by JoAnna Grace
“Wait,” Avery stopped her. “Ryse is an executioner?” The very thought terrified her right down to her bones. Though she shouldn’t have been surprised. He had dispatched the intruders who attacked her with practiced skill.
Nikki’s expression said she understood why this would distress her Lady. “Why, yes, Avery. That is a part of his job. Zeus would never leave such a task to anyone else. There is a system that has to be followed, but in the end it is his job to—”
“Kill people.” Avery’s stomach soured again. The more she learned about Ryse, the more she doubted their relationship was possible.
“Had he not the ability to do so, those men who attempted your capture would still be out there. You should be glad to have such a man protecting you the way that he does.”
After a moment of quiet, Avery began to move again. Using the same ingredients, she put her hands to work on something else. Nikki kept reading from the book, but Avery only half-listened. Her mind was working again and her hands never stilled. Every few minutes Nikki would ask if she needed help. Avery kept her at the books, though. There was so much she had to learn and this seemed like a great way to do it. Avery cooking. Nikki reading.
SITTING AROUND A rectangular table in a secure conference room was the Elite team. At the head of the table was Master Ryse. To his right was Hammon. This man, straight from the pages of ancient books, was a pillar of loyalty and steadfastness. Hammon was one of the two team members that were not Thracian born. That didn’t mean he wasn’t as deadly as his comrades. But his skill was tracking, not killing.
To the Master’s left was General Gyrfalcon, named for the animal he could shift into. Falcon acted as General of the American Legion of the Thracian Army. Not many Thracians showed signs of age until they reached several centuries old. The sideburns on his face had gray hair mixed with the black, as did his small beard. The crow’s feet stemming from his slate blue eyes were deeper than most. Falcon was tall, slender and hard looking; a man who had seen too much death in his day.
Around the table sat the other Elites: Cutter, the telepath and sword master and other non-Thracian; Philippe, whose powers were element based; the master of hand to hand combat-Yankee; and his newest Elite, Brenden. All of these men were the cream of the crop. These warriors sat at this table because they were the best of the best and had sworn loyalty to Ryse as Master.
“Tell me what’s going on,” Ryse commanded. His eyes landed first on the General of his army.
“Master.” Falcon nodded. “Things have been fairly quiet since you left. Only one problem came up. There was a teenager openly using his telekinetic abilities in public. College kid. He was dealt with and warned. Only minor mental clean up was necessary to those who witnessed him. Training goes as necessary for the men. I’ve been corresponding and synchronizing with General Gastone about a possible visit from the European Deities.”
“Were all the men who accompanied the European Princess checked over properly?” Ryse’s stutter of the royal term for Salina received a couple throat clearings from his men.
“Yes Master, though she was rather insistent that her two personal bodyguards not have to go through the process. She claimed that men General Gastone assigned to serve her personally were immune to the tests of others in her security.”
Ryse rolled his eyes, a habit he’d picked up from Avery. He absently wondered how his sweet Grace was doing. “Fine. Keep an eye on them. I don’t trust anyone or anything that travels with her. I trust Gastone’s judgment and loyalty, but Salina has,” he paused for a moment, “means of persuasion.”
“Something tells me you aren’t talking about her telepathy.” Yankee snickered under his breath. One raised brow from Ryse ceased his chuckles. Pissed off Ryse was not prone to appreciate his usual antics.
“I want no one and I do mean no one from her security team or maid staff anywhere near the west wing of this Palace. Do you all understand?” Ryse made eye contact with each of them. “The timing of her arrival is anything but a coincidence and I do not want to take any chances. None of you are to be around her. Your minds are too valuable.”
“Aw, thanks boss,” Yankee piped up again.
“Yankee.” Ryse narrowed his eyes. “Since you seem to be in such a talkative mood. Please tell me you have something for me that I don’t already know.”
Cocky as always, Yankee pushed a file towards General Falcon. “Jerry was actually named Carter Patrokovich. Before he was assigned to Avery, he was on another girl who turned out to be nobody. His job is to get close to the females, and sleep with them or kill them if they have any power at all. According to my spies on the inside, he thoroughly enjoyed his job. He siphons information via touch. We’re pretty damn lucky that Avery had no clue about anything Olympian related.”
“By keeping her ignorant,” Hammon said thoughtfully, “Her parents kept her safe.”
Brenden leaned forward, elbows on the table. “What about the Teleporter?”
“Top tier.” Hammon would have recognized his level of power. “Once he was out of the house, he was gone to me. But I’ve begun a search throughout all the registered Teleporters. I’m hoping to track them all since there are so few. I will find him, Master.”
“Form a team. I don’t want you personally doing this. Your presence is more valuable here. My mother informed me that we should be prepared for many visitors soon. She’s had a vision of all the Deities gathering, though she doesn’t know what for. When the time comes, Falcon, I want you to assign a liaison for each of the separate Deities’ security. I know that all the Generals will want to talk to you directly, but I want you to delegate the tasks. My gut tells me this will not be a happy family reunion.”
“Yes, Master. I have competent men who will be more than able to handle a flux of security measures.”
Ryse looked the much older man in the eyes when he delivered the next comment. “Seeing as how the men in this army have not only the Elites, but me as their teacher, I will not tolerate any Thracian soldier to be less than perfect. We are the epicenter of the Thracian world and when my fellow royals come into this Haven, they expect to be safer than any place on the planet. If we have any soldier that is less than perfect at this point, they will be put elsewhere, not on guard duty. Understood?”
“Yes, Master.” Falcon took the order like the dedicated soldier that he was. He was a General for a reason. “Might I make a suggestion, sir?”
Ryse nodded.
“Perhaps a word from their Master would help reiterate the high standard they are set to.”
“Will do.” He then turned his attention to the other Elites. “Next?”
The men continued with their meeting for the next hour. Millions of Olympians around the world depended on this rock solid rule of Thracians to keep their secret. The armies of warriors worldwide were deeply infiltrated into the human society. Their soldiers occupied positions in many police departments, government offices, and military rank in every country of the globe. It was crucial for Olympians to be protected on a local and worldwide level. The pyramid of soldiers was vast, all leading to one point—one man who acted by direction of the gods. The Master Thracian.
That man checked his communications device that dinged with the receipt of a message. Ryse hated technology, but even he had to admit that cell phones were handy.
Ur woman is n the kitchen. She’s cooking. U’ve got to c this!
Ryse drew a breath and closed the device. “Meeting adjourned.”
He stood up to make his way out of the conference room. Now that the official meeting was over, everyone seemed to relax. They had sorted through a lot of issues. An air of confidence was back. “You men hungry?”
Prince Hayden sent the text message and walked into the kitchen to introduce himself to the new girl. It was completely unfortunate that she was good looking and already claimed by Ryse. He would have to live with the hot sister-in-law jokes for the rest of his existence. It would be great ammunition to use
against his big brother. Hayden smirked, thinking about pushing Ryse’s buttons. His brother was way too serious way too much of the time.
“Well, well, well.” He grinned as he made his way to the bar where Nikki was sitting. “It looks like I’m just in time.”
Flashing a huge smile to Avery, he was surprised to see her jaw drop at the sight of him. The Princess held a batter-laden whisk mid stir in a bowl of chocolate goo. Her face was complete incredulity.
“Seen a ghost, Lady?” Hayden laughed quite used to getting the reaction from people who meet Ryse first then see his near twin-like face.
“Holy crap! You’re his Mini-Me!”
He couldn’t help his roar of laughter. Nikki giggled.
“Never heard that one before. Austin Powers, right?” Hayden propped himself up on the nearest stool to Nikki and grabbed one of the many delectable treats that lay scattered in a banquet on the countertop.
“I’m so sorry. I don’t filter my mouth well and the distance from brain to tongue is too short.” Avery’s entire face turned red. “You must be Prince Hayden. I’m Avery, the moronic ass.” She held out a hand.
Hayden took her chocolate covered fingers and stuck one of them in his mouth, overly pleased with the gasps from the ladies. Avery’s eyes were about to explode, her mouth hung open at his audacity.
He flashed a wicked grin. “Delicious. Make sure you tell Ryse I did that. It will get under that thick skin of his like crazy. Such a stiff.” Hayden winked and shoved a brownie in his mouth.
“I think you and I are going to get along like bees and honey.” Avery laughed when she finally remembered to breathe. “That was a heck of an introduction, darlin’.”
“I know I won’t forget it anytime soon and it wasn’t even my finger.” Nikki giggled and fanned herself.
Hayden turned his face to the exquisite redhead sitting beside him. Two light brown eyes gleamed at him. He asked, “Your turn?”
“Such a flirt!” She shook her head and rolled her eyes.
Hayden shrugged and smiled innocently. “What can I say? I like the ladies.”
“Nikki, you think you can conjure up some rain boots?” Avery asked. Nikki tilted her heard questioning in silence. “’Cause the bullshit’s getting real deep in here.”
“Ouch!” He grabbed his chest. “You wound me, woman! I might have to eat another one of these brownies to survive.” When he reached for the platter of rich chocolates, Avery smacked his hand. “What?”
“Have you had dinner yet?” Avery put her hand on her hip.
“I’m game for whatever you can whip up. It’s been decades since this kitchen has seen anyone in it but Valarie. It’s going to be worth every broken dish and four letter word she’ll throw around when she sees what you’ve done in here.” He laughed, sneaking a chocolate cookie.
“I didn’t think about that,” Nikki said with complete soberness. “Oh, dear!”
Avery was lost. Her eyes darted between him and Nikki, “Is she going to be mad?”
“You can bet your cute bumpkin ass she will,” Hayden huffed. “My mother might rule this Palace, but Valarie rules this kitchen.”
The Princess put down the bowl she had been steadily whipping up. “Well, now hold on one minute.” She furrowed her brow, hitched her hip, “I’m kind of a big deal around here, right?” Nikki and Hayden both nodded, hiding grins. “So can’t I tell her to put her temper on ice and shut up until I’m done cookin’?”
“You know, Avery, I do believe you are getting the hang of this whole royalty thing.” Hayden laughed when a smug look of happiness crossed Avery’s face. This girl was just what Ryse needed. In fact, she was just the fresh face they all needed.
IT WAS ALL she could do not to stare at this smaller, lighthearted version of Ryse. She and Prince Hayden had instantly hit it off. He was carefree and openly flirtatious with both her and Nikki. From what Nikki had been reading to her previously, Avery assumed that Hayden could afford to be the high-spirited, buoyant version of his brother. He had none of the pressures that Ryse did. Hayden might have come across as a nonchalant playboy, but the intensity and strength of his family legacy was there, too, right below the easy smiles and free flowing jokes.
The physical resemblance was uncanny, especially his face. The first time Ryse had come into the café, it had nearly knocked the breath from her lungs to look at him. He was ruggedly beautiful, a man from her most sensual dreams. Hayden was more Hollywood beautiful; his black hair was longer than his brother’s and touched his shoulders. There was no facial hair on him, like Ryse. They shared the same big brown eyes that could melt a woman.
The major difference between the two brothers was their size. Ryse was a broad six foot four. Hayden was a few inches shorter and leaner. The second-born Prince was in no way the lesser of the two by any means. What Hayden might have lacked in physical size, he made up with his magnetic charisma, something that Avery couldn’t really say about his older brother. While Hayden seemed to attract people, Ryse was his polar opposite.
“Gross! I have to stick my hands in raw eggs?” Hayden questioned, as Avery gave him a lesson in how to fry chicken. He frowned at the yellow slime.
“You’re about as functional as a screen door on a submarine. Get your hands in there.” They all laughed as the pretty boy dipped his clean hands into the eggs with a chicken breast, then rolled it around in the breadcrumbs. Nikki peeled potatoes and Avery helped them both.
That’s how Ryse and the rest of the Elites found them. Most of their faces were familiar by now. There was the Italian smoker, Phil-something. Hammon was quite unforgettable. Cutter, the small Asian. Yankee. Then there was Brenden, a guy with a face straight off the Disney Channel. He was a comfort compared to the new man with them who instantly made her skin crawl with primal fear. He gave the impression of being much older than any other person she had seen around the Palace and yet his physique was distinctly that of a seasoned warrior in his prime. He had grey streaks in his hair, wrinkles around his sharp eyes and on his forehead. His muscles were thick and no less intimidating than the younger men. There was something very predatory about all of Ryse’s Elites and this man was no different. Each of them seemed to hide an animal simmering below the surface of their human faces.
But even these men with their interesting features could not keep her eyes off Ryse. Simply seeing his face made her heart pound. Her skin shivered in excitement. Those piercing eyes locked with her gaze immediately. A cocky, possessive grin barely revealed itself on his lips. Oh god, his lips.
Either he was warming her with his aura or the kitchen was getting much, much hotter. Forgetting everyone else in the room, Ryse walked over to her and put a proprietary hand on her nape and left a kiss on her forehead. She felt so much in the touch: possession, comfort, safety, passion.
“Be careful,” she said, using what coherent thought she had left. “I have eggs on my hands.” When he stepped back from her, the only sound in the kitchen was the bubbling of the oil as it browned the chicken. Avery was suddenly aware of all the eyes watching. The blood gathered in her cheeks and she stepped away from him. Recalling how he had told Salina how he didn’t like to be touched, Avery wondered if this act of affection shocked the Elites as much as it did her.
Thankfully, Hayden spoke up before she let her mind linger on Salina. But what he said was even more blush worthy. “Oh, for the love of Aphrodite, get a freaking room! I’m trying to cook here!” This seemed to snap everyone out of their trance and a few of the men laughed.
“Hayden, the thought of you cooking turns my stomach,” Brenden teased as he leaned over the bar to watch the Prince batter up another chicken breast. His eyes kept flickering over to Nikki.
“Hey, look at my teacher.” Hayden smiled sinfully sweet. “I’ve licked her fingers and touched a breast.”
Silence again. Ah, hell. Ryse went rigid by her side and she saw Nikki swallow a tennis ball down her throat. Hayden chuckled and kept at his task clearly plea
sed with himself for causing trouble.
“He did what?” Ryse said, replacing a hand on the nape of her neck. The gesture was firm, but not overly so.
“He means chicken breast,” Avery spit out quickly. “Your brother is trying to yank your chain, darlin’.” She gave it her best accent to distract him. “I guess he thinks it’s funny to risk his life at attempting a joke.”
“Hell yeah,” Hayden preened. “Just look at him. He’s seething. It’s perfect!”
The young man’s laughter calmed the situation. Even stiff and solemn Hammon grinned at the two siblings. He, Philippe, Cutter, and the new soldier had taken a casual seat at a breakfast table. Yankee was leaning against the wall, grinning.
“Because you are my brother, you get that one for free.” Ryse then did the unexpected and pulled Avery’s neck to him. He rubbed her nose with his and whispered, “Mine” before kissing her. Avery could hear a couple of the men chuckle, Nikki giggled, and Hayden made some catcalls and repeated his line about getting a room.
Avery was breathless and disoriented when Ryse released her. The shock on her face was evident and earned her a sly grin from Ryse.
Avery leaned in to Ryse’s body. “Hayden should piss you off more often if that’s the result.” She tried to clear her head of the tantalizingly sensual fog of his kiss. He kept the contact at her neck. She assumed it was to make a public claim to his men.
“Don’t encourage him. He does it enough on his own.” Ryse punched his little brother on the arm. Hayden puckered his lips and made a kissing noise in return. Then, he winked at Avery.
“You remember the rest of the men, right?” Ryse said. “Yankee, Cutter, Hammon, Philippe, Brenden.” Ryse pointed them each out. Avery nodded to each. “This is General Falcon. He is—”
