You Complete Me (7 page)

“Trying to get some?” He bobbed his eyebrows. “Nice. I’m in.”

“You’re a dork.” She dropped her voice to a whisper. Some things needed to be said out loud. “I heard a voice when we had sex.”

“The voice of the Goddess, yes.” He grinned. “We’re fated to be together.”

Being fated was a good thing and getting better by the second, but she needed to know more. “When I was trained as a Hunter, one of the things the teachers mentioned was meeting our mates. I don’t know if I believe all that mate stuff, if only because a lot of stuff has changed lately, but according to what I learned, when the mates come together, they get stronger. Is that true?”

“Yes. My powers are stronger. I’m deadlier with my accuracy, can move faster and my senses are all keener.”

“What about mine?”

“I assume yours will be stronger. You’ll be a better Hunter. Stronger, faster, a dangerous individual if that’s what you’re asked to do.” He smiled. “You’ll be a great Hunter. My great Hunter.”

“You keep saying we’re fated to be together.” She needed the reassurance. Something wasn’t sitting right. “What about Ava?”

“She’s not a threat. Promise.” He drew an X across his heart.

His gesture was touching, but not the reassurance she wanted. “If I agree to this mating thing, we’re stronger, right? Then you’ve got to promise me you’re not going to abandon me.”

Hagan gripped her shoulders. His brow furrowed and he narrowed her eyes. “Unless I’m killed, I will not abandon you.”

“Care to prove that?” Her heart beat faster and her skin prickled. The heat of battle swarmed within her—along with something else. Desire.

“How?” The scowl left his face and fires burned in his eyes.

“I want the best possible shot at bringing down Maslow. If that means being mated, I’ll do it.” Not the way she wanted to tell him she’d fallen for him and wanted to be his, but then again, she wasn’t the most eloquent person in the world.

“Love needs to be involved.” He let go of her and sidestepped her. “I can’t just lay down for you if you’re not all in.”

“This is war.” Her voice cracked and her hands shook. “There is no love in war.”

“I need love.” He shook his head. “That’s all there is to it. I got shafted by Ava and I will not be shafted by you, too.”

“You’ll have your powers. Isn’t that enough?” Damn it. She’d screwed everything up. Needing to keep herself protected from heartbreak seemed to trump allowing herself to accept someone loving her. She couldn’t actually say the words
I love you
. What if she’d never be able to say them?

“No. I’d rather go mad without you, than have my powers.” He swiped his hand through the air. “It’s—I need a walk and time to think. You’ve screwed with my head. You don’t want me, but you do. You don’t love me unless you think someone else is there to take your place. Then all of a sudden you care. I can’t play this game. I’m not a toy. Either let me go or accept that you are worthy of being loved and I love you.” The muscle in his jaw tensed. “I’ve been dicked around before and I’m not going to do it again.” He started away from her.

“Hagan.” With every step he took, a little more of her heart ripped out. Being strong sucked if there was no one there to share her life with in the end.

He didn’t turn around. “Do you love me? Truly love me and need to be my mate?”

“I’m—I’m not sure.”

“That’s all I needed to know.”

Hagan walked away from her, leaving her in stunned silence. She’d fucked up her life on account of fear. She leaned against the wall for stability. She’d get through this…but she’d have to be honest with herself. Did she love him? Yes. Did she trust him? Were the love and trust enough to be his forever?

Hagan thrust both hands into his hair and stomped out to the foyer, then outside onto the massive porch. His anger boiled over and self-loathing took hold. What was wrong with him? Even his own mate didn’t want him. He gritted his teeth. Streaks of sunshine stretched across the front porch. Goddess, if he didn’t want to end the damn war and bring peace to the Supers, he’d throw himself out into the sunshine and self-sacrifice.

Burning himself to death wasn’t worth the time or effort to go outside, but still. Something had to be wrong with him. First, he hadn’t been enough for Ava. Okay, he could handle that because the connection hadn’t been strong between them. Then Emily. She liked sex with him well enough. She’d even lowered her guard and allowed him into her mind. They were fated!

A noise caught his attention. He tipped his head. What was the sound? Scratching? Shuffling? His blood turned to ice. Holy fuck. He’d gone outside. No fucking protection, just exposed…like a dumb ass. He whipped around to grab the door handle. As he tugged on the brass handle, something slipped over his face. Slivers of light filtered through whatever they’d yanked over his head.

Shit. He wrestled with the darkness, but two sets of hands held him down.

“The fucktard went out alone,” a deep voice said. “I’m tired of them thinking they can get the best of Maslow.”

Hagan stopped moving. They had him. Any fighting now, especially with his hands bound behind his back, wasn’t going to get him anywhere. He listened to the voice. He’d heard that man before.

Something connected with his skull. Lights flashed behind his eyes and his stomach lurched. Shit. He wobbled on his feet, and then everything went black.

When Hagan opened his eyes, he wasn’t sure how long he’d been out. His head throbbed and his wrists ached. He couldn’t tell where he’d gone. The bag or whatever they’d put over his head to blind him was still in place. Damn it.

If he wanted out of this situation, he needed to trust Emily. He closed his eyes and focused on the woman he loved.
Emily? Please, hon. I need you.

Where are you?
Her voice came across as a scream. He heard the panic and concern.

At least she worried about him.
I’m not sure where I am. It smells like the Maslow compound. I can hear people talking, but I’m not sure what room I’m in or how to tell you to find me.

I’m coming to you.

No.

No?
Emily questioned.

I’ve been captured. Maslow snatched me off the porch. I shouldn’t have been out there.

You were mad.

I was stupid
, Hagan admitted.

We all make mistakes. Mine was not admitting the truth. I’m getting you out of there.

Hush, hon. I hear someone coming.
He tilted his head. The voice…someone had come into the room.

“He’s a lure. She’ll run right to him. We capture her and find Laing. It’s easy,” the man said. His voice grew louder, as if he wanted Hagan to hear him speak. “I’m worried about her. I won’t rest until she’s back. She’s my partner and the woman I love.”

Now he knew—Ben. The man loved her? No, he wanted to dominate her and eventually destroy her.
I hear Ben, Emily. He’s trying to convince me that he’s worried about you. He knows you’re looking for me.

Then I’m coming for you.

Be cool.
He couldn’t risk losing her, even if her heart belonged to someone else.

I can’t be cool. I—I love you.

Don’t say what you don’t mean.

Hagan, I have since I met you. Yes, I was foolish to wait until now to admit it, but I do. I can’t see my life without you. You’re the reason I broke the rules. I was angry about Ava, but I’m in love with you and want to be your mate. The Goddess was right. I’m all yours.

Then tell Kynan what’s going on. Keep the plan going. Say you’re turning him in to save me. Trust him. Please?

I’m on it. I won’t let you down.

Emily? I love you, too. If I don’t make it out, I need you to know that.

Stop. You’re my Pasha and you’re making it out. I insist. I always get my prey and I will get you out. I promise.

With anyone else, he wouldn’t have trusted them. Humans were a funny bunch. They wanted to believe they were invincible. He shored up his courage and his strength. The Rogues wanted to play. They wanted to torture him in order to draw out Laing and his people. He wished he’d fed before he left, but he’d manage. As always, he’d manage. He had the woman he loved on his side and in love with him, too. He could do anything.

****

Emily ran into the main command room. She couldn’t breathe. “Kynan.” She gripped the desk. “I need you.”

He glanced over at Lexa, who shrugged. “The last person who said they needed me ended up being my mate.” He crooked one eyebrow at Emily. “They’ve got Hagan.”

“Yes.” A bit of her fury melted. “Wait, you knew?” Her anger grew. “You didn’t tell me?”

“Hold up.” Lexa stepped between Kynan and Emily. “I’ll handle this.” She steered Emily away from the desk. “Yeah, we saw him being taken from the front porch. It was stupid to be out there without a guard, but he did. That doesn’t mean any of us are going to let them keep him.”

“You’re damn right,” Emily spat.

“Slow it down. Don’t get pissy with me.” Her eyes blazed and Lexa’s voice remained calm. “We’re going along according to plan. The only difference is that they’ve got him. Now you’ve got a better reason to go there. Use Ky as a bargaining chip. We’re backing you up. Understand me?”

She sounded so much like Kynan. No wonder they were mates. She completed him perfectly. Emily nodded. “How am I going to get him out?”

“No matter what, they’ll be suspicious.” Lexa folded her arms. “You know your partner. Will Ben accept you bringing Kynan in?”

“Yes and no. I’ve made contact with Hagan. He’s being held in one of the rooms at Maslow’s. I don’t know which one. Through Hagan, I heard Ben there. Ben wants me to believe he’s searching for me. He truly wants to destroy me.”

“I see.”

“I know his weaknesses. Ben’s a threat, but if I’ve got you all on my side, we will get Hagan back and we will destroy the Rogues. I’m tired of living in fear, tired of having my friends killed and tired of wondering if doing my job is the right thing.” Emily stood tall. She had a mission.

“That’s what we wanted to hear.” Kynan snapped a set of handcuffs on his wrists. “Captive ready and willing. Let’s get in there and stamp out the Rogue menace.”

Lexa slipped the key to the cuffs into Emily’s pocket. “I’m trusting you with my mate. Don’t fuck this up.”

“I won’t.” Emily turned her attention to Kynan. “Ready?”

“I am.” He kissed Lexa, and then rested his forehead against hers. A tear slipped down Lexa’s cheek, but she didn’t say anything. Kynan kissed her again and looked into her eyes. “Only for a little while.”

Emily’s heart ached for them. Was Kynan not only sacrificing himself, but putting Lexa in danger as well? Lexa would certainly go mad if anything happened to her mate.

“We need to go.” Kynan led her out of the house to the garage area. “Take me to Ben. We need him to believe you’re on his side. Get rough with me if you have to. I can handle it.”

“I’m sure you can.” She helped him into the Jeep before rounding the hood. Too many lives depended on her doing her job properly. She gripped the steering wheel as they drove to her apartment. Before meeting Hagan, she would’ve shot the Supers on sight. Thank the Goddess she’d learned the error of her ways.

“What are you going to say to Ben?”

“You’re never going to believe what I’ve bagged.” She flexed her hands around the wheel. “I’ve brought the devil to Maslow. Want in on the presentation?”

“Good. Keep up that venom.” Kynan moved the gag he’d tied loosely around his neck and clasped the handkerchief between his teeth.

Emily pulled into her driveway. Ben was already there, sitting in his truck. He opened the driver’s side door when she stopped. She’d forgotten how tall the man was and how he always seemed so angry, even when he wasn’t mad. He strode up to her.

“Where have you been?” He gripped the doorframe of her Jeep. “Talk.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re never going to believe this, but I’ve made the capture of the century.” She flipped on the interior light. “I’ve got the devil himself.”

Ben leaned in the window and gasped. “Holy mother of…you bagged Laing.” His eyes lit up and a wicked smile curled on his lips. “Laing. Such an evil sight for sore eyes.”

“Care to get in on the presentation?” She drummed her fingers. “I’ve got room for one more.”

“You bet.” He sprinted around the Jeep to the passenger side. “This bastard rides in the back.”

Ben yanked the door open and manhandled Kynan, not that the vampire put up much resistance. She watched Ben thump Kynan a few times before he shoved Kynan into the back of the vehicle. She watched Ky for an extra moment. When he winked at her, she suppressed a sigh. At least he was all right.

“Go.” Ben slapped the dashboard. “Fuck yeah. We bagged the devil.” He screamed and waved his arm out the window. “Yeah!”

She faked excitement as she drove across town to the Maslow building. From the outside, the compound looked more like a bank, with its Doric columns and faux marble façade. She parked in the underground lot. “We’re here.”

“Yes, we are.” Ben bounced out of the vehicle. “Time to kill the bastard.”

“We need to take him to Maslow first. We can’t kill him without proof.” She helped Kynan to his feet. “Remember? If they die, they go poof.”

“True. Fuck.” Ben yanked on Kynan’s bound arm and pulled him into the building. “Maslow will be thrilled.” He shoved a couple of Hunters out of his way as he hefted Kynan into a larger room.

Emily bit back a gasp. She’d been in the compound plenty of times, but never in Maslow’s main space. Thick red velvet drapes covered the walls. Gold cording held some of the curtains back to reveal a large man sitting on an oversized wooden chair. She’d seen a chair similar to it in an old Catholic church before the church was torn down.

She noticed the amount of Hunters in the room. Three? He’d said the army was larger. She wanted to contact Hagan, but feared she’d lose her composure.

“So you’ve brought me the leader.” Maslow leaned forward on his chair. The thick man clutched his large belly. “Bring him closer to me.”

Closer? She kept her hand under Kynan’s arm. “I’ve done what you’ve asked. He’s here. I want my possession back.” She stomped her foot. “Hand over the vampire Hagan.”

“What? You desire the vampire?” Maslow leaned forward. He squinted. “Why?”

“Yeah,” Ben said and shoved Kynan. “Why?”

“He’s my prey.” She let go of Kynan and folded her arms. “Got a problem with my request?” She knew he did and wanted him to answer her truthfully.

Ben’s lips curled in a sneer. “I told you she was bad. She’s been turned. I smell his filth on her.” He pulled his knife from his hip sheath. “She’s allowed the vampire to mate with her.” He shoved Kynan out of the way and grabbed the front of her shirt. “I see you’ve given yourself to him. Decide. Which of us do you want?”

“Not a question.” She stood firm. “Hagan.”

“Just as well.” He let go of her shirt, then pulled his hand back. “You’ve outlived your use.” He brought his palm down across her cheek. “Bitch.”

The sting from his hand on her face radiated to her core, but it also made her stronger. She grabbed his arm and twisted, flinging him onto the floor. “Never pull your weapon on me or hit a woman.” She drove the blade of his knife into his chest. “Ever.”

Beside her, Kynan wrestled free of the gag. “Maslow, you wanted me here. You wanted this fight. It ends tonight.” Emily shoved the key into the lock, freeing Kynan.

“Everything ends, but not for me.” Maslow tipped his head back and laughed. He waved his hand. “Up, fool.” He snapped his fingers, pulling Ben up from the floor.

With the knife still lodged in his chest, Ben leaned against Maslow. His eyes flashed and turned black. “Time for you to die.”

Kynan stepped between Emily and Ben. “Maslow, you said I’m the devil. I’m tired of my friends being shot and killed. Supers don’t have to die.”

“They always need to die,” Ben spat. “Sir, he’s not going to get past me this time.”

“You can’t even see me,” Kynan said. “You’re battling against what you don’t know. You’re basing your knowledge on what your lackey tells you.” He withdrew two silver knives from his coat. “I’m tired of running and hiding.”

“Don’t need to hide. You need to die.” Ben lunged at Kynan. “You’re destroying the human race.”

“You are.” Emily whipped out her handgun. “You lied to me. You lied to everyone.” She navigated Ben away from Maslow, leaving the leader exposed. When Emily glanced over at them, she noticed Kynan swing his knife. In one slick move, he lopped Maslow’s head from his shoulders. The head flopped onto the floor with a sickening thud. Her stomach lurched. She’d seen plenty of individuals die—it was her profession to kill, but seeing the man who’d claimed to be the messiah of the Hunters, minus his head… She swallowed back bile.