Playing with Passion Theta Series Book 1

by Gayle Parness

  Johnny laughed. "A symbol a death, huh? Okay, cool. Guess I'm a theta after all."

  "What do you usually call yourselves?" Mack asked.

  Liz answered. "Nothing special. Johnny and I are hunters or rovers, roaming the neighborhoods and taking out supes who mess with our people. Tom barters to get us basic supplies like clothes and food and also handles our tech problems. We have some teachers, who help with the kids and some medics who help when people get sick or are hurt on the street. We all have responsibilities and so will you, if you want to stick around." Liz's anger had flared-up again, bringing Mack a brief vision of fangs and blood.

  "You're not part wolf are you?” Gene asked, raising a point Mack had also been considering. Great minds think alike.

  Tom grinned, and answered. "She's got anger issues. Plus her morphs are as smooth as silk."

  Tom received a dark glare from the female in question. “My anger issues stem from dopes like you, talking about my anger issues.” Liz switched her gaze to Gene. "I like to rip out their throats. Fangs and claws help with that."

  "Whose throats?" Gene flashed her a picture-perfect smile.

  But Liz ignored the thousand-watt offering. "So far, I've taken out three of The Director's vampire henchmen, plus two of his demon lieutenants.” When his eyes widened in surprise, she shrugged as if it was no big deal. “Also a few odd vamps and wolves who were giving us trouble on the streets."

  Gene seemed amused by her bravado. "Your group’s self-sufficient. What exactly do you need our help with?"

  Mack agreed. This was key.

  Tom answered. "We need training. We can use axis, but not to our full potential. And we have no psycore skills at all. You’ve had the best training in the world. We were hoping you’d agree to help us.

  They were silent for a few moments, no one wanting to make any deals until they heard the whole story. Mack asked Johnny, "Did you kill Joseph Herron and his second?"

  Johnny took a moment to look them over again, before he shrugged. "I killed Smith, but Joseph got away before I could finish him. He was gonna kill Ingrid after he had his fill torturing her for a few months."

  "They had orders from The Director not to do any permanent damage," Mack argued.

  Ingrid squeezed his hand. "It’s true. The Director lied the other day. Joseph intended to hurt me—more than was usually allowed. Joseph said he wanted to buy me from The Director and make me his pet, so I don’t think he would’ve killed me, at least not for a while. He had me call The Director, who confirmed that I wasn't going to be allowed back in the troupe and that the rest of you might be in danger.”

  Releasing his breath in a slow hiss, Mack choked back a growl. He’d come so close to losing her—losing all of them.

  Gene spoke through a clenched jaw. "That fucking bastard." He hugged Ingrid tightly, quickly springing to his feet and pacing the room.

  “I’m fine. I’m here.” Ingrid pressed the thought into both minds.

  “We would have found you,” Mack said, squeezing her hand.

  “I know.”

  Liz continued to glare at Ingrid, her envy plain for everyone to see. Mack wondered if these untrained thetas had trouble finding mates, since their energy was mostly spent on day-to-day survival.

  Liz pulled out a short blade, running it back and forth between her fingers, showing off her dexterity as well as warning the three troupe thetas to watch themselves around her. That kind of habit would certainly discourage suitors, although Gene was checking her out as if she was tonight's dessert—but only when she wasn't looking.

  “Watch yourself, kid. She’s a tiger in disguise.” Mack sent a warning to Gene.

  “Now that I’m free, I might decide to indulge the wilder side of my nature.” Mack and Ingrid chuckled at Gene’s response, which got them a couple of odd looks from the rebels. “Just wait until they hear about looping. Oh boy.”

  “We have people at the troupe house packing up your belongings, along with all the food, medical supplies, blankets and whatever else we think we can use. We’ve learned not to waste anything. But time is limited.”

  “Do you think they’re already searching for us?”

  “We've been checking our sources. Your troupe wouldn't have reported in until tomorrow mornin’, right?" Mack nodded in agreement. "Then we're probably good until then."

  “The Director was going to come to the hotel room at dawn to read my mind.” Ingrid said.

  “Okay, then we’re probably good until dawn.”

  “But if the alpha got away…” Ingrid was nervous, and rightly so.

  “Do ya honestly think he’s gonna broadcast the fact he got bopped on the head by a theta ingénue? He’ll think of a story, then go to The Director and hope for the best. And it might not go his way.” Johnny had such confidence. It was great to see there were groups out there already fighting back.

  “Joseph’s stronger than The Director knows. And he’s not a fan. He mentioned us working together to bring The Director down. The only catch was, I had to go to him willingly.”

  “Like I’d ever let that happen,” Mack snapped.

  “If it was the only way to save the troupe…” Ingrid argued.

  He wasn’t having any of that. Mack took her face in both hands and kissed her hard.

  “Get a room, guys.” Johnny rolled his eyes.

  “Do we have one?” Gene asked, chuckling over Johnny’s discomfort.

  “Yeah, of course. But first, Tom’s gonna help ya transfer your assets to accounts they can't touch.”

  Gene turned to Tom, scowling. “And you expect us to trust you with our life’s savings?”

  “Yeah. We do.”

  “It’s either that or lose it all.” Tom shrugged. “I’m happy with hitting the sack tonight and arguing about it in the morning.”

  "I have real estate—mostly under other names in different states." Mack said.

  "I can help you with that, too. Tonight we'll take care of your monetary assets, and we'll deal with the rest tomorrow." No one volunteered to go first. “My dad was a VP under the chief financial officer at Holotech. Here’s your chance to reap the benefits,” Tom added with a smug grin.

  They sat with Tom and his tablet, taking turns setting up new offshore accounts and transferring funds. There were still a few countries that were off the grid as far as the archdemons’ influence was concerned, too small to be noticed. They’d stashed quite a lot of cash in the bags they’d thrown into the back of the van, so Mack’s troupe thetas were in great shape compared to these street theta rebels.

  Tom was shocked speechless by the amounts. "I knew you guys made good money, but shit. You're multi-millionaires.

  Mack twisted his mouth in irritation. "We had limited access. I managed to buy some approved stuff and then sell it, so I had the cash to buy my property. The media doesn't know, or at least doesn’t announce, that we're owned by The Director. He pays us to throw the press off guard. I'm shocked that you were able to transfer the total amounts without his password.”

  "Gene gave it to me. He seems way more advanced than I am, when it comes to tech,” Tom announced casually.

  “Why am I not surprised?” Ingrid mussed Gene’s hair, giggling.

  “Hey! That’s inappropriate touching.” He smoothed down his hair, pouting.

  “You dope. You know The Director’s passwords?”

  “At least for our troupe’s finances. Anyway, I can have some secrets, right?”

  They exchanged a quiet glance. Her voice was softer now. “Of course. We can actually have private lives, now that we’re free.” No one, other than another troupe theta, could understand what that meant to a group who’d lived in a bubble their entire lives.

  Tom was grinning, unaware of their epiphany. “Having our own private hacker will definitely come in handy.”

  Johnny took pity on them. "I think ya can all use some sleep. We have two rooms available. You'll bunk with Liz tonight, Ingrid, and the two guys can share anoth
er room. We'll pick up where we left off tomorrow morning. Oh, and give us your H-tabs. We have to destroy them.”

  Ingrid didn't seem too upset to say goodbye to Sass.

  They showed Gene and Mack to a small room with two twin beds. All of Gene’s clothes, except his boxers, ended up on the floor before he crawled under the covers. Mack attempted to fold his clothes, finally giving up and dropping them to the floor next to Gene’s then sliding into his own bed.

  Gene yawned and spoke sleepily. "Old man, you need to step up."

  "What are you talking about?"

  “You should kick me out of here and go drag your female out of Liz’s room.”

  “Ingrid already called me a cave man once. I don’t need to encourage her again. Anyway, where are you going to sleep?”

  “As much as I’d love to jump into Liz’s bed, I think it would probably be the last jumping I’d ever do. I’m sure I saw a couch in the viewer room.”

  "But Ingrid won’t…”

  “When you two are together in a room there's so much chemistry it's like being in the lab at Pfizer. You could fucking light up Soho."

  "Yeah, but..."

  Gene threw his pillow at Mack’s head. "You love each other. Do you know how rare that is for thetas? Go have pretty babies together, I mean it. Who knows how much time any of us has? And yes, I think she's awesome. But she needs someone who’s her equal, another alpha. You’re that guy.”

  Mack laughed out loud. “You don’t see it, but you’re every bit as powerful and strong-willed as I am.”

  “When you’ve been treated as a hot piece of ass your whole life, it’s hard to believe you’re something more. Brains aren’t a sought-after commodity in my line of work.”

  “Your former line of work. Look around. There’s a rebel group I heard about that’s cryin’ out for a leader.”

  “They are kinda disorganized. You could handle them, no problem.”

  “Yeah, but I want to be out on the street, getting my hands dirty. A rover, like Johnny.”

  Gene chuckled. “You know she’s gonna want the same thing. You won’t be able to hold her back.”

  “I know, but I’ll be there with her. Every minute. We’ll need someone we can trust at the helm.”

  Gene’s wheels were spinning on turbo. “The street thetas might hate the idea.”

  “And who uses Influence better than anyone on the planet?”

  “I’d want them to choose me. I won’t use coercion.”

  "Gene..."

  "Look, I appreciate the support, but we’re getting off the subject. You've been like my big brother for the past six years, so listen to my younger-brotherly advice and don't fuck this up with Ingrid. She needs you. Tonight. Now.” Gene stood, gathering his blanket and picking up his clothes.

  “Thanks.”

  “Could I have my pillow back? I'm beat." After catching the toss, Gene went to the door. Ingrid was already there, with her own pillow and blanket. “He was coming for you.”

  Gene gave Ingrid a peck on the forehead and left Mack with a sly wink.

  She hesitated in the doorway before inching into the room and shutting the door. "If you don't want me here, I'll go, but I can't sleep.” She lowered her body onto the edge of his bed, shivering in a large tee shirt that only hit the top of her knees. Mack lifted his blanket, hoping she wouldn’t argue. She didn’t, snuggling in close with a soft sigh; her head nestled on his chest.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  He whispered into her hair as he stroked it. "I'm sorry I wasn't there when the wolf hurt you. I should have protected you.”

  "You're such an idiot." Lifting her head to meet his eyes, she caressed his handsome face. "Your energy saved my life. You were there with me, every minute.”

  “I tried to be.”

  “From the first time our fingers touched over that box of pizza, I've only wanted you. I've heard your laughter every night in my dreams, and I wake up wet and wanting you most mornings. At least on the mornings when you haven't pissed me off."

  "Tuesdays, then." He grinned. Ingrid reared back, pretending to punch him, but he caught her wrist before she made contact. "We haven't even known each other a full week. How is this depth of feeling even possible?” Mack’s brow was lined as he looked for answers.

  She smoothed out his forehead with a gentle touch. “Your magic sings to mine, my heart beats to your heart’s rhythm. We’re the same. True partners.” He didn’t respond, instead releasing his grip on her wrist and sliding his hand down to her waist. “Tell me to go back to Liz’s room if you don't feel the same way.”

  He stroked her face, her neck, her hair. “You know I adore you. You’re my heart.” His sweet kiss almost moved her to tears. “Stay forever, my love.”

  He nuzzled her neck, taking in her scent as he sucked on her lobe and gently bit into her shoulder. She mirrored his action, a strangely possessive marking of their territory. She’d never belonged to someone so completely, so viscerally.

  When they moved apart, Mack’s features turned darker as he brought her hand to his mouth, kissing each knuckle then sucking on her thumb, sending happy shocks directly to her lower belly. His voice grew husky. "All I have to do is smell your lavender soap and I'm hard."

  Mack wove his fingers through Ingrid’s hair, holding her trapped only an inch away from his lips. Ingrid wanted those lips, but he didn't move closer. Instead, he held her there, sharing each breath, staring into her eyes, both of them lost in the swirling copper and aqua patterns.

  "Maybe you should avoid candle and potpourri shops." She teased him with words because he wouldn't let her tease his mouth. "It could be embarrassing for you." To prove her point she stroked his erection, now straining against his boxers.

  "Not if I pull you into the back of the store and push you up against the storeroom wall." He moved his head to the side to lick and kiss her previously injured ear, then ran a calloused finger along her bottom lip. The wounds had healed, but the memories were still fresh.

  "Exploring the terrain?” she asked playfully.

  “More like claiming, I’d say. This mouth is mine from now on."

  Ingrid smiled. "Even when I'm disagreeing with you?"

  "Especially then. Because I can do this to distract you." He kissed her hard, his tongue going deep, his lips leaving no doubt who he thought was in charge tonight. When he broke away, his eyes were glittering with humor and love.

  Ingrid guided his hand slowly past her belly to rest above the apex of her thighs. "This is yours, too, so you'd better keep that big boy in your pants unless we're together. I don't share either."

  His laugh was soft. "You're going all possessive on me?" His hand crept under her shirt, gently stoking the breast the Director had bruised so badly.

  "Yeah," she gasped. "What're you gonna do about it?"

  “At the risk of pissing you off, I think we should sleep. You had a tough night and there’s so much at stake. You’re still looking pale, and I know if you close your eyes, you’ll pass right out.”

  She smiled and snuggled closer. “Sometimes I think hooking up with a practical production manager was the smartest thing I ever did.”

  "I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe, and when this is over, we'll find a house to share.” He kissed her sweetly then, their mouths and tongues dancing a romantic slow dance together. "We’ll cook dinner together and then I'll fuck you senseless."

  Her giggle turned into a yawn. "You're such a guy. You know, there's more to a relationship than food and sex."

  "Well, those are the top two."

  "Dinner comes first?" She stroked his chest and abs with her open palm, exploring the flat plains and valleys of his gorgeous body.

  "Dinner in bed?" He touched her nose teasingly. "It won't be perfect. You're a handful."

  "Pot-Kettle. You can be a royal pain in the ass, too."

  “Will you forgive my asinine behavior, if I tell you you’re incredibly beautiful, extremely intelligent and del
ightfully funny?”

  Ingrid bit his lip, pulling on it and then letting it go so she could whisper into his mouth. “What happened to unfuckingbelievable?”

  He grinned. "You liked that, did you?"

  "Uh huh.”

  This time, his smile took possession of his whole face, his eyes sparkling brightly and crinkling up at the corners. Ingrid placed that smile in the top five things she loved about her mate, because he was her mate, whether they’d said the words or not.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

  The eight former members of the Hudson River Troupe were sitting at two picnic tables eating the simple breakfast of microwave pancakes and canned fruit salad that Tom had prepared. Fortunately for all, there was fresh-brewed coffee available, otherwise several of the troupe members would only have been able to communicate in single syllables.

  None of them was used to getting up at eight a.m.

  The three street thetas were perched on top of a separate table, their expressions wary once more. They reminded Mack of a trio of down-and-out superheroes waiting for their call to action: tons of potential, but no one to tell them who to save.

  Ingrid, Mack and Gene sat together at one table, Ingrid between them. She leaned against Mack’s shoulder, a constant reminder of the lovely night they’d shared wrapped in each other’s arms. Gene sat slightly apart, his keen gaze glued to Liz and the others as he quietly ate his breakfast.

  Johnny was speaking. "Your H-tabs have been destroyed, but we’ll do our best to getcha new ones encoded with the latest security. Sometimes we have to resort to stealin’, but only from The Director’s people. We'll also need to come up with some false IDs. All of this will take time and money. Until then, I’m afraid you’re stuck here.”

  It was obvious they needed more from Mack’s people than training, especially now that they had the specifics of how much money the theta troupe had in their accounts. Running a revolution was an expensive proposition.

  Dave, Diane, Staci, Sam and Alan were at the table next to Mack’s, all of them looking as wary as the three rebels. Dave took a swallow of coffee and cleared his throat, standing as if he was giving a report in front of a class. "We appreciate what you've done for Ingrid. Joseph Herron is a monster. But Di and I were wondering if there was any hope of us getting back into a troupe. It's really all that we know." For the first time, Mack noticed the redness in Diane’s eyes as well as her slightly panicked expression.