Zaxe turned his head toward her. “Yes.”
She waited a few seconds. “That’s it? Yes?”
He shrugged. “Life will happen as it will. All you can do is control what you can, accept what you can’t, and find a way to turn it to your advantage.”
A practical, if not slightly cold philosophy of life. “Is that an assassin thing?” She could have bitten her tongue, but curiosity had hold of her. “You know about my life.” More than most did. Not to mention they’d been intimate. She knew very little about him. “What about you?”
****
What about you? The question echoed in his brain. Maybe it was the residual pleasure from the dance they’d shared or the intimacy of the dwelling, but for the first time, he wanted to share.
“I was six when my parents were brutally murdered in front of me.”
Jamaeh’s breath caught. “I’m so sorry. You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.”
For a woman who’d faced such hardships, her heart was still soft and open. “It was a long time ago. Your loss is more recent.”
“My mother was sickly all my life, but losing her was still unexpected. I guess I thought she’d keep on living as she’d always done, but one morning she didn’t wake.”
“I’m sorry.” He wanted to go to her, to offer comfort. He tilted his head back and stared unseeing at the ceiling. “My father was larger than life. He fought the dozen men that fell upon them. Told my mother and my sister and me to run. They caught my mother, but my sister and I managed to evade them.” The bloodcurdling panic, the sheer desperation had his heart racing even now. The taste of blood and death seemed to linger in his mouth. His parents’ yells echoed in his ears. No wonder he’d blocked it.
“You have a sister?”
He swallowed heavily and nodded. “I have two—Delphi and Sass. Delphi is my twin.” Who was likely thinking about wringing his neck right about now. He really should contact her, but he didn’t want to risk communicating unless absolutely necessary. On his ship, he could be assured of total security. He had no idea of the technological capabilities of his prey and didn’t want to risk it out here in the open.
“And Sass?” The blanket rustled as she tugged it more securely around her. With the sun gone down for hours, the air had a slight chill.
“We adopted her into our family. We were raised by the same person who plucked us off the streets.”
“That’s good, right?”
“We thought so, at first.” The memories came rushing back. “Artemis was persuasive, a charismatic woman who promised we’d be safe and fed and educated. And we were. But we were also virtual prisoners. Our purpose was to train and become assassins. She pointed us wherever she chose and we went and killed.”
Jamaeh was silent but for the harsh sound of her breathing. What did she think of him now?
“I’m sorry you had to go through that.” The understanding in her voice almost broke him, compelling him to explain even further.
“We were always sent alone. When I went, my sisters were left behind. I went knowing if I failed or hesitated, they’d pay the price. If I tried to run, they’d be killed. It was the same for all of us.”
The blanket was tossed back and Jamaeh came to his side. She didn’t touch him, but sat beside him. Her green eyes were glassy with unshed tears. For him? He stroked his hand over her face, surprised when she didn’t flinch. “I’m not worth your tears.”
She caught his hand and brought it to her lips. “You are very worthy.” One droplet slipped down her cheek. He caught it on his fingertip.
“More precious than titansteel.” He sipped the salty liquid. “That was my life until recently. We are all of us free now. Or almost. Killing Helldrick is the final mission, the key to putting the past behind me and starting anew.”
She lowered her head and nodded. “I understand.”
“Do you? I will kill him. Nothing will stop me.”
Her laughter was tinged with bitterness. “You think I haven’t wanted to kill him? Helldrick is a stranger, one who has done nothing but made my life misery. If not for my coloring, I’m not sure he’d even know me if our paths crossed. He’s interested in my brother, in molding him in his image. That I will not allow. If you don’t kill him, I will.”
She was fierce in defense of her brother. Her love, bottled up inside her for so long, had condensed and become even stronger because she loved so few.
I want her love.
It was a need clawing up from the dark recesses of his soul. If she could love him, maybe there was hope for him, for the future. He slammed the door shut on that. She said one thing, but who knows how she’d feel when it came down to it.
“You need to rest.” He was done with turning himself inside out, churning up the past. The angst and anger and pain of it was sharp and real.
Instead of going back to bed, she settled in beside him, back against the wall, legs extended.
“You’d be more comfortable on the bed,” he needlessly pointed out. It was almost a compulsion to drive her away because he wanted her beside him so badly.
“I’d rather be here.” The softly spoken words soothed the pain eating at him. For once, he wasn’t alone on a mission. She yawned again. “Wake me in a few hours and I’ll keep watch.”
The still of the night settled around them. The muted sounds from outside lessened as people sought shelter for the night. His eyes adjusted to the dark, his ears attuned to every noise. He could doze and still be alert, but he wasn’t ready to sleep, even though his body craved rest.
The light sound of Jamaeh’s breathing was punctuated by the occasional sniff. After about fifteen minutes, her body tilted toward him, her head nestling against his shoulder. She sighed and her body went limp.
The trust in that small action was like a body blow. No one besides his sisters had ever trusted him as much. He reached out and tucked several thin braids over her shoulder. Her face was cloaked in darkness, her features little more than an outline.
“I will keep you safe.” The promise was not one made lightly. It was the vow of the man, the assassin.
And if you’re wrong about her? the voice in his head mocked.
He closed his eyes and evened out his breathing, releasing all stress. If he was wrong, he’d do what he always did, he’d fight. The only one he wouldn’t be able to harm was her. If he did, something inside him would break and there would be no going back. Better to die a man he was proud of than become one he couldn’t look at in the mirror.
Decision made, he let sleep take him, dozing in and out until his eyes snapped open several hours later. He listened intently, not moving a muscle. What had awakened him?
The air was still and quiet, but he remained alert. A few minutes later, he heard it again, the slightest scrape of something against the door.
Leaning down, he eased his hand over Jamaeh’s mouth and whispered in her ear. “We have company.”
She came awake in a heartbeat and made a small sound, muffled by his hand. She jerked her head toward him, her eyes wide. Then she looked toward the door and back at him. He nodded and rolled to his feet, taking the best defensive position. With his cloak shoved back, he had easy access to his weapons.
Jamaeh pushed to her feet and put her back to the wall, blaster drawn and ready.
He frowned, fear nibbling at his guts. She wasn’t wearing a battlesuit, had no protection. He motioned to her to get down, but she ignored him, her gaze intent on the door.
He caught a sound near the window before something was lobbed inside. Zaxe threw himself on top of the small explosive, knowing his body armor would protect him. The blast was loud. Pain shot through him as he was lifted and tossed aside. A loud ringing echoed in his ears. He shook his head to try to clear it.
Jamaeh yelled as the door was kicked open. He rolled to his back, ready to return fire, but the first man was already falling. She kept firing at anyone who stepped foot in front of the door. Another inc
endiary device was tossed inside. Zaxe lunged, caught it before it hit the ground, and lobbed it back. Amid yells, it exploded, blowing out part of the door.
He wanted to roar her name, but that would give away his location. On all fours, he scrambled across the room and grabbed her arm. “Are you okay?” He meant to whisper it, but he might be yelling for all he knew.
When she nodded, he stood and yanked her up behind him. “Stay behind me.” Drawing both blasters, he went toward the door, stepping over the dead men just inside. He stuck his arm out and pulled back. Two shots came toward him. Now that he’d identified the direction of the shooters, he went low, rolling out of the opening, firing as he went.
The men yelled as they went down. Another ran toward him. He corrected and fired. Adrenaline pumped through him, but he controlled it, used it. The ringing in his ears was still a problem, but he could work around it. He trusted his instincts to guide him.
The entire settlement was in an uproar, people running and yelling. It was impossible to tell friend from foe. Their transportation lay on the ground in pieces, victims of the battle. Shit, things could never be easy, could they?
“What do we do?” Instead of waiting inside for him, Jamaeh was beside him, her blaster raised, her gaze darting everywhere.
“We need to leave.” There was no time to wait. Either Qasim had betrayed them or Helldrick had found them. And considering the damage, he’d bet on the second.
She motioned to the scrap metal on the ground. “We need to get new sleds.”
She was right, but most were kept stored in locked sheds or inside family dwellings. People out here didn’t take chances with transportation. There were a few for general community use stored nearby, but they’d likely been disabled. It was what he would have done if he’d been running the operation. But maybe his enemies weren’t as smart. “Let’s go.”
He moved through the shadows, aware of his surroundings, but most aware of the woman following close behind. Her breathing was ragged, but she moved as quietly as possible. He wanted to promise he’d keep her safe, but there was no time.
“Where are they?” someone yelled. Zaxe picked up the pace. There was a time for stealth and a time for speed. Right now, speed was of the essence.
Women and children were screaming and crying. Men were fighting in the narrow streets. People were everywhere. Zaxe yanked his hood over his head and crouched slightly to hide his height. Jamaeh was already covered, her weapon hidden in the folds of her cloak.
The sleds were in sight with no one around. Too easy. He came to a stop and put his back to a wall. She had to have a million questions but kept silent. Giving in to impulse, he spun toward her and kissed her hard and fast. Her lips briefly melded to his. She blinked when he pulled away, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
A chill skated down his spine. Someone was out there. He snapped back to business and let his gaze flow over the area, searching for anything that seemed out of the ordinary.
“There’s no way out,” a male voice yelled. “We have the vehicles surrounded. We have no quarrel with Qasim and his people. This destruction is all on you. You’ll find no more shelter here. Come out and we won’t kill you.”
Zaxe ignored the man, methodically sorting through his options. They’d have to take to the desert on foot. Not ideal, but they could hunker down and hide for a day or two until he could sneak back and steal them transport.
Decided, he turned to Jamaeh, but she was no longer beside him. Where was she? Heart thumping hard, he searched the shadows and found her almost to the vehicles. What in the fiery hell was she doing?
“Don’t shoot,” she yelled. “I’m Helldrick’s daughter. I want to see my father.”
Chapter Fifteen
The hood of her cloak tossed back, she slowly walked forward. Her entire body was trembling, but she fought to control it. Her lips were still tingling from the crazy, hot kiss she’d shared with Zaxe. This was surely a stupid move, but Helldrick was less likely to kill her. She hoped. This would give Zaxe time to get away. On his own, she had no doubt he could evade the searchers.
He’d come for her.
Or if not for her, he’d come to fulfill his contract. That was guaranteed. All she had to do was give him the best chance of actually staying alive.
Blaster holstered and hands up, she stepped closed to the vehicles. “My name is Jamaeh Jerman and Helldrick is my father.” The red and black braids and green eyes would, hopefully, confirm that for them.
What if it wasn’t her father’s men attacking them? Shit, too late now. But who else could have found them? Reman wouldn’t know to send more men, wouldn’t know Baraj was dead.
Two men rushed toward her, the lower halves of their faces covered by bandanas. “Toss your weapon,” one of the men ordered.
She slowly lowered her right hand and removed the weapon tucked into her belt. Once she gave it up, she was helpless. Her fingers tightened around the handle. She had to force herself to release it. The blaster fell to the ground and was scooped up. Rough hands grabbed her by the arms.
“Where is the man with you?”
“I don’t know.” Surely Zaxe had disappeared by now.
“You’re lying.” The man jammed his blaster against her temple. The end of the barrel burned her skin, hot from having been fired. “Try again.”
She jerked her head back, swallowing a cry of pain. “He was here, but ran, leaving me on my own when the shooting started.” The lie made her belly churn, but she kept her eyes level with her questioner. “My father will want the information I have.” Just calling Helldrick that made her skin crawl, but she’d do whatever she had to in order to pull the heat away from Zaxe and find Esau. This accomplished both.
If they didn’t decide to kill her right here and now.
Battle cries drew closer as the men from the settlement fought back. They’d be on them in moments.
“What’s it going to be?” she asked.
Giving a growl of frustration, the man holding her dragged her toward one of the sand sleds. “Get on.”
She wanted to turn and search the shadows for Zaxe. What if she never saw him again? Tears pricked her eyes, but she fought them back as she climbed on the sled.
“If you’re lying to me about who you are, I’ll kill you.”
He might have to get in line. Helldrick might blast her the second he saw her. “I’m not.”
The man climbed onto the driver’s seat. “Hold on,” he yelled. A blast kicked up the sand a foot in front of them. They were taking fire. On a curse, he hit the power. The sled jerked forward, forcing her to grab the man to keep from toppling over.
In spite of the danger, she glanced over her shoulder, but there was no sign of Zaxe. She turned away and buried her face against the driver’s back to protect her face. Her pack with her goggles and headscarf was back in the hut she’d shared with Zaxe.
The small dwelling had been damaged in the fight. She hoped it could be repaired. For a short period of time, she’d found happiness there, a connection to another person that went deep, at least for her. Zaxe might have written her off, considering her actions.
Resolve straightened her spine. She’d done what she’d had to do. Zaxe would escape and fulfill his mission. And she’d find her brother and get him back home. There was no future for her and Zaxe. They both had responsibilities.
And she might not even have a future if she didn’t come up with something to appease Reman. But that was trouble for another day.
Darkness shrouded the dessert as they skimmed across the sand at breakneck speed, over and around dunes. The muscles in her arms and legs began to ache from holding herself so tensely, so she forced herself to relax.
The journey gave her far too much time to think. There were so many regrets in her life, things she wanted to do but hadn’t managed yet, dreams that were yet unfulfilled. Would she have time for any of it, or was she on her way to her death?
All the things that seemed impo
rtant only days before, all the petty problems, dissolved under the onslaught of life and death situations.
And at the center of all of it was Zaxe.
Where was he? What was he doing or thinking? Even though hours had gone by, she could still taste him, feeling the fiery passion as he’d kissed her in the midst of running for their lives. It was a crazy thing to do, yet she’d kissed him back. The primal urge to connect, to choose life over death, had been palpable at that moment.
The sled bumped something, jostling her. She grabbed on to the driver, but eased up as the vehicle slowed. An encampment seemed to rise up from the desert. This was what she’d expected from the outcasts. Compared to this, their settlement was an oasis. The tents were dirty and ragged and the men pouring out of them no better. Their eyes were hard and cold, their hands all holding weapons.
She wanted to swallow but the sand and heat had dried her mouth completely.
They drove straight to the largest tent right in the center of the camp. The man who stepped out was huge, his red hair streaked with gray, his lips turned down in a frown. The lines around his mouth and eyes were deeper than they’d been the last time she’d seen him.
“Where are they? Where are the ones who killed my men?” he roared.
Jamaeh said a small prayer as she climbed off the back of the sled, wondering if her legs would hold her. They were shaky after the ride, and facing Helldrick wasn’t helping. She wanted to look around for Esau but didn’t dare take her eyes off her father.
Her captor grabbed her none too gently by the arm and dragged her forward. “Checked with our contact in the settlement and only two people were taken in by Qasim. The male got away, but we got her.” He shoved her forward. She stumbled but stayed upright.
Helldrick’s eyes narrowed as he scanned her from head to toe. The backhand caught her off guard. Pain exploded in her cheek. The ground rushed up to meet her as she fell hard, her arm taking the brunt of it.
“Stop.” This voice was younger and tinged with fear. Esau. He fell to his knees beside her, fear on his face. “Why did you come?” he whispered.
Zaxe's Rule (Assassins of Gravas Book 4) Page 14
