Текст книги "Veiled Target"

Автор книги: Robin Bielman

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Текущая страница: 11 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

Chapter Twelve

The Ducati maneuvered through busy streets quick and easy. It also purred, the sound music to Hugh’s ears because it calmed his nerves. He tried focusing on that as Tess wiggled so snug against his backside he wanted to forget what the hell he needed to do and take her back to his bedroom.

Her closeness made it difficult to think about anything but what had almost happened between them. And how he craved her more than anything now. After tasting her lips, her neck, her breasts, he wanted to lick every inch of her, mark her as his. She needed to stay alive in order for that to happen.

While racing into possible danger, he told himself to stop worrying, stop giving a damn about anything other than finding Trey. Tess was an eliminator with sights on him. Their alliance equaled short term. She didn’t matter—but if anything happened to his young apprentice, he’d never forgive himself.

They headed into the seedier part of town with smaller, unkempt streets. Trash littered the broken sidewalks, bars trimmed windows of mom and pop shops, and a foul stench hung in the air. Cars with flat tires or broken windows appeared every block or so, buildings needed new stucco and paint.

Dane’s call had been about a fight between a couple of Wolf Seekers and Night Runners. Dane was certain the brawl started because the pack members had zeroed in on Trey’s location—and most likely the Wolf Seekers’ home base. They needed to strike, he’d told Hugh, before Trey was moved to a new location.

Slowing his speed, he took a corner and downshifted. Their destination came into view. According to their research, the old deserted public library had remained unoccupied for the better part of two years. Adjacent to it was a small park. Lots of grass, a few trees, a park bench. With tall streetlamps illuminating the area, it still looked like a nice place to relax. A little slice of heaven in a dilapidated setting.

He veered around to the side of the park and brought the bike to a stop beside a large tree trunk. Humidity hung in the air, the temperature warmer than usual for the end of September. With zero breeze, the tree leaves and grass blades didn’t sway in the slightest, yet the smell of charcoal made his nose twitch.

Traffic sounded in the distance, far enough away to guarantee some privacy on the quiet street.

Dane approached, followed by a few other Night Runners. The younger wolfen wore faded scratches on their faces, a few rips in their clothes. Hugh’s gut clenched.

Wolf Seekers knew how to fight Night Runners. They knew where to strike with the mercury knuckle bands they wore. They knew how to shoot a tranquilizer to slow them down.

He watched Tess take in the park and building. She knew exactly where they were and only arched her brows at him when she caught him looking at her. She had actually found Trey. A tip from one of her sources had led them to this location. She spared a glance at Dane before studying the other pack members. By the way she narrowed her eyes, he could tell she was trying to formulate an opinion about something.

“We’ve got confirmation that Trey’s inside,” Dane said. He didn’t acknowledge Tess.

“Good. You and I will go in, get Trey and get out. Boys, you’ll take up the perimeter and give us the signal if anyone else approaches. I don’t want anyone getting hurt if we can help it. Tess, you’ll stay here and watch the bike.”

Now that he knew for certain Trey was inside, he wouldn’t leave without him.

“I’m not—”

Hugh cut her off. “You will watch the bike.”

“I will—”

“Not move from this spot.” He got in her face. “Do you understand me?” He didn’t care that it sounded like a threat. All he cared about was keeping her safe.

She crossed her arms and didn’t say a word. He took that as her acceptance and moved toward the library with his men.

Before they reached the building, however, a group of Wolf Seekers spilled out the front door, looking left and right. When they caught sight of Hugh and his men, they froze. In the middle of their huddle stood Trey.

His mouth was swollen, one eye black and blue. A deep cut bisected his left eyebrow. With no time to waste, Hugh stepped forward and called out to the Wolf Seekers. “Let him go.”

A man Hugh recognized as the ringleader came forth. “You offering to take his place?”

“If that’s what it takes to get this done peacefully.”

The man chuckled. “Since when are Night Runners peaceful?”

To the best of Hugh’s recollection, his pack had never done anything to upset the Wolf Seekers. The Seekers had simply decided to rid Los Angeles of the pack strictly because they hated Veilers. There were groups of Wolf Seekers across the country with the same mission.

Hugh took a few more steps. “Why don’t you enlighten me on what it is you think we’ve done?”

“This is a simple retaliation. You take one of ours, we take one of yours.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. We’ve never taken one of yours.”

“You not only took him, but we found him dead. Your friend is only alive because we want you to watch him die.”

Fury festered inside Hugh. The asshole didn’t know what he was talking about, and if he thought Hugh would watch his apprentice die, he was delusional.

“I repeat: your accusation is wrong. And if you don’t hand over my friend, we’ll have to take him by any means necessary.”

The man didn’t squirm, didn’t flinch, didn’t move a muscle. “Ahh, what happened to peaceful now?”

“Hand him over.” He was done talking. The idea that the Wolf Seeker might be right stoked an unpleasant flame inside him. Something was wrong. Very wrong. No way could one of his pack be guilty of such an act without Hugh knowing about it.

Right?

Had he been too busy with his helicopter company to notice disobedience? Was he too wrapped up in his own world, too determined to keep distance between himself and others that he’d missed something so important? So detrimental to the pack?

No. Impossible. Trey would have told him. Dane would have told him.

“I can’t do that.”

Hugh counted seven Wolf Seekers. There were six of them, excluding Trey and Tess. He looked over his shoulder toward the bike.

Tess was gone.

Scanning the area for some sign of her, he clenched his fists, tightened his jaw. “What can you do?” Where the hell had she gone?

“As I said before, we’ll execute your man as you watch. Does now suit you?”

“You know I’m not going to stand by and watch.”

As if on cue, the six Wolf Seekers behind the foreman pulled out tranquilizer guns. “No, but maybe you’ll lay.”

In less than a second, Hugh, Dane and the other Night Runners shifted. If the Wolf Seekers wanted a fight, he’d give them a fight.

He knew it was sheer determination, mind over matter that made the Wolf Seekers think they were on an even playing field with wolfen. Sure, they were all over six feet, two hundred pounds, but Hugh didn’t doubt he and his pack mates would take them down.

They spread out and rushed the Wolf Seekers, their speed and agility no match for the overgrown men who ran toward them with guns raised.

“No permanent damage,” Hugh yelled out.

With his eyes trained on Trey, he avoided one dart, then another, and reduced the distance between him and his apprentice. He couldn’t figure out why Trey stayed motionless—until the Seekers had scattered and he got close enough to find a short, beefy man with a gun aimed at Trey’s chest. A gun that no doubt contained a mercury bullet.

Trey’s hands were bound behind him, but a flash of animal in his eyes told Hugh he wanted to battle. If Hugh could just…

A Wolf Seeker blindsided him like a linebacker, taking him to the ground. They tussled for half a minute before Hugh knocked the guy out with a right hook. He jumped back to his feet and sprinted toward Trey.

The Seeker holding Trey captive didn’t seem the least bit intimidated when Hugh’s eyes clashed with his. He did, after all, have the gun right where it needed to be. Hugh slowed as the man shuffled Trey to the side, closer to the building. He must have figured out that standing in a wide-open space wasn’t the best defense when fighting Night Runners.

A slight nod from Trey told Hugh he’d drop at Hugh’s signal. Kick the Seeker’s legs out from under him on the way down and roll away, giving Hugh enough time to leap and wrestle the gun away.

But before it came to that, the Wolf Seeker lowered the firearm.

Huh?

The man’s hand fell to his side. He dropped the weapon and kicked it to the side. Trey took a step away and turned to look behind him. Right then Hugh caught whiff of Tess. Her lavender body lotion fragrance, the one cosmetic she’d requested Blanche get for her touched his nose and hell if a grin didn’t spread across his face.

Two seconds later, the Seeker’s knees buckled and he went down, face first into the concrete. Tess stood in his place, the pistol she’d used to hit him over the head in her hand and a tough as nails expression on her face. When her eyes met Hugh’s her mouth moved into a pucker and she blew him a kiss.

Hugh picked up the gun and took the few steps toward them. “Nice work.”

“You’re welcome.”

“You okay?” Hugh tore the bindings from Trey’s wrists with one swipe of his claw.

“I’m fine,” Trey answered.

A howl sounded and Hugh spun around. Two Wolf Seekers were on one of his men. Without hesitating, he ran to help. He grabbed the first Seeker by the back of his shirt collar, lifted him into the air, and tossed him aside. The second Seeker, witnessing the action, let go of the Night Runner and back peddled to a safer distance.

Tess and Trey came up behind him, forming a united front. Hugh paused long enough to survey the scene. Each of his men was in combat, but winning. The tranquilizers were no longer in anyone’s possession. Dane handled the leader of the Wolf Seekers, the human’s face not nearly as battered as Hugh would like, but…

“That’s enough,” Hugh yelled. “We’ve got what we came for.”

The fighting stopped. Wolf Seekers scrambled to their feet and took off running, the leader included. Hugh let them go, caring little for where they were headed now that he had Trey.

Dane rounded up his pack mates, checking on their wounds. Hugh shifted and turned toward Trey and Tess. “Talk.”

“First,” Tess said, extending her hand, “I’m Tess. It’s nice to finally meet you, Trey.”

Trey took her hand and held on a little too long for Hugh’s liking. He also looked at her a little too keenly, taking in more than her pretty face. “Tess? Blind date, Tess?” His voice sounded thicker than usual.

She gifted him with a smile that reached the corners of her eyes. “That would be me.”

“I don’t understand. Our date was what, six or seven days ago? What are you doing here?” He looked at Hugh, then back to Tess. “Wait. Whatever the reason, I think you might have saved my life.”

Tess bestowed a killer smile on Hugh. “No problem. I found your location too, but who’s keeping track?”

The way she looked tonight, her hair falling around her face, her cheeks still pink from the motorcycle ride, the blue of her eyes deeper than the ocean under a full moon, Hugh felt so happy she was safe that he’d give her the kudos she deserved without any grumbling.

“I’m in your debt, Tess. Thank you,” Hugh said.

“No need to thank me. It’s your turn now.”

Trey looked confused. “His turn?”

Hugh didn’t feel the need to clue Trey in at the moment. But a deal was a deal. He wouldn’t stop until he found Dobson.

“How do you two know each other? And hang on. You obviously know what we are. Are you Veiler?” Trey rolled his shoulders back like they were stiff. His wounds had all but vanished now.

“No. She’s not. As to how we know each other, when you disappeared I decided to go on your blind date. I thought one might have something to do with the other.”

“That’s funny,” Trey said, chuckling. “You on a blind date.” He looked at Tess. “I guess you had a good time since you’re here. And by the way, Kensie and Francesca’s description didn’t do you justice.”

Something cracked inside Hugh. Warmth followed by a quick burst of cold ripped through him like a tornado. He moved beside Tess and put an arm around her waist. “I’ll fill you in tomorrow. Right now, talk.”

His possessiveness rattled him, but left no impression on Trey, because he said, “The least I can do is take you on that date, Tess. You free Saturday?”

Hugh had such a tight grip on her she couldn’t move away, yet he felt her try. She wouldn’t accept Trey’s offer, would she?

“I think—”

“No date,” Hugh growled. “Now talk.”

Trey winked at Tess and added, “We’ll talk about it later.”

Like hell they would. Hugh wanted to give Trey another fat lip. Instead, he took a deep breath so the hair on his arms settled. “Talk.”

A car drove by, seemingly oblivious to their position in the park. The windows were tinted black but Hugh heard the radio playing, a male voice humming along. It turned the corner and vanished.

“They jumped me outside Cupid’s. Hit me from behind then shot me twice with a tranquilizer. I woke up the next morning here.” He nodded toward the library. “The assholes kept me bound and used me as a dartboard so I never gained enough strength to shift.”

“Dartboard?” Tess asked.

“Yeah,” Trey said. “Aimed at my shoulders, thighs, then turned me around and aimed for the center of my back. The truth is, I could have taken them in the early morning hours after a night of rest, but I wanted to stick around to find out what the hell was going on.”

“What did you find out?” Hugh released Tess, at ease now that Trey was off the topic of dating her. She stayed close, pleasing him to no end. Whether it was a conscious decision on her part or not, he didn’t care.

“The Seeker in charge told you the truth. One of their guys was taken and killed, and from what I heard, it points to a Night Runner.”

Hugh’s leg muscles went rigid. “That can’t be.”

“I didn’t want to believe it either, but a witness who saw the murder gave a description of a wolf-man and said the killer told the Wolf Seeker he could feel his fear.” Trey started jogging in place. “Man it feels good to be back outside.”

“Did the witness see his face?” Tess asked before Hugh could.

Trey stopped moving. “No. And fuck—pardon my French—if I know anyone in our pack who would do such a thing.”

“Aren’t there other Night Runners here in LA? Maybe you need to look outside the pack.”

“We’re the only ones,” Hugh said.

Tess’s eyes widened. “You’re the only Night Runners?”

“That’s what I said.”

She bit her bottom lip. Her eyes stayed on his with enough affectivity to make his stomach feel like a swarm of eels were inside.

“Wow. How many are in your pack?”

“Sixty-four,” Trey said when Hugh didn’t answer right away. He was trying to figure out what was going on in that beautiful head of hers.

“No wonder you’re so protective.” She broke the connection to look at Trey. “Why have the Wolf Seekers targeted your pack when there are several other wolfen?”

“They hate all wolves,” Trey continued. “But we’re the closest to extinction so they’ve set their sights on us.”

“Have you thought about teaming up with another pack? I mean, is that allowed? Can you co-mingle?”

“That’s enough,” Hugh interjected. “There’s no time for a history lesson here. What else did you learn?” The reasons for their small number didn’t factor into getting to the bottom of things.

“Right.” Trey spoke directly to Hugh. “There’s someone else involved with the Wolf Seekers. I don’t know who, but there were quite a few phone calls from him. And the sons of bitches—sorry”—he glanced at Tess—“are planning something big.”

“Such as?” Hugh needed concrete information so he could form an objective analysis.

Trey wavered. “Unfortunately, I don’t know. When it came down to discussing details or anything worth a damn they turned on a high-pitched siren at a frequency that blindsided me. I couldn’t make out shi—crap.”

“Damn.”

“There is other news I need to share with you.” His tone indicated it was a private matter.”

Anything you’ve got to say you can say in front of Tess.

Whoa. That took all of a split second to register in his mind. Did he feel that comfortable with her to include her in more confidential information?

Yeah, he did.

“Go ahead.”

Trey’s eyes darted to Tess then back to him in a subtle attempt to say get rid of the girl. “You sure?”

“I am standing right here,” Tess said. “You can come out and tell me to take a hike. I won’t take it personally. But I should tell you, I’m very good with private things.”

Hugh just bet she was. His cock was more than ready to get up close and personal. And by the look on Trey’s face, his apprentice thought the same thing.

“Talk,” Hugh demanded, almost on the verge of throttling Trey. Tess was off limits.

“There’s a hit out on you. P.I.E.’s got it.” He glanced at Tess, a mixture of interest and concern on his face.

With a voice sinfully sweet, she said, “I thought pie was something you ate.”

Trey fell for it hook, line and sinker. “No. Actually P.I.E. is—”

Tess laughed before Trey could elaborate. The kid ran a hand through his unkempt hair and looked to Hugh for an explanation.

“Meet the eliminator,” Hugh said, tilting his head in her direction and raising his eyebrows.

“No shit! What is she doing here? What is she doing with you? What the fuck is going on?” His eyes flickered to the coppery brown tone they took before he shifted.

Hugh appreciated his willingness to defend him.

“It’s cool,” Hugh assured him, putting a hand on his arm to let him know shifting wasn’t necessary. “At least for the moment. Tess and I have a deal. She’s not going to eliminate me.”

“Yet,” she chimed in.

“You need to explain.” All interest in Tess disappeared from Trey’s face.

“I will, but for now my relationship with Tess has to be kept secret. No one else knows who she is.”

Trey nodded.

“There’s something else I need to ask you.” Before Hugh could get his question out, Dane approached.

“Trey,” Dane extended his hand, “I’m glad to see you’re okay.”

“Thanks.” They shook hands and genuine affection crossed Trey’s face.

“Anything I need to be brought up to speed on?” Dane passed a glance over the three of them.

“Trey will fill you in. Take him back with you and I’ll call later with instructions.”

“Sure. You ready?” Dane asked, taking his leave.

“Yeah.” He turned to follow Dane but Hugh held him back.

“He’ll be right behind you.” Something nagged at Hugh and he needed Trey to put it to rest.

Dane didn’t look back, just waved a hand in the air.

Hugh released his hold and asked in a hushed voice, “Did you happen to catch the name of the person involved with the Wolf Seekers?”

Trey didn’t hesitate. “Yeah. Dobson.”

Tess nearly came out of her skin when she heard Trey say Dobson. She held her tongue until he walked away then turned and almost tackled Hugh to the ground, she was so excited. Finally, after five years, she had a lead.

Normally nothing ruffled her, but at the thought of coming face-to-face with the wolfen who killed Jason a knot the size of California lodged in her stomach. She’d get her revenge. She’d have closure once and for all.

“Oh my God. Did you hear that?” She nudged his shoulder, wanting to touch him, but keeping a respectable distance since other Night Runners might be watching.

“I did.” He didn’t look half as happy as she was.

“What’s wrong?”

Engines roared to life. The sound grabbed Hugh’s attention and he looked past her to the Night Runners taking their leave. With his focus elsewhere, she took a minute to revel in the news Trey had shared and lift her chin to gaze at the stars. There weren’t any. Only a night sky painted dirty white with low clouds. No wonder humidity filled the air.

In the muddy sky, she did see something, though. A face. Jason’s face. For five years she’d been desperate to find his killer because she’d made him a promise. And if her word wasn’t good to those she’d loved, where did that leave her? Would there be any good left in her at all?

Killing, working for P.I.E., even though she believed she fought evil, didn’t warrant any citizenship awards.

When she brought her chin down, Hugh was brooding over something. “What is it?” she asked again, hoping whatever he had to say wouldn’t exclude her from tracking down Jason’s killer.

“Dobson.” His eyes searched the park as he took her arm and led her back to the Ducati. “You said he’s a wolfen.”

“Yes.”

“Are you positive? There’s no doubt?” The hair on her arms stood up at his businesslike tone.

Annoyance crept into her mindset. “I’m positive.”

“If Dobson’s a wolfen, then it means the Wolf Seekers have got a shifter as an ally and that sure as hell doesn’t make sense.”

Tess wanted to slap herself in the forehead. “You’re right. What is a wolfen doing with the Wolf Seekers?” And more disturbingly, did the Wolf Seekers have something to do with Jason’s death? Oh my God. No. The Seekers were human.

After witnessing what went down this evening, her doubts about the truth and good versus evil came roaring back. From what she could tell, the Wolf Seekers were far more ruthless than the Night Runners.

Had she been living in a bubble? Had she taken for granted everything P.I.E. told her as the golden rule? She’d never questioned the Veiler-human equation, but… She started to hyperventilate, her skin got clammy.

“I need a second,” she said.

Hugh halted and let go of her arm. She bent over, put her hands on her knees and took slow, deep breaths while trying to clear her head.

“You all right?” Concern, more concern than she’d ever imagined from a Veiler, sounded in his voice.

“I’m fine. Just lost my breath for a minute.”

Things definitely weren’t black and white anymore. If she were walking a chalk line and had to pick a side right this very minute, she’d side with the Night Runners. She’d leap in front of a tranquilizer for Hugh. How the hell could she be a P.I.E. eliminator and feel that way? The last week had put all her beliefs into a tailspin. Hugh had shared his pack’s mission, shared stories about marriages and babies being born and job promotions. The picture he painted had changed her mind about wolfen. He’d shared openly, answering her questions. He’d let her in. And after seeing the way the Wolf Seekers had attacked unprovoked tonight, she knew for certain they were corrupt.

He knelt and with the softest, sweetest voice she’d ever heard, whispered, “Are you hurt? Please tell me you’re not hurt.”

Hurt didn’t begin to explain the pain circling inside her. For the first time since she’d been recruited by P.I.E. she wanted to disappear and never eliminate another Veiler as long as she lived.

Equally painful was the squeeze on her heart. She’d told herself not to fall for Hugh. She’d planned to keep the walls she’d built up firmly in place. But somewhere between meeting him in a bar and standing beside him now, she’d forgotten that. Her resolve had slowly chipped away and it pissed her off.

The people she loved left her by dying. It was as simple as that.

“I’m not hurt,” she bit back, knowing he didn’t deserve her nasty tone of voice.

He backed off by a few steps. She heard his cell phone ring, heard him answer it. She stared at the grass, thinking it a much better choice than returning upright to look at him. Looking at him caused her sensibilities to go haywire.

“Thanks, Trey. That information is very helpful. Do me a favor? Keep this between us.”

Only because he had new information, she stood. And looked at his shoes.

“Keep a low profile and tell everyone to be cautious.”

When she heard him take a deep breath, she dragged her attention upward. “Information on the Wolf Seekers?” she asked, trying her damnedest for a neutral tone.

“No. Dobson.” He swept another glance around, searching, she knew, for any sign of trouble. He might be able to pick up on every detail going on with her body, but she could tell when he was on edge. His chin lifted ever so slightly, his nostrils flared.

“What is it?” The sooner she found the SOB, the sooner this whole thing could be over. She’d sell her soul this instant to be finished with everything wolf-related.

Hugh kept his distance and started toward the motorcycle. “Trey remembered a reference to a hotel in San Diego.”

“That’s great. Let’s go.” She fell in step beside him. The nerves tangling in her stomach calmed. She worked to slow her hurried breaths. Mind over matter.

“I’ll fly us there. It’ll be much quicker than driving.” He tossed her her helmet.

She didn’t like his take-charge attitude, but the idea of flying with him and getting closer to Dobson eased her irritation. “Sounds good.”

“Before we go,” he said, rounding the bike, “can I ask you a question?”

Questions. She was tired of questions. Tired of asking them mostly, but tired of answering them too. She wanted to shut down her brain.

“Sure. Go ahead.” She wondered if he heard the reluctance in her voice and hoped he didn’t take it personally.

“Were you going to accept the date with Trey?”

There couldn’t have been a more indicative question to his feelings. A fricking flutter blossomed in her chest. As good as she was at turning off her emotions, her body had a mind of its own. It took major muscle control not to break out in a gigantic smile.

“Why, Hugh, are you jealous?” Making light of it would hopefully mask the question’s influence.

“No. Just don’t like leaving questions unanswered.” He put his helmet on, and looked away like her answer didn’t matter.

He was full of shit. “You don’t have to worry. I’m not looking for a relationship.”

“A date isn’t a relationship.”

She put her helmet on and took her time answering, just to mess with him. “That’s true. In that case, I guess I will—”

“Don’t,” he commanded, darting a quick look at her.

Tess waited for him to elaborate but he didn’t. He got on the bike, started it up and scooted forward. She guessed the conversation was over.

“Did Trey say anything about me when he called?” She flung her leg over the bike and sidled right up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. He felt better than her favorite cashmere sweater. Too bad they weren’t biking to San Diego.

He growled, giving her a great deal of inner satisfaction. “No. But I don’t think we should trust anybody but each other right now. Deal?”

Striking another deal seemed like an idiotic thing to do, given she couldn’t trust herself around him. He made everything all right and all wrong at the same time. But he was a better man than any human she’d ever met. And she did trust him. And he was helping her find Dobson when he could have easily walked away after getting Trey back. And geez, she could come up with a dozen more “ands” before ending with he was a man of his word.

Tess understood that. “Deal.”

She prayed it was their last one.