Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
“Were you, Bastion?” Marna pressed. “Did you see the punishment angel who attacked him? Were you there?” Because if Bastion knew who was playing a deadly game with her life, and he didn’t tell her…
Maybe she’d let Tanner keep up that ass kicking. Or maybe she’d try a little ass kicking herself.
“He wasn’t on my list.” The words were spoken quietly as Bastion’s powerful wings folded behind his body.
“What damn list?” Tanner wanted to know.
But Marna already understood. “The death list.” Because there really was a list of names, a list of those who would soon have their souls taken.
“Cody wasn’t on the list. I had no warning about him, I just—” Bastion exhaled. “There was no foretelling for his case. When I got to him, he was already on the ground, with half of his stomach cut out.”
Marna flinched.
Tanner didn’t move. “And his killer?”
“There was no sign of another angel there.” Bastion was adamant.
“No scent?” Tanner pressed. “No fucking flutter of wings? Nothing? ”
“Just your brother and the blood. There were humans a few streets over, I could hear them, but nothing else.” Bastion turned away from them and headed back to the window. “The one you’re after isn’t an angel. You need to look closer to home for this killer.” Then he leapt through the open window, wings soaring and breaking glass in the top windowpane as he flew high up into the dark sky.
Marna stared after him. Her old life had never been so far away. As if to remind her of what she’d lost, the scars on her back seemed to burn. Burning, itching—why wouldn’t they just stop bothering her? Reminding me of what’s gone.
She put her back to the window. “There’s one person who can tell us what he saw.” An individual who’d gotten a very up-close look at the killer.
And Cody was recovered enough now to tell them everything.
Tanner nodded. Marna pushed past him, ready to find Cody and?—
He stopped her. “Do you still miss…” Tanner began, but then his words died away.
She knew what he’d been about to say. “Heaven? Sometimes.” How could she not? “But I’m finding there are things here that I like very, very much.”
His gaze lifted to meet hers.
She offered him a smile. “Now let’s go find out who this creep is and let’s stop him.” Because she was ready to move on with her life. Humans knew joy—she’d seen it on their faces. Maybe, just maybe, she could know it, too.
A home. A family. Tanner…and a child? Perhaps all of that could be hers.
But not with the killer waiting out there. Not with him playing his games.
Finish him. Then she could really start living.
Only…as soon as they opened the bedroom door, Tanner swore. He rushed past her and barreled down the stairs. Marna heard the faint sound then, too. A car’s motor, speeding away.
Tanner yanked open the front door. Marna was steps behind him, and she saw the glow of fading taillights.
“Cody,” she whispered.
The sagging front porch creaked as Riley stepped from the shadows. “The demon said he had hunting to do.”
“Sonofabitch.” Tanner stared after those red lights with his body tight.
“The demon was muttering about owing you, and making things right.” Riley stopped at Marna’s side, but his eyes were on Tanner.
Tanner threw a hard glance over his shoulder. “And you just let him drive away?”
“Why would I stop him?” Riley wanted to know. “I paid my debt.” He gave a little salute to Marna. “I don’t owe anyone now.” He started walking back into the house.
Marna caught his arm. “We were even before this. Now I’m the one who owes you.”
He sent her a quick smile. One that showed the edges of his fangs. “I like having an angel in my debt.”
Why did everyone seem to keep forgetting? “I’m not an angel anymore.”
His grin widened. “Even better.”
A snarl came from Tanner.
But Riley just laughed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “There’s a motorcycle hidden about a hundred yards to the east, under an oak. Take it. Join the hunt.” He tossed the keys to Tanner. “And now, that means you’re in my debt, too.” Whistling, he headed inside.
“Bastard,” Tanner muttered.
Yes, but he was a bastard who’d helped them. She caught Tanner’s free hand. Laced her fingers with his. “Come on.” If they hurried, they’d be able to catch Cody. Dawn would come soon, and this battle would best be fought under the cover of darkness.
It was easier to hide the truth from humans in the dark.
They raced through the brush, heading east quickly through the night. Then they were at the motorcycle. Tanner climbed on, and she jumped behind him, holding tight. The engine burst to life with a growl as great as Tanner’s panther, and they shot forward.
Her heart slammed into her ribs as they gave chase.
She couldn’t see any sign of Cody’s vehicle, but he had to be close still. The motorcycle leapt off the old path and onto the twisting two-lane highway with a jarring thud that had her holding even tighter to Tanner. Faster, faster. Her hair whipped behind her as they drove.
Another corner.
Another tight turn.
Her thighs squeezed around his as the vibration from the bike shook her legs. When had she grown so used to the adrenaline rush of danger? When had it started to turn her on?
Not such an angel.
Maybe it was time for everyone to realize that.
Another turn. Her body was plastered against his. Another?—
A siren screamed and a police cruiser seemed to leap right out of the darkness. Blue and red lights flashed in a blinding whir.
The cops had found them. Had tracked them.
Tanner didn’t slow. Faster, faster…
Another turn. Another tight corner, another?—
A car was blocking the road. No, not a car. An SUV. Riley’s vehicle—the one Cody had taken. Tanner tried to stop the motorcycle. Brakes squealed and sparks flew into the air?—
But there wasn’t enough time to stop. They were going too fast. The SUV was too close. The motorcycle plowed into the side of the vehicle. Marna tried to hold on to Tanner, but she was ripped away from him. She flew through the air— not like when I had wings. This flight was terrifying, short, and her body slammed down onto the pavement after only seconds.
Her skin ripped away at the impact. Pain burned through her side and her arms.
Metal crunched and groaned. Those sirens were squealing. Hurting her ears. Marna tried to rise?—
“It’s okay,” a familiar voice told her, “I’ve got you.” Then arms wrapped around her body. Too tight. Too hard. And she was flying again. Rising higher and higher into the sky. She tried to fight the hold on her but couldn’t break free. When Marna glanced down, she saw the wreckage below. Tanner and Cody were both there and running toward her. Tanner was screaming her name.
But she couldn’t break free and get back to him.
“No! Marna! ” Tanner stared up, body shaking with fury, as the angel took Marna away from him. Fucking Bastion. He wasn’t taking her. He?—
“He flew right at me.” Cody’s words tumbled out. Blood dripped from the gash in his forehead. “I was trying to get back to town—and my windshield shattered. I couldn’t even see him, not at first.” Cody’s breath shuddered out. “He forced me to stop.”
And he’d taken Marna. Tanner had caught a glimpse of the angel’s black wings. He’d moved too fast for Tanner to see his face, but he knew just which angel had come calling.
A door slammed behind him. Footsteps raced toward them. And those sirens kept screaming.
“Tanner!”
He couldn’t see Marna anymore. But he would find her. The angel wouldn’t take her.
“Tanner!” Hard hands slammed into him, and Tanner jerked his gaze away from the dark sky and found himself staring at his partner’s tense face. Wait, what the hell was Jonathan doing there?
“Man, we are in one big-ass shit storm,” Jonathan told him. The human was sweating and shaking. “I’ve been searching this swamp for you all night.”
Tanner shook his head. “I have to?—”
“What? Go after the girl? Not right now. Right now, you have to avoid the damn manhunt that is coming your way. They found the captain’s body, and now, they are looking for you. ”
Did everything really have to go to hell at the same exact time? He glanced around. The motorcycle was smashed and twisted into a heavy mass of wrecked metal. The SUV was totaled. Only one way out. “Then take me into custody.” He headed for the patrol car. The same patrol car that he’d raced past moments before.
Jonathan grabbed his arm in a surprisingly strong grip. Huh. Maybe the human wasn’t so weak after all. “Are you insane?” Jonathan demanded with narrowed eyes. “Why do you think I was hauling ass to find you first? I’m trying to keep you out of custody.”
Tanner jerked free and kept marching toward the car. The detective wasn’t that strong. “Maybe I wasn’t clear enough.” He didn’t climb in the back of the car. He slid behind the wheel. “I’m taking this car.” More sirens were screaming. Coming ever closer
“Shit.” Jonathan jumped in beside him. “You’re not leaving without me. I’ll be damned if I have to keep chasing your ass.”
“You’re not going without me!” Cody, weaving a bit, stood in front of the vehicle. “I won’t let you face him alone!”
Jonathan stared through the windshield at the bleeding demon. Then he shook his head. “I think it’s time you brought me up to speed, partner. ”
Tanner’s hands tightened around the wheel. Being in the car was the perfect camouflage for him. While the other cops were out beating the streets in their search for a fugitive, a cop killer— time for me to kiss that badge goodbye— he’d be safely behind the wheel. Tracking an angel who was bent on hell.
You aren’t walking away after this. He’d make sure Bastion didn’t have a second chance to go after Marna. He’d seen the lust so clearly in the angel’s eyes. He should have expected?—
“Tell me,” Jonathan insisted as he slammed his fist against the dash, making the radio shake.
Cody ran around to the back of the car. He climbed in and sent drops of blood raining against the cage that kept suspects in check.
“Drive,” Cody urged him. “Drive now. Fast.”
Like he needed to be told. Tanner kept the windows down. He pulled in the scents around them and got locked on the one that mattered most.
Sin and sweetness. Rich, lush woman. A lost angel.
And he followed her. He shoved the gas pedal to the floor, weaved around the wreckage, and told his partner, “You know Marna’s an angel of death…” She had been. “Well, one of those other death angel assholes just took her away.” The patrol car raced through the darkness. “And we’re getting her back.”
They landed on a rooftop. The sun was rising, just cracking open the sky with streaks of red and gold. The instant Marna’s feet touched down, Bastion let her go.
Marna whirled on him and drove her fist up and into his jaw. He didn’t flinch. He’s getting used to pain.
His gaze, steady and intense, just held hers. “I don’t care if I make you angry.”
When had he gone crazy? How had she missed it? “What were you thinking? You can’t just abduct me!”
He gave a hard shake of his head. “I’m keeping you safe.”
“No, you’re marking yourself for death, that’s what you’re doing.” She spun away from him and hurried to the edge of the roof. They were back in the Quarter. She knew these streets. Tanner would be searching for her. How long would it take before he turned his attention back to the city?
Doesn’t matter. She wasn’t going to wait around for Tanner to find her. She’d go back and find him.
Strong fingers closed around her arm. “If you go back to the shifter, you’ll be the one dying.”
Shocked, she turned and her gaze lifted to his. “Tanner would never hurt me.” She believed that with complete certainty.
“It’s not him I’m worried about.”
Her heart raced faster in her chest. “You did see who was in that alley with Cody.”
He shook his head. “You know angels can’t lie.”
She struggled to remember his exact words. Then— dammit! “Just tell me! Tell me so I can keep Tanner safe. I have to know who I am facing!”
His hands tightened on her arm. “I don’t know! If I knew, I would have killed him already.”
His words shocked her into silence.
“All I know…” His voice dropped, and he exhaled on a long sigh. “All I know is that my list has changed.”
The death list.
He swallowed, and Marna saw the flash of pain in his eyes. “And now, you’re on the list.”
“Death angels.” Jonathan gave a slow nod that Tanner saw from the corner of his eye. “Okay, so there are different types of angels? I thought—I thought they were all the same.”
“Hell, no. They’re like anyone else—some good, some evil. The most dangerous ones…they have to be stopped.” Which was what he’d do to Bastion once he caught the prick. Bastion had flown so fast, it was hard to trace the scent. As soon as he’d reached the Quarter, Tanner had lost that elusive smell. Now he circled around, gaze darting from the left to the right. Where are you?
“How can angels…be bad?” Now Jonathan sounded confused. Who could blame him? Humans were at a serious disadvantage in the paranormal game. The detective had already been jerked around once. No telling what bullshit the captain had fed him.
“The world is full of good and evil.” This came from Cody. Had his brother stopped bleeding yet? “Even angels can sin.”
Right. Tanner groused, “And they can get their lily white asses tossed from heaven.” Like Sammael. Like Az. Soon…like Bastion?
“Is that what happened with your angel?” Jonathan asked as his fingers drummed against the dashboard. He’d dented it with his fist earlier. “Did your Marna get cast out?”
“No,” he snapped. He needed to shift. The panther would be able to pick up Marna’s scent so much better. But dawn was coming, and there were already too many humans out in the streets. There wasn’t enough space to hide the beast in the daylight.
“Marna was different,” Cody said softly as he leaned forward, and his fingers curled around the cage that separated the front and back of the patrol car. “Our brother Brandt cut her wings away.”
Jonathan whistled. “That’s one sick family you have there,” he muttered. “I hope you gave that bastard exactly what he deserved.”
I didn’t. But someone else sure did . “He’s in hell.”
Jonathan grunted. “Sounds like he’s just where he needs to be.”
“You’re saying that I’m going to die?” But she didn’t want to die yet. She had just really started to live. She wanted to stay there, with Tanner. Wanted to have a child with him.
Bastion shook his head. “It’s not going to happen. I won’t let it. I’ll keep you safe. You don’t have to worry.”
Then she realized what he was doing, and it broke her heart. “You can’t change what’s meant to be.” An angel was supposed to follow orders. To take the souls in their care.
She knew of another angel who’d refused to take a soul. The angel had been right here, just blocks away in New Orleans. One dark night, the angel called Keenan had refused to take the soul of a human woman. He’d thought that Nicole St. James should have the chance to live.
For his sin, he’d been punished. He’d fallen.
A tear slipped down her cheek. Why did things have to be this way? Why did everything have to be so twisted? “You can’t fall because of me.”
His hand lifted. His fingers trembled as he brushed the tear away. “I’m not going to stand back and watch you suffer.” His jaw tightened. “I’ll do what I must in order to keep you safe. Other angels have changed fate. I can do it, too.” A pause. “I’ve done it once already, and I didn’t fall. I’m still here.”
What? “You know you can’t get away with that. It’s only a matter of time until—until—” Until Bastion’s crimes caught up with him. She shook her head. “I won’t let you be punished for me!”
His hand was still against her cheek. “You never should have been a death angel. I know that. I saw how much taking each soul hurt you.”
She shouldn’t have felt pain. He shouldn’t be feeling pain now. They’d always been taught?—
Angels don’t feel.
It looked like they’d all been taught wrong. Was that why so many were falling? Because they couldn’t hold their emotions in check any longer?
“I’m going to hunt the one who is after you. I will kill him.” A vow from Bastion.
No. She couldn’t let him sacrifice so much for her.
Marna drew in a deep breath. She didn’t want to hurt Bastion, but sometimes, there wasn’t a choice. Sometimes you had to hurt the ones you loved.
I won’t let him be punished for me.
She caught his hand and curled her fingers around his. “Did I ever tell you,” she asked softly as her gaze met his, “how much I care for you?”
His eyes widened. “Marna?”
“So I hope you understand why I have to do this.” She pulled up the power that had been growing within her. Getting stronger each day. And Marna blasted that energy right at Bastion. Not enough power to kill him, never that, but enough to send the angel flying away from her and crashing onto the rooftop. “I’m sorry,” she whispered as she turned away. “But it’s my battle, and I won’t have you turned into?—”
Me.
Broken. Lost.
“Marna—” Her name, gasped, weak.
She hurried to the edge of the roof. She’d never tried this without wings before. Hopefully, it wouldn’t hurt her too much. Either way, she’d heal. Angels always did.
“Marna!”
She stepped off the roof and fell straight to the ground below.
“So where the hell are we heading?” Jonathan asked, voice rising. “If an angel took her, can’t she be anyplace?”
Yes, she could be. Tanner shoved his foot down harder on that accelerator. When he caught up to Bastion, he was going to make that angel wish for a swift trip to hell.
You can’t take her from me.
“He would have gotten her as far from Tanner as possible,” Cody mused. “Taken her someplace where he felt in control.”
“And that’s not the swamp.” The swamp wasn’t the place for that lily-white, pretty-boy angel. But the city—probably some spot up high so he could look down on everyone else, yeah, that was more the angel’s style.
And that was why Tanner had driven back to the city as fast as the patrol car would go.
“We have to be careful,” Jonathan told him as his gaze swept the tight streets. “If any other cops see you…”
Tanner nodded. “They won’t be taking me in.” His life as a cop was over. Gone. He knew that. Pity. Fucking shame. He’d always wanted to protect. To stop the criminals hunting in the streets.
To make up for my own past. But that was all gone now. He was being hunted, because of the freak who’d targeted him and Marna.
“What kinds of angels are out there?” Jonathan asked. A fast glance showed him running a shaking hand through his hair. “When Captain told me…she never said there were so many different types.”
“Maybe she didn’t know,” Cody said, still leaning forward and holding that cage. “I think Jillian was more interested in stealing angel blood than anything else.”
“Bitch,” Jonathan cursed. “She deserved the death you gave her.”
Tanner didn’t speak, just kept driving as fast as he could. Hold on, Marna. I’m coming.
“There are so many. Angels of death…guardians…punishers,” Cody ticked off some of the angels that walked the earth.
“Punishers?” Jonathan asked as he turned to look at Cody. “What—like angels who actually punish humans?”
“Not just humans,” Cody corrected. “Anyone. They’ve come after their share of supernaturals, too. You cross the line, and they’ll come for you.”
Tanner wished the two of them would just shut the hell up. He wanted to focus on Marna. If he could just pick up her scent again…
A sudden blast of music filled the car. Swearing, Jonathan yanked out his cell. “Detective Pardue. What? Where?”
Tanner raced through a yellow light. He’d go search by the Square. Maybe she was?—
“Go to St. Louis Street,” Jonathan directed Tanner as he shoved his phone back into his pocket. “I’ve got an informant there, one who’s paid to let me know when he sees anything unusual going on.”
Because the human wanted to know everything about the supernaturals. Didn’t he realize just how dangerous that was?
“That was him on the phone. He said he just saw a woman jump off a three-story building, and then the woman just walked away without a scratch.”
Marna.
The tires squealed as Tanner rounded the corner, and because, dammit, humans were coming out and cars were in his way, he flashed on his lights and let his siren scream.
The buildings rushed by him in a blur.
“Low profile, man,” Jonathan snapped. “Low freaking profile.”
Screw that. Another screeching turn. One more. Then…
He had her scent. It was the sweetest scent in the world. Tanner slammed the car to a stop and leapt out. He raced through the line of alleys. Jumped over fences. His body burned with the need to shift, but he held the beast back. Not here. Not now.
Not—
He saw her. She must have heard the thud of his footsteps because she turned around. Her eyes widened, and she ran toward him with her arms out.
“He loves her,” Cody said, voice low. “If anything happens to Marna…”
Jonathan jumped from the car. Tanner had already taken off, running fast as he followed the angel’s scent. He hadn’t even looked back.
A mistake.
Cody was in the back. The demon was strong enough that he could probably kick the doors open, but, for the moment he was trapped. Vulnerable.
Jonathan pulled out his gun.
Cody’s eyes widened. His fist slammed into the window.
And Jonathan’s bullet shattered the glass between them. Because it wasn’t a normal bullet—he knew better than to battle a monster with a bullet made by humans.
“She doesn’t love him,” Jonathan said and fired again. “And soon it won’t matter how the fuck that animal feels—he’ll be dead.”
He’d make sure of it. He turned away from the car and began to stalk after his partner. Power pulsed just beneath his skin. Then, because he could, because it would be so fucking fitting, he let his form shift. The bones of his face twisted and reshaped. He grew taller. Leaner.
And became the demon that he’d left bleeding in the backseat of the patrol car.
Vengeance is mine.
It would be so sweet.