Awakened In Shadows E-Book

Tigris Eden

• Herausgeber: Kats Kreative Ideas
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Serie: Shadow Unit
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 457

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Beschreibung

Can someone constantly on the receiving end of betrayal learn to trust again?

Dietrich Omari Johnson trusts no one. Sold into slavery by his own people, he learns early what the sharp edge of betrayal feels like. Working for the Shadow Unit is out of forced necessity. Never one to do something for nothing, he plays both sides of the fence. Every move, every decision, is calculated for his own personal gain.

Jorunn McLellan, given into the care of the Unit’s meanest team member, tries to make the best of a frightening situation. The dominating Walker hides behind his shades, and harsh comments, yet still manages to heat up her body. Can she put to rest the emotions Dietrich awakens and move on with her life before he steals her soul and shatters her heart?

Or is the glimpse he allows her to see enough to fight for what she knows is his only chance for happiness?

**PNR, Multicultural, Dark Paranormal Romance**+18

Leseprobe

Awakened

In Shadows

By Tigris Eden

Table of Contents

Title Page

Awakened In Shadows (Shadow Unit, #4)

Acknowledgments

Dedication:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Glossary of terms

Shadow Unit Series

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Further Reading: Inferis

Also By Tigris Eden

Praise for the Shadow Unit Series

“The Shadow Unit Series is an edge of your seat thrill ride full of steamy romance, conspiracy and best of all, hot shifters. A great series for any lover of the genre.” -Author S. Cu’Anam Policar.

“This was one of the best 2nd in a series books I think I have ever read. I have been waiting to see what happened with Jes and Draven, the hotness that is Royce and Ronin. Great Follow up. Great writing, can’t wait till the others come out!” -Tka3nme.

“Just when you think happily ever after there is another twist in the story that keeps you turning the page.” -1safelady.

“The Shadow Unit Series is intense, gritty and HOT HOT HOT!!!” -Viki Sloboda.

“Intrigue, love and action make an irresistible read.” -Vondetta Carter “Once you start reading them you can’t put them down until you’re finished. Then you are anxiously waiting for the next.” –Barb A.

“Shadow Unit Series is an emotional, raw, sexy, action packed paranormal fabulousness that sucks you in from page one. You will cry, laugh, and blush throughout the series and burn for more.” – Indy Book Fairy

“Hunky men, steamy scenes, romance and a touch of the paranormal. What more can you ask for? It’s all here in the Shadow Unit.” – Jennifer Ballam.

“The Shadow Unit series is an edge of your seat mix of adventure and romance that will leave the readers wanting more!” – Ty Langston, Author of Decadent Dreams

Publisher: Kats Kreative Ideas

Copyright © 2015 by Tigris Eden

Cover: Dreams2media

Editor: Literally Addicted to Detail, Chelle Olson & Author Services by Cu, Sheryl Policar

All Rights Reserved.

In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher constitute unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), For permission requests, write to the publisher, with (Attention: Permissions Coordinator)  in the subject line to [email protected]. Thank you for your support of the authors rights.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please purchase your own copy.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the work of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

The publisher is not responsible for websites, or their content that are not owned by the publisher.

ISBN: 978-162517797-1

Acknowledgments

I would like to take the time to say a huge thank you to my beta readers! You all gave great feedback! A special thank you to Jodie (JoJo) West for her last minute suggestions where Dietrich was concerned.  Thank you!

I’d also like to give a huge shout out to my Foxes over at Eden’s Den! You women are amazing and great supporters! Thank you for understanding my crazy!

Last, but not least... Dietrich Omari Johnson, you are by far the hardest S.O.B to write! I struggled daily with you, but in the end it was worth it. I hope I didn’t destroy your street credit too bad.

Dedication:

To all the readers, I write because you read.

To LL: Thank you for putting up with all my craziness, for hanging out with me and discussing my story with me, even when there were times your face was blank. I love you babe.

Chapter 1

“We doing this shit or what?”

Women are slow as hell, Dietrich thought as he sat on the sofa in the common room of the Unit’s family floor. The rest of the males were talking about shit that didn’t concern him. It was like everyone in this piece, save for him and a few others, had caught the love bug. They could miss him with that shit. It sure as fuck wasn’t meant for him.

He knew what love was. Felt it, nurtured it, and tried to never let it down. In the end, he’d also been used by it. He was still being used by love. Something he lived with every day. He was also seeing to it that once he was free, he would stay free.

“Calm down,” Gabe broke in. “With Belinda due in a few days, it’s taking longer.” The Angel of Death—or ex-Angel of Death—pulled Xee into a hug, kissing the top of her head. She was wearing a tank top, showcasing her new sleeve tattoo. It was a Japanese cherry blossom in full bloom. In her cut-off jean shorts and shitkickers, she resembled the furthest thing from a librarian possible. Stuffy, she was not.

She’d been brought back to life to help them find an ancient relic called the Sahidic. It probably helped that her mate Gabriel had some pull with Michael, too. And Dietrich was sure her being wrongfully killed by Dravaggio had played a role in Michael’s decision to give his brother back the woman he loved.

Dravaggio was the leader of the Shadow Unit, and he’d gone on a walkabout or some shit after he’d killed Gabriel’s now-not-so-dead woman, Xee. The whole scene was pretty fucked up, but who was Dietrich to tell the man he had to stay. If the brother wanted to go...well, then, he’d go. Which is exactly what he’d done.

Belinda walked into the family rec room wearing a long dress that was stretched tightly over her very pregnant belly. As if they had time for this shit. She looked like a woman ready to drop a full-grown man.

“You should stay your ass home,” Dietrich advised, pointing at her belly. The Phoenix was more than ready to deliver her twins. How she still managed to walk on two feet—hell, two swollen feet—was a miracle.

“Shut up, D,” Belinda huffed. Her breath came short as she placed one hand on her belly and the other on her lower back. She stuck her tongue out at him and walked into Ronin’s outstretched arms. The male kissed her lips before kneeling to kiss her swollen belly. He whispered to the unborn fetus, stood, and turned his attention to Dietrich.

“If my Deva wants to go out, she can go. Royce and I got her covered. She’s our girl.”

“You’re still sexy, Belinda. Pregnancy looks good on you,” Xee commented, smiling.

Gabe growled but playfully slapped Xee on her ass.

Idiots. Every single one of them. Half the time he stayed at his own spot instead of here at the Unit’s building. It was turning into a damn otherworldly commune. Pretty soon there would be chants and rituals. Someone would come up with the brilliant idea of free love, and then it would turn into a love-fest, no, correction, fuck-fest of epic proportions. Dietrich shook the thought from his head. No way was he catching a case of whatever they all had. He was not down for the love bug. Not even a little bit.

They were meeting their contact at BARE—a club that catered to immortals and humans. Whoever this guy was, he was supposed to be able to help with their search for the Sahidic.

“Your source had better be legit.”

“Oh, he is, D. Trust me,” Xee claimed.

“Yeah, girl. Whatever. I’m not looking forward to going clubbing with one woman who’s knocked up, her two bat-shit crazy men, Angel boy, and you. When I go to clubs, I go for one thing, and that’s to get ass. No one here has promised to feed my dick, so as far as I’m concerned, this is a wasted trip.”

“Grab some ass while we’re out. No one cares, man. Just don’t be a asshole in the process,” Xee replied, blowing him a kiss.

Royce clapped his hands and rubbed them together.

“Let’s get this party started right,” the Feral yelled while throwing a fist pump in the air.

There had been a time when Dietrich respected the man a bit. Now, not so much. He was a fool. They all were. But it wasn’t his job to inform them or shit on their love parade.

Draven and Jesminda were staying behind with Hawke, Sam, and Adam. He’d noticed that Draven’s mate wasn’t particularly fond of being around her best friend for longer than a few moments at a time anymore. He suspected it had everything to do with her losing her baby a few months back to Cyrian and Jes’s crazy ass ancestor, Odessa, who had taken the unborn baby from Jes in the worst kind of way. Jesminda did mete out a just punishment, but she still suffered from her actions. She was seeing Ann, the Unit’s resident shrink, but their talks didn’t seem to be working. He would have offered to help out with that, like he had with Draven and Jesminda’s daughter, Faith and her nightmares, but if no one asked, well, he wasn’t going to offer. It was better that way.

“I’ll pull the SUV around,” Ronin grunted, pulling Belinda with him.

“I’m taking my bike,” Dietrich grumbled. There was no way he was getting into a car with the lovebirds.

Xee smiled at him. She loved his bike. Always tried to take his keys and ride. That shit was never going to happen. She could ride bitch, but never drive.

Gabe could see the look on his mate’s face. Dietrich knew the other man had plans for Xee, which was a good thing. He planned on filling the back of his bike with available ass. Not taken ass.

“No, Blossom. Tonight we’re flying.”

Xee’s squeal of excitement was loud as fuck. Flying in the arms of the Angel of Death was, apparently, the shit.

“Glad everyone is in agreement on seating arrangements. Let’s roll out. My dick’s hungry.”

If there was one thing Dietrich wasn’t going to do, it was let his own self down. When he was tired, he slept, when he was hungry, he ate, and when it came time to let one loose, he fucked. Multiple times in one night if he could manage it.

The opening to BARE was in an alley. A long line of people waited to get inside. They were wrapped around the corner and spilled onto the street. The others were already at the door, waiting for him to park his bike. Dietrich backed into a spot and shut off his engine. On the plaque over the entrance were two symbols. The Eye of Ra, and an ankh sign, and right below that were the letters, T.I.M. What the fuck did Tim mean?

“You took long enough,” Royce yelled, as D made his way over to the others.

“So what, punk. I’m here.”

“All right you two, let’s go inside.” Xee ushered them forward. Yeah, Royce and his twin didn’t really care too much for him. Especially after realizing that Belinda used to be his girl. Hope they enjoyed his leftovers. Harsh? Maybe, but the moment he started to care, would be the moment he let his guard down, and that wasn’t going to happen. Ever.

They all turned to the bouncer at the door.

“Ya’ll are from the Unit.” It wasn’t a question. The male knew who they were.

“We’re here to see—”

“Yeah, I know. I’ve been instructed to seat you in the V.I.P section.”

The bouncer was a foot taller than Dietrich, and sported an Eye of Ra tattoo on his neck and two large tribal bands around his biceps made visible by his sleeveless shirt. His skin was a dark brown, and at a closer look, D could see his veins clearly. They weren’t red or blue, but green. When the bouncer opened the door, music came blaring out. Swedish House Mafia’s Greyhound, pounded through his veins. He could feel the bass of the music in his chest. Could the music be any louder? Shit, that was saying something, especially for him. He always played his music loud. Maybe he was finally getting old. As if being almost four hundred was considered that. Compared to the twins, he was a baby. The sound of the music attacked him from all angles.

Dietrich made his way closer to the group. Xee and Belinda were already sitting near a stage he assumed was the V.I.P section. Damn, the females moved fast. Gabe and the twins were following close behind. D stopped at the bar and eyed a few potential bed partners before making his way over to the rest of the group. He scanned the throng of bodies bumping and grinding to the beat. Humans dancing with immortals, immortals sizing up the humans. Not one mortal was wise to what was right in front of them. Two women were going home with him tonight, and from the looks of it, he’d have his pick from the cream of the crop.

~ ~ ~

DIETRICH SAT DOWN AT the table with a grunt. The night was still young, and Xee watched her teammates carefully. There were times she still couldn’t believe she was part of a family. Belinda was rubbing her belly while bobbing her head to the beat. The twins were laser focused on the area around them, patrolling for possible threats, and Gabe, her Angel, was absently rubbing the back of her neck. Life was good. Well, as good as it could be considering the shit they were diving into. During her time with Michael, she’d been able to gain a wealth of knowledge on a lot of useful topics. She’d made some otherworldly contacts, and the Immortal Database had proven more than helpful once she knew what she was searching for. Now it was a matter of putting the pieces together.

Xee noticed D’s attention was on two women tangled up in each other’s arms on the dance floor. The one thing she didn’t like about her new post-death self was, she couldn’t tell the humans from the immortals now. Didn’t even get a tingle of feeling regarding what was what. She really was human. A human with the possibility of an infinite life span, but still human. She was tied to Gabriel as long as he didn’t break any of the rules his asshole jailers had set for him. Don’t try and run. Don’t kill anyone. And be available at all times. That last one had proven to be a bit of a problem, and Xee had a feeling that Castiel was a voyeur. The last time she’d seen him was during a very heated shower between her and Gabe. She, of course, had been the one screaming as Gabriel pounded into her from behind. That was precisely when the Seraph had decided to make himself known. Fucking bastard. He’d totally ruined her mojo.

“Stop scanning. Work first. Play after,” Xee scolded D.

“Don’t need to scan, baby girl. They’ll come to me. Unless you want dibs on the hook?”

Xee’s face lit up in a shit-eating grin. She was totally on board with hooking someone for D’s nightly pleasure. She may be bound to the Harbinger of Death, and have housed a demon for most of her life, but she wasn’t dead. Beautiful was beautiful. No matter the sex. Like Dietrich, she was honest when she played the game. She would promise them an evening of pleasure, but in the morning, her friend had one long-standing rule. Breakfast in bed was an option, but he was the type of fellow who ate and ran. He’d eat the pussy and then he’d run them home. At least he did that. Some men didn’t even provide a car service or call you a cab. But Dietrich was at least decent in that sense.

“Angel boy,” Xee whined, looking her man clear in the eyes. He knew what she was asking.

“It’s fine, Blossom. I enjoy watching you turn them loose on D. I’m good.”

She kissed him hard and zeroed in on her first victim. Dietrich folded his hands behind his head sat back.

“Spoiled ass,” Royce cursed.

“Don’t be pissed at me ‘cause your girl can’t hook bait,” D gloated.

“Dude, seriously, hook bait for who?”

Xee watched as D shrugged.

“Don’t care what you say. Either way, I’m dining on ass and tits tonight. All is right in my world.”

Everyone watched as Xee rose from the table and headed into the crowd of dancing bodies.

~ ~ ~

XEE FOUND THE WOMAN she was looking for. This one wasn’t for Dietrich, though. Jorunn McLellan was a shy coffee shop owner, who just happened to be a little bit more. She was quiet and sweet and everyone at BARE respected her. Not just because her adoptive father was Phineas, a first generation Demon, but also because her quiet strength encouraged it. Jo was currently talking to her foster brothers, Khalid and Beats. Michael had introduced them when she was brought back into the world of the living. Like them, she was a survivor. Jorunn and Khalid had both been found on the streets by Phineas. Beats had been an addition to their family when his father kicked him out because of his preference for males. But that wasn’t the only thing that his father considered different. Beats was a Reg, as well. He’d left just a few weeks’ shy of his maturation cycle. If Phineas hadn’t found him, he would have died. Khalid was an Angel, making him a Nephil. Had his mother been a human and his father an Angel, he would have been Nephilim. No one knew what Jorunn was. Phineas had taken them in, given them shelter, and taught them to survive.

Michael thought they’d be able to help the Unit. Xee still wasn’t totally sure, but they were a great bunch to hang out with. She’d been coming to BARE and Jo’s Cafe long before she was recruited by the Unit. She’d just never guessed they were part of a bigger plan.

“They here, Xee?” Beats asked.

“Yup, Draven couldn’t make it and sends his apologies. If this all works out, you all will have an invite to the base. For now, we meet here.”

“Sounds fishy,” Khalid snidely remarked. He was the most skeptical of the group.

“Call it what you want, Khalid. It is what it is.”

“Hey, you asked us for help, not the other way around.”

True. But only at Michael’s incessant urging.

Khalid was a major asshole. Arrogant and closed off, he was right up there with Dietrich. Xee adored him.

“I saw you come in with Death,” Beat interrupted, his voice low and awestruck. She didn’t know if the kid had a crush or what, but for some reason, he was starry-eyed.

“Yeah, I told you, that’s my man. He’s harmless, unless you get on his bad side.”

Gabe could break a man in half if he wanted. But because he was on eternal probation, he couldn’t kill anyone or he’d go on Isaiah-the-prick-warrior-Angel’s top ten most wanted list. Fucker.

“Awesome. Can I meet him?” Beats asked with genuine hero-worship in his voice.

“Calm down, Beats. Damn,” Jo chuckled.

Xee looked over at Jo, who was grinning ear to ear. She really was the sweetest person Xee had met in a long time. She was perfect. Thick thighs, big ass, lots of breasts, and probably a dead on target for someone like Dietrich. Xee wouldn’t let that happen, even though Jorunn was the perfect mix of woman.

When she’d first met Jo, Xee tried really hard not to stare at her very unique eyes. They were cat-like in appearance, with light green flecks that burst into a metallic grey. But they also changed color on any given day at any given time. A kaleidoscope of colors seemed to shine outward, tugging you in. The colors so clear and stunning that during the day she had to wear contacts. Tonight, Xee could see flecks of gold and amber as if her eyesight were adjusting to the club’s dark atmosphere. Her full lips and high cheekbones gave Jo an exotic look, especially wearing the flowing skirt and painter’s shirt that covered her from neck to wrists—she always covered as much skin as possible. She also had great fucking hair. Xee shook her head mentally.

If Xee weren’t irrevocably in love with her Angel, she would have totally wanted to care for the female that stood off to the side of her. Jorunn was a good girl in every way possible. Again, Xee thought absently, this beauty wasn’t for Dietrich. She had something else lined up for him. His birthday had been last week, and although he didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, she was. Xee turned to Beats.

“You ready, Freddy?”

“Ready.”

“All right, just remember, something sexy. Remind the dame to be aggressive and suggestive with her body.”

“No problem. I’ll cue the music in about five.” Beats saluted and made his way to the DJ’s booth.

“Khalid, go with Xee,” Jo ordered quietly.

“Yeah, sure.”

Khalid reluctantly followed her back to the booth. The twins looked at Xee, then Khalid, and finally Dietrich. Royce burst into laughter.

“What the fuck, Xee?” D yelled, looking at Khalid.

“What?”

“Pussy. My dick only eats pussy.”

Khalid growled.

“Man, I’m not here to get you off. I’m Phineas’s right hand. Pussy is front and center stage in a few minutes.”

Chapter 2

He shouldn’t have been concerned about Xee, but for a second, D had thought she was off her motherfucking rocker. The lights dimmed and the people on the dance floor all turned to face the stage.

“It’s show time!” the DJ yelled from his booth.  

Great. He had to sit through a fucking show. Someone in the crowd shared his thoughts because they vocalized their displeasure by booing.

“Don’t be stank,” the DJ boomed, “or I’ll have you booted!” He cleared his throat and kept jaw jabbing. “Bare your soul. Bare your heart. Bare yourself. Equality for all!” he yelled.

Everyone in the club, save for the team, repeated the last line before the lights went dark. Nothing seemed to happen for long seconds, and Dietrich couldn’t explain why the hair on his arms stood on end, why his body tightened in anticipation. It wasn’t necessarily a bad feeling. But it wasn’t a good one either. To him, that should have been a dead giveaway. Something about whoever was up on the stage would screw him in a major way if he let them. Trust your gut. Go with your instincts. Damn straight. But whoever was on the other side of the curtain was giving off heavy doses of pheromones. She was also compatible with him in all things sexual.

A light was cast on the stage, and a woman’s voice sang something about not soothing souls or easing pain. The voice warned that it would rip into a man’s heart and drain it until every last part of him was left barren. Empty. The music pulsed in D’s veins like an intimate stimulant. A body appeared within his view. A shadow of the perfect female specimen. Whatever she was wearing was stuck to her body like a second skin. A leg extended out from behind a silk drape, taunting the audience. The woman attached to the leg hooked the fabric around her form in such a seductive manner his pants tightened. He could smell her from where he sat. Warm, aggressive female. The best kind. She was the type of woman that left her hot scent embedded into the sheets, but never under the skin. She was perfect, and would be totally down for one night of pleasure. One moment she was twined in the silk and moving sensually, and the next, she was center stage. He couldn’t see her face, just her plump, full lips.

Royce bumped him on the shoulder.

“Butter face. Hundred bucks, everything but her face is legit.”

Bells slapped her man, telling Royce to shut up.

“Yeah, I don’t think so,” D murmured.

His dick didn’t lead him astray. No way in hell she was a butter face. She was something else, probably a Sex Demon, and Dietrich couldn’t bring himself to care. He’d taken his fair share of Sex Demons and lived to tell the tale. The song kicked up a notch, and he sat glued to his chair. Eyes hypnotized, dick hard as steel as the woman on stage gyrated her hips and swayed her body to the music. She danced in a way that had every male dying to get his hands on her. Too late fools, she’s mine. But for the night only. He never doubled dipped his dick. It would be bad for business. Females got clingy if you entertained them more than once. He’d never been one to promote repeat performances, and he wasn’t about to start now. Tonight, he was only taking one woman home. The female on the stage, who was making her way over to their table. Dietrich smirked. She’d just won the Dietrich’s-one-night-stand-mega-millions. That’s how many orgasms he was giving her tonight before the sun came up over the horizon in the morning.

~ ~ ~

JO MADE HER WAY OVER to the table to retrieve the team members. Her father was finally ready to see them. She saw Xee and the others in the V.I.P section, and she almost faltered. Dietrich was with them. Would he recognize her from the shop? Probably not, Jo. Head out of the clouds. He never seemed to notice her, but he came to her shop at least twice a week. He’d buy coffee or order smothered pork chops, white rice, and collard greens with hot sauce. But he never looked her in the eyes. Ever.

Shit! Cassandra was making her way over to the table and she had her sights set on Dietrich. She’s more his type than you are. Jo wasn’t anyone’s type. Too afraid to show skin because of the markings on her body, she stayed covered up, and her eyes—freaky to others—put people on edge. It was the reason she usually wore contacts. Well, you didn’t wear them tonight. True. But this was BARE, everyone and anyone would have some sort of oddity showing, whether it was real or fake.

“Xee,” Jo spoke quietly as she cast her eyes to the ground. She was trying to ignore the pain in her chest at the sight of Dietrich and Cassandra. The sex kitten had all but fallen into his lap, and he seemed all too happy to entertain. That was typical; they were predators with rapacious appetites.

“And you are?” the pregnant female asked.

Jo took off her hat and slowly lifted her eyes. A small smile tugged at her lips. She knew who Belinda was. She was the Matria of House Ignis. Jorunn had spotted Belinda the moment the Matria had walked through the door.

“Jorunn McLellan. But everyone calls me Jo.”

Belinda’s smile was wide when she replied. “Your eyes.”

This was one of the reasons she’d wanted to keep her hat low over her eyebrows. It shadowed her face. But Belinda was royalty. Jo’s father had taught her manners. She wasn’t going to have their first encounter leave a bad first impression.

“Sorry. I know it’s a bit startling at first.” Jo tugged her hat back on and lowered the brim.

“No, they’re beautiful,” Belinda expressed.

Well, that was a first. She’d heard “different” or “weird,” but never “beautiful.” That was new.

“Thank you, Matria.” She bowed. Was that the right thing to do? Should she have curtsied? Damn, what was the proper protocol?

“You have us at a disadvantage. You know us, but we know shit about you and the club kids,” the silver-eyed twin declared. He was going to be a problem. She could see it now. But no matter. Kill them with kindness.

“Well, then, let’s get better acquainted. My father is in his office waiting for you all. If you would follow me.” Jo looked to her brother Khalid and lifted her chin so he would follow. Khalid stood first. Beats was over by the door to her father’s office. As the rest of the table stood, Dietrich walked past with Cassandra on his arm. He didn’t even give Jo a once over. Stop mooning over him. She followed closely behind them and could hear Dietrich talking to Cassandra.

“One night. You down?” he rumbled in the dancer’s ear.

“You’ll need more than one night, big boy.”

Jorunn rolled her eyes. So typical of Cassandra. She was always aggressive, but overly so in a way that was skanky and not the least bit attractive. But Jo had seen Dietrich in action at her shop. He came in alone, but usually left with one female, sometimes two, depending on his mood. He eyed Cassandra from head to toe, and even though he was wearing his shades, and his stare was nowhere near focused on her, Jo felt it like a rush of warm water on a cool day. Dietrich was built for sex. Raw, primal, break-your-back sex. Lucky for him, Cassandra was more than up to the challenge.

“One night is all you’ll get. Then after that, it’s off you go. I’ll meet you out front after I’m done with the meet and greet,” he reiterated.

He stopped before they made it to her father’s door, whispered something into Cassandra’s ear that made her moan, and pushed her in the direction of the club with a firm swat to her ass.

Men. They always went for the outer package before taking a look at the inner contents.

“We gots guests, yes!” Beats sang in a singsong voice.

“Knock that shit off, Beats,” Khalid grumbled, shouldering past him into their father’s office.

Phineas Finnagan had saved Jo’s life. He’d found her and Khalid on the street, digging through trash for food. Back then, she’d had no clue what an immortal was. She’d been ignorant in all things. Knowledge was something she’d craved but could never touch because she was illiterate. Watching television had only given her so much information.

Jorunn waited as the others filed in. She walked over to where her father sat behind a large desk. A piece he’d carved from an actual dinosaur bone. His long brown hair was up in a messy bun on top of his head. His elbows were planted on the glass surface as he drummed his fingers on the desk, giving him a relaxed look. He was always one to look put-together. Not a single emotion on his face. He kept his beard neatly trimmed, and his intense blue eyes missed nothing. They were sharp and assessing. To anyone on the streets, he looked to be in his early thirties, but Phineas Finnagan was a first generation Elemental Demon. One of the oldest Demons to walk the Earth. Dygon implied he was possibly the firstborn of the quads born to the Demoness, Lilith, herself.

Both of the twins looked over to where she stood. The one with the amber gaze—she’d been told his name was Royce—threw her a wink and a smile.

“Is there something wrong?” Jo questioned.

Royce’s mate, Belinda, turned full circle and made sure she had both brothers’ attention when she placed her hands in theirs. Ronin took her right, and Royce her left.

“Nah, we’re good. You’re different. I can barely read you,” was the male’s only response.

“Sometimes it’s good to be different.” Her voice was louder this time. And it seemed that everyone in the room was staring at her now. Dietrich included. Shit. Her voice. It was another thing that was strange. At times it could be layered. It was the weirdest thing, and happened at the most inopportune times. Her father warned it compelled people to her will. She had yet to test that theory.

“Kapua, it’s good to see you again, child,” Phineas crooned in his smooth, lilting accent. Her father always called everyone by his or her given name. It was something he did out of respect.

“Phineas, it’s always good to see you.” Xee gave him a chin lift.

The smile on his face was real as his eyes crinkled at the corners. It was rare that he treated newcomers so friendly.

“I see everyone except for the wolf and his mate. How do I know my request will be honored?”

What request? She’d thought they were here because he had information.

Gabriel, the Harbinger Angel, spoke then.

“I’m Draven’s second-in-command. We were told you had information, not that you were soliciting a request.”

Phineas nodded his head. He didn’t speak for long moments as he looked each member of the Unit over. Jo wanted to know what was going through her father’s head. He told her and Khalid everything. Not once had he mentioned anything about a request.

“Well, I see no reason for us not to work together because of a simple request.” Phineas stood and rounded his desk. He leaned against the bone top and grabbed the edges as he leaned back. “I heard you search for the Sahidic. I have extensive knowledge of the relic. But I will warn you; Eremiel can be a catty bastard. Angel of Unveiling and all that. Before I offer my knowledge I have some requests. One I will ask now, the other will come tomorrow once I receive your answer.”

“I’m sure the request isn’t small if the information you have is real,” the Angel pointed out.

Her father smiled. This time it didn’t reach his eyes, and a cold gust of wind rushed through the room as Phineas pushed off his desk and walked over towards the mini-bar. He poured himself a drink, not offering the others any. The amber liquid was laced with Fire Water. Something only Demons favored drinking. He took a sip and sighed as his blue eyes zeroed in on Gabriel.

“What I ask is not easy. It’s quite difficult for me, as well, and this thing I ask will require tolerance from both sides.”

“Tolerance of what?” Gabriel looked to Royce.

“His requests are valid, Gabe. I read his thoughts...well, what thoughts he made available. I agree with all but one.” Royce stepped forward and addressed her father.

“Why our blood? That request makes no sense. If you’re doing it for the sexual pleasure, it won’t work. Not for you, Elemental.”

Phineas smiled, his white teeth vivid against his tan skin.

“It’s not for me. It’s for research. I only require two vials. One from each of you.”

“Fuck no,” Ronin, the silver-eyed twin contested.

“Then we don’t have a deal.”

“Ronin, let’s hear him out.” Gabriel raised a golden eyebrow to the male when he would have continued to talk. Ronin sneered, giving him a harsh look, and Jo had to wonder if the Angel of Death could take the twins on.

“Not if our blood’s involved.”

“I only need a small amount. As I said, this is for research. I want to ensure its healing qualities will work on someone special to me.”

Jo gasped. He was talking about her. He had to be.

Ronin looked to his brother and back to Phineas.

“We’re listening. But this so-called information better be legit. Or you’ll be dealing with me.”

Her father smirked.

“I never give out false information. Even to those who are against me.”

“Against you?” Belinda asked.

“Yes, Matria. Those that would stand against my agenda.”

“What exactly is your agenda?” Gabriel asked.

“Equality for all,” her father recited, looking over the rim of his glass.

The others in the room looked to each other. No one spoke for long moments. Jo felt they didn’t truly understand, so she enlightened them.

“Equality for all. It’s The Immortal Movement. We’re all the same; some have just adapted and readjusted to embrace what life has given to us. They try and kill us off, we become harder to kill; they give us a blood deficiency, we ingest more blood; the elements try and destroy us, well, now there are some of us who control the weather.”

“Ah, T.I.M,” Dietrich grunted. He stood at the back of the room, his arms across his chest. He filled the space in the room, made it smaller. All the males did, really. But to Jo, Dietrich was something more. He wore distressed jeans and a black shirt that stretched across his torso and biceps. There were tattoos peeking out on the side of his neck and down one side of his arm. His hair lay flat against his skull in waves and tapered off into a bald fade. Full lips were edged by a neatly trimmed beard that lined his jaws and upper lip. He portrayed the image of a man that cared what he looked like, but Jo knew it was all smoke and mirrors. What you saw was not what you got with Dietrich. He hid the stone-cold predator underneath.

“I’ve heard enough shit for one night.” Dietrich looked to Gabe before straightening his arms. “Yo, I’m gonna head back out to the front.” He looked right at Jo then. Right at her. She was sure of it. No matter that his dark shades covered his eyes. She was positive he took one last look at her before making the circuit around the room. If she weren’t standing so far away from him, she would have sworn he’d reached out and run his knuckles across her cheek. But that was her overactive imagination. Reaching for something that wasn’t there. She knew exactly where he was going, and who he was going with.

“Same for us, only we’re taking Deva home. She needs to be off her feet. Gabe, you can handle the rest without us.” The twins ushered the Matria out and followed Dietrich. Jo’s breathing sped up; things were not going the way her father had planned. He waited until everyone was out of the room before he spoke again.

“I was told you needed the relic. Was I wrong?” Phineas directed the question at the Angel.

“No. You weren’t misinformed. Tell me your terms.” Gabriel took a seat. It was as if the Angel knew it was time to get down to the serious business—finding the ancient relic that had the potential to save or destroy the world as they all knew it.

“Khalid, Brady, go and make sure our other guests are seen to.”

Khalid and Beats exited the room with a simple head nod and left the rest of them alone in her father’s office.

“Please, make yourselves comfortable.” Phineas sat on the barstool while Jo leaned against the door. There was really no reason for her to be here now, but she’d stay, answer any questions they had after her father was done explaining what he needed and why.

“Everything you need to know is on an island protected by three brothers. They have been searching for something I have in my possession, and although I love her dearly and don’t want to give her up, it seems I must. When I first found her I was stunned. I’d only ever run into one other person that could have been kin. Which is why I need the twins’ blood, to test that theory.” Sweet Goddess of the night, no! Jo stood straighter. Her neck started to tingle. Her father was about to reveal something she may or may not be on board with.

“What does this have to do with the Sahidic?” Xee probed.

“If you go to this island, there you will find the blood and the cup.”

Xee sat straighter in her chair.

Gabe’s jaw tightened.

There were a lot of people that didn’t care for her father’s social skills. He had a tendency to be very long-winded.

“I was told that if she were returned, they would help you restore order and ensure that my daughter is no longer vulnerable,” Phineas voiced slowly.

Jo looked to her father in horror. Why would he send her there? What could be on that island that would ensure that she was safe, and, at the same time, urge the brothers to help the Unit?

“Before you get too excited, there are other stipulations,” Phineas quickly tacked on.

“I’m listening,” Gabe prompted.

“The brothers request that the wolf and his mate accompany her on this journey.”

“Who is her?” Gabriel asked carefully, his eyes narrowed.

Phineas looked past Gabriel and Xee to Jorunn, who stood stone still at the door. She still couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Why did these three brothers want her? What purpose could she possibly serve? They can heal you. True. Her father had conceded as much, but he failed to mention anything about a return journey.

“Father, you can’t mean to send me with them. I’d only be in the way.” Her fear was getting the best of her. She didn’t know the wolf or his mate. It took her entirely too long to warm up to people. It had taken her months before she could even bring herself to man the cash register when Dietrich had first begun coming to her shop. Now her father wanted her to travel in close quarters to some unnamed island with a wolf and his mate? No. Hell, no! Why couldn’t he just take her?

“Why can’t you be the one to take me?” Her voice was double layered when she spoke, and everyone in the room turned their attention to her. It was almost as if she could bend them to her will if she tried hard enough. But she would never do that.

“Jorunn, my love, this is a journey I cannot take with you.”

“Then Khalid.”

Phineas shook his head no.

“I’m afraid not, my dear. After this journey, you will be a different person, a different soul. Healed.”

She didn’t want to be a different person; she just wanted to be who she was now. But you’ll live if you go. Her subconscious argued.

“If I refuse to go?”

Her adoptive father let go of a long breath before answering.

“You will die, sweet girl.” Phineas looked over to Xee and Gabe as if they could convince her it was a good idea. Disaster. That’s what it was. This trip had disaster written all over it. She could feel it. Somehow, she knew something dire was in store for them.

“The twins’ blood, mixed with mine, will ensure that Jorunn survives the trip. At least that is what I am told. She requires blood in her system from time to time. I was advised by the brothers that with the twins’ and my blood, she will remain stable.”

“What the hell happens if she becomes unstable?” Gabriel gritted out between thin lips. He didn’t like the idea any more than she did. To him, she was a civilian, a liability.

“We’ve never let it get that far. She didn’t develop this disability until she hit puberty. So no one is sure.”

“And you’re sure the brothers on this island can help with the Sahidic?” Xee asked, looking over her shoulder at Jo.

“Yes, they guard a single piece that will lead you to the next. You want the cup, and the cup wants the blood. Once you have the cup, the blood will come to you.”

“How long is your offer good for?” Gabriel inquired, standing and holding out his hand to Xee.

“Twenty-four hours. After that, I will give the location you seek over to the Red Sun, and they will be the ones that retrieve the cup and the blood. You are aware they are searching, as well?”

The couple in the room looked to one another before Gabriel spoke again.

“We’ll have an answer in twenty-four hours.”

Chapter 3

“You really gonna wait for her?”

Fuck yeah he was going to wait for her. Gabe had been behind closed doors longer than Dietrich expected, and Cassandra hadn’t returned from backstage.

“Why do you care, Royce? Thought you and Ronin were taking Belinda back to base.”

“We are. There’s something not right about Jorunn, plus I kind of want to see how things play out between her and Cassandra. I’m curious to see which one you’re going to get messed up over.” Royce smirked.

Why would it matter if Jorunn and Cassandra had a run-in? He was going home with Cassandra. End of story. The other female, although she smelled good, really wasn’t his type.

She’s totally your type.

And that was why he was staying as far as fuck away from her as he could. Mousy females called to his inner caveman. Someone he could take care of, someone that would bring out his protective side. Nope. Not happening. Been there, done that, had the t-shirt and the scarred back to prove it. He wasn’t bending over backward for a female ever again.

“Are you stupid? I’ll never get played over some broad.”

Royce looked at him, and then back to his brother, Ronin. They exchanged some kind of twin communication and then nodded before leaving the club. They needed to go anyway. Belinda didn’t need to be out in the street. She could give birth any day now.

“You really think you can hook up with Cassandra?”

Dietrich turned to face the kid the others called Khalid. He reeked of bad attitude. Had the punk showed him an iota of respect instead of eyeballing him up and down, he might have played it cool. Then again, maybe not. The kid carried a larger chip on his shoulder than most kids his age.

“Kid, I don’t think anything. Cassandra’s a big girl. She knows what she wants.”

Khalid bristled at being called a kid but otherwise kept his mouth shut. Good for you, kid. He wasn’t in the mood for backtalk.

“Yeah, okay, call me a kid all you want. But you might have to swallow those words. I may look young, but I’m a hell of a lot older than you, Primori.”

“Does it look like I give a fuck how old you really are, kid?”

The music in the club switched to a song Dietrich was very familiar with, and Khalid, along with his sidekick Beats, walked over to the DJ booth next to the open hallway.

“The moment is real. Unity is attainable. Equality for all!” Beats yelled out into the crowd. Humans and immortals repeated the last line.

“Lemmings,” Dietrich murmured to himself.

They were all brainwashed, or at the very least, the humans were. Their eyes wide and glossy, their movements wild and sloppy. How this equated to equality would have boggled his mind if he actually gave a damn. The strong smell of peaches and sugar overpowered his senses. It was her. Jorunn McLellan. He had to clear his throat. She was somewhere on the dance floor. Somewhere close.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Walker.”

D turned to look at Jorunn’s brother. His patience was already paper-thin. Why did the kid keep trying to wake the beast?

“Why are you back, kid?”

“My father asked me to keep an eye on you till you left.”

Like he needed a babysitter.

“Consider me ghost.”

He didn’t wait for the kid to answer. One moment he was in front of the kid, the next, he was standing next to Cassandra. She’d changed her outfit and was in some skintight, one-piece jumpsuit. It was all black except for a silver belt that hung low on her waist. Even her boots were black, and they put her height at just his shoulder. Her plump breasts were all but bursting from her top that plunged low in a V. She smiled demurely at him before crooking her finger.

Dietrich didn’t move.

Not. One. Inch.

She shrugged, threw him a wink and started dancing. Is that what she wanted? Did she really peg him for that kind of fool? He wasn’t dancing. He’d watch her, but that was it. Spaceships was still blaring in the club, they must have been playing the extended version. Beats had stepped from behind the booth to join Cassandra on the floor. In sync, they both moved across the floor in perfect motion. The dance wasn’t provocative, but it did hypnotize. Soon, others were following suit. Back and forth, side to side, and some twirls. Almost like a shuffle, but with subtle differences. Dancing immortals were much smoother than humans, and it looked as if some were even levitating an inch or so from the floor.

“Man, what the fuck is this?” Gabe questioned, standing next to him. At least the meeting was over.

“Fuck if I know. I don’t dance.”

Gabe didn’t say anything in response, just watched Xee out there dancing with them.

As if on cue, the lyrics from the song sang, “get high,” and every single immortal on the floor tripped the fuck out.

He and Gabe both went on the defensive.

Immortals were revealing their true identity in front of the humans. Humans who didn’t seem to care. Eyes glowed, markings showed, and fuck all if some weren’t actually levitating off the ground a few feet and even truly flying. They did this all to the beat of the music.

“This is not good,” Gabe growled.

“Who the fuck you telling?”

Normally, in a situation like this, Dietrich would expect screaming. Hell, even mass hysteria, but none of that happened. Some humans were in the arms of immortals, enjoying the so-called high. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a Vampiri snacking on a human. Fucking idiots. They were all in direct violation of the Immortal Council’s decree to not reveal their true nature. Sure, some humans knew of their existence. Hell, the Agency was made up of mortals. But what Phineas allowed to go on in his club was grounds for serious cleanup, and it would consist of death, death, and more death.

“Deadcrest’s granddaughter is here,” Gabe warned. His arms crossed over his chest as he looked on with a disappointed glare. Dietrich looked over, and sure enough, Teresa was in the corner, a human male in her clutches. Their eyes clashed briefly. Her yellow orbs zeroing in on his shaded ones. She knew she’d be in trouble if her grandfather got wind of her snacking on a human.

“I’ll grab Teresa, you grab Xee. I don’t like what I’m seeing. Let’s get the girls and bounce.”

So much for serving his dick a sweet side of pussy for the evening.

“Agreed.” Gabe walked onto the dance floor to grab Xee, and Dietrich turned his attention to Teresa, who was still snacking on a soft serve human.

Dietrich pushed his way through the throng of bodies, his eyes focused on his target. When he reached Teresa’s booth, the human was already gone.

“Can I help you?” Teresa asked sweetly.

“Yeah, get your ass off the couch and come with me.”

She frowned. The act scrunched up her face like one of those Cabbage Patch dolls that Faith walked around with sometimes. It was a very unattractive look for the Vampiri heiress.

“Why would I do that?”

“Because I asked nicely.”

Teresa huffed before shaking her head no.

“If that’s polite, you need to work on your delivery.”

“Nice, polite, two different things.”

“My grandfather isn’t going to like you talking to me disrespectfully,” she sneered. Bitch really thought she was self-entitled.

“I don’t give a fuck. I asked nice. Now I’m gonna be not nice.”

Dietrich grabbed Teresa by the arm and pulled her from the couch. He made sure to not hold her too tightly. All he needed was shit from Draven. Degas didn’t have any pull in the Unit, but he helped keep VAB off the streets. The last thing Degas would want to hear about was his granddaughter’s late-night snacking habits.

“I thought we had plans tonight, Dietrich.”

Cassandra.

She didn’t smell anything like the other female. They were sexually compatible, but that was it. The one that smell liked peaches was another story, and fuck, he could still smell her. Cassandra smelled like heat and sex. Jorunn smelled like fruit and sugar, and the scent was stronger now. D jerked his head up and saw the quiet vixen standing in the corner, trying to pretend she wasn’t watching the interaction between him and Cassandra. He still had ahold of Teresa’s arm, and she struggled in his grip.

“Plans changed. Had your chance, you took too damn long. Now I got shit to do.”

He really didn’t want to dismiss her, but he didn’t have a choice.

You always have a choice.

“Guess you miss out, then,” Cassandra snorted before walking off.

Dietrich pulled a seething Teresa through the crowd and out of the club. He didn’t wait to see if Gabe or Xee followed. His bike was parked next to the Dumpster on the side of the building. He slid his leg over the seat and watched Teresa as she contemplated her escape.

“Get on.” D dropped his head, letting his shades slide down his nose. He didn’t want Teresa getting any ideas about running away.

“If you make me chase you, it will piss me the fuck off. Now get on the fucking bike.”

Reluctantly, she straddled the back of his motorcycle. He waited for her to adjust, backed away from where he was parked, and shot out of the alley, barely missing two kids that weren’t paying attention to where they were going. Teresa was going to be a problem, especially if she was at BARE on a regular basis.

~ ~ ~

JORUNN WATCHED DIETRICH