Chapter Eighteen

He’s here!

Instinct kicked in and Jo raced for the bedroom where she’d stored her weapons. “What takes down a werewolf? Silver?” Shit, all her blades were steel.

“Where is she?” a deep male voice boomed.

Crossbow at the ready and sword in hand, she hurried to the living room. A huge man, about a foot taller than Asher, stood in front of the elevator door. He had long, shaggy blond hair with braids in the front. Half of his face was filled with tattoos that disappeared into the neckline of his shirt. He wore a black T-shirt and faded blue jeans with biker boots.

Dress him in fur and give him an axe and he’d fit right in on a Hollywood set of a Viking TV show. He’d be right at home slaughtering his enemies in the afternoon and feasting in the evening.

She’d say this about the person behind all this—they’d gone for the best this time. No more second-rate assassins for her.

Asher looked almost small next to Bjorn, but that was deceiving. He was a force to be reckoned with. Didn’t mean she was going to cower in a corner and let him fight her battle.

“I’m right here.” Heart pounding, she stepped out of the hallway. “You know, I’m getting tired of people wanting to kill me.”

With their superior senses, they had to know she was afraid.

Bjorn’s sharp blue eyes tracked over her, taking in the crossbow in one hand and the sword in the other. “Hunter,” he sneered.

She inclined her head. “Werewolf. I’ve never met any of your kind. I stick to vampires.”

Her calm demeanor seemed to give him pause, but only momentarily. He stalked toward her, only to come up short as Asher shoved him back. Bjorn flew through the air and slammed into the wall. Plaster cracked, and several paintings crashed to the floor, their glass frames shattering.

“You do not come into my home and threaten my woman.” Asher’s voice rang with authority, not to mention possessiveness. “Think, man. You’re more than brawn. This is too easy. It’s a bloody trap.”

Her fingers tightened on her crossbow and the handle of her sword. They gave her a sense of security. A false one, but it was better than nothing.

The Viking shook himself, white dust falling from his long hair. “She must pay for what her ancestors did.” He yanked his shirt up and over his head. The muscles in his arms rippled as he flexed his fingers.

“My ancestors didn’t do anything to yours.” Maybe she could reason with him.

“Liar!”

Or maybe not. She crouched slightly, back to the wall, to put herself in a better defensive position.

“The lies came from whoever hacked the website.” Asher seemed far too relaxed for her liking. She hoped his confidence wasn’t misplaced. Bjorn was huge and filled with rage.

“Out of the way, bloodsucker.” He kicked off his boots and removed his jeans. Fully dressed he was intimidating. Naked, he was downright scary.

She tried not to look. Really, she did. But she couldn’t resist. The guy was huge everywhere. Swallowing became impossible. She’d rather fight a whole horde of vamps than face this guy.

His skin shimmered. Before her very eyes, his shape changed. Fur shoved out from beneath his skin. His bones snapped and reformed. His jaw elongated, and his forehead flattened. Within seconds, a massive wolf crouched, ready to pounce.

Don’t move. This was a predator of the highest order. If she ran, he’d be on her before she could make it to the bedroom. There was nowhere she could hide where he wouldn’t be able to get to her.

A low growl shook the room. God, his teeth were huge and so very sharp. All the better to tear the skin from your bones, my dear.

There had to be a way out of this.

“Honestly, I had nothing to do with what happened to your family. If you do this, you’re no better than those killers were.” Maybe she could appeal to whatever sense of honor drove him.

He sprang so fast he was a blur. One second he was across the room. The next he was almost on her.

Reflex made her fire the crossbow. The steel bolt slammed into his right flank. It didn’t even jolt him.

Before she could bring her sword up, the massive wolf came to a screeching halt in midair, as though stopped by an invisible force field.

Asher’s arms were banded around the huge creature, holding him back. It was an impressive show of strength since Bjorn was so much bigger. He raised the wolf in the air and slammed him to the ground. Huge cracks radiated across the floor. The whole apartment shook.

She wanted to help but would only be in the way. This was like something out of a movie, a clash of the Titans, or rather a clash of the vampire and werewolf. And lucky girl that she was, she had a front row seat.

The wolf growled, heavy jaws snapping together, fangs flashing. Asher was strangely quiet as he fought. His reddish eyes reflected anger. His teeth and claws were much smaller than Bjorn’s but no less deadly. They slashed and tore at each other. She winced even though the wounds healed almost instantly.

Asher tossed his opponent back. Two chairs splintered into toothpicks when Bjorn crashed into them. The wolf’s growl made all the fine hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. He leaped forward, slashing out with razor-sharp claws and caught Asher on the arm. She slapped her hand over her mouth to keep from crying out and distracting him at a crucial moment.

The injury healed almost as fast as it had happened, but the scent of blood mingled with male sweat and determination. Bjorn tried to lure him away from her, but he never wavered in his concentration.

They moved at an astonishing speed. She had to look away several times when her stomach got sick from trying to follow them. But always, she turned back.

Then it happened.

Bjorn feigned right and then went left. Saliva dripped from his powerful jaws as he sprang forward, going low rather than high. He was on her before she knew what was happening. Massive teeth scored her arm. She tossed her sword, caught it in her uninjured hand, and drove it deep.

A loud canine yelp was followed by a roar that made her ears ring.

A surge of unadulterated power swept over the room like a wave slamming into rocks on the shoreline. Once again, she was frozen in place, unable to move. Oh, they were so going to have a serious chat about him pulling this stunt again. Although she couldn’t really complain as Bjorn seemed to be as trapped as she. It probably had something to do with their proximity.

A silent predator, Asher prowled forward. He lifted her out of the way and leaned down to drag his tongue over her bleeding arm. She wanted to be grossed out, but arousal flickered through her.

God, not now. But there was something so compelling about him. Danger radiated from every pore of his body. He looked worse for wear, his shirt in tatters and blood speckled all over him, but he was as handsome as ever.

Whatever was in his saliva stopped the blood from flowing and healed the gashes in her arm. “I’m sorry.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “This should never have happened.”

Bjorn was a few feet away, anger burning in his eyes and a low growl emanating from his chest.

Asher sighed and turned back to the wolf.

…

The weight of the years and the responsibilities pressed down on him. But nothing he’d endured had ever equaled this. Jo had been attacked in his home by a man he called friend.

The hot blood pumping through his veins demanded vengeance, retribution for what had been done.

But wasn’t that what had gotten them into this situation in the first place?

This was just one more thing in the shitstorm that had descended on them—vampire assassins, a bounty, someone meddling with the Brotherhood, not to mention whoever was following them. Was it all related, or was there more than one enemy in play?

He shook himself and sighed. Jo was going to be pissed with him. Again. She’d understand why he’d frozen her in place and forgive him. Or at least he hoped she would. Bjorn, on the other hand, was running on pure emotion. Rational thought was not a priority right now.

They were all products of their pasts. Everything they’d ever done or experienced had converged to bring them all to this place and time.

“Bjorn, you know me. Have I ever lied to you?” Asher reached out to the man, trying to get past the primal urges threatening to destroy him.

The wolf glared, and the growl deepened.

He shook his head and rubbed his hand over his face. He was tired—physically and emotionally. “I’m sorry I had to do this.” And not only because it drained his energy reserves. He was going to need blood and lots of it once they were done here.

He had no idea how long he could retain control. Sweat beaded on his brow as he fought a mental battle just as deadly as their physical one.

If the wolf broke free before they’d come to an accord, he wasn’t sure he’d survive the next battle as depleted as he was.

“Jo Radcliffe is a pawn in a game she never asked to play.” He had to get through to him. He gritted his teeth as Bjorn struggled against the thrall. One of them was going to break, and soon.

“Someone is trying to destroy us, the Brotherhood. Or maybe they’re after Maccus. We’re all part of a greater plan.” Since touch was calming, he rubbed the top of the wolf’s head, sifting his fingers through the thick fur. “Sorry, but this is going to hurt,” he muttered. With that warning, he yanked out the crossbow bolt and tossed it toward Jo.

The wolf gave a low growl of pain and displeasure.

I’m not getting through to him.

If he didn’t, someone was going to die.

“I don’t want to kill you, my friend, but I can’t let you do this. You took everything you were given at face value. Think! Who would know enough about you to know it would set you off? Some members of the Brotherhood and Odin. The Brotherhood would never betray you in that way. And quite frankly, Odin doesn’t give a shit.”

The growling ceased, and the wolf’s sharp blue eyes narrowed as if in consideration of what he’d been told. It gave him a glimpse of hope.

“This isn’t humans or even regular paranormals meddling in our affairs. It has to be someone with a great deal of influence and authority. They’ve sent anonymous emails I can’t trace, hacked our website. They know what buttons to push with each of us, and they’re doing just that. I don’t know about you, but it’s pissing me off. I’d rather have you on my side trying to figure this out instead of fighting you.

“What do you say?” This could go either way, but he had to release Bjorn. Blood seeped from the corners of Asher’s eyes. His head was about ready to explode, the pressure unbearable.

The wolf was going to break free any second. When that happened, he would lose the edge he currently had.

“Jo, when I release you both, run to the bedroom. There’s a panic room that can be accessed through the closet. It was there when I bought the building and moved in.”

There was so much he wanted to say to her. He wanted to kiss her one more time, to feel her lips against his. But he couldn’t let her see him like this. She’d never leave if she saw the tracks of blood rolling down his cheeks.

Bjorn was at full strength while his was waning. He would likely die here tonight. All he could do was pray the panic room would hold the wolf off until Maccus arrived.

Because if Bjorn enacted his vengeance, his life would be forfeit.

God, he was so tired of all the blood and death, of never having peace.

Being with Jo had given him a taste of what life could be—the laughter, intimacy in and out of bed, having someone to talk to and share with who knew exactly what he was. It was a precious gift.

It had also given him an understanding of the anger driving Bjorn. Loving her as he did, there were no lengths he wouldn’t go to in order to keep her safe. If someone took her from him, he’d go mad with grief.

He’d done all he could.

Dropping down into a defensive position, he released the thrall and prayed Jo would heed his instructions. He didn’t have enough left in him to force her to safety.

The air shimmered and the wolf became a man once more. Blood was smeared across his arms and torso, but the wounds had healed.

“You’re more powerful than you let on, bloodsucker.”

“What can I say? I’m special.” Was she moving into the bedroom? He couldn’t hear any movement. Blood had seeped from his ears, affecting his ability to hear.

“You’d die for her?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” He tilted his head to one side, and one of his braids fell over his shoulder. Tattoos of runes and wolves and magic darkened his skin, covering about half of his body.

Keep him talking. “Ten thousand years I’ve walked this earth. For the first time, I don’t feel alone.” He’d formed short attachments, but never lasting bonds. “I feel your sorrow for your family,” he continued.

“They slaughtered my wife, my two sons and daughter. Olga had only seen three summers. Three.” Sorrow engulfed Bjorn. A tear rolled unashamedly down his cheek. “Do you know what it is like to find the bodies of your children? To not recognize your own wife because she’d been beaten so severely in her defense of them?”

“No. And no man should ever have to face that.” His heart bled for his friend. “But killing an innocent woman won’t bring them back. What would your wife say if she knew you did that?”

Bjorn threw back his head and howled. The mournful sound ripped into Asher’s heart. He shed a tear of blood for his friend and the family he’d lost.

Not knowing what else to do, he dragged Bjorn into his arms. “I’m here. Let me help you.”

Huge hands rested on Asher’s shoulders. The second his guard was down, Bjorn pounced.

…

Bawling like a baby wouldn’t help the situation, but it was hard not to break down. His story was too reminiscent of her own. She sniffed back tears and rubbed her hand under her nose.

Shit, I am crying.

To lose his wife and children. That was a torture designed to break any man.

Asher was not going to be happy she hadn’t run for the panic room, but there was no point. There wasn’t a panic room built that could hold off this werewolf. And Asher was injured. She’d actually turned to leave when she’d glimpsed blood on his neck. Was he still bleeding? Why wasn’t he healing?

Moving with stealth, she slipped along the wall until she could see his face.

Blood seeped from his eyes and ears. His normally healthy-looking olive-toned skin was pale. It had cost him to hold Bjorn in a thrall. Two apex predators, their fight had simply moved from the physical to the mental plane. Not to mention the blood he’d lost during the fight.

The two men hugged. Asher’s compassion moved her deeply.

She pressed her hand against her chest and sniffed again.

The wolf raised his head and pinned her with an icy glare. He shoved Asher aside and raced toward her. Death was coming for her, breathing his chilly breath down her neck.

She could fight, but she would lose. And how could she injure a man who’d already been through so much? So she did the only thing she could. She dropped her weapons and lowered her head.

Eyes shut, she waited for pain that didn’t come. She finally opened one eye and then the other. They were practically nose to nose.

“Fight me.”

She shook her head. “No. I know what it does to you to lose your family. A vamp slaughtered my parents when I was a teenager. I’ve dedicated my life to eradicating them.”

“Asher is a vamp.” His voice was low, almost guttural. “You planning on killing him?”

A nervous laugh escaped her, coming out almost like a hiccup. “I tried. Twice.”

“You still haven’t tried a flamethrower.” Asher zipped over to her side and circled his arm around her. She leaned into him and touched her hand to his face.

“You’re a mess.” His poor eyes were bloodshot, and blood still trickled from his ears. Shouldn’t that have stopped by now?

His confession that he didn’t feel alone when she was with him warmed her. He’d done the same for her. Even though she’d fought it, hadn’t wanted it, he’d wormed his way into her heart.

He shrugged as though it was no big deal. “Couldn’t be avoided.”

“How can you be with him?” Bjorn demanded.

“I destroyed the one who took my parents from me. I’ve tracked down those who have preyed on innocent people. Asher and I met on a hunt.”

“Good times,” he quipped.

She rolled her eyes and tried to act relaxed even though her stomach was roiling. She rubbed her damp palms over her thighs.

“What I’ve come to learn is that not all vampires are evil. I met some recently who are simply living their lives with the family of their making. There will always be killers, those that need to be put down, but not all of them do. And the decent ones? They’re not responsible for the others.”

She sucked in a breath and rubbed the side of her nose. “My life has taken some strange turns these past days. But if I harm the innocent, then I’m no better than the murdering monster that killed my parents simply because he wanted my mother. She was beautiful and kind. Everyone loved her.”

“Anja was like that.” Bjorn’s eyes bore into her, reflecting rage and pain and uncertainty. “She sang often, even during the long, hard winters.”

“She loved you and your children. My mother had the voice of an angel.” The memory soothed her. “It’s easier to let the rage take over your life. It gives you a purpose, but you lose the good. I want to remember my parents laughing and dancing around our small home. It was taken from me, but I avenged them as you have your family. Your wife wouldn’t want this for you.”

“How the fuck would you know what Anja would want?” His angry growl made her legs tremble, but she held her ground.

“Because I’m a woman. If she loved you, she’d want what was best for you. And this isn’t it. But if it will ease your pain, then kill me. I won’t stop you.”

“I will.” Asher pressed a kiss to her forehead and eased her behind him, leaving her staring at his back. She placed her hand on it. Whatever happened, they were in it together. “What’s it going to be?”

The elevator door slid open, and pure menace poured into the room. It was a calling card she’d never forget.

Maccus stepped into the room. “Well, Bjorn, answer him. What’s it going to be?”