Blaze of Wrath (Phoenix Rising Book 5)

by Harper Wylde

  “Nix,” Joshua murmured, nearly unintelligible. “It’s okay.” He finished with this current vials and retracted his teeth, surrendering his partial shift and returning to his human form. “Theo had a great idea. Besides, it’s not like it hurts me in any way.”

  “We’ve been on missions before.” Theo capped the vials and labeled them appropriately. “Before we met you, the Council used to send us out on various small tasks. Sometimes we’d need to bring weapons with us.”

  I blanched. Obviously, we didn’t know everything about each other, and though they had mentioned working with the Council in passing, I had never assumed they had been involved in anything deadly. “Are you telling me you’ve killed before?” I leaned away from both men, propping myself on Theo’s bed by resting my weight on my palms. I needed the space to process what I was learning.

  Theo sighed. “No, but I don’t think that will be the answer once this rebellion is over.” He glanced up, shifting to rest his elbows on his knees. The new position brought him to my height, his gaze level with my own. “We used to bring tranquilizer guns with us to use as necessary. We mostly brought in wild shifters for the Council.”

  “Okay. And what does that have to do with tranqs?” I asked.

  “Different types of shifters require differing amounts of tranquilizer. It’s hard to know what type of shifters will be on this team the Council is sending to the outpost,” Theo explained, and Joshua picked up his thought.

  “The time it takes to identify the type of alter and load them with the appropriate amount of tranquilizer could be the difference between life and death. None of us are willing to risk your life to spare another’s. You’re too important.” Joshua shrugged unapologetically. A part of my heart warmed while the other part waged a guilt-ridden war.

  “I don’t want people to die because of me,” I added in a quiet voice.

  Both men seemed to understand. Joshua scooted closer and took my hand in his. “War brings hard choices, Nix. We’ve already seen the toll it takes. As much as I wish we could change our political system without death, I know that’s an impossibility. Can you see Ishida, Maldonado, or Stepanov voluntarily stepping out of their powerful role?”

  “No.” I swallowed, already seeing where he was going with his example.

  “They’d rather die than give up their throne,” Joshua murmured. The statement settled heavily in the room, turning it somber.

  Theo chimed in, “With war comes death, but just like you regenerate, so will our community…”

  “And they’ll be better for it, finally free of the Council’s tyranny,” Joshua finished quietly and hung his head.

  I ran my fingers through his hair. “I know you’re worried about your father.”

  Joshua glanced up, and said, “He will have to choose which side of the line he stands on. The choice is his. When he realizes what’s at stake and where my loyalties lie, I can only hope he’ll join us.”

  I leaned forward and placed a sweet kiss on his cheek. Theo tracked the movement and glanced away.

  With a sigh, I stood and reached for Theo’s cooler. “I’ll take that to Damien and make sure it makes it into the Hummer.”

  Placing the last of the vials into the bag, he passed it to me.

  “Oh, before I forget, Damien mentioned something about long underwear?” I blushed at the amused chuckle that slipped from Joshua.

  “I’ll bring it down for you.” Theo grinned.

  “Men,” I grumbled and trudged downstairs. “Can never be adults about things.” I rolled my eyes but my lips were tipped up at the corners.

  Noticing Damien was busy, I decided to bring the bag to the car myself. The garage had been cleared and the Hummer was backed up to the open doorway with the trunk wide open. Luggage already filled the trunk, one labeled clearly with a medical symbol, and I assumed it was first aid supplies. A quick glance inside assured me I was right, though a part of me wondered why they’d need supplies when we had Ryder along. Balancing the bag full of fragile glass on the edge of the bumper, I went to zip it closed when I noticed how many vials Theo had packed. And they weren’t all Joshua’s.

  The vials filled with blood were familiar, the very ones Theo used when he drew my blood. Reaching for one, I ran my thumb over the scrawled label. My name glared back at me, the black ink contrasting against the white background of the sticker.

  “What’s wrong?” Killian asked, when he walked through the garage door and spotted me.

  “I’m not sure why Theo packed samples of my blood when he’s still experimenting with it.” I held up one of the glass vials for Killian’s inspection.

  My surly Celt slipped the small bottle from my fingers, turning it this way and that as he watched the blood slosh around inside.

  “My best guess is that he packed it just in case any of us need a boost. We know your blood increases our abilities. We might not fully understand all the side effects—if there are any—but it’s a good thing to have around, and better than bleeding you out in the middle of a battle. Just think of it as Theo’s version of a medical kit.” Killian shrugged and pressed the smooth container back into my palm. “Hell, between Theo and Ryder, we’ll have all kinds of supplies from your typical first aid kit to balms infused with healing magic. Theo likes to be prepared for the million’s of scenarios that are most likely running through his head, you know, just in case. It’s one of the reasons he’s our leader. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.” Killian leaned down and kissed the crown of my head before he walked away to load more luggage into the Hummer.

  I sighed, repacked it, and put the case in the car as promised, but the thought wouldn’t leave me alone.

  It was the “just in case” I worried about.

  Nineteen

  Nix

  The two-hour drive to Talkeetna had been oddly silent, the tension in the car growing with every mile. Each of us was solely focused on the mission and what we were about to endure. The radio played lightly in the background, providing the only reprieve from the serious thoughts that plagued me.

  The plane ride hadn’t been much different. I’d clutched my seat as Killian expertly guided the plane into the air and flew through conditions that scared me shitless. With enough seats to fit everyone, the plane wasn’t exactly tiny, but it was no commercial jet either. I gritted my teeth hard when we hit patch after patch of turbulence. While I knew I could fly, not all of my men could, and being trapped in a metal bird that could tumble from the sky at any moment had my heart pounding erratically in my chest.

  Through it all, I didn’t doubt Killian’s skills as he skillfully handled the rough weather. When we finally landed, I drew a deep breath and my lungs screamed from the new freedom to expand. Apparently, I hadn’t allowed my body much oxygen as I held my breath over and over again through the terrifying ride.

  My Phoenix screeched, preferring her wings to the human flying machine. At that moment, I agreed wholeheartedly.

  Killian grimaced as he helped me down, apologizing for the rough ride. Hard ice and frigid air greeted me when I emerged, and I almost squeaked and turned back around, ready to climb back into the plane I’d just mentally bad-mouthed. I had always thought myself immune to cold, but apparently I just hadn’t been in an environment before where my Phoenix had to exert such large amounts of power to keep me even minimally comfortable against the elements.

  “Holy shit!” My teeth chattered, clashing and scraping together as I shivered. “It’s fucking freezing!” I squealed, trying to keep my footing as a blast of wind nearly knocked me over. Killian’s hands were quick to steady me, refusing to let go until he was sure I could stand on my own.

  “It’s often in the negatives when you get up this high,” Killian yelled over the roaring of the wind. “The jackets are made for these types of temperatures, but it takes some adjusting to.”

  Theo squinted into the squall that was battering the mountainside. “I think we have to call it. There’s no way we can travel
in this kind of weather. Let’s set up camp and tie down the tents. We’ll bunk down for the night and start fresh in the morning.”

  I’d never seen the guys work so fast or so efficiently. They didn’t even oppose Joshua’s help, simply working together to accomplish their jobs. Once the tents were in place, Hiro motioned me forward and got me settled inside.

  While the wind still swirled violently outside, I did notice a huge difference once we were indoors. The sound muted just a little and I could finally hear myself think. I curled into a ball, wrapping my arms around my knees. My Phoenix pressed under my skin and offered me her heat. I sent a small blast of it through the tent.

  “Yes!” Ryder cheered, pumping a fist as he moved into the tent with Joshua following after him. “Got myself the good tentmates.” He shot a wink my way and I grinned.

  “What’s the matter? Can’t take the cold?” I teased.

  “Who the fuck would want to be out there with temperatures like these? It’s fucking masochistic,” Ryder whined.

  Joshua shrugged. “I get it. Extreme sports offer a rush that many people seek their whole life. But my Basilisk agrees with you. We’re not fans of the cold either. Masochism on the other hand...” He gave me a wink that had me blushing.

  It hadn’t escaped my notice that the three men in my tent were three of the ones who didn’t take to the cold well. I sent another small burst of heat into the tent and smiled when the guys’ happy hums of approval filled the small space.

  “Nix gets the middle!” Ryder started arranging the sleeping bags accordingly, bumping into both Joshua and Hiro as he feng shuied the tent.

  “Are you hungry?” Hiro held out an MRE and I shook my head, content to crawl under the covers. It had been the longest night and I needed to sleep if I was going to be any good tomorrow.

  The storm outdoors acted as white noise as it pounded the tent, easily lulling me into a sleepy state. A warm body crawled in next to me, and I realized that Ryder had zipped all the sleeping bags together, forming one large blanket instead of individual beds.

  “Do you mind?” Joshua asked, and at first, I thought he was asking me.

  “You’ve had less time with her. If Nix agrees, we won’t mind,” Hiro replied, leaving the decision to me.

  Summoning enough energy to crack my eyes open, my heart settled at the acceptance and encouragement in Hiro’s expression. He, out of all my mates, had been the most welcoming of Joshua. Ryder hung his head but he nodded his agreement. It was enough.

  “Do you mind?” Joshua aimed his question to me this time.

  I lifted the blanket further, offering him the spot with a warm smile. The press of his body against mine made my heart sing and my Phoenix coo with happiness, and I closed my eyes on a contented sigh.

  One strong arm wrapped around my waist and Joshua’s hand splayed possessively over my stomach. He held my back to his front as we spooned together. When Hiro claimed my other side, and Ryder crawled in behind him, I allowed myself to drift off to sleep. With my mates around me, the world was perfect, despite the raging storm outside.

  We woke before the sun had even peeked over the horizon, and I groggily sat up. The sight of naked chests, abs, and muscled arms woke me up faster than a good, strong cup of coffee, and I blinked at the three men changing around me simultaneously. A selfish part of me wished we had didn’t have to do anything but stay trapped in this tent.

  “Good morning, love,” Ryder chirped with too much cheerfulness. An empty candy wrapper littered the top of his sleeping bag and I narrowed my eyes.

  “I had to lure him from the blankets somehow,” Hiro told me, smiling sheepishly as he slipped his glasses back onto his nose. “And sex didn’t exactly seem appropriate considering the circumstances.” He offered with a grin, once he was outfitted in black long underwear with a long-sleeved, white shirt on top. Each of the guys wore a version of snow pants that I guessed were made for these temperatures. They appeared to be waterproof but not too bulky to move in freely.

  “We got you some too.” Ryder tossed an outfit my way, procuring it from the small bag he’d packed.

  “I could have packed it in my stuff. I feel bad you took up valuable space in your own luggage for my clothing,” I chastised, and then blushed as I decided to strip in front of Joshua. There was no time for shyness, and I still had my bra and underwear on. I hurriedly slipped into a set of long underwear, and then donned the snow pants Ryder had thoughtfully brought along for me before adding a long-sleeved, black shirt from my own bag to my ensemble.

  “She’s seriously sexy in everything.” Joshua shook his head in disbelief, causing my blush to deepen.

  I opened my mouth to contradict him, but Hiro leveled a hard look my way. “Don’t even think about disagreeing with him.”

  My body awoke at the dominance rolling from him, but I pushed back my rising arousal to finish dressing.

  “I was going to say thank you.” I grinned to myself at Hiro’s snort of disbelief.

  “Right. And pigs can fly,” he countered, raising one sleek, black eyebrow.

  “Who knows? I didn’t even know kitsunes were real. You never know what you’ll find in this crazy shifter world of ours.” I smirked and stood, gasping when a sharp slap landed on my ass. The force of the hit was muted with the number of layers and padding I wore, but the intent behind the motion was clear. “I’m going to start a tally of your transgressions, Annika.” Hiro used my full name and I clenched my tights together. “Each one will earn you a spanking. Apparently our last discipline session didn’t stick.”

  Joshua released a low moan, and I couldn’t help lowering my eyes as I blushed crimson.

  “It seems you have one more mate, Nix, who craves your obedience and likes to punish and train,” Hiro whispered. I bit my lip and cast an assessing glance at Joshua, whose eyes flashed with a need so strong it shocked me. “Now, be a good girl and join the others so we can break down this tent.” I had to force my feet to move as I slipped on my jacket and unzipped the tent. The devil on my shoulder wanted those marks against my record, desiring the things Hiro could do to my body.

  That thought kept me warm through our rushed breakfast, lasting halfway up the first peak we needed to climb.

  The day had worn on me by the time we broke for lunch. Supposedly, there was a reason that the rebellion had chosen Mt. Hunter as the destination for their outpost. The terrain was rocky and treacherous, the steepest of Denali National Park’s three great peaks. Damien and Ryder had spent the better half of the afternoon shifted, and taking turns carrying Killian, Joshua, Theo, and Hiro up the steep slopes while I’d alternated warming each of the guys up with the heat my Phoenix produced. If I was tired, I knew D and Ryder had to be exhausted. A cave in the side of the mountain served as our shelter while we quickly ate, and I forced myself to down the cardboard-like MRE. As Damien had pointed out, we needed the nutrition to keep up our energy.

  Damien and Ryder pushed as hard and as fast as they could until their alters wore out, completely exhausted and unable to continue. Changing back into their human forms, they dressed quickly, and we continued on foot using ropes, ice picks, and spiked shoes to aid our upward climb. I’d never thought I could enjoy something like rock climbing, but as the guys taught me what I was doing, the wild side of my Phoenix rose and she cawed her excitement.

  I’d spent my life just trying to survive my childhood, and I’d honestly never considered the true power behind my rebirths. Risks were lessened when you could regenerate. While I didn’t welcome death, the thought was freeing.

  Damien growled in my head and the sound was mirrored by my other men.

  “I’d prefer you to stay safe,” Killian grumbled behind the face mask he wore, and I glanced up, admiring his tight ass as he climbed another steep incline.

  “He says while practically dangling seven thousand feet in the air,” I teased with a snort, but then looked around, truly taking in how high up we were.

  “More like
nine thousand, at least,” Theo corrected, his brows pulled together as he tried to calculate the altitude.

  “How tall is this mountain?” I gaped.

  “Fourteen thousand five hundred and seventy-three feet,” Joshua answered in place of Theo. “What?” He peered around at the way we were all staring at him. “I like geography.”

  “I like that.” Each new tidbit I learned about Joshua solidified our bond, and I stopped myself just short of rubbing at my chest. I’d never known I had so much room in my heart. Growing up without love, I’d always questioned my capacity to love in return, but Damien, Killian, Hiro, Ryder, Theo, and Joshua had all invaded my life in the best way and driven away all my doubts. My love for them overwhelmed me, and I realized that Joshua was rapidly staking his own claim on a piece of my heart.

  I reflected on those thoughts as we climbed the slope. Killian’s training was paying off. My stamina had increased exponentially, and pride rose as I made it up yet another climb without needing much help from the guys. Relief echoed from the group as we reached a small plateau that allowed for an easier trek.

  It wasn’t long, however, until Killian’s curse whipped through the air, grabbing my attention.

  “What happened?” I picked up the pace and slid to a stop beside Killian, who was staring down into a wide, deep, icy chasm. “Do you have any energy left to shift?” I turned wide eyes on Damien and Ryder, and both of them shook their heads.

  “If we rested for a while, I could get my energy back, but at this rate, we’ll be too late if we don’t keep moving.” Ryder pulled his face mask aside and shielded his eyes from the sun with his hand as he spoke, surveying the rest of our climb.