by Teri Gilbert
Jules took an off-ramp, made a couple sharp turns, then parallel-parked on a street of specialty shops. He maneuvered the SUV with the ease of someone who’d done this a hundred times.
Jules exited the car and swiveled in their direction. “Follow me.” He pointed toward a renovated house.
An ornate sign out front read, Adara’s Tea Emporium.
First Grecian Antiquities, now this. “How many places do you have?”
Jules glanced at Stephanos and shrugged. “Too many to count. Let’s go meet the others.”
A myriad of smells assaulted Alec’s senses as he stepped into the boutique-sized store. Cinnamon, cloves, orange, and spices he didn’t recognize combined in an exotic mixture that left him strangely wanting to try a sample.
The only occupant of the shop was a teenage girl with waist-long brown hair. She wore brightly colored sixties-style clothing. Teapots of all shapes, sizes, and colors sat on a counter in front of her.
“You didn’t see us.” Jules nodded at the girl behind the counter. Was that an order, or was he using the same power of persuasion Eleni used? Alec filed that away to ask Jules at another time, then followed him through an open door to the storage room where rows upon rows of tea were housed.
Jules made a beeline for the shelves straight ahead, then did something with his hands. The entire wall swung inward. They passed into the next room, and the mammoth door closed behind them.
As his eyes adjusted to the meager light, Alec could see that, like Grecian Antiquities, this building was surprisingly deep.
The place was also strangely outfitted. Plexi-glass sheets, similar to those at a hockey arena, surrounded a gymnasium-sized exercise mat.
Two men and a woman, all wearing workout clothes, were inside the enclosed area.
Jules pointed to each in turn. “The big guy who looks like he belongs in the WWF is Quinn.”
Big wasn’t quite the right descriptor, whereas the WWF part said it all. Quinn’s biceps were massive, about as big around as Schwarzenegger’s had been back in the day. He could also have been a Marine, with the height and blond crew cut.
“The man he’s practicing with is Adrian. The woman standing nearby is Adara.”
Adrian looked to be in his mid thirties, not as big as Quinn, but no slouch in the muscle department. He was much leaner than Quinn, and his black hair hung a few inches above his shoulders, not cut close to his head like Quinn’s.
Adara, a slender, athletic woman with short, cropped hair, stood nearby, holding what appeared to be a spear of some type, an amused expression on her pixie face.
Alec faced Jules. “Where are the others?”
Jules shot Stephanos a questioning look. “There are no others. This is it.”
Three men and a woman. To go up against a man who had wiped out Stephanos’s entire team.
Alec swallowed past the knot in his throat and returned his attention to the mat where Quinn rushed Adrian, who easily sidestepped him and struck him on the back with his forearm. Alec watched openmouthed as Quinn dropped to one knee. He wouldn’t have expected the blow to have done anything to a man of Quinn’s size.
Quinn roared and lunged forward, catching Adrian at the knees, knocking him flat on his back. Adrian scrambled back up, fury outlined on every taut muscle.
“Be careful, boys. Don’t overdo.” Adara’s husky voice trickled through the air, as if she stood feet, instead of yards, away.
Before Alec could ponder the strange acoustics, Jules shoved a pair of goggles into his hands. “Here, put these on.”
Alec hesitated, watching Adara toss Quinn a similar pair, then don one herself. The hair on his arms and neck prickled, then started to rise.
“Now.”
At Jules’s sharp command, Alec did as he said, just in time. Even with the protective lenses in place, Alec winced at the intense bright light that seemed to be burning his retinas. What the hell? He continued staring straight ahead, but couldn’t see anything but white light. After several minutes, the intensity dimmed, allowing him to view the source of the brilliance.
The fiery light was coming from Adrian’s hands.
Quinn crouched a few feet away, like a basketball player guarding his man, prepared to dart this way or that if needed. But the beams remained to either side of Quinn. Minutes passed until finally the, what he could only describe as rays, subsided. Adara dashed forward as Adrian dropped to his knees. Quinn ambled over, but Adrian shrugged them both off and headed toward Alec and the other spectators, seeming to go straight through the plexi glass.
What the hell? But when Adara did the same, Alec noticed she took a slight jog through the plastic sheets, obviously separated by a couple feet.
Stephanos extended his hand to Adrian. “Nice job.”
Adrian slanted a look to Jules, who nodded. “He’s the leader of Amalgamated.”
Adrian stepped around Stephanos, picked up a gallon container of water, and upended it. The liquid ran down his chin onto his clothing as he hastily chugged the contents.
Quinn, wearing a broad smile, crossed to Adrian and clapped him on the back. The action forced a plume of water to shoot directly into Adrian’s face. Adrian scowled, then glared at Quinn, who looked around. “What? Only congratulating him on a job well done.”
“He should have been saving his energy for the attack.” Adara frowned at Quinn.
“He’s a bit rusty. I was helping him out. We needed to know he still had it, so I had to piss him off.”
“Your natural talent, Quinn.” Adara finally seemed to notice Alec and held out her hand in greeting. “I’m Adara.”
Her grip was strong, firm, not at all what Alec expected of someone model thin. “Your shop?”
She grimaced and blew out a breath. “No, my name.” She glared at Quinn. “Someone thought it was a cute idea and it stuck.”
Looking quite pleased with himself, Quinn jutted a thumb toward the training room. “Wanna fight?”
“Anytime, anywhere.” She swung the spear to her other hand and jogged toward the plexi glass slats, motioning for Quinn to join her.
“First, why don’t we see what Alec can do with his bow?” Stephanos stopped the bantering pair in their tracks.
“Come on, then, what are you waiting for? Fall?” Quinn laughed as he held back the thick plastic.
Alec felt a surge of anticipation flow through him. He knelt, opened his case, and withdrew his bow and a handful of arrows identical to the ones Zorba had provided. A tingle started up his arm at the familiar contours of his weapon. It felt like ages since he’d held the bow, but it had only been a matter of hours. The ancient coin caught the light, sending radiant spears in all directions.
“Nice.” Jules nodded his approval. Even Adrian glanced over and stopped drinking, an appreciative gleam in his eyes.
As Alec entered the arena, he immediately noticed the odor, like hot, dry air on a summer day. Each breath felt completely devoid of moisture. He jogged over to where Adara and Quinn stood a few feet away from each other.
Alec looked around. “Where are the bull’s-eyes?”
Laughter bulleted around the room, and Alec felt heat rush to his face.
Quinn pointed at his barrel chest. “Imagine a big ol’ red dot.”
A chill swept through Alec. They couldn’t possibly expect him to shoot at them?
Adara raised her brows. “What are you waiting for?”
Alec remained where he was, unmoving. He couldn’t do this.
“I think he’s afraid of hurting you,” Adrian taunted from the sidelines.
Both Quinn and Adara looked at each other, and again laughter echoed around the training area.
“Give him a break.” Stephanos sounded angrier than Alec had ever heard him. “Go to the far side. Let him get used to the idea.”
Looking slightly chastised, the two did as Stephanos requested.
“Now, Alec.”
Alec set the arrow into place and lifted the bow, bringing the n
ock back to his cheek. How could Stephanos order him to shoot at a human being?
“You brought us a real winner.”
The sarcastic tone of Adrian’s voice reached into Alec’s ear. No, he wouldn’t be bullied into this. He would do it when he was good and ready.
“Shoot for my hand.” Quinn held his arm at his side, fingers spread.
Alec aimed at Quinn’s palm, then released his grip on the arrow. The whizzing sound seemed to follow the carbon rod through the air toward his target, right on the mark. Alec braced himself for Quinn’s cry of pain, but he moved his hand at the last possible second.
Quinn let out a loud whistle. “That was close.”
“You see, Alec, you don’t have to worry. They’ll get out of the way. This will help you train.” Stephanos spoke in a low voice, again seemingly in his ear. “Continue.”
Alec picked up another arrow and aimed at Adara this time. She twisted just enough to avoid the weapon, which clattered off the plastic behind her.
He continued until he’d used all twelve arrows and was forced to stop and gather them again.
Quinn merely shook his head when he picked up an arrow near his foot. “Come on, I’m not even breaking a sweat.”
Once more. One more round. That was it, then he was out of here and heading to Mallaki’s. He returned to his spot on the opposite side.
Adara and Quinn sprinted toward him.
“Stop us now, Alec. Before we reach you.” Adara cut in front of Quinn, heading directly for him.
Alec heard Stephanos’s swift intake of breath. He obviously thought they’d carry out their threat.
No one had gotten hurt in Adrian’s attack. Maybe the arrows wouldn’t affect them. He lifted the bow. Steady, steady, then let it fly. Quinn pulled ahead of her and Alec groaned. He hadn’t meant to aim at Quinn’s head. The big man did a quick two-step, and the arrow glanced off his hand.
“Stop. Mission accomplished.” Stephanos’s command filled the arena.
Alec lowered the bow.
“Nice work.” Quinn approached and held out his hand, which had a smear of blood across the palm.
Alec hesitated, feeling guilty about inflicting such a wound on another person.
Quinn laughed. “Oh, that. That’s a love bite. You were going to nail me. I had to save my handsome mug.”
Alec shook Quinn’s hand, immediately aware of energy forming deep within him. By the time he’d released his grip, Quinn’s hand was healed.
Quinn stared at him, dumbfounded, before what Alec could only think of as a shit-eating grin spread across his face. “You’re a healer.” He clapped him on the back so hard his teeth rattled. “We’ve got ourselves a healer.” He turned toward Adara, who also appeared pleased.
Alec felt the knot in the pit of his stomach loosen. Just a bit. Somehow, he’d passed the test.
Chapter 15
Eleni stepped onto the balcony from her bedroom, shut the French doors behind her to keep in the air conditioning, then took a deep, settling breath. The air was warm, though not quite as humid as it would be by midday, and the ocean was glassy in its smoothness, even at this early morning hour. A few fishing boats dotted the horizon, and she spotted an elderly woman collecting shells a fair ways down the beach.
The uneventful night had passed in fitful bursts of sleep. Thankfully Mallaki had maintained his distance.
Her thoughts drifted to Alec, and a fist closed around her heart. It’d only been a little over a day since she’d seen him, but she felt like a part of her was gone.
Why?
Wasn’t sexual attraction all they had in common?
No. She flattened her palm against the cool stone railing.
Maybe, at first, that’s what had drawn them together. She’d felt the instant connection the moment they’d been introduced at the station. She could tell Alec had, too. And, yes, she had played up that attraction, using it to get closer to him.
Then something changed. Eleni closed her eyes, trying to remember the exact moment she knew Alec meant more to her than a means to an end. Was it before or after they’d kissed for the first time?
Her pulse quickened. Before. Only hours before, but still...Somewhere between the prime rib and crème brule, she’d made the decision to tell Stephanos she couldn’t use Alec in that manner, and they’d have to come clean before she’d continue with the plan. But she’d never had the chance.
Eleni curled her hand, and pounded the railing. There was something more between them. She’d met many handsome, compelling men working with Stephanos. Not one of them, not a single, solitary one, had appealed to her. So what was it about Alec?
For one thing, Alec didn’t care about her looks. He’d proven that outward appearance didn’t matter to him when he spoke about Charissa. He also treated her with respect, like she had a brain, not something men usually did. They assumed because she was blonde and well endowed, she was short on the gray matter.
“You must really care about him.”
Eleni’s heart jumped at the sound of the French doors opening behind her. “What?”
“I’ve been watching you from the rotunda.” Mallaki gestured toward the six-sided structure towering above the surrounding area on their left. “You have the look of a woman thinking about a man. Am I wrong?”
“No.” She faced him and managed a tight smile.
“I’m a patient man, Eleni.” He took her balled fist and smoothed out her hand. “I know how to make you forget him.”
Tiny muscles in Eleni’s stomach started to vibrate as Mallaki continued to caress her fingers. She wanted to tell him to stop, but fought the impulse. At this point, such a bold move would only put her in more danger.
Mallaki’s voice was low and soothing. “My enemies may not think so, but I am quite tolerant about the things I care for.”
Things. Inanimate objects. That’s how Mallaki thought of her.
He brought her hand to his lips. “I know you have feelings for someone else, but I’m sure in time you’ll come to have the same feelings for me.” His eyes held a dangerous spark.
“We’ll make a good match, Eleni. But I won’t wait forever.”
He ran a hand down the side of her mouth and traced her lips, which started quivering beneath his touch.
Mallaki inched forward. “I’d like to put my theory to the test.”
No. She snapped her head to the left and his lips found the side of her neck instead.
She cringed, not knowing how he’d react.
He chuckled.
Heart pounding, she faced him.
“Not ready to be my lover, Eleni?”
“Why do you want me?”
“Because you’re beautiful.”
She gestured toward the mansion behind her. “I’ve seen Naia and Litsa. They’re much more beautiful than I.”
He frowned, as if considering the validity of her statement. “I’d say you’re all on the same level.”
“Then why me, Mallaki? You could let me go.” She suspected it was her unattainable status that fascinated him. Or perhaps her “gift” increased her attraction. He placed his hands on her shoulders. “You have fire, Eleni, a passion visible to anyone who meets you. It brings a man alive.”
“You only say that because you can’t have me.”
He tapped her lightly on the nose. “Be careful, my dear. Can’t is such a strong word. Some might say it’s a challenging one, particularly to someone as competitive as I. It’s not a question of if, but when.”
She licked her dry lips. “Could we spend more time with each other first, Mallaki?”
He laughed. “I’m feeling magnanimous today. More time together, it is. Let’s say we consummate this relationship in two days.”
The tightness in her chest loosened, and she gave a sharp nod. She’d have to discover what he was up to tonight.
And if she couldn’t...
Well, she’d escape. Or die trying. Either way, Mallaki would never have her.
Chapter 16
Alec took another bite of his roast beef sandwich. He, Stephanos, and the team from Miami sat around a plastic foldout table in front of the workout area at Adara’s. The smells of freshly baked bread and greasy french fries filled the air. Everyone had ordered subs from a local shop. They ranged from Adara’s funky cucumber, onion, and avocado, to Quinn’s hearty triple meat double order, to his own rather ordinary horseradish and roast beef. People were engaged in side conversations or busy eating, and Alec found the clanking of cutlery and quiet murmurs a pleasant backdrop.
Stephanos raised his water glass. “To new friends.”
“Hear, hear,” each replied and clinked glasses, Quinn’s motion so powerful, it practically shattered his own tankard. The big man merely inclined his head and grinned.
“Since you’ll be working together, you should know something about each other’s abilities.” Stephanos addressed the group. “We’ll go around the table. Keep it short and to the point. Quinn, you first.”
“You saw my power, purely physical. My ancestor was Zeus. You’d think I could do something with the weather, lightning bolts like Adrian or something cool like that, but, try as I might, nothing.” He shrugged.
“Quinn, here, is being modest.” Adrian made a face. “He’s, naturally, also a direct descendant of Cronus.” He gave him an all-expectant look, as if waiting for some sort of reaction.
Alec searched his memory. He’d heard of Zeus, of course, and knew Cronus had something to do with time.
Adrian gave an exasperated sigh. “Cronus was a Titan. You know, those who came first.”
When he didn’t respond, Adrian scowled in disgust. “Cronus was Zeus’s father.”
“Oh.” The inane word came out before Alec could stop it.
Quinn laughed. “That’s all right. Adrian here is the only one who thinks it’s a big deal.”
Jules went next. “My power, for lack of a better word, is invisibility.” He tugged a black knit cap out of his front jacket pocket and placed it on his head.
Holy shit. Alec stared at where Jules had been, dimly aware his mouth had dropped open. Just like Eleni with the Blues Brothers. “Can you make others invisible, too?”
