Hired Gun #4 (6 page)

Well, isn’t this interesting.
Came the reply in his mind.

A little present from Zeus. Where are you? We need to talk. 

Downtown at my office. 

Well I’m standing in your home, waiting for you. 

In a second Thanatos flashed in before him. “What the hell do you think you are doing in my house?” he demanded, his jaw clenched. 

“I thought we could have a friendly chat.” 

The daemon stared at him for a long moment and then turned, leading him into the study where the carnage had taken place yesterday. There wasn’t a trace of the bloodshed. 

“What do you want, Thorne?” 

Thorne shrugged. “I wanted to congratulate you. You’ve won, and there’s not a damn thing I can do to stop you. And to be honest, I’d be glad to see The Realm destroyed. They’ve caused me nothing but pain since the day I’ve been born.”

Thanatos leaned against his desk and stared at Thorne as if trying to decide if he was being honest or not. So Thorne continued on. “I was told that I was the only hope. That’s a fucking joke, I’m just a half-breed. I don’t have any better chance of killing you than cupid. Hell, I can’t even blame you for what you’re doing. Revenge is something I get, trust me. And losing someone that you love? It fucking sucks. Living with the loss for eternity? Yeah, even worse. 

“And those fucking Fates are always messing with our lives. You want to hear something hilarious? I’m not sure if you are aware of this fact or not, but I’m guessing you’re not. Because you’re just another pawn in their games like me. Kataya, your wife, she’s my ex-wife reincarnated. Ain’t that some fucking shit?”

Thanatos tilted his head slightly. “You’re right, I wasn’t aware of that fact.”

“I think she’s been jerking both of our chains.” 

Thanatos scratched the side of his head. “No, I don’t think so. I would have known.” 

“How did you meet her?” Thorne asked, more out of curiosity than anything else. 

“An online forum. I was searching for a natural witch, they are quite rare these days. Of course, Kataya exceeded my wildest expectations.”

Unable to help it, Thorne threw back his head and laughed. Fucking internet. 

“She really is something else,” Thanatos said, looking lost in his own memories. Kinda pissed off Thorne, but he wasn’t here to fight. At least not yet. It killed him that they had a life of their own. Kataya had even admitted she loved him. Maybe this really was just some huge cosmic coincidence. But why would the Fates want to destroy themselves? That part didn’t make any sense to him. And there was Athena. Her role in all of this was still murky at best. 

“Do you love her?” Thorne asked, unable to keep the edge out of his voice. 

“Love?” Thanatos lifted his shoulder. “I guess as close as I can get to love anymore. She’s brought happiness into my life when all I expected was rage. But don’t think for a moment it has changed my mind.”

“Does she know about your plan?”

He laughed. “No, she believes I want to save humanity not destroy it.”

Unless she was an academy award winning actress, she’d seemed quite shocked by the reality that Willis was actually Thanatos. “Where is she now?”

If he’d hurt her, he was going to have to switch gears and at least inflict some pain since death was not an option. 

“I don’t know. She attended the interview with me yesterday, flawless as always, and then she was gone. I haven’t seen her since. She’s not replying to my calls, and as you know she’s not the easiest person to track. I believe I convinced her you’re lying about the destruction of the planet, but obviously she has to come to terms with my true origins … if she can. Not that it matters. It will all be over soon.”

Well this changed things somewhat. Thorne had convinced himself that Kataya was part of the plan. He needed to find her and talk to her at least one more time. 

“I’ve got a few things to take care of. Can we meet again tonight? I think I might know a way that we can destroy The Realm without killing off Earth.”

One of Thanatos’s brows raised. “Is that so?”

“At this point it’s just a theory, but I think it could work. I just need to iron out some of the kinks.”

“And why would I believe you would help me? What do you want in return? Kataya?”

Thorne grunted. “No, she’s all yours. I just want to keep a promise I made to my mother on her death bed. After that I’ll probably travel to another dimension. I don’t think I can handle being here knowing the only woman I have ever loved was still alive. However, once The Realm was gone I wouldn’t be banished to Earth anymore.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Thanatos stood up to his full height. “I look forward to our talk.” 

“Likewise,” Thorne said before he blinked out and returned to his apartment. 

Okay, the seed had been planted. Of course, Thorne knew it was impossible to destroy The Realm without taking Earth with it, but he needed to buy some time until he could figure out what his next move would be. At least for now Thanatos would be off his back. 

Chapter 8

Where the hell is she?
Thorne had gone everywhere he could think of to find Kataya with no luck. Which wasn’t many places seeing as he barely knew her in this form. She wasn’t answering her phone or responding to his texts. He was starting to get worried that perhaps Thanatos had lied and he’d done something to her. If that asshole killed her …

Thorne’s chest heaved up and down as the rage coursed through him. 

She’s not dead.
Athena’s voice rang through his head. 

Oh now you decide to talk to me.
Thorne was not in the mood for anymore head games.
Where is she?

You’re playing a dangerous game with Thanatos. 

You’re playing a dangerous game with me! Where the fuck is Kataya?

You’re a wild card, Thorne. But I have faith you are going to be able to pull this off. She’s at the restaurant you took her to.

Really?
Thorne was shocked. That would have been the last place he’d thought she’d go. 

What can I say? She’s complex,
Athena said with a chuckle. 

Closing his eyes, Thorne willed himself to the back of the restaurant in the woods. Taking a deep breath he broke through the woods, and in long strides made his way to the front of the building. When he walked in the bell went off above his head and Kataya looked up from the same booth they had sat in. To say she looked startled was an understatement. Her face was pale and her mouth hung open. Quickly, she closed her mouth, regaining control, and a flush rose to her cheeks. 

The waitress asked if he needed a table, but Thorne ignored her and made a beeline for the booth. 

“How’d you know where I was? “

“I didn’t. I just got a sudden hankering for a cheeseburger.”

She looked at him skeptically. “Two hours from your home?”

He shrugged and held his hand up to tell the waitress he was ready to order. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until he smelled the greasy home cooking. He ordered a burger and fries, giving him time to gather his thoughts. 

“I take it you believe me now?”

Kataya picked at her napkin, not making eye contact. “It’s a lot to take in.”

“Yes, I’m sure it was quite the shock. Yet you took it better than most. Why is that, Kataya?”

She laughed bitterly, and lowered her voice. “Look at me, Thorne. I’m not exactly your average citizen. And we both know that Apothica is filled with all sorts of misfits. So believing that Greek mythology could be real is not much of a stretch.” 

“Did he explain to you what I am?” 

“Kinda. Just that you’re from his realm and were kicked out—also that you weren’t full blooded, so people treated you like a leper.” 

“That about sums it up.” 

They were both silent as the waitress approached carrying his food. She refilled Kataya’s iced tea and then scurried away. 

“Do you still love him?” Picking up the burger, he took a bite.

She nodded and looked away.

While his meal was good, his appetite was suddenly lost. 

“I think we should go somewhere else and talk,” Kataya said, pushing her barely touched sandwich aside. 

“I don’t think there’s much more to talk about.” Thorne shoved a fry in his mouth and hoped his despair didn’t show on his face. He’d expected as much, but hearing it from her was like a knife being twisted in his gut. 

After they’d finished the rest of their meal in silence, Thorne threw some money on the table and strode out of the place.

As soon as they stepped outside he turned toward her. “Why? I don’t understand why you would have come to me behind his back? It doesn’t make any sense.” 

Ignoring him she walked around the restaurant and sat down on a picnic table. “Sit down, you make me nervous standing over me like that.” 

Begrudgingly Thorne sat down beside her. It was cold, but she didn’t seem to care. 

Without looking at him she started to speak. “I’ve dreamt of you every night since the day I hit puberty. When I saw you in the flesh at Apothica, I just couldn’t help myself. It was foolish and wrong, but I don’t regret it. I couldn’t have stopped myself if I wanted to. It was like a compulsion.” 

Thorne sat up straighter. “You dreamt of me?”

“I still do. When you started talking about soulmates, I wanted so badly to believe you. I mean, it was the only thing that made logical sense. Why else would I know you before we met?” She paused, and her face turned scarlet. “The dreams were quite erotic in nature, but there was also a deeper connection. Let’s just say you ruined me for normal relationships.” 

“Until Thanatos came along.” Thorne’s whole body went rigid with hatred. 

“No, it’s not like that with him.” 

“What do you mean? You said you loved him.” 

“I do. He’s the only one that treated me like I was special since … well, ever.” She paused and met his gaze. “Like you, I was the black sheep of the family. Yes, we were all strong witches, but I was stronger and the only one able to take on other forms. I was hated for something that I had no control over. When Geoffrey found me ... I don’t know, he just made me feel normal. And you have no idea how much that means.”

“I think I have some idea.” As much as he hated to admit it. 

“Thorne, our relationship, it’s not romantic.” 

Not romantic? He didn’t want to get his hopes up, yet again. “But you’re married.” 

“Only by paper, and false papers at that. We are just working together to try to do some good in this fucked up world. He’s more like a father figure to me. He’s never touched me inappropriately. He still mourns the loss of his real family.” 

Jesus, she really believed Thanatos was good.

Regardless, Thorne couldn’t help but be ecstatic that their relationship was not one of lovers. What did that mean for them? Did they have a chance? Not if the fucking world was going to be blown up.

“Thanatos is not what he seems.” 

He felt her body stiffen beside him. “He told me you would try to turn me against him.” She pushed herself off the table and stood up. “Don’t waste your breath. My loyalty lies with Geoffrey.” 

Thorne nearly groaned. He had to backtrack and regain ground. There was no way in hell he was going to let this chance slip away. 

“Okay, let’s say you’re right and he’s a good guy who means well. Where does that leave us?” 

Her stance relaxed just a tiny bit. “I-I don’t know.” 

“Do you believe we are fated to be together?” 

Kataya wrung her hands. “I don’t know what to believe. But yes, we were meant to meet. That much is obvious. I should get back home. I’m sure Geoffrey is worried.” 

“He is.” 

“You saw him?”

“Yes, I went to offer him something that would spare your life.” 

Kataya narrowed her eyes. “He would never hurt me.” 

“I’m afraid he would, child.”

They both turned around to see Athena standing before them. 

“Anna?” Kataya reached forward and touched Athena’s arm, but quickly snapped her hand back as if she’d been burned. 

“Who’s Anna?” Thorne asked, confused. 

“My spirit guide, but I’ve never seen her in the flesh. Just while scrying.” 

“Oh what a tangled web we weave,” Thorne said sardonically. 

“Your guide also goes by the name Athena. Yes, the Athena. Who also happens to be my aunt.” 

Kataya sat back down, her legs too shaky to hold her up. “Is he speaking the truth?”

“Yes, my dear. I am Athena, but I am also your guide by choice. And before you say it, I never lied about my name. All I gave you was A. You are the one that named me Anna.”

Kataya covered her face with her hands. “I’ve been acting like a blubbering fool to you for my whole life. You must think I am so weak.” 

Athena smiled warmly. “Not at all, but your teen years were pretty trying.” 

“This is mortifying.” 

Thorne crossed his arms over his chest. As much as he hated to admit it, he was jealous that Athena had watched Kataya grow up. “We have more important things to worry about than your embarrassment.” 

“Thorne’s right, and he is your soulmate, your twin flame. I can’t say I envy you for that.” 

Thorne scoffed. And then something clicked. “Athena, if you’ve been with Kataya all along, then you have known about Thanatos this whole time.”

“Yes. I have known, and had hoped Kataya would be enough to change his ways, but Thanatos is hell bent on going through with his plans. Which is why I had to interfere.”

“Did you know about this all along from your vision?”

“No, but it didn’t surprise me in the least. One of these days I’m going to find a way to get back at those little bitches, the Fates. They move things around like it’s a game for their entertainment.” 

Thorne figured now was not the best time to remind Athena that she was the one that probably got the ball rolling with the Fates when she interfered with Kataya’s bloodline. 

“I refuse to believe that Geoffrey wants to end humanity. You don’t know him the way I do.”