Playing with Passion Theta Series Book 1

by Gayle Parness

  Gene ambled over, squeezing Ingrid’s hand and kissing her cheek. "I'm sorry you went through that shit. Your strength amazes me.”

  “My powers…”

  Gene shook his head. “Not that kind of strength.”

  "I'm fine. I'm kind of glad they made me talk about it."

  "No more wolf or vamp parties. That's worth a smile, right?" Gene teased.

  "You're a good friend."

  "You're welcome, Miss Ingrid."

  "No more with the Miss Ingrid’s. Mack is giving me a real name. I'll give you one if you want. Or you can think one up for yourself."

  He seemed excited by the idea. "It’s better if I come up with something on my own. You'd end up calling me Rhett or Ashley from Gone with the Wind."

  She giggled, poking him in the ribs. "I'm kinda leaning toward Billy Bob."

  He laughed out loud, which earned them another curious look from Johnny. She decided it might be smarter to speak out loud again. "I guess you're better off picking one for yourself. Try to stay away from names like Hercules or Apollo."

  "Rats. I liked those." Gene turned his face, so she could see his profile. "Maybe Adonis?"

  "How about Narcissus?" Ingrid taunted.

  "What are you laughing about?" Mack had come up behind Ingrid.

  “Narcissus, I’d like to introduce, Trogg.” Ingrid giggled, as her two guys looked each other over.

  Gene pretended to be deep in thought. "Trogg, huh? I'll have to cross that one off my list."

  "Oh, you're talking about the name thing." Mack quickly snatched up her hand, pulling her closer.

  "Yes. Have you thought of one for me?"

  "Actually, I have."

  "Well?" Ingrid asked, impatient to hear what he’d come up with.

  "Later." Mack’s warm breath heated her ear sending tingles dancing over her body. He kissed her lobe, now healed perfectly.

  "You’re distracting me again." Ingrid pouted to hide her smile. "It better not be some porn queen name."

  "Why, you don't like Lola Lushlips?"

  She gasped, pretending to be shocked.

  Gene held up his hands in surrender. "I don't want to know the story behind that one."

  Johnny cleared his throat. Ingrid glanced in his direction, still giggling. Liz, Tom, and the others were chatting at another table. Johnny had been the only street theta to notice the strange exchange.

  He whispered, pointing from his head to Ingrid’s and back. "Can ya talk...?"

  "Yeah. We figured it out a few days ago." Ingrid grinned at her best friend and the male of her heart and they both returned the smile.

  "No shit. Well, that's the first thing going on the trainin’ schedule," Johnny announced, smiling excitedly. Ingrid was about to tell Johnny it wasn't all that easy to accomplish, when he touched Gene’s arm, his expression turning serious. "I noticed you didn't volunteer to help. You'll hunt with us?"

  "No." Gene said, the word hanging in the air.

  "If you don't work, you don't stay. How about helping out with training?"

  Gene’s green eyes acquired a strange glint as Johnny spoke. "I actually have something else in mind. Who heads up your operations, here at—,” he looked around, "—headquarters?"

  "We don't actually have a headquarters or a head of operations. Rescuing you was our first time really going on the offensive. Usually we try to stay under the radar. We barely manage to keep ourselves alive."

  "So there's no central site that communicates with the other street thetas?"

  "Street thetas?"

  "As opposed to troupe thetas. You need to call yourselves something."

  Tom had drifted over. "No, there's no central communication center."

  "I'd be more than happy to help you with that." Gene smiled his most encouraging smile, and a twinge of Influence directed toward Johnny tickled Ingrid’s senses. Johnny nodded, looking thoughtful.

  “You said you weren’t using coercion,” Mack sent.

  “I need them to think about the idea. Right now, they’re confused. The choice will be theirs whether or not to make me the CO.”

  "We can't make it a habit to use Influence on them." Ingrid piped in.

  "They’re disorganized, untrained, and undisciplined. Trust me. They need someone at the helm. I told Mack to take it on, but he said no.”

  Ingrid placed her hand on Mack’s cheek, kissing him sweetly. “No, he’s done with that kind of responsibility. He’s going roving with me.”

  Ingrid had seen Gene talking privately to Tom before breakfast, perhaps getting information about how the street thetas worked together. Her handsome young acting partner was often underestimated, but even though she’d only known him a short time, she'd witnessed his sharp mind in action many times, analyzing all available data.

  “Seems like you’ve already begun your campaign to become our boss.”

  “Like you’ll ever follow orders.” Gene rolled his eyes.

  I’d take orders from you more than I’d take them from the others. Except you, dear.” She patted Mack’s arm.

  Gene’s tone was business-like as he discussed his ideas with Tom and Johnny. "It's vital that everyone involved in any offensive has access to as much information as possible. Timing is crucial when working in groups. Without a central hub, there's a much greater possibility of failure. And failure means death—or worse—for all of us. Think of the kids you have hidden.”

  "Our boy has a plan." Mack looked pretty impressed. Gene glanced at Mack with a hint of pride shining in his eyes.

  Liz had stalked over, having overheard Gene. "You're a trouper ingénue. What can you possibly know about organizing an offensive? We've all seen the pictures of you with those slutty celebrities.” She'd actually tossed her head in Ingrid’s direction, their tentative friendship crashing and burning.

  One by one, Ingrid’s fingers folded up, becoming fists. Ingrid took a step forward, intending to smack the bitch, but Mack grabbed her arm, saying, "Let him handle this himself."

  Glancing at Liz with his patented sultry expression, Gene smiled his sexiest smile. Ingénues were schooled in how to be alluring, and Gene Hudson was a master. Ingrid was pretty sure there wasn't a female on the planet immune to his heat. Staci was in the corner, teasing Sam by fanning herself. Mack pulled Ingrid against his chest, trapping her in his arms, maybe to keep her from falling victim to Gene’s wiles.

  Gene took a few steps toward Liz, using the sexy grace born of many hours of dance training along with his own incredible gifts. "I'm talented in many areas. You might be surprised what I can do, Elizabeth."

  Liz was frozen in place, staring into his eyes with her lips slightly parted, her breaths coming quicker. Unfortunately, Staci's giggle from across the room blew the mood, giving Liz the chance to snap out of it. Gene directed a playful scowl toward Staci, who answered by sticking out her tongue.

  Liz stepped back, giving his body an appraising scan. “Impressive charisma, but can you do anything practical?" she snapped, annoyed by how his closeness had affected her.

  Gene seemed to be enjoying every minute of their encounter." One of my hobbies is hacking into top governmental websites. Few people know this, but when the steal happened, a lot of security systems went by the wayside. They figured who needed internet security when a violent death hung over a criminal’s head for even a minor offence? No one messes with The Director, right?”

  “Yeah, so?” Liz wasn’t looking too impressed.

  “When you know how to hack, you know how to protect yourself. I can get info on any troupe, including the layout of their property, when they come and go—stuff like that. I even have bios of The Director's main staff, his calendar, and the digital blueprints for his new residence. Better yet, I know when and where he deploys his soldiers.”

  This time Liz didn't back away when he moved closer. "People talk to me. I can convince them to help us out—to give us what we need at a reasonable price. You won’t need to steal anything ever again. Thing
s like H-tabs or high tech communication devices or weapons. You hook me up with the right people, and I'll get the stuff for you."

  She widened her stance in a defensive way, perhaps still feeling the effects of Gene's glamour, but not wanting to appear weaker. "What would you do first, if you were put in charge?"

  "Making sure as many thetas as possible are safe and fed goes without saying, but short term, we set up a temporary base. Will you help me out, Alan?”

  Alan nodded. “Sure. No problem.”

  “Tom can assist you.” Johnny suggested.

  “We’ll need the help. It’ll be important to train people, not just in how to defeat the thugs on the street, but how to run things from this end, too. We need a way to communicate with the other bases, to sort through personnel, see who has what talents. It’ll give us an idea of how to use them in the most effective way. Then we need to figure out a way we can communicate with our people in the trenches. After that's accomplished, we can begin to formulate a real strategy."

  "Strategy for what?" Johnny asked, looking slightly unsure.

  "Long term? Setting up a permanent base, a place where everything comes together: magic-proof and completely secure. We’ll set up our tech, find out where trouble’s happening, and start to go after the supernatural thugs who’re responsible for hurting our people.”

  Tom spoke from the kitchen, where he’d gone to get another pot of coffee going. "This is all great, but we have very little in the way of funds to finance any of this."

  "I'll pay for the equipment and the building and anything else we need," Gene announced.

  "I’m sure all the troupe thetas will chip in," Mack suggested, glancing around the room, remembering Diane and Dave’s reaction. “At least, the ones in this room.”

  "The location of the base will have to stay secret. I'm not taking any chances with our safety.” Gene added.

  “Maybe we can work on releasing other troupe thetas. Most of them will join the cause, I’m sure." Sam seemed psyched by the idea.

  "An army," Ingrid whispered, remembering what Joseph Herron had said.

  "What?" Mack asked.

  "The alpha said if he'd owned a few troupes of thetas, he'd have made us into an army. He'd have taught us to fight, to use our mental powers to bring down our enemies. He said we'd be unstoppable, with the right training."

  The chatter in the room had hushed. It seemed to Ingrid that everyone was sizing the others up in terms of talents and capabilities. Properly trained, Ingrid believed her troupe alone could bring down the government. What could a dozen more troupe thetas do? Or hundreds?

  "Gene." He turned at the sound of her voice, his eyes shining with excitement. How confident he seemed, trying on this new role, tasting some of the power they'd always been denied. "If we’re actually thinking about bringing down an archdemon, we need to form a board of directors or some kind of governing group. Making these decisions is too much responsibility for one person. I won’t replace one dictator with another, even if it's you. I wouldn't be comfortable with that."

  "I agree completely. In fact I was thinking this over for most of the night. The heads of each department would vote on issues as they come up and the CO can be the tie-breaking vote, if necessary.”

  "What departments are you talking about?” Mack asked.

  Gene smiled at Johnny. “If I were voted in as CO, you’d be my pick for heading up the hunters and rovers.” Johnny nodded, smiling back. “Stacie would be in charge of medical. Ingrid and Mack would head up our training team when they weren’t out hunting. They’d need to assign someone under them to head up general education. No dummies here. Everyone we can pull in learns to read, write, and use numbers in practical ways. Maybe Diane and Dave could take that on. Alan: tech. Tom: acquisitions and transportation.

  "What the fuck?" Liz glared at Gene. “What about me?”

  “I have something in mind, but I’m worried about your temper.”

  “I can rein it in. Whatdaya have in mind?”

  “Recruitment.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “Other than tech, it’s the most important job. We need to contact the other safe houses. Tell them what’s happening. Bring in their best. Do they know you?”

  “Yeah. Most of them.”

  “Sam’ll partner up with you. He’s great with people.”

  “Him? He’s old.” She winced when Sam laughed. “I’m sorry, gramps, but we have to climb over fifteen foot walls and balance on beams to get to some of these places. You’re not strong enough.”

  Gene grinned. “Go on. She deserves it.”

  “Sure, boss.” Sam grinned and tossed Liz into the air, the momentum spinning her two feet above his head. He caught her easily and tossed her to Mack. She was flying toward Gene a second later, screaming her lungs out, before finally making it back to Sam. He placed her on her feet and backed away, expecting the worst.

  Liz put her hands on her hips and scowled at Sam. “That was not funny.”

  “You’re right. It was hysterical.” Tom was laughing so hard, he was crying.

  She pulled out her knife. “But can the old guy defend himself, if we’re jumped?”

  “Try me.” Sam said, crouching slightly, readying himself for an attack.

  “He’s unarmed, Liz.” Johnny took a step forward, glancing from Liz to Sam with concern.

  “I won’t hurt him,” Liz announced scornfully.

  “Put it away. Now.” The new don’t-fuck-with-me version of Gene had made his inevitable appearance. Influence mixed with anger was a powerful potion. After a moment’s hesitation, the blade was returned to its sheath. Liz moved away, sitting at one of the tables, arms crossed, pouting.

  Ingrid crept over to Gene, snaking her arm over his elbow. “Um…Mr. Scary Dude, can I talk?”

  “Sending her off to the other safe houses will keep her out of my hair,” he mumbled to himself.

  “Uh, yeah. Great idea. But you might want to think about toning it down. We don’t want to terrify the natives.”

  He sighed. “Sorry.”

  “She had a knife and was waving it around at Sam. There’s no reason to be sorry.” Mack added.

  “I’ll keep an eye on her,” Sam said. “She has stuff to work through. We’ll be fine.”

  “You’ll be a good influence.” Gene said.

  “When can you teach me to mind speak?” Johnny asked, looking all eager beaver.

  "It's intense." Gene winked at Ingrid.

  "What do you mean, mind speak?" Liz asked. Apparently, her hearing was excellent.

  “Let’s show them.”

  Allowing their glamour to dissolve, three sets of eyes took on their new, more vibrant shades. Sam and Staci laughed and followed suit, their eyes the same iridescent blue-green as Ingrid’s. Only Mack's remained the glowing copper shade of a theta with a supercharged axis.

  "Whoa! Cool." Alan was wide-eyed, totally blown away by the colorful evidence of their evolution. "What does this mean?”

  “We looped our energy.” Mack answered.

  “What? We were told it would kill us.”

  “It almost did,” Ingrid said, remembering the pain, but also the exquisite joy of that mind-blowing moment.

  “It wasn’t a simple procedure, but now we can mind speak. This means we’ll be able to communicate with Gene at headquarters mind-to-mind, even from a distance,” Mack said.

  “There are other benefits. When we need the extra edge, we can focus our senses more strongly,” Gene added.

  “In what way?” Johnny asked.

  Gene grinned. “The last guy who visited the liquor store out front couldn’t decide between the Russian vodka and the Polish.”

  Johnny looked incredulous. “You can hear from that distance?”

  “Farther.”

  “Tom laughed. “What did he pick?”

  “Both, of course.”

  “What’s the difference between a hunter and a rover?” Mack asked.

 
; “We take on both roles. Sometimes we rove the neighborhoods, taking care of trouble when we find it. Sometimes we hunt down specific bad guys.” Johnny explained. “When are you gonna show me how to talk mind to mind?" Johnny said impatiently.

  Gene and Mack glanced at Ingrid with matching worried expressions. "I'll try, but it’s…it’s intimate, You have to open all your shields and trust me completely.” Ingrid admitted.

  “Oh.” Alan was blushing and Johnny looked extremely uncomfortable.

  To change the mood, Mack jumped onto a tabletop as gracefully as any dancer. “I’m calling for a vote. I nominate Gene Hudson as CO.”

  “I second,” shouted Sam.

  “All in favor?” And everyone was, even Liz—although she wasn’t exactly enthusiastic.

  Gene shook her hand. “Thank you, Elizabeth. Your vote of confidence means the most to me.” Gene tilted her head up with a touch of his fingers, so she'd have to look him in the eye. "For the record, those women you saw me with in magazines were in the same boat I was, paired up with me by their bosses for publicity purposes. They were all humans trying to survive. Not slutty celebrities. I’ve never been free to choose my own dates.”

  Ingrid thought there might have been a hint of invitation in his eyes, but when Gene tried to push a clump of hair out of Liz’s face, she slapped his hand away, unsheathed her knife, and glared at him in anger. He raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, but didn't lose the smile.

  Liz spoke through gritted teeth. "Don't ever touch me again unless you want to lose that hand." She started backing away, visibly upset. "You troupe thetas think you can seduce any female in the city with your sexy voices and your good looks. Well, I'm not any female. I'm a hunter, and I've killed almost as many people as you've fucked, so stay away from me." She stormed down the hall toward her room.

  Gene grinned at Ingrid and Mack. "I think she really likes me."

  Tom explained. "She's still young, only twenty-one, and she's been through a lot of shit. She doesn't trust men. In fact, she only wanted us to bring in Ingrid and leave the rest of you to fend for yourselves, but Johnny knew Ingrid wouldn't have gone for that. Liz is pissed off at the two of us as much as you guys."