Children of Sun (Oracle's Legacy)

by R. B. Holbrook

  The twin went over to the bed. Taking one side of the comforter, he pulled it over to the side of the bed where Ollie slept, folding her into it. It was at the moment that Granger saw Ellis's total devotion to his sister. Nothing else mattered except her safety. He wouldn't have her hurt again. Not as long as he breathed.

  "Good night," Ellis said before leaving. Granger looked down at the air mattress and then up at the king-size. The small mattress looked too fragile in the king's presence.

  ()()()

  Ellis and Geo sat in the kitchen for a long time, talking about the eldest's plans for his future. It seemed as though Geo hadn't thought past the engagement. It was fascinating, considering the strategist planned for everything. It was abnormal, but Geo didn't even realize he was falling for the woman until two years after her divorce. In his words, she seemed so much more alive.

  Geo and VA had worked together even before Ellis and Ollie decided to get into the business. She was a little younger than Geo, but she was tough as nails and could fight like a pro. But being a Blade, it wasn't uncommon. She and Geo had both helped Ollie and Ellis learn to fight and shoot.

  "I don't understand. How did she figure it out?" Geo sighed. He really didn't want anything to take away from the focus of current events, but leave it to Ollie …

  "One of you two divulged some clue, and she caught it. Did you discount her occupation?"

  "How could I?" Geo looked up as footsteps came up behind Ellis.

  "Hey, you guys seen Granger?" Joc asked. "He's not crashed out here, and he's not downstairs."

  "He's sleeping with Ollie," Ellis said, wanting to turn around to observe the expression on Joc's face. Geo's lips were pursed, containing a grin that confirmed Joc was stupefied.

  "Funny," Joc exhaled finally.

  "I'm not joking." Ellis turned to look at him without a hint of amusement, dying on the inside. Joc's mouth stood ajar.

  "No way. If he was sleeping with Ollie, you would be all over him."

  "Against my better judgment, did I stop her from sleeping with you?" Ellis frowned. "You have no idea how many times I wanted to surgically implant a bullet in your cerebellum." Ellis felt the amusement slowly rise to hatred. "It would have been my desire to find out about your indiscretions before Ollie did. I could have eviscerated you before she could stop me." And enjoyed it too.

  "You hate me that much?" Joc's eyes smiled, but his face showed no joy. "You got a real thing for your sister, don't you, Ellis? Makes me wonder if she gave it to you like she gave it to me."

  Ellis rose from his chair, but Geo grabbed his wrist before he could launch at the ignorant speck.

  "You attack him, Ollie won't be happy, and he wins," Geo reasoned

  "Not if he vanishes. I can hide his body," Ellis said, breathing back the hatred.

  The door to Ollie's room swung open, and Ellis became completely alert. Granger looked at them.

  "We got company." His words were plain and clear.

  "Wolfe hasn't noticed anything," Ellis noted.

  "You and I both know that means nothing." Geo took a gun from his shoulder holster. "Ellis, alert Wolfe. Joc, get Troy up. All of you get downstairs. Granger, wake Ollie. You two stay up here and cover the roof access."

  ()()()

  "Ollie," Granger called, but she didn't stir. He called for her several times, but she wasn't responsive. He touched her on her side, only to jump back when she jerked off the bed. He could feel the pain coursing through her body as it prickled against his nerves.

  All her muscles convulsed as she yelled until the pain subsided.

  "I didn't mean … I was …" Damn, there's no time for this. "We are about to have some unwelcome visitors." She became alert immediately, taking off the covers and heading out of the room, nursing her side.

  "How many?" Even though she was awake, she wasn't quite focused.

  "From what I could tell, more than ten. Fifteen, maybe twenty." He let his energy span the area. "Or more. They know you're here."

  She walked to a closet by the stairs. There was no fear or concern in her; it was as though she was ready, even half asleep.

  "Everyone is downstairs," Granger informed her, following.

  "Then we were left to cover the upstairs. Good." She breathed, shaking her head. "This isn't the best way to wake up. What time is it?"

  Before he could answer, Granger felt three unfamiliar presences. Seeing the gunmen from the corner of his eye, he pushed Ollie into the closet just as a bullet passed between them. He shut the door and took aim. One, two, three shots launched into each of their brains. He waited as the bodies collapsed. He listened for more. No more were on the roof, and the group downstairs was holding off all other intruders, so he turned back to the closet.

  He stood transfixed. Looking at the closet door, he saw it: the closet she was locked in as a child. The darkness she starved in, cried in, and died in. How could he throw her in there? There was no telling what kind of trauma he had caused.

  Holding his breath, he opened it slowly to see that she was sitting, eyes closed, legs folded like a pretzel, with her elbows on her knees, chin leaning on her open palms as her hands framed her face. She didn't seem antsy or out of it. She was waiting, bored. Everything stopped as his eyes caught hold of her focus. Her mind absorbed the dark, holding the memories like a trophy. She wasn't allowing them to take her; instead, she stood over them, commanding them.

  He backed up until his back hit the wall, then slid to the floor. That was what he couldn't figure. The focus, the deliberate focus she exuded during every encounter. The menace was her, controlling her mind, her emotions, her memories. Holding the pain in check. Keeping hatred at bay, allowing her actions to be ruled by her and no one else. He was in awe. In all of those whose memories he had drunk, anguish he had taken in, none had such control or such will. He could stay in that moment forever.

  ()()()

  Opening her eyes, Ollie looked at Granger. His head was down, and his shoulders were slumped in defeat. He could take care of it. That was why she had waited. She crawled to him, slipping on the white marble, worrying that he might be injured.

  "Granger?"

  He put out his hand, making her stop in her tracks. He held up his head, and his silver eyes glittered. "I'm fine," he said. His face had the oddest expression. Not pain, not anger, but she couldn't figure out what. She looked toward the stairs and saw three very dead bodies.

  "What? You didn't like shooting them?" she chuckled, knowing that wasn't it. He did it too well for it to faze him.

  "Hmm." He rotated his shoulders, and then he laughed. Laughter? He was cracking up. The stress of being around her was making him crazy. Her brand of crazy could be contagious, and here was her proof. He unbuttoned his shirtsleeves and began to roll them up, showing the intricate design of his seal. The design was like heart-shaped leaves attached to vines, much like a dark tattoo on his skin.

  Un-tucking his shirt from his slacks, he relaxed for the first time. Though he had been attractive before, he looked even more incredible relaxed. He opened his glittering eyes and smiled.

  Damn, he's gorgeous.

  "Don't do that," he said, leaning back his head.

  "Do what?" she said, looking as his goatee, following the line of his strong jaw to his eyes.

  "The wondering … thing. I'm not a puzzle to be solved."

  "This coming from the man who can look into a person's soul to gather information. One of the most powerful men in the world, and I'm not talking just abilities. And you don't think people wonder about you?"

  "I know they do. I just wish you wouldn't." He breathed slowly as he closed his eyes. He was using his powers. It was apparent from the glittery eyes and concentration.

  "Why just me?" Probably because he despised her. It was in the way he acted around her, like he couldn't get away fast enough. But she truly idolized him.

  "Your twin doesn't know, does he?"

  His words threw her head back in surprise. "Know
…?"

  "That the fear is gone, the pain is gone. That you use it--you take it in and make it earn its keep. The darkness." He lifted his head. His silver eyes stared deep into hers. "You don't separate yourself from it. You have made it a part of you. You have learned to … adapt it to you, making you whole." Though still silver, his eyes softened for the first time for her.

  Was he idolizing her?

  He asked, "Do you know how hard I have tried to accomplish that? I push it deep, I move around it, ignore it--hell, everyone I've encountered has. But you control it like it is your arm or leg. And use it like it is your breath." He shook his head. "You should tell him."

  "Ellis? Tell him something I don't even understand?" She never saw it the way he did. She wanted so badly to ease Ellis's pain, but how. No matter how hard she tried to let him know she was fine, it was as if he couldn't believe it.

  "It is his own guilt," Granger said. It was what the shaman had told her.

  He will have to work through it himself, Mama had said. But he had nothing to be guilty of--nothing.

  Granger laughed. Okay, he was cracking up. He laughed and smiled with such relief. She wanted him to do that more, if only around her.

  "You have relaxed around me," she said, "so I'm guessing you don't hate me anymore." She stood up and held out her hand to help him up. He stayed seated for a long time before looking up at her hand. He grabbed hold of her hand for a moment, as if trying to decide what to do. And with a quick tug, Ollie gasped as she was brought to her knees between his legs. His eyes sparkled.

  "I never hated you. I hate being around you." His words blended with his breathing. She couldn't breathe, he was so close. "Nothing. But. Trouble." His gaze traced down her face to her lips. "A constant reminder of what most people struggle against--the darkness within." So close, so very close. "I hate being in your presence." His breath was on her lips, and still she couldn't breathe. "But I … never hated you." With his words brushing against her lips, her head swam. "Like peppermint." His lips feathered her breathlessness. Where were her lungs when she needed them? Breathe, damn it.

  Then he pushed her away as he tried to back into the wall he was already backed into.

  She didn't want him to stop. She didn't want air; she didn't want space. But where were her words?

  "The fighting is still going on. We need to stay alert." He began to get up.

  She had to do something, but her brain wasn't working. He needed to continue. She needed to stop him. But all she could do was stare at the man. Why the hell couldn't she move? Damn it, Ollie. Move your ass.

  Ollie grabbed his arm, pulling him back down. What could she say to make him stay, to make his actions true? What exactly did she want from him? Her eyes searched his with urgency. They showed nothing, revealed nothing. Damn you.

  ()()()

  Ollie's stare said more than her thoughts ever could. But he wasn't going there again. Getting trapped in her strength was something he had not anticipated; it had thrown him into a place he'd sworn he would never go. If Joc ever… ever found out ...

  He took her face between his hands. "Ollie, let it go."

  "Yeah, now let my sister go." Ellis's voice crashed down on him like a ton of bricks and sent chills all over Granger's skin.

  "We're just talking," Ollie said calmly, still looking at Granger.

  "I cannot believe you." Ellis grabbed her arm and yanked her off the ground.

  She shoved him, making him stumble back. "Yo. What've I told you?" she growled at him.

  "You need to be careful," he growled back.

  "Kiss my ass." She turned to Granger and held out her hand. He laughed, remembering the gesture before.

  She laughed with him, getting the joke.

  "What?" Ellis frowned. "We got intruders, and you two are getting acquainted?"

  "This floor's cleared," she said, defending herself while helping Granger up.

  "It isn't over, so no pit stops," Ellis continued to bark.

  She turned to him. "I reiterate. Kiss. My. Ass."

  "I'm the enemy now?" His voice had grown quiet as he looked down at her.

  Granger felt a nasty emotion crawl from Ollie's twin. Ellis really wanted to hurt him.

  "You worried that I'm going to get hurt, or that you can't handle things without me?" Whatever Ellis was dishing out, she was ready to serve the same. Granger saw the bond so clearly. They were so different and so similar. Words were being used, but they were in no way part of the communication. It was the body language: him yanking her, her shoving him, his growl and her stare. Neither one would walk away until the air was clear.

  Ellis ground his teeth. "We can handle it."

  "Then what's up your ass?"

  "You know he can see into your soul. So what? You just pop open the lid and pour out all the contents. You can't trust--"

  "Who? You said it yourself--you respect him, 'cause he keeps his mouth closed. You just don't like the fact he's reading me. Ellis, I can't hide from everyone. You know that. But we can trust Granger. We have for five years. Maybe we can a little longer." She punched her brother in the arm. "You worry too much, man."

  His arm grabbed her around the neck, hugging her. "I know." He sighed, kissing her on the forehead, and his eyes met Granger's, stabbing him like daggers. With his free hand, Ellis grabbed a high-powered rifle from the closet. Granger watched the overbearing brother walk up the stairs to the roof with his twin.

  He had to stay away from Ollie. Not only because of Joc, but also because of the twins' relationship. There was no way he could get between them.

  ()()()

  "Let me shoot it." Ollie said as her brother picked off the intruders one by one.

  "No," he said, firing another round. No matter how many he shot, they were still coming, as if they were an army. This was one mess that would be hard to conceal. How had they found her with such certainty that they'd brought the whole damn state to her doorstep?

  "We have any more rounds downstairs?" he asked.

  "That would be a no." Ollie ground her teeth. If they would let her use her power, or at least let her open fire on those fools, this mess would be more than over. Granger's soul possession was turning them on one another, but for some reason, they were more than prepared. They not only had numbers, but they also had someone with a power that allowed the suppression of noise and interference with her security system. Or they'd hacked it, which wasn't likely with O-no keeping tabs on the firewalls. Breaches were as likely as ice fishing in hell.

  Ollie headed to the stairs.

  "Where are you going?"

  "Y'all need my help."

  "We're fine." Ellis ran in front of her. "Think."

  "Never been good at it." She moved around him.

  "Ollie, don't make me restrain you."

  Ollie began to laugh. He was so good at that, wasn't he? Drugging her. Without a second thought she reared back and clocked him in the cheek.

  "Don't ever think I'll let you do that to me again. And if you threaten me with that again, I will put a bullet in your leg. You hear?"

  "Yeah." Ellis rubbed his cheekbone.

  "I'm a grown-ass woman, not your child. Remember that." But before she could walk around him again, he scooped her up, pitching her over his shoulder. She began to kick and fight as he headed for the stairs quickly. Ollie stopped fighting as bullets whizzing past them from the building across the street. Before Ollie could get a good lock on them, they were inside the building.

  "Granger!" Ellis yelled, racing through the door and down the stairs.

  "Yeah?"

  There was a sound of an ammo clip being slid into place.

  "There are men on the roof across the street. Can you reach them from here?" Ellis asked, finally putting her down.

  "I've already got about ten on my leash. Give me a minute." Ollie turned to the man whose eyes were turning solid silver, even the whites of his eyes. She couldn't believe how awesome he looked. The seal on his arms stretched and m
oved over his skin. How much of his body was covered by it? He was a fourth-level; the seal had to cover more than half his body. And she could tell that he was holding back his power. He had too much self-control. What would happen if he just let loose? Would he possess everyone in the area, or was there more than soul possession? It was said that after certain levels, some developed additional powers. He was fascinating.

  Then, just like that, his eyes were back to gray, and he relaxed. "We have help." He looked dead at Ollie, as if she had some idea.

  "Help?" Ellis asked.

  "The roof." Still looking at Ollie, his brow deepened into a serious frown.

  Ollie smiled, heading for the roof.

  "What the …?"

  Ollie turned to see Granger holding Ellis back. The two men stared each other down. And though Ellis had inches on Granger, he quickly relaxed, realizing what he was up against.

  Ollie didn't have time to interfere. If the fighting stopped, Geo would be looking for her.

  On the roof, a tall man stood waiting. He was dressed in a long white leather duster, white leather pants, and a white shirt that complemented his gentle face, making him look almost angelic. "'ello, Loon." His British accent warmed Ollie to her toes. His creamy skin blushed as if he had exerted himself.

  "Georgie." She went to him and wrapped her arms around him. He held onto her tight, breathing in her scent. When Ollie jerked in pain, he stepped back and looked at her with his brilliant green eyes and girly lashes, but he didn't say a word. He just kissed her on her temple.

  "You know I don' 'ave long," he said against her skin.

  "I didn't expect you in person."

  "Was in town. Anka sends 'er love. Now, what's it you wish?" He pulled back, winking at her.

  "I need to know what is going on. All of it."

  "I don' 'ave that long." Stress immediately showed as his clenched jaw hardened his angel face. He looked so much like Ellis when he did that. "I can give you this much--they're after you, no' jus' yer secrets. Some want yer 'ead. An' Demon's Wrath's now more reality 'an myth. The assassins want to kill the Oracle as well as you, Fire Eye." He wiggled his eyebrows playfully.