“Just keep them safe.” I jerked my thumb back at the rustic cabin. “At a safe distance outside the headquarters. I’ll be fine.”
Sierra threw her hands around my neck before I could walk away.
And I felt the pit of fear open in my stomach.
I patted her and said, “I have to go.”
She stepped back, biting into her bottom lip like it was an apple.
I headed to her car, waving without looking back.
I pulled out my phone.
I dialed as I peeled out.
And the first thing I said to Aldric as I drove down the moonlit road was, “I have the biggest treasure in history. And it’s all yours, Master.”
56
Aldric examined the map carefully in his dark office. Unusual, since his penthouse was normally lit up like a lighthouse. But tonight, the sole source of light was the city below.
Despite the dim surroundings, I could see him perfectly.
The man who wanted to control the island, clad in the attire of a respectable businessman.
He stroked his well-maintained beard, holding the map out with his other hand. “This piece is at least as old as you say.”
“Of course it is, Master Aldric.”
His emerald eyes analyzed me with hawkish suspicion. “A little early for such a complete transformation.”
“I am here to serve.” At least sixty percent of my body rebelled as I knelt on the hardwood to demonstrate my loyalty.
Of immense concern was the unconflicted forty percent that felt this was the proper thing to do.
Maybe I didn’t even have to sell this.
In a couple hours, I would actually believe it.
But had I come earlier, the vampire would have seen through the con—just as he had with my failed attempt to lure him into a fight with Lucille.
“Stand.”
I did so quickly, shoulders straight.
“Interesting.” Aldric stood up and removed his suit jacket from the back of his chair. “And what you said on the phone is true?”
“Yes, Master Aldric.”
“Tell me again.” He slipped his hands into his pockets, waiting for me to continue.
My pulse throbbed in my neck. But I smiled, allowing my almost-finished fangs to show as I launched into my bullshit explanation.
“There is a location beneath the FBI’s headquarters, Master. A place where no man has dared to tread for hundreds of years. We must reach it.”
“But the cipher indicates the actual location lies on Mount Danube.”
Fuck.
Of course he could read Latin. He was twenty-five hundred years old and had probably forgotten more languages than I had heard of.
I toed the hardwood with my flat. “What lies beneath the old hotel is only part of Drake’s puzzle.”
“And you know this how?” Aldric waved the map like a matador taunting a bull. “The map’s final secret is still hidden beneath a cipher.”
I maintained eye contact, thinking on the fly. Searching for the irresistible hook.
Not finding it, I settled for, “But it only appears that way.”
His skepticism was writ large over his ageless face. “Is that so?”
“Please re-read the legible portions of the cipher.”
“For what reason?”
Because I’m stalling, asshole, that’s why.
“You shall see, Master.” I opened my mouth as wide as I could, trying to focus his attention on the fangs—and their symbolic loyalty.
Aldric cleared his throat and said, “Only the worthy shall pass.”
“A fairly broad statement. Worthy has many definitions. Does it mean of worthy physical ability? Morals? Trickery?” I spread my arms out. “It could mean anything. But the next statement, Master, that is what clarifies.”
Aldric remained unconvinced by my English Lit level analysis of the text. Nonetheless, he continued reading. “Many will seek the Sword. But only a man of great strength and a woman who has seen the dead may melt the ice that encases its unparalleled bounty.”
“See? Strength and fortitude. That’s what’s required.”
“Equally vague.”
His icy voice chilled my core temperature considerably.
I was losing his interest.
“Do you see the symbol floating in the text, Master?” I asked.
Aldric held the map out flat in his palm and tilted his head. “A tribal spear.”
“It is the same spear tattooed upon Agent Kai Taylor’s forearm.”
A vicious gleam entered the vampire’s eyes. “I see what this has been about.”
“You don’t see shit,” I said, breaking character at a critical moment. “Think about it. A woman who has seen the dead. Who does that sound like to you?”
“Very convenient that your plan will reunite you with your boyfriend, Eden.” Aldric’s fist tightened around the map, his pale knuckles turning a paper-pulp shade of white. “Did you think I would fall for this?”
It was all about to disintegrate before it even started.
My final hours of freedom would be spent as a failure.
I shoved my hands into my back pockets, wanting to disappear.
The winning play came to me in a flash as I touched a forgotten piece of paper.
I dug out the news clipping from Byron Murphy’s motel room.
“You’ve heard the rumors before, Master.” I extended my hand, making him come to me. Finally, out of curiosity, he came over slowly. “Of what lies beneath the headquarters.”
The gleam in his eyes changed.
From vengeful to greedy—considering the possibilities a portal to the Elysian Fields would offer.
“Loki has alluded to such things after too much wine.”
I kept a straight face. Of course, I’d suspected that Aldric had been working with the trickster god ever since I’d recognized the type from the list of demons.
But confirming it was another matter. Although I was comforted by the fact that the vampire was unlikely to be interested in a partnership. If Loki came to the island to use as his playground, he would find himself suffering the same fate as Lucille.
“Then you see why we must attack their headquarters.”
“This still does not relate to the map’s information at all, Eden.” His gaze remained fixated on the yellowed paper, though.
“You are not seeing, Master.”
“Seeing what?”
“The agent and I are the keys to unearthing the sword. And the sword is the key to that portal. Taking the Getaway is paramount to achieving what you desire most.”
“And that is?”
“Absolute power, Master Aldric.”
It was so elegant that even I believed it.
And he did too, because his next words were, “Then we will plan an assault for later this week.”
He released his grip on the magical map, allowing it to slowly return to its original form. “
Not missing a beat, I knelt, head so low that I could almost see my reflection in his shoes. “The FBI will extradite the agent to the mainland for his crimes in one hour.”
“One hour?”
“This demon hunter case has the potential to be a major scandal. One they wish to avoid.”
A tinge of skepticism washed over his face.
I held my breath, but the look passed into one I liked much more.
Unbridled ambition.
But I didn’t like what came next, which was, “Short notice should be no problem. After all, I’ve been working on a casting with the goddess’s soul.” He offered me his hand. “And I think you will be very impressed with what it can do.”
I took his hand, feeling the icy coldness of his touch.
I wanted to shiver.
But instead, I smiled and said, “Can’t wait.”
57
I watched as Commander Scott directed his men in the Black Sea Holdings parking lot, outlining how the mission would unfold. He’d got
ten here in record time—along with a contingent of men that dwarfed the squad who had come to the villa.
Doing a quick head count, I counted at least fifty soldiers. With Aldric nearby, his soul uncloaked and out in full force, it was difficult to tell whether they were all human.
But, from their erect postures and lean biceps sticking out of their uniforms, it was clear they were highly trained, formidable opponents.
After finishing the briefing, Commander Scott walked over. “The details have been set, Master Aldric.”
“Good,” the vampire said. “Move out.”
“If I may, sir.” The commander ran his fingers through his buzzcut, looking uncertain for the first time tonight. “Miss Hunter led us into an ambush last time.”
“Attempted to,” Aldric replied.
“Yes.” Commander Scott coughed and looked away. “I believe—well, my instincts are telling me that she’s trying to pull a similar play.”
I wondered if ripping his throat out with my fangs would be considered an act of betrayal or a demonstration of loyalty.
Pretty sure I couldn’t take the commander in hand-to-hand combat, even with the benefit of some vampire traits, I kept still and glared instead.
“Are you questioning me?” Aldric’s voice cast a chill over the air.
The other soldiers stopped their preparations to turn and stare.
Commander Scott glanced around the parking lot, his shoulders hunching over in deference. “No, sir, I was just—”
“You have fought in two wars,” Aldric said. “I have been a general in a dozen.”
“Sorry, Master Aldric. We’ll move out in five minutes.”
The commander—who had possessed the confidence of a bear when I’d met him on the beach—scurried away like a frightened rat to rejoin his men.
Aldric then turned his gaze to me. “Is the commander right?”
“My loyalty is absolute.”
“Never trust a habitual liar.” Aldric rubbed his beard. “I need a guarantee.”
“I cannot defy you.”
“Not after eleven twenty-seven.” Of course he’d have the exact minute marked.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a countdown timer somewhere.
“Is it not past midnight?” I asked.
“It’s only ten.”
My brain registered that as more oh shit, it’s ten. But I kept my expression blank, making sure to display the fangs a little for his benefit.
“We can delay if you’d prefer,” I said.
“Then the agent will be gone.”
“There are always other ways.”
I felt dizzy saying the words, even if they were only meant to convince him of my unyielding loyalty.
What if he decided to take me up on my offer?
But he appeared satisfied, because he said, “You will be part of the first wave.”
I almost choked. “Me?”
“You know what Agent Taylor looks like. And you are familiar with the inner layout of the headquarters.”
“Right, but I’m not a soldier.”
“You’re whatever I need you to be, Eden.” Aldric’s eyes gleamed with menace. “And, right now, I need you to charge into the belly of the beast.”
“And you’ll be behind?”
“A general is of no use to his troops dead.” Aldric walked away, back toward Black Sea Holdings headquarters. “Bring the agent to me when you have freed him. I’ll be waiting.”
As I watched him disappear into the lobby, I stifled the urge to scream fuck at the winter stars.
Because my plan had just unraveled.
Instead of him running headfirst into a maelstrom of bullets, it would by my head caught in the crossfire.
And if Rayna had pulled off her end of the bargain, that would mean almost certain death.
58
I had no opportunity to call Rayna Denton to retool the plan on the fly. Commander Scott whistled to the gathered troops, and yelled “Time to move out,” as I was reaching for my phone.
His eyes, full of suspicion and hatred, locked with mine across the parking lot.
The commander pointed and beckoned me over with a single finger.
I let my hand slip off the phone and hurried over.
He pulled me aside the transport vehicle and said in a low voice, “You listen to what I tell you to do. No questions asked.”
“You’re in charge,” I said.
“I’m not buying your shit for a second.” Commander Scott glared and tapped his rifle. “And when I see you reveal your true colors, I’ll already have the shot lined up.”
“And I’m sure your men will appreciate you not covering their asses.” I punched him in the shoulder like we were old buddies. “Break a leg out there.”
“That’s not what they say,” the commander called after me as I headed to the back of the transport.
“Well then,” I said as I pushed myself inside, “watch your back.”
The large truck growled to life and rumbled out of the parking lot.
Headed straight into the jaws of the beast.
The wide, trash-strewn street in front of the Getaway was abandoned as we filtered silently out of the truck. A few faint lights shone in the converted hotel’s windows, but most of the five-story structure was dark.
I scanned the rest of the block for signs of an FBI ambush, but found nothing.
Rayna had fucked me.
A wave of relief washed through my insides. That gave me an actual chance of making it inside.
The first unit formed by a group of palm trees lining the sidewalk. I slid into the middle, figuring the other guys would be good bullet sponges.
Commander Scott held his fingers up to his ear and pointed at me. “We lead the way inside.”
He must not have ascribed to Aldric’s whole “leaders should hang back from the battlefield” theory of management.
I had to respect that, even if the commander was an asshole.
“I’m not much of a shot,” I said.
He shoved a rifle into my hands. “Point. Shoot. It’s easy.”
A couple of the other guys snickered.
My insides turned to liquid fear, but I adjusted the rifle and headed to the front.
My commitment to authenticity had led this con to become very real.
“On the signal,” Scott said.
“What’s the signal?”
“You’ll know.”
We waited behind the palm trees, a breeze rustling through the empty street.
Then the ground started to tremble—at first almost imperceptible, then growing powerful enough to shake the leaves from the trees.
The men stayed put. Commander Scott tensed in anticipation, gripping his rifle tight against his chest.
What best could be described as a sonic boom erupted from across the street.
I whirled toward the noise. A concentrated burst of dark green energy glowed from a shoulder mounted cannon of some sort.
Then the energy released, leaving a trail of rain in its wake as it hurtled toward the hotel.
It slammed against the concrete, shaking the building. All the windows shattered as the structure wobbled like it was in a windstorm.
Steel creaked and concrete cracked as the front entrance ripped apart.
Like it was caught in a cyclone.
Gunfire came in staccato bursts from the parking lot next to the headquarters. The men next to me turned and fired.
“Now.” The commander shoved me forward, and I stumbled across the still-undulating asphalt.
Wind and mist pressed against my cheeks, like I was caught in a storm at sea.
I brought my arm up to fight my way through the strong gusts.
The Getaway’s entrance looked like it’d been caught in a hurricane. Higher up, the building’s façade was undamaged, save for the broken windows.
I realized that this was what Aldric had done with Lucille’s soul: had a blacksmith channel the essence of he
r power into some sort of cannon or launcher.
Portable storm generation.
Bullets chewed up the concrete at my feet. I dived through the building’s twisted maw, rolling through the wreckage sprinkled over the lobby as gunfire exploded around me. I threw my shoulder into a thick table, flipping it over. Bullets chipped at the heavy wood.
I clutched the rifle with white knuckles, breathing heavily. The shots were coming from behind the receptionist’s desk.
A sniper round boomed from across the street. The dull thud indicated it’d hit flesh.
I peeked over the table. Blood painted the wall behind the reception area.
Two men were positioned by the elevators, in the narrow hallway that led to the offices in the converted pool and gym area.
A burst of fire from an automatic rifle made me duck behind the table again.
Three men from my assigned squad tried to come through the front doors.
They were cut down by the agents in the hall.
A grenade flew through the air, bouncing off the walls.
“Run,” one of the agents yelled.
Too late. The ground floor shook as an explosion bathed the walls amber.
All was still in the moments that followed, other than the crackle of flame.
Then I heard the rat-a-tat of weapons come from the parking lot again.
Commander Scott slid in behind the table next to me. He reloaded.
Sweat dripped from his buzzed head. I stared at his glistening neck.
It would be so easy…
He snapped the magazine into the rifle and hit me with the butt. “Get your head in the game.”
I blinked, listening to the gun battle outside. “Right.”
Rifle ready, I peeked out over the table again. Small fires burned in the hall. An exposed electrical wire hung from the ceiling, sparking.
No sign of any agents.
I vaulted the table. Keeping low, I slunk into the ruined hallway. The scent of charred flesh and burning plaster hovered in the smoky air.
When I pressed the elevator button, nothing happened.
“Nice going, asshole. You took out the elevator.”
“Agent Taylor’s not being held on the first floor?”
“Holding cells are on the upper floors,” I said.
Soul Bite (The Eden Hunter Trilogy Book 3) Page 18
