Mystic Betrayal, page 14
part #2 of Mystic Series
Kate refocused and met his eyes. “Looks like we’ve got our first lead. I’m not one to put much credence on gossip but I took the liberty of searching their memories. There are enough odd occurrences that I think we should look into it.”
The tourist disappeared and the FBI agent returned. He’d never change her mind now. She was like a dog with a bone. Plus, they were here to recruit Rogues. Might as well get started. Her mind whirled with possibilities. He stepped in to slow her down to regain focus.
“I have a contact with the police department. He helped with our last case. I think he’ll talk to us if something is happening. While you settle the bill, I’ll step out and make the call.” And we’re off. He paid quickly and headed to the side street.
Her finger covered his mouth but she wasn’t flirting. He heard the grunts coming from the back side of the building. “Human or other? You’ve got the best radar, Kate.”
“Not human. Let’s get a little closer. I don’t want to reveal myself yet. We need to figure out what we are dealing with.” He had no problem with her keeping a distance. For him, it was more difficult. He was used to charging in. It took everything he had to move forward slowly.
It didn’t take long to identify the two parties. “Rogue and vampire. There’s not even a human here. They are just fighting each other. It doesn’t make any sense.” He’d seen a lot of things in his lifetime but this was ridiculous. They didn’t care who could see them. The Council had been really falling down on the job lately. No wonder the humans were afraid.
The vampire pulled out some sort of weapon he didn’t recognize. It resembled a taser but was longer. It shot out a bolt of light so bright he had to shut his eyes. The Rogue dove for cover and then tackled him from behind. He removed the vampire’s head and it fell to a pile of ash. They stayed silent as the Rogue collected the weapon and then disappeared.
“The ladies were right. The bright flashes and weird fighting. If I didn’t know better, I’d say we’re stepping in the middle of a turf war between Rogues and Vampires. It makes sense and matches what Tristan said.” He led her back onto the main street. They couldn’t afford to tip their hand too early. He suspected it was more than a battle for territory.
“I don’t remember Tristan warning us about walking into a war, but what else is new? I contacted the officer and he agreed to meet us at a little bar off Ursulines. It’s secluded and he said we could talk there.” He was ready to get this done. He pulled her onto a side street and ducked behind a dumpster. They appeared on Ursulines a block away from the pub.
“Xander, it’s good to see you. I didn’t expect you here with Agent Smith.” He turned to Kate. “You’ve gotten a new team in the last few months. I guess I’m not surprised. It was pretty clear you had some amazing abilities.”
She moved her head back and forth between him and the officer, trying to make the connection. She was about to gain a lesson in how the magical world does bleed over into the human world. Her contact was more than he appeared.
* * *
Kate took a calming breath. What the heck was going on? How could they possibly know each other? And pretty well it seemed. Forget it. “Explain. I don’t have time for niceties, so just tell me how you two happen to know one another?”
Xander stepped back so Nate could tell his story. “Rowena brought me here.” He ignored her gasp and continued. “My parents were killed by demons when we lived in Australia several years ago. Rowena happened to be visiting at the time. She didn’t arrive in time to save them, but she saved me. She incinerated the demons and healed me. She asked me what I’d planned to do with my life. I told her my plans were to join the military and maybe eventually be a police officer like my father. She stayed quiet for a long time and then made me a deal. I could keep my memory and move to New Orleans to join the police academy. Or she would erase everything. It was a chance for a normal life but I couldn’t accept it. I accepted her offer to come here. Xander and Gregory helped me find a place to live and join the academy. They were on the hunt for someone important. Looking at the two of you, I’m guessing you found her. Huh, you were right in front of me.”
Rowena had saved him to be a connection in the future. Everything happened for a reason, right? She wanted to understand how all of this would play out. One thing she knew for sure was that Nate would have a role in this crazy battle somehow. Maybe Rowena had seen it too. Sometimes, she felt like she was on a life size chess board and she was the pawn.
“Nate, since you know who we are, you know why we’re here. There’ve been reports of escalating violence, brutal fights, disappearances, and others. Tell us what you know.” He was a good, honest cop. It bothered him to divulge information that could cost him his job. She waited patiently while he reached the realization that he needed to tell them.
“All that you said is true. We have people disappearing every night now. We’ve issued a warning for people to stay in their homes, but we’re in New Orleans. It hasn’t deterred many. If we find the victims, they’re in pieces like a wild animal attacked. So far, most have been found near the swamps. That has kept panic down, but we know the bodies were dumped. We’ve been able to keep that under wraps for now. We even looked at possible gang turf wars, but it doesn’t really fit the profile of the attacks.” He took a long drink from his beer. No one understood better than her, the nightmares that existed from a case like this. Her entire team had worn that same look of defeat.
“It’s crazy you called me when you did. I’d just finished making my ‘to do’ list for tomorrow and calling you was at the top. I knew your team handled the strange cases and my plan was to ask for your help. Now you’re here and asking questions. So, I need you to answer a few of mine. Are you here to remove whatever is killing these people?” It wasn’t the simple question he implied. However, he did deserve an answer.
She sat down beside him. “Yes, we’re going to try. You’ve already assumed they are not human and you are correct. You and your fellow officers can’t defeat them. Do not corner them. Try to keep innocents off the streets. Call me immediately if you see anything out of the ordinary.” She refused to mess with his memories but she could provide him relief. She laid her hand on his shoulders and took away some of the pain and doubt torturing him. She couldn’t remove it, but she could ease his burden.
“Nate, where are some of these disturbances occurring?”
“Up the street. It’s why I brought you here. I think I knew. I wish you the best. Call if you need anything.” They would meet again. The circumstances were unclear but their story didn’t end here. He nodded in her direction as the door closed behind him.
Xander finally spoke. He’d given her the lead on everything so far. “He’s witnessed a lot of death. It’s amazing to see that he turned into such a good man. I couldn’t stand humans at the time I brought him here. But his pain spoke to me, so I tried a little harder to help him find his way. He helped me renew my determination to find you. I realized you were about the same age as him. Lost in a world that wasn’t your own. It helped me gain perspective.”
“Although you were still quite cranky when you found me.” She kissed his jaw lightly.
“Yeah, I guess some of the old irritation had crept back in. Luckily you bulldozed your way into my heart. And I’m thankful for it every day.” He returned her kiss.
She rested her head against his shoulder contemplating their next move. Chasing a bunch of vampires was not high on her fun things to do list. However, they weren’t going to show up and turn themselves in and sitting around wouldn’t gain her any loyalty. It was time to find the enemy. Yipee.
“Why don’t you wait here and I’ll see if anything is happening?”
“Nice try, Xander. I have to be the one who confronts them. No one doubts your power or skills, but they do mine. It’s the only way. We’ve got a few days to prove that I’m worthy to be their leader. Hiding behind you can’t be the first thing they see.” He hated not being able to stand in front of her and take the brunt of the battle ahead. She loved the fact he wanted to.
“Ok then, let’s go find some vamps.”
“More importantly, we need the Rogues. They are the key to us being here. We’ll have to reduce the vampire threat so we don’t leave the city completely unprotected.”
The night air had turned cold but she could no longer feel it. Her body self-regulated. She never thought she’d miss the bite of the chill in the winter wind or flash of heat in the summer sun. A small price to pay for the ability to save the world.
Eerie silence and darkness surrounded them. They crept further up the abandoned street. After a couple blocks, the sounds of fighting along with a blinding flash of light caught their attention. Running forward, then easing along the wall, they confirmed the identity of the assailants. Rogue and vampire. A fragile human woman was crumpled behind them on the cold concrete. She could sense a faint heart beat but it wouldn’t last much longer. They had to intervene fast.
Xander pulled her back and motioned her to be quiet. “We have to be smart. This is our chance to connect to the Rogues. Don’t get distracted. I want to save her too, but focus.” He really did know her well. She’d been ready to walk into the middle of the fight without knowing any facts. How many times had she fussed at her team for the same thing?
“How should we approach them?”
“We go in to help the Rogue but be careful not to be a distraction and get him killed. He won’t welcome our interference and could turn on us as well. Rogues are very unpredictable but powerful.”
Great. One more bright, sunny day at the office. She used to pity those with a normal, boring life. Now, she envied them. “I should go in first. This has to be my fight. You take care of the woman and help if needed.”
Once again, she found herself entering a dark alley to confront something not quite human. At least this time, she had the skills and a hell of a lot more power. The vampire grabbed the taser looking weapon from the ground and had the Rogue pinned in the corner. Perfect timing.
She dropped in behind the vampire and slammed him into the wall. He fought back. His moves were incredibly fast and he was well trained. She blocked his advances. The rogue regained his composure and pushed her out of the way. She caught his fleeting thought that she was an interesting rogue that needed to go back home. Really?
He dove toward the vampire at the same time it lunged for the taser. The vamp fired the weapon, so Kate flung up a reflective shield to protect the rogue. She figured dead rogues didn’t help her cause any. The light rebounded off her shield and struck directly into the heart of the vampire. He screamed in agony and then burst into red and orange flames. Only ash and a pissed off rogue remained.
“What the hell did you do? How the hell did you do it? Isn’t it past your bedtime, sweetheart?” The idiot had the nerve to get right in her face. And he spit on her. Gross. Did he not just see what she could do to his kind? Did he have a death wish?
“A simple thank you and a breath mint would suffice. Considering you’re still alive and all.” He humphed and crossed his arms while still glaring and sneering at her. At least he could multi-task. Lovely bunch she was dealing with here.
He towered over her to assert his dominance. She checked her own desire to roll her eyes and throw him into the nearest wall. She let him be for now. “You need to get out of here and never get in the middle of me and my prey again. Do you understand, little girl? I don’t need protection from a waif like you.” His jaw started to tick. She sensed his hunger for her blood. He needed to recharge.
“On second thought, maybe I should teach you a little lesson to help you remember first. This won’t hurt much and I’ll let you live to be stupid another day.” He stared deeply into her eyes trying to mesmerize her. This jackass thought he was going to drink her blood. He wanted control. She’d show him control and teach him the lesson.
“Please sweetheart, back up off me. I’m not some little human that’s about to be your dinner. How are you so dumb that you can’t sense I can kill you with a flick of my wrist.” She lowered her voice. “In fact, that should be your only concern. What am I? If it’s mind control you want, allow me to show you how it’s really done.”
He balked and tried to break free. Focusing her energy, she locked onto his mind. He fought but couldn’t break her enthrallment. She didn’t taunt but maintained control. “Xander, take the woman to the hospital quickly. Try not to land in a swamp this time. I’ll hold him here and then he is going to introduce us to his pack and leader. It’s time to find out what is happening in this city before any more innocents die.”
“I don’t think I should leave in the middle of the alley exposed like this.”
“Go Xander. Trust me.” He left but wasn’t happy about it.
He returned in less than five minutes. “She’ll live and I adjusted her memories. Let’s get this over with.” Still agitated from being sent away, he stalked over to her.
The exertion to keep him under control exhausted her. He fought back hard. They needed to move quickly before she lost her grasp. “Take us back to your pack. We mean you no harm.” He tried to lock his mind against her.
“Just remember I asked nicely first.” She reached for his head and merged with his thoughts. He only held out a few seconds before she broke through all his walls.
“I’ve got it. There in a house in the Garden District. How convenient. I’m guessing Tristan knew and decided we should figure it out for ourselves. Flash us in at Tristan’s house and we’ll walk from there. I don’t think popping in on a house full of rogues is our best option.” Xander grabbed their new friend by the back of the neck and took her hand. In seconds. They were on the street close to the rogues’ house.
“Before you ask, No, I didn’t miss our house. I thought it’d be better if they didn’t have our exact address. Since we’re going into theirs by force.” True, that was probably a better idea. Her stomach turned as they approached the massive front door. Her bravado failed as the overwhelming smell of danger slammed into her.
Xander didn’t seem to be as concerned. “Knock, knock honey, we’re home.” About thirty of the meanest looking men and women turned toward her. She released the enthrallment to conserve energy. Xander pushed him across the room so he couldn’t immediately retaliate. They stood in unison and advanced like a well-trained army.
One thing could stop them in their tracks. She released the essence inside her and allowed the tattoo to spread across her chest. They didn’t need a brawl right now. They needed answers. From their swift intake of breath, there was no doubt they knew who or what their intruder was. One of the men stepped forward. The scowl on his face clearly indicated he wasn’t very pleased to see her. Sharp intelligence reigned in the depths of his eyes. This must be their leader or someone high up in their ranks. He looked more like a military commander than what she’d expected from the rogues.
“Did Tristan send his good little puppet to clear the air? Shouldn’t you be preparing for a different battle or at least making your funeral arrangements? You’re not needed here, so pack up whatever asinine pitch you came here to deliver and GET OUT!” He added a growl to the last words for emphasis. Like she needed the clarification.
“My name is Kate and I assure you that I am no one’s puppet. Although I think I recently proved that I could make you mine should I choose to.” His snarl didn’t back her down any. She was tired of the posturing and wanted to sleep sometime in the near future. “I’m asking for a moment of your time. I’ve been briefed of an increase in vampire activity and new weapons in this area. As you already know, I’m the Mystic. How about we start with something simple, like what’s your name?”
Tick tock. She waited and tapped her foot. Xander started to move forward but she held him behind her. They didn’t trust her. They hated the Council. She could relate sometimes. This man intimidated most he ran across. She couldn’t blame him for trying to get a handle on her.
“It’s Ace, pretty lady. We don’t need or want you up in our business. We’re holding our own, thanks. What we need from you? That’s easy. Win your own damn battle and send the gliders back to do their damn job.” There was something else on the tip of his tongue but he pulled it back. Straightening his shoulders and turning, he clearly wanted to dismiss her. Good thing, she didn’t care what he wanted.
“Something that would be much easier to achieve if I had more help, don’t you think?” She caught a glimmer of amusement in his smirk. It was a start anyway.
“Why would we do anything to help the Council or you?”
“Because we both want the same thing even if the reasons are different. You want the gliders back so you can go back to whatever it is you do. I want the realms to be free of demon reign. Whether you want to admit it or not, so do you. Otherwise, you’d all be vamps by now.” She paused for dramatic effect and to give him a moment. “Am I right?”
“Maybe you have a small point. But we can’t come with you for two important reasons.”
Oh, this should be good. “What would those be if you care to share them with me.” The constant song and dance wore on her nerves.
He stepped all up in her personal space, nearly touching his nose to hers. She refused to back down. “One, we are the only thing holding the vampires at bay. With their new weapon, more of us are dying every day. I take that personally even if your precious Council doesn’t give a shit. Two, why the hell would we follow some half human wanna be into a battle she has little hope of winning? Yes, I know who you are and your story, princess.”
“I’ll give you the first point. I’ve seen the destruction the vamps have caused. I commend you for trying to keep control. The Council may not care but I do. For your second point, I offer a challenge to prove you wrong. If I help you devise a plan to eliminate most of the vamps in this area, you will pledge your allegiance to me. What do you have to lose?”
