Page 6

O n a street in Stupool , Dom passed three muscled Soul Suckers bouncing an abandoned car. The Scourges’ fascination with automobiles puzzled him. They had fucking wings. Why did they need a machine? But these cages on wheels were becoming popular in Vast, too. Go figure. Inside the auto, a female screamed, but he didn’t give a shit about some Scourge.

He caught a faint, familiar scent. Old books. The crisp, pure air between Angor and Vast. OneWorld oranges.

The human.

It was time to give a shit. Dom spun around while drawing his sword from the sheath on his back. The special rig had been made to account for wings. It was quite a contraption.

Swoosh.

He waved it in a figure eight. “Hey, Suckers.”

They didn’t bother to glance his way, but the biggest Scourge, still gripping the car frame, got mouthy. “Fuck off. She’s ours.”

Goddess . I hate it when they’re stupid.

“You’re wrong, asshole.” For giggles, he sliced an X in the younger Scourge’s dirty tee.

The guy glanced down at the pattern caused by the blade and dropped the front bumper. When his gaze slid to Dom, he owl-eyed him. “Haze, it’s an assassin.”

The biggest pale-skinned idiot released his hold on the car. “Dominion.”

“Haze. Nice to see you again. Whatcha got there?”

“A female. She’s stuck in the vehicle. We’re helping her out.”

Since he knew Haze was more bluster than muscle, Dom re-sheathed his sword. If he had to, he could take the guy out barehanded. “When did you get to be such a kind Scourge?”

Haze leaned against the auto, folded his arms, and kicked one foot over an ankle. “Oh, I thought maybe the OC would count my good deeds against time served.”

“If only,” said Dom, his lip curling into a sneer. “Back away. And stop feeding me emotions. Won’t work.”

The problem with Soul Suckers was they had to try. So, they bombarded you with emotions, hoping to break you. Or they extracted those you had to make you zombie-like. Right now, the three were struggling to give Dom an overload. Their efforts wouldn’t affect him since his receptors were locked down tighter than a celibate goddess’s snatch.

He’d know about abstinent goddesses, too. Once in Vast, when he’d been particularly horny, he flew over the Temple of Virtue. Backtracking, he dropped into the courtyard and tried to talk a chaste Immortal into having a go at him. She’d smacked his face and sent him on his way after giggling behind her palm for a sec. It had been worth a shot, though.

Sorry, bastards. Wrong guy.

The young, stupid Scourge said, “She’s ours. We saw her first.”

Wisely, Haze cautioned him, “Shut up.”

“This can go a few ways.” Dom raised his index finger. “One, I can walk away, leaving her to you. Let’s count that out. Not happening.” He lifted his middle finger. “Two, I can start lopping off body parts. My fave and likely to happen, or...”

He didn’t get any further because the oldest Soul Sucker in the trio, who still had a modicum of brain power, interrupted. “We get it.” He glanced at his buddies. “Let’s go back to finish what we started. The female Blood Leech in the bar’s a sure bet even if we have to stand in line.”

Dom wagged a thumb at the guy. “I like him. Now, hustle along. Live to be punished another day.”

After he watched the Soul Suckers march into the bar down the street, he peeked into the car. The female was in the center of the backseat, tucked forward, hugging her knees to her chest. A soiled, ripped blouse stuck to her body, damp from the hot, moist heat. She twisted her neck to stare at him.

She was human. Dom didn’t hold the species against her. It was what it was. He hadn’t had contact with her kind for centuries. Like many Immortals at that time, he’d been curious about the Immortal Gabriel’s Homo sapiens creations. So, he traveled to Earth to walk among them, finding them interesting. But the brief experience was enough. He’d returned to OneWorld, his curiosity satisfied. He did admit to a fascination with American TV shows, as did most Immortals. They imported the stuff, though he wasn’t sure how. Some things required more than a snap of the fingers. Of course, no one watched as much film or tube as Remi.

Dom motioned with curled fingers. “Get outta the car.”

She neither moved nor opened the door. Dom jiggled the handle. Locked. In case she hadn’t heard him, he raised his voice. “Now!”

She winced, curling into a tighter ball.

Maybe he was too gruff. He opted for the pleasant approach. “Human female, I’m a winged assassin for the OneCreator. Here to help you. Get the fuck out of the car.”

Much better. Almost caring.

She jerked her head up, glaring at him. With a patch over one eye, blades at his hips, the sword on his back, and a frown on his face, he didn’t think he’d get a Mr. Congeniality award. He’d try to smile, but his skin might crack since he was out of practice.

Her fascinating blue eyes lit with a slight spark of understanding as she responded to his winged-assassin comment. “Like Ohngel?” she questioned, her voice strong even though she trembled.

So she’d heard of Ohngel. Likely from all his press on Earth. He was the strategist, the planner, the savior, the male as hot-blooded as his fiery feathers. Remi was the playboy, a master manipulator, while Ely was the thinker. Gareth had been the social one turned deceiver. That left Dom proud to be the blunt tool, the hard, unemotional blade of justice with a heart as dark as his black wings.

In character, he growled, admitting to himself he was tired of Ohngel-the-publicity-hound’s notoriety. “Exactly. Like your hero, I work for the good guys. Open the fucking door.”

Her mouth dropped wide, and she shook her head.

Now what was wrong?

He blew out an exasperated breath. When he popped the handle off the back door, she scrambled to the far side, shrinking away from his caring, outstretched hand.

Dom changed his approach. It was either that or he’d strong-arm the Earther. Since the OC had a soft spot for humans, negotiation was the wise move. He slid into the car to sit but avoided touching the female. “What’s the holdup? Let’s get outta here.” With his patience on empty, he wanted this search-and-rescue to end. There were Immortals out there who needed capture or extinction. He lacked the time and tolerance to care for the weak species.

Instead of obeying his kind offer, she shook her head.

Again.

He relaxed into the seat. “The name’s Dominion. Dom. My ... um ... associates and I have been looking for you. We heard about a human in Angor. You don’t belong here.”

“No shit,” she mumbled into her knees.

“I can get you home,” he offered, stifling an impatient growl.

“Home?” She jerked her head up and twisted her body toward him. She cleared her throat. “Praevus?”

“What about him?”

“You said you’re Dominion. He mentioned your name. Did he send you?”

“Fuck no.”

Tears streamed from her eyes, leaving rivulets through the dirt on her face.

Damn. I hate crying females.

She asked, “How do I know I can trust you?”

Dom sighed. “You don’t. This is one of those go-with-your-gut moments.”

Her gaze fixed on his eye patch as she sniffled back the boo-hoo-hoos, her legs still tucked in tight.

Best to throw the obvious out there. “Yeah. I’m scary.”

She nodded. “And really big.”

“That too. Look, female, this can go several ways.” He raised his forefinger. “One, I can walk away and let Haze and his band of pale-skinned bastards have you.” He lifted another digit. “Two, I can drag you out of the car.” A third joined the pair. “Or, three, you can keep your dignity, slide across the seat, and come out under your own power.”

Options were good. Of course, the first one was a no-go, even if she chose it. Dom didn’t mind lying for expediency’s sake. Her only real choices were the last two. She was coming with him. The how of it was up for grabs.

She glared his way, chewing her lower lip, thinking.

Great. A slow-witted human female who requires special handling and time to cogitate.

Dom stretched out a hand to give her an assist. She waved it off. “No. Don’t touch me. I’ll follow you.”

He unfolded from the backseat, stepped away from the car door, and leaned a hip against the fender. By crossing his arms over his chest, Dom believed it made him look patient.

Snowflakes landed on his black tee. Terrific. The human’s skin was damp from the sweltering heat of a moment ago. Now, she’d be freezing. She’d probably die from a cold or frostbite on his watch. Her species were known to be susceptible to illnesses.

Dirty, bleeding bare feet poked out first. Bruised legs exited next, her skirt bunching higher. He was disappointed when she tugged it down, figuring he deserved to be rewarded with a panty shot given all the trouble he was going through. Her head, crowned with tangled, grimy hair, swung forward as she heaved herself out of the car, holding her blouse together. Dom let her steady herself.

Though frightened, the female raised her chin and fixed on his good eye. “Now what?”

He faced her, his hip still propped on the fender. “Just a sec.”

Dom telepathed the OC. Busy was his answer, followed by, Later.

Next, Dom pathed the Feard . Got her. Going to my place. Keep looking for Praevus.

He snarled, glancing up at the sky. “We’ll be flying. How are you with heights?”

All he needed was a smelly, dirty human passenger who’d scream all the way to his house in the White Mountains.

She continued to strive for modesty by gripping her torn shirt. “Heights don’t bother me.”

“I’ll be touching you,” he warned.

She glanced at the cloudy skies. Then back to him. “Don’t you dare drop me.”

“Didn’t cross my mind until you mentioned it.” Her squint-eyed glare caused him to revise his response. “I’m very strong. I don’t drop hitchhikers.”

When her blue gaze crawled up his body, it missed nothing. “Good to know.”

He flexed his biceps while she examined him. Show off. Stupid. “What’s your name? I can’t keep calling you the human female.” He tried out a grin to make her more comfortable. Since he was pretty rusty at it, he was surprised his lips didn’t creak.

She seemed more startled than comforted. “Friends call me Maddy. You may address me as Madeline.” In the low temp, her breath came out as puffs of smoke. She shivered.

“Okay, Madeline.” He smirked, emphasizing her name. “Here we go.”

“Here we go where?”

“My place. Now, I’m gonna lift you before I take off from the ground. If you want, close your eyes. If you’re brave, open them. We’ll be in the air about fifteen minutes.”

She stiffened. “I don’t trust you.”

“Smart.” When she flinched, he tried again. “We’ve been over this, though. It’s me or Haze.”

“You’re not very reassuring.”

“Not my gig.”

“I can see that.” Her gaze remained wary.

“I’d be insulted, but I don’t really give a shit.” He wondered if that was true since he kept trying to gentle his approach with her. Nah . He just wanted to finish the job.

She tilted her chin, arching her brows. “You’re rude.”

“Yeah. I’ve been told.” He sighed, the convo going nowhere. “You’re gonna have to trust me. I’m your only bet.”

Dom stretched out his arms.

Madeline nodded at the invitation, faltering toward him as if on her way to the guillotine. Dom curved one hand around her back and the other under her knees.

When he cradled her against his chest, she squeaked. “Sorry. A bit nervous.”

“No problem. I make everybody nervous.”

“I bet.”

His lips twisted into a slight curve. When he shushed out his black wings, she drew a deep breath and crammed herself closer. He rose off the street, heading toward his abode on the western edge of Angor.

With her in his arms, his cock twitched, and his heart beat faster. As with all Immortals, he was a highly sexual being. But sex for Dom was about release not emotional ties. Suddenly, this smelly, dirty human was doing an unexpected number on his libido. He didn’t like it, and he didn’t understand it.

When she shivered, Dom squeezed her tighter to keep her warm. She moaned, snuggling deeper. He inhaled. What was it about her? She hadn’t bathed in a while, but beneath that odor was a pleasant scent. Old books. Fresh, crisp air. Oranges. Not top-shelf booze, a great cigar, or a juicy steak. Right now, though, it was an aroma that surged through his veins and pooled in his groin. Not good. Besides, humans were weak. He’d break the female if he attempted her.

Dom glanced down at his cargo, tempted to dip his head and press his lips to hers. Her eyes were closed, her thick lashes fanning out on her cheeks.

But once she stopped shivering, they slid open. When she caught him staring, she grinned and stretched her neck to peer over his arms. At first, she tensed. Then she surprised him by relaxing, angling for a better look-see.

He sniffed.

“What? Why do you keep smelling me?”

“Reflex. You smell bad.” He paused. He wasn’t about to share the effect her underlying scent had on him.

“Excuse me for not bathing and shampooing my hair while in captivity with an asshole. Get used to the stink until I’m near water and soap. Clean clothes would be a bonus.”

He grunted. She was a bit snarly for someone he’d just saved. But since she was probably traumatized ... he’d heard that expression on some TV show ... she deserved a pass.

A bright double moon hung on the horizon, illuminating the ground. Madeline gasped. Below, patches of fog crept across the meadow.

“How beautiful,” she said.

“The fog is likely toxic. It keeps the Scourges from wandering this way.”

“But it’s pretty from here.”

“Most everything looks better from the air, but it’s an illusion.”

She swung those blue eyes toward him. “You’re a glass-half-empty guy, aren’t you?”

“Life lessons have taught me that nothing’s in the glass unless you fill it yourself.”

“We musta had the same teachers.” She changed the subject. “How much farther?”

“Are you anxious to escape me?”

Her soft hand stroked his chest, eliciting a quiet groan from Dom. Seeming to realize where her palm was, she snapped it back. “No. I’m enjoying the ride.”

“Then we’ll take the scenic route.” He dipped a wing and curved left, evoking a shriek from Madeline. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you,” said Dom.

“I wasn’t frightened. Just surprised.”

“Warning. We’re gonna drop a bit, but I’ll slow it down.” Damn . He was acting like a fucking Angor tour guide. When did he get to be such a nice guy? He was almost chatty, a trait he never suffered from. Of course, his kindness had nothing to do with trying to impress the curvaceous blue-eyed female snuggled against his chest.

Obviously, Dom needed a shot of sex. Otherwise, the dirty, smelly human would not have kicked his libido into overdrive.

She twisted her neck to stare at the scenery as he arched his wings to decelerate. Flying above a snow-capped peak, he treated her to a great view of the mountain range near his home.

When she looked, the corners of her mouth tilted up, her smile pleasing him.

So Dom climbed and roller-coasted through the mountains, eliciting the female’s prolonged, joyous screech each time he dipped. He was sorry when he had to end the tour. If not, she’d turn into an icicle. Circling his abode and the bay it overlooked, he held his body upright, pounding his midnight wings against the air and preparing to drift through the open roof into his salon.