Lucca Read online

  “Are you ready to order?” The waiter, a gentleman in his mid forties and a pleasant smile interrupted their conversation. Even though lives hung in the balance, they placed an order. When the waiter left, they resumed where they left off.

  “Juliet and Owen aren’t from this century,” Lucca told them. “Raziel made it possible for them to time travel.” If the brethren were going to help them, fantastic, but if not, he needed to know now. They were running out of time.

  Juliet reached for Lucca’s hand and he didn’t refuse her, but he squirmed in his seat when he noticed Gideon and Eli staring at them, their telling gazes told him they wanted to question him about Juliet and his relationship. It didn’t take but a second more for Zaiden to focus in on their clasped hands, too. So be it. Let them gawk. Juliet was his and he’d do whatever it took to keep her and Owen safe—even groveling for their help.

  Gideon leaned on the table, resting his forearms on the wood surface. “It makes more sense now. At the crime scenes, I channeled and picked up an electrical current. Since Barachiel is the Archangel of Lightning, the choice of torture would fit his M.O. perfectly, but...” he shook his head. “I also picked up a negative vibe, something…dark and powerful at Purcival’s.”

  “You’re right.” Lucca filled them in on what Barachiel told him about Arizul and Kasadya’s plans.

  Zaiden cleared his throat and refocused his gaze on Juliet. “We have to face the facts here. We have two threats. Barachiel wants Juliet and Owen, but Arizul wants you.” Zaiden narrowed his gaze on Lucca. “I’ve made some inquiries about Arizul. He’s kept a low profile, but he hasn’t escaped the seedier realms notice. Arizul is not the master over the Satan. Whatever your father is doing, it’s not his plan.”

  “Barachiel believes Kasadya wants to release the other four Satans,” Lucca said. “My father is after Raziel’s book, too. Don’t underestimate Arizul. He’s not the victim here.”

  Zaiden nodded. “I feared as much, but wanted to make sure you didn’t have a notion you could save your father.”

  Lucca’s harsh laugh spoke volumes. “Arizul is beyond saving. Let’s not worry about them for now. I’ll deal with them when the time comes. I want Juliet and Owen safe first.”

  Zaiden looked at Lucca a moment longer then nodded. He turned toward the others. “Just so we know what we’re up against here. No one goes up against an Archangel and wins. As for trying to take down one of the Satans... We might as well kiss our—” His words were cut off with a grunt. His gaze riveted to Ryden in a fiery blaze. “Why are you kicking me?”

  “Stop acting like a Guard of Judgment and pretend you know how to channel your human side.”

  Zaiden frowned, truly confused. “I’m stating facts. I don’t see the reason to fluff the words so not to scare the humans.”

  Ryden shook her head with disbelief before she looked at Juliet. “They’re rough around the edges, but they do mean well.”

  Juliet’s lips curved. “I work for the police department with rough-around-the-edge men. I’m used to blunt statements.” She looked at Zaiden. “I rather you didn’t sugarcoat things.”

  Zaiden threw Ryden a triumphant look, which he received a polite roll of the eyes from her anyway.

  Juliet took in a deep breath and let it out again. “I know the chances of beating an Archangel are slim, but if you have any advice, I’m willing to listen.”

  “We can only hide you so long—hey.” Eli looked at his wife in disbelief at being kicked into silence.

  Zaiden harrumphed, leaning back in his seat. “I’m glad to see I’m not the only one she’s playing footsies with.”

  Ryden ignored Zaiden’s quip. “Juliet may not be able to ward off the Archangels, but all of you together could think of a way to keep her and her nephew safe. Stop with the doom and gloom. Juliet gets it. We all get it. Let’s plan what we’re going to do to turn the tables.”

  “Your faith in us is commendable,” Zaiden grumbled.

  “I’ve heard of a way to trap an Archangel.” Gideon sat slouched in his seat, twirling his knife on his plate as if the meeting bored him, but now he met everyone’s gaze. “We would need a witch, preferably a white witch whose magic is not corrupt.”

  Ryden cleared her throat. “My cousin, Lana is a practicing witch.”

  Zaiden shook his head. “The big guys upstairs have God’s backing. Not something you can fight against with an inexperienced witch.”

  They argued back and forth, all signs that they wouldn’t help. It’s suicidal. It can’t be done. It’s too risky. Deciding he heard enough, Lucca slid back his chair and stood. His sudden movement silenced the table. “If you aren’t going to help us, fine.”

  Gideon sat up straight, dropping the butter knife on his plate. “We didn’t say that.”

  “No?” Lucca leaned on the table. “From where I’m standing—”

  “Will you shut your pie-hole for once.” Zaiden glared at him. “Sit your arse down before you storm out of here and do something foolhardy. Your wings are already bound. Are you looking to have your head lopped off next? Truly, if that’s your wish, let me do the honors.”

  Lucca opened his mouth, ready to lash out, but Juliet put her hand on his forearm. His gaze met hers reluctantly. “Please, sit down. Whatever your differences are, you did bring me here. You must trust them.”

  His gaze touched each of the Watchers. Eli should hate him, but for some reason the Watcher gave him a second chance. Zaiden liked to goad him, but he could think of no other he’d want at his back in a battle. Gideon’s loyalty couldn’t be overlooked either. He had his back, even when he did his best to push him away. It seemed Juliet knew him better than he knew himself. Dammit anyway. He did trust them. He plopped back down in his seat.

  Gideon spoke again. “We need a real witch, not the wannabe kind you hear about. This witch has to be able to deal with the elements, draw on the powers of them to make the spells a success.”

  “Good thinking, Gideon. Archangels use the elements as well.” Eli nodded.

  “I’ll speak to Lana,” Ryden piped up.

  “Gideon, did say a real witch not a wannabe,” Lucca reminded her. “Are you sure she knows what she’s doing?”

  She gave him a quick smile. “I may be only human, Lucca, but my hearing is impeccable. Lana is the real deal when it comes to being a natural born witch.”

  Lucca’s brows rose on their own accord. “Your cousin is a born witch?”

  She nodded. “She always had a knack with the elements. Even as a child, before she realized the power she drew was truly magic, she played a game with the leaves on the lawn, whirling them in a circle to make what she called a leaf-monster. Lana is pretty laid back, but if anyone got her riled, I mean really pissed off, she’d make the earth shake beneath our feet. It used to scare the bejeebers out of us.”

  “But can she control the power?” Lucca asked, not totally convinced.

  Ryden arched one lovely shaped brow. “She’s been working with another witch to perfect her gifts.” Ryden rubbed her injured arm absentmindedly and Lucca wondered if the limb still bothered her. He’d seen how she healed after the demon speared her, but had it healed completely? Ryden met his gaze and she realized what she was doing and dropped her hand away.

  Zaiden took the lead. “We need a game plan.” He rubbed his hand over his face and inhaled deeply. “We may be able to hide Juliet and Owen for a while, but eventually Barachiel will find them. What I want to know is how far are we going to take this? What’s the bottom line here? Do we plan on taking on the Archangel in a battle, or do we call it a day when he shows up to fry us to a crisp?”

  “No one’s going to take Juliet and Owen out,” Lucca growled, drawing everyone’s attention. His fangs lengthened in response.

  Eli’s gaze bore into him as if he had the ability to read minds and know Lucca’s true feelings toward Juliet. They had their talk about soul mates and how to recognize one, but Lucca never admitted he found his…until
now. He may not have said the words, but his actions were a definite giveaway.

  Finally, Eli gave a quick nod of acceptance. “So be it. We’ll keep Juliet and Owen safe. No matter what it takes.”

  “We’ll have to negotiate with Barachiel or kill him.” Zaiden shrugged as if either option was okay with him.

  “We negotiate first,” Eli said. “I have a plan for that.”

  Lucca’s head was still spinning from Eli’s response to help them. He thought Eli would want to question him first. So be it, Eli says, like it was no big deal. “What’s the catch?” Suspicion laced his words, but he didn’t care. He wanted to know what was expected of him. The table fell silent again.

  “Lucca,” Juliet squeezed his hand, but he wouldn’t be placated.

  “No.” He looked at her then back to the others. “I want to know.”

  Zaiden’s low chuckle met his ears. “Only you would think there was a catch.” He pushed back his chair and stood as if his question offended him in some way. His hand slid into his pocket and he threw down a few bills to pay for his meal he had yet to receive. He ignored Lucca, directing his question to Ryden. “We need to speak with your cousin. Can you set a meeting up for us—like yesterday?”

  “I’m on it.” She leaned over and picked up her purse to retrieve her cell phone.

  Zaiden nodded. “Good. I’m going to talk to a few of the Guards and assign them to watch over Juliet and the boy.” His gaze met Lucca’s now. “Okay with you, or do you still think there’s an alternative motive?”

  “I’m good.” Lucca swallowed the lump in his throat. They were going to help because they wanted to, not because they expected something in return. Relief washed over him in waves of gratitude.

  “I’ll set up first watch until you do,” Gideon offered. “I may not be able to fly, but I can still shimmer.” He looked at Juliet. “I can grab Owen and be out of sight in a flash, leaving no trail. I’ll keep him safe.”

  Juliet looked to Lucca and he nodded his approval. “He’s good with a crossbow, too.”

  “And I’ll take the first watch over the perimeter,” Eli volunteered.

  She gave the Watchers a hesitant smile. “Thank you…all of you, thank you.”

  “I’ll be in touch then.” Zaiden turned and headed for the front door.

  Lucca rose and hurried after Zaiden, wanting to catch him before he shimmered out of sight. Just outside the restaurant, Lucca’s hand whipped out, gripping Zaiden’s arm and bringing him to a halt.

  Zaiden narrowed his gaze at him, but he didn’t balk.

  “Are you still with Sarice?”

  His eyes blazed brighter, but his voice remained cool. “What’s it to you?”

  “You need to stop with the blooding. It only weakens you.”

  His cool evaporated in an instant with the baring of his fangs with a hiss. “What I do on my own time is none of your concern.”

  “It is when Juliet and Owen are relying on you to keep them safe. You’re in charge of security here, Zaiden. I’m trusting you with their lives.”

  The side of Zaiden’s jaw worked as he clenched his teeth. “I’ve never slacked in my duty.”

  “Maybe not, but most of your duty involves eliminating, not saving.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Juliet means everything to me. Do you understand? I won’t let you screw this up.”

  He didn’t wait for Zaiden to respond. He turned on his heels and went back inside the restaurant. A ripple in the air told him Zaiden had shimmered away in a huff, but he didn’t care. He had to speak his mind and hopefully Zaiden would take his request to refrain from blooding while they dealt with the threat. To make sure, he’d add another member to this team.

  Lucca halted his steps as he entered the back room. Juliet and Ryden were sitting next to each other and carrying on a conversation. Lucca locked gazes with Eli. He came to a decision, something he should have considered long before now. Lucca gave Eli a quick nod to the side, indicating he wanted a word with him. Alone.

  Eli leaned over and whispered in Ryden’s ear. She patted his hand and he rose from his seat.

  Lucca headed back outside and Eli followed him. Lucca noticed a few patrons sitting in front of the Java Café, enjoying their coffees and conversing. Soft music, an Elvis song he believed, filtered over the airwaves from across the street at the Mexican restaurant. The life size replica of the King stood on the balcony.

  “Did you want to speak to me or were we going to admire the architecture?” Eli lifted one dark brow at him.

  “You said you wanted to trust me.”

  Eli nodded.

  “I want to trust you too. I have a favor to ask you.”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  “This is becoming a habit I have no wish to pursue,” Blaize complained to Lucca as he materialized them in front of the witch’s shop.

  “Nor do I, but right now I need your help. Since Sarice can’t seem to keep her fangs to herself and Zaiden doesn’t care she’s sucking the life out of him, I must insist.”

  Blaize grumbled obscenities under his breath. “After this fiasco with the Archangels is finished, we need to do an intervention. My sister’s relationship is hazardous not only for her but for me as well. I have no wish to be your indentured slave while she plays with her new toy.”

  They both knew his threat of exposing Sarice and Zaiden’s relationship didn’t hold credence anymore. The friendship Blaize and he once forged had been renewed with their escape from the Vault. It was as if centuries melted away and the mistrust and grief never existed. Forgiveness proved powerful. Lucca was beginning to realize that human emotions didn’t make them weak. It made them stronger.

  Blaize gripped Lucca’s forearm. “I will have your word that you’ll help me in this matter.”

  Lucca could care less what Zaiden and Sarice did in their spare time, but they started a dangerous game, where one of them could wind up dead.

  Lucca nodded. “You have my word.” Zaiden would put up a fight. He was not a male who would bow down to anyone. Zaiden cared for Sarice, even if it was for the high she gave him every time they blooded. They thought going up against Archangels was tough. Wait until they had to contain a Guard of Judgment who was addicted to blooding.

  A dark green BMW pulled up to the curb and Ryden opened the door, stepping out. She wore a cream colored sweater and blue jeans. Her dark hair was pulled back away from her face, sweeping down her back in a sleek ponytail. She gave them a hesitant smile as she looked at Lucca then at Blaize.

  The Darklin’s gaze landed on Ryden and his mouth slid into a wide grin of appreciation.

  “She’s Eli’s mate,” Lucca warned under his breath.

  The smile immediately disappeared.

  Lucca wouldn’t have involved Ryden at all, but Lana might be more receptive if the request came from her. As Ryden reached them, Lucca made the introductions.

  “Blaize meet Ryden. Ryden, Blaize.”

  “Blaize Kayson?” Her mouth dropped open and her eyes lit up.

  For a moment Lucca wondered how she knew him, but then he remembered Blaize posed as a rock star in the human realm.

  “I have all your CDs.” Her hand fluttered to her chest in a nervous gesture.

  Blaize ate up the attention, taking her hand and raising it to his lips.

  Lucca rolled his eyes. “Can you give the star-struck groupie an autograph later.? We have work to do.”

  “Don’t mind, Lucca,” Blaize told her. “He’s just jealous.”

  He harrumphed as he pushed the glass door open and walked into the witch’s lair, which posed as a new age shop. Scented candles and incense fragranced the air. Amy Brown’s pictures adorned one wall, while Anne Stokes’ gothic flare beautified another.

  Lana stood behind the counter, her golden strands rich and full, her eyes blue pools of light. She stood five foot nine or so, long and lean. Ryden and Lana differed in coloring, but their long-legged sleekness spoke of a family trait.

 
Lana spotted Ryden and came around the counter with a warm smile. “Ryden, I’m so glad to see you.” She hugged her cousin then pulled away to look at her. “Who are your good looking friends and does Eli know you’re with them?” She batted her eyes at Blaize. Obviously the Darklin’s dark good looks drew her attention.

  Lucca glanced at Blaize who wore an identical grin. Seems the attraction was mutual.

  “Lana, these are … associates of Eli’s,” Ryden said slowly for emphasis. Lana gaze’s skated over Blaize in a slow appraisal before she gave Lucca a quick glance of welcome.

  Lucca raised an eyebrow, knowing where he rated here. Interesting. The female knew Eli was one of the Watchers and now she knew Blaize and he were not human.

  Lucca’s lips curved. “Yes, associates. Isn’t it quaint?”

  Lana chuckled as she took a closer look at Lucca, minus the sexual charge she gave Blaize. “You’re here to see me, big guy. Let’s keep the sarcasm down to a minimum, shall we?”

  A low growl escaped his lips, but he kept his retort to himself. “We’re in need of a spell.”

  “Are you looking for a love potion perhaps?” Her hand went to the pretty bottle with pink ribbons.

  “Now who’s being sarcastic?” Lucca didn’t care to play games. He wanted to know straight up if Lana could help them or not. If she couldn’t, they had only a day to find a witch that could. “We’re looking for some real magic, witch. The kind that requires drawing on the elements in a big way. You’re playing with the big boys here.”

  Lana’s gaze riveted to her cousin’s, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Who did you say they were?”

  Ryden’s hand rested on her forearm. “We need your help. We’re looking for a protection spell and …” She looked at Lucca and he nodded for her to give the details. “We need to trap an Archangel.”

  Her chuckle rang like a fine tuned bell, but when no one else joined in, she sobered immediately, her hand slipping from Ryden’s grasp as if she’d been burned. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Sweet Cakes, we couldn’t be more serious” Blaize chimed in. “Archangels can be nasty buggers.”