chapter Ten
Music poured down the street from The Spirit Room. Hard rock serenaded the night. It put a little extra oomph in my step. I never could resist the sound of electric guitars.
I perused the line up at the door for Brogan and swaggered past a small group of leather clad, long-haired guys sharing a joint. Their whistles and catcalls brought a blush to my cheeks. Not one to normally seek out male attention, I couldn’t help but be flattered. It wasn’t often I had human men reacting to me that way. It was nice to know it had nothing to do with power or supernatural hungers.
“Alexa,” Brogan called from near the front of the line. “Over here.”
Her dirty blonde hair lay on her shoulders in soft waves. In tight blue jeans and an Aerosmith t-shirt, she was casual but hot. The guy in front of us kept tossing glances back her way while she pretended not to notice.
“Is Gabriel here? Have you seen him yet?” I asked after exchanging pleasantries.
“No. I’m sure he’ll be here. His best friend’s in the battle of the bands tonight. He wouldn’t miss it.” She leaned close and her tone dropped low. “Unless something happened to him.”
“Stay positive,” I replied, scanning the vicinity for anything unusual. “He’s inexperienced but he’s not helpless.”
The queue inched forward until we finally got inside. The place was packed with rock n’ rollers. It was a fair size, bigger than The Wicked Kiss, excluding the back rooms. A smoke machine filled the air with a haze that covered the crowd gathered near the stage.
Right away I recognized the all-girl band Crimson Sin. They’d played in my club recently. The lead singer was a werewolf. I could feel her wolf’s energy, hot as fire and burning with passion for her craft. With her purple hair flying and a sexy growl into the mic, she had no problem holding the audience’s attention.
We approached the bar where the bartender was a flurry of activity. As we waited for our turn to order, I scanned the building, feeling for anyone or anything supernatural. So far, it was just the werewolf on stage and us. Of course, when it came to demons and angels, they could lurk without being seen or felt, and the bastards could pop in out of nowhere. I hated that.
“I can’t shake this bad feeling I have,” Brogan shouted over the music. “Gabriel is young, and he probably feels invincible. I don’t think he realizes how dangerous our world is.”
I paid for our drinks, passed Brogan her beer and took a sip from my whiskey. “Hell, I’m still figuring that out myself.”
The liquor burned as I swallowed. I couldn’t help but think of Arys and the tangy scarlet nectar he was hunting down. Without me. All of a sudden, I became painfully aware of the scent of human blood. All around me were hundreds of beating hearts, pumping blood through the veins of so many would-be victims.
I took another drink, concentrating hard on the way it smelled and tasted. I hoped the alcohol would wipe away the thoughts of blood and prove Arys wrong. Instead, I had to control my urges with effort. I could master the bloodlust, I knew I could.
A commotion broke out in front of the stage. A heckler had messed with the wrong woman. A purple blur was all I could see of the Crimson Sin singer as she leaped into the crowd and began pummeling the guy. It didn’t take much to set off that wolf temper. I craned my neck to get a better look. As long as she wasn’t unleashing the fangs and claws, a little ass kicking wouldn’t hurt the lippy jerk much in the long run.
A bouncer broke up the fight, and the show continued. The energy rolled off the crowd, an excitement-driven force that caused my skin to prickle. I pulled it into me, savoring the raw human essence. It was a rush.
As long as we were there, we might as well have a good time. We blended into the throng of people in front of the stage. The band was great, likely the only all-female group in this contest. I didn’t need to hear the competition to know I wanted these ladies to win.
Though Brogan was unable to relax completely, I had no problem riding the high of the music and the crowd. I moved to the beat, but my gaze continuously swept the building. I kept expecting Falon to appear, and I wanted to be ready for it.
However, I didn’t anticipate Juliet striding through the door in snug blue jeans and a cute little one-sleeved top. Red lipstick and long brown curls added to her badass appearance. I blinked a few times, unable to believe she had been the little girl I remembered from my childhood.
“What the f*ck is she doing here?” I muttered. I was willing to bet the casually dressed man at Juliet’s side was also FPA. Leaning into Brogan I said, “Maybe you should check outside for Gabriel while I talk to my sister. Something is up here, and I don’t feel good about it.”
It didn’t take long for Juliet to spot me. I headed in her direction, and she leaned in to speak to her companion who quickly disappeared near the bar. She had a perfectly plastic looking smile plastered onto place when I approached.
“I didn’t think this was your scene,” I said lightly, attempting small talk.
She didn’t bother to play along. “A little out of your element, too, wouldn’t you say? Everyone here is human.”
“What are you doing here, Juliet?” Fine. No small talk. We’d do it her way.
“It’s confidential.” Her eyes narrowed, and for just a moment, her wolf lurked behind her eyes. “Stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours. Agreed?”
I shook my head. “I can’t make any promises. Not until I know why you’re here.”
“I’m looking for someone. That’s all I’m sharing. I’m sorry, Alexa. I’d just rather not do this,” she gestured from me to her, “if that’s ok.”
I was stunned. And, I’ll admit, more than a little hurt. My sister was giving me the brush off.
“I’m not your enemy, Juliet. The FPA has poisoned your mind.” My tone was snide, more so than intended. “Do you even think about the things they ask you to do?”
“Poisoned?” She spat. “They took me in when I had nowhere to go. They tried to help you, too.”
“They recruited mom and dad to get to me.” I shouted the words at her without a second thought. The loud music quickly swallowed them up, but she had heard. “You’re just a walking, talking weapon to them, Juliet. You can’t trust them.”
Her irises began to bleed across the whites of her eyes. She fought back the wolf with a worrisome desperation. “Who I can’t trust, is you. You kill monsters to keep a secret. We kill them to protect the public.”
“Is that so?” I challenged, my wolf bristling for a fight. “Is that why the FPA is holding several of them in the basement? Along with humans. For the protection of the public? I suppose that’s what the lab is for, too.”
Juliet paled, her gaze darting around for her partner. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Then maybe you’d better take a look in the basement sometime.” I started to walk away, then paused for a parting comment. “If you’re here for Gabriel, you’re wasting your time.”
She opened her mouth to respond, but I beat a hasty retreat outside to find Brogan. I’d just reached the door when I slammed into someone’s chest and went down hard on my ass. Falon stood over me wearing an amused grin. Son of a bitch.
“Looking for the witch?” He extended a hand as if to help me up but pulled it away before I could accept. Stepping over me, he surveyed the room, his gaze landing on Juliet. “This will be interesting.”
I scrambled to my feet and rushed after him. “Falon, did you do something to Brogan?”
“Of course not.” He scowled at me as if I were a stain he’d suddenly noticed on his jacket. “I merely suggested that if she wanted to live through the night, she would be better off leaving well enough alone.”
“Don’t threaten Brogan,” I snarled. When he walked away from me, I grabbed his arm and refused to be budged. “I’m talking to you, Falon.”
His silver gaze dropped to my hand. He stiffened and I froze. Void of humanity, Falon’s expression chilled me to the bone. If looks could kill, I’d have been dead several times over.
“Just because you’re Shya’s pet wolf doesn’t mean I won’t hurt you,” he said, calm, cool and oozing menace. “I’d love a reason to. Go ahead and give me one.”
My temper flared, and the power rose within me in response. “I’d love a reason to tell Shya that you’ve been f*cking Lilah. Looks like you just gave me one.”
I didn’t know why the fallen angel wanted that tidbit of information kept from Shya. However, I was counting on Falon’s secret to give me an advantage that a straight up power struggle wouldn’t. I spun on my heel to go.
“Wait… bitch,” he conceded. “What’s it going to take to shut you up?”
I beamed a bright smile at him, confident in my victory. “Stay away from Gabriel.”
“Out of the question.”
“Fine.” I turned away again, and this time he grabbed my arm hard enough to bruise.
“Shya needs him to work a spell. What am I supposed to tell him? That you wouldn’t let me bring him?”
“Tell him the FPA was here looking for Gabriel, too, so you thought it best to lie low and wait.” I was keenly aware of Juliet’s eyes upon us. Watching me converse furiously with Falon wasn’t going to change her opinion of me. “You know what? I don’t care what you tell him. You owe me a favor. Leave Gabriel alone. Deal?”
Falon stared at me in disbelief. “I owe you a favor, and you want to call it in over some kid? You’re going to regret that. You’ll probably never get another chance like this.”
I considered this. “You’re right. I don’t need to call in a favor over this. I’ll just blackmail you. Stay away from Gabriel or I tell Shya you’ve been diddling the demon bitch. Works for me. Have a nice night, jackass.”
It wasn’t the most mature approach though it was effective. Falon let me go, watching me in silent fury. If he ever got his chance, I didn’t doubt he’d make me very sorry for this. I couldn’t afford to care just then; I’d made a vow to myself to do whatever I could to help people like Gabriel. People like me.
Neither the FPA nor Shya had our best interests in mind. They were in it for themselves. Lesser beings playing God, I wanted no part of it. Now, I had my own agenda, and it didn’t include trusting either of them.
I found Brogan outside trying unsuccessfully to convince Gabriel to go home. He was clearly inebriated if his bloodshot eyes and slurred speech were any indication. Brogan’s shoulders slumped in relief at my arrival.
“Listen to Alexa, Gabriel. She knows what she’s talking about.”
“Don’t bother.” He waved us off, reeking of liquor. “I can take care of myself. I’m here to have a good time with my friends. No big deal.”
He made as if to shove past us, and I blocked his path. He threw his hands up and jerked backwards. The power spilled from him. It felt like he had a leak that couldn’t be contained. Getting wasted had compromised his control. Been there, done that. Gabriel was bound to learn as I had, the hard way.
“Gabriel, you need to listen to us,” I said, trying to calm him with a subtle push of my power. “There are people in there looking for you. You do not want to be found. If you stay here, you’re putting yourself in danger.”
Peering through his mop of long black hair, Gabriel eyed me suspiciously. “Whatever you’re doing, please stop.”
Again he shoved by. This time I grabbed him by the shoulders and forced him to stop. He shook me off with a sudden desperate panic.
“Don’t touch me,” he shouted. “I don’t want to see that vision of you again.”
Brogan stepped in between us. “Take it easy, Gabriel. We’re here to protect you. What did you see?”
“Nothing. Forget it.” He shook his head, the hair falling to hide his face again. “You’ve always been real nice to me, Brogan. Thank you. But, I don’t want or need your help.”
We let him go. What choice did we have? Short of kidnapping, our options were limited.
“Well, shit.” I watched him disappear inside the club.
“I’m sorry, Alexa,” Brogan sighed. “I shouldn’t have dragged you into this.”
“No worries. I’m happy to help. If I can. Maybe we can’t make him leave, but he can’t make us leave either.”
There was no sign of Falon when we returned inside. That didn’t mean he wasn’t present. Crimson Sin had finished their set. An emcee shouted to the crowd, firing them up for the next band. Gabriel sat at a table with a group of friends. I did my best to fade into the shadows at the back of the club where I could watch everything.
“Why do I get the feeling we’re waiting for something big to happen?” Brogan shifted uneasily from foot to foot.
“Because we are.”
I could feel it. Something was going to go down, and I planned to be present when it did. We didn’t have to wait long.
The next band launched into a loud number filled with the crash of drums and the scream of guitars. I made a mental note to book them at The Wicked Kiss. I didn’t get beyond that thought before Juliet stood up and walked across the room.
Flanked by her male companion, Juliet sidled up to Gabriel. She had no problem getting his attention with a flirty smile. Whatever she said next didn’t win her any points. His expression changed from intrigue to irritation. He shook his head and waved her away. She produced a badge identifying her as a government agent. The man with her flashed a glimpse of his gun.
Gabriel stood his ground. I felt it when he reached for his power, readying to defend himself. I tensed, ready to react but afraid to do so too soon.
Juliet’s partner pulled out a set of cuffs, and that’s when I moved. Crossing the room with Brogan at my side, I watched Gabriel’s lips move and seconds later the male agent was flat on his back. That wasn’t the end of it though. Blood bubbled up from his nose and lips. He clawed at his throat as if an unseen hand crushed his windpipe.
Juliet pulled her gun on Gabriel. Before she could take a shot or make a threat, Falon appeared beside her. He backhanded her with a superhuman force that sent her crashing into a nearby table.
I was acting on instinct when I threw a blast of power at Falon. I never would have expected to hurt an angel, yet his body jerked as if I had. People in the vicinity reacted fast, moving away from the scene. The rest of the club was unaware and unfazed.
“I warned you,” I told Gabriel with an angry growl. “You’re not safe here. Now stop whatever it is you’re doing to that guy before you kill him.”
I gestured to the agent flailing and bleeding on the floor. I was close enough to smell the scarlet fluid streaming from him. Close enough for the aroma to fill me with an urgent hunger. The bloodlust came hard and fast, crashing over me with no warning, rising from a whisper to a scream in seconds.
My conscious mind was silent when I lunged at the bleeding man. My hands were wet with blood, my focus so intent upon it that I saw nothing but my victim. Brogan shouted my name, but I paid no attention.
Juliet recovered from her fall. She came at me with the wolf’s strength, trying to knock me away from her partner. I flung her backwards with a flick of my wrist. Shouts began to ring out around us. Everything was a blur. I was suddenly jerked away from my prey. My teeth rattled as Falon slammed me against the wall.
He held me in place with an arm across my throat. “You use your power on me again, and I’ll tear your f*cking head off your shoulders,” he seethed. “Our job is to keep shit like this quiet. You just gave the FPA exactly what they wanted from you. A reason to take you out. F*cking stupid wolf.”
“I’ll try to make time to worry about them after I deal with your demon whore,” I spat. “What do you care anyway?”
“Oh, I don’t care. As far as I’m concerned, you’re a threat that should have been eliminated at birth. Lucky you, I don’t make those decisions.”
I struggled until he let me go, but not without giving my head a good smack against the wall first. I made as if to push by him, but he stopped me with a shove. A growl rumbled in my throat, and I bared fangs at him.
“You’re a liability. If only Shya would acknowledge that you’re not worth the risk.” Falon’s tone dripped acid. “Better watch your step, Alexa.”
He was shit talking me, like usual. Yet, he was also giving me some insight with those nasty words. If Shya was taking a risk by keeping me around and alive, I must be valuable to him. I interpreted that to mean there was something he needed from me. Something he could get only from me. Thank you for that, Falon, you insipid shithead.
I sucked the blood off my fingertips, smirking when Falon openly grimaced. I caught Juliet watching me with blatant disgust. Her partner swayed unsteadily but otherwise appeared fine. Gabriel stood sullenly beside her, silver cuffs adorning his wrists. Oh, hell no.
Falon was forgotten as I marched over to my sister. I shook a bloody finger in her face. “Get those f*cking cuffs off him now.”
“Get that finger out of my face, Lexi. Or, you’ll be wearing the next pair.” There was a stubborn set to her jaw, and her eyes glowed daringly.
“I’d like to see you try.” I stared her down, refusing to be cowed by my little sister with her big girl government ID. “Go back to HQ and look in the basement. If that doesn’t get through to you, nothing will. Until then, don’t think for a minute I’ll let you take him out of here. You’ll have one hell of a fight on your hands.”
We faced off as we had so many times as kids. Every time I saw her now, I felt the separation between us grow. I wasn’t willing to back down. If I had to hurt Juliet to keep Gabriel from ending up in the FPA basement, I’d do it.
“You just attacked my partner. I should bring you in for that.”
“Listen to me, Juliet. Dammit.” I resisted the urge to shake her but just barely. “I’ve been in that basement. There are people down there, prisoners locked in concrete rooms, held against their will because they have power. I’d be down there with them if Briggs had his way.”
“Bullshit,” she snapped, but the uncertainty was there. The truth was undeniable.
“As much as I’d enjoy watching you mutts tear each other apart,” Falon broke in with a condescending sneer. “I’ve got better things to do.”
He yanked the FPA cuffs from Gabriel as if they were a plastic child’s toy. Tossing them at Juliet, he followed up with a slap of power that toppled both of us into Brogan, sending all three of us crashing to the floor in a heap. By the time I was able to move again, he was long gone, with Gabriel.
“Good job, Juliet,” I hissed, holding my head as I got to my feet. Falon’s hit had left me dizzy and slightly disoriented. I caught hold of Brogan’s hand, helping her up. She shook her head a few times and swore.
Juliet glowered at me. “You’re blaming me? I have a job to do, Alexa. If you weren’t here getting in my way, maybe I’d actually be able to do it.”
“Your job? Your so-called job consists of imprisonment for those that don’t deserve it. I don’t know how you can live with yourself.” My growing anger was filled with bitterness. It was more than just the fact that my sister was a government zombie. It hurt that she was ok with it.
“I protect the helpless, those that can’t protect themselves. From people like you.” Her tone was high and sharp. It was the tone she’d always used when calling for our dad, begging him to punish me for one petty thing or another.
I wanted to throttle her. I took a step toward her, hands raised, ready to do so. With fists ready, she invited my attack. Before we could pummel one another like angry kids, Brogan held up a hand and uttered a word in Latin. An energy wall sprang up between Juliet and me.
“Ladies,” Brogan intervened. “This isn’t the time or place for this.”
The urge to collapse her wall was strong. I could do it. However, it was irrelevant. She was right. Pounding on Juliet wouldn’t make me feel any better. It also wouldn’t help me to catch up with Falon any faster.
Vibration in my pocket drew my attention to my phone. I pulled it out to find a text message from an unfamiliar number along with a photo that chilled me to the bone. It was a picture of Jez and her girlfriend, Zoey, taken without their knowledge. They were in bed together, locked in an intimate embrace.
Along with the photo was the simple but effective message: Guess who’s next?