you’d like to get paid or where to drop you off at.”
He paused inside the doorway, suddenly exhausted. Kate’s head was down, hair covering most of her face. He opened his mouth. Wanted to say, stay. Had a crazy urge to bring her into his arms. Find out why she was suspicious of kindness. Say the right words to convince her he meant no harm. He closed his mouth. Gave her one last look before shutting the door quietly behind him.
Lucas sent a text to Martha explaining the situation before he entered the conference room. Everyone was already there. He nodded to Sarid who stood by the door. A high level of anger and fear rushed through him. Had Sarid’s levels increased even more since he’d left for Philadelphia or was Lucas just unused to it?
He inhaled deeply, trying to gain separation from the foreign emotions, when regret swept through him. Gabe’s. Lucas pulled out a chair and sat across from his ach. They hadn’t spoken since he’d left the HQ three weeks ago. The longest they’ve gone without talking since they met over three hundred years ago. Lucas wasn’t still angry with Gabe, but he hadn’t quite forgiven him either.
Cade cleared his throat.
“I’ll catch you up to speed, Lucas, then we’ll get into what happened downstairs and how it will end.”
Lucas met his leader’s gaze and gave a nod.
“I’ve been in contact with the Septs,” Cade said. “The decision has been made to bring in other Behns.”
Lucas glanced at Sarid. “And what has been done to secure the Other?”
“I’ll handle it,” Sarid said. “The mission is most important. If necessary, I’ll leave the HQ for a while until I can get him under control.”
“But it might not come to that,” Cade said, voice hard.
Sarid didn’t respond.
Cade frowned, then continued. “Septs Two, Three, Four, and Seven have responded. Five and Six, like us, have Fallen all year round and are unable to send anyone at the moment. We all agreed finding the key is most important.”
“Elias didn’t offer any advice about it after the ceremony?”
“He said the key would be in our possession very soon.” Gabe rolled his eyes.
“Then one of the other Septs will bring it,” Lucas said.
“I’m not sure,” Cade said. “No one remembers seeing a key.”
Lucas sat back. “It’s the only thing that makes sense. We don’t have it. The Fathers and I scoured the cathedral’s artifacts. It wasn’t there.” He straightened in his seat. “I did find a few maps. Though I don’t think they correlate to the prophecy.” Lucas explained what he found and told Cade he’d retrieve them after the meeting.
“Martha is readying the other rooms for the coming nine achs. The first arrival will be in two weeks,” Cade said.
Good. Plenty of work for Kate to do. If she stayed.
“I’ll get in touch with Father Gregory. He can inform the clergymen in the area of the coming Behns and the possible need of their services.”
“How has the hunt gone?” Lucas asked.
“The tallies remained consistent for about two weeks before decreasing.”
Lucas frowned, turning to Gabe. “Isn’t that a bit ahead of schedule?”
“Yes.”
“And we have no more information on what this break in numbers means?”
“Nothing,” Gabe replied.
Lucas’s argument from before rushed back, but he said nothing. No sense in angering Cade before they discussed Kate’s stay. But how could his boss not see that getting answers from the source would end this fight once and for all?
The room had grown silent. Lucas blinked, his gaze flashing to Cade, Gabe, Sarid. All eyes were on him. “I’m sorry. Did you say something?”
Cade frowned. “Yes. I asked about the nheqeba.”
“Her name is Kate,” Lucas said, a bit more sharply than he wanted. He cleared his throat. “I offered her a job.” Differing levels of shock ran through him from Gabe and Sarid, before a burst of anger roared in his ears. Lucas managed to stay seated.
“You did what?” Cade’s voice thundered around the room.
Lucas wished for his star. He hadn’t carried it in over a week. Hands on his lap, out of sight to hide the trembling, he willed himself to be calm despite Cade’s anger begging to take root. “As I explained to you on the phone, she’s not a normal Follower. She has abilities,” Lucas trailed off, suddenly uncomfortable. Again, Kate wouldn’t want to be talked about like this.
But if Lucas didn’t, Cade would most definitely erase and eject. “Psychometry,” he continued. “She can see the past with touch. It’s very strong. Not just in her hands, but with any part of her body.”
“Be that as it may, Lucas, she doesn’t belong here. In the HQ. She shouldn’t even know about us. Your instructions were to learn more about her and erase her memory, not tell our secrets and bring her to the HQ. Where she can endanger us all.”
Lucas’s fingernails dug into his palms. Calm. Calm. “Kate will not hurt your bahshrett,” he said, voice even. “I give my word. She lost everything in Philadelphia. I promised her a job,” that she may decide not to take. “And once she’s earned enough money she’ll leave. She has family in Illinois.”
When Cade didn’t reply, he continued. “From what I gathered she’s never told another person about her powers. Was frightened I knew. Worried I’d do something to her.” Lucas frowned, remembering clearly the fear running across her face. “She’s been hurt. In the past,” he said, speaking more to himself. “She trusts no one. Has no one.”
“Except family in Illinois,” Cade reminded him.
“They aren’t close. She was living on the streets. Hardly eating. I found her on the church balcony. She was sleeping there.” Lucas shook his head. “Once she leaves, she won’t be running around telling everyone about us.”
“That’s right, because I’ll erase her memory.”
Lucas’s hands clenched. “That won’t be necessary, Cade. She—”
“I’m the leader of this Sept. I decide what’s necessary for our safety.”
“You’re just concerned for your nheqeba and nothing else,” Lucas shot back.
Cade’s eyes flared. “I’m concerned for this Sept, Lucas. We’re in the middle of a war. The rules have suddenly changed and we’ve only been given half the playbook. The other Septs will be arriving in two weeks-time. The Follower cannot—”
Lucas’s heart pounded. He leaned forward. Spoke quickly. “Then let her stay for two weeks. That’s it. As soon as we have word of the other Septs’ arrival I’ll take her away from here. I give you my word. As a Behn. As an ach.”
Cade’s jaw clenched.
“She won’t leave the HQ,” Lucas rushed on. “Sarid’s cameras and the ebhed will keep an eye on her. I’ve asked Martha to oversee her work. I promise, no harm will come from her being here.” A promise he made to Kate and now one he had to make to his leader. Ironic really.
“You can’t know what harm will come with a Follower in the HQ.” Cade grew silent for a moment then cocked his head. “Have you gotten a read from her?”
Lucas stilled, knowing what Cade asked.
His leader’s powers would never work on Emma. The Creator had made them equals. Soul mates. But Lucas had read Kate’s emotions, even if it was sporadic. She was not made for him.
He shook his head slowly. “She is not my bahshrett,”
he said softly. “I’ve been able to sense her emotions.” Except when he was filled with darkness, which he suddenly wished for in bucketfuls.
Cade frowned. “I assumed from your reactions that maybe—”
“No. She’s not.” He stood. Completely done with the conversation. “We’ve agreed? She’ll stay for two weeks. Help Martha prepare the rooms for the other Septs. Then I’ll take her away.”
Cade studied Lucas, slowly gave his assent. “But, Lucas,” he warned. “Her memory will be erased before she leaves. And,” he paused. “If she harms Emma in any way, you won’t be able to protect her.”
Lucas quickly closed his eyes to hide the flare. Head down, he rested his clenched fists on top of the table, a growl lodged in his throat. He nodded once then left the room.
Chapter 38
A few nights later, Lucas’s Behn gaze ran over Cade and Gabe. Both of their eyes glowed.
“Two of them,” Gabe whispered.
“Piece of cake,” Cade answered with a wide grin, flashing fang.
Lucas eyed the two-level house. The falling trim and duct taped cardboard windows said it had been abandoned a while ago. The whole street was in the forgotten part of town. “I’ll go round back.” He took off, not waiting for assent.
Sarid had another episode yesterday and was resting at home per Cade’s orders, which was why the Sept One leader was patrolling with him and Gabe. And the reason why Lucas was freaking out. If he’d known the boss was going to tagalong he wouldn’t have nabbed that gang leader earlier today.
The night had been relatively quiet until now, though. Lucas had managed to keep his cool. No one suspected a thing. Just a few more hours until sunset.
Maybe he’d see Kate later.
After the initial meeting with Cade to determine if Kate could stay at the HQ, Lucas had found her in the hallway. She had already started cleaning. The suggestion to wait until the next day to start her job had been ignored. He’d concentrated then, as she dusted a painting, just to be sure . . . Maybe she really was his . . .
But warmth had bathed his face. Hope. A strange reaction to their conversation on the difference between dusting framed art and cabinets filled with statues, but it was an emotion nevertheless and it meant she wasn’t his bahshrett.
Lucas faced the back of the house. It wasn’t in any better shape than the front. Sigma in hand, he crept up the cement steps to the cracked door wall. The screen was a white frame hanging off of its track, the mesh long gone. He reached through it, grabbed the handle, and yanked. Locked. Of course.
Looked like stealth-mode would have to be postponed for the moment.
He flexed his fingers, drew back his fist and punched the glass. Cracks spread in all direction from the indented imprint of his fist. He hit it again. A third time. Pieces of glass finally fell leaving a hole wider than his head. He shoved his arm through, reached for the latch, unlocked it, and silently slid the door wall open.
His boots crunched over the glass when he stepped inside. From here he had a clear shot of the front door. Had Cade and Gabe gone through yet?
Footsteps sounded above.
He stilled, cocked his head. Slowly turned to the left. Through the small kitchen that even Mr. Clean wouldn’t be able to make shiny new again, he spied a partially closed door. On the other side, a fast, pounding heart. After another glance at the ceiling, he followed his instincts, stepped over the rest of the glass, strode across the rat shit covered linoleum floor, and stopped at a door that must lead to the basement. His grip tightened around the Sigma. He focused on the beating heart. Inhaled deeply, catching perspiration, flowery perfume, mold, and a dead animal or two.
Lucas pushed open the door with the toe of his boot, raised his weapon, and moved into the doorway. Nothing but darkness below.
Creepy Insidious music began to play in his head. He crept down the stairs one at a time.
Although, he was the thing to fear in the dark.
Well, at least to the Fallen, which he was ninety-nine percent sure was down here with a Follower. Ah, there it was.
A ringing cellphone plugged into speakers.
At the bottom of the steps, he paused. Debated for a second, blinked his eyes to glowing blue, and instantly wished he hadn’t.
Fucking. A.
The Fallen had been using this house for a long time. The smell hadn’t been a dead animal or two. It was bodies. Many dead Follower bodies. Women. Men. Teenagers. A child.
Lucas’s hands shook with barely controlled rage. His strength flashed like he just had a hit of Elias’s blood. He pivoted slowly, zeroed in on the frantic heartbeat, gaze falling to the space in between the steps.
He locked eyes with the soulless monster, grip tightening on his Sigma. The Fallen had a Follower in a headlock, a knife pressed to her neck.
Had the Fallen sensed him coming? Is that why it was hiding? Did they get a ring in their ears, too? Or was it the breaking glass and footsteps that alerted the monster to his presence? Questions he’d love to get answers to. If only Cade would change his mind about interrogation.
Lucas stepped closer. His leather glove squeaked against the metal of his gun. He wanted to take his gloves off. Feel the coolness of the weapon in his hand, the monster’s flesh when he subdued him.
The Fallen stumbled back, the knife against the young nheqeba’s throat cutting her skin. She whimpered. Lucas lunged, moving too fast for the female to see. The Fallen could track him, though, and it threw the nheqeba to the side, before sweeping its knife out in a wide curve toward Lucas.
Lucas sucked in his stomach. The blade missed him by inches. He sprung at the Fallen with a growl. They both fell to the ground. Lucas punched him in the gut.
Another hit. Kidney.
Gut. Kidney. Diaphragm thrown in, just for shits and giggles.
The Fallen whimpered, hands protecting his face, trying to curl into a ball.
Yeah, right, bitch. Not gonna happen.
Lucas pressed the Fallen’s legs together with his own and continued the assault.
Gut Kidney. Gut. Kidney. Diaphragm. Heart. Heart. Heart.
Footsteps on the stairs. Lucas felt the caress and thump along his spine. Gabe and Cade were nearing.
The Fallen dropped his hands, fumbled at the ground. The monster’s knife was an arm’s length away. Lucas snagged it and whipped it out of the way. He heard a startled gasp and Gabe called out.
“Luc?”
Lucas rose, dragging the Fallen up with him. He wished he could strangle the SOB to death, but that wouldn’t kill it. They didn’t need oxygen to survive. Only souls.
“Over here.” He stepped into view.
“Fuuuck,” Cade said on a breath.
Lucas followed the Sept One leader’s blue gaze. It lit the bodies piled up like dirty laundry.
Gabe turned and sucked in a breath. “Holy Mothyr,” he expelled, holding a hand over his nose. “How long have they been staying here?”
At least fifty bodies were stacked against the wall. Fifty Followers. How had Lucas not noticed the increase in missing person reports? His gaze fell on a tiny hand inches from a larger, feminine one. Had they taken whole families?
The Fallen gave a squeak. Three pairs of Behn eyes, three sets of bright blue lights, fell on him.
Oops. Lucas had clenched his fist a bit too tight. He might not be able to suffocate the monster, but he could very well pop its head off with enough pressure.
“Why is that one still alive?” Cade asked, voice low and deadly.
“Just found him as you were coming down the stairs.”
The Fallen’s gaze jerked to Lucas.
Lucas squeezed his fist in warning, not that it’d be able to talk right now anyway. More than likely its larynx was crushed. It wouldn’t be maki
ng any intelligible sounds for a while.
Gabe turned toward the stairs. “What was that?”
Lucas heard a soft whimper. Oh. He’d forgotten. “Had a Follower with him. She’s back there.”
“Hurt?” Cade asked as both he and Gabe strode across the floor.
“No. Just scared.” As soon as they were out of sight, Lucas pulled the Fallen closer. “Don’t say a word or I’ll make what happened seem like a stroll through the night. Got me?”
The Fallen tried to nod, couldn’t because of Lucas’s grip and just blinked.
“She’s been cut,” Gabe called out.
“What?” Lucas whipped around, Fallen trailing along like a puppet on his hand.
“Knifed in the stomach. We need to get her out of here. She’s fading fa—”
The Follower started to scream. High pitched wails. Lucas watched through the slats. She was trying to get away from Gabe. Her gaze bounced from Cade to Gabe and back again. Of course. They looked like monsters with their glowing eyes and fangs as opposed to the Fallen whose true side didn’t show until the knife was slicing skin.
A cut in the stomach? The Follower hadn’t been bleeding when Lucas found her. He would’ve smelled the blood.
Lucas stilled, eyes widening.
He’d flung the knife. Out of the Fallen’s reach. It had sailed from his hand. To land on the ground. He’d meant for it to land on the ground.
“I can’t get in,” Cade yelled over her screams. “She’s too agitated.”
“Luc! You need to put her to sleep. I can’t slow the blood flow with her like this.”
Lucas ran underneath the steps.
