The scent of burning cotton filled his nose. His shirt, he realized. And then another thought hit him. Shed caught fire. Completely. Her clothing would have already burned away.
Youre naked, arent you? He hated the idea of anyone but him seeing her like that, but he was amused by the picture the two of them must make.
Yeah. No shame accompanied the affirmation. I have been for a while. So howd you get the Rod?
A wave of guilt slammed through him as he explained about Lazarus, Juliette and the kind of power at stake. All the while, Kaia piloted him around corners, down steps, up steps.
So Lazarus is dead?
A cool, welcome breeze slapped at him. Yeah. He wasnt such a bad guy. I wish thered been another way. And maybe there was. Lazarus had said As Ive been led to understandwhich meant he could have been wrong. He could possibly survive what Strider had done to him. His soul, anyway. He could be trapped in the Rod right now.
Yeah, he was growing on me, too. Perhapscrap. Lets talk about this later. She released him. Gotta get my things and dress. Hold on.
So they were in the tent theyd occupied earlier, he thought as he swayed. His ears perked as he listened for her sisters, but only the sound of her movements greeted him. Then she was gripping him and ushering him through the maze. He could picture their surroundings now, and knew a fence loomed in front of them.
Climb, she said, confirming the layout in his head.
His already damaged body protested the entire way over, but he made it. Continued forward.
Now jump.
Another fence, though this one was barely more than a hurdle. He landed with a grunt of pain.
Boulder, she said, jerking him to the side.
Soon as they rounded it, they ran. Just ran. Through labored breaths, he inhaled the fragrance of pine, dirt and car exhaust. His boots pounded into rocks and grass, then pavement. A few times, he heard the surprisedand perhaps horrifiedmurmurs of humans.
Kaia slowed, stopped, then pulled away from him again. Stay here. Several minutes ticked by. He hated standing there, helpless, the Rod out in the open. Cash, she muttered when she returned to his side.
Smart girl.
A haze of gold broke past the darkness of his sight and he blinked. Another blink. No change. Just that dim little light, but that was enough. He was already healing.
What seemed an eternity later, Kaia rented a motel room and secured them inside. She helped him to the bed and he collapsed atop the mattress, taking the Rod with him.
FYI, you look like shit, Bonin. She eased beside him and smoothed the hair from his brow with a gentle touch.
He leaned into the caress. Thanks, Red. Must say, Ive felt better, too.
Is there anything I can do for you?
Nah. Alls I need is time.
So what does that thing do? You mentioned the soul thing, yeah, but Im confused.
You got a cell phone? he asked, rather than answer. First things first. He had to get the artifact out of Rome and away from Juliette.
Yep. Grabbed it when I got dressed.
Call Lucien and ask him to come here.
As she obeyed, the light he saw expanded, his vision clearing a little more. He began to notice little details. Overhead, the ceiling was a mix of white and yellow. The walls were white stucco. There was a window draped by thick red material. Beside him was a scarred nightstand, a blue lamp resting on top. His gaze moved to Kaia, who paced as she spoke into the phone. That ended and she went silent. She jabbed at the keypad, agitated.
Another couple minutes passed before he could see her clearly. Bruises colored her left eye and jaw, and her upper lip was cut and swollen. Her hair lay in tangles around her shoulders. She wore a clean T-shirt and jeans, but no shoes. Shed run through the streets with bare feet, and it showed. Her toes were blackened from dirt and each step she took left a smudge of blood on the tiled floor.
Not once had she complained or even uttered a squeak of pain. She was a warrior to her core, and his heart swelled with love and pride for her. She hadnt cared that hed taken the Rod. No, shed praised him. Even though hed caused her nothing but trouble.
One of a kind, his Kaia.
She deserved the best. Therefore, he was going to be a better man. For her.
Frowning, she shoved her cell phone in her back pocket. Lucien will be here in a few, he said. Also, I texted my sisters and told them where we are. Taliyah and Neeka are nearby and theyll be here in a few minutes, too. I havent heard back from anyone else.
Before the last word left her mouth, there was a knock at the door. Taliyah didnt wait for Kaia to answer; she just strode inside, Neeka right behind her. The sisters embraced.
Sorry about the loss, Taliyah said, patting her on the head.
Kaia shrugged. Like I havent caused my fair share of them lately.
So youre a Phoenix, huh, Neeka said.
I know. Crimson-streaked fingers scrubbed at her face, highlighting her fatigue. I was surprised, too.
Taliyah shook her head, a study of femininity as her pale hair danced around her shoulders. Oh, Neeka and I werent surprised.
Kaias brows knitted together. Why not?
Youve been exhibiting signs for several weeks now. Plus, you burst into flames the day you were born. Mother wanted to protect you from your father, so she gave you something to ensure you wouldnt do so again for centuries and would even react to the Phoenix toxin if you were scratched or bitten. Another pat, then Taliyah padded to Neekas side. I knew it was only a matter of time before your ability resurfaced.
Strider could actually hear Kaias thoughts; they were so forceful, they rode the threads of the connection between them, jolting him. What a freaking shocker. Mother actually acted motherly and helped me out. I want to hug the woman, then shake her. Cant soften, though. This is war. Well, you should have told me! she fumed aloud.
Seriously, Strider said. He would have sat up, glared, something, but damn, the pain inside him continued to intensify, his demon moaning and groaning.
Taliyah paid him no heed. And cause you pointless worry? Hardly. Now that its happened, you still have nothing to worry about. Okay? Your father will not try and take you, I promise.
You really think? Vulnerability wove through each of the syllables.
He wanted to call her over, hold her tight. If her dadhis father-in-law, he realized with a startproved to be a problem, her dad would feel the wrath of a demon-possessed warrior.
I really know, Taliyah assured her. Hes dead. I killed him myself. And I know, I know. His people would have wanted you the moment they heard you could withstand their fire, since there arent many females who can.
Would have wanted? Kaia and Strider asked in unison. He noticed she gave no indication that her fathers death bothered her. No sorrow wafted through their connection, her mind calm.
A stiff nod, as if their surprise offended her. Im sure Strider told you about Neeka and I sneaking off and meeting a group of men. Anyway, Neeka owes me a big-time favor and agreed to wed a Phoenix warrior in your place.
That must be some favor, if wedding a stranger was appropriate payback. And what the hell had she meant? In her place? Strider hadnt intended to yell, but damn. They think shell marry someone besides me? They can damn well think again! Shes mine.
I dont understand, Kaia said softly. And hes right. Im his.
Hearing her confession heated him up as surely as her internal fire always did, but at the same time it soothed him, as shed probably intended.
Taliyah said, They would have come after you, and they would have killed him. I knew that would upset you, so I made other arrangements.
Just like that? Now theyll just try to take both of them.
No, Taliyah assured him. I wont give you specifics about the dealthats up to Neekabut they wont come for Kaia.
Neeka, he said, his gaze landing on the gorgeous black girl.
She was watching the sisters, expression a little sad, so she didnt realize hed spoken to her. Kaia looked at her, too, and the Harpy nodded.
Why? Kaia asked her.
I saved her life, Taliyah answered for the Eagleshield. Like I said, she owed me.
Can she withstand their fire? Strider asked. If not, the warriors would come after Kaia, anyway.
Not yet, Neeka replied.
His gaze returned to her and he saw that she was watching him now. Then what youre doing is
I will. One day, I will. But right now, I have something else they prize just as much.
And now we really do have to go, Taliyah said, tugging her friend back to the door before Neeka could expand on that statement. Not that she would have. Shed zipped her lips pretty damn tight. Were tracking Tabitha, making sure her people get her to safety. You messed her up pretty damn good. I was so impressed, baby girl.
Thank you. A tendril of guilt drifted from her.
Taliyah gave the most fleeting of smiles. Soon as I know shes taken care of, Ill come back.
The door shut and the pair was gone.
Strider watched as remorse washed over Kaias pale features.
For your mother? Strider asked.
Yeah, she answered, knowing what he meant. I wish our relationship hadnt reached such a terrible point, but
Lucien chose that moment to materialize and Kaia pressed her lips together. The big warrior took in the scene in an instant and cursed. What the hell happened to you two?
Strider focused on his friend. Black hair, mismatched eyesone blue, one brownand a face as scarred as the nightstand. What happened doesnt matter. Only the end result. This, he said, holding out the Paring Rod with a grimace, is the fourth artifact.
Luciens eyes widened as he assumed ownership. Youre kidding me, right? His gaze raked over the item in question.
Nope. Theres a very angry Harpy out there who wants it back and she will do anything to get it.
The keeper of Death popped his jaw, every inch the dedicated soldier. Howd she get it in the first place?
Thats a story for another day. Striders voiceso weak, so distant. Again he tried to sit up, anything to keep himself focused and there. The gut-wrenching pain and exertion of the day began to drain what little strength he had left. He lay there, fighting for breath, and pressed on. At least we finally know what this artifact can do. Somehow, it can trap souls and supernatural abilities inside its tip. That tip can also impart those souls and abilities to others.
Tense, heavy silence as Lucien absorbed the news.
Then a beep echoed around them.
A text. Kaia whipped out her phone, stared down at the screen and sighed in relief. Gwen and Sabin are safe. I told them where we are and theyre on their way.
Strider experienced a wave of his own relief and hurried on, wanting to get the rest of the deets out before he slipped into unconsciousness. I dont know how to use the damn thing. I only know that whoever is holding it cant ever take whats inside. They can only give the powers to others.
Beep.
A pause. Lysander cant find Bianka, Kaia said now, traces of panic in her voice. Hes worried, and asks if anyone has seen her.
Im sure shes Lucien began.
Another beep.
Another pause. Oh, my gods. Kaia choked on a cry of rage. No, no, no. No!
At last Strider found the strength to sit up, concern rocking him. Her upset fueled his own. What is it, baby doll?
The rage glassed her eyes as she showed him the screen. Her hand shook as he read, Want sis 2 live? Lets trade.
His throat constricted when he saw the symbol for an attachment. Whats the attachment?
Attachment? I didnt notice one. Her trembling increased as she studied the phone. She pressed a few buttons and choked on another cry. A video. I see Bianka. Shes tied up. Bleeding.
After a few seconds static, he heard Bianka shout, Tell her to go fuck herself, Kye! Then Juliette was speaking over her. You bring me the Paring Rod in one hour, or I swear to the gods I will remove your twins head the same way your bastard of a consort removed Lazaruss. And if you daredare!think to do your fire thing
A screech of rage. You know what? Bring your consort, too. Either your sister dies or he does. You pick. For every minute youre late, your precious sister will suffer. A pause. Oh, and Kaia. I hope youre late. Good luck finding us.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
JULIETTE HAD MESSED WITH the wrong girl.
Kaia had used her entire allotted hour to gather her trusted loved ones and friends. They hadnt hesitated to rush to help and for that she would be forever grateful. All the while, Strider, who was still in obvious pain, kept her calm, assuring her all would be well.
Sweet, darling man. He was directly behind her, his cinnamon scent enveloping her, and she chose to believe him. Plus, shed realized they were more deeply connected than ever, and he kept feeding her support, uplifting her.
She had defeated her own mother. She could do this, too.
Finding Juliette hadnt been difficult. Not with Lucien doing his flashy thing. Hed followed her spiritual trail until hed located her, checked on Bianka (she was injured but holding her own), informed Kaia where to go and then returned to guard Bee, invisible, and no one the wiser.
Luciens stealthy presence was the only reason Kaia had yet to rain a world of hurt on Juliette. Same was true for Lysander. Well, that, and Zacharels firm hand holding him back.
Anything changed, Lucien would tell them and theyd alter their current plan. A plan to ensure the Eagleshields never tried something like this again.
Taliyah and Gwen at her sides, Kaia marched with her head held high. Strider and his brothers by circumstance were behind them. Lysander and his army of warrior angels were in the air, circling the area, their white-and-gold wings gracefully outstretched. Kaia had been told they were needed in the heavens, some kind of angelic war brewing, but Lysander had brought them all here, instead.
His woman was the most important thing to him.