Brannick glanced back at the guarded pathway leading to the Village. We know it’s rumored Roche’s drug organization operates from the Village. And we know he has at least one sex club that caters to wealthy clients. My instincts tell me he’s keeping Mary imprisoned somewhere close to his interests.
He glanced at Juliet. How about you? What are you getting from this environment?
He liked the stern set of her face. She was all business and her vampire cloak was tight as a drum. I’ve focused my energies on Mary, but I’m not sensing her anywhere in the vicinity above ground. I say we go below.
Fergus?
The wolf nodded his agreement. Roche wouldn’t keep her in a place so easy to get to. I say we head down as well.
Brannick weaved his way through the increasing number of people entering the foyer. Juliet followed, and as before, Fergus guarded the rear.
Just as he reached the nearest guard, however, a strange communal awareness hit him, a very fae sensation. He glanced at Juliet. She’d turned toward the automatic doors, which suddenly opened up for a number of tough-looking security types.
To his surprise, Juliet took his hand and squeezed hard.
A moment later, Roche walked through.
Oh, shit.
At least ten more security men followed, maybe eighteen in all. Each bore a sword, a holstered handgun and AR-15s slung over their shoulders.
The predominantly fae crowd instinctively moved out of the way.
To Brannick’s shock, Roche headed straight for him, though he quickly realized his object was the descending path that led to the underground Village.
The guards stepped aside for the entire crew.
Brannick held himself very still as Roche drew near. He could feel Juliet do the same.
Roche carried himself like a man who ran a small empire, keeping his dark feral eyes forward as he moved.
When the last of his men trailed through, Fergus’s voice entered the group conversation. Shit, that was close. Even in Brannick’s head, the wolf’s rough voice made him sound like he was chewing on sawdust.
Juliet looked up at Brannick. Should we follow after them?
Brannick’s lips twisted. I think we should. Maybe Roche can do us a favor and show us where he’s keeping Mary.
As soon as the last of the detail crossed the threshold, Brannick slid in behind him. He then shunted off to the side to give Juliet and Fergus room to move in fast before one of the entrance guards unwittingly bumped into either of them.
Once inside, Brannick saw that the corkscrew led off in three different directions, which probably helped accommodate the constant flow of traffic.
He was about to follow after Roche and his men, but Juliet held him back.
What is it?
Juliet shook her head. I can sense Mary, though faintly. Give me a sec. We might need to take a different route.
You got it.
It didn’t take her long. She pointed toward the far passage. She’s down there.
Lead the way.
To his continuing surprise, Juliet levitated and flew swiftly, careful to avoid anyone walking up the corkscrew.
He joined her, moving fast as well. He knew Fergus would have no problem keeping up.
He liked that she’d gone a different direction entirely from Roche and his men.
But even as this thought went through his head, he knew it was only a matter of time before Roche figured out they were somewhere in his domain.
CHAPTER 6
Juliet had never been to this part of Revel Territory, the subterranean world where hundreds of fae, possibly even thousands, lived and rarely left.
The ramp she levitated down was a broad spiral with tiled, curved walls all in a flowing mosaic of colors that ran the entire spectrum then repeated. It was so beautiful. She got lost in it for a moment and was surprised when the ramp opened onto a vast court with trees, planters filled with flowers and shrubs, and a host of food stalls. Dozens of fae milled about.
She moved off to the side. Brannick and Fergus joined her.
She was completely awestruck by what lay before her. There were even vendors selling all kinds of things, watches and jewelry, specialty t-shirts, hair extensions, and even some hardback books.
What the hell?
Juliet stared at Brannick. I know, right?
Fergus added, It looks like an airport food court or something at a mall. I wasn’t expecting this.
Light poured down from dozens of massive fixtures, some mounted on the walls, others on the rock ceiling. No wonder the plants thrived.
Brannick drew closer to her. Your people have created something amazing here. Why hasn’t the rest of the province heard about this place?
You have to remember, we’re a secretive bunch. And even though I knew it existed, I never imagined it would look so modern and cared for. I suppose I always pictured huts or something. I don’t know.
Fergus glanced up at the ceiling. A lot of ducts and venting as well. He groaned softly. Am I smelling barbecue?
Brannick added his own grunt of interest. You are and maybe some pulled pork. Yeah, definitely.
Juliet glanced at both men. She was about to remind them that they weren’t here to eat, when it occurred to her she no longer sensed Mary’s presence.
Shit. She’d uttered the word telepathically, forgetting for a moment she was linked with Brannick and Fergus.
Both men turned their heads in her direction.
What? Brannick frowned. What’s going on?
I’m not feeling Mary anymore. I was the entire way down then I got sidetracked by the view. Now, nothing.
Brannick looked around. He took Juliet by the elbow and began guiding her in the direction of a poorly trafficked area of the court. Come this way. Fergus, stick close. We’re going to have to get creative.
Juliet ended up with the two men behind a row of planters, her back against a wood paneled wall. She had no idea what he was thinking. But as she met his intense green eyes, his brow lined from endless concern, she could feel the faeness in him. He might be a vampire in essentials, but he was part fae now and the change felt permanent.
Brannick, what’s on your mind?
I think you need to dreamglide her. We’re not going to find her otherwise. Either Roche is blocking her or all these people are having an effect.
Fergus’s nostrils flared. You think she’s asleep right now?
Brannick shifted his gaze to the wolf. More like drugged out. He sounded so certain. But even if she wasn’t, Juliet could dreamglide to her location. Right?
When he settled his gaze on her again, Juliet nodded.
He asked, Are you willing to try to find her this way? In the dreamglide?
Of course I am. There’s only one problem.
Roche?
Exactly.
Fergus bristled at the sound of the man’s name. What about him? Why will he be a problem if Juliet invokes her dreamglide?
Brannick turned to look at Fergus, his gaze intense. Roche found Juliet in her dreamglide recently. He’s got some kind of fix on her now, and he’ll probably be alerted when she reenters it.
Fergus’s nostrils flared again, and he released a soft wolf-like grunt. That bastard has way too much power. He glanced at Juliet. So, how do you do this thing?
Juliet squared her shoulders. First, I’ll need physical support for the time I’m out. She fixed her gaze on Brannick. He’d essentially need to hold her while she fell into a half-sleep. It would probably be best if you held me, but I could sit on the floor, my back to the wall if that would work better for you.
Brannick shook his head. No, I’m going to hold you in my arms. If we need to move in a hurry, I’ll be ready.
Brannick, I know this isn’t what you want. The closeness, I mean. Tears suddenly burned her eyes.
Hey, listen to me. Right now all that matters is finding Mary and getting her out of whatever hellhole Roche has her in. I don’t think it’s too much of a sacr
ifice to have my arms around you while you locate her.
Juliet would have expected nothing less from Brannick. He was a complicated man in many ways, but not in his essential character. He might have started out his adult life as a businessman, but he was a protective warrior at heart, and she warmed to him all over again.
Fergus asked, So how does the dreamgliding work?
She told him what to expect, especially the kinds of reactions he’d witness as she sank into her meditation.
Fergus lowered his chin. I understand. His expression grew grim as he took two steps away from her. She could smell the rise in his musk.
Brannick moved closer to her, even sliding his arm around her shoulders. The alpha was definitely approaching his mate-hunting cycle. She’d heard the wolves could become ruthless in their pursuit of a woman they deemed worthy of mating.
Brannick suggested she step up onto his boot and hold onto him as though they’d be flying together. That way, when she fell into the dreamglide state, he’d already be holding her and he could cradle her in his arms through the duration.
Juliet experienced an odd combination of dread and excitement. There was no place she’d rather be than in Brannick’s arms, but once she entered the dreamglide, she feared encountering Roche. He was a male fae of tremendous power and probably wouldn’t have to lose even a small level of consciousness to reach her in the dreamglide.
This reality also made her wonder if Brannick’s recently acquired fae abilities would include something similar. As she stepped onto his booted foot, a sudden shiver of excitement traveled the length of her.
You okay?
Sliding her arm across his massive shoulders and around his neck, she tilted her head. An errant thought.
She was so close to him. The heat of his body through her thin blouse felt like heaven. When his arm gripped her waist in his familiar, strong hold, she couldn’t help herself as she relaxed against him. She recalled all their lovemaking and knew it was just a matter of time before Brannick did as well.
Despite Fergus’s presence, she reached up and cupped his face with her hand. Her gaze fell to his lips. How many times had he kissed her in the dreamglide? A thousand? Ten thousand?
A lot.
Ready when you are, Juliet. Even telepathically, his voice sounded resonant and had a husky edge she knew extremely well.
She looked away from him, leaning her head against his shoulder. She closed her eyes and began her descent. From years of practice, it didn’t take long to arrive in the dreamglide. At the same time, she felt herself falling physically. As Brannick had promised, he caught her up in his powerful arms and now cradled her.
But the moment she entered the dreamglide, Brannick’s voice was suddenly in her head. Juliet, hold up. I’m getting something. I can feel that I’m supposed to be with you. I’m going to sit on the floor and join you. Fergus will stand guard.
Okay.
Because the dreamglide for the present occupied the same space behind the row of planters, she watched Brannick sit down against the wall and arrange her body to lean against him. Fergus moved to stand at Brannick’s feet his Glock in his hand.
The moment he closed his eyes, however, he appeared right next to her in the dreamglide.
She actually jumped. You’re here?
I am.
Juliet had never been more stunned. What was happening between herself and Brannick that he could be in a place only the most powerful fae could achieve?
When he turned toward her, however, she realized this wasn’t the Brannick in a half-conscious state sitting on the floor. Instead, this was the man who had been her lover for months.
He held out his arms to her. Come to me, Juliet. I’m sorry my conscious self is being such a pain. I’m doing my best to work through my shit, but right now I’m here, nothing held back.
She gave a cry and within the dreamglide leaped into his arms. He held her tight, then kissed her, a thorough, familiar exploration of her mouth that had her writhing against him, her arms encircling his neck.
He kissed her chin and her neck, suckling lightly on her throat. Her heart swelled about twice its size. Brann, I’ve missed this. And you really don’t like me to call you by that name.
He kept kissing her throat and her neck. I’m an idiot, what can I say.
She had so many questions, though. She drew back, but couldn’t quite bring herself to let go of him.
Now that he was in the dreamglide with her, they could talk, really talk, voices and all. His face took on a familiar affectionate expression, and he smiled as he looked at her hair. “I love your curls. Have I told you that?”
“Yes, many times.”
He played with one of the tendrils close to her face, then met her gaze. “Again, I’m sorry my conscious self is so resistant.”
“I think I get it. The dreamglide is a safe place for me as much as it is for you. The real world isn’t. But your ability to be here with me so easily is stunning. How are you here?”
“It’s the sharing of powers and something more. I bring my vampire strength to everything that’s fae.”
He glanced around and released his hold on her. She could feel his sudden tension. “What is it, Brann?”
“Roche. I can feel him moving at the edge of our dreamglide. He knows we’re in the Village now, so we need to get a move on. The thing is, I’m not sure I can create the dreamglide. I can be here, right now, with you, but what we do is up to you, at least for now.”
“I think I understand.” She let her fae energy flow. “I’ll focus on Mary.”
Brannick nodded as she created an image of Mary within her mind. The fae female wasn’t hard to locate. She called to her and because Mary had a lot of ability as well, she quickly entered Juliet’s dreamglide.
Mary, wearing a loose, beige smock, hugged her. “You found me. Oh, thank God.”
Mary released her then offered her hand to Brannick. “And you’ve come as well, Officer Brannick. Thank you so much, though I won’t pretend I can understand how you’re here.”
Mary was tall and quite beautiful, a blond with light brown eyes. She could have been a model in her human form; instead, she’d been a veterinarian. Even in Five Bridges, she’d had a thriving practice. She also owned several cats and birds, most of them rescues. She didn’t care for alter wolves, though. As a part-human, part-animal form, she thought them disgusting.
Brannick said, “Roche tried to trade you for Juliet. We’re here to get you out.”
Mary’s lips compressed. “He’s every vile thing that’s wrong with Five Bridges, and I loathe him.”
What Juliet noticed right away were the dark teal flame marks on her throat and cheeks as well as the dull light in her eyes. “You won’t be able to rescue me,” Mary added. “I’m in a heavily guarded jail cell. Roche has dozens of security personnel.”
Brannick merely smiled. “Tell you what, why don’t you show us in the dreamglide, then we’ll go from there.”
Mary agreed. Her lips parted as though she found it hard to breathe. Her cheeks were drawn as well.
Juliet caught her arm. “Roche really shot you up with dark flame, didn’t he?”
“Yes, but it’s also made it easy for me to respond to your search.” She glanced around. “You dreamglide really well, Juliet. I had no idea you had such clarity of detail. You’ve been holding out on me.”
Juliet had never shared her secret about Brannick, and she had no intention of doing so now.
But at that moment, Juliet felt an entity moving near the dreamglide. She knew at once exactly who it was. “Roche is here. Mary, listen. We’ve got to get going and I mean fast. Can you pilot my dreamglide back to your cell?”
Mary frowned for amount. “Okay. I get it. That way, when you leave the dreamglide and you’re back here in the food court, you’ll know the way to Roche’s sex shop.”
“You’ve got it.” Juliet was grateful that Mary understood right away.
Mary faced the
southern avenue. Juliet watched her shoulders grow very relaxed as she summoned her own dreamgliding power. A moment later, the dreamglide began to move and quickly picked up speed.
The underground world might have had more than one exit, but the corkscrew paths at the Fae Cathedral were the only ones Juliet knew about. Once they had Mary, they’d probably need to leave by the same path.
The street, though wide at the outset, narrowed in stages until it was the width of a car. The beauty of the courtyard had long since ended and most of the walls were rough-hewn rock with connected alleys and passageways and a few dim lights. At a main intersection, where a golf-cart lay overturned, Mary turned left.
The quality of air changed as well and the redolence of the teal-colored dark flame became more prominent. Even though they were still within the dreamglide, it was possible for fragrances or darker odors to permeate the space. In real-time, these scents would be much more profound.
“Can you smell the dark flame?” Mary glanced at Juliet, then shifted her gaze immediately back to the passageway. The dreamglide kept flowing, the edges of the space blurred.
“Yes,” Juliet said.
“Even if he hadn’t used a hypodermic on me, I think breathing the air would have made me addicted. One of the guards let it fall that Roche’s laboratory is in the vicinity.” She made a right, then a quick left.
The whole time the dreamglide moved, Juliet could feel Roche hovering around the edges, looking for a way in. She focused on the blocks that had kept Roche away for so long. But instead of engaging only her fae abilities, she drew on what had become a high level of integrated vampire power. She could feel the blocks solidifying, one after the other. She could also sense Roche’s frustration and knew the moment he gave up.
She hoped this was good news. But given Roche’s fae skill level, she wasn’t letting her guard down.
Finally, Mary began to slow, then drew to a stop. “You can take the reins, now, Juliet, because right around this corner is the back entrance to Roche’s sex club. I’ve stopped you here because once we turn the corner, you’ll see the guards, the whole set up. You need to be prepared. I wasn’t ready for what you’re about to see, either. It’s very distressing.”
Bad Boys of the Night: Eight Sizzling Paranormal Romances: Paranormal Romance Boxed Set Page 154
