The Mercenary Page 32

  Jodie clapped a hand over her mouth. “I meant to say house.”

  “Sure you did,” she said laughing. “I think it’s an accurate title, myself.”

  “We should go over there before they wonder what we’re talking about.”

  “Let ‘em wonder,” shrugged Laura. Nevertheless, both women walked back toward the group.

  Between rounds of volleyball, Frisbee, and lunch, the women talked. The guys seemed happy to fall into their usual beach routine, allowing the three women to remain spectators, providing a comfortable ambience. Later when Ainsley had parked herself in the sand to make a sandcastle, they noticed the guys charging down the beach toward the surf.

  “They’re all completely insane,” decided Laura.

  “They don’t feel the cold,” Jodie mused.

  “Do you?” She returned an instant later.

  “I don’t know, I think my brain still has to catch up with all that’s happened.”

  “Are you ever going to talk to Danny again?” Ainsley burst out, not daring to glance up from her sand creation.

  A large pause followed, but Jodie nodded. “I will at some point. I need to understand why he did what he did and I’m not sure I’m ready for that just yet. I have enough to worry about trying to get my beast under control.”

  “Danny’s really sorry Jodie.”

  This time Ainsley did raise her face to them, dark eyes large and glassy. Jodie hated having that look turned upon her. “He feels terrible. He’s so in love with you and he’s worried that you might not give him another chance.”

  “Jodie, don’t listen to her, you have to do what’s right for you. If you aren’t ready, you aren’t ready. It doesn’t matter how sorry he is, it can’t excuse what he did.”

  Jodie’s gaze darted to the other side as Laura dove to the opposite end of the spectrum.

  “Laura you just don’t understand, Jodie is Danny’s Eros!” Ainsley argued.

  Wait a second... Ainsley knows what an Eros is? Jodie didn’t even understand what that word meant. Ains and Eddie must have had some interesting conversations.

  “What’s an Eros?” Jodie intercepted.

  “You don’t know what an Eros is?” Ainsley gasped, taken aback. Though it seemed physically impossible, her eyes grew even larger.

  “If I did, would I be asking?” Jodie returned with patience she should not have still possessed.

  “An Eros is a soul-mate,” Ainsley said, her voice thick with emotion. “Because many of the clans are so small now, it’s almost impossible to find the other half of your soul anymore. It has to be someone in your animal group. Eddie’s species has such a small number he will probably never have an Eros. I’m so lucky he wants to be with me.”

  “Technically Danny and I aren’t the same animal.” Jodie pointed out, uncertain whether she wanted to convince Ainsley and Laura, or herself.

  “You might not be the same species of leopard but it’s still the same animal.” Laura chipped in.

  “Danny has known you were his Eros from the day he first met you.” Ainsley said. Her tone had switched from shock to pity which somehow seemed worse.

  “How come he could tell and I couldn’t?”

  “He said if you had already embraced your beast when you two had met, it would have been obvious.”

  Jodie looked long and hard at Ainsley. The kindness and purity in her soul made her as fragile as a child sometimes. She hurt so very easily and sometimes though Jodie didn’t want her to be upset, she just didn’t have the strength to censor everything.

  Even now as Ainsley sat there trying to prevent her hair from blowing into her face, her small hand shook. Displaying genuine anguish over the prospect of Jodie and Danny never getting back together, here she was, lovable Ains, trying to use the big words to fix it all. The strangest part being that everything she said made perfect sense. Jodie could never have imagined that Ainsley would be a wealth of information on this kind of topic.

  “What else did he say?” Laura drilled her.

  Ainsley didn’t get the opportunity to answer as the guys charged back up the beach toward the picnic. Rufus and Jarvis had a couple of snapper in each hand.

  “Nice catch,” praised Jodie, gazing at the huge fish.

  Laura sat with her head tilted to the side, one eyebrow cocked. “How’d you manage that?” She frowned. “You were awfully close to the shore.”

  “Eddie can swim a long way underwater,” said Rufus. “Lizards can swim?” Ainsley breathed in amazement.

  Jodie watched her look at him as though granted a sudden new perspective, dragging her eyes slowly down his body. Anyone would think that she expected to see scales popping out of his midsection, Jodie pondered as Eddie chuckled in amusement.

  “Eddie can hold his breath for a long time; he could spend an hour underwater without needing to surface.” Danny said, suppressing a smile.

  “You mean like a crocodile?” Ainsley asked, eyes still bulging.

  “Same concept but not really,” Eddie grinned, enjoying the spectacle.

  “Crocodiles are better looking.” Rufus said, grabbing a towel to mop at the beads of water on his smooth dark skin.

  “I’ll smack you in the head,” Eddie warned as he gave Rufus a shove. The big guy snickered in response.

  Mark and Jarvis went down the beach a ways to gut the fish and soon after that; they began to pack everything up. As the guys loaded the stuff back into the vehicles, Jodie said goodbye to Ains and Laura, and climbed inside the truck with Mark and the brothers Ramanui.

  All the way home, the three guys talked about Eddie and Ainsley. To Jodie’s disgust, Jarvis and Mark took bets on how long the relationship would last. It made Jodie wonder if they did the same for her and Danny. Though it seemed such a typical ‘guy’ thing to do, Jodie refused to partake in the conversation at all. She really wanted Ains and Eddie to last, but some of the points being raised reinforced doubts she already had.

  According to Mark the entire thing hinged on two things, whether or not she freaked out when she saw him in lizard form and how well she accepted his participation in the Unit. Eddie might not quite have the notches on his belt that Mark and Danny did, but he’d still gained eighteen globes. Jodie tended to agree with the guys, will Ainsley be able to accept that?

  Chapter 23

  Danny’s mood had improved a great deal by the time they pulled into the driveway at the house. From a logical point of view it didn’t make a whole lot of sense, but he felt ecstatic that he and Jodie had been in the same place at the same time, without any drama. Though they’d not spoken to one another, the awkwardness he’d expected hadn’t been there. Maybe all I need is to be patient and she’ll forgive me. Please let it be that straight forward.

  He’d been able to feel Jodie’s emotions all day, reaching out to him like an aroma on a gentle breeze. The Eros bond had been further strengthened by the fact it had been Danny to bring about Jodie’s change, a bond that could not easily be severed.

  Danny didn’t want it to be severed of course, but he’d begun to wonder if he was cut out for this. If Jodie never forgave him for what he’d done, Danny would have to go through her whole life with her and yet not be standing at her side. It felt so wrong, he’d had her. He’d really had her and he knew that she loved him. She’d accepted everything, even when it had been hard. And look how I’ve repaid that loyalty and devotion.

  Thinking about what he’d done made Danny feel like throwing up but he knew it didn’t compare to Jodie’s terror. Every panic attack, every nightmare, every time she almost changed Danny went through it all with her. The fact that he, as her Eros, couldn’t comfort and protect her, suffocated him and he didn’t know how to make it stop.

  He’d become so preoccupied when they rounded the house and came upon Lancaster’s car, that it took a hiss from Eddie for it to register. Danny had great respect for his mentor, but the way things had happened with Jodie at the dinner got on his nerves and for the first time
he questioned Lancaster’s methods. Prior to this debacle, the general had always conducted himself in an honorable manner, which left Danny perplexed.

  Or am I just blinded by the idolism? Reservations began forming in his mind now as Danny questioned everything he had ever known about the man. What’s really clouding my judgment here, Lancaster’s actions or my feelings for Jodie?

  Whatever that all meant, seeing the car parked in front of the large garage sent off alarm bells in Danny’s mind. Lancaster hadn’t called in advance because Doug would have alerted them. Whenever the man made a random appearance nothing good ever followed, something had to have happened.

  Leaping out of the SUV, Danny looked for Jodie. It had been intuitive, he didn’t even realize until his eyes settled on her slim curves. Rufus had let her through the security door, already on his way back to help Mark unload the truck.

  Danny’s pace quickened as he hurried to catch up to her. He couldn’t explain it but his protective instincts had gone into overdrive. Eddie had either come to the same conclusion as Danny about the nature of Lancaster’s visit or he’d become concerned about Danny’s behavior. Either way, he used his long strides to get ahead and enter the house first, placing himself between the two estranged lovers.

  The empty kitchen seemed ominous as Danny stepped inside, something felt off. A strange noise came from elsewhere in the house and Eddie just had time utter a string of cursing before Danny heard the draw bolts slide back on the basement door. Fuck! What the hell is Jodie playing at? Why would she even want to go down there?

  Faint squealing could be heard as she dragged the door open, and Danny knew as he and Eddie yelled for her to stop, they were too late. She’d already disappeared down the steep staircase.

  Danny burst through the door and made it down several steps before the cacophony of emotions coming from Jodie brought him to a standstill. Eddie almost walked into the back of him as he dared look to the room below.

  General Lancaster strode around the basement asserting his authority, three of the new recruits standing guard nearby. Luke cowered on the floor, naked and pitiful. The shame in his eyes and the way he recoiled when he looked up and saw Jodie on the stairs struck a chord in Danny. The contrasting cold expression from Lancaster leaving a bad taste in his mouth. He could see the general’s deep frustration, leaving him wondering what Luke had done.

  “Stop!” Jodie shouted. Her frantic fingers gripped the handrail so hard that her knuckles turned white. Danny could feel the distress pouring off her in waves.

  Lancaster looked up in surprise. He stared at her for a second or two before he smiled, lifting his gaze to Danny and Eddie at the top of the stairs. “How are you Jodie, sleeping well?” He asked, keeping his gaze on the men rather than giving her any measure of respect.

  The mocking tone in the general’s voice got to Jodie and her beast stirred. Danny’s anger bloomed inside, he could feel it pulsating in Jodie’s direction though his face stayed calm and his body relaxed. Masking his emotions had always been something Danny excelled at. Therefore when Jodie’s posture stiffened and she turned back to look at him, Danny’s façade faltered for a second. The depth of his rage seemed to scare her and guilt washed over him. He hadn’t meant to project his frustrations onto her; it hadn’t occurred to Danny that as he’d been sensing all her feelings she could sense his.

  “What are you doing with my brother?” She growled, turning back to the situation at hand.

  “We’re just having a little talk.” Lancaster said, his body language reflecting no concern whatsoever.

  His shoulders rested against the wall, arms folded across his chest. As per usual, his personal grooming left nothing to be desired. The man exuded perfection from every pore, that had never seemed like a negative thing to Danny before, now it felt threatening.

  “Jodie, go back upstairs,” Luke groaned.

  “No I won’t,” she said, adamant about her decision.

  “It’s a good idea,” Eddie cut in using a low voice. “This is no place for you.”

  Jodie’s gaze had shifted to him, Danny could feel it. He wouldn’t bring himself to turn to her and lose focus; he only had eyes for Lancaster.

  “What has Luke done?” Jodie wanted to know.

  “Answering that question would take more time than I care to spare just now.” Lancaster replied, his arrogant tone cutting through the air like an attack. He spoke to Jodie, but Danny’s displeasure had caught his attention and thus earned his scrutiny.

  “Then let me be more specific,” said Jodie through gritted teeth. “What has Luke done to warrant being captive in this basement?”

  “The pigs tried to kill him tonight,” Lancaster told them. “They’ve decided that if they can’t have him, then nobody will. After saving his life, we tried to bring Luke here to keep him safe but he didn’t want to come.”

  “So you beat him?” Jodie’s anger had begun to accelerate almost as fast as Danny’s had.

  “No, all we are doing is preventing him from leaving. If he would just sit down and relax, he’d be the picture of good health.”

  “If his safety was the issue at hand you’d have him guarded,” Jodie bit back, “as you did for me. I believe that you’re keeping him here because you want him for yourself and your own interests.”

  Damn Jodie you’re a smart woman, Danny knew that she’d been right. Though he’d come to the same conclusion she had, questioning Lancaster’s motives did not come as second nature to Danny. Before meeting Jodie he would never have suspected the general of anything underhanded.

  “I don’t know you yet Jodie,” Lancaster said, walking towards her with slow deliberate steps. “I haven’t seen what it is that makes you so special. I do know that my boys here in town would gladly give their lives for you whether they are on duty or not. I have heard that they’ve been helping you come to terms with your change, something that they were not ordered to do. It’s even more intriguing given that you are estranged from our Mercenary.”

  Jodie opened her mouth, but could not seem to get any words out. Danny fought the low growl rising in his throat and forced himself to stay neutral.

  “I am sorry I’ve come between you and Danny,” Lancaster continued with actual sincerity, as he paced the floor. “I didn’t wish for that to happen. You have to realize that there is a bigger picture here and very action taken is part of something you don’t understand.”

  “Then tell me,” Jodie demanded, her face flushed with frustration. “Because from where I’m standing, I don’t like what I see.”

  At her back, Danny’s anger flared again. He could feel her leopard lurking, calling to his own. His beast appeared more than happy to pay everyone a little visit. Glancing back over his shoulder at Eddie, Danny considered their options. The taller man had said nothing so far, though his expression gave hint to his disapproval. At least we’re all on the same page.

  “Luke, has your sister told you what she’s been up to?” Lancaster crouched down by Luke, peering at him as though he were a second-class citizen. He stayed back just far enough out of reach to force Luke to crane his neck to look up at him. “That’s none of your business.” Luke growled, thrusting his concerned expression in Jodie’s direction.

  “So feisty... it’s such a shame, if you could only learn to channel that.” Lancaster shook his head. The way he strutted around the basement had to have been humiliating for Luke. Danny had never seen his idol in this light before. He’d never considered whether or not the captives deserved this kind of treatment, he’d trusted the man.

  The new insight shocked Danny, making the current situation even more difficult to process. What are you up to Lancaster?

  Luke heaved a great sigh. Though Jodie may not have seen eye to eye with him for a long time, Luke would always be her brother. Danny had no doubt that Jodie would try to save Luke, he could just tell she planned to do something stupid. Moving closer Danny reached out, intending to calm her down. However, as soon as his
hand came into contact with Jodie’s arm, both their inner leopards went crazy.

  Danny got thrown backward as their energies combined, and Jodie fell forward. Dropping to her knees, she gasped as she felt the surge of feline consciousness fighting to take hold. Danny could feel it too and struggled to keep his own beast at bay, too much conflict resided between them. He decided to just let it out, what’s the worst that can happen?

  In hindsight, Danny would realize he and Jodie had played right into Lancaster’s hands. He might not have known exactly how the web of energy would manifest, but he’d known something would happen. As Danny and Jodie surrendered to the change, morphing into their alternate selves, Luke changed along with them. He didn’t change into a boar either, he became a leopard.

  “Oh shit,” muttered Eddie as he flew up the stairs in reverse.

  Before Danny could blink, Eddie had bolted the door, locking them down there. Padding over, Danny placed himself between Luke and Jodie. He employed the utmost care, not venturing too close to either leopard. There’d be no telling what Luke would do and after the scratches Jodie had left him with the last time, Danny refused to take any chances. He needn’t have been concerned, Luke didn’t seem the slightest bit interested in him or Jodie; far more concerned with Lancaster instead.

  “Well now this is interesting,” Lancaster laughed and clapped his hands. “We’ve spent four and a half hours trying to change him, and you two come down here and manage it in less than ten minutes.”

  Narrowing his eyes, Danny growled. He didn’t like what he’d just heard and neither did Jodie. Luke must have felt just as unimpressed for he leapt at Lancaster aiming for his throat. Shimmying out of their clothes the three new recruits also took on their beast forms, bringing a Lion and two wolves to Lancaster’s corner. Great, Danny groaned to himself. Three large and experienced predators, plus Lancaster and Danny had been sided with two furious and newly transitioned leopards.

  The Therian guards surrounded Lancaster just in time to prevent Luke from making contact. Danny wondered why Lancaster didn’t change along with everyone else but decided he must have been trying to hold back for Jodie’s sake.