by I. T. Lucas
Yamanu shrugged. “A long time ago, I decided that I needed a break from the clan. I found a job as a construction worker. The human contractor was a swell fellow who loved what he was doing. He would go into a dump like this one and see potential no one else did. I learned a lot from him.”
“I don’t get it. You hate leaving the village and interacting with humans. How come you decided to live and work with them?”
The big guy sighed. “It’s a long story.”
After that evasive answer, Julian didn’t expect him to continue, but Yamanu surprised him.
“I thought that since we were safe here in Los Angeles, the clan could do without me. There is no worse feeling than not being needed. Naturally, Onegus and Kian tried to convince me to stay, but I was itching to do something different.”
“How long did it last?”
“Not long. I was back after five months.”
“What happened?”
“Nothing major. I didn’t like the stares. Even when I put sunglasses on, people still stared because I’m so tall and beautiful.” He flipped his long hair back.
“I get stared at too. But so what? Why do you care?”
“Because I’m not just a pretty boy like you. I’m strange looking. When among humans, it’s never good to be too different.”
That was true, but Yamanu was strange looking in a good way.
“So that’s why you offered to help? You miss your construction days?”
“Yeah, I do. I like working with my hands. Creating nice things. But I’m no good with the paint brushes like Dalhu.”
“Did you know that he donated half of the proceeds from the exhibition to this project? That’s where the money to start the remodeling came from.”
“That ex-Doomer is a decent guy. Full of surprises.”
Julian shook his head. “I don’t think he likes being referred to as an ex-Doomer.”
“You might be right. What should we call him then? Amanda’s mate?”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind that.”
“It’s a shame he didn’t join the Guardian force. The guy is even better with the sword than he is with the brushes.”
Julian had heard all about Dalhu’s epic battle with the Doomers’ commander. Rumor said that he’d had an old grudge against the guy, but it wasn’t clear about what. As much as people liked to gossip in the village, some things still remained a mystery.
Like Yamanu. There was more to the story about his construction stint, but the guy was as elusive as ever. Seemingly open and charming, but keeping everything about himself close to his chest.
That didn’t mean, though, that Julian couldn’t poke around some more. “Dalhu got a second chance and took full advantage of it. He doesn’t miss his fighting days. Lately, I’ve been thinking of changing direction as well. Doing something different. How about you? The village could use an in-house contractor.”
Yamanu laughed. “I don’t know enough to be the boss. And besides, who will join my crew? I don’t see any clan members jumping at construction jobs.”
“I see your point. It’s a shame, though. You should do what brings you joy.”
The smile that was almost a permanent feature on Yamanu’s face melted away. “Being needed is no less important. And it is fulfilling, just in a different way. Besides, I’m stuck in what I’m doing because I’m irreplaceable.”
That was an unexpected revelation, and Julian was starting to get an inkling about what made the Guardian tick. He was one of a kind, and his talent was essential. The problem was that there was limited use for it, and most of the time Yamanu had nothing to do.
Then again, it was his choice. He didn’t go on missions unless his special talent was needed or there was a shortage of Guardians, and he had to help. He could’ve easily joined the ranks and done some good with his regular fighting skills.
Perhaps he didn’t like to fight. Being capable of it didn’t mean he enjoyed it. But the man had to fill his days with something. Julian would hate sitting around and doing nothing. It would drive him insane.
As far as he was aware, the halfway house was the only project Yamanu had actually volunteered to help out with.
“You are irreplaceable, that’s true. But you have plenty of spare time to dedicate to whatever you want. Like this project. I really appreciate your help, and I’m glad you have some construction background because I don’t know what I’m doing here. These contractors could’ve robbed me blind, and I would have thanked them for it.”
That brought the smile back to Yamanu’s face. “I like hanging out with you. And I want to help these girls in any way I can.”
“That’s good.” Julian clapped the guy’s wide back. “I can’t wait for your first karaoke night.”
He wondered if that was what Yamanu was doing with all his spare time.
“Do you practice singing in your house?”
Yamanu lifted a brow. “I sing when I’m in the mood. Why do you ask?”
Not wanting to offend the guy, Julian scratched his short beard as he thought of a plausible answer. “No reason. It’s just that it takes practice to sing as well as you do.”
“I’m a natural.”
As the glazing contractor waved them over, Yamanu headed his way, and Julian followed behind, pondering the Yamanu mystery.
The Guardian was rooming with Arwel, who was a powerful telepath. He should have more insight than anyone else.
Perhaps chatting with Arwel could provide more clues to the mystery. Provided that the guy was willing to talk.
Damn, he was turning into a busybody like the rest of the village occupants. Julian had never thought it would happen to him. Except, anything that could take his mind off Ella was a welcome distraction.
Obsessing about her twenty-four-seven was not good for him.
“Tell me, Yamanu. Do you and Arwel have a karaoke machine in your house?”
“Naturally.”
“Would it be okay if I came over and gave it a try?”
A wide grin spread over Yamanu’s face. “Not only okay, it would be fantastic. You can come over any time you want, but check with me at least two hours in advance. I might be busy.”
Doing what?
Could it be that Yamanu spent his days in the gym? He wasn’t big like a weightlifter, but his lean physique was perfectly sculpted. Perhaps that was his gig?
12
Ella
The first thing Ella did as she got comfortable in her mother’s car was to text Kian an update about her dream. She’d tested her phone this morning, and apparently texting was the same as typing on her laptop, which made life much easier. She could text what she wanted to say instead of passing her laptop to Julian or whoever else was going to read her messages out loud.
Mr. D visited me last night. I made him think that I’m into him and it looked like he bought the act. The only thing he tried to get out of me was my time zone, but I managed to avoid answering him.
She didn’t mention the kiss. First of all, because it was embarrassing, and secondly because it was nobody’s business how she went about her new spying job.
Kian’s return text came a few moments later. Next dream visit try to find out his time zone.
Will do.
When they got to the sanctuary, Ella spotted the tall redheaded Guardian doing a walkabout.
“Mom, what’s the name of Wonder’s fiancé? I forgot.”
“Anandur.”
“Right. Anyway, I’m going to ask him to help us carry the supplies inside.”
“Good idea. It will save us from having to make multiple trips.”
It had taken Vivian over a week just to collect everything she needed for her sewing class. That included two sewing machines, two big trash bags filled with donated old clothes that she’d laundered and folded, two boxes full of miscellaneous craft and sewing supplies, one two-pound box of rhinestones, and twelve new Bedazzlers.
She should change the class name from ‘sewing wi
th Vivian’ to ‘rhinestone mania.’
It was going to be fun.
Ella still remembered bedazzling with her mom and the many pleasant evenings they’d spent embellishing old shirts, refreshing old dirty sneakers, backpacks, hats, and jeans pockets. Among other things, it was the perfect way to cover stains that wouldn’t come out. Saved them from having to throw away clothes that were otherwise still serviceable. Money had always been tight, but she and Parker had never felt like they were missing out on anything.
So yeah, they hadn’t worn the most fashionable labels, and eating out had been reserved for special occasions, but that hadn’t been much different from what their friends had. Her mother had worked so hard to provide for them and take care of them, never taking time off for herself or splurging on anything that hadn’t been an absolute necessity. Ella was so glad that she could finally take it easy. Her mother definitely deserved a break.
For some reason, the nostalgic memories brought with them a sense of tranquility Ella hadn’t felt in a long time. Mother and daughter doing fun things together while the rest of the world was forgotten.
Despite the tragedy of losing their father, which had always loomed heavily in the background, and despite their modest means, those had been the good times.
Before her innocence had been lost.
With a sigh, Ella got out of the car and walked over to the tall Guardian. “Hi, Anandur. My mom and I could use your help. We have tons of things that need to go inside.”
“I’ll gladly carry everything up to the front door for you, but I’m forbidden from entering.” He grimaced. “Vanessa thinks my hulking size will scare the girls.”
As Ella looked up at his smiling eyes, she couldn't imagine any woman thinking of him as threatening. He had ‘protector’ written all over him. In a way, he reminded her of Misha. Anandur was much better-looking, and his smile showed a row of perfectly straight white teeth, not yellowing ones with gold crowns thrown in for embellishment. But he had that aura of a man that a woman could feel safe with, protected, and it was priceless, especially for someone who’d experienced the opposite.
Misha’s company had made Ella’s stay with Gorchenco tolerable.
Then again, she wasn’t the best judge of character, and even if she was, traumatized girls might not see anything beyond his height and bulging muscles.
Stretching up on the very tips of her toes, she put a hand on his shoulder for balance and whispered in his ear, “I don’t think you are scary at all. And to prove it, I’m going to have girls peeking at you from the second-floor window. So, if you hear giggling, smile and wave. I’m willing to bet that after seeing you, most will have no problem with you coming inside.”
He scratched his red curls and smirked. “I hope Wonder won't mind. I love having girls peek at me, especially when they giggle because they think I’m such an irresistible hunk, but my mate might get jealous.”
Ella patted his massive shoulder. “It’s for a good cause.”
Following her to the car, the Guardian hefted most of what they’d brought. “Make sure to tell her that. She’s in there with Kri, helping out with the self-defense class.”
He walked over to the front door and deposited the packages there. “That’s why I’m here. I’m usually assigned to Kian, but since he’s not leaving the village today, he okayed for me to accompany my girl here.”
Ella chuckled. “I know your girl, and I doubt she needs you to hover over her. She can take care of herself.”
His bushy brows drew tightly together. “Why, what have you heard?”
“Should I have heard something?”
“Never mind. Let me get the rest of the stuff.”
There was a story there that Ella intended to pry out of Wonder the next time she came to study with Parker.
“Thank you so much, Anandur,” Vivian said when all their packages were stacked by the front door.
“It was my pleasure, ladies.” He bowed his head and walked over to his station at the building’s corner.
“Do you think he is here because of you know who?” Ella asked. “Increased security?”
Vivian lifted one of the trash bags. “I didn’t see any guards the other times I’ve been here. But that doesn't mean there weren’t any.”
Ella took the other bag and followed her mother inside. “Where to now?”
Vivian glanced around, but the receptionist wasn’t there. “I don’t know where Linda is. I’ll get Vanessa to show us where to set up shop.”
“I’m coming!” Vanessa called out from her office.
A moment later, she and the missing receptionist rushed out. “Let me help you.” She grabbed one of the two boxes. “Follow me.”
It didn’t escape Ella’s notice that Vanessa was hiding her superior strength. She could’ve easily taken a heavier load.
Linda, the receptionist, who like the rest of the sanctuary’s staff was human, lifted four Bedazzlers and trailed behind them.
“This is our crafts room,” Vanessa said. “We don’t have enough classrooms to dedicate one to just sewing. After your class is over, you will have to store your things in the closet to make room for the next one.”
“No problem.” Vivian put the trash bag on the floor. “Ella will help me organize it so everything will fit.”
Doubtful.
The closet barely had any shelf space left, but then her mother was an expert at stuffing as much as possible into closets and refrigerators alike. She didn’t really need Ella’s help.
“I was hoping to take a look at Kri and Wonder’s class.”
“Then go.” Her mother shooed her away. “I can set up everything by myself.”
Ella felt guilty about leaving. “I’ll be back in time for the class.”
“Don’t worry about it, sweetie. Go have fun with the girls.”
Vanessa smiled. “Let me take you there.”
“Thanks.”
When they were out in the corridor, the therapist gave her a once over. “I love your new look. It’s edgy.”
Ella had the torn jeans and monster boots on, but she had gone easier on the makeup.
“You should’ve seen me with the fake piercings and the brown contact lenses. They look awesome, but they irritate my eyes, and I figured sunglasses would do for this trip.”
“Indeed. The sanctuary is safe.”
“About that. I met Anandur outside. Is this something new, or did you always have Guardians patrolling the sanctuary?”
“We have two stationed here during the night and one during the day. Security was beefed up, but Anandur is here because of Wonder. Usually, we don’t get the senior Guardians.”
“He told me that you didn’t allow him inside because you thought he would scare the girls.”
Vanessa arched a brow. “Do you question my assessment?”
“I do. And I’m going to prove it to you.”
“How?”
“You’ll see. I bet you five bucks that at lunch at least half of the girls are going to take their plates outside to keep Anandur company.”
Chuckling, Vanessa wrapped her arm around Ella’s shoulders. “You are a rebel at heart, aren't you? You like to challenge authority.”
“A very astute observation, madam therapist.”
13
Kian
Ella’s text from earlier that morning kept bugging Kian throughout the day.
She was playing a dangerous game with Lokan, one a young girl like her was ill-suited for. This was a job for Carol, who could have run circles around the Doomer, ensnaring him without breaking a sweat.
Except, Lokan wasn't dream sharing with Carol.
Fuck. Kian threw his pen on his desk. As the Montblanc bounced off the surface and landed on the floor without falling apart, he released a relieved breath. The pen was a present from Syssi, engraved with a sweet love message. He would’ve hated to have broken it.
His volatile temper was hard to control on a good day, and this wasn’t one
of those. Sometimes doing the right thing wasn’t as clear cut as he would like it to be.
On the one hand, it was low of him to use Ella for what he had in mind, but not to do so was just plain stupid.
This was most likely the only opportunity he would ever get to capture a high-ranking Doomer. And Lokan was nearly as high as they got. Navuh’s sons ran the entire Doomer operation.
Kian wasn’t sure about their hierarchy. According to Dalhu, Navuh kept it fluid, promoting one son over the other and ensuring that none of them gained too much power.
At this moment in time, Lokan could be the least important or the most, but it didn’t really matter. Capturing him and getting him to reveal the island’s location would be invaluable. Any other information they could get out of him would just be a bonus.
He needed to brainstorm this with Turner.
Funny how the guy had become so indispensable to him in such a short time. It was becoming a knee jerk reflex to call Turner up and get his advice on anything having to do with security. But the truth was that he trusted Turner’s instincts and his insight more than he trusted his own.
Over the years, Kian had become more of a businessman than a commander. Turner, on the other hand, was an expert in modern warfare in general, and special ops in particular.
Then there was his famous temper. Kian was well aware of his shortcomings. He was impatient, and often too emotionally involved. Sometimes it was hard to shove all that aside and think clearly. That was where Turner came in. His cold, calculated and logical brain was the antidote to Kian’s hotheadedness.
Picking up his desk phone, he punched in Turner’s number and counted three rings. The guy never broke protocol and picked up the phone before that.
On the fourth, Turner answered. “What can I do for you, Kian?”
“I have an idea I want to run by you.”
“Shoot.”
“Lokan wants to get his hands on Ella. What if she can lure him into a trap?”
“The thought has crossed my mind once or twice. The problem is that she’s not sophisticated enough to pull it off. What does an eighteen-year-old know about playing a game like this?”
