Infinity (Valkyries: Soaring Raven)

by Sedona Venez

  Boulder looked at him silently.

  He sputtered, then blurted, “Boulder, you can’t date her. She’s not pure-blood.”

  Boulder shrugged his shoulders, “That’s your hang-up man, not mine. Besides, I can’t say for sure, but I think she may have some wolf blood.” His nose flared, “There’s just something about her scent that’s sending my wolf crazy.”

  His eyes narrowed, “That’s wishful thinking, man. I know you’re ready to find your mate and settle down, and with the frustrating male-female ratio problem, it’s hard. But don’t get desperate. You will never be happy with her. Believe me.”

  He puffed his chest and stepped to him aggressively. “I’m warning you, Torch, shut the hell up. You may be in some fucking denial but I know what she is and she’s our mate. I won’t stop until I officially claim her.”

  He rubbed his fingers over his buzz-cut. “She can’t be your mate or our mate. She’s not pure-blood.”

  “As if it’s the first time in wolf-shifter history that a non-shifter turned out to be an Alpha’s mate, besides, the Immortals would not have presented us to her if she was not.”

  He punched the wall sending shards of debris everywhere, “Bullshit, just fuck her and get her out of your system. Don’t settle, your true mate is out there.”

  Boulder arched a brow, “And what makes you think that she’s not my true mate?”

  He gritted his teeth with dread rolling over him like thunderclouds. “Because she’s not! Since when have you known the Immortals to be trustworthy?”

  Boulder looked at him suspiciously, “Why are so adamant about this? You of all wolves? Who wants, no needs, a mate as badly as I do?”

  “Because I’ve been down this road before. It’s full of disappointment.” He sighed heavily, “Besides the fact that you’re not sure what she is? For one, she’s our client, we don’t fuck our clients. Remember our rule? We don’t mix business with pleasure, ever.”

  Boulder crossed his arms and glared at him.

  So he continued, “Okay, suppose she is a shifter, and I’m not saying that she is. She’s a virgin, that’s what you smell on her and she’s never been in heat. And she won’t go into heat until it’s time for her first transformation. That’s if she’s even a she-wolf.” He scowled, “And if she’s not a wolf-shifter, then you have a whole different set of problems, because according to pack law, a pure-blood can’t mate with a shifter that’s not.”

  Boulder snarled, “You know that you’re fucked up in the head right? First it’s discriminating against humans, now it’s anyone that’s not pure-blood? Do you just make shit up as you go?”

  He looked at him with a blank expression, because he knew what he said was fucked up, but it was something that he was firmly against...dating or mating with anyone that was not pure-blood. He had been down that road a long time ago and learned from experience that humans and half-breeds can’t deal with the sexual appetite and demanding nature of a pure-blood wolf, much less a royal Alpha male like him and Boulder. It just wouldn’t work no matter how bad he wanted it to. “We’re best friends, so I’m just trying to warn you and save you the heartache.”

  “How about if you leave the management of my love life to me, okay?”

  He scowled, “Fine. Let’s wrap this assignment up. Our obligation to Maxim is over once you’ve done the last security sweep, get her out of the music arena, into her car and safely home.”

  Boulder’s hands clenched. “Bullshit! Our obligation to Maxim will never be over until we’re official pack, Torch. And Maxim will never allow that to happen. He’s been dangling that fucking promise for years. Face it, for as long as you allow it, we’ll be his fucking personal lap dogs doing favors like this shit forever.” Boulder looked at Infinity who winked saucily at him before he narrowed a hostile gaze on him. “Let’s wrap this shit up so I can get my mate. I’m taking some of the team through the music arena to start the sweep, you secure everything backstage.”

  Torch gritted his teeth as he watched his Beta and Enforcer walk away. Now he was determined to put an end to whatever was going on between Boulder and her. It was already fucking up their friendship and before long, Boulder’s anger at him would seep into their business relationship and fuck that up too. He didn’t even want to think about what it would do to the pack or the promise they made to each ....to hunt and kill the vampire rogues that killed their parents.

  They started this pack together, and he would be damned if he’d let some drugged out human or half-breed destroy everything they built. He was already on edge and trying to control his baser impulses. It was then that he heard her talking about going to some concert after party, officially sending his temper into overdrive. Before he could stop himself, he walked up to her stormed over, ready to lay down the law for the drugged-out Superstar that thought she could save the world, one trashy song at a time.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Infinity

  R.E.S.P.E.C.T.....Now Earn It

  I heaved a sigh of relief as the platform lowered, ending a truly awesome concert. Well, minus the couple of nerve wracking issues with fans trying to bolt onto the stage.

  With the thump of the platform, I was backstage surrounded by security and dancers as Diego and Zoe wrapped me in a group hug.

  He beamed at me, “I think that was your best performance ever.”

  Zoe did a fist pump, “Woo-hoo, sugar!”

  “I hate to admit it, but I don’t know how I’m ever going to top it. That vibe out there was off the chain. It was like being sucked in some fever pitched party.”

  Savannah passed me a black towel and a bottle of sparkling water which I guzzled as I was swept away, so lost in trying to come off of the performance high that I didn’t realize Diego and Zoe had skirted to a stop until I heard their unified gasp.

  I gave them an annoyed stare, “What’s the....” Then I felt like a ton of bricks had been dropped on me when I looked over automatically to the corner where he was lounging looking at me with hooded eyes. He was absolutely bigger than life, figuratively and literally.

  Zoe licked her lips, “I thought Big Red was hot, but him right there.” She looked over at me with dilated eyes. “Who are these people? It’s like being surrounded by huge, gorgeous genetically engineered Vikings. No one could look this good without a little Rejuvenator body work.” Her eyes darted over to Boulder, “I mean my gawd. What the hell is going on?”

  Diego puffed his chest out, “Hey, I’m offended. I’m hotter than half of those guys.”

  Zoe gave him an annoyed stare. “Okay, not the time. This is real girl talk right now. You wouldn’t understand.”

  I wasn’t paying attention to either of them. I was focused on him as he leveled a cold stare at me, then turned back to talk to Boulder.

  Zoe hip checked me, “Hey, I’m talking here. Focus.”

  My heart was pumping a mile a minute as I tried to keep my legs from buckling. “Yes, I heard you, Security is hot.”

  Zoe and Diego smiled at each other. “Oh, I see. You like mystery man over there.”

  I huffed, “Nope, I don’t do employees, you know that.” Well, change that, because I sure as hell was going to do Boulder sooner or later.

  Diego looked over at Zoe, “What rule is that?”

  “How the hell do I know, given the fact that she and Big Red might as well start planning their wedding.”

  Diego snorted, “Okay, you two need to get some psychological help, and fast.”

  Zoe danced around me, “So we’re going to the after party?” She scowled at Cruz who scowled right back at her. “Since some Vikings that shall not be named are nothing but a cock tease. I need to flirt shamelessly with guys that don’t have a stick,” She looked pointedly at him, “stuck up their ass.”

  He stuck up his middle finger at Zoe while mumbling in Spanish.

  Oh boy, they were going to kill each before the end of the night. I pulled my hair into a high ponytail. “I am so there. Let me take a sh
ower and...”

  Out of nowhere the crazy guy from my dream stepped in front of me. “You are not so there,” he mimicked me with a glacial glare. “You will get in your dressing room, get changed, get back out here, and be escorted home. In that order.” His voice was diamond hard.

  I admit, he had me panting before he opened his mouth and inserted his foot. Yes, he was stunningly gorgeous, better looking out of the dream if that was possible. A buffet of hot nights potential. Defined upper body? Check. Washboard abs? Check. Broad shoulders? Check. Homicidal nutcase? Double check.

  Tilting my head to the side, I crossed my arms defiantly planted my hands on my hips. “And who the hell are you?” I asked irritably.

  His harsh scowl and the sharpness in his black eyes only confirmed his psycho status.

  “Your worst fucking nightmare,” he growled.

  My mouth dropped open with shock, then I recovered—barely.

  Zoe’s eyes glided from me to him. “Oh boy. Major battle on the horizon.”

  Diego’s eyes narrowed, “Hey, don’t talk to her like that.”

  Nudging Diego on the shoulder, I smiled at him grimly, “Thank you, but I’ve got this.” Diego stepped back. “I’m going to assume you’re Boulder’s business partner, umm, Torch?” I smiled coldly at him, “Okay, so here’s how it going to go down.” I gestured to the whole backstage area.

  “This whole music arena is yours to secure before my performance, during my performance and after my performance.” I smiled non-sweetly, “I pay you and everyone around here. Well, I might add. What I do and where I go is my damn business. Now, since my former security detail chose to succumb to Collective pressure and quite, I’m in need of new security. So I’ll be more than happy to hire Big Red and angry Cruz who may or may not be an angry serial killer.” I paused dramatically, “As for you, you are dismissed.”

  I turned on my heels giving him my back, preparing to walk storm off to my dressing room, when he tossed me over his shoulders knocking the air out of me. I squealed in shock and froze as he carried me down the hallway.

  “What the hell! Let me down you ass.” I pounded on his back with furious thumps as he pinned my legs to prevent me from kicking him. He opened my dressing room door, stepped inside and kicked it closed. My breath whooshed out of my body when he unceremoniously dropped me on the leather couch like a bag of garbage.

  I was livid. For the first time in my life, I wanted to inflict bodily harm on someone. Him. I pushed the hair that had escaped out of my ponytail impatiently then leveled a cold stare at him before whirling around with a roundhouse kick to chest.

  He barely flinched as he looked at me coldly with hands clenching and unclenching angrily at his side. The thick vein in his neck pulsed in an angry rhythm.

  “You bastard. How dare you manhandle me? I demand respect.” I gazed up at him, trying to keep my breathing smooth and even.

  He stated through clenched teeth. “Let’s get a couple things straight. Don’t ever talk to me like that, especially in front of my men. Second, you don’t pay my salary. And last but definitely not least, respect is earned.” He looked at me with distaste. “And believe me, you’re nowhere near earning mine.”

  What. The. Fuck!

  The air whooshed out of my chest like I was physically kicked. I was so angry I was seeing red. I hated him and he obviously hated me. “Since after tonight I won’t ever see you again. I don’t give a shit about your opinions. Now get the hell out.” I pursed my lips and gestured towards the door.

  “Get changed. Get your stuff and knock on the door when you’re ready.”

  I was trembling with anger when I picked up a glass and threw it at his head which he smoothly dodged. “Get out!”

  He stepped in my face. “Don’t test me. You won’t like the results. I promise you.” He strode out the dressing room without pause.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Infinity

  The Unraveling

  I was seething by the time I showered and dressed, pissed by the fact that the big bad wolf, known as Torch wanted to make an example out of me by bullying me around like this was some prison yard.

  I was brushing my hair with long angry strokes, practically foaming at the mouth, when the door knocked and Zoe peeked in giving me an impish grin as she strolled past me, plopping down on the sofa.

  “Oh. My. Goodness. What was all that?”

  I dropped the brush with a loud bang on the dressing table. “Well let’s start with the fact that Mason is so fired for hiring that asshole.”

  “Uh, sugar. I don’t think Mason hired him. That dude is definitely in charge.” She fanned herself. “You should see him out there ordering his minions around, and every one of them falling in line, even the mighty Mason.” She cast a side look at the door. “And what the hell was all that noise between Kir and Boulder?”

  I was one step away from screaming that I was pretty sure that it was a gang fight between vampires and wolves. But I went with, “Does it look like I know? Let’s get back to the fact that I was tossed over ass wipe’s shoulder, caveman style, and then relegated to my dressing room like a child on time-out.”

  “Torch,” she responded with a sing-song voice.

  Giving her the have you lost your ever loving mind stare, I said, “What?”

  She grinned at me, “His name is Torch. Boulder’s business partner.”

  “I know what his name is. And I know who he is.”

  “Oh. My. Gawd. Torch. How cool is that name? And did you notice how hot he is? Dude is built like a freaking warrior. On steroids. And that dark hair and those soulless ‘I will kill you where you stand’ eyes? Oh baby, and that chemistry popping off between you? Gawd, I was hoping that he plundered you right there in the hallway.” Her eyes were glowing like she really was enjoying herself.

  “Zoe? Seriously? Did you just pop a shit load of Rejuvenators, because you’re sounding like a lunatic!” I jabbed my finger towards the door, “He’s an ass. A barbaric ass.”

  She scooted down the sofa, squirming with excitement. “I don’t know about all that. When he flung you over his shoulders, it was kind of hot. The dancers were fanning themselves just imagining the fire that is Torch.” She leaned over, grabbing a bottle of water. “Including me.” She winked saucily.

  I scoffed, pulling my thigh-high black leather boots over my charcoal skinnies. “Okay well have at the” I did air quotes, “fire that is Torch. Distract him from his sordid fixation with the singer that is Infinity.”

  “Oh hell to the no!” Zoe eyes widened, “Did you see the focus on that guy? There’s no distracting him. None what so ever. By the way, I mentioned our party plans to Boulder. ”

  I slapped her on the arm. “What?”

  “Ouch!” She rubbed her arm. “I wanted to see if he wanted party with me.”

  I slapped her arm again.

  She grinned, “I mean you.”

  I held my breath waiting for her to finish.

  “He said no.”

  “No?” My mouth tightened.

  “No. Because, wait for it....you and him would be busy. And then he smiled in that sexy, I will lick you from head-to-toe way.” She fanned dramatically, “And then he snarled that Diego and I could go where ever we wanted as long as it didn’t involve you.” She took a gulp of water. “And just so you know, all Vikings have been alerted to stop any get Infinity to the after party maneuvers. These are the orders handed down by Boulder and Torch to his minions.”

  Ugh, Boulder and I were so going to talk. I would not be controlled by anyone and he needed to understand that ASAP. My eyes narrowed, “Oh, I’m so going to my after party. You best believe that.”

  “And how are you going to do that when two bigger than life Vikings are standing outside your door? I swear they’re practically foaming at the mouth waiting for you to step out that door.”

  I smiled deviously, “Because the Vikings didn’t do such a great job with securing all the exits, the bathroom suite
has a door that I’m assuming leads to another dressing room. So you and I are going to use it.”

  Zoe sat up quickly, “Look, you know I’m good for thumbing my nose at authority. But Torch? I don’t want to cross him. He’s way too rugged and raw and one step away from fucking crazy. Let’s forget about the party and hang at your place. It’s no biggie, Infinity.”

  I snarled, “Call Diego and tell him to meet us in the parking garage.”

  “Infinity?”

  “Do it. Or I’m marching out there and telling Cruz that you sent a message to all of your fans that his penis is this big,” I wiggled my pinky.

  She arched a brow, “Are you trying to motivate me not to call? Because he’s the kind of guy that’s not afraid to storm in here show me what he’s working with.” Her eyes lit up as she stared into space. “Oh fuck him. He’s a cock tease. Next.”

  I groaned, because I knew that the only reason she was interested in Cruz was because he wasn’t interested in her. For shit’s sake, she was worse at relationships than I was. The string of broken hearted men was a testament to that.

  “Just a thought, but has it crossed your mind that he might not be into women?”

  She slapped her knee, “Uh, yes! But I just happened to be stretching in front of him and caught him checking out my ass. So I know that he likes what he sees.”

  I arched a brow, “Just happened to be stretching?”

  She pointed at me with a smirk, “Don’t you dare judge me miss making out with Boulder mere hours after meeting him.”

  Okay, she had me there. “I have no shame in my game. Big Red is all mine, but he must be taught an important lesson—I will not be told what to do,” I stood up, grabbing my bag. “You can stay here if you want, but I’m out.”

  I stepped into the bathroom and Zoe scrambled to follow as she slid her finger across her phone and whispered. “Diego, meet us in the garage. I know. I can’t talk. Yup, she’s pissed. Yes, this only means trouble.” She slipped her phone into her back pocket. “I don’t have a good feeling about this. Torch and Boulder are going to be pissed.”