Fields of Thunder

by Aliyah Burke

  “And about him?”

  “Nothing.” They walked to his truck. “I know he’s my mate, and if I learn I will need him to help activate the artifact, I will bring him out. Otherwise, he is on his own.”

  Tiarnán opened the passenger door and helped her in. Then he climbed in on his side, reached in the back and tossed her a towel before using one on his own head. He sent her one final glance then started the truck and drove back to the vineyard.

  She kissed him on the cheek before trudging up to the room she used whenever she was there. Shutting the door behind her, she allowed the tears to fall as she made her way to the bathroom and the hot shower awaiting her.

  She’d just finished tugging on her pajama pants when a knock came at her door. She didn’t want visitors, just wanted to cry alone into her pillow. The knock sounded again.

  “Come in,” she said, sitting in her large recliner.

  Brenn peeked in, his eyes rimmed red. “I have nightmares,” he said walking in, holding a blue bear by one leg. “Tiarnán said you were back and that’s why he had to leave me for a little bit. Can I stay with you?”

  How pathetic am I to pull him away from a child who needs him? She beckoned him forward. “I was just sitting here crying myself.”

  He climbed up on her lap and cuddled into her. “We can cry together.”

  “Sounds like a great plan to me,” she admitted.

  Roz may have wished that Aminta was around, but having Brenn there was nice. He fell asleep against her and she stayed that way all night, dozing. He woke her a few times when his nightmares returned but she soothed him as best she could until he fell back asleep.

  * * * *

  After ensuring Brenn was good for the day, she sought out Edmond. Not like he was hard to find—the man rarely left the computers he loved so much.

  “Hey, Roz,” he said near the corner he did most of his work from.

  “Howdy.” She fixed herself a coffee from the bar along the far wall. “Are you busy?”

  “Never too busy for you.”

  She got him a drink as well, carried them both to his side, and set them down. Squeezing his shoulder, she sank into the chair on his right. He still looked devastated from having lost Shelly, Mal’s best friend, to Uma’s attack.

  “Do you feel like breaking into somewhere today?”

  He grinned, erasing the demons he carried with him. “I feel like it every day.” He cracked his fingers. “Where are we going?”

  “I need everything you can get on Altair Sagal.”

  His fingers danced across the keyboard. “Your mate?”

  “Yes.” She hardened herself to the fact she had to do this.

  He paused. “What’s the point?”

  “I think he’s in danger, Edmond. But the form that it is in will make him blind to it.”

  “Okay, so where is the breaking and entering?”

  “Mossad.”

  He whistled low. “You want me to hack into their files?”

  “Yes, theirs and the IDF’s. He worked for both.” She kept the rest to herself for the moment, figuring if she could find what she needed, his secret of being part of that assassination group could stay that way—a secret.

  “You got it.”

  As Edmond worked his magic, she sipped her coffee and stared at the artifact housed in the safe. It wasn’t as bright as it had been and the bolts were fewer.

  The rest of the Guardians present entered the room and all took seats around her.

  “What’s going on?” Dracen asked.

  “Checking on something in regards to Altair.”

  “He made you cry. I should be out kicking his ass,” Billy snapped.

  “He did. Last night. I was torn up about what happened, but when I woke this morning, I realized there had to be a reason he did what he did.”

  “He’s an ass.”

  “Not that, Cale. Something else. A real one. And like I told Edmond, I think he’s in danger.”

  “This woman he wouldn’t let you hurt?” Cale’s tone was snide.

  “Yes.”

  “The one with the New Order mark. He was here when you told him about the mark and how they operated, right?” Tiarnán spoke.

  “Yes, but the look on his face when he tried to explain who she was… It was as if he hadn’t wrapped his own head around it yet. We all know They will go to any lengths to try to get to us. It doesn’t feel right.”

  “So what is Edmond doing?”

  “Checking for information on him in Mossad and IDF.” The room fell silent with the exception of Edmond’s nonstop tapping on the keys.

  “He’s Mossad?” Billy posed the question.

  “Used to be.”

  “Here,” Edmond broke in. “This is the part of his file that hasn’t been redacted. On screen two. I’m going to continue looking for the complete file.”

  She spun and stared at the sheets laying in a row before her on another screen. The chair held her immobile and she just closed her eyes. “Look for anything about family.”

  “You want me to…?” Edmond just did it.

  The muted conversation between her brethren floated over her as she rested her head upon the table.

  “I have something,” Edmond announced.

  She sat up, pushing her hair back. “What?”

  “He had a wife and child.”

  She couldn’t hide the wince. Had. “What happened to them?”

  “Killed in retaliation for his being part of IDF.” More typing. “The child was a four-year-old son. There is one picture.”

  A black and white image popped up. Altair, his wife and their son, all standing together before a brick wall. The look in his eyes was one she’d never seen. Happiness. More spikes pierced her heart.

  Taking her gaze from his face, she looked at the boy. He was a younger spitting image of Altair. She moved on to the woman and her heart sank as she shot up from the seat.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “That is the woman from last night.”

  “Can’t be,” Edmond said. “By all accounts, this woman is dead. Been dead for ten years now.”

  “That may be, but she’s alive now—and with Altair. Hack the street cameras and see if you can find us last night. We were at Mick’s Shanty.”

  “The bar?” Cale asked.

  She glared at him. “Yes. They have great burgers. Do we really need to do this now, Cale?”

  “Stop it, you two,” Tiarnán ordered.

  “I have one image before the rain gets too bad to see any more.” He pulled it up and put the pic side by side with the one of Altair’s wife. Edmond whistled. “That’s close. Let me use the recognition software.”

  They held their breath as he ran it. When it came back a positive match, she sank back to the chair. “Are They bringing people back from the dead now?” She whispered her query, even as she lowered her head into her hands.

  “That is an ability They are capable of.” Lian’s voice entered the conversation.

  She looked at him and watched him take his typical seat at the table. “What is the purpose of doing such a thing? Surely there are enough dumbasses who are alive to be exploited?”

  “Unless you need a particular person to reach another.” Lian folded his hands over the knob on his cane.

  “Like a wife you thought was dead.” She tapped her fingers along her lips.

  “It is a good assumption. And a logical one.” Lian gazed around the room. “Trust yourselves. Stop fighting amongst each other.” He pinned her and Cale with his gaze at that statement. “It takes energy you will need.” He pushed to his feet. “Now, I have a class to teach outside. I will see you all later on for the evening meal.”

  The doors slid silently closed behind him as he left. The room remained without noise for a short time. Then Billy spoke up.

  “So what do we do about this new bit of news?”

  “I think I have to keep my distance. If they know we’re not happy with one another
, they may leave him alone for a bit until we can figure out some plan.”

  “Are you sure they won’t take him to try and force your hand?” Cale asked.

  “They may try but unless it is with this woman, I don’t see how he will go quietly.” She got to her feet. “I’ll find a way to get a message to him.”

  “He may not want to hear it.”

  She looked at Dracen, who’d stated one of the many things bothering her. “I know, but I have to try.” She rubbed her throat. “If they find a way to turn him to their cause, we’re all in trouble.”

  “Why?” T, this time.

  “He wasn’t just with Mossad. He was part of Kidon.”

  Dracen’s eyebrows went toward her hairline. “The assassins?”

  “Yes.” She went to the doors that slid open to allow her exit. “Please don’t tell him you know. I shouldn’t have said anything, but you needed to know what we’re potentially up against.” With those words, she departed.

  * * * *

  Altair stared at the woman sleeping in his guest room. Hadil. By all accounts, his wife and the mother of their child—the child he’d held dead in his arms after the attack. Right beside the woman who had perished as well—Hadil.

  He’d seen them die ten years ago. Logically, he knew this wasn’t right—it wasn’t possible. Then he thought about all he’d learned and discovered with Roz. Perhaps it was possible. And if Hadil was alive, could his son be?

  Still, despite the woman lying there, his mind went to the one who’d walked away from him last night until the rain had swallowed her. Roz. The pain of betrayal in her eyes still gnawed at his gut like a rat on trash, making him feel dirty, like scum.

  He couldn’t see the mark that would have identified her as a member of the New Order to Roz. His mate had been adamant about what she’d claimed.

  “What have I done if she is?” He pulled out his cell phone and tried calling Roz once more. He had to explain.

  Unfortunately she didn’t answer and he wasn’t about to leave a tenth message. He ended the call and returned the phone to his pocket.

  He headed downstairs, checked on a very unhappy Klaus then strolled to the kitchen. When the dog growled, he turned to see Hadil entering. She was thinner than he remembered, as she stood there in her jeans and a shirt she’d obviously taken from his room. Her once long black hair now barely touched her shoulders.

  “Morning, my husband. Allow me to fix you some food.”

  Klaus bared his teeth at her as he lay upon his thick bed.

  “Not necessary. I have already eaten.” Altair watched her carefully. “Perhaps you would like to eat something? It is late afternoon.”

  “So late?” She yawned. “I suppose that attack scared me so much I just needed to sleep.” She ran her fingers along the tabletop. “Who was she?”

  “Someone I met in court.”

  “Someone you met in court. And you just happened to be out with her that late at night in a bar?”

  “Yes.”

  Her smile was a bit sad. “I understand. I have been gone for a long time. But I’m back now. You can forget this woman.”

  The wind blew through the open window and he scrunched his nose at the scent of sulfur. “Where have you been for these years?”

  Her gaze darted about. “Looking for you. All I ever wanted was to return to your side.” A smile. “That’s where I belong, after all.”

  He propped his hip against the counter and sipped his coffee. “What about Tamir?”

  More of that nervous gaze thing, eyes flicking from side to side as if searching for information.

  “What about him?”

  “You did not want him back in your life?”

  She watched him before rising from the seat. Klaus’ rumble filled the air. She snapped her head in his direction but the dog wasn’t intimidated. “You, Altair—you are all I care about. How can you ask me about another man? No one else matters.”

  He forced a smile past the bile he wanted to heave. “I have work to do in the garage. Get some more rest. If that woman shows up, come get me immediately.”

  “I will.”

  “Come, Klaus.”

  They walked through the house to the garage and he lost the coffee he’d just drunk down the sink back there. Chest painful from the pitching his body had gone through, he washed his mouth out with some cold water.

  “Looks like you’re having a problem.”

  Roz’s voice was a jolt to his system, even though it would make a winter’s arctic day seem warm.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder to the door, making sure that Hadil wasn’t there watching.

  “I came for my things.” A shrug. “Well, the ones for work. Nothing else is important. I can replace it all.”

  Everything about her was controlled, and he hated it. The Roz he knew and…and loved…was passionate about everything. Expressing herself where he didn’t have the ability.

  “There is something going on here,” he said. “Why did you not let me explain this last night?”

  “There’s nothing to explain. You chose a member of the New Order over me. That one act told me all I needed to know about you.”

  She strode to the door leading into the house. He hastened after her. “Wait a minute,” he called out.

  “You say something, husband?” Hadil peered in to where they entered the house.

  “No, he didn’t,” Roz said. “I’m just getting my case files, because I don’t need you going through them.” She stomped up the stairs.

  He looked at Hadil, who had to work to hide the evil glee in her expression. “I think I should let you handle this. I will be outside on the porch.” She put down the rag and left.

  Altair jogged up the stairs to the office he’d taken time in setting up for Roz. The shades were down and the curtains closed. He didn’t understand why, aware as he was of how much she enjoyed the openness.

  “Listen to me,” he began, as she was shoving files into a box.

  “What’s the point? You sided with a New Order fuck.”

  He strode toward her and gripped her arm. Her entire body stiffened and the items in the room shook. The door shut on its own and he released her.

  “What was that?”

  “Perhaps you should ask your wife.” She slammed her angry gaze into his. “Yeah, I know.” More files entered the box. “You knew this entire time,” she yelled.

  “I did not.”

  “Liar!”

  “Would you stop yelling?”

  “No,” she replied even louder. Then she turned music on, blaring it to drown out their voices.

  Altair knew he was capable. Knew he could handle himself and was confident that he could move swiftly. He had nothing on Roz, he discovered when he blinked and found himself in the closet with her. Her curves were pressed against his chest, his hard cock cradled against her pussy. Mine.

  “Stay away from me,” she mumbled against his lips. Then she was gone—back out there, shoving more files in.

  “What is going on?”

  She looked at him and shook her head in dismay. “You still don’t get what you did wrong, do you? Men. Why do they never think anything is their fault?”

  He watched her slip a letter into one of her books on law before placing it back on the shelf. The look she gave him was pointed and he got the message. It was for him.

  “What is my fault?” he hollered over the music.

  “Nothing, of course. I mean, of the two of us, it’s only logical that me, the single one, know you were married. I never want to see you again,” she screeched, hefting the box. “Except when you bring me my dog. I want him within the week. Don’t bring your wife out with you either, I don’t need to see her again.”

  With that, Roz tramped off down the stairs. About three minutes later, Hadil entered the room, bringing with her that stench of sulfur again. She turned off the music and sat on the edge of the desk.

  “Are you ok
ay?”

  “I suppose so.” He wanted this woman out of Roz’s sanctuary. “Did she say anything to you on her way by?”

  “No. She didn’t look happy, though.” She hooked her ankles. “When are you taking her dog to her?”

  “Possibly tomorrow.”

  “Good. I don’t like dogs.”

  He gestured her from the room and closed the door behind him. He needed to wait until she went to sleep to get to the message. He retreated to his garage and got back to work. Every five minutes, Hadil would come stick her head out and check on him.

  In between those times, he left a message on Roz’s phone saying he would be by tomorrow with Klaus. He reached for a beer in the small fridge he had and just on impulse, opened up the safe behind it and withdrew his BUL M5 Commander pistol, which he checked then put in the back of his waistband.

  He’d stepped away from the safe and fridge and was drinking from his beer when she came back. He stared at her, waiting for the deep emotion he’d had for her to return. Nothing.

  “Are you hungry?” she asked, her eyes still squirrelly.

  “Not yet. I have to get some more work done. You look tired. Why do you not take a nap?”

  “Maybe I will.”

  He couldn’t shake the feeling that she was out there somewhere, watching him. Every so often that smell would permeate the air and Klaus would growl. He didn’t see her again until he was fixing some dinner, not trusting her to do it for him.

  He had to make it to tomorrow when he could see Roz again.

  * * * *

  “Is it working?” Hara demanded as he strode into the main room of their shared area. They each had a portion that was for them only. Worked best that way—for them not to always be ripping each other’s heads off.

  “Yes,” Cheza said, peeling the flesh back from her arm. “The woman is in his house. She will have his trust in a matter of time then we will have him willingly working for us.”

  “And this helps us how?” Uma asked from her seat.

  “You know they have to be with their mates for these artifacts to work well—or so we believe. If he is working for us, they will not be together.” The normally quiet Pelur spoke, his blue skin shining in the light. His eyes bespoke nothing but death.