Dark Flame (Flame 3)

Do it.

She centered all her attention and fae ability on Keelen. It took a tremendous amount of energy because they were well underground. She focused as hard as she could. Keelen. It’s Juliet Tunney. Can you hear me?

Nothing returned, so she tried again.

And again.

Finally, she heard his voice, though very weak, within her mind. Juliet? Where the hell are you? You sound like you’re in a

cave.

Something like that. She explained about the rescue and that Roche was on their heels. I need back-up at the Fae Cathedral. I’m afraid that once we try to leave the building through the front entrance, he’ll have us. We’re shielded because of Brannick’s vampire ability, but as you know, Roche has an army. If he figures out a way to trap us, we’re dead.

I’ll get some troops over there right away. Maybe we can create a diversion that will help get your team out of there.

She puffed air from her cheeks. I knew I could count on you.

She cut off communication, then aimed her telepathy at both Brannick and Fergus, letting them know what was going on.

Within another minute she arrived back at the court but rose high into the air. Fergus and Brannick joined her. She could feel Roche now. He was in a rage as he headed in their direction, and he wasn’t far behind.

A few seconds later, he and his squad flew into the courtyard though they stayed near the floor. Those shoppers nearby scattered for cover at the sight of thirteen powerful fae men with sidearms and rifles raised.

Brannick levitated next to her and took her hand. You did good. How long will it be before Keelen gets here?

Let me find out. She contacted Keelen, and he let her know he had five squad cars on the way. The first would be arriving within the next minute. The last, in three.

She told Brannick. But at the same time, Roche and his security force headed up the wide spiral pathway leading to the lobby of the cathedral.

She felt the tension in Brannick’s hand. Invisible or not, with such a large force in a relatively small lobby, something could go wrong. She had Keelen to think of as well. If shooting started in order to provide them cover, some of the Revel officers could get hurt or worse.

This isn’t simple, is it, Brann? I mean, even if we’re shielded, something could wrong.

Yes, it could. But I have an idea.

She looked up at him. What? Tell me.

Let’s go back the way we came, back to where Roche kept Mary in the cell. The clients don’t come in through the Fae Cathedral lobby, so where do they enter? If we can locate it, we can leave. Roche won’t even think to go that direction and Keelen and his force can keep Roche busy.

That sounds perfect.

Brannick addressed Fergus, What do you think, wolf?

Let’s get the hell out of here.

Juliet didn’t hesitate a second, but swept back down the avenue, heading south and moving faster and faster. The route was as familiar now as her own face in a mirror. While she flew, she contacted Keelen and told him what they were up to. Keelen said he’d do everything he could to keep Roche busy while they got away.

Juliet didn’t slow until she approached the back entrance to Roche’s sex club. The smell of the dark flame drug once more hit her full in the face.

She rose high, avoiding the guards. She began flying through what proved to be a series of large entertainment rooms. Scantily clad attendants worked the hallways, providing drinks or more syringes of the powerful dark flame drug, sometimes food.

She had to shut down the sound of the occasional painful groan or cry. She knew women were being hurt here, but she couldn’t do anything for them. Not yet.

Brannick was right. As she worked her way steadily forward, she discovered a spiral path similar to the one at the Cathedral entrance. She immediately levitated up and up, with Brannick and Fergus on her heels.

At the top of the path, however, two fae warriors guarded a door. Fortunately, they gave no evidence of seeing her.

She drew to a stop. Hold up, she called to the group.