by Janelle Peel
Oh shit. “Is Nat okay with that?”
“She brought him back with her.” Reading the surprise on my face, she leaned closer to the camera, “Nat has decided.”
Stunned, I dropped into the plush office chair. This was good, right? We’d been trying to revive Nat ever since the last Elemental disaster. It sucked for Mel, but someone was going to be hurt regardless. Briefly, I wondered if she would have picked him if he hadn’t tried to mark her as his without permission.
On the other hand, Kane arranged for her kidnapping. I still hadn’t received all the details surrounding her time in the UK, but she swore he didn’t know she would be cursed right along with his Wolves.
None of it mattered, though. It was her choice. I missed my snarky friend. Having her back would be a blessing. Hope filtered through my frantic need to do something. Clearing my throat, I got back on topic, “That’s really good to hear. When are Blaze and Bex due?”
“Jackson has the details.” Tipping her head, she looked to the side, “Where is he?”
Baring my teeth, I bit out, “He had to feed.”
“What?” She screeched, piercing my ear drum with her shout.
I grimaced, “He went through our bagged supply. He’s lost about ten pounds repairing the damage he sustained. My blood wasn’t enough.”
“Oh, Babe,” she soothed. “It’s okay. Don’t take it personally. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
Pushing back the ache inside my chest, I sighed, “It hurts, Sora.”
The stars swirling inside her sapphire depths froze as her expression hardened, “It means nothing, Viv. Do you hear me? Nothing. Jackson loves you. He would never do anything to betray your trust.”
She was right. We had bigger issues to deal with, anyway. Gathering my resolve, I met her gaze, “I know. We’ll call you when we get Bex and Blaze.”
Lillin
Springing from the bed, Mel rushed toward me. Sidestepping his large girth, I skidded to the other side of the room with a hiss, “Don’t touch me!”
Clenching his fists in frustration, he slammed them down on the bowl of water. The pot shattered; instantly soaking his thighs. Turning on one heel, his chocolate orbs met mine, “Hell? Are you fucking kidding me?”
Shaking my head, I crossed my arms, “No.”
The gold of his collar glowed with a yellow hue. Panicked, I screamed, “Don’t!”
Fur sprouted along the broad planes of his chest. The scent of charred meat littered the air as the band’s magic activated and immediately reversed the change.
With a startled cry, he dropped to the ground.
Grabbing the blanket from the bed, I tossed it over his naked body. Patting one thick shoulder through the material, I waited for his shudders to subside.
He croaked, “What was that?”
“I’m so sorry. I should have explained. The device around your throat doesn’t just keep tabs on you, it silences your Wolf. What you experienced was a warning. If you try to shift again, it may kill you.”
Tensing, he growled, “What have you done to my Wolf?”
Dropping my hand, I settled beside him, “Nothing. It’s my Father’s creation. Your Wolf is still there, you just can’t reach him. Although, you did achieve more than I thought possible.”
Bracing up on one elbow, his brow lowered, “How so?”
“I read up on it.” At his queer expression, I continued, “Yes, we do have books in Hell. You shouldn’t have been able to shift at all.”
Dropping his head to the floor, defeat colored his voice, “What do you want with me?”
I sighed, “Personally, nothing. I don’t trust you.”
“The feeling is mutual,” he grouched. Softer, he added, “Why would your Father hurt you, anyway?”
Unwilling to disclose the details, I frowned, “Because he can.”
He gasped. Rolling to the side, horror lined his face.
Unable to take his expression, I began picking up the pieces of the broken basin. How was I supposed to get clean, now?
Tentatively, he reached toward me.
Snatching my arm away, I shook my head, “Never touch me.”
Hurt shone in his coffee tinted depths for a moment. Jerking a nod, he mumbled, “Sorry about your bowl.”
“It’s fine. You’re just going to have to live with my stench. It’s that, or we take a trip to the underground hot spring. I doubt you’re ready for it, though.”
Mel
Stench? All he smelled was the same sweet scent and spent bullet casings. How could he be in Hell? What the fuck was going on?
His thoughts ground to a halt, “Hot spring?”
“Yes. It’s a few levels down, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Standing, she pulled a grey lump of fabric from a rock protruding from the wall. Wrapping it around her body like a toga, she tied off one end at her shoulder.
If he could get out of this room, he might have a chance of escape.
Turning away, she grabbed another piece of the same material and held it out.
He eyed it for moment. What was he supposed to do with that?
She smirked, “I can see what you’re thinking, Mel. Perhaps we should go. It will save me the explanation. Just remember, keep your head down, or it’s both our asses on the line.”
Rising from the floor, he towered over her smaller frame.
Unbothered, she placed the fabric inside his hand, “Put it on. Walking around down here with your dick hanging out is an open invitation.”
Invitation? For what? Shrugging off her warning, he slipped it around his hips.
The clank of metal sounded.
Turning from the table, she held out a long chain. At his dumbfounded expression, she gestured to his neck, “Hook it on your collar so they know you’re mine. It won’t work on anything above a lesser, but it should get us there and back safely.”
Doing as he was told, he patiently waited for her to open the door.
With a loud scrape, she slid it to the side.
Grabbing the end of his leash, she leaned closer, “Always stay behind me. You are my slave. Never speak to anyone without permission, and for fuck’s sake, try to look cowed.”
Hunching his shoulders, he stepped into the hall behind her.
After the fifteenth turn, he was completely lost. Not only that, but he couldn’t even rely on his sense of smell. Completely unlike the scent of Lillin’s room, rot and decay littered the air with a denseness he could feel against his skin. It coated the inside of his sinuses to the point where he’d begun breathing through his mouth.
Unfortunately, it tasted even worse.
He missed his Wolf. Born with both souls, he’d never been alone inside his own mind. His silence left him off balance. The weight of the band circling his throat seemed to grow heavier with each step.
“Almost there,” she murmured, bringing him back to the moment.
Picking up his pace, he drew even with her, “Where is everyone?”
Baring her teeth, she jerked his chain like a whip. It snapped against his chest with a crack, “Back, slave!”
Disturbed by her change in demeanor, he paused. Normally he’d snap and growl, but he felt strangely neutered.
The ground shook; rattling his teeth.
It came again, only much closer.
Tugging on his leash, she pulled him behind her. From the corner of her mouth, she whispered, “Pay attention, Mel. I’m not at full strength.”
Dust rained from high above as it sprinkled them with a thin, ashy coating. A clatter echoed off the stone walls.
Ramrod straight, Lillin continued walking.
As his lips opened to ask what the hell was going on, one large hoof came into view. It alone could squash him whole. Lifting his eyes, he could only stare at the massive creature as it rounded the corner.
Over fifty feet tall, the top of its bald head nearly scraped the stone ceiling above. Red scales covered its torso before disappearing at its waist where coarse d
ark hair sprung up in random patches.
Goddess, it was male.
Noticing their presence, the Demon stopped, “Princess, have you brought me a snack?”
The sound of his voice was akin to nails on a chalkboard. Biting his cheek, he yearned to plug his sensitive ears.
“No, Geryon,” Lillin answered. “This is my Father’s pet.”
Laughter boomed from the half horse abomination, “Pet. Tell me, Lillin, where is your Father?” The slits where his nose should have been opened, “Mmm. Had a recent foray with Lucian? By the looks of you, he’ll be unavailable for quite some time.”
A hiss began at the back of her throat. Dropping his leash, she bit out, “Stay.” Pivoting on one bare heel, she strode toward Geryon with her hips swaying. Lifting one hand near his hoof, she snarked, “Shouldn’t you be guarding the Fracture? Maybe you’d care for a taste instead?”
Geryon stumbled back like he’d been burned, “No! It was a jest, Princess. Only a jest.”
Motioning back toward him, she kept her eyes on the behemoth blocking their path.
Following her lead, he kept his face down and approached. The chain clinked as it settled inside her palm.
Geryon chuckled in approval, “Trained him well, I see.”
Before she could respond, the beast plucked him from the ground in one thick claw. With his arms trapped against his sides, he could only kick his feet.
Lillin screeched an ear piercing war cry.
The pressure on his ribs increased to the point where his eyes felt like they would pop from their sockets.
Time seemed to slow.
Helplessly, he watched Lillin launch from the ground and lock her legs around the Demon’s ankle. Gripping his pelt, the muscles of her slender arms flexed as she tore away a chunk.
Stomping frantically to dislodge her, Geryon brought his clenched fist to his wide mouth.
Staring down multiple rows of razor sharp teeth, Mel’s mind stuttered. Goddess, was this it? Chained in Hell? Eaten alive by a centaur? His vision darkened.
Without warning, he was weightless. The beat of his heart throbbed a painful staccato inside his skull as the ground came rushing up to meet him. Closing his lids, he waited for the end.
Something soft caught him and immediately dropped him to the floor.
Sucking in greedy gulps of air, he groaned, “Let’s never do that again.” A touch settled against his thigh. Opening his eyes, Lilian’s concerned gaze met his.
Wringing her hands, she knelt anxiously beside him.
The bruises marking her face were gone as if they’d never been.
Bex
Stepping from the plane, sweat instantly beaded upon my brow.
Goddess, it was hot!
Shouldering my bag, I scrambled to keep up with Blaze’s long stride.
Jackson stood inside the small airport with a disapproving expression. Jerking his head to the exit, we followed him to the rental car.
Settling into the backseat, I inspected the line of his jaw. Had he lost weight? Jovially, I quipped, “You on a diet, Jackson?”
Meeting my curious expression in the rearview mirror, his pupils expanded, “Mind your mouth, pup.”
Puzzled by his reaction, I pulled the tome from my pack.
Blaze insisted I wear gloves whenever the book was in my possession, and I was seriously regretting my agreement. Damp with anxiety over my uncle, they’d taken on a very unpleasant smell. Breathing through my mouth, I skimmed the pages once more.
Twenty minutes later, I concluded the search was pointless. Nothing of note stood out. Nat told me so, but I’d stubbornly refused to believe her.
Briefly, I wondered what it would be like to control lava. Would it bubble? Could Kai manipulate the plates beneath the Earth’s crust? Where had he come from?
“Bex,” Blaze rumbled, snapping me out of my daydream.
We’d arrived.
The Hacienda de San Antonio was a sight to behold. Majestically nestled below the active volcano, it screamed refined luxury. The lush gardens surrounding the hotel boasted an array of colorful flowers. High archways dominated the two story colonial building as they showcased a richly decorated interior.
Clearing his throat at my gawking, he gestured for me to hurry up.
Closing my mouth, I shoved the tome inside my bag.
“Bex!” Viv shouted, padding inside from the open terrace with her arms open wide.
Beaming, I ran into her embrace.
Lifting me from the floor despite her shorter height, she laughed, “Jesus, woman! Stop growing already!” Turning us in a fast circle, her spine went rigid.
Confused, I released her and stepped back.
Glowering, Jackson jerked his head to the adjoining suite.
Without a word, she followed and closed the door.
I looked to Blaze for clarification.
Scrolling through his phone, he’d apparently missed the entire scene. Swiping his thumb across the display, he brought it to his ear, “Hey, Love. We’re here.”
Figuring he’d want some privacy, I walked to the balcony. So many shades of green, I mused. Definitely not what I was expecting. Oooh, was that a pool?
Rummaging through my belongings, I decided a dip was in order. Anything to keep my mind away from the last words I’d spoken to the man that had raised me like his own.
Chapter 5
Kai
The sun rose; bathing his room in a delicious heat.
Stretching languidly on the bed, he reached for his magic. Sending a pulse of power in search of the Water Fae, he was shocked to find only a faint ping.
Where had she gone?
Snatching the electronic device from the nightstand, he tapped the map icon. His location lit with a red pin. Pinching the display to zoom in, he guessed her location to be somewhere in Mexico…
Why would she go there? Was she running from him?
Opening the web browser, he decided it didn’t matter. He’d traveled all this way to find her, what were a couple hundred more miles?
The modern technology of humanity both baffled and delighted him. Magic was myth, while gadgets reigned supreme.
His first encounter with a television was disturbing. How did they fit into such a small box? Soon, he became engrossed in the shows he later found were called sitcoms. Half of their actions were rehearsed and completely fake. This disappointed him greatly.
The internet on the other hand, was extremely helpful. Massive amounts of information at the touch of a button. Chartering a plane was as easy as snapping his fingers.
Typing in his best guess of her destination, he closed the app.
Viv
Fidgeting with a tan throw pillow, I squeezed it to my chest.
Without missing a beat, Jackson prowled toward me. His fingers gently traced the line of my chin, “Hey.”
How was I supposed to handle this? It was one thing to drink the bagged blood back home, or from one of the Menagerie. After all, we were family. Why was this affecting me so much?
“I didn’t,” he rumbled.
What? Incredulous, I snapped my gaze to his. Midnight, they highlighted complete devotion inside their dark depths. The hollows of his cheeks were even more pronounced than when he’d left. Lines marked the corners of his lips as they thinned.
“I couldn’t, Viv. Not without you.” Lowering his hand, he stepped back, “You need to know how to feed from a stranger. This is the perfect time for you to learn.”
Happiness and fear lit through my chest in equal proportions. He needed this. We could go days without blood, but with his wounds, his very life was at stake.
Resolved, I nodded, “Tell me what to do.”
Sitting at a table on veranda, I watched a few people stroll through the courtyard below. It would be dark soon, but the couples didn’t seem to care.
Jackson insisted we dress appropriately.
The navy jacket he wore would normally fit like a glove. Now it looked like someth
ing from he picked up at a thrift store. The collar of his white dress shirt sagged, and his face had taken on a haggard appearance.
Worriedly, I tugged at the hem of my little black dress.
Reclining in his chair, he tipped his crown to the plaza, “Do you see any?”
I mumbled, “The ones near the fountain.”
“Good. I haven’t seen them interact with anyone else, so they must be on holiday. Who else?”
Refocusing on my task, a single man settled onto a stone bench. Somewhere in his thirties, he pulled a book from his satchel and began to read.
Shifting one finger in his direction on the white table cloth, I answered, “The guy?”
“No. We cannot take too much from one person. The loss would leave him in bed for days and arise suspicion. We don’t know how long we’ll be here. It’s too risky.”
I nodded. That made sense.
The tap of footsteps on the clay tiled floor drew my attention as the waiter arrived.
“Señior, is the wine not to your satisfaction?”
Lifting his glass, Jackson answered, “Es un buen año.”
Turning toward me, worry drew his bushy brows low, “Señorita?”
“It’s perfect, thank you.” Holding the stem, I brought the rim to my lips. Making a show of savoring the flavors, I grinned.
Satisfied, he moved on to the next table.
When he was out of earshot, I wiped my tongue on a napkin. That was absolutely revolting. I hadn’t tried wine in ages, and I definitely never wanted to again.
Jackson smirked.
Giving him the stank eye, I muttered, “Shut up. What did you say to him, anyway?”
He chuckled, “It’s a good year.”
Hmm. I needed to broaden my linguistic skills.
Plucking his wallet from the pocket of his blazer, he tossed a few bills onto his empty plate. Standing, he offered me his arm, “Shall we?”
Full darkness had settled by the time we caught up with our quarry.
The woman’s suitor gestured to the trees with a flourish while whispering something into her ear.
