Firewall: Logic, #2

By CG Powell

After a whirlwind romance and quick marriage to her prince charming, Mae feels like the walls of her lavish paradise are closing in on her. Just when she’s given a little breathing room, her world comes crashing down.

In Beck's eyes, no measure is too extreme to protect Mae and their unborn children. After realizing the cost of his zeal is Mae's happiness, he plans a getaway that will put into motion age-old plans set in place by the gods themselves.

Overshadowed by a demon assassin, Mae becomes the very thing that Beck has tried to safeguard her from.  With help from Aphrodite, Beck must reset the device that bonded him to Mae, and give the demon a new target before Mae destroys herself and the world around her.

Can their love survive when all hell breaks loose?

• Language: English
• Publisher: CG Powell
• Release date: Sep 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516375585

Book preview

Mae sat at the kitchen table and played with the eggs on her plate.  Her queasiness worsened with each swallow, so she choked down one more bite for show.  She knew her full plate wouldn’t go unnoticed by Beck.  It took so long for her to eat even that much her breakfast had gotten cold, so she dumped the rest in the garbage and placed the plate in the sink.  Nausea still seemed to plague her each morning and lingered into the evening, making it hard to maintain weight even halfway through her second trimester.  Three months had passed since her best friend Gemma had accompanied Nikola to China to be trained as a Vampire.  Not only did she feel abandoned by her best friend, but Gemma’s departure left Mae by herself in Ireland, trapped on Beck’s estate for her own safety.  It had been over four months since the attempt on her life, so she couldn’t understand why Beck continued to be on high alert.  The bad guys were caught and taken care of as far as she was concerned.

She could tell by the way Beck glared at her while she disposed of her breakfast that he was holding his tongue.  He walked over to sink where Mae stood, placed his plate on hers and let his stern scowl relax.  That’s it! I can’t stand to see you sulk like this one minute longer.  Pack your bags.  We’re getting out of here.

Mae threw her arms around him.  Do you really mean it?  She beamed as she got as close as her growing belly would allow.

He smiled and placed his hand on her stomach.  Yes.  I already talked to Dr. Thomas and he said it would be okay for you to fly, as long as he accompanies you.  So I made plans for us to spend a week in Tenerife.  How does that sound?

An overwhelming sense of calm flooded through her—his energy intermingling with hers until she couldn’t tell one from the other.  I have no idea where Tenerife is, but it has to be a hell of a lot better than being trapped here.  She gave him as quick peck on the lips and replied, That sounds fantastic!

Good.  The helicopter leaves in twenty minutes.  Whatever you don’t have time to pack, we’ll buy there.  He pulled away from their embrace and gave Mae a kiss on the top of her head.

When Mae got to their bedroom, she noticed a suitcase already on the bed and half packed with her belongings.  Her husband’s handy work, she surmised from the choice of clothing in the suitcase.  Beck walked into the room behind her as she threw a sweater and her toothbrush into the bag, glancing up at him.  I’ve been meaning to ask you.  How you would feel if we converted the Lady of the Manors Suite into a nursery?  It was the room located next to theirs, the one Mae had occupied before they were wed.

That’s a fantastic idea.  In fact, since you’ve already picked out the color you wanted, I’ll have it painted while we’re gone.  That way you don’t have to worry about the paint fumes.

She clasped his free hand and smiled.  I’d like that a lot.  Maybe we can shop for baby furniture when we get back.

First things first.  Let’s enjoy our long-awaited honeymoon, then we can stress out about being parents, he said then kissed her cheek.

Mae let go of his hand and started packing.  She rummaged through the items in the suitcase to see if there was anything else she might need.  Despite the cooler temperatures outside, there was nothing but shorts and lightweight tops in the bag.  I’m surprised you picked such a tropical location, she said, zipping the bag close.

I’m trying to keep you safe, which is the reason for the tropical location and the last minute plans.  I don’t want any unwelcomed company on this trip.  Even if I have to spend the day inside, we still have the evenings.  Beck grabbed her suitcase, and they headed to the helicopter pad.

Alexis was already in the pilot’s seat with Dr. Thomas next to her.  Beck loaded the luggage into the back and helped Mae climb in.  When they finally shut the doors and buckled in, Alexis started the rotor.  It wasn’t long before they reached the small airport in Killarney and boarded Beck’s private jet.

A couple of hours into the flight, Mae noticed that Beck had been awfully quiet since they’d gotten on-board.  He sat in his seat and looked out the window as if in deep thought.  She clasped his hand and squeezed it to get his attention.  Penny for your thoughts.

Beck turned to Mae and gave a slight grin.  This is the longest Aidan and I have been apart from one another.  I feel sort of lost without him.

It’s not like he’s dead, you know.  He and Meredith have Council stuff to take care of, and you can’t very well expect him to spend all his time with you now that they are seeing each other again.  Not only that, I think he’s trying to give us some space now that we’re married.

I know, but it still feels like part of me is missing, he confessed as he looked back out the window.

I’m well aware of how you feel.  I can’t wait for Gemma to visit us.  I really miss her.

Mae sighed and opened her book of Sudoku puzzles.

Good grief, you two, this is supposed to be a honeymoon not a funeral, Aaron chimed in on his way to the back to grab a couple of beers for himself and Alexis.

Beck clasped Mae’s hand.  He’s right.  I don’t want to spend this trip being melancholy.  You deserve better than that.  He kissed her cheek, then got up from his seat and retrieved a deck of cards from a drawer in the back of the plane.  Anyone want to join me in a little game of blackjack?  Winner gets to pick the first tourist trap we visit.

~oOo~

Tenerife was as beautiful from the air as the photos had suggested.  Mae looked out the window as the plane approached the small airport.  Mesmerized by the high mountainous cliffs and crystal blue waters, she stayed glued to the window until the plane landed.

A limo from the Gran Melia resort waited while they gathered their bags.  Upon arrival, they were greeted by the manager, who personally showed them to the penthouse suites.  Mae sat down on a plush sofa and soaked in the view from the large picture window before Beck joined her.  I’m surprised you’ve selected a public resort for us to stay at instead of a private estate, Mae remarked as Beck put his arm around her and pulled her close.

I thought you would appreciate a bit of normalcy.

Mae had to admit, it was something she missed sorely.  For months, she had been a virtual prisoner in her own home.  I appreciate your thoughtfulness.  I know how hard it is for you to feel comfortable about my safety in such a place.  Thank you.  She laid her head on his chest and snuggled closer.

They enjoyed their brief moment of peace until it was interrupted by a knock on the door.  Beck sighed and released his hold on Mae then answered the door.  Alexis and Aaron stood in the doorway in their swimming attire.

I already did a sweep of the entire floor.  Everything looks good.  I’ll check the housekeeping staff when they come to clean the rooms tomorrow.  Alexis handed Aaron her beach bag and parked herself on the couch next to Mae.  Are you guys going to go to the pool with us?

Beck looked at Alexis and raised a curious brow.

I was just being polite.  I know you can’t spend too much time outside.  Alexis gave Beck a sarcastic glace before getting back up.  We’ll be at the pool if you need us.  Otherwise enjoy the rest of your afternoon; we’ll be back around seven for dinner, she yelled from the door as they departed.

Whatever shall we do, Mr. Worthington?  It appears we have four full hours to ourselves, Mae teased, her fingers walking up his chest.

Mrs. Worthington, you look a bit tired.  I think you should go to the bedroom and lie down, Beck suggested in a low, sultry voice.

Mae laughed as Beck helped her get up from the couch.  I am quite certain your offer has nothing to do with a nap.  It’s just a way to get me into bed.

Ah—you know me so well.  He chuckled and placed his hand on her backside.

~~~***~~~

Charles watched as the helicopter passed overhead unexpectantly.  He gritted his teeth and balled his fist before moaning, Damn it!  Once again, he’d missed an opportunity to take out his target.  He quickly pulled out his cell phone and dialed.

What is it, Charles? Saran asked as if he were bothering her.

Our target is on the move.  Any idea where they might be heading?

The flight plans on file for Beck’s private jet have them going to the Canary Islands.  I will arrange a charter flight out of Dublin to take you there.  In the meantime, see if you can’t find out where they’re staying, Saran sneered, as if it were Charles’ fault that he didn’t know where Beck and Mae were going in the first place.

Charles was getting agitated with Saran’s greater-than-thou attitude and her lack of propriety when it came to relaying pertinent information.  How long had she known where they were going?  And yet it’d never occurred to her to let him know.  It was one more reason for Charles to just walk away and wash his hands of Saran and her plans.  If not for a promised seat on the council, and the nagging feeling that this was something he had to do, he would have been done with her already.

Fine, I’m leaving for Dublin now.  Make sure the charter you hire won’t have an issue with the guns.  I don’t want to have any problems at the airport, he snapped, rubbing the back of his neck.

Just get yourself to the airport and I’ll take care of the rest.  And Charles, if you fail to take out the target this time, don’t bother to come back London.  Your services will no longer be required.

Charles hung up his phone, not even bothering to entertain her threat with a reply.  He climbed into his car and departed for the airport in Dublin, where a plane waited to take him to Tenerife.  He couldn’t help but replay Saran’s words in his mind.  If you fail, don’t bother coming back to London.  Did she already have the power to keep him from his home?

The plane touched down at the airport near La Mareta.  He grabbed his bags, rented a car and headed to the Gran Melia resort.  Charles was amazed at how lax the security was at the resort and began to wonder if he had the right place.  He climbed up a steep incline covered in brush and vegetation, finally settling in a covered spot that overlooked the hotel’s large.  He took the high-powered rifle out of his bag and attached the scope and stand.  It wasn’t long before he recognized two witches by the pool.  They were friends of Beck’s.  He smirked, satisfied he was in the right place.  Charles looked around for his target.  On the balcony of the second floor, he spotted the vampire and his target.  He watched the two for a moment through the scope of his rifle.  Beck stood behind Mae with his arms wrapped around her and his hands resting on her clearly visible baby bump.  It was a sight that caught Charles completely off-guard.  He put the rifle down, sat on the ground and let out a deep breath before packing his equipment back in his bag.  This game of Saran’s had approached a whole new level of wrongness.  It was one thing to take out the source of potential evil, but another to kill a pregnant woman, and Charles wanted no part of the latter.

~~~***~~~

Alexis was lying in a chair by the pool, when something in the brush caught her eye and made the hair on the back of her neck stand up.  She quickly sent a telepathic message to Beck.

Beck, get Mae in the room now!

What’s going on? He thought the question and she heard him.

Just do it! Alexis hammered into his mind with urgency.

Beck quickly led Mae back into the room as Alexis quietly went around the back of the hill and climbed up.  Just as she suspected, a man packing a gun back in his bag sat in the overgrowth.  Before Charles even knew she was there, Alexis attacked.  She had him knocked out and tied up by the time Beck reached her.

Sneak him into your room, while I finish clearing the area, Alexis said as she tossed Beck the man’s duffle bag.  He’s a witch, so tell Aaron not to let him wake up until I get there, or you might find yourself with your hands full.

Beck’s heart sank as he threw the offender over his shoulder and walked back towards his room, being careful not to be noticed.  He relayed Alexis’ commands to Aaron as they tied Charles to a chair in the living room and shot him with sedatives.

Beck could hear Mae’s half-stifled sobs through the bedroom door before he entered. Why are you crying, love? Beck whispered as he put his arms around her.

It’s all my fault, Beck.  I wanted freedom, and the moment you give it to me, look what happens.  My wants put us all in danger! Mae cried.

Mae, calm down.  None of this is your fault.  I was wrong for keeping you locked up for so long.  I should have been more active in finding the root of the problem, instead of building a wall around you.  So, please stop crying, Beck pleaded as he wiped the tears from her eyes.

I’m trying to but I can’t, she hiccupped.

Beck was fully aware of Mae’s hormonal weepiness.  It was one of the less desirable traits of her pregnancy and certainly one of the harder ones to deal with.  It’s going to be fine, Mae.  Just give us a little time to get to the bottom of this.  Then we can spend the rest of our vacation relaxing, okay?

Mae held back her tears as she replied, Okay.

Good.  Why don’t you take that nap you were said you wanted before we were so rudely interrupted.  And I’ll join you after I get some answers.  He stood up and kissed the top of her head.

There was a light tap on the bedroom door before Aaron announced that Alexis was back.  Beck followed Aaron into the living room, where Alexis stood in front of their captive.

Aaron, you ready to wake up our little friend?  Alexis’ lips twitched as she cracked her knuckles.

Aaron shot her a worried glance before asserting, Only if you promise not to hurt him.

She let out a deep sigh and rolled her eyes.  Fine, I promise not to hurt him.  Now wake his ass up already!

You too, Beck, I saw what you did to Howard and I don’t want a repeat of that, Aaron said as he prepared the shot to wake Charles up.

You have my word.  I promise no harm will come to him as long as he cooperates.

Aaron stopped in his tracks and stood there.  Not good enough.  I want your promise that regardless of what we can get out of him, you won’t harm him.

Okay!  But all of this needs to end, and this man is the key to finding out who is behind the attacks, Beck retorted.

Aaron looked back at Beck one last time before injecting Charles.  Just remember, from what I was told, he was putting his gun away before Alexis got there.  So, at some point he must have had a change of heart.

~oOo~

Charles struggled to open his eyes he tensed his muscles but realized he couldn’t move his arms and legs.  He swallowed hard as he attempted to clear the fog in his head.  The truth was his only hope for survival.  Please! he moaned as he woke from the sedative.  I want you to know the truth.  His eyes closed again.

Do you want me to place a truth spell on you? Aaron asked.

Yes, Charles responded, knowing that his own words could very well be the death of him.

Aaron waited a few minutes for Charles to become more alert, and then set the truth spell on him.  Beck paced the floor and started asking questions.

What’s your name? Beck asked.

Charles Gordon.

Who do you work for?

I work for Saran LaPierre.

Alexis chimed in, Isn’t she the new Council member?

Charles looked towards Alexis and calmly replied, Yes, but she is very dangerous.  She wants to remove Calcifer from power and take his place.

Beck stopped in front of Charles and gazed into his eyes.  Why remove Calcifer?

She is anti-vampire and completely against your research.  By removing Calcifer, she believes she can remove all the vampire sympathizers from Council, Charles replied.

Why didn’t you shoot at us when you had the chance? 

Once I saw your wife was with child, I realized the lies that Saran would have me believe.  She has to be stopped before she starts a war! Charles sobbed, the ropes biting into his wrists.

Are you anti-vampire, Charles?

I have no quarrel with your kind.  I only followed Saran because of her promise to give me a Council seat once Calcifer is removed.  I was wrong to follow her.  Power has made her crazy, and I want no part of it.  I’ll do whatever it takes to stop her and make things right.

Beck’s anger left him as he realized what Charles was saying.  Would you be willing to tell your story to Calcifer under truth spell?

I would be more than happy to warn Calcifer.  But first I need to call off the men around your estate, before they do something stupid, at Saran’s request.  Charles sank in his chair,