Page 3

Lanie/Lamia

G etting into the car the next morning, both McIntyre and Ranson greeted Lanie. Ranson was driving, but Lanie sensed some unease from them both.

“Is there a problem?” she asked, concerned.

“We’ve had word there is a worrying package at the office. My security team has isolated it in a fireproof lab and is awaiting my arrival,” Ranson replied.

“Do we need to evacuate?” Lanie questioned, worried.

While, like most of her race, she didn’t rate humanity much, these were her employees, and therefore she was responsible for them.

“No. It is in a secure lab, Miss Cross,” Ranson responded.

“I’ll accompany you,” Lanie stated.

“I have to insist you head to your office, Miss Cross,” McIntyre said.

“And I’ll inform you that I pay your wages, and while I appreciate your diligence, I will see what is going on,” Lanie replied. She wished to understand what the threat was.

“Then you shall have our resignation when we arrive at the office. If you undermine my security procedures, Miss Cross, we are ineffective as guards,” Ranson announced.

Lanie’s eyes narrowed. “That is the fifth time you’ve offered to resign, Ranson. One day, I will accept it. Fine, I’ll go and hide like a coward.”

“Being safe is not being cowardly. It is sensible.”

“So you say,” Lanie snapped and sat back in her seat.

McIntyre and Ranson swapped amused glances, and Lanie glowered at them. Their vulnerability exceeded hers, but she couldn’t tell them that. Humanity’s stupid roles and rules meant that someone of her status used security. Lanie didn’t need it, but if she did not have guard’s, eyebrows would be raised. Plus, it would also put a different target on her back.

Hunters might not know her identity, but other threats existed. Due to her wealth, there were kidnapping and death threats and even blackmail attempts. None ever worked out, and she’d sent a fair few to court and prosecuted them. Lanie had around ten years to make a difference before disappearing. And she intended to make the most of it.

The car pulled into its spot, and Lanie waited until McIntyre opened her door. She marched straight to the lift and headed for her office. Once inside, McIntyre remained while Ranson disappeared downstairs.

“I don’t need babysitting, McIntyre,” Lanie snapped.

“No, Miss Cross, but should that package prove dangerous, you’re my priority to get out of here,” McIntyre replied.

“What room is it in? Can you bring the cameras up?”

“Certainly,” McIntyre stated and moved to her desk. Moments later, Lanie was watching intently as Ranson looked the package over with a piece of equipment. He nodded his head to someone and checked it with something else before putting it down.

Slowly, Ranson unwrapped the box and opened it. His face registered surprise, and Lanie wondered what was inside. Ranson beckoned another guard over and handed him the parcel, and then looked at the cameras and nodded.

“Ranson says it is all clear,” McIntyre said.

Lanie tapped her thigh impatiently as she waited for Ranson to arrive.

“What was it?” she asked the moment he appeared.

“A snake. It was sliced open lengthwise. It’s been sent to be frozen in case we need it later on. There was a card too,” Ranson explained.

Lanie used every ounce of control to keep her expression neutral. “A snake? Cut open? Is that some sort of message?”

“A snake usually symbolises somebody untrustworthy, deceitful, manipulative, or betrayal. Someone thinks you’ve done something,” Randon replied.

Lanie barely refrained from rolling her eyes. “I understand what it means, but I’ve no idea why one would have been sent.”

Lanie’s mind was already racing. The poor creature was clearly meant to represent her. Someone believed they’d identified her.

She wanted to go home and head for the castle but couldn’t finish early. She had a full day ahead of her.

Lanie needed her family around her but couldn’t disturb anyone. And plus, there was no way she’d allow anyone to frighten her from what was hers.

“What did the card say?” Lanie asked, suddenly remembering it.

“See you soon, lover, and it was signed A,” Ranson replied and Lanie’s blood chilled in her veins and not because of the serpent in her.

“Are you sure it said A?” she whispered and wished she’d kept quiet because of the quaver in her voice.

Ranson inquired, “Miss Cross, is there something we should know?”

“Not that I am aware of. I’m rather affected by the fact someone killed a creature to send me a message that means nothing to me. Could this be a disgruntled employee?” Lanie inquired.

“We’ll investigate. The fact it’s starting at this level is worrying. Usually, it starts with calls or letters, not straight to killing creatures,” McIntyre said.

Lanie noted he’d not took his eyes off her face. Somehow, she knew those bright green eyes were seeing something she didn’t want him to.

McIntyre studied her for a few more seconds before turning to Ranson. “I’ll begin checking the employee files who have been fired in the last five years.”

“Yeah, I’ll join you in a few,” Ranson said and watched McIntyre leave the office.

Lanie held his gaze.

“Miss Cross, I’ve been with you for ten years. Ever since you started up. Are you withholding something?” he asked bluntly.

Lanie could appreciate that. Ranson always spoke his mind. They’d kept a comfortable working relationship but had maintained employer and employee status.

“No, Ranson. You’re fully aware I don’t have relationships or date,” Lanie replied.

“And I’ve always wondered what turned a stunningly beautiful woman off dating. Excuse me, Ma’am, but I think there’s something in your past that scarred you. And I’m wondering right now, does his name begin with A?” Ranson inquired.

I almost snorted. Talk about don’t hold back. But Ranson’s eyes were keen on her, and she knew he was searching for a clue or weakness.

“Ranson. I’ve always liked your honestly and bluntness. But do not overstep. If there was a hidden lover, I’d tell you,” Lanie answered.

“I’ll join McIntyre and see what we can dig up,” Ranson said and left.

Lanie leaned back. Today was going to be a nightmare.

◆◆◆

Lanie stared at Simon Clare after he sauntered into her office. He differed from the worried young man he’d been yesterday. There was almost a cockiness to him. Lanie hadn’t expected to see him, but she’d had a cancellation, and Laura had squeezed him in.

Simon sat down and offered a smarmy grin. “I’m so pleased to see you again, Miss Cross, or can I call you Lanie?”

“Miss Cross is fine, Mr Clare,” Lanie replied.

Simon’s behaviour was almost too familiar, and she didn’t like it.

“I best crack on. We’ve only got ten minutes,” Simon said and began asking questions.

Lanie answered by rote. They were the same ones she was asked repeatedly.

With two minutes to go, Simon sent Lanie a grin. “That will be great for my report, Miss Cross. Can I get a photo?”

“Sure.”

Simon took a quick snap and looked at her.

“People say monsters exist,” he declared.

Lanie frowned. What on earth?

“I beg your pardon?”

“There are rumours that creatures exist. What would you know about them?” Simon questioned. He leaned forward and held her eyes. “I’ve even been informed you are one of them.”

“Are you on drugs?” Lanie asked for the second time, keeping her expression calm.

“What?”

“This interview just went off the rails. I’m confused what we’re discussing,” Lanie stated.

“Have you heard of a Lamia?”

Lanie hit the button under the desk. Ranson and security would be alerted, as would Laura.

She clucked her tongue. “Isn’t that the woman with a snake tail and snakes in her hair?”

Simon looked annoyed. “No. That’s Medusa. A Lamia is a normal woman on top, but her bottom half is a snake.”

“Sorry, I see no difference. I’m not up to scratch on mythology. Are you asking me to join a game? I’m afraid I do not play games. I’m a little busy,” Lanie said calmly.

“What about the name Irideesa?”

Lanie barely stopped herself from stiffening. “That sounds Greek or Arab. It’s not a something I’m familiar with. Is it a person or a company?”

“Don’t take me for a fool. I know you are the monster called Irideesa, who is a Lamia,” Simon snapped. “We’re done. I’m far too busy to deal with the rants of a delusional man. Your time is up anyway,” Lanie stated.

“Alainen sends his regards,” Simon said smugly.

“Who? Mr Clare, I don’t know what you think I am—”

“You’re a god-damned monster who shifts into a snake!” Simon spat, his face contorting. “Alainen has found you, and we’re going to kill you!”

Her door banged open as Simon was raging, and Ranson strode in with McIntyre on his heels. Building security was also behind them.

Ranson dragged Simon from where he was leaning over the desk, threatening Lanie, and shoved him against the wall. In the meantime, McIntyre came and stood by Lanie, offering protection and reassurance.

Lanie watched as Simon was frisked and then, with his arm up his back, escorted from her office. He kept shouting threats at her, and Ranson shook his head.

“Call the cops. He’s a lunatic,” Ranson ordered, and the building guards nodded.

“Don’t hurt him. Mr Clare is obviously mentally unstable. Perhaps we ought to speak to his professor and see about getting him some professional help,” Lanie said with mock concern.

McIntyre’s lips twitched, and Lanie guessed he’d realised that she was being false. Lanie met his eyes and witnessed amusement in them.

“Don’t you agree?” she asked softly.

“Indeed, Ma’am. He certainly needs some help,” McIntyre agreed.

“She’s a monster! She turns into a half-human, half-snake creature! Listen to me, Lanie Cross is not what you all think!” Simon screeched.

“Get him out of here!” Ranson bellowed.

“I’m going home. This day had been bloody awful,” Lanie announced, standing up.

“Security will call the police on him, as he does seem mentally unstable. I’ll bring the car up to the door if you don’t mind waiting a few moments,” Ranson said.

Lanie nodded and sat down as Ranson left the room, and Lanie gazed at McIntyre.

“Why do you all wear black combats and tees that show your biceps?” Lanie asked and then looked embarrassed.

This man seemed to throw her off balance, and she’d no idea why.

“It’s uniform,” McIntyre replied with amusement.

“Um.”

“It doesn’t show blood stains,” McIntyre continued, and Lanie’s eyes grew wide. “That was a joke.”

“Security humour?”

“Yes, we have our own brand of humour,” McIntyre admitted.

Lanie’s gaze narrowed. “You treat me different to Ranson.”

McIntyre looked surprised. “I do?”

“Ranson is deferential and respectful, but he also treats me normally. With you, there’s something else. I can’t put my finger on it.” “Life’s little mysteries and all that,” McIntyre stated, and Lanie sat up straight.

“Right there. Ranson would never say that to me.”

“Maybe because, although you are some rich billionaire type of person, you’re still a woman. And I was in the SBS, after serving with them, not much scares me,” McIntyre replied.

Sharp green eyes studied her as she gazed back. McIntyre tilted his head as his phone pinged.

“Ranson’s right outside the door, Miss Cross. Stay behind me until I’ve checked that it’s all clear. I think we’ve had enough of lunatics today,” he said.

To Lanie’s amusement, he strode to the door and opened it before waving her out. She grabbed her purse and briefcase and followed. Lanie couldn’t help but note his firm butt as she walked behind him.

McIntyre was what someone would call the entire package. Tall, broad-shouldered, leading to a trim waist. A firm ass, long legs with thick muscle thighs. In his black tee and combats, with his green eyes and long black hair tied back, he could be a book cover model. He certainly did look like the wrestler Drew McIntyre, and it was even funnier to her that they had the same name.

Now she needed to go home and binge-watch some wrestling. Amused at her thoughts, Lanie rolled her eyes and stepped into the lift.

“Do you think he sent the package?” she asked.

“Possibly. I mean, what was that crap about you being a snake woman? The man is clearly delusional. But that makes him dangerous and hard to predict.” “He’s going to come at me again, isn’t he?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so, Miss Cross. His kind of crazy needs help. Mr Clare was literally frothing at the mouth. Hopefully, the police will put him in a psychiatric hold, but it’s not definite. We need to swap our routines daily for a few weeks,” Mc Intyre replied.

“How tedious.” Lanie sighed.

They never kept to the same route, anyway. And it was never planned. Ranson has several routes from her house to work and back again and never informed anyone which he was taking. He just followed a whim each morning and evening. McIntyre was indicating further adjustments were necessary.

“Possibly, but your safety is paramount,” McIntyre stated. The elevator doors opened, and she saw her car parked directly outside. McIntyre held up a hand and checked before letting her out.

She climbed into the car, and, to her surprise, McIntyre jumped in beside her. There was another member of Ranson’s team in the passenger seat up front.

“We’re increasing security for a few days, Miss Cross, and from tomorrow, we’ll have an extra car behind us,” Ranson said.

Lanie’s mouth opened and shut. Ranson’s expertise made arguing pointless.

“That’s fine,” she replied.

“The police have taken Mr Clare to the station, but he’s ranting about you still being a snake woman, and they have to believe him. It does appear they’ll take him to the psychiatric ward,” Ranson continued.

“Good. I hope he gets help. Although his imagination was rather vivid,” Lanie said.

McIntyre sent her a sharp look, but he nodded. Lanie wondered what that was all about, but her phone rang. Looking down, she saw it was Dale.

“Hey,” she mumbled.

“Hey, Lanie. I’m visiting for a few nights and wondered if I could stay at yours,” he asked.

“Of course. Are you here now?”

“Not yet, but I’ll be arriving shortly,” Dale said.

“Just text when you’re near, and I’ll buzz you in,” she responded. Dale made a noise and cut the line.

Lanie snickered. “Bye, rude dude! Ranson, a friend will be staying with me. His name is Dale Cunning, I believe you’ve met before.”

“Yes. I’m aware of Mr Cunning. I shall inform the teams,” Ranson replied.

Silence fell for the rest of the journey home. There wasn’t much else to say. Lanie’s mind turned to Dale. He must be here for a couple of jobs. Like most of them, Dale travelled all over the world for his Sin. But if he was requesting to stay at Lanie’s, there was a big job on. Dale’s Sin was Covetousness. Dale used his unique ability to enter homes and steal back items which had been stolen, such as artwork, etc and return them to their original owners.

As Dale was also the Invisible Man, he was uniquely suited to this task. He’d waltz in and didn’t care if there were security features or not. Grab the item and head out was Dale’s motto. His actions left many people scratching their heads in bewilderment. But some families had had their treasures returned and that meant everything.

Lanie exited the car and headed inside to her house. It was a huge mansion expected of her status, but she rarely used all of it. She did hold office parties here for events such as Christmas and a summer ball. Heading towards her bedroom because that was the mirror Dale would come through, Lanie showered before lying on her bed.

While security monitored the rest of the house, cameras were not allowed in her room. There was one outside on her balcony and one on her bedroom door, and they even covered her window. But not in here. Lanie hit her special button and curled up. Hugging a pillow to her, she finally let her emotions out.

Alainen. She wished she could say it was a name she’d not heard for thousands of years. But that would be a lie. After her escape from him when he’d first tried to kill her, Alainen had made it his mission to hunt her down. Sadly, Alainen was as long-lived as her being a God’s Warrior, and Lanie had often wondered if he led the Hunters.

Tears streaked from her eyes as she recalled his hate and how he had levelled it at her all this time. Alainen was a true fanatic and hateful. The scar she had given him fuelled his envy, and over the many years, he had constantly hunted her and their child out. Their child was safe, having been born with the ability to shift, unlike Lanie, who’d been locked into Lamia’s form.

That one thing saved their daughter and kept her hidden from Alainen because Lanie had no doubt he’d kill her. Once she’d reached adulthood, Lanie had bidden her to go into the world and make her own way. She had warned Callidora to stay away from Alainen, and Callidora had obeyed. Of course, Callidora had been exposed to Alainen’s level of hatred as they fled him multiple times.

The safest they’d ever been was in America. It had been a little-known continent, and so vast Lanie had spent three thousand years there safely before Alainen tracked her down. There, he’d nearly succeeded in taking her head. Lanie had only once attempted to find love, and she’d believed Alainen’s empty promises.

Lanie couldn’t determine whether Alainen’s behaviour was typical or a reflection of her absorbing Anger. But one thing that didn’t make sense was his level of hatred. Alainen’s hatred was beyond anything anyone had seen or experienced. Why? It had been shocking when she’d first been confronted with it, and it had grown steadily worse. Alainen was out of control.

A car pulled up outside, and she sensed Dale as he let himself in.

‘ In my bedroom, ’ Lanie mind spoke to Dale, and he headed towards her.

“What happened? I can feel your distress from miles away,” Dale announced as he entered her room and kicked the door shut.

Dale strode over to the bed and gathered Lanie up in his arms. Lanie tucked her head under his chin and curled into him.

“Alainen sent one of his little minions after me today. He confronted me in the office,” Lanie responded.

“That doesn’t mean he knows for sure you’re you,” Dale replied. “Your shifter is totally different from you. He’s probably taking a punt in the dark.”

Despite his words, Lanie felt the worry coming from him.

“I might need to kill him now,” she replied.

“Then you do so. We aren’t going to lose you, and you are not running alone now. What you and Alainen did was wrong. God’s Warriors weren’t allowed to mate. But you did, and you fell in love. Callidora sprung from that, and she’s beautiful. But why Alainen is so focused on you confounds all of us. There’s more to his hatred than we understand,” Dale said as he rocked her.

“I want to go home.”

“Then come on,” Dale replied, calling for Mary as he stood and, still carrying her, passed through the mirror.