Angel Fire: Angel Fire, Book 1

by Johnston, Marie

  “Who?” Bryant’s sharp gaze finally left Odessa.

  A cold pit formed in her stomach. “The watcher who requested my workup on her observations.”

  Bryant’s brows drew together. “Do you think something happened to her?”

  Davon swallowed nervously. “We asked her manager for Magan’s next round of notes. Said we wanted them ready for Odessa on Monday.”

  “We didn’t want to be obvious,” Davon added. “If, you know, something is going on.” Bill and Davon exchanged a grave look. “He hasn’t heard from her since she left last night.”

  Worry clawed at Odessa’s gut. Last night she was attacked. Now Magan was missing?

  Bryant didn’t look convinced. “Is that unusual for her? It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours.”

  Odessa shook her head. “She follows clubbers and partiers at night and turns in her notes in the morning. She’s never late, rushing home to be with her family.” Tears threatened to well. “She has children.”

  “We don’t know yet if anything bad has happened.” Davon stretched forward to grab Odessa’s hand.

  “We were attacked last night.” Odessa’s words caught.

  Both males gasped, blurting questions to check if she was all right and asking what happened. Odessa gave them a quick rundown.

  “But humans can’t hurt Magan. Watchers stay in an incorporeal form when observing.” Bill glanced back and forth between Bryant and Odessa, his expression grim.

  Odessa was nodding, but noticed Bryant was not.

  “They can’t, can they?” she asked.

  His expression was grim. “Humans? No. But humans aren’t the only ones wandering around the earthly realm.”

  “Demons can’t sense watchers unless they’re roaming fully formed like other Numen.” Bill pondered. “Only other Numen can detect them.”

  Bryant leveled Bill with an expectant look, like the analyst had answered his own question.

  “Other Numen?” Davon’s eyes widened. “They would be risking their wings.”

  Bryant stood. “So they say.” He paced the living room. “If Magan was targeted in the human realm, any Numen given pass to the realm is suspect. It could be anyone.” He gestured to Odessa. “Look at her. She’s been traveling there for how long and no one knew.”

  Odessa pursed her lips, shooting Bryant a scowl. “I work at a children’s store. I’m not there to hurt watchers.”

  “If something happened to Magan… How do we know?” Davon’s wings sagged with hopelessness.

  “Let’s run over what we do know.” Bryant bowed his head in thought. “Cal was likely murdered, in his home. Odessa was targeted in the earthly realm, by humans. Magan might have been targeted, but it couldn’t be by humans or demons—they can’t see her.”

  “The tattoos,” Odessa added.

  Bill and Davon gave her a questioning look. She explained her findings from Magan’s notes and the human men that had attacked her.

  “There’s a human network working with demons?” Bill’s narrow face was pale. “Could they have… Could they have infiltrated our realm and got to Cal?”

  Bryant shook his head. “A human would need a damn miracle to get into our realm. Demons physically cannot enter. Any targets in Numen would be dealt with by another angel.”

  “It’s all connected. Someone here is helping the movement down there.” Odessa needed to have a long overdue talk with Bryant. Alone. “You guys need to go back to work and pretend you know nothing. Tell whoever asks that you came here to console me about Cal.”

  “Business as usual,” Bryant added. “Tell them Odessa was so distraught, she might not be able to go to work this week.”

  Both angels readily agreed and Bryant ushered them out with a warning that they interfere no further and watch their backs.

  Once the front door shut, Bryant leaned against it. His palms were flat on the door’s surface, his corded arms stretched out in front of him, shaved head down.

  Should she say something? “I, um… I’m going to go upstairs and freshen up. Then we need to talk.”

  He bobbed his head in confirmation that he heard her. She left him like that, and would’ve paid dearly to know what in the world he was thinking about.

  If she didn’t get upstairs faster, he might attack her again. The visit from the geek squad should’ve dampened his libido. Should’ve, but didn’t. He remained hyperaware of his mate, even as he heard about the increased danger to her well-being.

  What if the watcher had been killed? And what had Kreger meant that his family tragedy was because he had delayed in ordering Bryant’s team to face an impossible task.

  Once he heard the door to Odessa’s suite close, he shoved off the front door. He needed to think, so he roamed the lower level. For years, he had tried to forget, holding on to his bitterness and resentment toward the senator. Now, he thought back to that meeting with Kreger.

  Bryant’s team had been hunting an archmaster. A particularly wicked one that had seemed to target angels living in the human realm. That a demon was intelligent enough to plot an attack on angels and not be content wreaking havoc in their possessed human’s world had been concerning enough. During the hunt, his team had found three bodies decapitated in the Mist—two watchers and a messenger. Demons weren’t supposed to be able to get into the Mist. Had the non-warrior angels tried to take on a demon and brought it into the Mist to kill it themselves and failed miserably? Bryant and his six warriors had doubled their efforts hunting the archmaster. Then they found a headless warrior, missing his vial of angel fire. Bryant had suspected the demon had a grander plan.

  He brought the info to Director Richter. The male had presented the unsettling information to the senators. The result was the same as his mate was experiencing—pain and death. There was too much correlation.

  “Oh my,” said a throaty female behind him. “You’re the new male in Odessa’s life?”

  Who dared intrude now?

  He spun toward the intruder, his wings flared for a fight, but he immediately relaxed. The female with a striking resemblance to Odessa reclined on the couch. For God’s sake, can’t Odessa’s family knock? He was changing all the locks before sundown.

  Felicia’s long, shapely legs happened to be in full view since the human hot pink athletic shorts she wore were tailored to extra short. If he was a gambling male, he’d bet the bank that when she stood, the bottom of her ass cheeks peeked out.

  Her wings were morphed into her back and from her tight neon apparel, she had come from the human realm. Her hair was as long as Odessa’s but several shades lighter, giving it a burnished brass glow. The sisters were tall, statuesque females that radiated life and beauty. But in their eyes, they were worlds apart. Odessa’s brilliant teals contained a suppressed zest for life, a sparkle of mirth, and a hint of innocence. Felicia’s deep blue orbs were calculating, assessing, and weary. Like she’d been living too hard for too long and searched for a place in her life where she could find some serenity.

  Bryant had never ever met her when she was a warrior groupie. Where she went, commotion and drama had followed. Even then, he’d known who she was and to stay away from her. He doubted anything had changed.

  “Miss Montclaire,” he acknowledged. He wanted to continue his contemplation, dredging every detail up about his past. When Odessa finally spilled what she was hiding, maybe he could put some information together and figure out who was after his mate.

  “Aww, you’ve heard of me?” Felicia sat up straight, her second-skin tank top molding over ample breasts that threatened to spill over the dainty bra attempting to contain them. It must be ninety-five degrees wherever she’d come from. Her gaze drifted up his robed figure, spread over his wings, and glanced over his scars. A look of interest crossed her face. “Call me Felicia. I didn’t catch your name, warrior.”

  “Bryant Vale.”

  She rose and sauntered toward him. She’d had quite the reputation around the barracks, but he had a sens
e many tales were made up or exaggerated. Felicia was considered a notable notch on the ol’ dressing gown belt. If she turned anyone down, they’d never admit it.

  He automatically stepped back. Yes, the female was a devastating beauty and a sexual being. Unlike many other male Numen he heard mentioning her name, he couldn’t claim interest in her.

  “Vale.” She purred his name, slinking closer, playing with her hair, running the tips over the top of her breasts.

  Were hips supposed to swing that far from the body? Was she going to dislocate something?

  He kept moving back, not trusting what she’d try if he was within arm’s reach. What the hell was her agenda? Moving to the backless, single seater chair, he sat down. Taking a page from Odessa’s book, he gestured to the loveseat. Two seats, at the farthest points.

  “Have a seat while we wait for Odessa to come down.”

  She seemed undaunted. Adopting a little pout that was meant to be enticing, she passed up the loveseat. She chose the end of the couch closest to him, even if it put her on his scarred side. He didn’t feel anything for her, despite her efforts. But damn, if Odessa’s bow-shaped lips ever plumped out in a sexy pout like that, he’d be toast.

  “Are the rumors true, Vale?” When he gawked at her because he hadn’t a clue what she was talking about, she slanted forward. He would have an eyeful of cleavage if he lowered his gaze at all. He looked no lower than her chin. “That you and Ode haven’t done the deed?”

  “That is no one’s business.”

  “It is if you’re leaving your options open.” She extended her legs straight, nearly touching him if he hadn’t curled his own legs against the chair.

  “I’m mated.” To your sister.

  “You can still back out. Or…expand your selection.”

  Bryant couldn’t believe this female. Or maybe he shouldn’t be surprised. Her father was a crooked piece of work. Like father, like daughter. “I’m not that kind of male.” The finality of his tone rang through the room.

  Instantly, the seductive air was gone, replaced by an assessing look. She sat back and twirled her hair but didn’t toy with it at her bosom. Her look had switched from brazen sexpot to calculating mafia boss.

  There was more to Felicia than met the eye.

  “Yes. I do believe you’re not that kind of male. But FYI, if you fuck with her, I will rip your dick off myself.”

  The hardness in her tone made the visual clear and he flinched. “You barge in here like you’re ready to jump in bed with me, and now you’re threatening me?”

  She crossed one long tawny leg over the other. “I wanted to be sure you were a good male. Not like that slime, Crestin. He was always leering and trying to catch me alone. So I made sure Ode got a look-see.” Felicia huffed. “Otherwise, she never would’ve left his sorry hide.”

  Should he be impressed, insulted, or grateful Odessa had a rabid sister protecting her?

  “You seduced Crestin so I could see?” Odessa’s incredulous shout rang out.

  Felicia whipped around to find her sister had stepped out of her suite in time to hear everything. Bryant wasn’t surprised. He’d heard the door open and sensed his mate when Felicia had been making her revelations.

  Felicia recovered smoothly. “Would you have left him otherwise?”

  “Our relationship would have taken its natural course to an end without you sleeping with him.” Odessa gripped the railing at the top of the stairs, her knuckles white.

  “Uh, one, I didn’t sleep with him. Just made a show of how willing he was. And two, the douche was already sniffing around behind your back.” Felicia shrugged a fine-boned shoulder. “I had to do something.”

  “What about Bryant? Are you planning on testing him?” The tightness in Odessa’s face piqued Bryant. Felicia’s behavior hurt her. But the drama needed to play out, otherwise Bryant would be dealing with sister issues on top of everything else.

  “Already did, Ode. I have to admit, I’m surprised. That whole scarred-up thing must really draw the women, but not the kind you’re interested in. Am I right, Vale?”

  Bryant narrowed his gaze on her. What was she getting at?

  “They look at you and think danger, menace—they want the bad boy. But you’re tired. Sick of being a random fantasy they can cross off their bucket list. You want someone who’ll see the male under those robes, or whatever you wear in the field.”

  Definitely more to Felicia than he first thought. With a few sentences, she’d flayed him open.

  “You synced with my sis, and word is, you hate it. And her. I come in and you don’t even look twice, pinging away from me like I have some dreaded disease.” Felicia paused. “I don’t, by the way. I’d have thought you’d give off some pent-up sexual tension, maybe even hint that you and I could hook up later. But nothing. I’m impressed.”

  Perhaps she thought her insights would win him over, make him admire how she looked after her baby sister. Instead, his fury grew by the minute. “Do you think you’re doing her a favor? You test males because you think you must be more desirable than Odessa?” He didn’t bother to cover his scorn. “Any male that could claim Odessa’s heart, then betray her, for anyone, is a pathetic representative of our gender. And, aye, I’ve met the sad example that is her ex.”

  He expected Felicia to become indignant, but she beamed while Odessa’s mouth hung open.

  “As far as the rumors,” Bryant was on a roll now, “there’d be no issues, except you both, and your father, seem to excel at deceit. So, no. I’m not tying myself permanently to this family until I have the truth.”

  Odessa’s gaze fell on Felicia, who paled considerably.

  “You haven’t said anything to him?” Felicia’s words were barely a whisper.

  “I couldn’t take the chance, Filly. Your safety is priority over my sync.” Odessa cast a guilty glance toward him. “I stumbled onto what appears to be a conspiracy. Then father made an odd comment that what happened to us and the danger to me now are connected.”

  Felicia gaped at her sister. “Danger? What’s happened?”

  Good Lord, was everyone going to discuss this while he got no further ahead and no more information? Forcing patience to the forefront, Bryant remained seated, not interrupting until Odessa filled her sister in on the weekend.

  “Once I have all the information possible, I can bring it to the director.” Bryant threw Odessa a start talking look.

  Felicia got up, tugging her micro shorts down. “Pardon me if I sit that little talk out. I’m going to head home.”

  “Filly, wait!” Odessa rushed down the stairs to stop her sister from leaving. “If they are connected, you might be in danger, too. Do you have someone you can stay with?”

  Felicia flipped her hair. “I can always find someone to stay with.”

  “Someone who can protect you?”

  She snorted, defiant. “I can protect myself.”

  Bryant cut in. “From two or three armed Numen?”

  She clamped her jaw shut.

  “Stay here tonight,” Odessa offered. “When we go to Director Richter, maybe he’ll have a warrior who can offer protection.”

  Felicia’s gaze flicked up to the left wing of the house that she and Odessa must’ve slept in when they were children. Her shoulders were rigid and she was shaking her head, about to decline the offer. A less than honorable part of Bryant almost wanted her to so he could have Odessa to himself tonight.

  “Bryant’s been sleeping on the couch. You can stay with me in the other wing,” Odessa urged.

  Shite.

  Shame swept through Bryant as soon as he had the thought. Felicia’s lips curled into a grateful smile, like she wanted nothing more than a girly sleepover with her sister. She probably had as few friends as Odessa. With her reputation, even fewer.

  “All right. I’ll raid the kitchen and let you…” Felicia swallowed hard and lifted her chin, “While you tell our dirty little secret.”

  Felicia disappeared in
to the kitchen as Odessa faintly muttered, “It’s not a dirty secret. It was a terrible tragedy.”

  She sighed and dropped onto the couch. Dark circles lined her ordinarily vibrant eyes. He was used to the stress, but exhaustion still weighed heavy on his wings. She must be stretched thin and ready to topple.

  He wanted to ask if she was okay, but she started talking. “I was eleven and Felicia was fifteen.” She pointed to the side Felicia hadn’t wanted to go to. “That wing was where our rooms were. One night, two males landed on our porch and broke in. Before I could scream, one hit me across the face and said if I made a single noise, Felicia would suffer more.”

  The solid thump of his heart pounded his ear drums, and he sensed her story was about to get so much worse.

  Odessa’s face crumpled, tears spilled onto her cheeks. “I’ve never told a soul, so— I’m just— This is hard.”

  “Take your time.” He wanted to sit next to her and wrap her in his embrace, surround her in the protection of his wings. But she was an island, needing to let the floodwaters of the past spill over her.

  She drew in a shaky breath. “He just straddled me, pinning me to the mattress and tapping my wings with a dagger. I could hear Filly whimpering, crying. I didn’t know what was happening to her until… It was so dark.”

  Shock poured through his body. If the males weren’t dead already, Bryant would hunt them down.

  “When the male was done with her, they both left, jumping out the window and sailing away. I ran to check on her and call for our parents. Filly never screamed because he’d told her he’d do the same to me if she made any noise. She protected me.” Tears spilled over her cheeks. “I-I thought they raped her, but they cut her—” She looked toward the kitchen, her face crumpling. “They mutilated her gorgeous wings. She can’t fly. She’s always in pain. And she protected me through it all.”

  Like she had done with Odessa’s ex-boyfriend. Protected her at all costs, especially to herself. Felicia made more sense to him.

  Odessa’s watery gaze met his. “Father said to tell no one, or the males would come back and finish taking her wings. Then start on mine. He said if anyone ever found out, I would pay and Felicia would die. He’d been stressed before the attack, but after… He was different.” A small sob escaped. “I guess you and your team paid for our silence. That must be why Father sent you on whatever mission that almost killed you. It was meant to kill you.”