What if Kaias hurt? By her own admission, she would be throwing down with prison rules.
A flash of red in his eyes, his fingers clenching on his legs. Kaia was a damn good fighter, he reminded himself. If he trusted anyone on her team to succeed, it was her.
Lysander! Bianka called again. Look up, baby. Im over here!
There are too many. I cant findBianka? Lysanders jaw dropped.
Guess he hadnt seen her since theyd left the heavens. Then, she had worn a scarlet robe.
Lysander, did you see this? Bianka turned and lifted her shirt, showing himand everyone elsethe panties she wore. They were neon-green with the words Property of Lysandy scripted across the ass.
Lysander stood, as if to fly over to her, then caught himself and plopped back down. Sweet Deity.
Your woman wears underwear out in public, Sabin said. Must be nice. Howd you manage that little miracle?
Only the Deity knows.
Great. Now Strider couldnt stop wondering about Kaia. What kind of panties did sheor did she notwear?
The girl beside Bianka must have complained about the high-pitched tenor of her voice, because Biankas grin faded and she leveled the girl with a scowl. An argument ensued. Then, of course, the two leapt at each other in a tangle of flailing limbs.
She is magnificent, isnt she? Lysander asked no one in particular.
Sure, Sabin said, distracted now. He was stroking the bullhorn at his feet. So where are our girls?
Our girls. Strider liked the sound of that. He shouldnt like the sound of that. Dont know.
Do you truly think Kaia can bring home the victory?
The insidious voice filled Striders head. Male. Familiar.
She might be killed
Oh, hell, no. Sabin, he growled. This time, he didnt have to wonder about the speaker. As the keeper of Doubt, Sabin fed off the insecurities of those around him.
Sorry, his leader replied.
Get your demon under control.
Believe me, Im trying. I dont want him going after anyone on Team Kaia.
Win. She must win.
And there was Striders demon, whowait just a sec. She must win? Defeat had never cared about a victory other than Striders before. Why Kaia? Why now? Because her triumph was (perhaps) linked to the Paring Rod? Because the demon knewand fearedthe consequences of her failure? Because, she washis? Their personal playground? Hed wondered before
Cant think like that. He wouldnt do what needed doing.
To Defeat, he said, First, I plan to obtain the Paring Rod before the games end. Second, shell win. If she didnthe speculated about the likelihood of Defeat hurting him, even though the loss was not his own. Strider wouldnt have protected her, as the challenge hed already accepted demanded. So
Likelihood high, he decided. He should have talked her out of this. Whatever happened next was his fault.
For once the prospect of the pain he might suffer held no sway. He simply didnt like the thought of Kaia being harmed.
Lysander! Bianka called, once again drawing Striders notice. Her fight with the other Harpy had ended with the poor woman draped over the back of the bleachers, unconscious. Did you like them or what?
Lysanders expression softened. I did, my love. I liked them. I like everything you wear.
Pathetic, Strider thought. Just because a guy was in love didnt mean he had to pussy up.
Oh, look, there was Kaia! Strider jumped to his feet, waving at her to get her attention. He planned to tell her to be careful, but she was too focused on the happenings in front of her as she strode from the double doors leading into the gym. Her teammates flanked her sides. They wore matching uniforms of bloodred leather, the half tops crisscrossing in back to reveal their wings, the shorts fringed at the hem to allow for easier movements.
Kaias red curls were pulled back in a ponytail that swung left and right. No elbow or kneepads safeguarded her. Damn it, he wished shed worn pads. If the girls fought on that planked floor, they were going to lose some skin, and he liked her skin how it was.
Win!
I know. I heard you the first time, asshole.
The Harpies in the stands noticed the incoming team and started booing. A frown pulled at Kaias lips, but she gave no other indication that she cared. Popcorn rained down, showering them, a few kernels even popping members of Team Kaia in the eye.
Hey, Millicent, Bianka screamed down at one of the popcorn launchers. I see youve set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public. Your aim sucks!
A pretty blonde whipped around, hands fisted on her hips. Hey, there, twin-half number one. Or is it two? I can never remember. Youre both just too insignificant. If I throw a stick, will you leave to fetch it?
I am not a dog, you bitch. Bianka propped her hands on her hips. At least, your dad doesnt think so. This morning he told me Im the hottest chili pepper hes ever had. You know, as I crawled out of his bed.
There was an audible gasp among the crowd, and Strider could only blink. The dad thing was worthy of such horror?
My fathers dead, you heartless mutt, the one named Millicent gritted out.
Oh, Bianka said, her shoulder sagging. Then she brightened. Your mom thinks Im chili-pepper hot. She told me so this morning when I crawled out of her bed!
The gasps turned to snickers. Millicent flew up the steps to tackle Bianka. Ding, ding. Another fight was on.
Strider found himself grinning. Do you think she realizes what she just implied?
Yes, Lysander said on a sigh.
Fingers crossed she and the woman shes pounding stop fighting and start kissing, Sabin said. That happens, and someone better cue the bow-chicka-wow-wow.
Lysander straightened, clearly intrigued. I see what you mean about engines being revved.
Suddenly the Harpies who were booing erupted into deafening cheers, and Strider forgot everything else as he turned his head to find out why. His jaw clenched. Tabitha and her crew had just entered the court.
They wore half tops and fringed shorts, too, only theirs were blue. Then another team stalked in behind them, wearing purple. Another team in pink. Another team in yellow. Damn. How many teams were there? Another in green. Another in black.
His mouth dried up when he noticed that some of the women were bigger than he was. More muscled, taller, and hell, he would not have been surprised to see beans and franks. Although some of the contestants were as seemingly delicate as Kaia.
The women formed a large circle on the court, leaving the center empty. The one called Juliette, the brunette whod run the orientation, stepped forward and held up her hands. Finally the crowd quieted.
If youre like me, youve been waiting for this moment for a long time, she called, and had to stop when cheers once again rang out. Only when they faded did she add, And so, lets not waste a moment. First rule, you dont talk about Tag. Second rule, you dont talk about Tag.
More cheers.
Grinning, Juliette said, Just kidding. Now for the real rules. Only one member of each team is allowed in the ring at any given time. When that member wants out, more boos rippled, faded, all she has to do is tag one of her teammates. If she can reach one.
Annndeven more cheers exploded through the gym.
If someone is too injured to continue, she must tap out for good. But think carefully before you go that route, ladies, because even if you heal, you cant go back in.
I didnt pay to see cowards, someone shouted.
Juliette nodded her agreement. For those of you who have never before played this type of game, you should know that the competition doesnt end until only one team remains. Heres a hintfight dirty.
Eagleshields are gonna kick ass, someone else called.
Juliettes grin acquired a dark, evil edge as she focused on Kaia. Good luck, everyone. Youre going to need it. With that, she strode off, disappearing from view as the contestants swallowed her up.
Kaia tossed Strider a quick glance. So. Shed known where he was, had been as aware of him as he was of her. He nodded in encouragement, even as the bottom dropped out of his stomach. The females surrounding Kaia were eyeing her like she was a juicy filet and theyd just ended a week-long fast. He should be down there, shielding her, not sitting up here, doing nothing.
Dont worry, Sabin said, patting him on the back. Gwen wont let anything happen to her.
Im not worried, he gritted out. No way would he let Sabin, Doubt himself, have more confidence in his womans abilities than Strider had in his. Just no way. Kaia will protect Gwen.
Boss man blinked at him, incredulous. You want to argue about that? Really?
Yes, damn it, he did.
Win.
Always. Just shut the hell up and watch the game, he said. Ill let you know before I head to the other side and start my spying.
CHAPTER TWELVE
I WILL NOT FAIL. I WILL not fail. I will not freaking fail. The mantra blazed through Kaias mind as she settled into position.
Neeka was the first in the ring for Team Kaia. Shoulders squared, head high, the girl strode to the center of the court, alongside the first from every other team. Soon, twelve Harpies stood there, facing off, waiting for the whistle to blow. The rest of the combatants waited on the sidelines like Kaia, crouched, one hand extended.
Weve got this, Gwen muttered beside her.
I know, she said, glad there wasnt a tremor in her voice. Strider was up in the stands, looking edible in a T-shirt with an ironed-on tie, and ripped jeans. The only glance shed allowed herself had been a mistake. He was a distraction she couldnt afford, but shed had to assure herself that he was up there, that he hadnt abandoned her. She only prayed he witnessed her victory, not her defeat.
I will not fail. Too much was at stake. Her reputation. Striders respect. Hell, his life.
Not that hed agreed to her terms. Hed never flat-out said hed wait for her to win the Rod and keep his thieving hands to himself. Shed realized that only an hour ago as shed prepared for Tag. Shed needed a distraction from her the-world-is-at-stake panic and had replayed her every conversation with Strider.
Was he planning to search for the Rod during the game? Most likely. She wondered if he didnt trust her to bring home the gold, or if he was simply too impatient to wait.
Dont think about that now. Concentrate.
I will not fail.
Wait till you see Neeka fight, Taliyah said, almostgrinning? Surely not. Taliyah never grinned. Or scowled. Or yelled.
If shes so good, whyd her clan let her go? Kaia asked.
Cause shes deaf and theyre idiots. Plus, she was voted Most Likely to Go Off the Deep End and Kill Everyone Around Her.
And she was now on Kaias side? Sweet!
The shrill screech of the whistle sounded, echoing from the walls and blasting Kaias ears.
Game on.
Immediately the girls in the center of the court leapt into action. Kaia stiffened, watching. They attacked each other, claws and fangs bared, and within seconds bodies were slamming into the wall of waiting onlookers. Blood sprayed, warm and rich. Her Harpy caught the coppery odor of it and squawked for a taste.
Calm, she would remain calm. The only people she could harm were the ones in the ring. Hurting anyone outside it would result in a disqualification. If her Harpy took over, she would hurt everyone.
Each team could be disqualified from one event, and one event only, and still qualify for the grand prize. If that happened, though, you had to hope and pray you had a good showing at the other three events, earning at least third place each time, or you wouldnt stand a chance.
An unholy shriek drew her attention, and she found herself concentrating on Neeka. The sweet-looking beautydear gods. Neeka jumped up and hovered over the battling girls Matrix-style, slow motion, arms outstretched, knees drawn up, gaze quickly roving, taking stock, before picking her prey and dropping in a blink. She landed atop a wide set of shoulders, her hands wrapping around the attached head and twisting. Bone snapped, and the poor girl collapsed.
Ouch! Neck injuries were the worst.
Neeka grinned in satisfactionjust as a muscle-stacked brunette slammed into her, knocking her down. Neekas head cracked on the floor, blood quickly pooling around her. She was dazed, unable to rise, and her opponent used her unstable condition to her advantage, punching and punching and punching, fists raining like poisoned hail.
Shit. If Neeka were knocked unconscious, no one from Team Kaia would be able to enter the ring anytime soon. Or at all. They had to be tagged in.
Several others noticed that Neeka was down and swarmed her helpless, prone body, pummeling her senseless.
Come on, Neeka! Bianka shouted from the stands. Kaia would have recognized her twins beloved voice anywhere, amid any kind of noise. She only prayed Neeka could somehow discern the praise since she couldnt hear it. Show em your titanium balls!
Kill her! someone else shouted. And hack off those balls of hers!
How about I kill you instead, hater? Bianka snapped back. Then there was the stomp of feet, a pained hmph.
Kaia didnt switch her attention, though she knew her twin had just attacked whoever had spoken.
Somehow, Neeka collected her wits. Bodies flew in every direction as she once again Matrixed over the combatants. This time she didnt attack, but dove for Gwen, slapping their palms together.
Gwen darted into the ring, and Kaia breathed a sigh of relief. Good job, she said. She wouldve patted Neeka on the back, but feared knocking the poor, shaking thing to her knees.
They punched out a tooth! Neeka slurred past cut, swollen lips.
Youll have a chance at revenge, Taliyah assured her.
What Juliette hadnt explained to the crowd was that every team member had to enter the fray at least three times. If someone failed to do so because they were, say, dead, that team was considered out, disqualified. And to be declared the winner, every member of your team had to be conscious by the final round.