by Ciara Graves
“I want you and your team out of there by tomorrow at sundown,” Nor told me. “No reason for us to stick around.”
“And the hitman, sir?”
“You do your best to find him before tomorrow night. After I speak with the governor, you and I both know the travel ban will be lifted.”
“You can’t stall it?”
“No. Not when there’s a full moon about to hit. Anyone in this sector that is not a werewolf will leave,” he replied. “I’ll see if I can add Feds to the teleports, but don’t hold your breath.”
“Understood.”
“And Ms. Temple? I expect she’ll be coming to see us upon your return?”
“She’ll be there, sir,” I told him.
“Good. I’ll keep you updated. Watch your back out there, Rafael.”
I hung up and went to take a quick shower to try and wake myself up.
Afterward, I’d go check in with Mercy and let her know we were all vacating tomorrow at sundown.
The room fell silent as my cell dinged. I checked the message from Nor and cursed.
“What’s wrong now?” Mercy asked.
“The travel ban is being lifted tomorrow,” I informed them. “If Todd’s smart, he won’t stick around.”
Mercy got up and grabbed her boots. All of us watched her until she paused. “What?”
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going out there to look for him,” she said, as if it was obvious.
“You need sleep,” I said. “We all do. I have my team working on it.”
“If I sleep that means he has time to escape.”
“The ban won’t be lifted until tomorrow,” I told her and reached out to take her boots away, scowling at her protests. “Sleep. We’re all going to be here through the night, so if he does try to come back, he’ll have one hell of a time getting in the door.”
She looked like she wanted to keep arguing, but Gigi got up, took Mercy’s hand, and dragged her into the bedroom.
“Come on. We’ll have some girl talk that’ll bore you to sleep.”
Mercy rolled her eyes, but they disappeared into the bedroom. I relaxed back into the armchair I’d planted myself into and checked in with my team.
“Does your team have any leads on Todd?” Damian asked.
“Not yet,” I admitted. “Can’t say I’m too confident about finding him either.”
“Once we’re back, I’ll contact a few people,” Damian told me. “We’ll get him.”
I wanted to argue and say that I should be the one to apprehend him, but I figured there was no point.
No matter what I told him, he’d do whatever he thought was right to keep Mercy safe.
The non-Fed part of me was in full agreement with whatever actions he took.
Tomorrow, we’d head back to Sector 21, and after that, I’d be taking Mercy into the Fed building to speak with Nor about Liam.
That moment was what she should be preparing for.
I shut my eyes, listening to Bowen and Damian’s quiet conversation.
Eventually, I drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 17
Mercy
In the morning, I stuck around long enough to have coffee to wait for Rafael to leave to go check in with his team about Todd.
I had confidence in him, I did, but this was a personal matter.
Todd and I had business to finish. There was no way I could follow through with my other plans in Sector 21 if I had to be looking over my shoulder for a hitman to decide he wanted to finish me off.
Night hadn’t fallen yet as I continued my careful watch at the transport outside of town.
Most would head for the one in town, but very few cared to use this one. It wasn’t as reliable and was a bit of a trek to get to.
In a couple of hours, we were scheduled to clear out to avoid being caught in the fights bound to break out when all the werewolves shifted.
With Jenella and Rubella dead, the travel ban had been lifted, though Rafael had argued against that act, what with Todd still out there somewhere.
I had no way of knowing if Todd left yet, but I was ready for him if he did show his face. When the brawl broke out at Rubella’s home, I’d gotten a few good licks in, but it did nothing to quench my growing rage.
I was tired, so damned tired of almost being killed. Of having these assholes think they could come into my life and ruin it all over again. That they could kill me.
Neither Damian or Bowen said two words to me about that night, and it didn’t take much to realize they probably wouldn’t. Damian would be too concerned I’d go after Shuval on my own. Which was true. And as for Bowen, I couldn’t decide what his issue was yet. Not that it mattered.
Well, wouldn’t you know it.
Todd came strolling around the corner.
I pressed my back to the brick wall of the storefront and watched.
Todd’s face was covered by a scarf and hood again. He had a black bag slung over his shoulder, and was alone.
My pistol was loaded with a round in the chamber, waiting.
Rafael said a warrant had been put out for Todd and they plastered his face all over the evening news, but with the amount of money he convinced Jenella and Rubella to pay him, I knew Todd would disappear the second he was through that transport.
He was a few steps away when I pushed off the wall, whistling casually.
He froze, and when our gazes locked, he tugged the scarf from his face. “I’m surprised to see you up and walking around.”
“And why is that?”
“Seemed like you took a few good beatings this week. I assumed you would want to recuperate.”
“And let you get away? I’ll survive a little soreness.”
He glanced behind him to the rooftops.
“If you’re looking for the Feds, don’t bother. They’re not here.”
“Oh, no? And why exactly are you here, then.”
I took a few steps closer. “I want a rematch.”
“Why would I agree to that?”
“You beat me, you collect the bounty that I’m sure is on my head, thanks to one asshole or another.” I took another step. “Probably a hefty chunk.”
“Tempting,” he mused, and the bag dropped from his shoulder. “You’re lucky you caught me before the moon rose.” He tossed his hood back and came toward me.
I held up my hand.
He stopped. “Change your mind already? The great Mercy Temple, bounty hunter extraordinaire is hesitating to make her move?” He smiled.
My hand itched to tear that smile from his face. “Just memorizing your face before I destroy it.”
“Big talk for someone who got her ass handed to her during the last fight.”
“At least, I’m not the idiot who nearly started a turf war for a damned payday. You think that’s a good way to do business?”
He held out his hands to the side. “Seem to be faring pretty well right now.”
“Guess I’ll have to change that.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll make it quick.” He threw his coat to the side revealing a sword sheathed at his hip.
He drew the blade out and lunged forward with a yell. When it was too late for him to turn back, I drew my pistol, aimed it at his forehead, and squeezed the trigger.
The shot rang out harshly against the bricks.
His sword clattered to the pavement and his body crumpled, a confused look frozen on in his face in death.
A single trail of blood dripped from the bullet hole in his forehead.
As I lowered my gun, a part of my soul chipped away and a chill set into my bones.
The time for playing nice was over. It had gotten me nowhere in life, and I was going to stop making it so easy for everyone to take advantage of me. To try and kill me.
I crouched down beside Todd’s head and sighed.
Any regret at what I’d just done was pushed aside as my gaze drifted to the bag filled with blood money. Dragging it over to his b
ody, I shut my eyes and willed my power to work for me. I strained until I thought I’d pass out. Finally, a rush of warmth filled my palm, and I rested the white and gold flames against Todd’s shoulder.
Instantly his body and the bag caught fire and burned to nothing but ash within minutes.
As the last ember died, a gust of cold winter air blew the ashes away, erasing all evidence of my actions.
Damian taught me many things over the years, most involving ways to subdue targets without killing them. He’d told me time and again, that killing left a stain on the soul and destroyed a person.
After I found the mage who cursed me, I wouldn’t be bringing him in.
I would kill him and anyone else who tried to kill me next.
I returned to the inn.
Rafael stood outside talking to Bowen and Gigi. “Where were you?” he asked when I approached. “Full moon’s about to rise. We should get home.”
“Nowhere. Had to take a walk, clear my head.”
“You worried about the next few days?”
“No, I’m going to go to the Fed building with you. I’ll answer some questions, and that’ll be the end of it. Your boss can see I know nothing about Liam and back off.” I shoved my hands in my coat pockets and shivered as the wind kicked my hair up, brushing against my neck.
“Well, we’re ready to hit the transports and get out of here.”
Damian took his own way back home, so the rest of us piled into SUVs and were driven back to the main transport that was currently swarming with everyone attempting to leave Sector 18.
The Feds held the crowd back, so we could get through.
Gigi waved bye to me after squeezing me hard enough to hurt and said she’d check in with me soon enough.
Rafael said he would escort me home and I didn’t argue. When we reached my building, though, I turned to face him.
“Thanks. I can make it from here.”
“You sure?” he asked.
“Yeah. Going to be a long day tomorrow, and I want to be in a good mood. See you in the morning.” I was close to the door when he caught my arm.
“I’ll stay with you if you want, sleep on the couch,” he said quietly. “With Todd on the loose, I don’t want to risk him coming back to finish what he started.”
“I don’t think we need to worry about him.”
Rafael released me, eyes darkening. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I mean he’s got a bag full of cash. I’m sure he’s long gone by now.”
“If you’re sure...”
I managed a smile.
He relaxed.
“We’re both tired. Go home and get some sleep.”
“Right, see you tomorrow.”
“Yep, tomorrow.” I turned my back on him and marched inside, not trusting myself to say anything more without giving away what I’d just done.
Murder.
I didn’t use self-defense. I straight up murdered Todd.
My head ached, and when I reached my apartment, I made sure to lock the door securely behind me.
I kicked out of my boots, tossed my coat and weapons aside, and stumbled into the bathroom, knees shaky. When I caught sight of my own reflection, the cold-hearted killer I talked myself into trying to be disappeared in a flash and a sliver of fear crept into my eyes.
What was I doing?
I couldn’t breathe, and then I was on the floor, holding my knees to my chest, wanting to disappear and forget I ever went to Sector 18.
Throughout the entire interview, I sensed Rafael watching me through the two-way mirror.
Nor asked question after question about Liam. Who he was. How I learned of his name. Why I was at the reapers’ ball. It went on and on. Then he asked about Liam’s Underground activities. By the end of it, I was tired of hearing my own voice repeating the same thing, over and over, again.
“I told you, I knew nothing about Liam until my boss told me to go after him,” I snapped.
I knew I was confirming I’d lied to Rafael since he still believed Liam was the one who cursed me. No point in telling him otherwise.
Before going into this interview, I made it clear I would not be speaking about my past.
Rafael hadn’t been happy about it, but he accepted it, concerned about dragging up my darkest moments. What had been my darkest moments until I murdered Todd.
I summed it up for Nor. “The Gathered put out a bounty. That’s all I know. If you want more information, go ask them.”
“We’ve tried,” Nor said gruffly. “They won’t speak to us.”
“Not surprised.” I rose and walked for the door.
“Where are you going?”
“Leaving. I said I’d come in here and answer your questions and I’ve done that. Now, I’m going to walk out this door and go about my business. Mind?”
Nor said nothing. Just nodded and the door opened for me.
Rafael met me out in the hall, brow furrowed. “I’m sorry about this.”
“Whatever. It’s fine,” I said, rubbing my head to try and get the headache to leave. All it did was make it worse.
“We’ve had no new leads on Todd,” he added. “It’s like he vanished.”
I stiffened, then caught myself, and forced my body to relax. “I didn’t expect us to find him. This is what he does for a living.”
“I’d feel better if you let me put a tail on you.”
“Oh no. You’re not starting that shit. I can take care of myself.”
“Mercy,” he said when I started to walk away, “are you sure you’re alright?”
“Right as rain,” I replied with a grin.
His brow arched.
I sighed. “Look, it was a long two weeks. I’m tired. I’m in pain. I’m not back up to my cheery self, quite yet. I need time. That’s all.”
He nodded in understanding. “I’ll call you if we hear anything.”
“You can call me if you don’t,” I said before I could stop myself.
He smiled lightly. “I might do that. Take care of yourself, Mercy. Guess our wager is off.”
Or not, since I was the one who technically caught and killed Todd. “Yeah, guess so. Pity. Would’ve loved to watch you squirm on the back of my bike. See you around, Rafael.”
I walked away as fast as I could and exited the Fed building. This wasn’t the only appointment I had to keep today, and the other was certainly more dangerous than speaking with Chief Nor. No, this one would land me in some deep shit if I got caught. I climbed atop my bike outside the Fed building, glanced back long enough to spot Rafael watching me from inside the lobby, then revved the engine and merged into traffic.
Hours later, after I’d parked the bike, I found my way inside without setting off any alarms or alerting the guards. Damian would come to regret everything he taught me over the years, especially once he figured out what I was up to.
I’d spent all last night contemplating my next move.
Bowen hadn’t spoken to me since our argument in the woods.
Damian would lose his shit if he learned that, though I wasn’t going after Shuval, I was about to dive headfirst into danger, again.
Gigi loved me too much for her own good and would tell Damian, who would, in turn, make sure I never left my apartment again. Wesley was gone. Shep wouldn’t listen to me. No, there was only one other supe who would be up for the risk we’d be taking. For the danger.
For the chance to maybe get killed.
Only one who might help me understand the darkness slowly seeping into my soul and mind, of late.
I crept into the stone corridor, keeping to the shadows, my eyes trained on the figure chained to the wall.
I was halfway there when the chains rattled, and a head rose, sniffing the air loudly.
“Ah, well. Now, this was something I did not expect.”
I paused, giving myself one last chance to talk myself out of this plan.
“Don’t be shy, step into the light so I can look upon your
ugliness again.”
Tuning the last bit of common sense attempting to stop me from doing something I’d regret, I walked the rest of the way down the corridor, keeping just out of reach. “Rufus. Nice to see you’re doing well.”
He shrugged, the chains around his neck, arms, and legs clanking. “Can’t complain.”
“That so?”
He bared his teeth, twitching his finger back and forth. “You came to taunt me? Is that it? Well then, get it over with. I have things to do tonight. Very busy. Yes, very busy indeed.”
“Cut the shit,” I snapped. “You knew my parents.”
His whole demeanor changed in a blink. “Who told you?”
“Damian. After I finally remembered everything.”
“And you what? You came here to commiserate with me?” He barked a laugh. “I might’ve been their friend, but I’m a goblin. We don’t deal in sympathy or grief.”
“True. But you deal in revenge and death.”
His ears twitched, and he craned his neck to the right. “Ah, in that case, I’m listening. What did you have in mind?”
“For starters, I want your help. I want the mage who cursed me.”
“And if I find him? What then?”
“Then we make him bleed. We kill him,” I replied sternly. “You in or not?”
He held out his manacled wrists. He flashed a smile in a mouth filled with pointed teeth.
I’d reached the point of no return. I’d murdered Todd. And I was preparing to kill another.
“Oh I’m in,” Rufus said. “I hope you know what you’re asking for, Mercy.”
“So do I.” I reached out, my hands glowing with bright white and gold flames. “So do I.”
Sins of Mercy
Mercy Temple Chronicles Book Three
Mages. Sirens. Demons. Dragons. Gryphons. A Federal Paranormal Unit. Attackers of magic. The Mercy Temple Chronicles will hook you!
Mercy Temple lives in a world where paranormals are a thing. Humans know of their existence, but the two species don’t interact. Or so it is thought. She’s a bounty hunter. She’s good at what she does.
