Thankfully, even though the guards mostly hated that our group had certain freedoms, they didn’t bother us. Not since Brent was killed. It had been a message to all of the guards that we weren’t to be messed with.
Deacon was nowhere to be seen, but Alex was leering over the counter. “What do you want?” he spat.
Alex was the guard to replace Brent. He was just as surly as the vampire had been, but more bark than bite. The warlock was lanky with no muscle on him, relying completely on his power when he needed it, which I hoped would one day be his downfall.
“I need to see Warden Gillian,” I said with authority in my voice, letting just a bit of my persuasion through.
“Fine. Just knock first.” The warlock glared his beady eyes and sat back down as soon as I nodded, then he resumed playing on his phone.
Before I could even raise my hand, Warden Gillian was already opening the door. “Good morning, Cara. To what do I owe this pleasure?” His gaze went behind me, likely looking for the Fabled Four.
“I’d like to have a quick word with you if possible.”
He nodded, moving out of the way so I could step in. Once the door was closed, I went on full guard, drawing my power forward in case he tried anything, but it ended up not being necessary. The warden went to his desk and waited for me to speak first, which was odd for him.
The last few interactions with Gillian had been tense with lots of yelling. He was pissed we still hadn’t found his son, but since we’d killed one of the vampires during our last attempt to get him, the Luccovinos had changed their plans. Several times.
The only thing that had kept the warden from being a complete dick was that I’d used my abilities several times on his guards or new prisoners when he requested. People who had seen or heard more than they should have. Though, the bastard was always sly about it.
Gillian never told me what I was asking them never to repeat, just using timeframes. So, I was left saying something vague like, “You will forget what you saw today. All you’ll remember about today was that it was boring and you’re glad it’s over.” Not at all how I’d hope my role would go, but then again, it could have been worse.
“I was wondering if I could leave the prison and go see a friend who might be able to help find your son. Though, I’d like to do it on my own, and soon, if possible,” I said, maintaining eye contact and reminding him that he no longer scared me.
Once I found out exactly what the warden was, a fae who preferred the darker tones of magic, I knew how to handle him better. He reminded me a lot of my father, and I’d spent years avoiding that asshole’s wrath and learned a lot while doing so.
“On your own, you say? Why not with the Fabled Four?” he asked.
“Because this friend doesn’t like a lot of people, and I don’t need them making this harder. I promise it will help find your son and I’ll only be gone a couple of days.”
Nixie had let me know the night before that as soon as her powers were fully restored, she could open a portal like Mason often did. So, drive time to Illinois would only be one way.
“Who is this friend you speak of? How do you know you can trust him?” Gillian asked.
“His name is Greggor.” The others had made the demon sound like a legend of sorts, so I didn’t explain further.
The warden’s eyes widened. “You want to do business with Greggor, a demon who could kill you with a snap of his fingers? I’m not sure if you’re stupid or brave.”
“I’m smart, Warden Gillian. So, will you let me go or not?” I didn’t have time for his games. We had to get back to the room before the guys or I was going to be in deep shit, which would make leaving a lot harder.
“Yes, you can have seventy-two hours before I send the Fabled Four after you. Just know that if Greggor doesn’t give you anything helpful to locate my son, I’ll move you back to your prison cell as your punishment for failing.” The smirk on his face told me he was well aware of the tension between Owen and the rest of us, and what it would mean for me to share a closed space with the shifter. Asscracker.
“Understood. Thank you. I’ll be leaving today or tomorrow.” I stood and raced out of the room as fast as I could before the warden changed his mind or added to his conditions. Now that I had his permission to leave the prison grounds, I didn’t have to worry about the cavalry chasing after me and Nixie once we left. Well, as long as we made it back within three days.
“That guy is the biggest idiot,” Nixie said as soon as I pulled her from my pocket.
“I already knew that, but why do you say so?”
“He’s letting one of his most valuable assets leave the prison compound without a guard. Plus, he still has no idea I’m here. How does he miss that?”
I assumed the warden hadn’t sensed Nixie yet because her powers were dulled, but I wasn’t going to remind her of that fact, so I simply shrugged and kept running, picking up the pace with every stride. When we arrived at the room, the door was ajar, and I cursed under my breath.
Increasing my breathing, I started to laugh. “You were right, Nixie. That is one hell of a way to wake up.”
Her brow furrowed, but she recovered quickly. “Told you. Works every time.”
Mason, Spencer, and Blake were standing there, glaring at me, clearly not happy I wasn’t in the room when they came back.
“What works every time?” Spencer demanded.
“Sprinting from one end of the hallway to the other several times. Really gets the endorphins pumping. Oh, coffee!” I exclaimed, changing the subject before they could question me further.
Each of them shared a look while I gulped down the first cup, already soaking up the caffeine and feeling better. “Thanks, Blake. I really appreciate you grabbing this for me,” I said before reaching for the second steaming mug.
“You’re welcome, Siren.” He wasn’t buying my act, but thankfully emotions didn’t give much away without knowing the reason behind them. The empath was probably sensing I was nervous, excited, and curious, but that could mean a number of things and I was going to let him keep guessing.
“Is it just going to be the four of us for training this morning?” I asked as I finished my second cup of coffee and grabbed a bagel, my go-to food before a workout.
The door slammed open. “Today isn’t your lucky day, Flower.”
Shit. He was furious about something. Did he see me go into the warden’s office? Nah, he would have stormed in if he had. The sexy demon just had a stick up his ass like usual.
“Every day I’m stuck in this prison with you isn’t my lucky day, so what’s new?” I responded casually.
“Everyone ready?” Jaxon glanced at his brothers.
Blake eyed him. “You okay, Hawk?”
“Peachy-fucking-keen. Now, let’s go.” Jaxon spun around and was out the door before anyone could object.
Mason glanced at me. “What did you do?”
My hands went up innocently. “I didn’t do a damn thing. I’ve been my same innocent self. He’s just a psycho.”
“It’s very possible she’s right.” Spencer nodded as we all got up to follow the crazy demon to the gym.
It was my least favorite time of the day. The two or three hours we spent beating the shit out of each other, all in the name of making me stronger, was more work than I ever agreed on. It was either them attacking me or attacking each other, so I could see moves to attempt to duplicate.
My defensive abilities had gotten better, but lately, I’d just wanted a damn vacation. I was sure my beaten body couldn’t take much more. I’d have to count the couple of days Nixie and me would be gone as my holiday from ass-kicking.
“Once they’re done with the physical stuff, we should stay longer and work on magical strength. If we’re ever in a situation without the Fabled Four, you need to figure out a way to tap into all of your abilities,” Nixie said, and I knew what she meant.
If we were going to ditch them to go see Greggor, I need to be prepared for anything.
“Sure, I’m happy to be broken physically and mentally today. Let the torture begin,” I droned.
The other prisoners were already off doing other duties like cleaning bathrooms, cooking, or laundry. It was always weird to see the common area so quiet, but less noise was good as I focused on preparing my mind for the beatings I was about to receive.
Even though I’d become stronger, it had taken every ounce of determination to push through the agony my body still felt after all these weeks. The guys didn’t take it easy on me, and I equal parts hated and loved them for it.
Entering the gym, Jaxon was already changed out of his jumpsuit and decided on wearing only sweatpants for the session. He was pounding his fists into a punching bag as we walked in, and I couldn’t stop watching the way his muscles rippled with every move he made.
Mason’s finger ran across my chin. “You got a little drool there, Siren.”
“Screw you, Gunner.”
“Ah, I value my life too much for that offer, but I will kick your ass first today if you’d like.”
Glaring, I nodded, then removed my sweatshirt as Nixie took up her usual spot beyond the mats, just close enough that she could yell at me whenever I was screwing up.
Blake and Spencer took the mat next to us. “Ace is going to give me his back. You need to watch how I approach him, then do the same to Gunner,” Blake said to me.
Observing, I took in the light steps of Blake’s feet, the outward position of his hands, and the exact moment he reached for Spencer. The empath’s arm wrapped around the dryad’s neck, while his leg moved between Spencer’s, taking them both to the ground.
Within a second, Spencer was trapped in a headlock, and his legs were locked between Blake’s. Spencer could have easily gotten out of it by using his abilities, but the guys were insistent that I first learn how to take one of them down without magic, considering mine seemed to be sporadic.
Once I could do that, I could do anything. Or so they said.
I’d only come close a few times with Mason and Blake, but never with Jaxon or Spencer, which frustrated the hell out of me.
When Blake and Spencer got up, it was time for me to do the same to Mason, except he wasn’t going to stand there and let me take him down. He was going to fight back.
He winked at me before giving me his back, and I replayed the steps Blake had taken in my head. Deciding we were two different types of fighters, I changed things up a bit. Creeping up to Mason, I kicked in his left leg that he liked to favor and, when his body buckled enough, I wrapped my arm around his neck.
Then, instead of bringing him down with me on the bottom, I put more pressure on the back of his legs, catching him off guard and sending him face-first into the mats. Mason started to twist, so I jerked his left arm back with my free hand and locked it behind his head.
“What the hell, Siren? You’re going to break my arm,” he complained.
“Are you giving up?” I whispered in his ear before tugging tighter on the awkward hold I had on him.
He bucked a few more times, but there was no way he was getting out of my tight grasp without using magic or breaking a bone. All of that muscle building I’d done was finally proving to be useful.
“Fine, you got me, but only because you didn’t do what Blake did,” he whined, but I laughed until a shadow fell over me.
“Do it again, but this time on me,” Jaxon growled.
That sex-on-a-stick couldn’t even let me celebrate for five damn seconds. Screw him. I was going to kick his ass, too.
Chapter 3
Backing up, I purposely bumped my ass into Jaxon’s junk and enjoyed the shudder that rolled off his body. If he wanted to cut my victory down, then I’d play dirty as payback.
“Shall we do the same thing, or would you like to try a different position?” I offered seductively to Jaxon, and the others backed away slowly.
“Same,” he grunted.
He turned around, and I no longer cared that he wanted me to try the same move again. Training was all about learning, and I’d realized that in order to beat these assholes, I needed to keep them on their toes.
Striding up to Jaxon, I ran a hand down his back, feeling the tremor of effects my touch had. Just as he turned his head to likely reprimand me, I kicked in the back of his leg like I’d done with Mason, but this time, I twisted around to the front and pushed his unsteady body to the ground, so he landed on his back instead of his chest.
Wasting no time, I pounced on top of him, brought his arms down to his sides, and locked my legs around his waist. Then I leaned forward, putting more pressure than necessary on his hips, and dug my forearm into his throat, hopefully cutting off his air supply.
“How’s that for the same, Hawk?” I murmured, using his nickname, because it seemed to infuriate him when I did.
His stormy eyes bled crimson, and I tsked at him. “No magic or you lose anyway.”
Pushing down harder, I made sure he knew I was well aware of what our current position was doing to him. Even though it tortured me, I needed him to know that even though he could be a dick, I knew he still wanted me.
“You’re fighting dirty, Flower.”
“No, I’m fighting to win.” Pulling my arm back, I slammed my elbow into his jaw and enjoyed the thud it made as I put all of my weight into it, but I’d made a mistake. I’d leaned too far forward and, before I knew it, I was on my back.
“Better try harder next time, because you failed.” Jaxon pressed his body on top of mine, sending my hormones through the roof at the close contact, and then offered me the same treatment with his elbow, but to my ribs instead.
While I grunted on the floor and struggled to get up, he moved from the top of me and went back to his corner. For a moment, I let myself wonder if I’d made a mistake pushing him away, but I stayed strong. He had a lesson to learn, and I wasn’t going to cave until I was certain he understood what he’d done wrong.
Spencer reached a hand to me, and I gladly took it. “Thanks,” I mumbled, then immediately regretted it as he tossed me back onto the ground.
“Don’t let emotions cloud your judgement. You fight to subdue or kill. Don’t ever let compassion get in the way of your safety.”
“You’re a prick,” I yelled after him when he walked away.
“No, I’m smart and alive,” he called back. He was also cocky.
Mason came for me next, but I refused his help.
“Oh, come on, Siren. I wouldn’t let you be insulted twice in a row. Or would that be three times?”
“Shut your mouth, Fae. Let’s fight.” Holding my hands out in front of me, I wanted nothing more than to begin our regular sparring. Sure, I’d finally gotten the upper hand, but they’d quickly knocked me down a peg or two and I was pissed the hell off.
When Mason stepped in closer, I slammed my fist into his jaw, and his chest rumbled. “You really wanna fight? Alright, then. Let’s do this.”
For the next twenty minutes or so, Mason and I traded blows until my chest burned so badly that I couldn’t stand straight. The positive ending was that Mason walked away limping and I’d made him groan in pain more than once. Though, I hadn’t kept him down a second time.
Nixie fluttered over to me as I laid on the ground, trying to recover. She placed her tiny hand on my forearm and zapped me.
“What the hell? Didn’t you just see the beating I took?” I asked.
“I did, and I told you when you were done, we’d be doing magic training. So, get your shit together and stand up.”
The damn fairy didn’t have an ounce of mercy in her little body.
When I didn’t move fast enough, she zapped me again, but this time, my heart beat harder and there was a boost of energy with it. Deciding not to say anything, I simply did as she requested and stood up with renewed strength.
Sure, my body felt like a semi-truck had ran it over more than once, but the bits of adrenaline pumping through me made it easier to ignore.
&n
bsp; “Spencer, would you mind helping us out?” Nixie called, projecting her voice to the dryad across the room.
He reluctantly walked back over. “What do you need?”
“I need you to be a guinea pig. I need to know that Cara is conjuring the right magic, so she needs to test it on someone. How tough do you think you are?”
Shaking my head, I put a hand up. “No. I won’t purposely hurt him.”
“What’s the difference between punching the shit out of each other and using magic?” she countered.
“Uh, a big difference. I could lose control and actually hurt him.”
She turned back to Spencer. “Are you afraid she’d cause you harm you couldn’t recover from?” Spencer shook his head. “Good, let’s begin. Spencer, I want you to attack Cara, and Cara, I want you to fire off the spells I say, and only those.”
Whatever. If he wanted to be an idiot, who was I to stop him?
As Spencer took a step forward, I readied my hands and brought my power forward. As he lunged at me, Nixie yelled “sting”, and I proceeded to hit him with magic that was meant to hurt. Instead, he laughed and landed a punch to my already-very-sore ribs.
“Again,” Nixie demanded, and it happened several times over until finally Spencer grunted.
“She got it that time,” he moaned.
“Good. Next, go for numb.” The fairy paced the edge of the mat as we each recovered and started again.
Over the next hour, I’d managed to sting, numb, shock, put to sleep, and blind Spencer. More than once, I’d caught Jaxon paying closer attention to us than normal, but never once did he step in, which surprised me.
Spencer finally called it quits when the ringing in his ears wouldn’t stop. “If you permanently hurt my hearing, Siren, we’re going to have some problems,” he half-yelled.
I slapped him on the back. “You’re going to be okay, old man. Thanks for helping out.”
“Don’t ask again,” he murmured, and we headed back to the lair, leaving Blake and Jaxon behind.
The others were already showered and changed by the time we got back, and I told Spencer to do the same before I took over the bathroom, so I wasn’t rushed.
Capture (Elite Supernatural Trackers Book 2) Page 2
