Why not? Youve already broken it. I want you to die. He sat in the far corner of his cage, dirty and blood-caked from his many failed attempts to escape.
A mocking laugh boomed. Too bad. Im here to stay. And Ive given you five days to do what I commanded you to do. Now, you have five seconds to do it. Kill the human or else. One.
Someday Ill make you suffer for this.
Three.
Someday soon.
Five. Hinges squeaked as the door to a cage he could not flash in and out of was thrown open.
Koldo jumped to shaky feet, stalked over to the trembling human that had been shoved into the cell and struck.
In the present, he ground his fists into his eyes to disrupt the sickening crimson-soaked images behind them. If he could go back... He so wanted to go back.
You have to forgive yourself, Nicola had said.
He doubted she would have uttered those words if shed known even half of the things hed done. He should have died rather than cave to his fathers demands. He should have
Concentrate. Distraction killed. Right. So. An old war had now been renewed. Strike one, Nox had appeared to Nicola. Strike two, the decimation of this park. The third would happen all too soonbut it would be by Koldos hand.
He would bet his father had left a man behind, someone to watch the area to report Koldos every reaction. He gazed around, and sure enough, he spotted a tall male with a bald head and the dark eyes of a predator at the pretzel stand, buying a midday snack and peering at the right area.
Even though the contact with the smoke had left him a little shaky, Koldo stepped from the protection of the cloud, allowing the Nefas to spot him.
The male grinned a wide, toothy grin, his fangs gleaming bright white as he approached. The smoke wasnt seeping from his pores. The bodily function was something all Nefas could control; most days they simply opted not to.
Were doing this, are we? Axel asked, sounding excited. Well, okay, then. Good thing I strapped on my big-boy panties today.
Anticipation buzzed through Koldo. He met his enemy in the middle, studied him anew. Theyd never met before. Either the male was younger than Koldo by several centuries, or his father had stolen him from another Nefas clan.
He munched on his treat, as if he hadnt a care in the world, assuming Koldo would do nothing in front of human witnesses. Took you long enough to gather your courage and show up, said the Nefas in a too-deep voice. I have a message for you, Koldo the Terrible.
Koldo had no desire to hear the rest. All Nefas could flash and he had to act quickly. In one fluid motion, he withdrew his double-edged short swords from the air pocket he used to store his weapons and struck, crossing his wrists to form a giant pair of scissors.
Cloud, Axel said, as the mans head detached from his body.
The cloud was there in an instant, shielding the happenings as both pieces thudded to the ground and a pool of black blood formed.
Well, the pretzels ruined, the warrior added conversationally. So you werent curious about his message?
No. I knew what he was going to say. A hello from Koldos father, as well as a threat to Nicola, all in an attempt to draw out Koldos apprehension.
Mind sharing with the rest of the class?
I do.
Fair enough, since I wasnt really interested. But I gotta say, I am so proud right now. Axel flattened his hand over his heart. You borrowed my patented move, proving Im made of more than awesome. Im awesalicious. Is that a word? Its probably a girl word, but who cares! Seriously. Do you see a tear in my eye? Because Im pretty sure I feel one.
Koldo didnt understand the mans humor, and yet, he realized he was coming to like Axel despite that. He was strong, courageous and never backed down from a fight. He never allowed Koldos moods to affect his own, and he was happy to do anything Koldo asked. Or demanded.
What was the males history?
Youre very weird, Koldo observed.
Nah. Im mysterious. Theres a big difference.
Youre definitely weird.
Koldo placed the body and the head in the air pocket with the trees and dirt, and searched for any other spiked footprints. He found none, but then, he hadnt expected to. Had only hoped his father would have left a trail behind, thinking to lead him into a trap.
A trap you knew about wasnt actually a trapbut a weapon.
So, where do you want to go from here? Axel asked.
I need to burn the air pocket and check on the females. Lets meet tomorrow night and go hunting for the Nefas.
Color me there.
* * *
MORNING ARRIVED, sunlight seeping through the crack in the curtains covering Nicolas bedroom window. She stretched muscles gone tight, and sat up. After shed tucked Laila into bed, shed reclaimed her spot on the couch and read. After a while, shed closed her eyes, thinking to recharge, and then...nothing until now.
She hadnt made it to the bed, but she was there now. She hadnt covered herself up, but she was wrapped in the comforter. There was no way Laila had carried her, so that could only mean Koldo had returned. He just hadnt woken her up.
Argh! He was too sweet for his own good. Now she couldnt avoid him forever and pretend the kiss had never happened. Now she had to face him and thank him for his kindness.
She grumbled as she lumbered out of bed, grumbled as she brushed her teeth and showered, being careful of her new tattoos, and even grumbled as she pulled on an adorable pink top and glittery jean shorts.
The moment she looked at herself in the mirror, the grumbling stopped. She had worn hand-me-downs most of her life. Her parents had shopped at thrift stores, and then, when she had been in charge of her own finances, so had she. Now...look at her. It was... It was...amazing.
A groan bubbled from her. Once again, Koldo was responsible for something wonderful in her life. And really, for a little while during the kiss, shed made him feel this same sense of awe. Shed made him feel special. She knew it, would never forget the way hed trembled.
Maybe...maybe she wasnt such a bad choice for him, after all. Yes, shed passed out during their second intimate moment together. And yes, she could pass out next time, too. But cutting him from her life rather than facing the infirmity and the embarrassment that followed? How silly could she get?
She might be weakbut she was stronger than that, she thought, anchoring her hair in a ponytail while the strands were still wet. It was her mothers hair, and shed almost cut it a thousand times. But every time shed grabbed the scissors, shed remembered the way her mother used to brush and braid it, the way her father used to call her Mini Kerry, after her mom, and the way her brother used to tug on the ends.
Her brother. Her beautiful Robby.
Were sorry, Miss Lane, but your brother was thrown
Nope, not going there. Thinking about him opened wounds that had never really healed. So, she always removed him from her thoughts before they had time to form.
Raising her chin, she marched out of her room and decided to check on her sister first. But Lailas bedroom was empty, the bed unmade and clothes strewn across the floor.
She moved through the living roomstill no sign of her sisterand into the kitchen. Nicola breathed a sigh of relief when she spotted Laila at the table, her head resting in her upraised palm. A cup of tea steamed in front of her.
Dont talk, her sister croaked. Just...dont.
Hangover?
Laila groaned. Co Co! Please.
Sorry, she whispered. Nicola fixed a cup of tea for herself, and sipped at the hot, sweetened liquid.
You should eat the fruit, a male voice said, and Laila issued another groan.
Nicolas heart sped into a faster beat as she twisted to face Koldo. He wore the same flowing white shirt and pants hed worn at the hospital. There were lines of tension branching from his eyes. A tension that matched what shed heard in his voice last night.
He paused to look her up and down, and his jaw dropped. He began a more leisurely perusal of her, his pupils expanding. You...you...
Yes? she asked hopefully. Are beautiful? Stunning? Worth trying to kiss again?
Are wearing the clothing I picked for you. A croak.
Yes. She waited. He said nothing more.
Seriously? Thats all she got? The obvious? Ill eat if you eat, she grumbled.
He thought for a moment, nodded stiffly and sat at the table. Nicola eased into the chair beside him. There was a plate piled high with oranges, strawberries, bananas and melon. She selected a strawberry and bit into the center, the juice running down her throat and making her moan.
Oh, thats good. Almost enough to make her forget Koldos lack of appreciation for her makeover. Almost.
He reached out and swiped a droplet that had dribbled onto her chin. Her eyes widened as he brought the finger to his mouth, and tasted. It is, he agreed, a husky note to his voice.
Her skin tingled where hed touched her, burning in the most delectable way. And when his gaze lowered to where his finger had been, a gleam of satisfaction glowed in his eyes.
Okay, so she finally forgot.
Youre in better spirits today, he said.
She liked that he was so attuned to her. I am.
Why?
Her unease with yesterdays kiss was private, something between them, not something to be shared even with her beloved twin. So, she said, changing the subject. Who decorated your house?
There was a pause before he shrugged, and said, I did, surprising her. What, no pushing for an answer? No deep concern for what had bothered her?
Youre a mess. Just so Im clear, you decorated every room?
Yes, every room.
But...theres so much pink in mine.
And I cant like pink?
Her eyes widened. The room is yours?
No. But when I was younger and foolish, I hoped my moth He pressed his lips together. Never mind.
Hoped his...mother would stay with him? What had made him think such a hope was foolish?
Sorry, guys, but Im in desperate need of a thousand profees. Laila stood, pushing back her chair. And maybe a total body massage, a nap, an hour-long shower and a TV marathon of How I Met Your Mother.
Profees? Koldo asked.
Ibuprofen, Nicola explained.
Once they kick in, I plan to get ready for my date. By the way, Im sorry I busted into your room last night. It wont happen again. Probably. Laila shambled out of the kitchen.
Koldo held Nicolas gaze. Why the change? he asked, pouncing the moment they were alone.
Hed known why shed avoided the question. Hed cared. Melting... I was embarrassed that Id passed out.
A breath gushed from him, and she thought she caught threads of relief. I never want you to be embarrassed with me, Nicola.
Good, because Im over it, she said. Mostly.
So, you didnt regret what we had done? Didnt think I was too rough?
Not at all. You were amazing.
Then why did you dress this way for your date? he asked softly. As if you crave another mans desire.
She gulped, then answered honestly, II didnt. I did it for you.
A pause. Then, in a strained voice, I dont want you to go. I...need you here. With me.
Nicolas stomach performed a series of flip-flops. The way hed said the word needhe did care. And hed issued a request this time, rather than a demand. Her own relief was palpable, her elation hard to tamp down. But... I wish I could cancel. I really do. Just then, more than anything. But you heard Laila. Shes excited, and she wont go without me. And shes been so upset, and Ive been so worried about the toxin inside her. I need her calm, peaceful and joyous.
You can control your emotions, not hers.
I know, but I have to try something. Please understand.
His hands were on the edge of the table, and his knuckles began to bleach of color. Finally, the side of the table snapped off, wood chips raining on the floor. Koldo jumped to his feet and stomped from the room.
Leaving her alone.
So heartbreakingly alone.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
THANE LANDED IN THE CENTER of Teaze, a salon and dance club on earth that catered to immortals. Eleven women of varying species bustled around the small building, each prettier and more scantily clad than the last. The only male on the premises was William of the Dark, aka the Ever Randy, aka the warrior who refused to reveal his origins, and he was currently sitting in a swivel chair with sheets of foil in his hair.
I know youre here, William said, sipping at a glass of what looked to be ambrosia-laced red wine.
Tensing, Thane stepped into the natural realm to fully reveal himself to the warrior. Immediately he smelled the sweet scent of the wine, the sharp odor of hair products, the pungent aroma of nail polish and the familiar fragrance of sex. Lots and lots of sex.
William must have bedded every single one of the stylists.
How did you know? No one could sense him when he had no wish to be sensed.
Hes been saying that every two minutes for the last hour, said the girl stepping up to William to remove the foil.
Electric-blue eyes glittered as William handed his glass to a female strolling past himelectric-blue eyes that reminded Thane of Axel. But then, there was a reason for that. Did you have to ruin it, Lakeysha?
The gorgeous black girl grinned widely. Well, yeah. You ruined me for other men, so I thought Id return the favor somehow.
Thane studied the building, halfway expecting their easy banter to be a trick, for an enemy to be waiting in the shadows, ready to attack him. He saw bricks and mortar, open indoor spaces with fifteen beauty chairs, or whatever they were called, and a row of round hair dryers and sinks. No menacing shadows. No swish of a weapon.