Last Chance (DarkWorld: SkinWalker Book 3)

by Ayer, T. G.

  We rang off and Mel was already moving toward me. “I have to go home, but I will be back soon. I’ll come back with my car and hopefully with my partner. I’d rather not do too many jumps right now. Not until it’s necessary.”

  She gave me a quick smile, then disappeared into thin air.

  I was never going to get used to that.

  ***

  Chapter 29

  I was left to my own devices for a while, and although I knew I should probably be resting, instead I paced. I tried Grams again and got no answer. Then I texted Iain to keep him in the loop. Something made me think he would want to come with us on this mission. I wasn’t sure how connected Iain was in Sentinel, or if getting Cassie and her jumper friend involved would mean the Sentinel hierarchy would also be aware of the mission, but I hadn’t told anyone that this was meant to be super secret, so nobody had any need for silence.

  Illyria and her mole still bothered me, and I wondered if there was a way to get the information over to her. Despite the possibility that she herself could be the leak, I still felt like I owed her my trust.

  Thinking about the Rebel leader made me text Cassie with an idea.

  The phone rang within seconds. “Hello, Kailin. Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked, her voice still holding a touch of disbelief. Even I couldn’t believe I’d asked her to send word to Illyria.

  I nodded. “Yes, we have to take the chance that she is trustworthy. She should know what Widd’en’s men are up to here in Chicago. As she herself said, we have no idea how widespread the infiltration is. Chicago could be just the tip of the iceberg.”

  “Fine. I cannot say I like the idea, but I do see where you’re coming from. Perhaps you’re right. So what is it you wish to tell her?”

  “Where Widd’en’s men are holed up. That they have resorted to using human weaponry and they’re experimenting on my mother.”

  “What?” Cassie’s shocked voice leaped through the phone. “How do you know this?”

  “The tracker saw it. They have her in a warehouse on the docks, and she’s been drained of her blood.”

  “The glow,” said Cassie softly. She too had made the immediate connection. “But how did they find out? Surely the Wraiths who saw your hands glow would have been pretty dead minutes afterward. No chance to go back and report to their commanders.”

  “Exactly what I was thinking. The only people who knew about it were us, Illyria, and her generals.”

  “And don’t forget her personal guard.”

  “That’s one of the reasons I need to take the risk. If she is the mole, then this is a waste of time. If not, her life may very well be in danger.”

  After a moment of dead air, she responded, “Yes, that is a distinct possibility. I will have a message sent to Illyria. In fact, I may make the trip myself.”

  “Thanks. You and Larsson will be here by four in the morning?” I asked, knowing I was being pedantic, but I asked anyway.

  “With bells on,” she said, then rang off.

  ***

  Logan arrived at three with Saleem in tow. I opened the door to the two men who were weighed down by four large army-issue bags. From their bulk, I was pretty sure they’d brought enough weapons for an army. It took my mind back to Tara and her absence. I hadn’t expected it to affect me so deeply, but I did miss her, and not just for her amazing weapons.

  Logan dropped his bags to the floor and slung an arm around me. Kissing me on the top of my head, he asked, “How you holding up?”

  I nodded. “I’ll survive.”

  Then I laughed as Saleem pushed away Logan’s arm and wrapped me in a big squishy hug. “How is my favorite feline feeling today?”

  “I’m fine. And if either of you asks me that question again, I will have no choice but to kill you.” I glared at them, but both ignored me as they unzipped and offloaded their bags and began stacking weapons on Grams’ dining room table. “You guys better be careful with the wood or you’ll have Grams to deal with.”

  “And she will enjoy every second of it,” said Grams from the open doorway.

  I spun around in shock as she grinned and closed the door. “Where have you been? I’ve been texting you for hours.” I couldn’t keep the hint of accusation out of my voice.

  “I’m sorry, dear. I was off-world,” she said as she paused to study the array of weapons spread out on her dining table. “I saw your texts when I arrived, and in fact, it was young Larsson who brought me home. He said to tell you he and Cassandra are coming over soon.” Grams spoke but still stared at me with a question in her eyes.

  Then she crooked her finger as she strode to her room. I followed obediently, giving the boys a glance over my shoulder. Saleem was staring at Grams and I knew exactly why. His expression was saying, “The hottie is your grandmother?” I just shook my head and shut the door behind me. Just in time too, as Grams began undressing for her shower. I sat on the small stool outside her shower door and brought her up to speed on everything from the trip to Wrythiin, meeting the shape-changer, and having Mel track and find Mom.

  Grams stepped out of the shower wrapped tight in her towel, her wet hair hanging over her pale shoulder. She leaned against the sink and ran a comb through her hair, her blue eyes watching me in the mirror. “Are you going into this with your eyes open, Kai?”

  “What do you mean? We have the firepower, and the agents. We can get in and retrieve Mom easy enough.”

  “And what if bringing her home isn’t enough?”

  I stared at her, then opened my mouth to respond. But I closed it as I realized exactly what she was saying. “You mean with Mom being hurt? That she could be dying?” Grams nodded and my shoulders slumped. “No, it never even crossed my mind.” I sighed, already defeated by the mere thought.

  Grams crouched beside me. “That’s what so amazing about you, dear. You go in guns blazing and you always think positive. But sometimes you need to prepare yourself for the worst. Just in case.” She patted my cheek, then stood up. “Come. Let me get dressed. Then we can plan this invasion.”

  I left her to it and returned to find that Lily and Anjelo had arrived and were standing over the cache of weapons. “So what do we have here?” I headed to the table and joined them. All were standard-issue police weapons, except for the small modifications for specialized ammunition. Seemed Omega thought a lot like Tara when it came to paranormal weaponry.

  Logan ran through the guns and each of their capabilities. I merely nodded, pretty sure I had all the firepower I needed. That reminded me. I needed to get them all out and give them a good onceover, not to mention take stock of my ammo. As soon as Logan was done, I said, “Well, I guess I’ll leave it to you to divide this lot among the team. I’m not sure if the Sentinel people are bringing their own weapons either.”

  “They probably will,” said Grams as she entered the kitchen. “Anyone for coffee or tea? Or should we order in something a little more substantial?”

  The thought of food just turned my stomach, and it seemed from all the “No thanks” and “I’m fines” everyone felt the same. I headed to my room, tugged my closet door open, and pressed the back panel behind the hanging clothing. The wood popped and the panel slid away to reveal the weapons I’d stashed away, the ones I didn’t always use.

  I dragged them all out, spread them on the floor, and sorted through the pile, taking only the ones that used Tara’s demon bullets. My bow and a few handguns should be sufficient for me, especially since my hands were weapons themselves.

  Footsteps made me glance up, and I smiled at Lily. “Hi. I wanted to remind you that I have your second bow.”

  “That’s fine. You keep it. Are you confident enough to use it in a fight situation?” I asked her, keeping my eyes on her face. She nodded and didn’t seem to be in any doubt of her proficiency with the bow. “I know you’ve been practicing, but you need to be sure. It’s going to be super stressful, running and maybe even hand-to-hand combat. Take the bow only if you’re su
re.”

  She still nodded. “I’m sure. It’s all I’ve been using these past weeks.”

  “Okay, then. Check in the closet in the back panel. You should find a box of Wraith bullets designed for the bow. Take those. Remember, only fire if you’re sure of your target. Don’t waste them.”

  “Okay, got it,” she said, her voice muffled from inside the closet. “I think I’ll take a couple handguns, use those for far-off targets, and keep the bow for when I’m in good range.”

  “Now you’re talking.” I grinned and nodded.

  “Thanks,” she said, falling into a cross-legged pose beside me. She pulled a gun forward and began to take it apart to clean it.

  “For what?” I asked without looking up.

  “For allowing me to figure that out myself instead of spoon-feeding me. I do have to thank you, you know. You’ve helped me, trained me, and all that even though I used to be such a grade-A bitch toward you.”

  “Used to be,” I repeated and winked at her. We settled into a rhythm and cleaned quietly until the doorbell sounded.

  Cassandra and Larsson were walking inside when I hurried out of the room. They also carried heavy bags on their shoulders, and I grinned. “Thanks for coming.”

  Cassandra shook my hand and so did Larsson. After a quick round of introductions, I barely took a breath before the doorbell pinged again. A glance at my watch confirmed it was four in the morning. Everyone was on time and ready to roll.

  I opened the door to Mel and her partner, who turned out to be a totally sizzling hot paranormal. I wasn’t sure what he was, but where Saleem used a little bit of glamor to hide the majority of the markings on his face and body, this dude emanated glamor.

  “Hey,” Mel said. “This is Drake. Don’t mind him if he’s surly. He likes his sleep.”

  He glared at her, but I could tell there was more affection than annoyance in his expression. “Pleasure to meet you.” He shook my hand and the glamor magic sizzled up my arm. The look he gave me was appraising and appreciative, and I had to maintain control of my smile. Somewhere in the room, Logan would be watching.

  No sooner had I thought his name than he appeared at my side. Mel made the introductions and we all gathered around the table again. This time Grams came too, then slipped away for a moment. She returned with Iain, who slid in beside me and gave me a quick, albeit bone-crushing, hug.

  I cleared my throat. “So our army of eleven against… What did you say, Mel? Over forty Wraiths?”

  She nodded.

  “Make that thirteen, although I do believe that is meant to be a bad omen for humans,” said a voice behind us. I spun fast on my heel, ready to fight, then calmed when I saw only Illyria and General Wren’do standing behind me.

  “Please forgive me for the intrusion into your home. I felt it would be more prudent to remain out of sight.” Illyria spoke softly, tilting her fair head, her pale-grey skin gleaming. Today her eyes looked strange, all black, no pupils, and I found it unnerving.

  I waved away her apology. “Don’t worry about it. That’s fine.”

  “Just don’t make a habit of it,” said Grams, arms folded as she stared at the Rebel leader. I’d omitted telling anyone besides Cassandra that I was expecting a Wraith to the party, and only Anjelo and Lily looked accepting of the white-haired Rebel and her companion.

  I sighed.

  “Even with thirteen, this isn’t going to be easy.”

  That was putting it mildly.

  ***

  Chapter 30

  Although the tension had risen a little in the apartment since Illyria had arrived, I ignored it. Mostly. The only person I took aside to talk to was Grams.

  “What’s wrong? It’s not like you to be so judgmental, Grams.” I stood in front of her, giving the closed door of her room a glance. I’d brought Cassie with me, seeing as she was Sentinel and she was also Grams’ trusted friend.

  “I just don’t like Wraiths,” Grams snapped, her eyes broiling. Then she sank onto the bed and folded her arms.

  “Funny coming from a Walker. That’s like saying you don’t like Asians because one Asian killed your cousin in a hit-and-run.” I knew the words were coming out critical and little rude, especially since they were directed at my grandmother. But I couldn’t afford dissension. I needed to know everyone was on the same page.

  “Look, Kai. I know what your mother went through in her life. I know what she had to deal with. These Wraiths were constantly out to kill her.”

  “Of course they were out to kill her, Grams. She was offing their people left, right, and center. That they were here illegally is irrelevant. She was just part of the cycle.”

  Grams looked at me, giving her shoulder a helpless shrug. “You just can’t see it, can you?”

  “I see it well enough. I’m not going to deny that the whole race gives me the chills. But that’s like admitting shape-changers give me the chills. Or Trackers. We are all paranormal, Grams. And Wraiths were part of our world once.”

  “I understand what you’re saying, Kai. It’s just hard for me to be in the same room with one of them.”

  “Why, Grams?” I watched her face. I was beginning to suspect there was more to this Wraith hatred than I was aware of.

  When she didn’t answer, Cassie said, “Ivy, I can assure you that the Rebel leader is trustworthy. She looked after us, and even when I was undercover, I never heard a peep about her ill-treating her soldiers or being in any way untrustworthy. She’s well respected and powerful.”

  “She’s still a Wraith.”

  “Grams,” I asked, folding my arms and deciding to get to the point, “what are you not telling me?”

  Cassie looked at me, then back at Grams for a moment before frowning. She knew something that Grams wasn’t telling me. Hurt flooded my heart, singeing my blood like molten lava.

  Then Cassandra sighed. “Ivy, if you don’t tell her, I will.” There was a note of iron in Cassie’s tone as she tossed her pale hair over her shoulder.

  Grams sank onto the bed and stared at me sadly. She didn’t respond to Cassie. Just stared at my face so sadly and so tenderly that I was slowly beginning to understand that her issue with the Wraiths was bigger than me and my problems.

  I knelt beside her and took her hand. “What is it, Grams?” I knew I could demand an answer, but for such a strong woman, she seemed so fragile, like a spider’s web sparkling with morning dew, so strong yet so easily destroyed.

  She sighed and cupped my cheek, her skin warm and smelling of jasmine. “What it is, is that Clan Odel keeps too many secrets from their own.” Her hand fell away and she got to her feet. She moved to the window and leaned against the casing, staring out into the black morning. “Your grandfather Mason was killed by a Wraith. Celeste had just come into the family, was still fighting them on the streets, and they organized, came after her. They got Mason instead, and Celeste never forgave herself. So many things she never forgave herself for.”

  “Grams,” I whispered sadly, unable to form the words to voice my feelings. My heart splintered into a million shards. I’d never known Grandpa Mason had died of anything other than natural causes. Nobody had ever spoken of it. “When?” was all I managed to ask.

  “Before you were born, dear. Your mother was in confinement, waiting to welcome Iain into the world. But her time away from killing must have given the Wraiths the opportunity to plan. They knew she was vulnerable, so they came for her.”

  The Wraiths came to kill Mom? And in Tukats? I couldn’t get my head around it. “Tell me what happened,” I urged, hoping she wouldn’t deny me the right to hear the truth at last.

  She laughed softly, the sound like a knife cutting into bare skin. “Mason tried to protect her, and he was killed. That’s all there was to it. He defended his daughter-in-law and unborn grandchild against a horde of Wraiths, and they killed him.” Then her head fell forward and she seemed to shrink into herself. This would have been over twenty-two years ago, yet the wound was still
raw, the memories still clear. I could see now why she felt so strongly about the Wraiths.

  I wanted to say I was sorry, but that would sound glib. Somewhere in the last few minutes, Cassie had left us alone, and my heart welled at her thoughtfulness. I walked over to Grams and wrapped my arms around her. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

  She sniffed. “And give the three of you another reason to hate your poor mother.” She shook her head almost violently. “No. I wouldn’t have allowed anyone to do that to you. Not after losing your mother.”

  I held her close and nodded, admitting to myself that I probably would have done the very same thing had it been me. We’d missed Mom all our lives, missed her, hated her, ached for her. The knowledge that Gramps had died because of her would have messed us up more than we already were.

  “I know how you feel,” I said, realizing in that instant that I didn’t. Not really. “Okay, maybe I don’t know what it’s like to lose a lover, but I know how I feel when I even contemplate losing Logan. I know I won’t be able to handle it. But right now I need you, and Mom needs you. The Wraiths out there had nothing to do with Gramps’ death. All they want is to stop Widd’en’s men from destroying any hope they have of being allowed to return to the Earth world. They are fighting their own battles. And Anjelo, Lily, and I owe them, for shelter and for our lives. And for so many attempts at saving Mom. They haven’t stopped trying to get her back, not once. Even while I was here wasting time, they were looking for her, trying to get her out.” I swallowed hard before continuing. “I know it’s hard, but they came to help us. Against Widd’en’s men. That should count for something, right?”

  I came to a sudden halt, my monologue ending in an awkward, stiff silence. I hoped she would listen to reason, anything to make things easier to handle over the next few hours. I could only hope.

  I let go of her and stepped away, intending to leave her alone with her thoughts, but then she called out, “Kai?” Her voice wavered, tears and emotions playing with her tone. When I turned to face her, she gave me a weak smile. “I heard everything you said, dear. It’s just a lot to process. I promise I won’t be antagonistic. But I can’t promise I’ll make friends.”