Ill have to mark her, Koldo thought. Not just with the essentia, but with ink. He would code her.
The Most High had made a blood-covenant promise to the Sent Ones. In exchange for obeying His laws, they were given protection. Koldo hadnt been kicked from the heavens, therefore the promise still applied to him, and the code was still etched into his heart. And because Nicola was his charge, his responsibility, the promise now extended to her. But he would have to give her an outward sign of it.
He would etch the code into her flesh, and that code would be able to create a barrier between her and any demons that dared approach her. All she would have to do was concentrate on the numbered sequences during an attack. The more she stared at her tattoos, the stronger the power of the code would become, until finally expanding, covering her entire body and shielding her.
But if a demon managed to distract her...
Not going to happen, Koldo assured himself. He would train her for that, too.
So why were the serps after you? Axel asked.
Id like to know the answer to that, as well. Was his father still out there or not?
Koldo hadnt seen Noxs body, had only watched as grenade after grenade soared toward him, the unsuspecting male not knowing to flash away. Thered been multiple booms and an intense wave of heat, flames drenching the ground and bouncing into the sky.
Should have killed him up close and personal. But Koldo had had a choice. Destroy Nox face-to-faceor destroy the man and everything hed worked for in one swoop. Koldo had chosen the latter.
When the fires eventually died, hed dug through the rubble and found too many bones to count.
If Nox had survived, why was he making himself known now? How had he tracked Koldo to Nicolas home?
So, what do you plan to do with the redhead? Axel asked.
Why do you live in a place like this? Koldo retorted. You clearly thrive on what you probably consider adoration from your peers, and yet you seclude yourself.
A pause.
So we agree not to question each other, the warrior finally replied.
We do. They both had their secrets. Koldo finished off the fruit. And now I must go.
Okay, but uh, hey, Axel said, standing. You might want to hunt down your girl and give her a stern talking-to. Normally I wouldnt tattle, even on a human, but if I keep quiet this could really come back to haunt me. Meaning, youll want to punch my pretty face.
Rambling? Now? Just tell me!
Shes planning to go on a date with another guy.
* * *
FUMING, KOLDO FLASHED to Nicolas home. He wasnt sure what hed do when the two of them were face-to-face. He only knew he had to see her. But she wasnt there, and another flash proved she wasnt in her office. Jamila and another girl, the blonde with the mysterious origins, were in her office, and the two were hurtling curses at each otherwhile the girl had a male pinned to Nicolas desk, her fingers curled around his neck, his pants and underwear pooled at his ankles.
Sleeping with every guy here? Jamila spat. Really? Thats your master plan?
Part of it, the blonde smirked. At least her clothing was in place. So why dont you do me a solid and get lost? And next time knock before you enter an office.
Sure, Ill go. By the way, your plan is stupid.
Yeah, well, your hair is stupid.
Females.
Jamila bared her teeth in a scowl. What does this accomplish? she asked, waving a hand in the males direction. I mean, really.
When the girlfriend finds out what hes done, shell be hurt, want to cry.
He doesnt have a girlfriend.
Fine. He has a love interest.
And you want to hurt her, why?
The blonde grinned evilly.
The males cheeks were bright red as he struggled to sit up, but the girl was obviously stronger and managed to hold him down without any effort.
Koldo stepped into the natural world. Wheres Nicola? he demanded.
All three gazes swung to him.
The blonde paused for a moment, momentarily rendered speechless. Then she shook her head, blinked and smiled slowly, wickedly, an invitation and a declaration. Well, hello, handsome. What can I do to help you?
The male increased the fervency of his struggles. He would have spoken, but his tie was stuffed into his mouth.
Jamila scowled at Koldo, as if her predicament was his fault. You! Even though Little Miss Human is your responsibly, Zacharel told me to stay here.
A detail he didnt care about. Ill ask again. Where is she?
Her sister showed up and they went to lunch. They mentioned a park.
Forget about her, the blonde said. Youll be better off with me. Ill take care of you in a way she never will. Just give me a chance.
A park. Very well, he would search every one nearby.
Without a word, he stomped from the office. The human had been too distracted during his arrival to notice his sudden appearance, but he certainly wouldnt miss Koldos departure.
The blonde called out a protest, and she actually sounded angry. Not that he cared about that, either.
Once he cleared the reception area, and knew no prying eyes were locked on him, he flashed to the park closest to the office. Searched. Found no sign of her. Next, he tried the one closest to her house. Searched. And
Spotted her.
Laila was beside her, the two walking along a cobbled path, talking and laughing and eating chocolates. The pair of demons perched on Lailas shoulders spotted him, hopped to the ground and darted away.
Some of the tension faded from Koldos shoulders. This kind of interaction was good for both of the females. They were relaxing, enjoying themselves, purging the poison. He would leave them to it, he decided. Without yelling at Nicola for making a date with another man.
He flashed to her house and began to box up her things. He wanted her installed in one of his homes by the end of the day. There would be no discussion, no debate. And this had nothing to do with her decision to turn to another man for her joy.
Nothing at all.
Nicola would probably cry because of Koldos actions. He would have to calm her down, do something to make her happybut he would also have to harden his heart. The move was for the best. He would be able to protect her better.
But he would have to bring her back for the date, wouldnt he? Because...what if the male did indeed bring her joy? What then? She would need him. He would help her purge even more of the demon toxin.
Flickers of rage danced through Koldo, and he found himself breathing far more heavily, battling the urge to punch the walls.
If he gave in to his temper, Nicolas home would topple.
He was a little rough with the boxes in the back of her closet, the things inside clinking together. He checked to make sure he hadnt broken anything and found a box of photos. The more he flipped through the prints, the more his actions gentled. There were shots of Nicola and her sister, and the two of them with their parents, as well as a redheaded little boy. He looked just like them, had to be a relative, but...who was he? A brother? Nicola had never mentioned him, and he had never come around. In all the information Koldo had uncovered, nothing had been mentioned.
Intrigued, Koldo dug deeper into the box. He found articles about her parents death and learned a drunk driver had slammed into their car, killing the couple as well as their young son, Robby, and that the driver had been released from prison last year.
Nicola had lost more than Koldo had ever realized. She had lost a healthy six-year-old brother with a bright future, a boy who had most likely owned prime real estate in her heart.
She must despise the man who had ruined her life. She had to dream of his painful demise. She had to crave revenge. She just hadnt been well enough and hadnt had the time or resources to do anything about it.
Perhaps Koldo would hurt the male on her behalf. Punishment or not. Perhaps then she would like him more than this other
He shook his head violently, stopping the thought before it could fully form. Koldo wasnt interested in earning anyones affection. Hed tried that before, and hed failed miserably. Hed vowed never to do it again, and it was a vow he would keep. And paying Nicolas bills wasnt an attempt to earn anything, he told himself. He needed Nicola relaxed, that was all.
Finish this.
Yes. He would keep her in...Panamas Chiriqui Province, he decided, and flashed most of her things to one of his more opulent homes. There were lush green mountains in every direction, and a blue sky filled with puffy white clouds. The weather was springlike and constant all year round. The food was fresh, organic and homegrown, and would nourish both Nicola and her sister in the best of ways. They would thrive herewhether they liked it or not.
Unpacking her belongings took very little time. She owned so little. Well, he would buy her and her sister a new wardrobe. And the clothes wouldnt be an attempt to win their affections, either, but a simple gesture of kindness. A welcome-to-your-new-home gift.
But what did he know of human fashion? Nothing.
He knew someone who did, however.
Koldo flashed into the foyer of Zacharels home and called out a greeting. A few seconds later, the mist thinned and Annabelle stepped into view, wearing a T-shirt and jeans. Her blue-black hair was swept into a ponytail, reminding him of Nicola, and her golden-brown eyes gleamed merrily.
She smiled when she spotted him. Hey, Koldo. Zacharels not here.
Im not here to see him.
Her smile fell into a frown of confusion, and she glanced behind her. When she refocused on him, she tapped at her chest. Me, then?
Yes. I need a favor.
A favor?
Would she question everything he said?
But were out of Water, she added.
I know that. I need... Ugh. Was he really going to do this? he wondered, then pictured Nicola in a lacy pink top and a pair of tiny shorts hed once seen a human female wear. A strange burning ran from his nose to navel. Yes, he was really going to do this. I need to take you shopping.
Annabelle rubbed at her ears. Wait. Did you just say mopping? Is your home dirty and you want a maid? Because I know a warrior like you would never say my favorite S word.
Did someone say the S word? a female called out. Because I couldnt help but overhear your conversation as I was eavesdropping.
Excited twittering echoed. Footsteps followed. Then four of the women in Zacharels army stepped through the mist. Charlotte, Elandra, Malak and Ronen.
He would rather have battled a horde of demons than face these women. They were trained soldiers, monsters on the battlefield, cold, callous killers, and yet they liked to twitter incessantly about nothing.
What are you shopping for? asked Charlotte, a lovely brunette with bold features and dusky skin. A new sword? Well, good news. Ive got one I know youll love, and with my friends with benefits package, itll only cost you a portion of your soul.
I told you guys to stay back and stay quiet, Annabelle scolded.
You mean that wasnt just a suggestion? said Ronen, a black-haired vixen with an addiction to popcorn.
Elandra was the shy one of the group, and she looked down at the floor, where the hem of her robe swirled. She was, by far, the most beautiful female Koldo had ever seen. Or had been, until hed met Nicola. From the top of her head to the soles of her feet, Elandra reminded him of a living diamond. Her long white hair sparkled. Her silver eyes sparkled. Her pale skin sparkled.
Malak was the only one in the group with a flaw, though she hid it well. There was a large round scar in the center of her forehead, probably from an injury shed received when she had been too young to regenerate. Her hair, which had been dyed a bright green, sported thick bangs to hide it.
Give the man a chance to explain, Annabelle said.
The females stared at him, expectant.
Koldo had no idea what theyd done to land in Zacharels Army of Disgrace. Unless their irritating personalities had been the deciding factor.
He looked to Annabelle, saying, My...woman Wait. Was that what Nicola was to him? He wasnt sure, considering she would soon be going on a date with another man. And were his teeth elongating like his fathers when the man was enraged?
He would have to be more careful.
I have a friend, he added a little more harshly than hed intended, and stopped himself from going on. She wasnt that, either. I have a human, a female, and shes in need of new clothing.
The Sent Ones exclaimed excitedly. Ronen even jumped up and down and clapped. Juiciest gossip ever, she said. Koldo has a gurl-friend.
I bet shes ten feet tall and six hundred pounds of muscle, Charlotte exclaimed.
Get. Give us some privacy, Annabelle told them, shooing them away.
Though they frowned and pouted, they obeyed.
Okay, so let me get this straight, Annabelle said. You want to take me, rather than your woman, friend, human, female, to pick and buy these clothes?
Yes. He would hurt her feelings right now. He might ruin her newfound happiness. I dont wish to wait, he said through gritted teeth. Truth. He wanted this done, out of the way. And...I dont know what females prefer.
Her hand fluttered over her heart, and she grinned. Zacharel once had the same problem with me. So why dont you buy her what you would prefer to see her wear?
I will buy her what I like, yes because he wouldnt be able to help himself but I would like her to have choices. He had to get this right. That way, she would have no reason to refuse the gift.
Do you even know her sizes?
He held up his hands. Shes tiny, like this. Delicate.