Your Bloodline (Featherstone Academy Series Book 2)

by KC Kean

  “Hey Luna, this way,” Trudy calls out from the far left side where there is another set of curtains, catching me by surprise. As we approach, she smiles at Luna in a friendly way, and my gut tells me we can trust her. We’ll be able to confirm that more tonight, and whether she gave the wrong target a heads up.

  “Thanks for doing this, Trudy,” Luna offers in thanks, and Trudy claps her hands in delight.

  “Not a problem at all. Are you guys ready for the party tonight? I love dressing up for Halloween.” Luna rolls her eyes at her, which she catches, but it just makes her giggle more.

  “We have no idea what we’re wearing to be honest. Red set it all up, so it’ll be a surprise I’m sure.” Trudy shakes her head at us, like she can’t understand why we don’t love it like she does.

  Walking down the narrow walkway lined with red silk curtains and dim lighting, she stops at the end and opens another set. How damn big is this place? It does not look this big from the outside. She’s set up some tables and chairs in the far corner and even has a power cord available. Nothing has been placed over the concrete floor, it lays exposed at our feet. The walls are thick like the outside of the gazebo as opposed to the silk interior, thank god. This room has been left bare compared to what I assume the others look like.

  “Will this be enough for you?” Trudy asks, watching for Luna’s reaction.

  “It’s perfect, Trudy. Thank you.” Luna says with a smile, as she steps around the space getting a better feel for the size. It’ll definitely hold us all if needed, but we won’t all be here.

  “Right then, I’ll leave you to it. Just call if you need me,” Trudy says, with a nod and heads out.

  Placing the suitcase on the table, I pull out my bug scanner first, to make sure nothing has been set up to watch us. Luna watches me in silence, listening for a beep to say she’s been played. There’s nothing except silence. A pleased smile takes over her face, knowing so far she can trust the Byrnes.

  “Let’s get to work then, handsome,” she murmurs as she approaches me, leaning up on her tiptoes and placing a gentle kiss to my lips. Damn, I could drown in her, especially when she touches me. Before I can catch up and wrap my arms around her, she’s stepping back and opening the case.

  Working side by side, we are set up in no time with two of Luna’s micro cameras ready to go. One in the corner of the space, where the lining of the gazebo is. The other camera is placed in the handle of the suitcase which will stay in here. At least if anyone happens to take it we’ll know who.

  Luna set’s up a locked black box under the table, containing the secret weapons she wanted to have close at hand, just in case. To say she didn’t actually grow up in this life, she sure fits in like a damn Queen.

  “I think we’re all set up in here now, Sakura. Shall we place a few more cameras around the rest of the space?” I ask, making sure the chair is placed perfectly in the middle where we need it.

  “Yeah, then I think we’re good. Red’s already messaging about these damn costumes.” She sighs, but if she really didn’t want to wear one we both know she wouldn’t.

  Grabbing my duffel bag, Luna places her hand in mine. I enjoy the feel of her delicate fingers intertwined with mine, as we enjoy each other's company. Slowing our pace, we relax as we follow the path we came down. Just like when we entered, the security guard opens the entrance to the gazebo for us to exit with a nod.

  Taking in the area around us, we try to decide where would be best to put the other two cameras that will watch over the whole space.

  “How about we place one in the tree over there,” I say pointing to my right. “It has a good vantage point for the three open tents. We can have the other one more specifically covering the dance floor like we talked about.”

  Luna’s eyes follow my hands pointing out where I’m talking about, and she nods in agreement.

  “Have you got something to help get it up there in the tree?” She asks. The spot I’m considering is a little out of reach, but I don’t need anything to help me.

  “Sakura, I can climb that, no worries.” She looks to me, mouth open wide as she takes me in.

  “Kai, don’t you think that’s a little dangerous?” She has me staring at her with a slack jaw.

  “Have you forgotten where we are? You’ve literally just set up a box of blades and a gun to potentially torture someone, and you’re questioning my safety climbing up a tree?” I can’t help but scoff at the irony, as she sticks her tongue out at me.

  “Well, it’s not you I’m planning to torture now, is it?” She huffs, but it’s too cute that she cares so much. Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, I kiss the crown of her head.

  “You are too adorable, Sakura. Who knew?”

  She back hands my chest, as she tries to keep a glare on her face, but it doesn’t help.

  “Hand me one of the cameras, Acehole. I’ll set the one up on the dance floor while you tempt fate by hanging off a tree.”

  She holds her hand out between us, and I release her to grab one of the small devices from my backpack. They’re a little bigger than Luna’s micro cameras because mine have audio built in, whereas she runs separate systems to catch footage and audio.

  She stomps off, an extra sway to her hips as she does. I don’t miss her glancing over her shoulder to see me staring, like she intended, with a smug grin. So hot. I can play that game too. Swiping my face with the bottom of my shirt, I flash my abs in her direction. It has the effect I wanted when I hear her call me an Acehole.

  Shaking my head, I pull out a camera and drop my duffel bag to the ground, checking for the best access to climb the tree.

  Digging my fingers into the still damp bark, I pull myself up high enough for my other hand to grab the closest branch. As if instinctively, my feet push off the tree to help lift me higher. Grabbing the branch I need, I’m able to wrap my arms around it, and pull myself up. There’s a perfect split where the branches go off in different directions, and I secure the device in there.

  Using my phone to make sure I have the view I want, I’m all set. It covers the view of the dance floor, the bar and the tables just like we want it to.

  Getting read to jump down, I glance over to where Luna is preparing the other camera, and she’s not alone. Aiden Byrnes is leaning against the DJ booth saying something, and Luna’s head is thrown back with laughter.

  He’s lucky it’s me here and not Roman, otherwise he’d have lost his head by now. There’s still a chance for that yet. Landing on the ground I rub my hands down my jeans, before straightening my top and grabbing my bag to walk over to them. She’s placed the camera just above the lights system directly in front of the booth, with the perfect view of the dance floor.

  As I near them silence falls over their conversation as they both watch me approach. I can’t tell who has more lust in their eyes, Luna or Aiden. I’ll never forget in high school when he tried to check out my junk in the bathroom, he’s crazy. His level of confidence is on par with Oscar for sure.

  “Sakura,” I murmur as she smiles at me with a knowing look in her eyes. “What am I missing?” I ask, and they both begin to chuckle. I raise an eyebrow at her and she tries to calm herself, forcing her facial expression to be serious.

  Holding her hands up parallel to each other, she begins to move them closer to each other before pulling them further apart.

  “Nothing, handsome. It’s just that Aiden wanted to know how hung you are, and I was trying to measure it out for him.” They both start laughing as she holds her hands out exaggeratingly wide, making me roll my eyes at them. I can feel myself getting embarrassed at the topic we’re discussing, but I refuse to look away.

  “So gorgeous, Kai Fuse. It’s a shame someone has caught my attention. Otherwise I would have been trying to convince you to let me rock your world,” Aiden says, chuckling to himself.

  “That’s not funny.” Luna jumps in, shoving him backwards a little and he laughs harder. Even though she knows he’s joking she
can’t help but get protective, and I definitely like it.

  Her phone pings from her pocket, and she glares at him before retrieving it. Glancing over the screen she turns her phone to me to read the message showing.

  Rafe: Hey, darling. I still need you to call me. Make sure your kits are ready to go, including spare clothes. Keep them near your front door or secure them in one of the Ace vehicles. I think it could be tomorrow.

  Damn. I nod, and take her hand in mine.

  “Let’s go, Sakura,” I murmur, and we head back to the Rolls waiting for us. Maybe we should ask Ian to hold some of the cases, they’d be secure then.

  I don’t know how any of this is going to go down, but we need to get through tonight first. Together as a team, we’ll do whatever it takes.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  (Luna)

  “Luna Moon Steele, will you get a move on?” Red calls from my dressing room, but I’m too scared to go in there. She’s already done my make-up and I have no clue what waits for me in there. My lips are blue, like neon glow in the dark blue. She shaded my eyelids in green, matching my eyes and added giant freckles across the bridge of my nose. I have no freaking clue what I’m supposed to be, and I’m a little concerned.

  Stepping into the doorway she catches me completely off guard. She’s already dressed and damn does she look good. She’s wearing denim shorts and a sparkly zip up shirt tucked in, but what catches my attention the most is the pink wig on her head. Topped off with an alien antenna headband. I think I can be onboard with this, although the thought of wearing a wig already has me itchy.

  “Don’t worry, Captain. No wig for you. I want to put your hair in two buns on the top of your head. Now get a move on,” she says, rolling her eyes at me.

  Following her lead, I find the clothes she wants me to wear on the stool near my dresser. Black leather looking leggings, a black sports bra and a cropped black netted overlay. Oh, well then I can deal with this.

  “Red, we’re aliens?” I ask, and she nods in response. Taking off my shorts I step into the leggings. “I was expecting something super over the top like a skintight suit or a skimpy nurse’s outfit covered in blood.”

  “Wait till you see the guys,” she scoffs, and I don’t even want to know. She turns to give me her back, as I throw on the rest of the outfit, checking myself over in the mirror.

  “I thought you would be able to wear your combat boots with this outfit. Even I can accept that heels are not appropriate for tonight,” she says, turning to see me with a smile.

  “Well, I appreciate your thought process,” I respond, as she ushers me to take a seat, diving straight in to drag a brush through my hair.

  It surprises me how much I like it when she does my hair. It’s not something I really recall anyone doing before, and it feels so good. Relaxing back in my chair, I close my eyes and let her do her thing.

  “Is everything okay with you, Red? I know I kind of forced you to go and stay with Maverick while I’m away, but I hope you know it’s to keep you safe,” I murmur. I’ve been worried lately, she still has all her sass, but occasionally she just seems to be the super quiet girl I first met.

  “It’s not that Luna, honestly I don’t mind. It’s just …” She pauses for a moment as she gathers her words. “I’m petrified. I know you’re strong Luna, the strongest person I know, but I’m so scared you aren’t going to come home from these Games. You guys are my family now, and I don’t want anything to happen,” she breathes out, as I watch tears fill her eyes through the mirror.

  Fuck. I didn’t consider this would be playing on her mind. Standing from the chair, I turn to her.

  “Red, I’ll be damned if I let these fuckers get the best of me,” I say, holding her shoulders at arm’s length staring into her eyes as I speak the truth. “Can I promise nothing will happen? No, but I will do everything in my power to get back in one piece. Besides, we still haven’t taken a trip together yet, and that’s high on my to-do list, okay? Now, stop crying before you ruin your make-up and blame me.”

  I don’t know what else to say. Actions mean more than words right now. She nods along with me, wrapping her arms around my neck and squeezing tight. I bring my hands around her back and hold her just as tight.

  “Hey, you ladies okay?” Parker calls from the lounge. Red forced them into Roman’s room to get ready so we could have a little girl time, but they must have given up on waiting.

  “Yeah, we’ll be out in a minute,” I shout back. Red fans her face a little but straightens her shoulders, taking a deep breath.

  “Fake it till I make it, right?” She says with a smile. I nod in agreement, loving that she still remembers the mantra I taught her when we first met.

  She quickly finishes off my hair with a matching alien headband, and I secure my necklace beneath the netting, before we walk into the lounge. The sight before me has me melting into a puddle at my feet.

  Cowboys. Fuck.

  There are four topless cowboys, chaps over their jeans, and Stetson’s on their heads standing in my lounge. All the abs on display are messing with my brain. When I finally lift my eyes above their chests, Roman is frowning while Oscar is throwing his lasso around the room. Kai and Parker aren’t fazed, likely because they’re enjoying the heat in my gaze as I check them out.

  “Red, this is fucking genius. My eyes are already pleased with your choices.” I finally manage to say, which earns me a wink from Oscar.

  “You are the hottest alien I ever did see, Sakura,” Kai says as he approaches, kissing the top of my head. I blush at the compliment as always, but I’m too busy staring at his chiseled abs up close. His moon tattoo is on full display. I love it even more because a part of it represents me but not in the ‘tattoo my girlfriends name on me’ kind of way.

  I place a gentle kiss to the center of it, and I feel his heart pounding underneath my touch.

  “I feel like you guys need some baby oil on, you know, get the full affect going,” I say huskily, making it clear how hot I’m finding this.

  “Forget it,” Roman grunts. “You’re lucky I’m playing along as it is.” His usually broody attitude makes me smile as he fidgets uncomfortably, tugging on the tight material around his groin, as Oscar interrupts.

  “Ignore him, baby girl. He’s just jelly because he doesn’t look as good as me.” He struts in front of us all by the floor length windows twirling the rope around in front of him.

  “God help us tonight, having to deal with you,” Red sighs dramatically as she grabs her purse off the sofa, and passes mine over.

  “This is your own doing, Jessikins,” Oscar replies with a wink and a thrust of his hips at me, making everyone chuckle.

  “Did you give Ian the cases?” I ask, breaking the fun atmosphere, but it’s important. When we got back from setting up at the tent, I finally called Rafe.

  From what he said we need to stay alert. Everything happening has not been done following the correct procedures, Juliana is trying to keep us as informed as possible. It’s definitely Rico and Dietrichson pulling strings, and The Ring is in total chaos. Changes are coming, and Rafe believes Totem must be involved somehow. We just don’t understand how, and that leaves us in the dark.

  He mentioned that when they take us we'll still be transported in the Rolls, which is why he wants us to have our belongings in there. If anyone gets crafty and doesn’t let us get our things, we’ll have them ready to go anyway. The Ring members will all be there as it’s required, but Rafe will be there too. I still don’t understand how this will run properly, but we have more information than others.

  “We did, princess. It’s all covered. Half of our belongings are in the cars, the others in the cases by our front doors, except Parker’s,” Roman says, and I nod. We are as prepared as we’re going to be. Now to get any extra information we can from Wren, while also teaching her a lesson for breaking into my dorm.

  “Perfect, thank you.” I clap my hands and focus on tonight. “Let’s get thi
s show on the road then shall we?” I'm so ready to finally take action, I’ve waited patiently and now it’s my time. I feel completely energized.

  “Lead the way, baby girl,” Oscar says with a grin, as he scoops me up in his arms and carries me to the door. I feel him inhale against my neck as he whispers to me, “You smell like heaven, my favorite.” I don’t respond, but the compliment makes me smile.

  Placing me on the floor, he holds the door open for me and pulls me along to the elevator as Parker locks the door behind us, throwing the keys towards me. My phone vibrates in my bag and I pull it out to find an unknown number calling. I glance at the others and Kai nods for me to answer it.

  “Hello?” The line is quiet for a moment before a voice comes through the line.

  “Luna? It’s Dominic Bridge.” I mouth ‘the agent’ to the others who stare at me with wide eyes, as the elevator arrives, and we step in.

  “I hope you’re calling with a positive outcome for me, agent,” I murmur into the phone as everyone stares at me expectantly. I hear him sigh down the phone before he finally responds.

  “I’ll sign the contract, Luna.” Thank fuck for that. I nod and they understand my meaning behind it, the relief visible on everyone’s faces. It’s one less thing to worry about.

  “Thank you, Dominic. I’ll be occupied this next week, but I will meet you at the diner exactly the same as last time next Saturday, okay?” When I will also be able to quiz him on why he knew my name without me saying it too.

  The elevator doors open up into the lobby, and Roman wraps his hand around mine, guiding me outside with the others. The line goes quiet for a moment before he finally breathes out his next words.

  “Okay, Luna. I’ve also been told to tell you it’s time to open the bag from the vaults.” With that the phone line goes dead, but I stay frozen in space at his words.

  Roman slows beside me confused with my sudden stop, but I can’t process anything other than what Dominic just said. The bag from the vaults? The only one I can think of is the one that had Meu Tesouro embroidered into the material. It’s been sitting in my walk-in closet this whole time because I haven’t had the nerve to open it.