by Lori Perry
“I’m not in on anything with Orlando; I need to find him Danielle.”
“Good to know, Mikey. Sorry, but I’m already on a plane with your friend in cuffs. And we’re about to take off.” The engines began to whine over her voice.
“Where are you going?”
“Nu uh, nope this is my hit and I’m getting paid. Good luck.” The line went dead. He could trace to the plane but chance accidentally being seen or worse, burned to a crisp. The sudden sliding sense of losing his grip on Ana made him growl in frustration.
Danielle squeezed the phone until her knuckles whitened, angered by Michael, but angrier at herself for trusting a stranger. A pair of beautiful eyes and pouty lips had her practically handing over her pay. She could kick herself for her stupidity. But she couldn’t shake the familiarity and comfort she felt with him. And of course, her strange dreams with him as the star. She hadn’t slept since her last dream and felt the exhaustion setting in; sleep would have to wait until she knew Orlando was secure and the girl was back to her family.
“So you’re going by, Rhamah?” Leaning forward to see around Orlando’s giant form, she hadn’t thought to ask before.
“No, that’s just what Orlando calls me.” She squeezed his bound hands. “It means my sweetness. Everyone else calls me Cassie.” She smiled up at him.
A whisper of longing pinched her heart but she wiped the feeling away. Alone was better, as she just proved to herself. By trusting a man she almost let the criminal go and all her cash; though it was a nice pause from her regular life, sitting in that restaurant, pretending to be normal.
“Are you and Michael together?” Cassie asked, but looked away when Orlando gave her hand a squeeze.
“No. Obviously.” Even now, they kept up their ruse. What the hell did they have to gain from pretending to not be attached to Michael?
After the plane rumbled into the air and leveled out, Danielle relaxed a degree, confident Orlando wouldn’t jump ship with his little girlfriend. Of course the young girl was infatuated with him, and ran half way around the world for him. He was just like Michael, tall, beautiful, mysterious. Her eyes drifted shut but moments later she felt a poke in her side.
“Danielle.” Cassie was leaning around a sleeping Orlando.
“Yea?” She whispered back. Cassie had something to tell her that she seemed to want to keep between the girls.
“Orlando and Michael aren’t working together.” She tried to convince Danielle again. It was really getting old, all the lies.
“We’ve been over this. Coincidence doesn’t fly with me.” She lay back against the seat closing her eyes again.
“Orlando needs his help, that’s all.” She kept glancing at his face to make sure he wasn’t waking.
“Help with what? Escaping?”
“No, something else. They’ve never met, but Michael has something we need and we have something he needs.”
“If you want to tell me something, do me a favor, just spit it out. I’m not big on half stories and beating around the bush.” Instantly she felt guilt at snapping at Cassie, but it had been a confusing couple of days with little sleep and she knew she shouldn’t take this out on her; she was duped by these two guys, the victim. “I’m sorry, Cassie; I’m just in a bad mood.”
“You don’t need to apologize.” Cassie’s soft blue eyes studied her face as if searching for confirmation that Danielle could be trusted.
“So what is it these guys have to trade?”
“You’ll see soon enough.” Orlando leaned between them and spoke in a lowered tone to match their own.
Her body lay battered, crumpled on the stone floor at his feet. He’d been too late, again. As the rage of losing her once more toiled throughout his body, Michael’s vision turned red while he stared into the darkness. Every last one of them would suffer, suffer as she did. The fear, the pain, and the desperation he would inflict upon every one of them. Dropping to his knees, he lifted her lifeless body and cradled her in his lap as he slipped the necklace from her neck.
“Aw, poor little human girl lose her life, again?” The youngest snickered from the stairs. Gently, Michael laid her head back against the floor, then traced behind the stupid young, sinking his fangs into his neck and tearing off the chuck of flesh he had a hold of. As the boy slouched against the wall sputtering and clutching the wound Michael moved to face him, but said nothing; just watched as the realization that this was the end for him began to sink in. One by one he destroyed them all; then wanted to destroy himself.
The memory of her last bloody end filled his mind. He felt he was losing her again, but refused to give up as he had refused every time before. Michael clutched the watch in his hand waiting for the second he could trace. If Orlando needed passage to Diviana, but felt Michael was taking too long, he would force a stop in London where the price of admission would be steep. Usually an immortal paid with their alliance and usually that alliance was to an immortal up to no good.
The second hand clicked into place as Michael traced to the back alley of a London street. The mist swirled around his legs like hands greeting him. He had missed London, the best moment of his life, as well as the worst happened there in the underground. He felt stronger, powerful and in more control as he strode down the alley and into the busy street beyond. Tracking an immortal there however was a difficult feat; they roamed freely like roaches and mingled with humans.
By some trick from the gods, Michael was unable to sense his mate until he was close to losing her. His body felt alive, buzzing with adrenaline as the distance between them grew closer. His instinct to go to London had been right; she was there and very close. She would not die this time. Scouring the dens of immortals known for planning uprisings, Michael prayed to the gods for help.
The layover in London was four hours, leaving Orlando plenty of opportunities to escape. Separating the two lovebirds would be the only sure way to keep him exactly where she needed him and out of trouble.
“You cannot separate us Danielle.” Orlando’s teeth were clenched and the anger he felt was obvious.
“Oh I can, and will. If you behave, you can have her back by your side on the flight, if you don’t, I’ll make sure her seat is on the opposite end of the plane.” Smiling she waved over an armed security guard and explained the situation. With a nod, the guard took Orlando by the arm leading him toward the terminal holding room. Shaking off the guard Orlando stood in front of Cassie.
“Rhamah, stay with Danielle, she’ll keep you safe. I’ll be right behind you.” With a wink, he allowed the guard to take him by the arm and lead him away.
“Your boyfriend has a lot of guts ya know.”
“He’s amazing.” She breathed, and then followed Danielle to a waiting taxi. The bounty placed on Orlando would set her up for a long time and she wasn’t about to screw it up.
“Take us to the closest hotel.” She ordered the driver.
“What about Orlando?” Cassie demanded with a frown.
“He’s fine. Now tell me what the hell is going on with him and Michael.” She turned and looked at her intently. They sat for a long time in silence and her mood slowly soured to anger. When she was sure Cassie would continue to ignore her, she finally spoke.
“Michael is looking for the love of his life and Orlando knows where she is. In exchange for his help with getting us somewhere we need to be, Orlando is going to tell him where she is.” Biting her lip she looked out the window. “Orlando would be disappointed if he knew that I told you.”
“And where is he keeping this love of Michael’s life?” With possibly another victim in the Orlando and Michael caper, Danielle needed to coax the information from Cassie, quickly.
“He doesn’t have her.” She paused as if considering her next words very carefully. “It’s you.” Danielle tried to suppress a giggle. This was by far the strangest case she’d ever taken.
“Me? I’m the love of Michael’s life?” She shook her head in annoyance.“Funny, h
e didn’t mention that to me.” Shifting her body on the bumpy seat, she crossed her arms and kept quiet until they pulled into the round drive in front of their hotel. It was close to the airport and a secure place to make calls confirming she had the mark and the girl while keeping the two apart.
Once she was certain Cassie was settled in their hotel room, Danielle went to the front desk to request security on their floor. She wasn’t about to take any chances. This job was draining her more than any of the others ever had. Maybe due to the fact she’d actually allowed a man to get close to her; even for a second. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
“Well hello there beautiful.” The thick Scottish accent filled her ears as hot breath fluttered the hair at her cheek.
“Excuse me, a little close aren’t we?” His fingers wrapped around her arm with a gentle authority and when she began to protest something sharp jabbed into her ribs as he shushed her.
“Not close enough actually.” The tang of metal on his breath had her confused. “My new wife here likes to role play.” He winked at the front desk clerk. “Tonight it’s cops and robbers. Isn’t that right love?” Danielle was preparing to body-slam ole Scotty-boy when she caught sight of the hypodermic in his hand. A stiletto between the ribs was easy, but she couldn’t be certain what a prick from that needle would do. She couldn’t risk being drugged or infected; it bit deeper into her side, nearly piercing her skin and Danielle was forced to nod in agreement. Orlando must have goons working for him everywhere. As the stranger led her outside, she tried to reach her cell phone with her free hand but it was tucked in the bottom of her pocket. What good would it do anyway? Excuse me kidnapper, mind if I make a quick phone call? Yea, likely.
“Where are we going dear?” Being sarcastic was probably a very stupid thing to do since she had no idea what he was prepared to poke in her side.
“You’ll see sweetheart. Now shut up and get in.” A black jeep with midnight tint squealed up, stopping inches from her. As she was thrown into the back seat, she noticed a man standing at the corner of the drive watching from the shadows. There was a witness! If she could make enough noise, maybe he would jump in and help. Leaning back she lifted her legs and kicked the window while screaming. She squinted through the glass at the tall figure, waiting for him to make his move; Michael.
Slowly, he stepped back farther into the shadows then disappeared.
“Shut the hell up!” Pain ripped through face as her hubby smashed his fist into her cheek. The weight of her situation slowly filled her stomach. She’d been set up; from the beginning she had been played by the entire job. Now she was the victim, but no one knew where she was; no one would notice if she disappeared; there would be no search party. She was alone; it made it easier to keep everyone behind the walls she built; to keep everyone at a distance so she could focus on getting her jobs done.
“Red looks good on your cheeks sweetheart.” He rubbed his dirty knuckles against her swollen flesh. “Try that again and ill make the other side match.” His thumb brushed her bottom lip. “Mmm, or perhaps turn these lips a shiny crimson.” Cold metal encircled her wrists pinching her skin.
Something clicked in her mind, an instinct to fight. During her years as a bounty hunter, she’d had to use her defensive training a few times never having to think of the right move; they just came to her. But this was different; the urge to break bones and cause pain filled her blood. She wanted these men to hurt; to suffer.
Chapter Six
Orlando snapped the cuffs that bound his hands behind him and waited for the guard to step closer. He had counted to one hundred to let Danielle and Cassie have a head start, now he needed to get out of the airport and follow them before they got beyond his reach. Even one hundred steps from Cassie felt too far.
“This is a mistake.” Quietly, he tucked the broken rings into the waist of his jeans then stood,
“Sit down!” The guard was a thin wiry man no more than twenty-five. He lifted his hand to the taser at his belt then took a step back. Orlando easily crossed the distance between them and wrapped his giant hand around his neck pinning the young man to the wall.
“This was a mistake.” The guard sputtered nodding his head in agreement. When Orlando released his hold, the man slid to the ground holding his neck and choking. Orlando didn’t look back, he needed to get to Cassie, then find Michael and end this.
Michael had watched the taillights fade into the darkness and tensed to trace when he saw Orlando jog to the entrance of the hotel. He was suddenly torn between getting the information from him and going after Danielle. She was in danger but Ana could be close to the end herself. The decision was easy; quickly tracing to the shadowed hall of the hotel he waited for Orlando to enter.
“Where is she Orlando?” His voice was stern as he stepped in front of the towering werewolf who froze as if contemplating his next move.
“Upstairs.”
Without word, they ascended the stairs and entered the room.
“How did you find me?” Cassie squealed and jumped into Orlando’s arms.
“You are my mate Rhamah, I could find you anywhere.” He brushed her joyful tears away. “I would never stop looking for you.” Michael watched the reunion and wished for Ana.
“Where is she wolf!” Orlando tucked Cassie behind him protectively as Michael lost his patience.
“I need you to take us to Diviana. I’ll not tell you until you swear an oath to take us safely there.”
“I vow it! Now, where is she!”
“Danielle.” Orlando whispered, with a knowing look. He’d purposely put her in harm’s way for his mate. If given the chance, Michael would gladly sacrifice anyone to protect his own mate.
Horror and disbelief flashed in Michael’s eyes before he traced to the empty drive below. He didn’t question the truth of Orlando’s revelation. He felt it. And he had just allowed her to be taken, right from under his nose.
His eyes clouded red with rage as he turned in the direction the Jeep had been heading. Every other scent and sensation was burned away, only she mattered. The path they took became as clear as a glowing thread.
Ana, I’m coming.
Danielle was thrown to the ground scraping her arms and chin, her bound wrists wrenching behind her as she instinctively tried to break her fall. The men didn’t ask questions, didn’t demand knowledge; they seemed to be waiting for something or someone. They laughed and spoke in a foreign language as Danielle lay motionless on the ground.
The sound of metal being ripped apart made the men jump to their feet, quickly falling back into an attack formation. Whatever they had been waiting for seemed to have arrived. Danielle shuffled on her knees into the corner; something was tearing through a solid steel door with the roar of an approaching tornado.
A wet crunching and painful wale from the entry of the building made her cringe and try to work her cuffs under her legs. This was a nightmare and she desperately needed to wake up. The sounds kept coming in all directions as if a war had broken out in the ware house. Moments later it was silent; but she had no intention of looking. She’d rather not see her death coming, fear was always worse than pain.
“An…Danielle?” The familiar voice was soft and probing. “Are you hurt?”
Danielle jerked around at the sound of Michael’s voice. She was now certain that she had fallen down the rabbit hole. Michael had arranged for her kidnapping, stood by and watched it happen, then he came to her rescue. What the hell would he do next!
“You’re all right now Rhamah.” He stroked the dirt from her face and smoothed her hair. “Don’t look.” He warned as he reached behind and quickly snapped her cuffs in two.
She cold clocked him the moment her hands were free. His face barely twitched, but her knuckles felt like they’d been slammed into a brick wall.
“Ow! Get away from me!” She shook her fist out and staggered to her feet.
Michael’s face was concerned and he reached for her again.
“Don’t
you dare touch me! I’m not falling for the whole I’m your hero crap. You planned the whole thing! I saw you at the hotel!” Danielle tried to get around him, but he stepped in her way. She changed direction and he matched her.
“Where is everyone else?”
“It’s just me. Keep your eyes closed.” He needed to shield her from the carnage he had just wrought. He couldn’t chance her seeing his world as humans assumed it was; needed to give her the necklace so she could see how it truly could be. He lifted her easily then traced to the hotel room. Carrying her to the bed Michael noticed Orlando and Cassie embracing near the window. Hope rippled through him as he laid Danielle on the bed then looked her over quickly, making sure she wasn’t injured.
“You vowed to take us.” Orlando’s voice was unwelcome as he stared at the face of his mate, so close.
“And I’ll keep my promise.” He glared at Orlando. Now was not the time to make demands or force Michael to do anything; timing was critical in securing her safety. He’d been this close to saving her a number of times, and the familiar panic crept through his chest. He needed to explain everything to her; needed to protect her. “Who is after you?” Michael demanded in a tone more gruff than he intended.
“Your kind.” Werewolves and vampires used to be enemies, but over the centuries, their feuds died along with their hatred for one another.
“Why do they seek you?” Michael needed to know what he was up against since he was going to be aiding a wanted wolf.
“I turned down a proposition.” Orlando hung his arm over Cassie’s shoulder, pulling her small form against him. Knowing there was more to the story; Michael narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth to probe the subject further when Danielle began to stir.
“Danielle?” Her eyes fluttered open. It seemed she was the center of attention as Orlando, Cassie and a brooding Michael peered at her. For a moment, she shrunk back against the mattress before shooting from the bed; slamming her back against the wall.
