The Assassin's Revenge (The Hybrid Chronicles Book 2)

by Shana Vernon

  The snow melted as the new season swept in, bringing with it a near-constant downpour of rain. It hammered against the concrete while we trained without stopping. Master Wilson didn’t believe in going inside simply because of ‘A few drops of water.’

  And so we stayed outdoors, our clothing soaked through, not even a word from Hailey about her hair. I was almost happy to discover that it did indeed get frizzy in the rain.

  Now I know it’s not magic.

  For the past few weeks, Sofia had gone through the compound using her vision, searching for anyone with a burner phone. Once she’d given me the names, I’d trailed each of them for confirmation before silently going into their homes in the dead of night to end their lives. In each home, I’d left a sunflower alongside the bodies.

  After a long practice, we trudged into the cafeteria, soaked to our bones, and began piling our plates high with food.

  “Master Wilson does not play around,” Ryder said, rotating his shoulder with a grimace.

  I reached out a hand and sent a few warm rose-colored waves through his body, soothing his sore muscles and chuckled as he let out a sigh.

  Sofia raised her hand in the air. “I’d like some healing mojo too, please.”

  “Did you hear the rumor going around the compound?” Axel asked, his voice low.

  “What rumor?” Ekon asked, his arm coming around to rest on Sofia’s shoulders. She leaned into his embrace with a smile.

  Seeing them together after the drama of the big reveal was heartwarming.

  Axel glanced around before clearing his throat. “Apparently, there is a rogue assassin going around killing Guild members. Seven newer members have been targeted already.”

  I let my mouth drop open and my eyes widen in mock shock as the others let out a series of gasps. They must not have been able to hide so many Guild members’ deaths. If it had been only one or two, they likely would have hidden the evidence of murder, but people would notice so many people disappearing.

  “I heard from Oliver, a second year, that they are calling the assassin, The Flower of Death, because she leaves a sunflower by each mark she kills,” Brielle whispered. She and Hailey had been joining our table ever since we’d come back from The Blood Pit.

  “What makes you so sure the rogue is a woman?” Ryder asked.

  Hailey snorted. “Who else would leave a flower by each person they kill? It clearly has a special meaning to someone. Men are too simple minded for that.”

  I hid my smirk at her comment, not wanting her to know how right she was.

  After changing into clean, warm clothes, I settled down in my seat next to Ryder for our poisons lesson. In each lesson, we received a glass dome encasing a new poison to learn about. Today was different, however. Instead of there being a poison in front of each initiate, they were all lined up on a table against the wall, their domes shining in the light.

  Master Doku clapped to get our attention. “Now that you are all well versed in the different types of poisons we typically use; I would like each of you to come up to the table and select which poison you want to use for your next mission. This is part of your graduation, so the next contract you accept must be taken out by using one of these.” She gestured to the domes.

  I steered clear of the Rosa Mortum, the only known plant to kill vampires, and walked over to the dome with the tiny white clusters of flowers. Cicuta, or Water Hemlock. It was considered one of the deadliest plants, mostly due to its innocent appearance and similar roots to parsnip. Too many fatalities happened from farmers mistaking it for the vegetable and serving it to their families.

  Master Doku went through the group, discussing how each person planned to use their poison and giving suggestions. Ryder brought his choice and sat down, carefully placing the dome on the table. I looked at the five purples petals surrounding a yellow interior with three small, black berries on the outer leaves. Nightshade.

  He grinned. “This should be fun. What do you plan to do?”

  “Yes, Ms. Bishop. How would you choose to use Water Hemlock for your next mark?” Master Doku’s voice came from behind me.

  I jumped.

  How had I not noticed her there?

  “Actually,” she continued, “Please first explain why you chose Water Hemlock specifically.”

  I cleared my throat. “Well, not only is it a highly effective poison, water hemlock also has many aggressive side effects. It can cause violent and painful convulsions, nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant side effects. If I am going to take out someone as repulsive as my previous mark, that person deserves to suffer a little first.

  “And to answer your initial question, I was thinking to extract the essential oil from the plant and use it as an injection.” I finished.

  She raised a curious brow. “Would it not be simpler to dry and crush the flowers or roots and put that in their food?” She asked.

  “Yes,” I started. “But that is assuming I would have access to their food. I haven’t been offered to accept a new contract yet, so I don’t have the necessary information on my next target to assume that would work. There are too many unknown variables, but with an injection, I know that I can use it in almost any situation.”

  She contemplated what I said before turning around and making her way to her office and returning with a small vile. She presented it to me and when I looked it over with a curious expression, she laughed.

  “Now you don’t need to go through the trouble of extracting the oil. I would have chosen that method for the same reason. Very insightful, initiate. The oil is your reward, and you can use it for your next contract.”

  I inclined my head. “Thank you very much, Master Doku.”

  It was my night to tail Cade. I hated these nights, following after him, watching his every movement. It felt wrong. It felt as if I was somehow betraying him even though I was sure Killian had been using him to kill hybrids without his knowledge. He’d never believe me in a million years, and thankfully none of us have had the opportunity to tell him. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I wanted him involved in what we were doing. There was no way to tell where his allegiances would lie.

  Cade hadn’t gone on any hybrid missions in the months that we’d been sending tails after all the elite members. I’d been beginning to wonder if he was really involved in the elite division, or if Quinn had been mistaken. We’d already caught five other contracts, and after calling in Luka to alter their memories, sent them on their way.

  Well, that’s what most of the BBBB thought. The nastier ones I’d been visiting late at night like a reaper and ending their lives, leaving nothing but a beautiful yellow sunflower behind. Sofia was the only one who knew about my late-night escapades, and she had no qualms about it whatsoever. She’d even offered to help multiples times. I’d refused her offers, wanting to keep this part of my revenge just for myself. It was about me avenging Papa.

  Today was different though. Cade was dressed in his Guild-issued assassin gear. Disappointment slammed into my chest. I really didn’t want to get between him and a hybrid. I knew if it came down to it, I’d interfere and save the hybrid. It made our strange relationship that much more complicated and confusing.

  I followed at a respectable distance as I wasn’t invisible as he walked through the compound with confident steps, heading in the direction of the exit. He’d already steered me out the front door and halfway toward his motorcycle when I realized I had nothing with me. No weapons, no keys to my car, nothing. Cade hadn’t left the compound the previous times I’d watched him, which was easy to do when he invited me to his room.

  What do I do?

  He mounted the bike and slipped the key into the lock, turning it on before putting it into gear and begin riding down the street. Without thinking, I shifted, feeling my body shrink, arms changing into wings, tail growing, and a beak forming on my face. My clothing dropped to the floor and I took off, speeding after the bike as it swerved down the winding Boston streets.

  It wasn
’t long before he entered the one of the richest neighborhoods where the houses were far enough away from each other that you couldn’t see the manors on either side. Cade cut off the engine and got off the bike, silently moving toward the property in front of us. It was large and modern, with windows covering the front of the home, and beautiful flowerbeds lying underneath the glass.

  Cade didn’t glance at the greenery, his gaze fixated while making his way to the front door, which abruptly flew open. I almost dropped out of the air when I noticed who exited the manor.

  Luka.

  My mind was reeling. I couldn’t fathom what Cade would be doing at Luka’s home. He didn’t do anything illegal and he wasn’t a hybrid.

  Why would Killian be after him?

  I had a sudden dreadful feeling that it was somehow connected to me, but that would be impossible. Killian had no idea who I was.

  Cade took a step back from the shock of Luka’s sudden exit before planting his feet and squaring his shoulders.

  “Lukalian Night, you have been found guilty by order of the Guild and are hereby sentenced to death.” Cade said and my stomach dropped.

  No. It can’t be.

  I was frozen in the air, grateful that I didn’t need to beat my wings as often as a regular bird to stay aloft.

  Luka seemed more amused than nervous. “And what, pray tell, have I been accused of?”

  I wished I could see Cade’s expression, but my angle made that impossible.

  “You know what you did! You have been accused of murdering a human family. A man, woman, and their one-year old daughter, you sick son of a bitch!” Cade said, his voice rising with his anger.

  Luka’s brows furrowed and his eyes darted to the trees I was hiding out in. I wondered if he could somehow sense that I was there.

  “What human family? Do you have their names, or any other details? If I’m going to be accused of murdering someone, I might as well know who it was.”

  “You deserve nothing, vampire. Nothing except a painful death,” Cade spat, lifting his hands and a wall of flame surrounded Luka, not yet close enough to burn him.

  My heart pounded in my chest as I contemplated what to do. Fire could kill vampires. Without thinking of the consequences, I plummeted down, shifting before landing in front of Cade, my back facing Luka. “Stop!” I shouted.

  Chapter 19

  Cade blanched and the fire immediately died down. “Lenna? What are you doing here? And why are you naked?” Before waiting for my response, he yanked my arm, dragging me behind him as he lifted his hand back up to Luka.

  “No!” I yelled, pushing his arm back down. “He’s innocent, Cade!”

  Cade ignored me and sent a jet of red-hot fire toward Luka, who dodged, his hair flying as he rolled out of the way. Lines of charred grass littered the lawn as Cade continued shooting flaming balls which Luka easily danced away from, not making a single move in retaliation.

  “I can assure you I haven’t done what you’ve accused me of. I’d never lift a hand to an innocent human, let alone an entire family and small child,” Luka said, trying to diffuse the situation.

  Cade didn’t seem to hear him as he was hell bent on completing his contract. He hadn’t even noticed that I’d stepped out from behind him and waved my hands to get his attention.

  Luka made the mistake of throwing me a concerned expression, and in his moment of distraction, one of Cade’s firebombs hit him square in the chest. He flew backwards, slamming into the ground, bits of dirt and grass flying everywhere.

  I yelled and ran across the yard, not caring about the rocks tearing at my feet, determined to get to his side. I leapt in front of Luka just as Cade sent a burning stream of flames, intending to make the kill.

  The fire connected with my torso and pain like I’d never felt before coursed through my body. A scream ripped from my chest. A scream so loud and so high pitched, it immediately made me hoarse and the sound from my throat ceased. I felt as my skin blistered, the smell of singed hair and skin reaching my nose, my stomach turning.

  I heard voices shouting my name in the distance as I willed my mind to focus so I could heal myself. My eyes were closed, but I knew Cade had stopped the stream of fire as I concentrated on my warm, rose-colored healing. I forced it to spread over every inch of my body, feeling as it slowly fused my skin back together and took away the burn until it was a dull throb.

  I groaned.

  Hands lifted my head, and I was placed into someone’s lap as I heard Luka’s smooth baritone voice pleading to me. “Lenna! Please tell me you’re alright.”

  I opened my eyes to see Luka’s honey-colored ones peering over his slightly crooked nose.

  “Ow,” I croaked, loosing a shaky breath. “That hurt.”

  “Lenna! I am so sorry!” Cade fell down to my side and gripped my hand. “Why did you jump in front of my fire like that?”

  He seemed to remember that Luka was still alive and straightened himself. “Get your filthy hands off of her.”

  My mouth dropped open. I’d never heard Cade speak like that before.

  Luka gently helped me into a sitting position and jumped to his feet, snarling at Cade. “You are a dead man,” he said, his voice deadly quiet.

  I wet my throat. “No, Luka. Please don’t hurt him.”

  “Lenna, how do you know his name? What’s going on?” Cade demanded; his body tensed in a defensive position.

  The moment the words left my mouth, Luka stopped his advance on Cade and met my gaze. “Are you sure? He almost killed you.” He seemed to realize my nudity in that moment, because he suddenly unbuttoned his shirt and brought it over to me, wrapping it around my shoulders, the front of it charred from where Cade’s firebomb connected with his chest. I smiled at him gratefully before turning my attention back to Cade.

  “Luka and I are friends, Cade. I promise you that he didn’t do whatever the Guild said he did. He’s a really decent man.”

  Cade threw his hands in the air. “Lenna. He isn’t even a man. He’s a vampire.”

  I rolled my eyes. “And yet, he hasn’t lifted a finger against you even when you were trying to kill him.”

  “He threatened me two minutes ago!”

  “Because you almost killed me!” I yelled, exasperated.

  His shoulders dropped and he took a step closer to me, Luka standing off to the side glancing between us. Cade reached for my hands, but I pulled them away.

  Hurt flashed over his eyes before they cleared. “I understand that you think he is your friend, but he’s not. I have an entire file at home filled with evidence of the murders he committed.”

  Luka raised a brow. “It appears that your Guild has a serious incompetency issue when it comes to collecting legitimate proof. I haven’t killed any humans.”

  That wasn’t entirely true since he killed off a few of the Guild members during our missions to save the Hybrids. But Cade didn’t need to know that. Luka and Max had already set up more than thirty people, a mixture of humans, vampires, and hybrids, in our safe houses. The numbers had been growing by the day.

  I fastened the buttons of Luka’s shirt, which came down to my thigh and walked in between them, facing Cade. “Listen, there is a lot you don’t know. Your uncle has been lying to you, giving you missions that aren’t properly sanctioned. There are people in the Guild that are falsifying evidence in order to target specific people they want to have killed. Innocent people, Cade.”

  He stepped back, shaking his head. “No. That isn’t possible. My uncle would never do that.” He pointed to Luka. “He’s filling your head with nonsense.”

  I turned to Luka. “Maybe it’s best if you go inside while I sort this out.”

  “Don’t be absurd,” Luka scoffed, “I’m not leaving you with him, he’s violent and dangerous.”

  “First of all, you aren’t going anywhere, I’m still going to kill you. Second, I assassinate criminals, I’m not a danger to my own girlfriend.”

  Luka’s eyes widened
as he looked between the two of us. “You’re together?” He asked me.

  I shrugged. Not after this. “Please try to think, Cade. You know me. You know I wouldn’t lie to you.”

  “Stop!” He shouted. “Just stop! You’re both lying. The Guild is my home, I would know if something like that was going on.”

  “Killian has been shielding it from you. He knows you are too good to be involved or even look the other way if he told you the truth.”

  He just shook his head. “Lenna. This vampire has done something to your mind.” He held out a hand, palm up in invitation. “Let’s go home and talk to my uncle. He will help you.”

  I pinched the bridge of my nose.

  This was going nowhere.

  I knew what had to be done but wondered if it was the right move even as the words left my mouth. “Luka, you need to make him believe he was successful and that I was never here.”

  Luka nodded and advanced on Cade, raising his hands.

  “Don’t you dare touch me, blood-sucking demon.”

  I winced. “Do it.”

  Luka blurred forward and placed his hands on either side of Cade’s face. The effect was instantaneous as Cade’s eyes rolled to the top of his head. Luka let him fall, his body crashing to the ground with a thump.

  I gave him a look.

  “Oops,” he said with a grin. “He slipped.”

  “I’m sure,” I said, bending down to make sure Cade was okay. “Thanks for the shirt by the way.”

  “I was starting to think it was becoming a habit of yours, showing up in front of me naked.”

  I choked out a laugh, my throat still a little dry. I stopped when I noticed the injury on his bare chest. “You’re still injured.”

  He looked down. “Yes, I heal quickly but not that quickly.”

  I rolled my eyes and held out a hand. “Just get over here and let me help you.”

  He smiled and stepped directly in front of me, my hand resting on his burn. I sent waves of healing energy through his body and his eyes fluttered shut as he let out a sigh. Instead of his heart rate slowing as his wound healed, the longer my hand rested on his body, the faster his pulse ran.