Page 2

Lanie/Lamia

“M iss Cross, a word, please!” a guy called as she got out of the car. Lanie tilted her head as her chauffeur stepped forward.

“Not too close,” he warned, and Lanie smiled at him.

“Thank you, Ranson. May I help you?” she asked the keen-looking young man.

“I’ve been calling your office for an interview, and I can’t seem to get anywhere. It’s for my end-of-year paper, and some of the other students have got some big names. But I wanted you,” he said.

“What’s your name?” Lanie questioned.

“Simon Clare.” “Simon, did you set your cap at me because I’m the unicorn everyone wants to interview and people rarely do?”

“Yes—no? Which answer gets me a meeting?” Simon replied eagerly.

Lanie laughed, and Ranson looked amused, even though he remained alert.

“We have to give him kudos for his energy,” Lanie commented. “You may have ten minutes of my time. Call my personal assistant in half an hour. However, should you miss this appointment, there won’t be another. My time is valuable, and I don’t like wasting it!”

“Thank you so much, Miss Cross,” the man said and stepped forward.

Ranson got between them. “No personal contact,” he warned.

“I was just going to shake her hand,” Simon replied.

“No personal contact,” Ranson repeated.

“Okay, okay!” Simon exclaimed.

Lanie wasn’t as amused. It was a well-known fact she hated physical contact and never shook hands. As one of the richest women in the world, she could escape any consequences. The actual truth was. Her Sin, Anger, would light a spark in the person she touched and set them off. Not always, but when it wanted to be perverse, it was.

“Shit like that will get your interview rescinded, Mr Clare. Don’t attempt to play me for a fool. I didn’t get where I was today by being one,” Lanie warned.

Simon’s head bobbed up and down.

Lanie searched his eyes and found them free of deception.

Ranson handed him a card, and Lanie continued to make her way into the building she owned. This was her world, and it had created her a fortune. Lanie was known as the queen of beauty. The public believed she was thirty-three years old and a driven businesswoman.

Actually, Lanie was thousands of years old. This was a temporary identity, which would last a few years before Lanie died in a horrible accident. Then, a new persona would emerge. Or maybe she’d age herself over the next fifty or so years. Her whim was fickle, to say the least.

The attendant opened the door as she approached the private entrance, and Lanie marched through with a warm smile. Henry nodded at her as he touched his hat and let her pass.

Heading for her lift, Lanie knew Ranson was on her heels.

She headed up to the top floor and walked straight to her office. On this level were the company’s executives. The building was a slender sky scrapper with her businesses based here. Lanie didn’t just run one, she ran several.

“Emergencies?” she asked her personal assistant, Laura, as she approached her assistant.

“None to report. Your schedule is on your desk, Miss Cross,” Laura said, handing Lanie a coffee.

Lanie smiled in thanks. “Expect a call from a Mr Simon Clare. He may have a ten-minute appointment. Ensure he understands how my interviews are conducted.”

“Yes, Miss Cross,” Laura replied as Lanie entered her room and sat behind her desk. Ranson took his stand outside the door. Lanie relaxed back into her chair. She was a busy bee. She was renowned for creating and owning the premier makeup line in the world. Lanie’s labs, staff, advertising, everything was based here.

Two floors were assigned to her jewellery designs and two more for her clothing line. Simple but smart was Lanie’s motto. Three further floors were dedicated to her lingerie designs, and the final two were the charity she’d opened. Lanie ran them all herself and trusted few others. She worked five days a week and took weekends off to spend with her family.

Lanie’s phone rang, and she glanced at the screen and saw it was Jase. “Yes, dear?” Lanie asked, answering it.

“She’s doing it again!” Jase bitched.

“What’s Willow up to now?” Lanie questioned, amused.

“Look at the TV!” Jase complained.

Lanie switched the TV in her office on, and her lips began to twitch in amusement. In her boat, The Swallow’s Nest, Willow sailed around a tanker with a banner streaming from her mast.

‘ Stop leaky tankers! Keep our oceans clean!’

“Oh boy.” Lanie chuckled.

“What do I do with her? She’s pregnant!” Jase squealed as Willow cut dangerously close to the big ship.

To Lanie’s deepening amusement, three dolphins, a blue whale, and a humpback appeared and seemed to urge Willow to keep her distance. The banner at the bottom finally made Lanie chuckle.

‘Willow Monroe, wife of elusive billionaire Jase Monroe, took to the seas today to protest a leaky oil tanker polluting the waves.’

“At least she has her court with her,” Lanie soothed.

“Willow is six months pregnant with triplets! She needs to be on bed rest. Remember, Emmaline did not go full term!” Jase blasted her eardrums. “She can’t even walk now, she waddles!”

“Tell me you didn’t mention that to Willow before she headed out,” Lanie asked, shaking her head. Jase would never learn.

“Of course I did!”

“Knew it. Jase, you literally baited her into doing this. By saying she’s fat and incapable, you challenged her!”

“I did not!” Jase exclaimed.

“The idea you had about recycling is stupid and won’t work,” Lanie said, and Jase drew in an outraged breath.

“It is not! You watch me… oh. I see.”

“By telling you, you couldn’t do something, I ensured you’d try to do it. Exactly what you just did to Willow. No wonder your pregnant wife is out there scaring the crap out of people,” Lanie pointed out.

Jase sighed. “Willow’s going to make me suffer, isn’t she?”

“Yeah. And I’m surprised your scaly ass is not already out there,” Lanie said.

“I was, but Amari decided to bite both her parents, and Emmaline is wailing about her nipples. Vladimir is trying to calm her down, and I got roped into looking after her, and Willow escaped,” Jase complained.

“The trials and error of being a godparent,” Lanie teased.

“Yeah, well, I think Emmaline is working with Willow because Willow skedaddled the moment Amari played up,” Jase grouched.

“Jase, Willow is surrounded by sea life who love her. She’s not alone out there, and Willow’s probably safer there than in the castle! She can also breathe underwater and hide down there for days on end. Stop fretting and worry more about getting your suite ready. Willow has told everyone you’re dragging your feet!” Lanie chided.

“The betrayal of that woman is shocking! There’s no loyalty!” Jase snarled grumpily, but Lanie heard the love in his voice.

“Yup, and tragically for Willow, she puts up with your grumpy ass. Now get to it and sort things out for your lady!” Lanie replied and hung up before Jase could continue. No doubt he’d ring another sibling and be told the same thing.

For a man who’d been so anti human, it was amusing how Willow had him wrapped around her little finger. Poseidon had fallen hard and didn’t care who knew it.

Lanie smiled; she could only imagine how it felt to be loved like that. She’d never experienced it.

◆◆◆

Lanie was finishing up when a knock sounded. She looked up and frowned as she saw Ranson with a stranger. He was dressed the same as Ranson, but he wasn’t one of her guards. Lanie’s back went up.

“Miss Cross. This is Joe McIntyre. He’s replacing Emmet Strong. Mac is my cousin,” Ranson said, and Lanie’s eyes widened a little. She compared the men, noting their identical eyes. A bright, clear green that was sharp and insightful. Ranson was blonde, whereas McIntyre was dark. In fact, McIntyre reminded her of Drew McIntyre.

“Did Strong enjoy his party?” Lanie asked as she reached out to shake McIntyre’s hand.

She scanned his aura and was relieved to find it clear of anger. Lanie hated touching people but her guards she always scanned.

She always referred to her guards by their surnames. It helped her keep some distance. Human lives were fleeting things, delicate and fragile. It never paid to get involved in them. But McIntyre was certainly handsome and worth a second look.

“Yes, ma’am. Mac is consistent with all procedures and policies. He did fifteen years in the Special Boat Service before retiring with honours,” Ranson explained.

Lanie cocked an eyebrow. The SBS was an elite force within the Royal Navy, and only the best got in.

“And now you’ve come to work for me?” Lanie questioned, surprised.

“Yes, Ma’am. I took a year off, but I’m ready to get back to it.”

Lanie studied him. “The SBS motto is ‘By Strength and Guile’, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“What squadron were you in?” Lanie asked.

McIntyre gazed at her, and Lanie wondered what he was seeing or thinking. “M Squadron.”

Lanie held his gaze. “Black Group?” she inquired, naming the rumoured notorious black ops group that worked within the SBS.

“I can’t confirm or deny that,” McIntyre replied.

Lanie was amused. “I’ll let that be your answer. What rank were you?”

“Lieutenant Colonel.”

“Impressive. Welcome, McIntyre,” Lanie said as she rose to her feet. “It’s time to call it a day, Ranson.”

“Yes, Ma’am. Mac will be driving you today.”

“Whatever you think is best, Ranson,” Lanie responded as they walked out of the office. It was already six o’clock.

Once home, Ranson handed over to the night team, and Lanie instantly headed for her bedroom. No cameras or recording devices were allowed in there. When she entered, she hit a button and a spell by Lilith killed any bugs that might have been placed. Lanie crossed to her full-length mirror and passed through. The air from the valley always tasted and smelt different to her. It was cleaner than clean.

Marie stood waiting as Lanie walked through. “Good day?” Marie asked.

“Yes, I accomplished my goals. And got a new security guard. I’ll have Achere run him, but I think he’s okay. How about you?”

“Found some disgusting individuals for some of you tonight. I’m uneasy, like a change is coming,” Marie said.

Lanie paused. “Another mate?” “I don’t know, but it’s a great upheaval, I sense,” Marie answered.

“Damn. I wonder who this time!” Lanie mused.

“No idea, but I think we better buckle up.”

“Wonderful,” Lanie commented and headed to her quarters. She passed several of her siblings as she did.

“Willow!” Jase bellowed from somewhere in the castle, and Lanie smiled. That man would never be quiet.

“Vladimir!” Emmaline shrieked. “She bit me!”

Lanie slipped into her room, amused. Castle life had never been peaceful. There were too many of them living here. However, with the two humans in their midst, it was now chaos. Try as she might, Lanie couldn’t help but be a little jealous of Vladimir and Jase. Vampire and Poseidon had both found their true mates and were sickeningly happy.

Lanie headed down to the great hall after changing into some loose clothing. Tonight, she’d have to shift to Lamia and sate Anger. Her Sin was shoving at her skin, and Lanie knew better than to ignore it.

The evil she kept inside had a mind of its own, just like all the Sins, but its thought processes were simple. It needed to eat, sleep, and grow. Lanie had long ago learned to control it, and she killed people who acted in pure anger. And not those who had mere temper tantrums. Lanie hunted the dark rage harbourers. Those who destroyed in fury, people who used ire to justify cruel and unforgivable actions.

She wasn’t bothered about someone getting outraged over a football match. No. That did not sate her Sin. Anger fed on those who betrayed innocents in sheer, unmitigated, boiling, unthinking rage.

They might have killed, robbed, stolen, harmed, tortured; it didn’t matter as long as her Sin was the driving force behind their actions. Sabotage, theft, and rape, if driven by anger, they came under her remit unless they clashed with another Sin. But Marie always found the correct person to feed each Sin.

It was a task Lanie did not envy Marie for. Looking in the mirrors at the thousands of images of people doing bad stuff. It was a wonder her sister was sane. Marie’s Sin was Voyeurism, and it fed like a glutton each night as Marie spied on individuals through her network of mirrors.

“Lanie!” Lorelai called.

“Hey!” Lanie replied and headed towards her. Lorelai hadn’t shifted to Medusa yet. She sat with Hans, Noah, and Sela, respectively, The Phantom of the Opera, Rumpelstiltskin, and Sphinx.

“Is anyone hunting tonight?” Lanie asked, sitting next to them. No sooner had she sat than Luke joined them. Surprised looks were swapped between them. The man who held Deception and turned into the fierce Minotaur had mainly kept himself apart until now. Being held, tortured, and experimented on had harmed Luke in many ways, not all just physical. Everyone had an eye on him because they didn’t want him going the way of Basilisk.

“Are you okay?” Lanie asked.

“Am I not welcome?” he replied.

Lanie reached out and leant against his arm. She squeezed it tightly and kissed his scarred cheek. Those evil hunters had scared his monster form so badly it had carried over to his human self. For that to happen meant the wounds had to be repeatedly reenacted.

“Of course you are, but you’ve been rather solitary. We’ve worried,” Lanie responded gently.

“I’m aware, and I won’t harm myself. The Hunters may have messed with my mind, but I’m strong enough and seeing Achere. I am trying to regain my place,” Luke explained quietly.

“You’ll always have us. You’re our brother,” Hans said.

“How goes your operas?” Luke asked, and they all laughed.

It amused them that Hans became the Phantom of the Opera, and he wrote musicals and operas. He’d achieved global fame. However, he remained a shy recluse. Or so the humans thought. Hans just didn’t trust any human around him.

“They go well, thank you,” Hans replied dryly.

“I have missed some due to my incar—I need to catch up,” Luke murmured.

Lanie’s heart bled for her brother. Unlike Browen, who kept bursting into flames in her anger, her phoenix at odds with the Sin she carried, Luke had retreated into himself. Lanie was delighted to see him mixing again.

“No doubt, I am sure we can resolve that issue. As for now. Do you need to hunt tonight?” Noah asked.

Lanie eyed him. Noah held Cunning, but his shifter form as Rumpelstiltskin

was a vicious little being.

“I do and require company. I admit to being afraid,” Luke said.

“Accompany me, Luke,” Lanie offered, and he nodded.

“Thank you, that would be suitable,” Luke responded somewhat shyly.

“I’ll be there too,” Sela added. “I don’t need to hunt tonight, but I shall guard you, brother.”

“Sela, you ease my worries. Such kindness in you,” Luke replied.

“You’re most welcome. Feed Deception, I am sure Mary can get you culprits nearby. Deception and Anger are so easy to find in humans,” Sela said, shaking her head.

“Yes, indeed they are,” Lanie agreed.

◆◆◆

They stood in front of her mirror later that evening as Mary displayed two images. As guessed, Mary had been able to not only find two evil-doers close together, but they lived in the same house. Lamia joked it was a two-for-one deal. They headed through the mirror, and Sela followed Minotaur, intent on protecting him.

They discovered themselves in a large home and went their separate ways. Lamia tonight felt vicious, but didn’t know why. She wondered if it was because she was reminded of what had been done to Minotaur. Even though he was covered in short, sparse hair, his scars were visible.

Anger rose in her at his appearance, and, for once, Lamia let it reign. By the time it had finished toying with its food and eaten, Lamia felt more balanced.

“Wow, your Sin was messy tonight,” Sphinx murmured, entering the room.

“Yes, it was uneasy and demanded to play. So, it did.”

“Interesting. How does it feel?”

“Like there is a threat to it, which I can’t understand. Anger keeps warning me, it has done since…” Lamia’s voice trailed off.

“Since?” Sphinx prompted.

“I met the new guard in my office. I think Anger is afraid of him,” Lamia mused.

“How weird!” Sphinx replied.

“Yes. That makes me wonder what the hell is wrong with him. It’s impossible that he is holding a Sin, he’s human, so what could frighten a Sin?”

“Your mate!” Sphinx gasped.

“No. There was no link or bond there. But it is certainly strange. Maybe he’s a Hunter, and Anger picked up on it. I shall keep on guard just in case,” Lamia replied.

Now, Sphinx looked worried. “Be careful, Lamia. Hunters won’t hesitate to harm you if they knew who you are.”

“I know. And I always am. Sadly, we’ve learned our lessons too well,” Lamia said. Sadness swamped her as she thought of those they had lost. Innocent lives. The question of why this had happened to them bugged her. It felt like they were targeted, but it didn’t make sense. They hadn’t been the only squadron of God’s Warriors, although they’d been the most favoured. Was that why they’d been sabotaged? Lamia somehow knew they had been.

“Where did your mind go?” Sphinx questioned as they headed downstairs to find Minotaur.

“The past. Which is always unpleasant,” Lamia replied.

“Do you still grieve?” Sphinx asked cautiously.

“No. Grief is something I don’t experience. I was wondering though, why us? Somehow, I know we were targeted. Somebody wanted it to be us that was affected.”

“You believe that someone knew what would happen to us?” Sphinx gasped.

“You’re the riddle master, Sphinx, what do you think?”

“That is something I shall consider, sister,” Sphinx replied.

They entered the room where Minotaur stood as it gazed at the man he killed. “Deception feasted well tonight.”

“He reeked of it,” Lamia agreed.

“Can we return now?” Minotaur said. “I feel uneasy. Almost like I’m being watched.”

“Then we’ll leave,” Lamia urged, and they headed towards a mirror. One by one, they called Mary and flowed through it.

In the bedroom upstairs, a camera blinked a red light, recording all that had taken place.