Possession (18 page)

Chapter 26

Hector hurried up to Fallon when he entered. “Lord, how many should I prepare for?” The older man’s frown made him suppress a smile, as he didn’t know how Hector would react to humor at a time like this.  The male took his position very seriously. “Let me see, two in the cottage…”

“The cottage, it hasn’t been prepared!” Hector interrupted, then recovered. “Sorry My Lord, please continue.”

“Roderick, Rachel and Brock, as well as Blue and two new Protectors, in addition to our current house guests, hmm let’s see that’s how many Tonia?

Tonia snapped up, her eyes wide as she began to add up the guests in her head. Fallon poured the now hot water into his cup and added cream. Not listening as Tonia and Hector now joined by an excited Wendy began counting people and figuring out who went where.

“Oh God, are you all right?” Tonia exclaimed at Sebastian’s appearance in the kitchen. The incubus gave Fallon a questioning look.

“Does the offer still stand? My club is a pile of ash. The hotels are booked with some kind of Dragon conference event going on.”

Fallon went to Sebastian. “Of course the offer stands, please be our guest. I apologize, I know I brought this to your club.” He looked at Tonia, Wendy and Hector who watched them and then glanced to their piece of paper where they’d begun to write names down. “Brock and Blue won’t mind bunking together, they are always sharing each other’s room.”

The three began scribbling notes again as Fallon lead Sebastian to the stairs. “ You can stay in the first room on the left on the second floor. I’m surprised the police let you go so soon. I’m sure they had lots of questions.”

The incubus sighed, dark circles under his eyes and pale skin, he seemed exhausted. “I told them I’d be back after I got some sleep. There isn’t anything I can really say that will satisfy them.”

“How long since you’ve fed?” Fallon asked noticing the male’s pallor. “You don’t look too good.”

Sebastian didn’t reply right away. “I fed earlier today, but after all the fighting and energy needed to deal with so many humans, the two women were barely enough. I’ll feel better after I sleep. Thanks.”

The incubus headed up the stairs and Fallon went to his library suddenly feeling exhausted as well. A quick check of his ribs confirmed the healing was beginning. The soreness, however, remained strong.

It was not time to rest however. Julian waited in the library. The Roman didn't speak until everyone was present. Logan stood against the wall, a bored expression on his face. The others sat. Kieran walked in behind him, his ever-present cup of coffee in hand.

Fallon wasn’t in the mood to talk or have a meeting at the moment. He waited to hear what Julian had to say with barely concealed annoyance. If anything, they all needed to sleep and rest to prepare for what would be a busy night.

When Julian addressed them, their leader dropped a bomb on them. “I’m considering transferring all of the mated Protectors to other cities, each of you to a separate location. You can take a week to prepare everything.”

They sat in stunned silence, none of them not quite sure what to say. Kieran’s eyebrows shot up, he met Fallon’s gaze and shook his head. The Scot surprised him by remaining silent.

Julian waited, as if expecting questioning. “I will assign Max, Aiden and Logan to Atlanta. I’m trying to reach Thor, he can move here as well.”

“Where are we going?” Fallon asked, more for the crowd, as he didn’t care if he moved, of course he had Tonia to consider.

Julian met his gaze for a moment. “I haven’t finalized my decision yet.”

“What brings this on?” Cyn asked dragging his fingers through his hair. “We recently moved here, our lives are beginning to settle.  We can't allow demons to run us off. What kind of precedence would that set?”

“I have too many mated Protectors in one place. After having to relocate everyone to this house, I realized it’s too much of a liability to have you all at the same location. Your mates are a weakness,” Julian replied.

“I don’t agree,” Roderick told their leader, his voice strong. “It’s bullshit and you know it Julian, at least here we can all help each other. Our mates need the support system they get from one another. Going somewhere and secluding them is not a good idea. We'll be preoccupied with them being alone and exposed.  At least here we can rotate shifts and provide protection for them.” The room fell silent. They waited for Julian to explode.

He didn’t.

Fallon leaned back and crossed his arms. “I don’t think any of our mates are weak. Tonia is a trained warrior, Wendy survived a demon attack alone and Emma, well let’s just say, I wouldn’t want to make her angry.” The other Protectors nodded in agreement. “I propose you consider making the current living arrangement permanent, our mates and families are very well protected inside this property. If they wish to go out and do things, I will provide body guards.”

“I don’t know,” Julian told them, his lips pressed together. He was not a person known to compromise. He blew out a breath and motioned at Aiden and Max. "Come with me, I have a set of suites in a local hotel.” Both nodded, their expressions blank.

Julian met each of the remaining Protector's gazes. “I will consider leaving you here.  For now. ”

He then directed his attention at Roderick. “I have to go to Ireland, the Fae require assistance. I will be back in to check on the progress here. Keep me apprised.”

Fallon got Julian's attention. "Was there a Protector named Ares?"

Roderick's rounded eyes met Julian's.  The Roman's narrowed at him.  "Why do you ask?"

"I know this is going to sound strange, but when you guys killed me."

"We stopped your heart," Roderick corrected.

"Yes, well while I was in this strange ether-world, a person came to me, he spoke to me and told me his name was Ares.  He said he'd been there for centuries and to let you know he was there."

Julian's brows lowered. "Can it be possible?"

"Who is he?" Kieran asked.

"An old friend," Julian replied, but did not expand.

"Can we help him?" Fallon felt bad if the male was indeed stuck in that impossibly blank world.

"I don't know that I could," Julian began, then took a breath. "Interesting."

After he walked out, Roderick let out a relieved breath. “Damn that was close. We almost got shipped off to four corners of the planet.”

Fallon nodded. “Damn close. If you gentlemen will excuse me, I’m about to go fall flat on my face on a bed.” Once things calmed, he would ask Roderick about Ares.

Chapter 27

The fact that the house was so quiet intrigued Tonia. Roderick and Cyn had left to get their families, while Fallon, Kieran, Logan and Sebastian were all asleep. She opened the bedroom door and peered in to check on Fallon.

He was splayed across the bed, his hair still damp from a shower. Wearing only briefs, his magnificent body was a feast on display. Tonia wondered if he was cold and picked up a blanket from the bench at the foot of the bed to cover him with. Moving with care, she placed the blanket over him, then leaned over and kissed his cheek. He didn’t move.

The vibration of her cell phone startled her and she hurried from the room to answer it.

It was Debra, the administrative assistant from the Marshal’s office. “Marshal Mohr, you must come in as soon as possible to sign your resignation paperwork if you really are resigning,” Debra told her. “I’ve gotten several phone calls today, nobody believes you resigned so abruptly.”

“I’m on my way,” Tonia replied already heading down the stairs. She went into the garage. “I did resign, Debra. I’m sorry, I should have called you.” She liked the woman, they’d often shared lunch and family tales. With everything that was happening she hadn’t thought to call her.

“Captain Goodall, said you got married.” Debra sounded hurt. “Is it true?”

Tonia got into her car and opened the garage. Thankfully no one came running as she backed out. She pressed the gate remote and it opened.  Two men stood outside, both uniformed.  The new guards. She waved to them and they frowned but didn't try to stop her.

“Yes, well it’s a story we’ll share over coffee one day soon. But to sum it up, I met a guy, dated him a few times, fell head over heels in love and had to marry him,” she told Debra hoping that being a hopeless romantic, the woman would fall for it.

She did. “Oh my God, that is soooo romantic,” Debra gushed. “I can’t wait to meet him. What’s his name?”

“Fallon. Look Debra, I’ll be there in a few minutes. Is the captain there right now?” She held her breath.

“No he’s gone to the FBI’s offices for most of the day.”

“Great, er I mean, it’s great I get to see you. I’ll be there in less than an hour.”

Luck was with her, Tonia was able to find a parking spot right in front of the Marshal's offices. She got out of her car and looked towards the reserved parking spot to ensure it was empty. It was.

Thunder rumbled and dark clouds began to gather. Large billowing grey clouds gathered in fast motion, coming together like an ominous sign of bad things to come.

She refused to ponder anything but the present and shouldered her purse making her way toward the five-story concrete colored building. The sooner she completed her business, the sooner she could return and rid herself of this life forever. Besides, this could give her a chance to formulate a way to kill the demon.

Her heart pounding, she rushed inside and ran up the stairs to the second story offices. The bland walls and plain grey industrial furnishings were a familiar sight that warmed her. Relieved that no one seemed to notice her, she collected herself and studied the familiar surroundings.

Her daily life had revolved around the place and the assignments given by the now retired captain. She looked at the strategy board, the stark lines dashed from one picture to another as they’d discussed how best to hide a witness, which people were linked to others, what the best course of action would be for the individual that fell into their custody. It was now her old life.

“Hey Tonia,” Debra called out upon seeing her, waving her hand in the air. The curvy woman shook her new longer curls getting everyone’s attention as she dashed around her desk and rushed to her. Wrapped in a tight hug, Tonia laughed. Debra tugged Tonia to an empty chair next to her desk.

  Several of the Marshals turned to look at her, most of them giving her questioning looks, thankfully none dared be the first to ask the obvious question.

"Tell me everything." Debra leaned forward with a bright smile. "I can't believe you are leaving."

“I did quit rather abruptly. I figured it was a good time with the changes of a new captain and Douglas leaving.  Since I got married, I will be traveling with my new husband." She felt horrible lying to her friend. "I’m happy and I am sad to leave and not work here."
Tonia took a breath. “I can’t wait to hear how much things will change with me and Douglas gone now.”

An older agent neared and gave her a thumbs up. “Well congratulations Mohr. I hear you married a rich guy that drives a Jaguar. You’ll be too busy getting manicures to keep up with what happens here.” The others echoed their congratulations and well wishes.

“Yeah, yeah,” she replied. Uncomfortable feelings of nostalgia filled her and she blinked away the moisture in her eyes.

Debra opened a file and pointed to places on the paperwork she needed to sign.  Tonia complied and signed each one in a hurry hoping to finish the task at hand and leave—avoiding the captain.

Fallon would be mad if he discovered she'd left the house without letting him know, she wanted to get it done and besides she wouldn't be gone long. It was daylight and not much happened during the day where demons were involved. With luck she'd make it back before he woke.

“How long before the captain gets back? I want to leave before he gets here,” Tonia asked Debra as she scribbled her signatures into the papers that her friend had marked.

“He told me not to expect him today,” Debra said, but her eyes darted to the doorway. “Why are you avoiding him? He’s a nice guy once you get to know him.”

“I don’t want to deal with all the questions. I made my decision to leave, I don't want a drawn out departure.” Tonia fibbed.

She gave Tonia an all-knowing look. "Tell me about the new husband. Is he handsome? How did you meet him?"

“My hubby is hot,” Tonia told Debra whose eyes bulged with glee. “Tall, dark and handsome, too.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “How about we meet for coffee next week, so I can tell you all about my man?”

Debra began gushing and asking all kinds of questions as Tonia packed her desk items into boxes. She gave Debra a few items that she knew the administrative assistant had coveted and then picking up a box full of her desk items, she went to leave.

“I can’t believe you’re leaving without buying us a round,” one of the agents called out. Another came and took the box from her.  "I got this."

The older agent smiled. "From what Douglas told us, this Trent guy is a good man. We agree."

Tonia smirked, “I knew you guys would have it all figured out. Is the full background check on him done?”

The man smirked. “He’s clean. But you already know that right?”

Tonia nodded. “I concede, I owe you a round, and I will make good on it, have to take care of some family stuff first.”

They made their way to where she'd parked and she popped the trunk open.

“Cool, let us know when and we'll meet ya.” He replied putting the box in the back of her car. “It’s gonna be strange with you and Douglas both gone at the same time.”

They shook hands and she watched him go back into the building. She leaned back and looked at the building, the place she’d come to almost daily for the last six years and now she had to leave it all behind.

“You don’t have to quit you know.”

Goodall.

Tonia fisted her hands and the acid of hatred filled her.  Yet, she forced herself to turn and face the man who’d killed her husband. His eyes were filled not with evil as she expected, but instead—concern. She noticed that he stood at a distance, his posture tense as if he expected her to attack. And rightly so.

“Get away from my car demon,” she bit out, eyeing the best way to get into her car and away from him. Because of the metal detectors at the office entrance, she was unarmed, her sword inside the car. Perhaps she could lure him to talk and manage to get the sword and… no that wouldn’t work.

“I know why you hate me. Alexander Mohr was your husband.  I killed him.” He kept his gaze locked with hers. “I remember the trip to Atlanta three years ago. And I remember that night clearly, the first time I’ve killed someone in over a hundred years.”

Tonia didn’t want to hear it. She didn’t want to revisit that night, not now, when she couldn’t kill him. “I said step away from my car.”

He did not move and continued speaking. “I was here for a conference. Brought my wife and girls along to see if they liked Atlanta in case I got promoted and I could transfer here.”

Tonia swallowed to keep from screaming at him to shut up. She wanted him to stop talking. Instead she clenched her jaw and turned away from him and continued listening.

“That night, I was late leaving a restaurant where a few of the conference attendees met for drinks. On my way back to the hotel, I decided to take a shortcut through a side street. He waited there, and he was armed with a sword. I told him I didn’t want any trouble that I was a Marshal and armed with a gun. He didn’t want to hear it and charged at me with that sword of his. We fought and I killed him with his own sword.” The demon actually looked contrite. “I hated that I left you without a husband. But I don’t regret that my wife and daughters have me to care for them. I won’t apologize for what happened, Marshal Mohr.”

Tonia wasn’t able to stop from leaning on her car only a few inches from the male, who moved back, giving her space. “Why did you come back?”

“I didn’t want to, but my wife was set on moving back here.  Her family lives in Atlanta. I couldn’t turn the job down after I’d been so fervently campaigning for the position.”

He pulled her badge out of his pocket. “You’re a good officer Mohr. I can understand why you don’t want to work for me, but you can have your job back anytime you want it.”

She stared the badge, but did not retrieve it.

The merry-go-round went faster and faster, to the point where she couldn’t get off if she wanted to. Everything seemed to wiz by and she fought to keep a clear view of her surroundings. The only focus point at the moment was Goodall and she focused on him.

“Mohr, are you all right?” he asked taking a step toward her, then stopping short of touching her. She gasped when he straightened up suddenly jerking around as a group of lower levels moved toward them.

The first one to reach them cocked an eyebrow at them, while the two behind him scanned the area. “Well, so it's true, the new man is one of us.”

Tonia’s eyes widened. She was about to dash for the car door. Goodall stepped between her and the demons, a soft growl made the lower levels lose their tough demeanor. “I am not one of you. Leave now.”

He flashed his fangs at them and instantly they backed up. The spokesman held his hands up. “Okay, okay, we're gone. I wanted to welcome you, but guess you've sold out.”

“Get in the car,” Goodall whispered as he shoved her in the driver's seat. He continued to keep an eye on the low-levels who now walked away before looking down at her.

“I am sorry that your husband had to die. I hope one day you understand why I did it. I could not let him kill me.  Take care of yourself Mohr.”

He stepped back and went towards the building.

Tonia didn’t think or digest what had happened, she slid over to the driver’s side and drove away.

It wasn’t quite one in the afternoon, yet the darkness from the overcast sky made it seem later, evening like.  Tonia drove away from her office building and started her wipers as a steady drizzle began to fall.

Her mind awhirl after what happened between her and Goodall. Could it possibly be true? She’d been wrong this entire time? The beings she’d considered evil and mankind’s enemy were actually defending themselves against the human slayers who killed them because of who they were. Fallon's words returned and she took a long breath.

No. She couldn’t accept it. Accepting it would mean that Alex had died for a mistaken belief system. Why hadn’t she done more research, taken the time to interview demons, question them? She was a professional investigator, a keeper of the law for God's sake. Yet in this instance, she’d killed indiscriminately, not given them a chance to defend themselves. She alone had been their judge, jury and executioner.

Tonia shuddered recalling one individual that had told her to tell his wife he loved her, she’d hesitated in killing him, but another slayer jumped in and ended his life.

“What have I done?” Tears began to pour down her face; she wiped them away angrily, needing to see, as the rain began to fall heavier. She turned down a side street and sped up the wipers. When a dark clothed figure stepped in front of the car, she slammed on the brakes. Her heart pumping hard, she gripped the steering wheel wrenching it to the side mere inches from hitting him, her car cut off and the lights went dark. She wrestled to keep the car from skidding into the tall dark figure that began to make his way to her side of the car.

Although she saw him near, the hard rap on her window made her jump. Tonia bit back the urge to yelp in surprise upon seeing Fallon glaring at her.

His hair was plastered against his head, unruly locks dripped down his face. She watched as rain dripped from the tip of his nose. The violet eyes were dark purple as he rapped on the window again.