Wingless (The Lia Hunter Chronicles #1)

Levi ended his call, tension lining his muscles. Looking at me, hesitation crossed his face before determination quickly took its place. Wanting some distance from the others I walked over to him. For a moment we didn’t talk, instead, we stared at the Lumbard house, lost in our own thoughts.

“You’re about to fly off again aren’t you?” I asked finally, breaking the silence.

Grimacing, Levi rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry, this latest development changes things greatly.”

“I had no idea that these murders could mean war.”

“The four royal houses have existed in an uneasy peace for the past century. However, the threat of war is always a possibility.” Levi said grimly. Turning he met my gaze, his eyes were filled with an immovable resolve. “If Quinn is the one behind these attacks, the Seraphim will have no choice but to seek justice. Considering that Quinn is a favorite of the Hydro King, his death will not go unchallenged.”

Shivers ran down my spine, the dread cinching my throat making my voice faint, “You do realize you pretty much just admitted to premeditated murder.”

While I might bend the rules slightly, I still believed in rightful justice and murdering a man, regardless of how much they deserved it didn’t fit the bill.

“If war begins, Quinn will only be the first to lose his life.” He stated confidently. “The streets will run red with Jaxai blood before the battle is over.”

“The PeaceKeepers will stop you. I’ll stop you.” I wasn’t about to let war break out in my home city.

Levi’s eyes turned sad. “I feared you would say that, seraph. Your PeaceKeepers would undoubtedly be part of the collateral damage.”

Anger sparked to life inside of me. “We’re tougher than we look.” I snapped.

Levi grinned, “I have no doubt of that, but even seven of the strongest warriors are no match against two armies.”

“You obviously haven’t met my colleagues.”

“If they’re anything like you, I think you might actually have a chance.” He sounded like he genuinely believed it.

It felt like a gulf had opened up between us, the battle line drawn clearly in the sand. On one side, the Seraphim, relentless in their pursuit of justice. On the other was me trying desperately to keep my head above the water, as I searched for a way to track down the killer and prevent a war.

“What happens now? What about the case?” I asked softly.

A wry smile curved Levi’s lips. “As for that, well, you’re still the most uniquely qualified person for the case. As far as my king is concerned we still need your help in tracking down this killer.”

“So you can murder him?” I asked bitterly.

“So that our people are safe.” He said softly and I didn’t miss the way he referred to them as ‘our’ people.

“I’m not one of you.” The words were harsh.

“There is Seraphim blood running through your veins,” Levi pinned me firmly with his hard stare, his green eyes glittering with emotion, “no matter how much you try to deny it.”

His words struck deep, the truth in them making the blow sting painfully.

“I deny nothing,” I replied hotly, the heat in my cheeks a combination of anger and embarrassment.

Reaching up, Levi carefully brushed back a curl of hair, tucking it behind my ear. “Then tell me about your tattoo.” He said softly.

Alarm bells rang inside my head, quickly I took a step back. “No.”

Levi gave me a knowing look and my hands tightened into fists.

Stupid bloody Jaxai.

Unfurling his wings, Levi stretched the graceful appendages easily. My eyes glued to their hypnotic motion.

“Jake can give you a lift home. Drop by the Aviary later today and we can figure out our next line of attack.” Pushing off, his wings beat with powerful bursts, propelling him into the sky. This time I refused to stand there watching him leave, instead focusing my attention on Jake.

Marching over I grabbed him by the arm tugging him along with me.

“Come on duckling, it’s time to interview the neighbors.”

Two hours later we’d knocked on every door on the street and turned up with absolutely nothing. No-one had been awake last night, let alone watching the street for any potential suspicious people.

“Man, this whole PeaceKeeper thing is more boring than I thought,” Jake complained as we made our way back to the car.

Rolling my eyes I hopped in the passenger seat, punching my apartments address into the in-built GPS “What not enough gun fights and car chases for you?”

Grinning Jake started up the car, “Now that sounds like fun, where can we find some of that action?”

“What, life as a member of the first fleet too boring for you?” I asked jokingly.

“To be honest, we spend most of our time training or doing our shifts on guard duty.” Scratching at his nose, he frowned. “These murders are the most exciting thing to happen since I joined.” Straightening he shot me a worried look, before quickly adding “Not that I wanted them to happen.”

I held up a hand, “Relax kid, I get it.”

Relieved he slumped back in his chair. “So how’d you become a member of the first fleet anyway, no offense but you seem kind of young.” He couldn’t be older than twenty and unlike the others, Jake still had that wide-eyed youthful innocence to him. I couldn’t even remember ever being that young.

Rather than take offense Jake grinned proudly, “Youngest ever member.”

Pausing for a moment, Jake weaved wildly between cars and I fumbled for the ‘oh shit’ handle.

“Lord Levi trained me.” He continued as if he hadn’t just broken at least five traffic laws and nearly took out a fire hydrant. “When I turned eighteen I signed up for the Seraphim royal guard. One day during training, he dropped by and I guess he saw something in me that he liked.”

Shrugging Jake sped to overtake a taxi, only just swerving back into the right lane before another car hit us.

“He started giving me private lessons once a week and after a year I was assigned to the first fleet. You should have seen Lucas’ face when I turned up that first day, he looked like he’d swallowed a bug.” He said snickering.

Smirking at the mental image I tried to slow my pounding heartbeat as our cars tyres briefly drove on the sidewalk. “So I guess you must be a big deal amongst the guards, bet you’ve got all the ladies swooning.” I teased.

Instead of the cocky grin I expected, his brow puckered nervously. “Not exactly, I think everyone’s still waiting for me to screw up because of my ma.”

“Your mother?”

“Yeah, she’s a hybrid like you.” He said shooting me sideways glance, “Most people don’t care but there’s still a few that think because of my mixed blood I don’t have what it takes to hack it.”

Indignation welled up inside me, “Idiots.” I grunted.

The smile returned to Jake’s face, “Yeah, they are.”

My cell phone rang loudly and I quickly answered it eager for a distraction from Jake’s driving.

“Hunter.”

“Swear to god Lia, you always ask me for miracles,” Erin grumbled and I could just picture the twenty-six-year-old goth perched on her desk chair, scowling as she searched through a bag of lollies.

“Only because I know you always come through, what you got for me on the blade?”

“From what I could tell from those grainy ass photos’ you sent me it’s not just your typical silver blade.”

“What gave it away, the giant ruby in the hilt?”

“Ha, very funny and no it was the metal work around the hilt. It’s a Renaldo.”

Shock had my mouth opening. Renaldo was one of the greatest bladesmiths in the world. His creations were worth millions.

“Holy crap.” I exhaled.

“Yeah, I’m oozing jealousy you got to touch it even if it was through a piece of plastic. The things I could do with a blade like that.” She sighed.

“Erin, please try to keep it in your pants,” I said dryly, knowing the girl could talk about weapons for hours on end.

“Spoilsport. Anyway you know how tight lipped Renaldo is about his clients, you would never get him to reveal who commissioned that particular blade. However, I can tell you a thing or two about it.”

“I’m listening.”

“So from the way your blade was constructed I can tell it was meant as an ornamental piece rather than an everyday weapon. The gold on the hilt and the silver of the blade are both dull, most likely meaning it’s been put on display somewhere and doesn’t receive regular care. Besides that, the fact Renaldo used gold for the hilt means it was always intended to be an ornamental piece. The gold would be heavy and weigh you down in a fight. Don’t get me wrong the blade could still probably slice you to ribbons but it wasn’t built with that intention in mind.

“The design of the blade leads me to believe that the intended recipient was a man. Renaldo typically likes to use lighter and more elegant designs on the blades he designs for women. This one definitely falls into his more masculine design category.”

“I can’t believe you got all that from a couple of photos,” I said impressed.

“The title weapons specialist isn’t just for show. Chances are the owner is some fancy rich guy. Either it was a gift to him from some other rich bloke or he got it for himself.”

Sickness swirled in my gut, “Thanks, Erin, you’ve been a real help.”

“Yeah well just keep sending money my way and you and I will be the best of friends.” Laughing she ended the call.

“You hear all that?” I asked Jake.

He nodded quickly, a worried look on his face.

Sighing I closed my eyes. “Let me guess, Quinn’s family shop at Ronaldo’s.”

“They’re some of his best customers.”

“Great.”

Finally – miraculously – we arrived at my apartment in one piece.

“Thanks for the ride,” I said, exiting the car on shaky legs. “Can you tell Levi about the blade?”

“Yeah, I’ll let boss man know. You need me to pick you up later this afternoon?”

“No!” I shouted, “No, I’m good, thanks.”

Shutting the door I watched as Jake pulled away with a wink, swerving at the last second to miss a lamppost. Shaking my head I headed into my building, eager to change out of the borrowed clothes. Climbing the three flights of stairs I stopped in front of my door, checking to make sure that the hallways were empty before prying open the loose piece of wood on the door frame. Grabbing the key I’d placed there the night before I pushed the wood back into place.

Unlocking my door I slipped inside, disabling the alarm as I felt the stress of the past day leave me. The familiarity of my apartment soothing my frayed nerves. I wanted nothing more than to collapse onto my bed and black out for the next two days but Harry’s wife’s distraught face popped into my mind and I knew there was no time to waste resting. Sighing I padded further inside, slipping off the pair of slip on shoes Riley had lent me. First things first, I walked over to the coffee maker, quickly loading it up and turning it on. The small amount I’d consumed at the Aviary nowhere near enough.

While my coffee brewed I slipped in the shower, the temptation of being able to wash away the grime from last night irresistible. It was a difficult balance of trying to keep my stitches dry and wash the blood away from the wound but with the help of imaginative bending, I somehow managed to get the job done.

I dressed in jeans and a loose blouse, not wanting to irritate my stitches, adding my leather jacket and boots to complete the outfit. Clipping my badge to my jeans I fastened my holster next to it, placing my gun inside.

By the time I finished dressing the sweet smell of coffee drifted through my apartment. Practically floating I followed the scent to my kitchen. Grabbing my biggest mug, I filled it with the dark brown roast, adding milk and sugar. The first sip was pure heaven and I closed my eyes to savor its taste. After a while the caffeine kicked in, sending my sleep deprived brain into overdrive.

Despite what the others may have thought I didn’t believe Quinn was the one behind these murders. Something about it just didn’t seem to click into place. My mind flashed back to the previous night, he’d been a total wreck. His usually immaculate appearance was rumpled as if he hadn’t changed his clothes for days. Stress lines had been chiseled into his face and heavy bags hung under his eyes. He hadn’t looked like a man who had carefully kidnapped, murdered, and then branded five people before dumping their bodies. That kind of act was the work of a cold, emotionally distant psychopath.

Quinn, on the other hand, had practically reeked of desperation.

Shaking my head I cleared my head, the only way to know for sure if Quinn was the one taking the Seraphim was for me to check his magic. And if he was then I had a much bigger problem on my hands to deal with. Knowing I needed to fill Hutch in, I picked up my phone, punching in his number.

“Hutch.” He answered.

“It’s Lia,” I told him, “we have a problem.”

“Worse than five dead people and one currently missing?” he asked wearily. I immediately regretted that I was about to add further to his burden but I knew it was vital he know.

“Worse,” I informed him quietly.

Sighing, I heard the leather creak as Hutch leaned back in his desk chair. I could picture him in my head, eyes closed, one hand holding the phone to his ear, the other pinching the bridge of his nose, “Lay it on me.”

“Well, it seems that-” Brisk knocking on my front door cut me off. Annoyed I grumbled, “Hold on there’s someone at my door.”

Placing my phone on the counter I quickly moved to the front door, peeking through the little window. On the other side of the door, a delivery man waited, an annoyed expression on his face. Flipping open the four locks, I opened the door. The deliveryman looked down at me, a putout expression on his face.

“Package for Ophelia Hunter.” He drawled.

“That’s me,” I said and after quickly signing the electronic device I grabbed the package he practically threw at me. Scowling at him, I closed the door studying the small cardboard box in my hands. It couldn’t have been bigger than a tub of butter. Remembering I’d left Hutch waiting, I dashed back into the kitchen, placing the package on the counter before scooping up my phone.

“Sorry, it was a deliveryman,” I said.

“Ordering more custom pillows?” Hutch teased.

Laughing, I studied the mystery package again, pulling it closer. “Not quite.”

“Anyway, you were saying there was a problem.” He prompted.

Snapping back my shoulders I forced myself to focus. “Right, well it turns out that the person who’s been taking the Seraphim from their homes isn’t actually a human. They’ve been using magic.”

“Shit.” Hutch cursed.

“Yeah, and Levi seems to believe there’s a strong chance Quinn Pratley is behind it.”

“As in the Hydro Earl?”

“Yeah.”

“Dammit, this is not good,” Hutch growled.

“I know, Levi said the Seraphim are prepared to go to war over it.” I dropped the final bomb and the silence I heard from Hutch said it all.

“We can’t allow that to happen,” Hutch replied after a moment. “You need to track down this killer and fast before this spirals out of control.”

“I know,” I said solemnly. We said our goodbye’s before ending the call. The weight of my responsibilities had my shoulders sagging.

How was one person supposed to prevent a war?

A flash of brown caught my eye and I glanced towards the package, eager for the momentary distraction. Ripping open the container I pulled out a small black music box. Frowning I flipped it open, the sweet melody filling the walls of my apartment. Placing it on the bench I glanced back inside the cardboard box noticing a small envelope. Plucking it out, I quickly tore it open, unfolding the note inside. It was only three quick sentences but as I began to read, dread clutched at my heart.

The Seraphim will fall.

You have interfered where you are not welcome.

For that, you must be punished.

I felt the sizzle of magic mere seconds before it happened. Time seemed to slow down to a crawl. I watched as my hand slowly swung for the music box, hitting it with enough force to send it flying through the open door of my bedroom. It crashed to the floor, continuing to play its song. Its final note hung in the air, an almost tangible thing.

And with an enormous bang, my apartment exploded.