Legacy of Olympus (In the Gods' Secret Service)

by Teri Gilbert

  Alec placed the end of the arrow into the nock and drew back on the string.

  “No. No.” Zorba sounded panicked. “Don’t try it here. Come with me.”

  Eleni’s heart beat faster. Mallaki leaned against her bedroom door, barring her entrance. The remainder of breakfast had been uneventful, and she wanted to make sure the rest of the day went the same.

  Mallaki raised his brows and gave a charming smile. “Maybe I could stay with you tonight?”

  She looked down to hide her contempt, but could feel his gaze on her. Perhaps he’d take her response for shyness. “Why don’t we wait and get to know each other better?” Her voice didn’t shake, but her hands did.

  “Perhaps tomorrow?” It was both a promise and a threat.

  She nodded. By tomorrow, fate willing, she’d be out of there.

  As Mallaki strode stiff-shouldered down the hall, Eleni let out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. While Mallaki was occupied with his company, she’d have to find a computer with Internet access. And she couldn’t get caught. A shudder rippled through her at the thought of what Mallaki would do if he discovered her trying to communicate with anyone from Amalgamated.

  He’d kill her.

  She felt a sinking sensation in her stomach. Would anyone care?

  She had no family left, and her true friends had all been at Amalgamated that fateful day. But Stephanos was alive. He’d be upset if she died, but maybe in the way a platoon leader would mourn the loss of a soldier. The mission would continue. A fist closed around her heart. Would Alec miss her?

  She tossed her head back and squared her shoulders. She intended to find out. She wouldn’t die. She’d do whatever it took to survive and get Stephanos the information he needed.

  Feeling safer with the bow and arrow in hand, Alec continued down the hallway behind Zorba. He tried to picture the Village Gate from the outside. They had to be somewhere deep in the belly of the building.

  “Here.” Zorba indicated a room to the left.

  Gripping the bow and arrow, Alec entered, unable to see much of anything with only the dim light from the hall.

  “This hasn’t been used in a long time.” Zorba hit the wall switch, illuminating a long, narrow room with several bull’s-eyes ranging from the smallest to the largest on the opposite end, about forty feet away.

  “Go ahead.” Zorba indicated the targets with a wave of his hand. “See how that set works for you.”

  Alec held the bow out in front of him, placed the arrow on the ledge and under the nock, pulled back the taut cord, then let it fly. The cord sprang back and caught him on the arm, leaving a bright red welt.

  Zorba laughed. “Try again. Don’t rotate your elbow inward. Picture the tip embedding itself deep within your target.”

  Alec did as he said, feeling a slight tug across the muscles in his upper arm and chest. This time the arrow struck the outer edge of the target, but the target nonetheless.

  Zorba wasn’t satisfied. “Doesn’t feel like it was made for you, then?”

  Alec shook his head.

  “That won’t do.” Zorba snatched the bow and arrow from his hands, then stepped back and studied him.

  Alec shifted from one foot to the other.

  “Sorry. Trying to get your proportions and energy reading. You should have something that fits you perfectly. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  True to his word, Zorba returned shortly with a cloth sack. He knelt, unzipped the worn bag, and almost reverently removed a slightly shorter, much plainer wooden bow. “Made from Osage Orange by the same master bowyer.”

  Alec accepted the bow and ran a thumb down the polished surface. There were no carvings on this one. Instead, an ancient coin with a profile of a helmeted man had been set into the base of the wood. As his pad crossed the cool metal, he immediately felt something similar to a buzz from a low electrical current.

  A wide smile spread across Zorba’s face. “This one’s it, isn’t it?”

  Alec hesitated. Why should he prefer one to the other? There was no logical explanation. He was far from an expert in archery. But yes, he did feel something, an unseen power emanating from the bow, joining with him in some indefinable way. “There’s something about the feel...”

  Zorba went back into the cloth sack and held out a half dozen arrows. “Wooden ones won’t do for this bow. These arrows are made of carbon, the best. But if they splinter, the shards are quite nasty and should be removed immediately. The combined speed, using this bow and these arrows”–-Zorba’s eyes darted up and to the left–-“I figure two hundred plus feet per second.”

  Alec let out a low whistle and studied the arrows. Each had narrow multicolored bands along the side, orange, red, yellow.

  “The bowyer named this set Sun God’s Pride.”

  Alec’s chest constricted, and his throat tightened. He would be worthy of the name. He fitted the arrow into the nock, lifted the bow into position, and felt energy start pulsing through him.

  This was right. This was made for him. He drew the bow, thought of the target, and relaxed his fingers. No dull thud, no loud twang. Just the soft whirr of the arrow slicing the air. He could have been blindfolded and known the shot was destined for the bull’s-eye.

  Zorba clapped enthusiastically and held out another arrow. “Do it again. Do it again.”

  Alec followed his directive, using all the remaining arrows. Each time, the tip embedded itself in the center of the bull’s-eye. He felt so alive, like every neuron inside of him sparked at once. He turned to Zorba, the corners of his lips tugging upward. “I’ll take it.”

  “Somehow I thought you would.” Zorba paused, his gaze somber and assessing. “I see you also have talent that doesn’t meet the eye.” Zorba indicated his arm, which had been bright red after his first attempt, but was now as smooth and unmarred as when he’d walked in the door. “The enemy isn’t going to take kindly to a healer.”

  Chapter 13

  Later that day, Eleni edged open the door of her suite, expecting Zander to be standing sentry, but there was no one in sight.

  Dressed in a simple white pants suit and tan sandals she’d found in the closet, she headed down the hall in the opposite direction she’d already been. She cringed at the brush of her sandals on the marble flooring. How could she avoid detection when every little sound reflected off the smooth polished surfaces?

  Still, there was no sign of anyone as she made her way down the corridor. Most of the doors were locked, but one opened inward, revealing shelves of books. Where there was a library, there might be computers.

  Drawn by the possibility of making outside contact, she entered and was immediately struck by the sheer beauty of the room. Books were housed in mahogany and life-size Greek statues surrounded leafy green plants and rich white leather chairs. In the center of the room, a water fountain provided soothing background noise, while picture windows lining the back walls allowed panoramic views of the ocean and sky.

  At the far end of the library, facing the wall, as if embarrassed to be seen in such elegant surroundings, was a row of computers. She glanced toward the door. Doubt nagged at her. This was almost too easy.

  She headed for a terminal. Even if Mallaki were testing her, she’d make the most of this opportunity. It’s all she had.

  Alec arrived at the warehouse to find Stephanos working at his computer.

  “You’re back sooner than I expected.” Stephanos didn’t bother looking up.

  “Zorba indicated a healer would be viewed as a threat. Why?”

  “Think about it, Alec. A healer can keep the best warriors strong, healthy, giving them the advantage. Why do you think Mallaki wants you? You’ve got quite a few gifts.” Stephanos paused, tapped a few keys, then leaned back and studied him. “How did your meeting with Zorba go?”

  “I appear to be a natural.” Alec shrugged off the sack holding the bow and arrows and set it on the floor.

  “Not unexpected.”

  Al
ec’s chest tightened at Stephanos’s matter-of-fact tone. Something was wrong. Had he gotten word of Eleni? “Is Eleni...” Words failed him.

  “She’s fine. At least she was at the time she sent this.”

  Alec strode to the computer and scanned the note.

  I’m at Dorian Mallaki’s estate in Miami. I haven’t discovered what he’s up to, but will continue to investigate. Do not come for me. He’s expecting you. I’ll be in touch again if I can. Eleni

  Relief zipped through Alec. Eleni was all right. “I hope she’s being careful.” He studied Stephanos’s grim expression. “You’re worried about what Mallaki will do if he finds out Eleni sent this email?”

  Stephanos shook his head and rubbed his chin. “I’m wondering why he allowed it.” He glanced at his watch. “There’s no time to waste. Ready to head for the airport?”

  As ready as he’d ever be. A sense of the surreal once again washed over Alec as he hefted up the case holding the bow and arrow. What a turn his life had taken. If anyone had told him a month ago he’d be going after someone with such weapons, intending to rescue a kidnapped woman, he’d have told them to check into R-wing. Yet, he acknowledged, carrying the bow and arrow felt as natural to him as getting up in the morning.

  A dark shadow loomed over her and her hands froze on the keyboard. Mallaki. Eleni’s heart slammed against her chest, and icy dread washed through her veins. She hadn’t heard him approach.

  Hands shaking, she closed the email. What would Mallaki do to her? Had he had time to read the note?

  She planted a smile on her face and glanced over her shoulder. It took a second to realize it wasn’t Mallaki but Thanos standing behind her, dark amusement spreading across his harsh features.

  She started to rise, but his hands clamped on her shoulders, forcing her back to the chair.

  “Let’s see what you’re up to.”

  He leaned over her, his broad chest brushing the back of her head. She could smell his excitement, a mixture of sweat and lust. His lean fingers tapped some keys, and within seconds her email to Alec and Stephanos filled the screen.

  Her chest rose and fell in rapid succession as her breath came in quick pants. What would Mallaki do when Thanos told him?

  “Eleni, Eleni, Eleni.” Still leaning over her, Thanos grasped her hands, clasped tightly in her lap. Pain shot through them as he increased the pressure.

  “Thanos, I—”

  Gripping her hands tightly, he circled her, then dropped to his knees. His eyes glittered dangerously. “You’re an exceptionally beautiful woman.”

  If she could use her power on him, just a little, maybe she could get out of this without tipping her hand. “You need to let me go.”

  “Ah.” Thanos’s lip curled upward in a sneer. “I’ll have to keep that pretty little mouth of yours occupied so you won’t try any of that shit with me.”

  Her mouth went dry, but she didn’t dare lick her lips for fear of drawing his attention to them. “I’m exhausted. If you’ll excuse me...”

  She rose and darted past him. She got midway through the library, near the fountain, when Thanos caught her waist and dragged her toward him. He smelled of whiskey and something...sweet. Her pulse quickened. If Mallaki were entertaining guests, no one would know she was missing.

  “I’m in the mood for a little fun.” Thanos swung her around and threw her back against the marble base of the fountain. The cold surface seeped through her clothes, and she could feel the pulse of water flowing behind her.

  Pressing her hands flat against Thanos’s chest, she shoved. He didn’t budge. If she screamed, Mallaki would certainly find out what she’d been doing, and more than her virtue would be at risk.

  As if sensing her thoughts, Thanos laughed. He took both her hands in one of his, then lifted them above her head.

  But which was worse? Mallaki’s wrath or being raped by Thanos?

  Thanos lowered his mouth toward hers and slid his leg intimately between her thighs.

  She lowered her voice. “Stop.”

  He hesitated a moment, then a flash of anger sped across his harsh features. “I told you to keep your mouth shut. If you don’t, I will find something to occupy it. You think Mallaki will care what I do to you? He always offers me my choice of women when I come to visit.” With his free hand Thanos found the hem of her top and started inching it upward, until his fingers skimmed the outside of her breast.

  “No.” She started struggling in earnest, then opened her mouth to scream. She’d deal with Mallaki if she had to, but she wouldn’t take being pawed by this ape for one second longer.

  A popping sound rang out. Thanos took a step back, mouth open in shock, then crumpled to the floor.

  “But I do care what you do to her, Thanos.” Face dark with fury, Mallaki stood over her attacker.

  After prodding Thanos with his foot, he lifted his head and met her gaze. “Did he...?”

  A chill came over her, and she couldn’t seem to stop shaking. Was she going into shock? “He-he tried, but...” She slid a glance at Thanos. Blood seeped from the hole in the side of his head near the temple, then streamed toward the foot of a nearby statue.

  “Zander said he went to check on you, but you were nowhere to be found. Luckily for you I got here in time.” Mallaki glanced at Thanos’s body. “It’s a shame, you know. He was a good man, a valuable asset.” Mallaki took her by the upper arm and tugged her toward him. “And you cost him his life.”

  “That’s not fair. He attacked me.” Outrage and excess adrenaline made her voice shake. How could Mallaki think it was her fault?

  “Because you provoked him. I watched you at breakfast. Do you think the men had anything on their minds but how you’d feel beneath them?”

  He propelled her down the hall to her room, forcing her to take two steps to his one. “You know, if you wanted a computer, all you had to do is ask.”

  He knew? A cold sweat encased her body.

  “Do you think I’d allow anyone, even someone as distracting as you, to have access to the Internet, unless I wanted them to?”

  He stopped outside her door. “But don’t worry, Eleni. I’m not going to hurt you. In fact, I’ve decided I want you to stay as long as you wish.” He leaned toward her.

  Though she’d anticipated his intent, Eleni hadn’t been prepared for the kiss itself. His lips were cold, hard, branding without fire. His hands curled through her hair, then held her fast, allowing him to deepen his exploration.

  Acid burned the back of her throat, but what could she do, except force her mind to another place as Mallaki, tongue darting like a serpent’s, delved into the dark recesses of her mouth.

  Thoughts of her first kiss with Alec rose like a phoenix from the flames. After such a romantic dinner, it had seemed so natural. While Mallaki kissed her with calculated strokes, Alec had plunged tenderly, his low moans of pleasure fueling her own passion.

  No. She couldn’t think about Alec now. That would be her undoing.

  After the bruising kiss, Mallaki turned on his heel and left. Eleni listened to the thump of his determined footsteps echoing down the hall. Relief seeped into her. Mallaki was leaving her alone.

  A shiver snaked down her spine. But the stakes were higher than ever. Mallaki had killed a man in front of her. She could easily become a liability to him. And, if he knew how she felt about Alec, he wouldn’t hesitate to kill them both.

  Chapter 14

  The following morning, Alec stepped onto the blazing hot tarmac, squinted at the brilliant sun, then unbuttoned his top two buttons. He’d known Miami was hot and humid in the summertime, but this felt pretty damn extreme.

  The flight had been uneventful, the only thing that had been in the last few days. While Stephanos had kept his head buried in paperwork most of the flight, he’d tried working on the global warming piece, but to no avail. He couldn’t keep his mind from wandering. All he could think about was Eleni and what was happening to her.

  “There.” S
tephanos indicated a black SUV at the far end of the airstrip.

  Alec shifted his travel bag and carrying case from one sweaty palm to the other, feeling the comforting frame of the bow through the canvas beneath his hand, and followed Stephanos.

  When they were a few feet away, a thin, medium-sized man, with sandy hair and strikingly pale complexion, particularly for this climate, got out of the driver’s seat and held out his hand. “Stephanos. Good to see you.”

  “Jules.” Stephanos shook his hand, then clapped him on the back. “Thanks for picking us up.” He stepped aside and motioned him forward. “Meet Alec Androulakis.”

  Jules’s gaze was solemn as he nodded his greeting. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” He scanned the area. “We’d better get going before we’re seen. The others are waiting.”

  Without another word, Stephanos circled the car and took the passenger seat. Alec slid in behind Jules, immediately noting the darkened privacy glass. More of the cloak and dagger routine?

  Within minutes they were on the expressway, heading for what? His stomach tightened. Whatever these men were planning had better work, for Eleni’s sake.

  “I realize we might compromise your mission.” Stephanos tapped a button to increase the air conditioning. “We appreciate your help.”

  Jules glanced at Stephanos, then returned his gaze to the road. “An attack on you is an attack on us. Most of us knew someone from Amalgamated. We’re all pretty broken up about what happened. They’re at Adara’s, training as we speak.”

  Stephanos nodded. “Good.” He paused. “I heard rumors a while ago about some conflict within the ranks. Are there hard feelings between members of your team that will interfere with the mission?”

  “You’ll find everyone doing their job.”

  “Good to hear. We need people clear-minded if we have any hope of defeating Mallaki.”