Chapter 15

I stood looking at myself in the mirror. I was now dressed in all black, like the brothers did.

Leone walked in.

I lifted my arms and turned around. “Daxx was so excited to give me this vest.” I frowned. “Why black?” I motioned to his outfit.

“You look good. Black is easy for Clairee to hide and…” He looked down at what he wore, “the blood doesn’t show.” He shrugged.

I’d get to that part later on from my list of ‘I need to know’ things. “Crissy is cute in her black hoodie.” I frowned, “I think Alona has boots for every occasion.”

He nodded, “yeah she does.” Pulling something out of his pocket, he held up his hand. A chain dangled from it. “I came to give you this.”

I went over. It was a smaller version of the one he’d given me at that house. I looked at the one resting against his chest.

He motioned for me to turn around.

I did and lifted my hair. His hands were shaking as he put it around my neck.

“I used to sit and look at this and wonder if there was a woman out there to wear it.” He said in a soft tone. “The prophecy for the kings’ sons numbering nine…” He leaned down and kissed my neck after he did it up.

I turned and put my hand on it.

“My prophecy said my mate would give me what I desired the most.” His eyes held mine. “For fifty or sixty years I thought that was someone to be with, someone that was mine to be with.” Pain went through his eyes. “Then it turned into human essence being what I wanted the most.” His mouth quirked. “But it turns out the thing I needed, more than anything, was someone to believe in me again. Without doubts.”

The emotion in his voice made my heart beat faster. “Scored some points with that.” I said trying to lighten the mood.

“I wasn’t trying to.”

“I know, hence the points.” I looked down at the pendant. “I’m part of the royal family.” I gave him a shocked look. “Why hasn’t that sunk in sooner?”

He smiled. “Yeah you are. No one will question or disrespect you while you wear that. I’m fourth in the ranks around here because of my position, after the kings, Justice and Michael.” His expression grew serious. “If someone disrespects you while you wear that, you let me know.”

His tone sent shivers up my spine. I nodded.

Lifting the pendant in his hand for a moment, he smiled down at me. “Do you think when we return we could spend some time together?”

There was doubt in his eyes. Doubt that I’d caused. I smiled, “I’d like that.” I huffed out a breath. “I’m nervous. I don’t want to screw this up.”

He lifted my chin. “You won’t. I’ll be right there.” Lifting my arm, he looked at it. “Where’s your device?”

“I was just going to put it on when you came in.” I motioned to the dresser.

Going over, he picked it up and came back. I watched his large hands put it on my wrist.

“I’d like to exchange blood before we go.”

I raised my brows.

“Just appease the paranoid man.” He smirked. “Between the mate bond and the blood bond, I’ll be able to find you anywhere.”

I nodded.

He bent down and pulled a knife out of his cuff, then paused. “We need to get you a blade.”

“For?” My voice squeaked.

“Back up.” He nodded. His tone and expression told me this wasn’t a discussion.

“I have no idea how to work one, unless it’s to cut my food.”

He grinned and held the knife up. “Aim. Flick. That’s it.” He moved his hand a few times.

“Okay. I can do that. Just hope no one we like is anywhere nearby.” With shaking hands, I unbuttoned his vest. Red eyes watched my every move.

With a grunt, he leaned down and picked me up, then walked over and set me on the dresser. He stood between my knees and scored his chest with the blade.

I leaned over, wasting no time. A soft growl rumbled through his chest and then he bit into my neck. Once again, he sucked on it without feeding. As I licked over the closed wound, he bit into me again, this time feeding. He didn’t use as much eufori as before, probably so I would be alert. It hurt, but not in a bad way. Later, I’d have to think about that.

Lifting his head, he licked over the punctures, then grasped the back of my head and devoured my mouth.

When he broke the kiss, both of us were breathing hard. “We’ll be there in a minute, brother.”

I turned to see Michael standing in the door.

~

Leone and I walked along the sidewalk, following a block behind Lou. I’d wanted to be closer, but he assured me with his height, he was keeping an eye on him. Michael was somewhere behind us, and Rafael behind him.

The phone app was open on all our phones and we were using earpieces to talk and listen.

“I can’t believe he didn’t ask questions when you released him.” Daxx said.

“If you had the chance to get away from Arius, would you ask questions?” Rafael said sounding entertained.

“Beth is trying to focus, people” Leone growled into the mic.

I touched his hand. “Beth is fine. Lou’s head is mush and easy to stay in.” I glanced up at him. “Unlike some hard heads I’ve been in recently.”

He smirked down at me.

“Eloquent insult. Welcome to the family, sparky.” Chase chuckled. “Is the camera working?”

“Yes, Chase. I can see what he does.” Alona said quietly.

“I recognize the area.” Daxx informed them.

“I’m watching from up high.” Crissy added. “I like this phone thing it’s like we’re all together but not.”

“You better be dangling up there safely.” Victor warned.

“I’m okay. I’m strapped to a pole, bolted to the top of a concrete building.”

I looked up at Leone, he shook his head.

Daxx, Alona and a few others had stayed at the apartment. Once we knew where Lou was taking us, she could teleport the rest there, and me out.

“There’s our landmark. It’s a sign on a building. He stopped and looked right at it. Good work, Bethany.” Troy said quietly.

“Do I pull out of his mind or wait a few minutes?”

Leone paused in step waiting for an answer.

“Wait until he’s reached his destination.” Victor answered.

“Okay.” Leone took my hand and started walking again. I looked at the weapons strapped to him. I’d been assured that Clairee had used a glamour spell, so only we could see what he was really dressed like. Also, apparently to others, I had blonde hair right now.

He looked down at me, one eyebrow raised. His was of telling me, without speaking, to stop thinking.

I smiled at him then focused on Lou. “He’s starting to question if he should be here right now.” I said into the mic.

“Can you ramp it up at all? Make it seem urgent that he gets there?” Arius asked.

I nodded, even though they couldn’t see me. “As long as Leone controls where I’m walking, I can.”

Leone’s hand tightened around mine.

“Coming up on what looks like an entrance to a tunnel. It’s supposed to be blocked off, but nothing secure enough to stop anyone.” He told everyone.

“Checking.” Alona said. “Yes, there’s tunnels under there.” She sighed. “I hate tunnels. They’re like life size rats, the whole group of them scurrying around in tunnels…”

“Less loathsome chatter, beloved, we’re all trying to pay attention here.”

“Yes, sorry.”

“Is he going down to the tunnel, Leone?” Daxx sounded anxious.

“He’s looking around like he’s afraid he might have someone following him.” Leone told her.

“Is anyone else looking at him?” Quinton asked.

Leone looked around. “I don’t see anyone taking an interest.”

“Good.”

I squeezed his hand, so he’d stop. I needed to give Lou a push and it would be easier if I didn’t have to remember to walk at the same time. He seemed to understand and stopped, pulling me into his chest for a hug. I closed my eyes and told Lou he needed to get the news to them that the trade for Marcus ran into problems, and only he knew why.

“Don’t wear yourself out.” Leone warned quietly.

I heard him but didn’t answer.

“He’s moving,” Leone said quickly, “going down the stairs.”

“What do you see, ladies?” Chase asked.

“So far just stairs.” Daxx informed him. “Lighting is pretty bad. Do I start transporting?”

“Not yet.” Victor said calmly.

“He’s going down a long hallway on the first level.” Alona informed us. “I hope the signal lasts.”

“I need to move closer. If I stop now he might just turn around and come back up. He’s very cowardly.” I looked up at Leone.

“Shit. Michael, move in closer to us. We’re going down the first flight of stairs.” Leone pulled me toward the stairs.

“I’ll be at the top making sure no one follows.” Michael assured him.

Leone guided me down the stairs while I focused.

“He just went through a door into a better lit area. Keep going, Bethany.” Daxx said with excitement in her voice.

Leone paused at the bottom of the stairs and lifted my chin. I looked at him and nodded, letting him know I was doing fine. A determined expression fixed on his face, he led me down the long hall. “What do you see now?” He asked.

“A very well-lit tunnel still. I wished we had sound with this.” Alona answered.

“Short notice.” Quinton replied.

“I’m climbing down.” Crissy said abruptly.

“You meet Daxx and go back with Bethany.” Victor said, sounding like he was running.

“Okay, Victor.”

“I’m three minutes away, brother, don’t go too far alone.” Arius said in a strained voice.

“We’re stopping at the door.” Leone informed him. He gave me a quick look. “Where is he now?”

There was a silent pause.

“He’s entered some kind of chamber… oh…” Alona stopped speaking.

“Fuck me,” Daxx whispered, “we’re going to need backup.”

“I’m calling the guards on standby. All of them. Sith and Bronx can get them here.” Troy barked.

Leone stopped. “What are we looking at?” He stared at the floor; his jaw clenched.

“Need numbers, guys.” Quinton was clearly running.

“Fifty or more.” Daxx answered. “Lou is talking to a few of them. They don’t look happy.” She added. “I’m starting the transports. Michael is there an alley across from you, red sign with a cartoon tiger on it?”

“Yes. I see it.” Michael answered.

“Okay. Good I’ll bring us there.” Daxx said.

“Beloved,” Chase was out of breath, “come over and wait with Bethany and Crissy until Daxx gets everyone there. Strength in numbers.” He added.

“All right. I’m bringing the chucks though. Not a scratch, Chase.” She warned.

“Yes, my queen.” He answered hurriedly.

Leone looked down at me. “Are you out of his head?” I nodded, feeling tense. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. I’m fine.”

He leaned down and kissed me softly.

A sound came from behind us, I spun, palms up, arc building quickly between them.

“Whoa, sister.” Rafael held up his palms.

Leone grinned and hugged me against him. “Wait here for Daxx.”

I nodded.

“I’m almost there.” Crissy said quietly.

“I’m running past Michael now.” Alona said.

I watched as they started to file down the stairs into the tunnel. My stomach was in knots. Turning, I grasped the front of Leone’s vest and looked up at him. “I will fry everyone if you get hurt.”

He grinned down at me, then pulled the ear bud out of his and my ear. Holding them in his hand, he leaned down and kissed me. “I’ll be coming back to you, don’t worry about that.”

“Be safe.” I whispered.

He held out the earpiece for me as he put his back in. “Getting antsy here, what’s the hold up?” He said to all.

Quinton laughed, “You didn’t have to run three blocks.”

“You need the exercise,” he answered while rolling his shoulders.

“Yeah,” Rafael winked at me, “getting a little squishy around the middle there, big brother.”

“I’ll show you squishy, you punks.” Quinton mumbled.

“Be there soon.” Daxx said. “Need to catch my breath.”

I watched as large men filed past me in the tunnel. There was at least twenty, plus the brothers, so I felt a little better. Crissy was beside me as they vanished through the door. Alona walked over after Chase went through the door.

“Coming down the stairs. We’ve got a problem. Six more inbound, right behind me.” Daxx said in a vibrating voice as she ran. “Too many for us to handle. I don’t have my zapper. I wasn’t supposed to need it.”

“Beth,” Leone’s voice barked in my ear, “twenty feet after the door is another tunnel, its dark. You girls can lay low there until they go by. We’ll get them as they reach us.”

I nodded and watched Daxx running toward us. “Okay.” I told him and held open the door.

“We’ll be turning off our mics now, but we’ll still be able to hear you.” Leone said.

“Yeah, don’t want to listen to the old guys grunting when they fight.” Rafael chuckled.

“We’ll see whose grunting next practice.” Troy informed him.

“Everyone watch Leone’s ass, so sparky doesn’t fry us.” Chase said in a hushed voice.

“Watch your own ass, Chase.” Leone told him. “Your queen will take it out on you if you get hurt again.”

“Fight well, brothers.” Quinton said with a serious tone.

“Only as good as you, brother.” Arius replied.

“Then we’re all doomed, brothers. Ladies stay safe.” Leone added.

The chatter stopped as we reached the darkened tunnel and ran in far enough so no one would see us.

Daxx pulled one of her blades off her back and turned toward the entrance. Alona had her hands out with nun-chuck at the ready. Crissy squatted down, her hand resting on the blade strapped to her leg.

I held my palms up, but kept the sparks within so the light wouldn’t lead anyone to us.

We heard the voices and boots echoing on the stone. Barely breathing, we listened as they went by us. Waiting a bit longer until the sounds faded, we stepped out into the light again.

“We’re heading up now.” Daxx whispered.

Reaching the door, she opened it and looked out. Closing it she gave me a wide-eyed look. “Shit. There’s more blocking the stairs. Just standing there.”

“Going back to hide.” Alona said and turned back the way we’d come.

As we ran into the darkened area, lights reflected from far inside it.

“Problem.” Daxx paused and then shook her head. “Someone is in the tunnel we were in. Coming at you, boys.”

We started moving quickly down the tunnel.

“Focus on not getting sliced open, and we will find a place to stay out of the way.” Alona said quickly as she glanced over her shoulder.

We ran down the tunnel, apparently too fast because we caught up to the group that had gone past us. “How far to where the men are?” I whispered to Daxx. She’d seen it in the camera.

“Fifty, sixty feet then a short tunnel to them.” Alona answered before Daxx could.

I started to feel trapped. I didn’t like the feeling at all. I huffed out a breath. “Okay. We’ll clear the path to get to them.” I looked at Daxx and she nodded, pulling the second blade from her back, then rolled her shoulders.

“I’ll watch behind us.” Crissy said quietly.

“Let’s party.” Daxx said and started running toward the voices.

I caught up to her and lifted my hands to build the arc. Three of the men lagging behind the others turned and saw us.

“Uh.” Alona made a sound. “Vile.”

They grinned and pulled swords from their belts and started walking toward us.

“Damn, I want my zapper.” Daxx opened her arms to them. “Come and get it, boys.” She glanced to me. “Do a Davis on them.”

I nodded and moved my hands up higher to build the energy. One of them looked at me and sneered. Flicking both hands down the energy shot toward them. When it connected two of them were knocked back against the wall, then slumped to the floor. The third one kept coming.

I lifted my hands. “I’ve got this one.” Alona ran past me, her hands spinning so fast the chucks were a blur.

As she reached him she spun, the chucks connected against his body, he stumbled back. She stopped her hands and smacked him over the head with the weapons. “Take a nap.” He slumped to the floor.

“Three down.” Daxx said running and looking down at them. “Do we tie them up?”

I bit my lip. “I can try a spell, of sorts, to keep them down for now.”

She nodded. “Do it.”

I focused on the chant Clairee had taught me. Never before had I tried things like this. Dropping my hands, I looked down at them. “I hope it worked.”

A noise behind us had Daxx pointing in the direction we were heading. “Let’s go. I can hear the commotion, so we’re close.”

“Oh no.” Crissy said.

“What… Oww.” Daxx spun around. “They shot me in the ass.” She tried to look.

I went around behind her and pulled a dart out of her and held it up.

“They shot me in the ass with a dart.” She made a loud growling sound.

Crissy came over and pulled it from my hand, then wrapped it and put it in the pocket of her backpack. She nodded. “In case we need to know what was on it.”

“On it?” Daxx growled again.

“No time.” Alona said and grabbed Daxx’ s arm. “We need to be visible to our men, before they come looking.”

I nodded, knowing she was right.

“Fine. But I’m finding that asshat with the dart gun later and teaching him some manners.” She stumbled briefly, but kept moving.

The other men that had gone before us were nowhere in sight. My stomach knotted as we got closer to the sound of metal hitting metal. We were almost to the chamber when two men, not ours, came running toward us.

“Round two.” Daxx’s voice was slurred.

Alona glanced to me, then gently shoved Daxx closer to Crissy. Alona stood beside me as I lifted my arms and built the arc again. I didn’t wait this time to see if they wanted to fight, just sent it flying toward them. It hit them and they stumbled back out of sight again.

Alona looked at me, assessing if I was all right. “What I wouldn’t give for your skills.” She shrugged and went over and put her arm around Daxx, motioning for me to lead the way.

We entered the chamber and my heart slammed against my ribs. The scene before us was something out of a bloody fight movie. More bodies then I could count, clashing against other bodies. I glanced back to see the girls right behind me. With a nod, I moved over to go along the wall of the chamber, hoping to keep us out of the worst of it.

Rafael stumbled back into our path, then growled a warrior’s sound and kicked the man that had knocked him back. Gone was the jovial man I was used to seeing. In his place was a fearsome man in battle. I crouched lower as Alona and Crissy moved behind me with Daxx. I didn’t know what had been on that dart, but she was groggy.

“They were prepared for her.” Alona said behind me. “Knew magic wouldn’t stop her.”

“Bastards.” Daxx spat.

I nodded and motioned to keep moving. So far we were unnoticed by the men fighting the brothers. The brothers, on the other hand, knew exactly where we were. Rafael appeared again, a look of rage on his face as he looked at Daxx.

He pointed to a door on the far side. “Get her there.” Leaning over, he pulled out Daxx’s earpiece and tucked it in his pocket. Most likely because her slurred words would distract Troy too much.

I nodded and held up my hands, making the arc dance between them. A man charged at Rafael and without thought, I sent it toward him, knocking him into several other bodies.

Without pause he rushed back into the large group.

Troy started toward us, then Chase appeared and blocked a blade that had been intended for his twin. With a quick glance to Alona, he jerked his head to the door.

She nodded and started to move with Daxx again.

A large man rushed at us, I held up my hands.

“He’s one of ours.” Alona said quickly. “Daxx’s blocker.”

Giving me a wide berth, he went to Daxx.

“Tim. Get back out there.” Daxx mumbled. “Kick thezze bozo’s azzes.” She slurred.

“We’ve got her.” Alona assured him.

Another came at us and I paused long enough to see if anyone vouched for him. When no one did, I sent a blast of energy at him, knocking him back. Tim spun around and with powerful strides met him blade against blade.

Alona and Crissy were almost dragging Daxx now, I followed along beside them watching out of the corner of my eye, but not taking my eyes off the bodies moving around us.

A body emerged from the crowd; it was Leone. He ducked the swing of a blade and snarled, kicking his opponent back. When he stepped toward him again, a gut reflex had me sending a burst of energy to the man trying to hurt him. It hit him in the gut knocking the air out of him, making him hunch forward. Leone took advantage of it and his large boot connected with the man’s head. He looked to me and raised an eyebrow. Victor appeared and used his box and the man disappeared. Both of them came in our direction.

Victor assessed Daxx, even while knocking a man flying to the floor. His eyes moved over Crissy. “Go quickly.” He motioned to the door with his head.

Crissy nodded, and boosted Daxx up again between her and Alona and they started to the door once more.

Leone backed toward me, keeping his eye on the commotion. He glanced down to me quickly. “Find a place and hide. I will come for you.”

I nodded and followed after the women.

As we reached the door, Troy got to us. His twin was at his back ensuring nothing happened to him. He looked at Daxx, as her head dropped down to her chest. He glanced at me, eyes red and a snarl on his face. “Go.” He growled.

“We’ll keep her safe.” I assured him and opened the door. I stood by it as they dragged her through the door. Looking around, I noticed each of the brothers were well aware of the state she was in. Each of their eyes were glowing, revenge etched in their faces.

Closing the door behind us, I looked around. “It’s a tunnel. Behind the door.” I said for the sake of the men. “It leads down.”

Alona nodded to Crissy and they started to go down the incline of the tunnel.

“We’re going down it to see if we can find somewhere to hide.” I felt rage move through me, and knew it wasn’t mine. “Focus on your fight.” I said, meaning it to reach all of the men and not just Leone.

Alona pulled her earpiece out and Crissy did the same. They tucked them in pockets. I nodded but kept mine in for now, thinking if the men tried to reach us, one of us should be listening.

We’d gone thirty feet with no sign of the tunnel branching off, or a safe spot to stop. A sound from behind us had me spinning around, hands raised. “Someone’s come through the door.” I motioned to Alona to keep going. “We’re going down further.” I started after them. “Leone, look for the shimmer of a magical trail to find us.” I pulled the earpiece out and turned off the mic, then put it back in. I didn’t know how far we’d have to go or how long he’d be able to hear me, but I had to believe they would be all right and come for us.

“It’s getting darker.” Alona said in a low voice.

“I don’t know this tunnel.” Crissy said sounding worried.

I glanced behind us. “It has to branch out at some point. We’ll stop when it does.” It wasn’t much of a plan, but it would give us options if we needed to move again.

I stopped and looked at the device on my wrist, opening I looked at the button. “Will these work?”

Crissy shook her head. “I don’t think they work well this far underground.”

Closing it I sighed, “I’d rather not take a chance on that then.” I paused and looked up the tunnel, trying to listen.

Alona reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. “We’re going to need a flashlight.” I took the phone and turned on the light and held it out in front of us.

I looked to Daxx. “Is she all right?”

“She’s out cold. And quite weighty.” Alona said.

“I can help.” I offered.

She shook her head. “I’d rather you and your hands be free to save us, if it’s all the same to you.”

I nodded and aimed the phone further in front of us. I was trying not to worry about Leone and his brothers. “Think happy thoughts. Think happy thoughts.” I whispered. Crissy looked at me. “So I don’t convey to Leone that I’m freaking out a little bit inside here.”

“A little bit?” Alona glanced back to me. “On a freak-out scale of one to ten…” She shifted Daxx higher, “I’m at fifteen currently.”

“I’m right there with you.” I looked over my shoulder again. “Leone said with the mate bond and blood bond he could find me anywhere.”

“Let’s hope that includes in the bowels of hell, because that’s where we are.” Alona was not amused.

“I don’t mind dark spaces.” Crissy said. “If I can’t see out, no one can see in.”

Alona and I both paused and looked at her. Waving my hand, I motioned for them to keep going. It was a slow walk. They had to balance their weight against the steep incline and keep Daxx off the floor. “Wait here.” I went by them and ran down the slope. There was a small flat space before the tunnel turned and went down even further.

I turned and shone the light back toward them. “We’ll wait here.” I glanced to the wall and motioned down it with my hand, leaving a trace of magic. I hoped Leone would know what to look for. I bit my lip and then took a deep breath. I couldn’t convey my fears to him, his life literally depended on his not being distracted.

Alona and Crissy reached me and set Daxx down along the ledge of the concave space. Crissy sat down beside her. Alona stood up and blew out a breath. “I feel like a sitting duck here.” She stepped back and leaned against the wall.

I stepped into the space and looked at the top of it, then the sides. “Maybe I can make an illusion of a wall here.” I shrugged. “As long as no one touches it, they won’t know.”

She nodded. “I’ll stand out there and see if you manage it.”

I paused and sent my hand over the floor into the area, leaving another trail for Leone. Taking a deep breath, I raised my hands and focused on the stone pattern surrounding us. Lowering my hands slowly, I thought of only that.

As I stood there trying to figure out if it worked, I looked out at Alona, her face showed surprise. She stepped back in. “It looks like a wall.”

I sighed and relaxed for a second. “That’s better than sitting in the open.”

“I couldn’t see the light from the phone either, so we won’t have to sit here in the dark.” She slid down the wall and sat by Daxx’s head. “There’s that at least.”

I sat on the other side, keeping my eyes on the dark tunnel leading down. I looked down at the phone. “We have no signal here.”

“Perfect.” She sighed, “because it wasn’t hard enough to sit here not knowing. Now they can’t even call, to let us know they’re all right.”

“I think you’d feel it again if Chase wasn’t.” Crissy nodded. “Like last time.”

I looked from one to the other. “That’s possible?”

Alona brushed her hand down her sleeve. “Yes. I had a piercing pain in my side when Chase was injured. Stupid man.”

Closing my eyes, I tried to assess if all me felt right. Aside from the fear in the pit of my stomach, which knew was my own, I felt fine. “I feel okay.”

Crissy nodded. “I can’t feel Victor at all, so he’s fine.”

Blowing out a breath. “I’m the same.”

“Okay, then. The men are good.” I looked at Daxx. “Think she’ll come out of it soon?”

Alona made a hesitant face. “I almost hope not. She’ll charge back up there threatening every one of them that is still standing.”

My eyes wide I nodded slowly. “So we’ll just hope it’s a peaceful nap until the men come.”

“I’ve never seen Troy that angry.” Crissy said softly.

“Is this…” I waved my hand around, “often? The fighting like that?”

Both women paused and looked at each other then looked back to me and nodded.

“Great.” The light on the phone died as I said that.

“Guess my battery just died.” Alona moaned.

A light illuminated Crissy’s face. “Mine is at half.” She turned on the flashlight and set the phone on the floor screen side down.

I handed Alona her phone back. “Has it been long?”

Alona waved her phone. “No idea.”

There was a long silence. “That box thing Victor uses. Where do the people go?”

Alona smiled. “I know. I want one, but they only work for the Justice and Huntress.” She shrugged, “probably just as well or I’d be zapping people to the cells that got in my way when there’s a boot sale.” She grinned and then her expression became serious again. “How are you doing with all of this?”

I nodded slowly. “I just sent men flying with energy balls because they were trying to chop up people I know.”

She smirked, “so, all good.” Nodding, she motioned to Crissy and Daxx. “We’re all here if you need us. We must stick together or else the men will lock us in pretty little bubbles forever and ever.”

Crissy giggled. “Victor says that a lot. That he should put me in a bubble.”

Alona nodded. “I suppose, in their defense, they’ve lived quite a long time without having females in the way and messing with their mojo.”

I snorted, “That mojo needs some squashing in a few areas.”

Daxx moaned. “Anyone see the truck that hit me?” She rolled and lay on her back. “What happened? Where the hell are we?”

“You were shot in the butt with a dart.” Crissy reminded her.

“I was tranquilized?” She slid up on the wall then stopped and grabbed her head. “I feel like I drank a pail of J.D.”

“We ran down a tunnel to get you to safety.” I informed her.

Opening her eyes, she looked around. “We’re still in the tunnels?”

I nodded. “The guys told us to go in this direction, so now we’re waiting for them.”

She started to sit up and then leaned back again. “We’ll just wait.” Turning her head in slow motion she looked at Alona. “How were they?”

“Kicking ass. A lot of it.” She said in a quiet tone.

“That’s my boys.” She closed her eyes. “I’m just going to rest here until they come.”

All of us froze as the sound of boots on stone echoed in the tunnel. It was too hard to tell which direction it was coming from. Daxx straightened.

Alona touched her arm and leaned closer. “Bethany has us hidden behind an illusion.”

Blowing out a breath, Daxx leaned back but kept her eyes open.

There were voices, all of us turned toward the hidden barrier and stared at it. I held my breath.

“How the hell do I know what it meant? Do I look like I’m magical? I’m still trying to figure out how to earn her forgiveness, we haven’t gotten to magical conversations yet.” It was Leone.

The sound of all of us exhaling in unison was heard. I went to get up when Alona touched my arm and shook her head. I gave her a curious glance, she smirked. She wanted to listen.

“Could be worse, you could have pulled a Troy and tormented her with a mark and no bond.” Chase said.

“Just shut the fuck up and look.” That was Troy.

“I can feel Cristy, but this tunnel just keeps going.” Victor sounded unhappy.

“I’ve had this dream. If there’s a flame filled cavern at the end of it, I’m screaming like a girl and pushing you in to save my ass.” Chase sounded less amused than usual.

“What the hell is that smell?” Leone asked.

“What. I didn’t see the cistern when I tackled that idiot.” Troy complained.

“At least if we lose you, we can follow the smell.” Chase murmured like he had his mouth covered.

“It’s blue.” Leone blurted out.

“Channeling cutie, Leone?” Chase sounded amused.

“No. Look. There’s a trail of blue shimmering along the wall.” Leone said in a low tone.

“Follow it.” Victor ordered.

We could see them now, on the other side of the barrier, I looked at Alona, she was smirking. Later on, I’d have to think why she wasn’t rushing into her mate’s arms. She shrugged and smiled at me.

“What the…” Leone put his hand through the barrier and moved it up and down. Then he stepped through and looked down at me, his shoulders sagging in relief.

“Where the hell did he go?” Chase spun around. “He was right here.”

Alona laughed and stepped out through the barrier.

He grabbed her and hugged her to him. “You, bad, bad woman.”

Troy and Victor stepped through it.

Crissy was in Victor’s arms before I could stand up.

Troy knelt in front of Daxx and touched her cheek. “Are you all right?”

“Groggy still.” She held her hand over her mouth. “What were you rolling in?”

“Don’t ask.” He scooped her up into his arms and stepped back through the barrier.

Leone pulled me into his arms and hugged me. Leaning back, he grabbed my face between both hands and looked down at me. “You have to stop scaring the hell out of me.”

“Can we get out of here now?” Alona asked.

“Is everyone all right?” Daxx asked in a muffled voice behind her hand.

“Few bumps and cuts, nothing serious.” Troy answered. “We left them cleaning up the mess to come and find you.”

Daxx dropped her hand and gave her mate a steady look. “They shot me in the ass with a dart.”

He nodded. “I heard.”

Victor continued to carry Crissy. “We heard every word until Bethany told Leone to follow the magical trail.”

Leone hugged me under his shoulder. “Knowing what the hell that was, would have been good to know in advance.”

“How many did we get? Any important ones?” Daxx asked.

Chase shook his head. “No idea. Arius said it would take him and Michael a week to sort them all out.”

I looked up to Leone. “Did we get Lou back?”

He nodded. “Yes, he’s not much of fighter. Fell to his knees and put his hands up when Victor went toward him.”

“Despite the heart-stopping events that occurred,” Victor paused and looked at me, “your part in this just gave us an advantage in this war. The more heads we have to pick through, the more locations we find.” He inclined his head and walked ahead of the rest of us.

“Now what?” I asked.

Leone sighed, “Can you just not think of the next ten steps yet? We go home, wash off the stink,” he glanced to Troy, “some of us more than others, then we eat.”

I rolled my eyes. “Of course you eat. When don’t you eat?”

He chuckled and leaned down. “Do you really want to know?”

My cheeks heated; I shook my head.

Pulling his earpiece out, he put it in. “We found them. They’re all right.”

I’d forgotten about that until his voice sounded in my ear. There were several responses at once. Then Arius’ serious tone came over the earpiece.

“My sisters all have smooth moves. When you’re finished hugging and cuddling them, I could use a hand in the cells. We have a few that are going absolutely crazy down here.”

“I’ll be there shortly, brother.” Michael answered. “Watching the tunnel to make sure they get out with the women first.”

“Wouldn’t want to be the one that did that to Daxx.” Rafael said in a grim tone.

Troy snorted. Then shook his head when Daxx gave him a curious look.

“Leone, is your ass intact?” Quinton’s amused voice filled the earpiece.

I glanced behind him and then smiled up at him.

“Beth seems to think it is.” Leone answered with a grin.

“Good.” Arius answered, “I’ve been plagued with how being fried would feel.”

Taking the earpiece out I switched on my mic and put it back in. “I can show you next practice, brother.”

The line went quiet and then there were several laughs.

“If you like, sister.” Arius answered. “Leone, a little warning next time, please.”

Even Victor was chuckling now. I didn’t think he knew how to.

Alona tapped me on the shoulder and held up her hand. I give her a high five.

“Beloved, we’re ruining your snobbish refinement. First you play a joke on us, now high fives? Brothers, we are in so much trouble I can’t even describe my fear right now.” Chase said with a smirk.

“Sounds like a challenge.” Rafael said in a dry tone.

Leone grinned and looked down at me. “Accepted.”