Dark Callings (Phoenix Intelligence Agency) (9 page)

“You’re coming with me to the agency. We can keep it vague to the others, but Christos, Eve and Niya must be told something,” Lennox stated firmly.

“I will not show these people our greatest weapon.”

“I’m not asking you to. They’ll understand, since every race has weapons or tools that no other should know about. But we will give those I mentioned some explanation about what is happening.”

“We’ll need a few besides me. They will answer only to me. We’ll come with you, help you track Blagden and his followers. But they number more than you know.”

“Then we better get started.”

“Give me a moment to set the pub to rights.” Lupo turned to face the Shadowers.

He didn’t say a word. Most of them nodded and faded into the shadows. A few remained. The walls of the pub came back into view. The other patrons didn’t seem to be aware of what had happened.

“This place is built on a veil line, giving me the ability to move it between all veils without anyone being aware,” Lupo said.

“I can feel how close you are to turning
Xiruis
. How can you control all this and your shadow?”

“I will do as I must. See, what happened all those millennia ago finished before the end. You must inform Fyodor of what has transpired. I fear his father will use the cloak to kill him if he has the chance. When you do tell him, when he is ready, Dulé will join him and those left in Shadow World.” Lupo gestured to the orange-eyed and haired man to his right.

“He will help them work on stabilising the veil. He has a few tricks only ancients know, and it will hopefully help. Fyodor must pick only those he trusts implicitly for Dulé to teach them how to use and wield the Shadow Cloak.”

“I’ll see to it after we meet at the agency.”

“We’ll take the shadows, and I will cloak us so no one is aware.”

Lennox glanced at Harmony. He’d never taken her into the shadows.

“I’m a
Maji
,” she reminded him.

“It wouldn’t matter. The shadows are like nothing you have seen. Don’t let it fool you. Hold onto me so you don’t get taken.”

“Yes, Mister Hen.” She rolled her eyes.

“I’m not a mother hen,” he stated coldly.

“You get that tone from me, too. It’s freaky how much you’re like me when I was young. I’m glad I lost that edge. Your mother softened me.”

“I’m not changing,” Lennox stated.

“No one is asking you to,” Harmony said.

Lennox opened his mouth.

“Just nod and agree when a woman is speaking. It will serve you well in many an argument.” Lupo slapped him on the shoulder.

Harmony’s expression dared him to respond. He heeded Lupo’s words, settling for silence.

“Let’s get this done,” Lupo said.

Lennox stepped towards Harmony.

“One thing. You all can tell Eve after I inform your boss. She is not to come anywhere near me.”

At the tone, Lennox glanced at him sharply. Lupo’s face was expressionless, the same way Lennox was when whatever he was discussing was important to him. It was as if he was staring at himself.

“We’ll have to tell her about where we got the information. How will you help us if we have to keep you apart?”

“You can tell her. But ensure she abides by what I state.” There was a clear warning in his tone.

Lennox wondered if Lupo’s dictate was due to Eve looking exactly like A’rm Ageddon. He didn’t remember anyone mentioning they were identical.

“You know no one tells Eve what to do,” Harmony interjected.

Lupo turned his attention to her. “Tell Niya. She will keep her away from me. I can’t…won’t…face her.”

Harmony and Lupo studied each other. They seemed to share some kind of understanding. Harmony nodded and Lupo inclined his head. Lennox was curious, but decided to wait until later. He held Harmony’s hand. In a blink, he was in the shadows. A sensation moved along his shadow—he figured it was the cloak. Lupo was in front of him. He glanced at Harmony. Her shadow blazed a rich wine colour.

“Stop ogling the woman and move.” Lupo chuckled.

Lennox jerked his gaze away from her. He pulled her behind him as he moved swiftly, leading the way. Seconds later, he pulled off the shadows from around him and Harmony. Christos rose from behind his desk. His silver gaze moved to each of them, then focused on Lennox.

“Explain,” he said softly.

Lennox winced at the tone. Christos was already angry. By the time he was done, it would not be any better. He started explaining.

Harmony slid her hand from Lennox’s. He glanced at her briefly. She gestured she was going to sit. He nodded and went back to filling Christos in. She turned and paused as she was again awed by the formidable men and women who were with them. They inclined their heads and parted for her. She walked along the path they had made. At the chair, she sat. They flanked to either side of her. Lupo was closest to her on her left, and the one called Dulé was to her right. She wanted to study them, see what she could ascertain from them.

It was partly curiosity about Lennox’s Shadower race, and partly so she could give Christos her observations. She knew he would ask. A glance at them showed Christos was standing in a relaxed stance. She had seen enough of him to know he was coiled for any danger. There were so many Shadowers but none of them knew made her antsy. Harmony ought not to look at the Shadowers at either side of her.

“You’re welcome to check us out,” a sensuous voice stated.

She looked at Dulé, who had spoken. She had thought Lennox looked otherworldly, with his silver hair. But Dulé, with his orange hair and eyes and creamy brown skin, was even more so. His smile was gentle.

“We’re here for your bidding, my lady. Probe as you will.”

“You’re a troublemaker, aren’t you?”

“Maybe.” His gaze twinkled.

“My aunty Storm says the same thing. I’ll have to introduce you to her.” She chuckled.

“Not another one.” Lupo groaned.

She looked at him. His look was long-suffering and fond.

“With Dulé, troublemaker is an understatement. Behave, Dulé. They will want to go through their testers before letting us help.”

Harmony was startled he knew.

“It’s what we would do, too.” Lupo smiled, then walked over to Lennox and Christos.

Christos studied him.

“Ahh… You have a few hidden things.” Lupo’s smile widened.

Harmony sat up staring at them.

“Try and read me any further, and Lennox’s father or, no, I will gut you.” Christos’ threat was delivered with an amused tone.

Harmony frowned. It wasn’t one she had ever heard him use. A sensation moved along her skin. Automatically, she touched her tattoo on her arm, materialising a
Maji Star.

“There’s no need for a weapon, Harmony. Just a friendly conversation. You have chosen well, Lennox,” Lupo said.

Harmony frowned. Lennox glanced at her. Her breath caught at the heated look in his gaze. He winked, then returned his attention to Christos and Lupo. She didn’t really listen as they continued their conversation. After they had finished, the door to Christos’ office opened. All the Shadowers along the wall straightened abruptly. Harmony watched, curious, as Cairo entered. She looked at all of them, chin raised, before she focused on Harmony. A warm smiled curled her lips. The Shadowers inhaled, then exhaled.

Cairo turned to Christos. “Cipher is ready.”

With only a select few people in the agency knowing what was going on with Blagden, they would have to keep it quiet. Harmony made a mental note to ask her aunt to help. They would offer their assistance to Cipher—the head of the Oracle Psychiatric Investigators. Cipher was good at unearthing information but with so many, and the shortness of time, he would need help.

“Good. Show them the way,” Christos replied.

Harmony was surprised Christos would send them with Cairo. She looked at the Shadowers. They could overwhelm her.

“You insult me. I can take care of myself.”
Cairo sounded offended.

Harmony winced. She would have to make her something caramel to make up for it. Cairo headed out of the office, the Shadowers trailing behind her.

“Lupo, stay an—”

Lupo cut Christos off. “I’m not staying with Eve coming here. Lennox will tell you my terms. I’ll be in testing.”

Lupo turned on his heels and strode out.

“Wha—”

“Was that Lupo?” Eve’s voice cut through what Christos was about to ask.

“Yes,” Lennox stated.

Eve’s eyes narrowed. She studied him, then blinked. “You’re his son.”

Lennox didn’t answer her. Instead, he was abrupt. “In return for his help, he stated you are not to come anywhere near him.”

Pain flashed across Eve’s face. “He can’t even look at me. I’m not her.” She stiffened, then turned. “I’ll make him see reason.”

“Keep away from him, Eve. Your family has done enough to mine,” Lennox stated.

Eve rounded on him, getting into his face. “What have I ever done to you?”

“Your sister killed my mother,” Lennox said, as if discussing something insignificant.

Harmony stood, knowing that was not the case.

Eve shook her head, shock on her face. “No. A’rm Ageddon could not have done such a thing.”

“She did. And we’ll need Lupo’s help to stop her from coming back and creating more havoc. Stay away from him.” Lennox pushed by her.

Eve moved away. She collapsed in a chair, staring after his retreating figure.

“So much pain. She caused so much pain. And she’s still doing it. Is that why he won’t see me?” Eve asked.

“No,” Harmony said.

Eve stared at her, then rose, taking a step towards her. “If that’s not it, then why?”

Harmony kept her mind carefully blank, not forming the why even to herself. She remembered what Lennox had said about never calling Shadow World by its true name, verbally or even in thoughts to himself. She never thought she would have to bury something so deep it would not even be in her mind. But for all their sakes, she would have to with the information she had on his reasons. In the corner of her mind, she embedded the thought to never think of it, and locked it away. For all their sakes, it should never come out.

“Tell me!” Eve roared.

“You can’t intimidate me, Eve. I won’t tell you. Keep away from Lupo, or you’ll have to deal with me.”

“You think, because we’ve been working on the PIA Games, you know me? That you can dare to threaten me?” Eve was disbelieving.

“A threat is a warning. You won’t see me coming if you go near Lupo,” Harmony vowed.

“You impudent child.” Eve shook her head.

She suddenly smiled, then put out her hand. Harmony wasn’t sure of her change of mood.

“I’m not going to hurt you. I respect you for standing up to me. It’s foolish, but I respect it.”

Harmony studied the silent Christos. He nodded. She took the offered hand, shaking it. Eve shifted her grip and pulled her into her frame. She pressed her lips against Harmony’s ear, whispering, “Instead of waiting for Lennox to make a move, go and get him. Shadowers enjoy the mate hunt too much, and sometimes lose sight of the end goal.” Eve released her, stepping back. “I’ll do as you bid, Harmony. I don’t want to cause Lupo any more pain. I didn’t know she killed his bond shadow.” She glanced at the door, then to Harmony. “Go on, now. Don’t let him brood, or you’ll lose all headway. Christos will fill me in.”

Eve pushed her gently towards the door. Harmony returned her attention to Christos. He waved her out. She hurried into the hall, before she reached out her senses for Lennox. Nothing. Frowning, she stalked to the outer office door. He was blocking her, shutting her out again. Before the day was done, he would learn not to do that again. She shimmered, fading from view, and headed to find him.

Chapter Five

Harmony returned to form, crouching in the tree above him. She watched as Lennox paced along the ridge he had taken her to weeks ago. It was the place he went to think.

“You’re starting to piss me off,” she said mildly.

Lennox stiffened, glancing up at her. Harmony stood on the branch, putting her hands on her hips.

“I told you to stop this shit of cutting me off.”

“I di—”

She made a closing motion of her fingers. His voice cut off. Lennox’s eyes narrowed. With a flip, she landed on her feet on the ground. She walked with a slow stride towards him as she spoke, “No excuses. You’re either in this all the way, or not. I’ve been accepting this push and pull you’ve been doing with us, letting you set the pace.” Harmony stopped before him, placing her hands back on her hips.

She studied him, then snapped, “I’m willing to do all that still. But you will
not
shut me out. Get your ass in gear, Lennox. If you’re stupid enough to let there be a next time of this, I won’t be so nice.”

She unblocked his speech, then shimmered out. In moments she came back to form then Harmony strode to the window, looking out onto the gardens of his estate. She sat in the window seat. A sense of danger made her rise. Bands of power came over her arms, holding them against her side. He detached from the shadows. She recognised his scent and relaxed. She turned her head, meeting blazing silver eyes. Cautiously, she stepped back, stumbling, and tumbled onto the window seat.