“This hunk of burning love next to me is my husband, Leon; he’s got super-strength and speed. Good for running to the store for tampons.” She was teasing him, and he just rolled his eyes. Obvious love between them, but I bet she kept him on his toes.
“And this is our tech guy. All the cool gadgets we need, Charles can make us.” The man she pointed to was handsome and had a positive vibe, as if he’d never lose his cool, no matter what came his way. I looked around at everyone, taking them in. Everyone was dressed casually, just hanging out. It looked very laid-back.
I felt a restlessness underneath my skin start to spread.
Crap.
There wasn’t time to warn them before an animal decided they were needed right now.
“Holy shit!” AJ shrieked and jumped from his chair about three feet away from me. Draco was up and so was Leon in an instant, ready to fight off the animal that stood before them. I looked down and saw my wolf paws.
“Aw, she’s so beautiful!” Lilith complimented me and looked at Phillip once before reaching her hand out for me to sniff.
“Darling. Seriously?” Leon growled, and she shushed him.
“It’s still her in there, from one animal to another. I bet this creature felt it was needed to sniff us out and get the lowdown. Wolves are pack animals. They sense shit like that.” Lilith peered into my eyes, and I saw her spirit behind those brown depths. She was right—it was why the wolf wanted to come out, to feel out the group and approve of them or warn me of danger.
One by one I looked into the eyes of each person. All besides Lilith and Phillip were holding their breath, waiting to see what I would do.
My wolf instincts seemed satisfied, and I looked around for somewhere to go so I wouldn’t just transform into my human form and be naked in front of everyone. Phillip nodded toward the door.
“There’s some clothes for you next to the open room to the outside the door.” I looked to the door and hopped off the couch. I dressed quickly in the computer room and made my way back to the couch to see if I was still welcomed in this place.
“Sorry, sometimes an animal instinct takes over. I’m still in control, but they always do it for a reason,” I said, seeing everyone’s posture relax. Draco sat back down but looked at me as if he was trying to figure me out.
“Your powers are from Diana, goddess of the hunt and the moon. She could control and talk to animals. All gods could change into them, but with her, it was different. They were like one. I’ve only seen this power once in my lifetime—a woman from Seahill’s original native tribe. She died in battle while fighting off the first set of explorers that tried to take over the area. Tiponi was her name, means—”
“Child of importance,” I interrupted, familiar with the story that he was telling. We were told the legend of Tiponi growing up on the reservation. She saved our tribe. They said she had the spirit of the wild within her, and that’s how she was able to overcome the intruders.
Draco nodded, and I felt like a vital piece of my history just clicked into place.
“For you to have those powers, you are most likely related to her.”
Chapter Eleven
Echo
I just stared at him with a blank look on my face. I was descended from Tiponi? Wow. That was unexpected. But I was confused as to how he would know that.
“What’s your power again?” I watched him smirk a little, and that smirk reminded me of Asher’s dumb smirk. Men and their smirks, I grumbled to myself.
“I’m immortal.” Well, that answers that question.
“Nice,” I commented. It was the only thing I had to say. So much was going on in my head, my world was changing too fast for me to catch up.
“It has its moments.” Draco wrapped his arms around Rose, and she blushed. Oh boy.
A silence settled over the group, everyone digesting the information at hand: I could change into animals and was apparently descended from a tribal hero.
“Well, this crew just keeps getting more interesting every day.” Rose broke the silence, and I felt grateful. Being around a close-knit group like this was odd for me. Of course, I was around other officers at work, but I worked alone most of the time. I was better that way, and I got the job done. So, I reported in when I needed to, did my job, and people left me to it.
“So, aside from your power, tell us about you.” AJ piped up, having recovered from his initial shock at my shifting. Although I’m sure most knew my story already, if they had done any digging on me.
“Okay. Grew up on the reservation outside of Seahill. My parents were murdered when I turned sixteen; that same night, I got my powers. Moved to Seahill when I could, did the required training to become a cop, and had been bringing criminals to justice ever since. My powers come in handy with my job. I live alone, like being alone, and I have a healthy appetite.” Which reminded me about the takeout box I’d carried in and had set on the small table in front of me. Still being hungry, I grabbed the box and was surprised to see chicken strips, and fries. I didn’t care what these people thought of me, so I just chowed down in front of them.
“I like her.” Lilith bumped my shoulder, and I gave her a teeny smile.
“I think it’d be great to have a detective in the group. Might help us figure out who the bad guy is. She can be all detective-y on this shit.” AJ relaxed back in his chair and gave me a smile, one more suited for a girl he thought was cute than a police detective. I quirked a brow at him, and a pink blush coated his cheeks.
“That would be nice. This waiting game sucks.” Mina agreed with her brother, also looking bored. Interesting siblings.
“You don’t know anything about who you’re looking for?” I’d take a bite on their hook; the mystery appealed to the side of me that liked to solve puzzles.
“Only thing we have to go on is that when we first fought Emanuel, a bright light saved him. Other than that, everything we had was with Emanuel, and he’s dead. New foe, new everything,” Phillip answered, but then Draco spoke shortly after he was done.
“But, I get why they outed us now.”
Rose looked at him with a sad face, and everyone kinda looked toward the floor.
“Explain?” I was confused.
“We heard baddies talking about how they set the school on fire to out us, and we didn’t know why. It’s clear now that for every person who thinks we are heroes, there is someone who things we are abominations. It’s been a little…rough, trying to help people lately.” Rose grimaced, and Draco wrapped his arms around her, shielding her from whatever memory she was reliving.
“Rose had rocks thrown at her the other day by adults calling her a demon,” Lilith whispered in my ear. I looked at Rose and saw her try to give me a nice smile that said it was okay, but something like that was not okay, not at all.
“I had a woman that was gifted almost die last night from an attack. First suspect is a power hater.”
“Oh, that’s awful,” Rose commented, and everyone nodded. Lisa’s ex was away for work but would be back tomorrow. Once he returned, I’d take him in for questioning and figure out if he tried to murder Lisa, and any possible connection he might have to the killer that took the lives of my parents and the others twelve years ago.
“Yeah. Things are getting intense. But we’ll keep it under control,” I told them, and they nodded. I realized they were agreeing with the “we” part, but I had been talking about Seahill P.D. when I said we, not the Hero Society.
I didn’t have the heart to tell them that they were out of their league, but they were.
“People are afraid of what they don’t understand and tend to let that fear guide them,” Draco added, and I was with him on that statement. Things were going to get more interesting for people like us. I was just planning on continuing to do what I was doing. Only a very small handful of people really knew about me, so I wasn’t a target. This crew was out there, though. People knew their faces. They could be targets, like Lisa, for people who feared the
m enough to try and rid the world of them.
“It’s probably going to get worse; you might want to calm down the heroics for a little while. Lie low until people adjust, or maybe see that you’re needed,” I offered.
“We won’t give up on mankind, even if they give up on us. We fight for them, even in the dark.” Rose’s words were sharp, and her voice had a bite to it. No one contradicted her, and as I looked around, I didn’t see any face that said they felt differently. They really were in this even if everyone hated them.
“I’ll help how I can.”
The words were out, and there was no going back. I felt their loyalty, their bravery, and their determination. Every single one of them would fight till the very end to make sure the future was bright, and mankind was protected: the gods’ true purpose for people like us. I was a protector of man, just like them.
“Welcome to the Hero Society, Echo Cross.”
Chapter Twelve
Asher
“I wasn’t expecting a visit so soon.” I smiled as Echo sat in front of me at the bar.
“I need a drink, and knew I’d get a free one if I came here. Don’t flatter yourself.” She sneered, and it only made me want to laugh. She was laying it on thick today. It must have been a bad few days since I last saw her.
“So, let me guess, Lisa’s ex wasn’t the bad guy?” That would seem like something that would drive her to drink at seven in the evening. Her brown eyes that had been cast down looked up at me. The energy between us sizzled slightly. She was fierce and so strong. Something had made her into this woman who despised the company of others but made her want to protect anyone from going through pain, bringing justice to those who’d been wronged.
“He wasn’t the guy. Once he heard about Lisa, he actually cried, wanting to tell her he was sorry.” She exhaled loudly, and I knew what she needed. I poured her a glass and set it in front of her. Her eyebrow rose, but she took a sip, trusting me.
“Really?” She set the glass down and gave me a look of annoyance that was more potent than the one before.
“You don’t need alcohol. Just someone to talk to.” I watched her face for any reaction confirming that I knew what she really needed.
“Fine, all wise wizard. I’ve got so much shit going on in my head right now, and for some reason you annoy the hell out of me, but you’re easier to talk to than the other new friends that I’ve become acquainted with.” Her voice had risen, but since it was only the two of us in the bar, I didn’t sweat people trying to get in on our conversation.
“I take it you’ve joined the Hero Society?” I had been curious if she’d called them, heard what all they had to say.
“Yeah. They’re legit. Protecting mankind till the end. I’ve already sworn that oath once, so why not again?” She grabbed the glass of water and drank some more.
“You’re a good woman, Echo. Animal tics and all.” I winked, and she let out a soft laugh at me.
“So, what’s next on the agenda to catching the bad guy?” I changed the subject to something she probably preferred. Vulnerability was not a side she liked to show.
She looked me over, and I saw the gears in her head rolling.
Damn, it was sort of creepy how well I knew her. I couldn’t stop reading her, like a book that was written for me. I was good at reading people and all, but with her it was different.
If she was my mate, we were literally exchanging energies: part of her was coursing through me, and I through her. It would make sense as to why she would find me easier to talk to. Only spending more time together would tell if that theory was true.
“I have no clue. Wish you had cameras installed; it might have given us something to go on.” She looked around just to make sure her statement was indeed true. I shrugged. I didn’t have cameras.
“Sorry, not as big on technology as everyone. Signals and such mess with the natural energy of the earth. I’ve got TV and phone. That’s it.” I spent most of my time working, reading, and walking in nature, where I felt most connected to the world.
“Even I have the internet.” She shook her head, and I just kept on smiling, enjoying whatever was happening between us.
She pushed some of her shoulder-length black hair behind her ear and took another sip of water.
“I’ve been going through old files from the previous murders. Hopefully I’ll catch something others missed, and it’ll give a clue as to the identity of the killer. All while helping the Heroes figure out who the ultimate, end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it bad guy is. No big deal, right?”
“If you need anything, I’ve got your back,” I told her directly, even though I had already said that I wanted to help find the killer. She seemed very thick-headed, and I’d probably need to proverbially beat it into her head for her to believe me.
She was staring at me, as if she was trying to see into my soul, to understand why I was so willing to help her with something that I had a feeling was personal to her but not me.
“Why are you alone?” she asked.
“What do you mean?” I didn’t know which aspect of my life she was talking about. Currently I was the only one in the bar. She could be asking about that, but I doubted it was that simple a question.
“The whole time I was in your apartment as a cat, you never had any calls from family. No one visited. No girlfriend, no family. You worked, read, slept, and watched some TV here and there. As far as I can see, you’re a nice guy, attractive, and seem to care about people. Why are you alone?” Her mouth stayed parted slightly after she finished talking, and I couldn’t think beyond the idea of kissing her again. I was alone. Hadn’t paid much attention to it, but staring at those lips made me think being with someone might not be a bad idea.
“My coven is all about breeding and continuing strong bloodlines. If we find our mates then of course we marry for love, but it isn’t very common. I wasn’t about popping out babies right away with someone I didn’t care about. I’m also the strongest wielder of wild magic there is right now, and sort of a rebel.” I winked at her and she shook her head.
“I left to do my own thing. I know they think I’ll come around eventually, so they aren’t pushing. And as far as a girlfriend, since I know that’s what this conversation is really about, I’m free. Waiting for the right girl to sweep me off my feet. You have my permission to court me now.” I smiled bright, and despite her normally stoic facial expression, a small smile graced her lips. She was warming up to me.
“Well, I can see why no fair lady has come to claim you after that kiss you gave me.” Her smile grew bigger. It seemed Ms. Cross was playing me. I’ll bite. She could use the pick-me-up, and I enjoyed this banter we had going on.
“I was still in shock from having my cat turn into a beautiful woman. I’d be happy to try again, convince you that we are simply meant to be.” I turned on some theatrics for her sake, and that smile on her face stayed put. Echo had been so serious both times I’d seen her. Even as a cat, she was kind of a bitch. But that smile on her face was devastating. It made me want to do what I could to keep a smile on her face every time she was around me. Which would be more often, if I had my way, and I would.
Chapter Thirteen
Echo
His stupid grin and flirty banter were making me feel better.
I had just planned on going home after talking with Lisa’s ex, but after seeing Kevin’s stupid car parked in my spot, I just didn’t feel like working to squeeze the Camaro in the only spot left, which was next to a big-ass truck.
So I drove off, with no destination in mind.
Then I found myself in front of Asher’s bar, thinking I needed a drink, and then convincing myself that was where I should have one since he’d give it to me for free. But deep down I think I just wanted to be around him.
The two weeks spent together when he was bringing me back to life as a cat meant something, even if I wanted to forget the humiliation.
I didn’t like to get close to people. But Asher save
d me. He took care of me, and I had to rely on him to live. I lay with him every night for the warmth of his body, but I also think it was for a connection with someone. A touch, a hug, even a warm smile.
His black hair was messy, and his sharp features were drawing my eyes to roam over his face. The rest of him was clothed in a sweater and jeans. He looked good.
Good enough that I was tempted to come out from behind my wall of solitude and let him kiss me again, knowing that maybe it would be worth it, but maybe it wouldn’t.
When my gaze moved back up to collide with his, we just sort of stared into each other. Me trying to decide if I wanted to let these feelings flow as they wanted to, and him waiting for my answer.
I was torn, going back and forth between what would happen, and did I want that connection with him that I felt growing between us? So much was happening lately, and I felt like a ship caught in the waves of the vast sea.
My lips parted, trying to find the right thing to say in this moment, when my phone rang.
I quickly answered it but kept my eyes on Asher.
“Cross.”
“Twenty-third and Broadway, the Gateway apartment building, unit 14 B. You’re going to want to see this, Echo. The victim has been sliced up and has two cuts on her forehead. It’s got the same M.O. as your parents.”
“I’m on my way.” I didn’t even let the chief finish before I responded and ended the call.
“The killer got another victim. I’ve got to go.” I stood, slipping my phone back in my jacket pocket.
“I’m coming with.” Asher was already shrugging into a leather jacket while turning off lights with his magic.
“Shouldn’t you be running your bar?” I asked as we walked to the door together.
“It’s a slow night.” He smiled, locking up with a flick of his hand.
I hadn’t seen his bar to be very busy lately, but I heard the loud music and chatter from his apartment as a cat, so I’m guessing it kind of came and went.
Dusk (Hero Society Book 3) Page 5
