“Why, I’d like nothing better than to achieve some bold adventure, worthy of our trip.”
~ Aristophanes
Xen’s team touched down at a secret location in Athens. He moved out of his seat with the plane still in motion. When Kane and Adam had briefed him on what had transpired at the airport, they’d had to hold him down before he ripped the rest of the house apart.
“Hal has the witch you seek.” Kane’s words now echoed loudly in his head. He knew enough about Kirke to piece together that Hal had something considerable over her. She did not, by principal, work with anyone. Alone had been the witch’s motto for the thousands of years he had known her.
He grabbed his bag from the overhead compartment and headed to the exit. His phone buzzed.
“Xen, Benny here. Just thought you’d want to know that Sounion in Greece is a hotspot for non-mortals at the moment”
“Thanks.”
Four SUVs waited. Phi’s organization was global, so when Xen announced he’d be landing back on Greek soil, his men in Athens had jumped at the opportunity to join in on the fight to get his woman back.
Many of his men were hardened by war. Fighting had always been a way of life and they reveled in the bloodbath created by it. To their disappointment, they didn’t get enough action these days, they’d said when he enquired about equipment for his mission. He might not live in Greece anymore, but he still ran a tight ship.
“Update,” he said as he slid into one of the SUVs with Kane and Adam.
The driver, from his Athenian team, spoke quickly.
“We believe she’s in Sounion. One of our men has spotted some unusual demon activity.”
“Head there,” Xen commanded. It tied in with what Benny had said.
“What if it’s a trap?” Kane threw in.
“Then we strategize so we are not ambushed.” Xen paused. “Adam.”
“I’m on it, boss.” He took out his phone. Xen watched as his fingers flew over the screen. A few seconds later Adam’s phone beeped. “All set,” he confirmed.
Behind the tough walls he had spent endless years of his immortality building, little fragments of his heart splintered. Steady cracks opened, something he could not afford to let happen. One name danced in his thoughts on repeat. Carissa.
The ways he’d love to carve up Hal were endless, though none seemed to satisfy him. He would have to draw out Hal’s death so as to please the beast within him. Exasperated, he let out a low growl.
“We’ll get her back,” Kane said, his voice tight.
Xen had taken Kane aside on the flight and told him sternly that if they failed to retrieve Carissa, Kane was to take his head because failure would render his status as the Phi leader meaningless. If he could not save his own woman, he would no longer stand as the man who gave the orders. Death would be welcomed.
Kane had been furious at his words. He’d grabbed him by the throat and threatened him with the removal of all lykoi from the Phi cause. “We. Are. In. This. Together.” He had spat out the words through gritted teeth. Xen understood after the exchange on the plane that the only acceptable outcome was to beat Hal at his own game.
“There is no other option,” he finally managed.
“Two minutes before we reach impact point,” the driver announced.
Xen reached out with his mind. Carissa.
Xen’s voice sounded in Carissa’s mind. A dream. There was no way that Xen could be here for her. She sat up on the couch and rubbed the stiffness in her neck. Doubt stabbed her in the chest. Why couldn’t she do better with her mumbo-jumbo talents? She glanced at the digital clock on the bedside table—two in the morning. She heard doors being opened and closed. What were Hal’s goons doing?
The air around her shimmered. She recognized the witch’s power this time. “You make a good entrance.”
Carissa, can you hear me? Xen’s voice spoke in her head. “Xen?” She looked at Kirke. Her face was a wall of confusion, and then Kirke’s eyes grew wide in comprehension at the same time as hers.
You’re here? Her hands came up to her chest. She pressed her palms to her heart, relief washing through her.
Koukla, can you tell me how many men Hal has guarding you? And where in the hotel is he keeping you?
She looked at Kirke. “He wants to know how many men are guarding, inside and out.”
Kirke did the math. “Nine.”
Nine and Hal, she projected to Xen. Oh, and he’s keeping me in the rooms to the right wing of the Aegeon Beach Hotel.
See you soon, koukla.
You’re not here yet?
Kirke looked at Carissa for more information.
No, koukla, only a minute away.
She gave Kirke what she been waiting to hear. “They’re a minute away. I guess we should brace ourselves because the impact isn’t going to be friendly.” She wanted to scream in joy. Xen would get her out of Hal’s psychotic clutches.
“I hope he nails Hal’s ass. I’d have to say, I want him equally as dead as Xen wants him,” Kirke bit out.
“This may be our lucky night,” Carissa said. “But what about your man?”
“Leave that to me. I overheard Hal talking to his men. I have a hunch where he might be holding him.”
“What if you’re guessing the wrong location? He’ll kill him the moment you disappear.”
“I’m going to have to take a chance and hope my hunch is right.”
“I hope so ...”
Outside, the noise level amplified. Carissa looked to Kirke. “They’re here.” They raced to the sliding doors.
Carissa gasped the same moment Kirke did. Something flew straight for the sliding doors. Her arm darted out and she pulled Kirke with her, out of the way. Glass flew in all directions. Kirke threw out her hands and suspended the fragments that would have hit them.
“Neat trick. You’ll have to teach me,” Carissa marveled.
“Magic lies in belief, that’s where the power comes from,” Kirke replied. She raised her hand and the suspended glass landed on the floor with the headless demon body that had been catapulted through the doors.
Carissa opened her mouth to say something, but Tithon’s voice stopped her question. He stepped through the shattered frame.
He looked over at Carissa and Kirke. Surprise sparked on his face when he saw the witch. Something silent passed between the two. She would have to ask him later.
“Let’s move. Xen’s already at the front of the building. You too, Witch,” he added.
Xen, we’re on the move with Tithon, and I have Kirke with me.
Kirke—what’s Hal got on her?
Apparently, Hal has her man hostage and she’s as much a victim as I am.
I will not harm Kirke. We have a history of favors. Now, enough talk, I have demons to kill.
They followed Tithon at a half-jog pace.
“You okay, Carissa?” Tithon questioned.
“Yeah, I’m good. I just find it weird that Hal hasn’t got anyone back here.”
“I took their heads. Cleared the path,” he said casually.
“Now that, Vampire, is the best thing I’ve heard all evening,” Kirke said.
“Hopefully, we can make it good for everyone this evening.” Carissa turned to glance behind her to Kirke. She was feeling unexpectedly happy. Here were two people willing to help her and she was nothing to them.
“I owe both of you for this, and if I have my way, I’ll be paying you both back. Maybe with lots of baklava and frappé.” They both let out a stifled laugh.
The soft tread of grass under her feet turned to sand, giving them the stealth to get around to the front of the hotel. It was dark so she followed close to Tithon, waiting for her eyes to adjust.
“You ladies lay low here. I have to switch sides now and make it look like I’m on Team Hal.”
“Vampire, do as you must,” Kirke answered.
He began to walk away.
“Tithon,” Carissa called.
“Yes.”
“Thanks. I owe you, Gumbo.”
The corners of his mouth quirked up, then he was gone.
“What now?” Kirke queried in her squatted position.
“We wait a little, then we sneak closer,” Carissa answered. She turned her head. Booted feet lined her vision. Her eyes moved up till they met the owner. The face looking down at them looked extremely pleased. “Adam,” she whispered.
“Didn’t they tell you that you can’t work on your tan at night?” Carissa jumped up into Adam’s arms, giving him a tight hug. “Easy girl, you don’t want to make your vampire jealous.”
“I didn’t think you’d find me.”
“Are you kidding? Xen would have ripped Earth apart to get to you.” He pointed in Xen’s direction. “That man is insane for you.”
Warmth spread through her body and her heart pounded at his words. She loved Xen and wanted nothing more than to be in his arms and away from Hal’s demented scheme.
“It means the world you would all risk your lives to help save mine.”
“We would do this for any of our men or women. It’s who we are.” He gave her one of his cheeky grins. “Let’s move, ladies.”
“You are lucky to have them at your back,” Kirke said.
“Don’t I know it.”
They followed Adam.
“Kirke, can you see anything?” Carissa whispered from behind her.
“I’m still trying to get my bearings. I may be a witch but I don’t have night vision like the wolf does.
Adam laughed. “Night vision is not all it’s cut out to be, it’s overrated. There are times I wish I didn’t have it.”
“That’s nonsense,” Kirke spat out.
“Why?” Carissa asked. She, for one, would kill to be able to see as if it were daylight.
“Well, you’ve never seen some go skinny-dipping. I tell you, you’d go blind, especially since we pick up even the smallest of details.”
Kirke stopped and Carissa smashed into her back. She straightened up and stood shoulder to shoulder with the witch. Adam turned to look at them. They looked at each other, then at Adam. Loud laughs split the air. Simultaneously, they both slapped a hand over their mouths.
“Adam, stop it! We don’t want any nasty surprises,” Carissa whispered.
They pressed on until they were close to the front of the hotel. Light illuminated the area. SUVs were parked around it. Her head darted from left to right trying to locate her warrior. Xen, where are you? Her feet moved forward faster trying to overtake Adam. He pulled her back behind him.
Then she caught sight of him. He was fighting with a demon. She saw him duck then move behind the demon before taking his head. His fangs were visible, and he looked lethal and beautiful. His head snapped to her direction. And then he blurred and she knew that he was headed her way with that impossible speed of his.
One of his arms snaked around her waist and pulled her to him. She gasped. His lips crushed hers. She opened without hesitation. One calloused palm snaked up to the nape of her neck and held her tight. Every nerve awoke and fired in her body. Euphoria charged every cell. His overwhelming need filled her, the bond between them fueling their desire. They mirrored each other, like two parts of a puzzle fused together again.
You feel so good, koukla. He spoke to her mind as his tongue ravished her mouth.
“If you two are finished, I’d like to get out of here.” Kirke broke the spell
She pulled away from Xen’s embrace, embarrassed by her shameless reaction to him. Xen saw her withdrawal and looked annoyed. Adam’s wolfish grin spoke volumes. He winked at her. She wanted to slap him.
“Witch, you understand the situation. Don’t embarrass my bonded. There is nothing wrong with sharing a kiss,” he finished, then flashed that gorgeous smile of his down at Carissa, turning her into a pile of goo.
“I did not mean to cause your bonded distress. I was merely pointing out that we should get out of here before more demons arrive.”
“I won’t argue with that.” Xen looked at Carissa and Adam. “Kirke is right.”
Xen grabbed her hand and they moved to where the rest of the men were assembled. Kane stood with them. She automatically gave him a hug.
“Good to see you too, but we need to be out of here ASAP.”
“Get the men to comb the place as planned,” Xen instructed Adam.
Adam spoke into a device attached to his ear. She watched as the men moved in all directions.
“Xen, doesn’t it all seem a little too easy? Where is Hal with the other demons?”
No sooner had the words left her mouth than a huge group of demons surround them. Maybe he’s got these guys on speed dial.
“We expected his ambush.” Xen finished the rambling in her head.
He was listening in. He grasped the back of her neck. Before she could register anything, she was in his arms and melting into another one of his scorching kisses. He pulled his head back, still holding her steady.
Wow, I think I’m going to faint.
Xen laughed. Koukla, you are my heart and soul. I will protect you till my last breath.
Her eyes misted at his words. She pushed a thought back to him. And you are mine.
Xen turned to Kane. “You know what to do.”
They beamed at each other like silly school boys. The men formed a circle with Carissa and Kirke in the middle. Mayhem was too simple a word for the slashing and slaying taking place before her eyes.
“Kirke,” Xen growled. “Get to one of the cars.”
The circle surrounding them broke and Kirke pushed Carissa in the direction of the vehicles.
“We need to get you out of here.”
“What about Xen and the others?” Concern stabbed her voice.
“Don’t worry they can look after themselves,” Kirke replied.
“But … but ...” A swooshing sound came through the air. Instinct kicked in, and she ducked. A demon stood too close for comfort.
Kirke blasted him back with magic. He fell to the ground groaning. “He won’t be out for long. We need to hurry.”
“Lead the way. Maybe we should stay low in case another demon decides to take our heads.”
Kirke nodded in agreement. Crouching low, they proceeded to make their way to the cars. Grunts from Xen and his men ricocheted all around them. A headless body landed in front of Kirke.
Carissa looked in the direction the body had come flying from and saw it was Xen, slicing and tossing. His back was to her and, boy, he was gorgeous even from the rear. His sword drawn, he was every bit a warrior.
Koukla, I’m flattered you think my behind looks good.
Xen, get out of my head.
Koukla, I’m going to ask you to move fast. When you get to the car, make sure you head to the airport. The navigation is set in all the vehicles. Board the plane. The Phi have been briefed. They are to get you out, you understand?
But what about you and the other men.
Don’t worry about us, koukla, we love a good fight.
Okay.
Be safe, koukla. Now stop talking.
Hey, you started.
Rich laughter sounded in her head. My koukla.
“A little more, Kirke. I see one of Xen’s men near that furthest SUV. He told me to basically get out of here. You were right.”
“Trust them, Carissa. They’ve been around for eons, they know their stuff. What does worry me is Hal. You can’t trust that man, he’s very devious.”
“You are not wrong. He’s managed all this, and one has to wonder how? How does he know everything that’s going on?” The notion that he had eyes at the back of his head began to cement itself in her head.
“Maybe he’s got surveillance cameras everywhere,” Kirke offered.
Carissa stopped in her tracks. Kirke turned and waved at her to keep moving.
“You are absolutely right. That’s how he’s staying a step ahead.” Her feet began to move and she prepared to voice her thoughts to Xen when two demons jumped them.
Kirke managed to get herself loose and knee the demon, giving her split seconds to blast him with some of her power. Carissa used that to her advantage to wiggle free from the demon trying to drag her back towards the beach and away from the action. Hal, the bastard, is probably watching from there somewhere. She made a dead run for the car. This felt just like Ground Hog Day and Bill Murray had nothing on her. The sound of Kirke’s footsteps behind her sent a wash of relief over her.
“Carissa, if I don’t make it to the car, you get out of here,” Kirke yelled.
“You’re coming with me, no matter what.” She couldn’t leave Kirke, not after she had risked so much to help her.
Carissa skidded around to the driver’s side and Kirke to the passenger’s. The Phi near the car were fighting off demons.
They were going to have to make the break on their own. As she opened the door, a demon skidded over the hood. I wish I had a weapon. She turned and another demon approached Kirke. She did the only thing she could think of. She ran towards Xen.
Xen, I’m coming up behind you. I was surrounded. I wish I had a weapon.
Xen and Kane finished off the demons they were fighting. Carissa flew into Xen’s arms. Quickly, he pulled her behind him, sandwiching her between himself and Kane. Five demons surrounded them.
“Where the fuck do these things keep coming from? I can’t see.” Exasperation filled her voice.
Xen gave his theory. “Hal is holding a portal open and they are coming through there.”
“Can we block it or something?” she asked between swords swinging and synchronized forward-backward movements from the men.
If we can get Kirke to cast an illusion through it, we might be able to block them, Xen communicated silently.
Carissa scanned for Kirke. She stood near the car with the Phi minus the demons. She’d have to get to her so she could tell her. Carissa guessed that the portal was somewhere on the beach, since the last few seemed to ambush them when they were closest to the sand leading to the beach.
“I’m going to have to get to her, so that I can tell her.”
“No, Carissa. There are too many of them and I can’t risk it. Not again, koukla.” She understood the pain in his voice.
“But Xen you can’t outfight that many. I mean, I know you guys are bad asses and all, but really, how long can you hold them off for? You are the ones running out of steam, not the other way around.”
“Your brainy beauty has a valid point,” grunted Kane as he swung his sword.
“She does, but she is my bonded and carrying my child. I do not want her in Hal’s clutches again, nor do I want to see harm come to either of them.”
“Please,” she begged. “We have to stop them coming through.” Blood splattered as Xen and Kane finished off the demons that surrounded them.
Xen grabbed Carissa’s hand and took off towards Kirke who had had a small company of demons surrounding her. Relief washed over Kirke’s face the minute Xen and Kane jumped in and fought the demons back. Carissa took that opportunity to give Kirke the rundown on what they wanted her to do with the portal.
“I have a good idea where the portal is. I felt the energy earlier.”
A head rolled near Carissa and Kirke’s feet.
“Vampire, come with me.”
Xen finished the demon he was fighting, turned, grabbed Carissa’s hand, and they followed the witch.
Kirke took them close to where the portal energy vibrated. She pointed. “Over there by the large olive tree.”
Carissa squinted, trying to see. For a split second, she thought she saw a pale blue light. She shook her head.
“Do you think you could effectively block it to stop them coming through?” Xen asked, checking left to right for any surprises.
“I can do it, but I don’t know how much time it will give us. He’s definitely got someone on the other end opening it up with a spell.” Kirke cast out her hands and chanted quickly.
Carissa felt a tingling and knew that Kirke’s illusion spell was taking effect in the portal. She swore the portal glowed pink before the witch put her hands down.
Xen leaned over to Carissa. “She is the strongest at casting illusion. You’d never want her on your bad side. She can make you imagine your worst nightmares.”
“You mean, live them,” Kirke said with sly amusement.
“Well, I’m on your side, girl,” Carissa threw back.
Xen’s arm darted out, grabbing her around the waist and drawing her in. He pinned her to him.
“Okay, Witch, let’s move.” They raced back towards the action. “I expect the two of you to take one of the cars and head to the airport,” he commanded.
“I can’t, Xen. Hal has someone I care deeply about,” Kirke admitted.
“And I will make a solemn vow to do whatever it takes to help you.”
“I respect your offer, Vampire, but I fear I must decline.”
“You said you had an idea where he might be,” Carissa reminded her.
“You were right earlier, I can’t risk it. What if I’ve got the location wrong, or I misheard?” Her fingers tugged on the lace of her sleeve. Carissa recognized Kirke’s doubt.
“You know I will help you, Witch,” Xen said.
“I know and I am grateful. Now, let’s get your Carissa out of here.”
“Koukla, you get to that plane. I can’t lose you again.”
She nodded at his request. Then he sped to where the other Phi and lykoi were fighting. With the illusion cast through the portal, no more demons were coming through. Xen’s men had a tiny window of time to wrap up the skirmish. A small comfort of hope buzzed over her, but her heart sank at the thought that Kirke would not share her joy in getting away from that lunatic Hal.
“Come on,” she said to Kirke. They moved to one of the SUVs. “Kirke, what will Hal do to you when he realizes you’ve helped me escape?”
“I can cast an illusion faster than he can blink, so if he tries to hurt me, he doesn’t stand a chance. I don’t fear for my life …” She trailed off.
Carissa understood that her concern rested with her man. “Let Xen help you.”
“Normally I would, but not today.” Sadness broke at the corners of her lips. “Now quit talking to me and get in the car.”
Carissa obeyed. She threw open the door to the driver’s side. Something grabbed her from behind and flung her into the nearby bushes. Twigs snapped beneath her body. Her arms felt like they’d been hacked by rose thorns. They would sting later. Pushing up, she got to her feet feeling a little dazed. “Xen,” she mouthed.
He must have been in tune with her thoughts because his primal roar caused the hair on her nape to rise. She glanced up to see his face in the distance, the look of pure horror. Her eyebrows drew together. She didn’t have time to register why he wore that expression. Arms seized her and an all-too-familiar feeling of dread choked her voice.
“Koukla! No!” The last thing she heard before being encased in blackness.