Blood Love (God Wars Book 4) (24 page)

"I'm glad it worked—that scared the hell out of me," Jayson said. "When she gets like that, I'm terrified we won't get her back."

"I have bad news," Bill broke in.

"What's that?" I went on alert immediately.

"Vernon Clark's best buddy troublemaker has started up the website again."

"It makes sense, now that they know she's still alive," I pointed out.

"I was hoping he'd be hiding in a cave so deep he'd never see the light of day again after Vernon was killed," Bill tossed his cellphone onto the long table where we'd had dinner at the hotel restaurant. He'd asked for—and received—their banquet table in a private room so we could talk freely. I'd placed a shield around it, too, just in case. It always paid to be cautious.

"So Marc Cummings is letting loose with the conspiracy crap again?" Opal asked.

"Yeah. That message was from Dan Kelsey," Bill nodded toward his phone. "The website is claiming again that the whole Breanne Hayworth book is a lie, that Ross Gideon vomited that mess for Rome Enterprises and they're offering a reward to anybody who can bring down the woman posing as Breanne Hayworth, or to kill Ross Gideon or your father, Jayson." Bill's gaze turned to Jayson, who stared back in alarm.

"How much?" Jayson's question was forced. Bill's announcement had stunned him—no matter how much he disagreed with his old man, a part of Jayson loved his father.

"A million for each. You know that'll lure in the professionals and the crazies."

"If they're blatantly offering that for the obvious targets, how much do you suppose they might be offering for you, Director Jennings? It's apparent that they want you as well, after two attempts at two different churches." Bill's head jerked in Charles's direction, but the observation was an accurate one.

"I've got people doing research," Bill sighed. "It seems to be a private vendetta against me, because none of our sources know anything."

"Wlodek says that there are rumors circulating that Gavin was killed in San Francisco," Charles continued. "We've chosen not to refute them."

"That's good—we don't need more targets among us," Bill said.

I knew, whether anyone else at the table did or not, that Opal had been a target as well—that she'd actually died in Austin and Breanne had revealed herself to the enemy by
Changing What Was
and restoring Opal's life. I'd learned that when I'd connected to Breanne with our first kiss. I never intended to divulge that—Breanne didn't want Opal to know, and I felt that was reason enough.

"This means," Bill's voice interrupted my thoughts, "that we can't officially schedule anything else until this is over. They'll be waiting for us if we do."

"Young man," Ildevar spoke for the first time, "if you wish to keep your father and his associate safe, I can take them to Wyyld when I leave. They will be under the protection of my palace guards while there."

His offer was made to Jayson, who wasn't sure who—or what—Ildevar actually was. A wise concern, actually, but Ildevar would never offer protection lightly.

"Hank?" Jayson turned to me.

"Jayson, this is Deonus Wyyld, Founder of the Reth Alliance and Master of the Grand Alliance Council," I said. "They'll be as safe at his palace as they can be anywhere."

"I don't give a damn about Ross, but Dad does," Jayson muttered. "Yeah—if you don't mind," he nodded to Ildevar. "They won't like it," he added.

"I have had unwilling," Ildevar hesitated for a moment, "guests—in the past," he smiled slyly. "My guards know how to keep them comfortable in their confinement."

"I'll help you pick them up," I offered.

"I'll accept that," Ildevar replied.

* * *

Breanne's Journal

All heads turned as I was ushered into the private banquet room inside the hotel restaurant. Kalenegar had shortened and disguised himself again and held a protective hand at my back as we walked through the door. The other Larentii had left, but not before Graegar and Barrigar gave me warm kisses.

The good news was that I was only feeling slightly shaky, and most of that stemmed from finding a crowd waiting for me and that I hadn't eaten anything for too long. Two chairs were left between Hank and Kevis, so Kal and I took those.

"Baby, how do you feel?" Hank's mouth gently brushed my temple.

"A lot better," I said, lifting the menu lying in front of me.

"Here, drink this first," Kevis passed a bottle of strawberry protein drink to me. Kal opened it with power, Hank stuck a straw in the bottle and I drank nearly half of it before stopping for a breath.

"What happened with Ashe and those other two churches?" I asked.

"Same thing that happened in Ohio," Bill said. "We just didn't want to tell you before."

"Fuck." I rubbed my forehead; Hank rubbed my back.

"Ashe is fine—he had major shields in place so nobody was hurt," Trajan said. "At least nobody with him," Trajan amended.

"Baby, don't ask right now, okay?" Hank tilted my chin in his direction and I stared into dark eyes. "You've had enough for today."

I couldn't argue with that so I went back to my protein drink while I studied the menu.

* * *

James Rome Sr. followed Quin, his bodyguard, into the parking garage beneath the Rome Enterprises building in Los Angeles. He'd been made aware of the threats against his life. It wasn't the first time he'd been threatened.

His car and driver waited in a private bay to take him home. The chief of security had hired extra guards for the building, too.

"Mr. Rome," Alan, his driver for more than ten years, nodded as he slid out of the driver's seat to open the back door. Alan nodded to Quin as James Sr. moved to slide onto the back seat. Without hesitation, both pulled weapons from pockets and opened fire.

* * *

Ross Gideon was bored, but there wasn't any way to escape his comfortable prison. Guarded night and day by FBI agents, he couldn't go to the bathroom without someone taking notes. Television programs were monitored and he wasn't allowed a phone, a computer or anything else that might be used for communication. Except paper—Ross had paper. He hadn't written anything on paper in a decade. He was writing on paper, now.

"Gideon." Ross' least favorite agent stalked into the room and addressed him gruffly.

"What is it, Weathers?" Without looking up, Ross kept writing, his ballpoint pen moving steadily across the notebook page.

"This," Sherman Weathers replied, firing a single shot and hitting Ross Gideon in the head, killing him instantly.

* * *

Hank's Journal

Breanne knew before anyone else, and she was standing and shrieking as Ross Gideon and Jayson's father died simultaneously.

* * *

Kevis had his hands full with Jayson's meltdown after he learned of his father's death. Trajan, Kalenegar and Ildevar were taking Breanne in hand so Bill and I took Opal, Gavin and Charles with us. Breanne had seen who'd committed the murders in that strange prescience she often displayed, so we were going hunting.

* * *

"They'll come hunting," Moxas assured Calhoun. "I suggest you have your Sirenali ready and waiting when they find those they instructed to kill your targets."

"This is easier than I thought," Calhoun gloated.

"I warn you, I only see that some will come hunting these obsessed murderers of yours. Like your quarter-blood seer, these things are often unclear to me."

"Then I'll place a vampire, a chimera and a lion snake shifter with each set of Sirenali, to ensure we take them down."

"If that is your wish," Moxas shrugged. "As I said, I cannot see nor predict who might come."

* * *

Breanne's Journal

Ildevar's gentleness was difficult to reconcile with the fact that he was Ra'Ak. Granted he was an ancient Ra'Ak, turned long before their descent into evil, but it was still somewhat perplexing to associate a giant, flesh-eating serpent with the man who held me so carefully against him, you'd think I was made of fragile glass.

"How are you feeling now?" Ildevar's blue eyes twinkled at me. He had thick, blond hair, a dimple that he didn't show often and was quite handsome, in build and features.

"Better," I said.

"Good. Very good. Lay your head here," he pulled my face against the hollow of his shoulder, where it was comfortable. "Now, I will tell you of how I and twenty others broke away from my race and formed the Reth Alliance."

* * *

"She's asleep. That story will bore even the most avid listener," Ildevar said softly as he closed Breanne's door behind him. "How is the young man doing after the loss of his father?"

"Kevis says he and Kalenegar placed a healing sleep," Trajan sighed. "A few months ago, I might have said all this was impossible. I may never say those words again."

"I believe I said something similar perhaps a hundred thousand years ago," Ildevar smiled.

* * *

Hank's Journal

Sherman Weathers was holed up in the suite where Ross Gideon had been held. In addition to killing Ross, Sherman had shot two other agents. Without an obsession, he'd never have done any of those things.

"Hold on," I placed a hand on Bill's shoulder—he gripped his Ranos pistol tightly and prepared to kick down the suite's outside door.

"What is it?" Bill's eyes held concern as he turned to me.

"It's not just Sherman in there," I warned. I didn't add that this information had been passed mentally to me seconds earlier.

There's a chimera, a lion snake shifter and two Sirenali waiting inside
, I sent.
Weathers is dead already.

What's the plan?
Bill returned.

How about you skip us inside and we open fire?
Opal joined our conversation.

Chimera
, I reminded her.
They can blast fire with a dying breath. Don't need to burn the building down if we can help it.

How about I freeze everybody inside and you can do whatever the hell you want with them afterward?
Someone new joined our party. Yes, he'd likely been called to come to our aid, and freezing a moment in time was one of the talents inherited from his Elemaiyan ancestors. That talent had been enhanced, once he'd become Saa Thalarr. Griffin, also known as Brenten Arden, appeared beside us.

The Sirenali die first
, I said.
Then the others. We can't question any of them; it's too dangerous.

I'll mist inside and place the freeze
, Griffin said.
Then you kill.

Agreed
, Bill checked the charge on his pistol.

Yeah
, Opal added. I turned my gaze toward Gavin and Charles—both nodded.

Griffin became mist and pulled us inside it before traveling through walls to find those waiting for us in the suite.

Chapter 15

Earth—past

Hank's Journal

Charles and Gavin decapitated the Sirenali in a fraction of a second, leaving the lion snake shifter and the chimera to the rest of us. Opal shot the lion snake immediately while my smaller Thifilathi gripped the chimera's throat and crushed it, preventing it from blowing fire. I tossed its body away the moment I realized it was dead. The enemy should have left Sherman Weathers alive; we would have happily killed him as well.

"Dan Kelsey's on the way," Bill said after ending the call on his cellphone.

"I'll check him for obsession," I growled. I hadn't turned back—I realized it when I spoke. My voice is always lower, the growls easier to form when I'm Thifilathi.

"No, keep that," Opal held out a hand. "If somebody shows up who's obsessed, then we need to scare the hell out of 'em," she smiled.

Dan Kelsey and two agents arrived twenty minutes later. He wasn't obsessed, but both his agents were. Dan swore when Gavin and Charles disarmed both after their first shots went wild—vampires were so much faster than any human might ever be. Hands grasping weapons had been knocked aside before pistols were snatched away and two agents were held—one-handed—by two vampires with red eyes and fangs showing.

"Obsessed," Bill explained quietly. FBI Director Dan Kelsey stared at two agents whose faces were tinged with blue as their feet hung inches off the floor.

"Fuck me," Dan muttered. "Anybody got cuffs?" Three sets were handed over immediately.

* * *

"I want in on this one," Dan Kelsey checked the gun in his shoulder holster before slipping into his suit coat. We'd dropped off the two agents at a local holding facility and placed them under heavy guard before going back to the hotel, briefing Dan and considering our next target. Griffin actually offered good advice as we discussed our plan of attack.

Ildevar joined us—Breanne was asleep and he was as deadly as any Ra'Ak ever was. He, like many others of his race, wasn't susceptible to any kind of compulsion or obsession. Older Ra'Ak, like older vampires, built up an immunity over time and Ildevar was very, very old.

"I've asked my people to hold off on announcing James Rome's death," Dan Kelsey said. "To keep the murderers from running away so fast. Maybe that'll help when we go after that bunch."

"It's likely they'll bring in additional firepower after they learn their Sirenali died here," Griffin pointed out.

"What do you suggest, then?" Bill asked.

"Bending time and taking these before the others. They won't suspect. It's an old Saa Thalarr trick."

"You're willing to do this?" my voice betrayed my surprise.

"I was instructed to do as much as possible," Griffin replied coldly. "It was also pointed out to me that my daughter saved my worthless hide, and I owe her. I do owe her," his shoulders slumped. "I have no legitimate power to properly repay that debt."

"I think acting like a parent would go a hell of a long way," Bill growled.

"As my past indicates, I have extremely poor skills at parenting."

"Then it's time you learned," I snapped. "In the meantime, get us to the Rome house in Los Angeles, at the proper time."

* * *

SouthStar—present

"Casimir? I've never met anyone with that name," Kathleen almost giggled as Casimir took her hand and kissed it.

"That has been my name for centuries uncounted," Casimir smiled. "How do you like SouthStar?"

"It's lovely. Adele, Sharon and Lavonna helped me unpack, and they told me all about the gishi fruit and the groves. Cori and Dori brought my breakfast this morning, and then invited me for a tour. Did you know that there's a unicorn and a white wolf who live here? They're shapeshifters. I've always loved unicorns, but I never thought they were real."

"My lady, there are many wondrous things at SouthStar," Casimir said. "Come. Have tea with me and we will discuss some of them."

* * *

Earth—past

Hank's Journal

"I thought you might need help," Kalenegar said stiffly as he appeared with Trajan.

"I didn't mean to upset you," I held up a hand. "I was just surprised, that's all." I'd asked him why he'd come the moment he'd appeared with the werewolf.

"I understand that—up to a point."

"Then we welcome the assistance," I said. "Is Ashe with Kay and Breanne?"

"Yes. He has moved both of them into his suite of rooms and is guarding them while they sleep. He brought his vampire father, plus Amos Thompson, Bear Wright and Salidar DeLuca to help."

I couldn't help smiling when he mentioned Amos Thompson and Bear Wright—the white buffalo and grizzly bear shapeshifters. Who wouldn't be surprised by those two guards? I hoped Breanne got the opportunity to see both.

"Ready?" Griffin asked.

"Ready," I nodded to him. He transported us to Los Angeles, four hours earlier.

* * *

"I don't like those people," Quin offered a beer to Alan. They'd helped themselves to what was inside the refrigerator after tying up James Rome's housekeeper and locking her in the laundry room.

"The job's done, why do they want to come back?" Alan asked. "The money's already in my new account; they don't have access," he added. "So it's not for the obvious reason."

"My ride to Mexico will be here in an hour, so I hope this little visit doesn't interfere with that," Quin sucked on the bottle of beer.

"Yeah—I was offered a place with somebody in Juarez," Alan agreed. "I'll check that out."

"Too bad Rome's dead, we could rub it in his face," Quin laughed.

Alan jumped when the one who'd commanded him to kill James Rome Sr. appeared beside him, accompanied by several others.

He screamed when the room was suddenly filled with many others, and the giant serpent who gulped down his new master made Alan fall to the floor in petrified horror.

* * *

Hank's Journal

Ra'Ak are terrifying when they're angry. Ildevar was angry. It's too bad a Sirenali has no recourse against a Ra'Ak's teeth or appetite. Gavin removed the head of the second Sirenali before he could place an obsession. Like before, I grabbed the chimera and squeezed the life from it, but the lion snake shifter turned humanoid and dropped to his knees, begging for his life.

"No." I tossed the chimera aside and held out my hand to keep Opal from shooting him. "This is Norian Keef's brother, and he was involved in Norian's death. This justice belongs to Queen Lissa."

Since Yaredolak didn't understand English, I spoke to him in Alliance common, telling him he would face justice on Le-Ath Veronis for his part in Norian Keef's death.

"If Lissa does not kill you herself, I will," Ildevar hissed at Yaredolak after coming back to himself.

"Bro, want to clean out the bodies or leave 'em here?" Trajan asked. He and Charles had dispatched the obsessed humans who'd murdered Jayson's father.

"Leave the humans; I'll tell the department they're here for pick up," Dan Kelsey grimaced. One body was headless, the other savaged. "I'll let my people know they ah, resisted."

"Where would you like the others delivered?" Kal asked. "And someone should release the housekeeper who is locked in the closet."

"Take the shifters to the lab in D.C. if possible," Bill said. "Dan, why don't you tell your locals to free the woman after we're gone?"

"Good enough," Dan jerked his cellphone from a pocket to make the call.

"Inform your people the bodies are coming," Kal replied and swept out a hand, causing the chimera and Sirenali bodies to disappear.

"Who wishes to help me deliver this one to Lissa?" Ildevar frowned at Reedy.

"I will come," Kal offered.

* * *

Ashe's Journal

"I had to place a healing sleep," Kevis sighed. "He just kept rambling about how he and his father never really got along."

Sali stood near the door of the adjoining hotel room, where Kevis had taken Jayson Rome. Sali had both Falchani blades strapped to his back as he stood guard; Caylon Black had instructed him the art of the blade more than fifty years earlier, after Trajan and Trace taught him everything they could about hand-to-hand combat. Sali was lethal, and not just as a werewolf.

Sali had likely heard all of Kevis' conversation with Jayson, just as I had. At least Kay and Breanne had slept through it—I had an extra shield around them so their sleep wouldn't be disturbed.

"I heard from Hank—he says they got the others, and managed to take a prisoner—Norian Keef's brother."

"Seriously?" Kevis asked. "Another lion snake shifter?"

"Looks like he was involved somehow in Norian's death. They're taking him to Lissa for judgment," I said.

"Good place for him," Kevis agreed. "Norian wasn't popular by any stretch, but to have his own brother involved in the murder? That's bullshit."

"Kevis, I'm not sure I've ever heard you say bullshit," I grinned at him.

"Dad always says to save those words for when they'll have the most profound effect," Kevis grinned back.

* * *

Le-Ath Veronis—present

Lissa's Journal

"Well, Reedy, I always knew you'd end up causing more trouble," I said.

Ildevar and Kalenegar dumped a quaking Yaredolak before me seconds earlier, and Kalenegar held a shield around the troublesome lion snake shapeshifter so he couldn't get away.

"I just never suspected you'd help somebody kill your own brother," I went on. "You sold him out twice, you filth. You didn't care if he died either time. I'll let Ildevar and the Vampire Council decide your fate this time."

I was glad Reedy didn't offer excuses. He didn't look me in the eye, either, keeping his head down and staring at his bare feet. Perhaps the obsession a Sirenali had laid prevented it. It no longer mattered; he was a dead shifter, I knew that much. Ildevar would make sure of that.

"I will place a shield around his cage in your dungeon," Kalenegar offered. "He will not escape by turning and slithering past the bars."

"Thank you," I nodded at Kal. "Saves me the trouble of doing it myself."

Your sister is fine—she is resting and guarded by the Mighty Hand
, Ildevar sent mindspeech after Kalenegar folded us to the dungeon and tossed Reedy into a cell with power. He then placed the appropriate shield; it wouldn't keep me or my guards out—it merely held Reedy in. The Larentii were quite talented in the use of their power.

Is there a problem with Bree?
I asked Ildevar.
Did something happen?

Too many responsibilities weigh upon her and she is not strong at the moment
, Ildevar replied.
The Larentii helped a great deal, however
.

Tell them to let me know if there is anything I can do
, I said.
This is my only living sibling. The other two are dead
.

I know this, and it matters to me a great deal, as your sister holds my heart. I never thought a M'Fiyah would come to me, and to have it be her,
his sending held a great deal of reverence.
It also gives me hope in a very dark time
, he added.

Let's hope we have enough strength to withstand the dark time
, I replied.

* * *

"It is most fortunate we brought a replacement for my brother," V'ili stroked Janine's head in seeming affection.

"Most fortunate that Moxas advised us to do so," Acrimus agreed. "I am greatly incensed that our slaves have been killed and your cousins murdered by the filth who oppose us."

"We will bring others of my kind, and together we will devise a way to destroy our enemy," V'ili hissed. "Slave, bring towels. I wish to swim and think. Let none disturb me in my pool." V'ili stalked away, leaving Janine behind to do his bidding.

* * *

"Moxas, how might I reward you for your foresight?" Calhoun asked. "We lost some, that is true, but we always allow for such losses. It makes our revenge sweeter in the long term."

"We have comfortable quarters and the best of food," Moxas swept out an arm to include his twin and their surroundings. "However, we feel somewhat lonely. Saxom would very much like his love delivered to him."

"I wasn't aware you had a companion," Calhoun turned to Saxom.

"A love for the ages," Saxom nodded.

"Who might that be? I will bring her to you."

"Her name is Kiarra," Saxom smiled malevolently. "She belongs to the race known as Saa Thalarr."

* * *

Earth—past

Breanne's Journal

I remember waking once before to find Charles kneeling at my bedside, his face propped on his hands while he watched me sleep. He was doing it again, only he grinned when I opened my eyes this time and said, "It's about time, sleepyhead."