“Wow,” I breathed out and hesitantly walked toward the sitting area.
“Why are we here?” Jones asked and the two giants took guard by the only way out—not saying a word.
“I don’t think we were picked up because of our age,” I whispered and the stern look on Jones face said it all. This smelled like something supernatural. Were we ever going to catch a break?
“I guess we’ll find out sooner or later.”
We both fell back into the white suede sofa that was behind us and let out a deep sigh. Yeah we’re tired, sleep is going to come very easy if we ever get the chance to get some shut eye.
“Well since we have the time, I might as well ask. How do you feel about going back home?” Jones asked.
“Please, let’s not do this right now. Don’t try to shrink me, I’m okay and I’m not going to give you the silent treatment again.”
“Max, it’s not going to be easy going to your mom’s funeral, much less seeing Xavier and Angela. I just got your back man,” he said and I knew he had good intentions, but everyone needed to stop handling me with kid gloves.
“I’m not made out of porcelain, Jones. I’ll be fine—especially if we’re able to find Greed before we leave.”
At that moment, a door across the room opened up and a man in his late twenties, maybe early thirties walked in; immediately bringing us to our feet.
Dressed in a fitted grey suit with no tie, the guy looked like a freakin’ mobster—a really stylish one. He narrowed his brown eyes our way as his jaw ticked under his clean shaven face. He protruded authority just in the way he carried himself and I could only guess at who this could be. Once the silence dragged on for too long, his mouth twisted to a sneer.
“I heard you’ve been looking for me.”
10
Nikolai
I had been watching them from the camera monitors in the other room and I expected them to at least be a little scared, but I had to give them credit, they weren’t shocked or at least they didn’t show it. The dark haired boy stared intently and was sizing me up from head to toe—while I did the same to him. Besides the black eye he was sporting, he looked nothing like the Wrath I knew. All dark features and a face that showed his age. It would make sense if this child was the seventh Nephilim, his age fits around the same time I lost contact with Tomagata—with Wrath. But if what Josiah said is true, then this kid very well may be the Fledgling.
My gaze rolled over to his sidekick and I had to hold back a grunt. His arms were folded across his broad chest while he assessed me as well. I knew for sure he wasn’t human, but I doubted he was his Shomera. He’s too modern and to be quite frank, too green to be one.
I let out an exaggerated sigh and walked over to the mini bar, pouring two bourbons and a ginger ale for the kid.
“I’ll take the silence as you want me to do all the talking, eh?” I handed them their drinks and thankfully they took them. I don’t usually ask—people do what I want when I want, no questions asked. But I have a feeling I’m going to have a problem with these two. They look like trouble makers who don’t follow the rules and have issues with authority. But what did I know?
“I apologize for the dramatic retrieval from the casino. No hard feelings?”
“Are you Greed?” The boy quickly asked and I chuckled at his naivety.
I aimed my tumbler to my security guards. “This is Glenn and Thomas, my hellhounds, who escorted you up.”
“Are you Greed?” He repeated again with more urgency.
“My name is Nikolai, and yes, I’m the Nephilim of Greed. I heard from a certain warlock that you were in town asking about me. I decided to introduce myself and save you the trouble of hunting me down. It can be somewhat impossible at times,” I said in exasperation. I have very little patience in having to explain myself and he needed to see that. I raised my eyebrows, prompting him to introduce himself as well.
I casually sat down in one of the arm chairs across from them and the kid cleared his throat before sitting down again—his friend didn’t follow suit.
“I’m Maximillion and this is my Guardian Angel Jones. We’re here because we need your help,” his deep and brooding voice took me by surprise and I could see how painful this was for him; either from the need to ask or whatever the reason he needed my help for. His Adam’s apple bobbed more frequently than normal and his hands clenched at his sides. But that was nothing compared to the black pits of his eyes that practically told his whole story. The saying has never rung more true—the eyes are the window to the soul—and his soul is dark.
“And what can a measly Nephilim like myself do for you, Maximillion?”
His companion, who’d been standing this whole time, took back his liquid courage in one shot and slammed the empty glass on the table between us.
“Let’s cut the formalities, you know why we’re here. You said it yourself, you’re hard to find and with all this security and secrecy, I’m pretty sure you did your homework on us before making an appearance,” the one named Jones said and I saw the skepticism he held for me. His body language spoke volumes and he wasn’t trusting. Maybe he wasn’t so green after all.
“You’re right, I did do my research, but if you’re expecting me to be a mind reader, then you got the wrong Nephilim. So you might need to clue me in on what you need my help for.”
“I need information. Answers to questions about who I am and why someone would be interested in me. Can you help us?”
No matter how much he puffed out his chest and straightened his back—he’s still only seventeen and it’s evident. Something must have happened already.
“I’ve never met you before, and according to a warlock, you’re supposed to be Wrath. So excuse my cynicism if I don’t believe everything I hear.”
“What do I need to do to prove to you what I am?” He readily volunteered.
“Heaven’s Fire. I want to see it,” I said just as eager. I wasn’t going to waste time on this one. If there was one thing that would convince me that the prophecy rang true, it would be this.
His guardians distrust in me multiplied as he tensed and sent laser beams my way. I don’t blame him, I’m an untrustworthy guy and I’m not asking for something simple.
Maximillion stood up and without hesitation, blue flames ignited from his finger tips and spread almost to his elbows. I watched mesmerized as the glowing ocean leaped and twirled in a fiery dance of blues, whites, and just a dash of yellow. Interesting.
As I watched with my own two eyes, I saw my hellhounds slink back toward the elevator doors. No one who isn’t of angelic nature would ever want to be locked in a room with this kid. It would be suicide. It would also be suicidal of me if I helped him. Josiah was right to be afraid. Because if Maximillion was here—alive and well—then The Wanderer wasn’t too far behind him.
The flames diminished and he fell back onto the sofa where he’d been sitting. I took a moment before speaking and made sure I chose my words carefully.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t help you.”
11
Maximillion
“What the hell?!” What game was this sleaze ball playing? We had been brought up to his private room or whatever by his two giant hellhounds, just so he could get a front row view of my fire? Yeah, because that’s not weird.
Jones started to get fired up and the two guards, who had been quiet, were now on either side of us.
“I don’t know what BS you’re trying to pull and I’m sick and tired of everyone saying they can’t help. He’s only seventeen years old! Guide him,” Jones looked defeated and I understood. If anything, he was the one who was worse off. He was stuck in the middle of all this and didn’t know whether to go right or left. And the only people that could help us, wouldn’t.
“Listen Nikolai, I’ve lost a lot and I’ve been on the run for over a month, all I ask is why? Why is this all happening? I just want to understand,” I said, hoping against all odds that what I said got through to h
im. I couldn’t go home empty handed.
Greed stood up, eyeing me carefully, and buttoned his suit jacket.
“We’ve all lost people, Maximillion. And every Nephilim that’s ever lived, has had to learn to survive on their own. What makes you an exception?”
“I have no Shomera. That’s the exception. You’ve all had someone to guide you, to help you survive. I’m not asking for shelter or money, I’m asking for answers,” I said and his eyes slightly widened, placing his hands inside the pockets of his slacks.
“Is this so I can feel pity for you? Because if you haven’t noticed, I’m Greed, I could care less.”
The smirk on his face flicked my internal light switch on and my fingers tingled with anticipation.
“Not only have I lost my life, I lost my mother! He killed my mother! If you think I’m here for pity, you’re dumb as hell. And if you’re not with me, then you’re against me,” I growled and everyone in the room took a step back. My fire reached my shoulders in less than a second and you could hear the crackling in the air.
“Calm down, Max. This is not the way,” Jones said to my left, but I couldn’t peel my eyes away from Greed, whose whole demeanor changed. I don’t know if he feels bad for me or just scared of the fire. Is he working with Abbadon?
“This is the only way, Jones! He knows something and he’s keeping it to himself! Which only means he’s in on it and I’m taking them all down.”
Without hesitation, I threw the first fireball toward his head, but I don’t know which one. I was all of a sudden seeing three of him and they were all smirking at me mischievously. He raised his hand and wiggled his fingers as he waved at me. The room felt like it vibrated and I caught a case of vertigo. I placed my hands in front of me, to grab onto something to keep my balance, but I grasped was air. What the hell?
“How are you doing that?” I said as I shook my head trying to center my vision.
“I don’t like to be threatened, Maximillion. Especially with something as deadly as Heaven’s Fire. So leave here peacefully, before I really make you lose your mind,” he said and I was finally able to see just one of him.
With my mouth hanging open like an idiot, I blinked multiple times, and shook my head again. I wouldn’t be surprised if I was drooling. What the heck is this guy’s ability? Jones was standing by my side, holding me upright by my arm. I could barely feel his grip.
“What did you do?” Jones said and I heard the malice in his voice. He’d gone into full guardian mode.
“He’s only mildly disoriented, no need to worry,” Greed said as he sat back down.
“Not worry? It looks like I need to admit him into a mental institute. What’s your ability?”
“I’m an illusionist. I can alter or deceive the perceptions of another. No biggie.”
No biggie my ass—that sounded like a damn dictionary definition. I could see the slyness in his eyes as he explained what he had done to me. I was still trying to get my bearings together and get my vocal cords to work when Jones released me.
“Son of a b—,” Jones said, but Greed raised his hand to stop him.
“No cursing,” he said and his features turned extremely serious.
Jones and I snorted at the same time. This guy cannot be serious. I felt my mind and bones relax and my disorientation disappear.
I cleared my throat and rubbed my eyes before I took a couple steps forward.
“Okay, I’m calm, you’ve made your point.” He nodded his head in appreciation. “Doesn’t mean I agree with it. At least tell us why you won’t help.”
He looked me dead in the eye and I shifted my weight under his glare. That all knowing stare made me uncomfortable, like he was able to see through me.
“Damn it,” Nikolai huffed and rolled his eyes as he relaxed into his chair.
“You cursed,” I said, reminding him of his rule.
“Shut up and sit down. We’re going to be a while.”
Jones head swiveled my way and we shared a look that said, “It’s about damn time,” and we both plopped down on the sofa. The plush suede made me want to close my eyes. I can only imagine what time it was and I couldn’t wait to get a full night’s sleep. We were going past twenty four hours and I could feel my energy depleting. Especially, after my little episode just now. If I even tried to light up a finger, I think I’d knock myself out.
“First, let me start by asking how are you feeling?” His question threw me off and I quirked an eyebrow.
“Uh…tired, I guess,” I managed to say, trying to see where he was going with this.
He scoffed. “I meant, how are you feeling in regards to your senses. Are they off?”
Oh. Duh. “My hearing was messed up since we hit the mid-west, but it went crazy when we arrived to Vegas. I have ear plugs in.”
He gave me an appraising look. “Smart. Now the reason your hearing is so sharp, is because you’re in a city with other Nephilim. It’s the main reason why we stay separated. Unless you know how to tame it, it’ll most likely drive you insane. Literally,” he said with his hands clasped, elbows on his knees.
“So how do I do that?”
He barked out a laugh that made me jump in my seat. “Kid, that’s not something you learn overnight. A century isn’t even long enough. It’s why Georgina told you to go.”
“Who?” Jones asked beside me.
“Sloth. You might have heard Josiah call her Georgie. She’s a prime example. The girl is nuts and it’s because she never learned to subdue her strength and control it. Now she’s condemned to living underground. Is that the future you want?” He asked and I couldn’t say I hadn’t felt slighted. Not for me but for Georgina.
“Maybe if someone would have helped her, she wouldn’t have to,” I said.
Greed froze for a moment and narrowed his eyes my way. He did not look happy.
12
Nikolai
I stared at him for quite some time, thinking of how to respond. To blame me for Sloth’s condition was an insult and I didn’t take too well to that. Especially by some teenager. He didn’t know anything and he was better off that way. I thought if I told him how annoying his senses would be if he stuck around, he’d scram. But this kid—I don’t know there’s something different about him.
Every time he said or did something that peeked my interest or just outlandish, I stared at those two black holes and his innocence was as clear as day. He hasn’t lived as long as I have but I could imagine the things he has had to go through on his own. The thought made me scowl in his direction. I shouldn’t be feeling pity for him! We’ve all had it rough. We’re all just trying to survive. So yeah, I might have been able to help Georgina—and I might have not been completely truthful as to why she’s crazy—but at the cost of my own life? No. I’ve been around for a great length of time and I’m not throwing it all away. I take care of myself and no one else.
Before I could respond with a retort, Glenn stepped into the room from the shadows.
“Sir, we have a breach.” You have got to be kidding me.
“What level?” I clipped out and I wanted to snap the neck of this little Nephilim for bringing me such troubles.
“Orange, but I think it will escalate to a code red if we do not leave now,” Glenn said and my anger rose ten notches. I nodded to him and he left to prepare an evacuation.
“Get up,” I said as I stood and crossed the room in three long strides. I poured myself another drink and swallowed it in one gulp. The burn helped me ease the tightness of my muscles. How could I have been so stupid to have entertained this child—knowing the risks?
“What’s going on?” The Guardian said as he possessively stood in front of the boy in a protective stance.
Hm. If he only knew. If he only knew he needed to be protected by Wrath and not the other way around.
“The obvious, genius. They’re here and they’re coming for us. So instead of asking questions, I suggest we high tail it.”
They exchange
d a weary look between each other and that really made me roll my eyes. We don’t have time for dramatic pauses. I didn’t live from the age of Roman Greece to the twenty first century for nothing. And I can tell you right now, this is my least favorite era. The more civilized humans become, the more ungrateful they are—and just plain idiotic.
At last, they seemed to have come to a silent agreement and followed me to the elevators where Glenn was waiting for us. The elevator doors opened and the four of us stepped inside. Glenn pressed the button for the rooftop and within seconds we had arrived. My helicopter was waiting on the helipad of the hotel. They silently followed me and the quiet made me suspicious. In the city of Vegas and this early in the morning, it was never this quiet. Something was wrong.
I looked around the rooftop, but all I saw were my hellhounds ready for any action that came their way. Glenn must have had the same suspicions because he started to sniff the air, his nostrils flared. After a moment, he found something because he crouched on all fours and let out a growl towards the helicopter—the other hellhounds followed suit. As expected, the pilot was thrown out and his limp body landed at our feet. His eyes wide and his neck snapped. A man came out next and there was a hitch in my breath. I couldn’t believe who was standing just a few feet away from us.
Abbadon.
His human body had died many centuries ago and most believed he went back to the pits of hell to bid his time before returning.
The Angel of Destruction. The Angel of the Abyss. One of Lucifer’s favorites.
My eyes widened and a shiver ran down my spine. This is bigger than any of us had ever thought. He’s the last angel I would have imagined would be here.
“Abbadon,” Maximillion growled from beside me. I couldn’t contain my shock of his knowledge of Abbadon. No one ever lives to see him and re-tell the story.
I flinched at the feel of heat from Wrath’s flames. The blue fire was burning wild and I had to take a couple of steps away to not get struck by one. I noticed some tint of orange under the blue where it was supposed to be white. That wasn’t good. If we lived after this encounter, I’ll have to learn some more about our young Nephilim.
Greed (Sins of the Fallen Book 2) Page 6
