Emerald Flame: A Paranormal Romance (The Flame Series Book 6) Read online

  She nodded.

  He let Fergus know they were moving in to try to reach the safe room, but he kept his phone in his hand.

  Warren flew them swiftly to an in-air position not far from Fergus.

  Fergus was hunkered down behind one of the heavy duty, metal trash bins. His men had taken cover wherever they could. There were at least a dozen cars in the rear parking lot.

  Julio’s men were nowhere to be seen in the alley. But the back of the building was heavily peppered with automatic fire, so they’d been there. Empty shells lay scattered everywhere.

  Kiara saw movement up the alley and her heart sank. It was a heavily reinforced Hummer. Warren, we’re in trouble.

  He glanced at her. She jerked her chin and he caught sight of the Hummer as well. Christ.

  He held his phone up to his ear and addressed Fergus. “Look east.”

  Kiara watched Fergus’s head swivel. A string of invective hit the air.

  “Once that Hummer gets here,” Warren said, “They’ll blow the back of the building wide open.”

  “I’ve got to get my men out of here. Where are you?”

  “Above your position thirty feet.”

  “Okay, listen up. Mary said Julio’s men are leaving the club and taking up positions opposite the Strip entrance.” Another confirmation the Hummer would be lighting up Ralph’s club.

  “Then it’s time we went in.” Warren still held Kiara tight. You ready for this? Because we need to go in now.

  Her knees were shaking but she lifted her chin. I’m ready. I can feel the wolves. They’re in a lot of pain.

  Warren nodded. I can feel them, too. Once we get inside the safe room, we should be okay.

  To Fergus, he said. “We’re going in. Call Ralph. Tell him to be ready to open the door for us.”

  “Will do.”

  Warren squeezed Kiara’s waist again, then swept them swiftly straight to the back door which lay wide open. Once he set them on the ground, Kiara took his hand to sustain their connection then led him to the office on the left. There were bloody bodies everywhere, but Kiara didn’t let it affect her. Time to deal with the trauma later.

  Once outside the safe room, Warren spoke to Fergus who relayed the message to Ralph. Seconds later, the thick steel door slid open. Kiara heard the rumbling of the Hummer as well as Fergus’s troops shouting as they fired on the vehicle from high in the air.

  Once within the small, cramped space, Warren spoke into his phone to let Fergus know they were inside. He would have to inform Ralph because they were still within the invisibility shield.

  A moment later, Ralph answered his phone then closed the door. Just as the bolts slid home, the mortar struck. The explosion rocked the building. The wolves, already whimpering in distress, cried out. Some were wounded in addition to suffering from the partial-shift.

  Warren, we need to leave the cloak.

  Let’s do it.

  Just relax this time. She squeezed his hand as he nodded.

  As he drew in a deep breath and she watched his shoulders drop, she configured the releasing spell. She closed her eyes and gripped Warren’s hand tighter. She felt the waves move through her and slowly eased out of the shield. Warren followed behind her.

  She shifted her gaze to Warren. “Better that time?”

  “Much.”

  Ralph was staring at her. “Damn, woman, the things you can do.” He was a tall, lean warlock with thick curly black hair that he wore to his shoulders. He had an almost gaunt appearance and wore a silver sharkskin suit. A black cross dangled from his left earlobe. He definitely looked like a strip-club owner.

  His gaze went to the wolves. “Can you help them?”

  She went to Ralph first and gave him a hug. “Yes, I can.”

  “Thanks.” When she released him, he crossed his arms over his chest as though holding himself together.

  She slid her satchel strap over her head then went to the first half-shifted wolf. The woman’s body was twisted in agony. Her muzzle was partially elongated, ears only half-formed, her hands and feet were twisted painfully.

  Kiara poured out a capful of the emerald liquid then offered it to the wolf.

  The woman glanced at Warren, her lips drawn back and her fangs glistening. Warren nodded to her slowly.

  Warren met Kiara’s gaze. “You’ll need to help her.”

  Kiara cupped the nape of the woman’s neck then eased her head back. Tears ran from the woman’s eyes. Her fur had appeared in ugly patches on her head and down her back. Kiara tipped the liquid into her mouth.

  The wolf struggled to swallow.

  “You should start feeling the effects…”

  Before Kiara got all the words out, the woman arched once then released a heavy sigh as her shift resolved and she was in her human form once more.

  “Oh, thank God.” She remained on the floor limp and used up from the ordeal. Tears flowed from her eyes.

  Kiara went to the next wolf and repeated the process until all nine wolves were restored. She’d never heard so many ‘thank-you’s’ in her life.

  ~ ~ ~

  Warren watched Kiara. She had her hand clutched tightly to the bottle of green liquid. She went back to the first wolf. Even though he could tell the woman was no longer stuck in her half-shift, Kiara had her take another drink. “More will help. You’ll see.”

  “I’m already better,” but she drank anyway. “Thank you, witch. You’ve been good to us on the Strip. Everyone says so.” A weary smile touched her lips.

  Ralph squatted on his haunches and took hold of the woman’s hand. “Glad you’re out of pain, Serena.”

  “That was so not fun.” Her stage make-up was smeared. More tears rolled down her cheeks. “But the others—”

  “Don’t think about that now.”

  The women still wore their scanty costumes. Shifting absorbed clothing then restored it in the original state, one of the pluses of their wolf lives.

  But it was Kiara he tracked. His focus on her had a predatory quality. He could admit that much to himself. He wished like hell she wasn’t showing so much kindness to the wolves. It only made him want her more and he didn’t need yet another reason to keep her in Savage.

  He turned his focus to the safe room itself. It contained cases of water, blankets, emergency kits, even boxes of prepper-type food. Ralph had been wise to build it into his facility. He’d shown a lot of foresight. “Ralph, got a second?”

  The warlock rose up then stepped close. He was tall, maybe six-three and very lean. He wore black eye-liner on upper and lower lids. His lips were turned down and a shard of pain glinted in his eyes.

  He’d lost wolves tonight.

  Warren kept his voice low. “I’m sorry about what’s happened to your club and to your people.” He planted a hand on the warlock’s shoulder. “I know you cared about them, more than any other owner on the Strip. But can you tell me again what happened? Give as much detail as possible.”

  Ralph’s nostrils flared slightly. In that small movement, Warren knew he was thinking about the lives lost. “I should have protected them better.” He shook his head. “But Julio’s men came through the door and started firing. My bouncers fought back, but they were overrun within a minute or two. I was back here, in my office, watching the nightmare on the security feeds.

  “I heard the shots and a lot of screaming.” Ralph glanced back at the women. All eyes were on him now, even Kiara’s as he recounted the nightmare. His dark eyes were wide, lips parted, his complexion pale.

  “I called out for any who were nearby.” He inclined his head to the wolves in the safe room. “They came running from the dressing rooms behind the stage. I’d already opened the safe-room door and ushered them inside. Others were trapped out there. I only sealed the door when I heard how close the gunshots sounded.”

  “It was deafening,” one of the women added.

  Warren glanced at the wolf who had spoken. Kiara had pulled some of the gray, wool blankets off th
e shelves and was unfurling them for the women and covering them up. They were all sitting against the wall and huddled together. Tears streamed down several faces. Wolves needed to be close to each other. He felt their communion like a soft breeze through his soul, one of the best parts of pack-life, even if the pack worked in a sex-club.

  Warren searched each face for a moment, then realized the worst part of the situation for Ralph. “Where’s Susie?”

  Ralph had been closely involved with a wolf for years. She’d been one of his strippers. But when they’d gotten close, she’d started managing the books for him instead.

  Ralph spoke quietly and dropped his gaze to the floor. “I don’t know. In her dressing room, I think, near the stage.”

  Warren decided to contact Fergus telepathically to keep the conversation away from Ralph and the wolves. He asked about the current state of the club and the position of Julio’s force.

  Fergus laid it out. The Hummer took off, but it looks like Julio is preparing to send his men back into the building. Mary’s still hovering in her dreamglide. She says the building is clear, but not for long. There’s at least one woman still alive. She’s in the dressing room directly behind the stage.

  Warren knew what had to be done. I’ll take it from here.

  He shut down his connection to Fergus then opened up to Kiara telepathically. He told her what was going on, then added, This could be dangerous.

  Having distributed the last of the blankets, Kiara turned to face him. She tucked the potion-water back into her satchel then slid the strap over her head once more. We’ve got to try. Julio’s men will kill anyone left alive.

  He glanced around. You should stay here. I can find this woman and deliver the water myself.

  She lifted her chin. Like hell, Warren. We need to slip inside my spell and do it quick.

  He made an instant decision, but spoke aloud. “You’re right.” When she stretched out her hand, he took it then turned to Ralph. “Kiara and I are going back out there to see about survivors.”

  Ralph scowled. “It’s too dangerous.”

  Warren used his dominance voice. “Open the door. Now.”

  Ralph blinked once then shot around them both. He slammed the bar down that would allow the door to slide free. As it opened, Kiara gripped Warren’s hand hard and offered one word of warning. Relax, Handsome.

  He tried, but he was too revved up with what they were about to do. Again, he ended up with that horrible cramped feeling like all his bones were being pushed through a sieve. Still, he kept his pain to himself.

  Once inside the shield then out of the safe room, he used telepathy and contacted Ralph. Can you see us at all?

  No.

  Good. Now shut the door until you hear from Fergus or me.

  The steel door slid home once more.

  Still holding Kiara’s hand though levitating, he led her into what was left of Ralph’s office. A large hole and plenty of starlight was visible behind a bunch of smoking debris.

  He used his phone to contact Fergus. “We’re outside the safe room. Do you have control of the alley?”

  “Yes.”

  “See the hole?”

  “Yup.”

  “Ralph and the wolves are ten feet west from there. Call him then get them out of there. Kiara and I are going after the woman.”

  “You’ve got it.”

  Warren moved swiftly now as he levitated above the debris then flew across to the service entrance. From there, he and Kiara whipped to the left and entered the hall next to the long row of dressing rooms. He ignored the many bloody bodies along the way. He found the dressing room across from the stage. The door was ajar. He followed Kiara inside.

  He could now hear Julio’s men laughing as they moved back through the front door.

  Warren, there’s someone behind the screen. It was an old-fashioned privacy screen.

  Kiara moved quickly then drew the screen back, but not far enough for Warren to see.

  She gasped. It’s Susie. She’s alive. She’s holding a dead woman in her arms, but she’s rocking and weeping.

  The dressing room was small and the angle was bad. He lifted the screen out of the way. It was just as Kiara had said. Let’s get her and go.

  We’ll have to leave the cloak.

  Let’s do it. He forced himself to relax. If he made one sound, he’d bring Julio’s men back here.

  But he was getting better and a split-second later he and Kiara were out of the shield.

  Kiara spoke to Susie quietly. “We’ve got about ten seconds to get you out of here. Ralph and some of the wolves are safe.”

  But Susie only stared at her blankly.

  “To hell with this.” He eased the dead wolf from Susie’s arms. Susie was in a half-shift and shaking with pain but she was silent. He picked her up, her body arched and she passed out.

  Kiara drew all three of them into the cloak.

  With whatever bizarre warlock abilities were emerging in him, Warren knew he had to stay physically connected to Kiara. Something about a disconnect would allow the wizard to know where they were. He used telepathy. You’ve got to hold onto me once we’re in motion.

  I know. If the wizard is in the vicinity, he’d be able to see us.

  With Susie in his arms, he said, Hop onto my back and I’ll get us out of here.

  When he turned away from her, he felt her levitate then plaster herself against him. She slid her arms around his neck. I’m ready.

  He levitated and left the dressing room.

  Once in the hall, he watched Julio’s men arrive and start searching the narrow backstage area toward the top of the passage. It was clear they couldn’t see him.

  Secure that they were hidden from view, Warren turned the other direction toward the back entrance then flew in a swift line toward the blown-out part of the building.

  Kiara held on tight.

  When he reached the place where Ralph’s office used to exist, he slowed briefly. Fergus was already there shepherding Ralph and the wolves up and over the smoking debris. None of the women hesitated. There was nothing but a hole in the wall where the service door used to be. Fergus’s disciplined troops moved with stealth and speed.

  By the time Warren headed out into the night, the last of the women was in the air as well, each carried by a Gordion wolf.

  Kiara, we’re going straight up. Stay on my back. It’s still the best way for us to stick close.

  I’m with you.

  Satisfied she was secure, he then flew up into the night sky.

  Once above the Strip, he banked north and flew straight for the forest.

  How’s Susie? she asked.

  Still passed out.

  Oh, that’s good. I’m glad. A faint green glimmer in the air, however, drew a sharp breath from Kiara. Warren, do you see that?

  I do. But what the hell am I looking at?

  It’s the wizard. The green iridescence is his signature.

  Because they were on a collision course, Warren changed his trajectory and whipped above him. Did he see us? he asked.

  I don’t think so. I’m convinced our connection prevents it, but I have no idea how or why.

  Jesus.

  You can say that again.

  It took Warren only a matter of seconds to locate the refuge. What surprised him, was that he knew where it was. Only as he made his descent, did it occur to Kiara as well. You can see my place?

  No. But I can sense it. Again, to his surprise, he passed easily through the spelled barrier and saw the small house come into view. He dropped down to the front porch.

  Kiara released him and whipped around to stand in front of him, her gaze fixed to Susie. She removed her satchel at the same time then withdrew the water bottle. “Let’s do this here. Is she still alive?”

  “Yes, very much so.”

  “While she’s unconscious, let’s leave the cloak.”

  “Good thinking.”

  She didn’t remind him to relax this time, but
he was ready. This time, he decided to put himself in a meditative state and the next moment he and Kiara slipped out of the invisible state. No pain. He’d finally figured it out.

  “You did good this time.”

  “I think I’ve got it.”

  He didn’t release Susie, however. Instead, he cradled her in his arms knowing her wolf would benefit from the proximity. As before, Kiara poured out a capful of the green liquid. Only this time, she had to force Susie’s elongated jaw open in order to get the liquid into her mouth.

  But Susie was still unconscious, and the spelled potion dribbled out.

  Kiara poured out a second capful. “Warren, tilt her head back. She might end up inhaling some, but it won’t hurt her.”

  Warren angled his body to allow Susie’s head to fall back a little. Kiara tried again. This time, the liquid went down Susie’s throat. A gurgling sounded, then a cough.

  Warren felt the wolf’s bones begin to ease back into a normal human shape. Susie groaned then her voice caught on a sob. She came fully back to consciousness. Though her eyes were still shut, she began to cry.

  He heard Kiara breathe a deep sigh of relief. Tears tracked down her cheeks. She took hold of one of Susie’s hands.

  Susie’s breathing evened out though her lips were still slack. When she opened her eyes, they rolled around. She blinked over and over. Her cheeks quivered. “Is Ralph dead? Need to know. Just tell me.”

  Kiara squeezed her hand. “Ralph’s fine. He was able to save nine of the wolves.”

  At that, Susie burst into tears again. She rolled into Warren’s chest who in turn held her in a tight embrace. He met Kiara’s gaze and saw that more tears tracked down her cheeks.

  Instinctively, he reached out a hand to her. When she took it, he pulled her close to them both in a very wolfish group hug. Kiara’s arms surrounded him as well.

  For one of the few moments of his life, Warren felt the entire universe pull into alignment. He’d done some good tonight and saved several wolves. He’d comforted one of Julio’s victims and knew he’d be returning Susie to a man she loved.

  But it was the feel of Kiara’s arms pressed against his shoulders and back that sent a warm wave of feel-good straight through his chest. For the oddest moment, he wished to hell he could stay right here and never leave. It seemed disloyal to his pack, since Kiara’s refuge porch had nothing to do with his care of his Caldion wolves. Yet, he couldn’t recall the last time he’d felt this way.