Wingless (The Lia Hunter Chronicles #1)

After the hug fest was finally over the majority of the crowd left, all wishing me well as they slipped out of the room. By the time the members of the first fleet and the PeaceKeepers left my legs were feeling shaky from standing. Begrudgingly I allowed Hutch to assist me back onto the hospital bed instantly disliking my new weakness. Annoyed even more that it was visible in front of Levi and the Seraphim King. Taking a deep breath I pushed aside my personal feelings for now and tugged my game face back on.

“What happened?” I asked the room’s occupants.

They all traded looks amongst one another, seeming unsure but I made sure my expression said I wasn’t taking no for an answer.

Hutch sighed in exasperation, “Mallory dear, why don’t you go rustle up some food for Lia, I’m sure she’s starving.”

Mallory pursed her lips at the not so subtle attempt to get her out of the room but my stomach decided to pick that moment to let out a large rumble. Looking down at it in shock I suddenly realized I was in fact ravenous. A round of laughter filled the room.

“Quick before she starts chewing on one of us.” Hutch teased and I glared at him.

“I’ll be right back honey,” Mallory said patting my hand.

As the door closed behind her I suddenly realized I was alone in a room filled with alpha males and I could barely stand without shaking like a new born deer. Despite knowing that they would never hurt me, the events of three weeks ago had my instincts shouting in warning. I shifted uncomfortably on the bed, scouting out all the possible exits before returning my gaze to Hutch. Not liking the knowing glint to his eyes and the sorrowful tilt to his lips I quickly diverted to Jake.

“What happened?” I asked wincing at the slightest quiver in my tone.

“Ah well,” He stammered out, however a glance at Levi and Jehiel made him snap into action, “after you managed to free me, I tried to break your chains.” He confessed meeting my gaze he showed not an ounce of guilt at disobeying my orders.

I chuffed out a laugh, knowing I would have done the same.

“After I made sure I couldn’t break them, I left the house Rodrigo was holding us in. Not wanting to waste time searching for a phone I flagged down a taxi.” He smiled wryly, “The guy didn’t even blink at the chains. Although he did threaten to shoot me when we got to the Empire State Building and I told him I couldn’t pay the fare.”

“Ahh New York City cab drivers, fearless, ruthless bastards.” I quipped.

Hutch grunted and Levi and Jehiel smirked.

“After the cabbie kicked me out, after taking my picture and promising I’d never be able to catch a cab again. I rushed to the top of the building just as the meeting had begun. To say my appearance caused a stir would be an understatement.”

“The Hydro’s came to the meeting prepared for war. Jake’s sudden and loud entrance startled one of the King Dustan’s guards and they blasted him with a chunk of ice.” Levi helpfully supplied.

I smirked at Jake’s disgruntled look as he rubbed his chest. “I was thrown back into the elevator, denting the car and cracking three ribs.”

“Once we realized who the mystery guest was things rapidly devolved from there as members of my guard called for justice,” Jehiel said.

“Once I regained my breath, I managed to explain the situation. Thankfully Quinn was there to back up my story. The poor guy was more than eager to confess, I think all the stress was driving him a little bit crazy.”

“After that, we rushed to the house where Rodrigo had taken you and burst in just in time to watch the bastard bleed to death,” Levi said, his voice held a dark note that sent shivers down my spine.

I met his fierce gaze, feeling color begin to rise in my cheeks at the depth of emotion brewing in those green eyes.

“After that, we managed to get you free of your chains and Riley kept you alive until Petra arrived. It was touch and go for a while there.”

“Your heart stopped beating twice.” Hutch grated out and I reached out taking his hand in my own.

Giving it a gentle squeeze, I told him everything was okay now.

“And Quinn’s daughter?” I asked hesitatingly, not wanting to hear about another innocent life lost in this mess.

“Turns out she was being held in one of the rooms above the basement Rodrigo chucked us in. She was scared but otherwise unharmed.” Jake answered.

I closed my eyes in relief. The girl would no doubt have nightmares for years to come but she was alive and that was all that mattered.

“What happens now? What will you do with Quinn?” I asked Jehiel, praying his answer would require no intervention by the DIC.

Jehiel shared a look with Levi before rolling his shoulders, as if shrugging off a great burden, “Given the complex nature of the case, both the Hydro King and I agree that it would be best to turn Quinn’s punishment over to the DIC.”

Disbelief had my mouth falling open. Seeing the mirth sparkling in Jehiel’s eyes I snapped it closed.

“Seriously?” I asked, still not trusting this miracle.

Jehiel smiled, “Given your impeccable work for us, I felt more than comfortable in passing off his punishment to your agency as I know you will find a solution that will satisfy all the involved parties.”

Great, now I had to make sure Quinn’s punishment was harsh enough to appease the Seraphim but not so harsh that the Hydro’s were offended. Negotiating his punishment was going to be a torturous process and one I’d typically have no involvement in, but I had a feeling some strings had been pulled and my name would be listed as Quinn’s judge, jury, and executioner. All this political tip-toeing was going to drive me mad.

Is it too late to go back to that basement?

The quirking of Jehiel’s lips told me he knew exactly what I was thinking. Face sobering, he held my gaze steadily.

“Thank you, Agent Hunter, you have the gratitude of all the Seraphim for your help on this case.” He said solemnly before shocking me and everyone else in the room by giving me a small bow.

Shocked, I stared at him, fumbling for a response, “No thanks necessary I was merely doing my job.”

“Regardless we are in your debt and a Seraphim always repays their debts. Do not hesitate to call us if you are ever in need.” He said seriously, giving me and Hutch another nod before sweeping from the room.

Levi paused, flashing me a promise filled stare that let me know this certainly wasn’t the last I’d see of him, before following Jehiel out. Jake walked over to my bed, startling me by pulling me into a fierce hug. Pulling back he flashed me his usual cocky grin before leaving as well.

I sat in silence for a moment before turning to Hutch in disbelief, “Did the King of the Seraphim really just bow to me?”

Hutch looked equally shocked, “I think he did.”

“Oh, okay.”

The silence continued as we processed the events of the last few minutes. Mallory burst into the room, carrying a tray heaped with steaming food and I practically drooled at the sight.

“Mallory, you are a goddess,” I said reaching for the tray, already choosing what I would eat first.

Mmm, pizza. Ooooh apple pie, definitely the apple pie.

The food was abruptly whisked away.

Wait, what? No! Come back!

I watched mournfully as the tray was placed on a small table far out of reach. Mallory and Hutch took stood in front of it arms crossed, blocking the delicious view.

“Now missy, it’s about time we had that chat.” Hutch declared sternly.

Groaning, I flopped back down on the bed, pulling the pillow over my head.