Wounded Protectors: Immortals in New York 2

By Mimi Logsdon

When a dead body is found at the scene of a hostage crisis, Detective Jay Thorten is called to handle the case. At first glance, he recognizes the similarities to a previous murder and is determined to catch the killer. But as he digs deeper, he's in for more than he bargained for when the killer is not human and he discovers a sorcerer's prophecy determines he'll lose his head.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491861561

Mimi Logsdon

Mimi Logsdon has been writing stories since she read her first romance novel as a teen. She's worked in the media industry for many years and finally decided it was time to branch out and share her stories. She is also a new member of the RWA (Romance Writers of America). She lives in New York with her husband and many pets, one of them, an eccentric black cat named George.

Book preview

© 2014 Mimi Logsdon. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/31/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4918-6153-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-6120-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-6156-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014902211

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

PROLOGUE

M ia smelled the earth and the foliage surrounding her as she waited. Her hair tucked in tightly under her camouflage hood. Her green cargos and boots blended with the bushes as she stood silent. Looking down at the Bethesda Terrace Fountain from her place behind the greenery, her eyesight was phenomenal through the darkness. She spotted the Angels of Waters sculpture that sat in the center of the masterpiece. One of the angels carried a lily in her hand and she thought of the flowers meaning - purity. She remembered studying the landscape and architecture of the park that sat in the center of her beloved New York City. The woman, who designed and dedicated the beautiful piece of art that flowed with the city water, once linked the fountain’s water to the healing power of the pool in Jerusalem quoted in John 5:2-4 of The Bible. However, Mia’s heartfelt impure and no healing would come of what she was about to do - she mu st do.

The sword felt heavy in her hands as she held on to the handle for dear life. The silver blade with its gleaming sharp point shone in the moonlight like a beacon guiding her to her prey. It was the only weapon she could use to accomplish her deed. The inscription along the jagged edges acted as her guide while she bid her time watching the beast scan the area around him.

The beast heard a sound and quickly turned to see a slim black cat scurry towards him, it caught his eye for a split second, its gleaming slanted green eyes glared at him then it hissed and ran away. He had no desire to harm the stray so he turned his back continuing his scan of the area, carefully following the whistles of the strong winds that seemed to swirl around him.

Mia had to be extremely quiet or she was dead meat. She lifted the weapon carefully trying not to hit the leaves on the higher plane where she stood. Lifting the heavy silver steel quietly was a strenuous task, as she stepped gingerly to the edge of the boulder. She laid the weapon against her right shoulder as if she were holding a baseball bat, in order to make one clean swing to his neck, knowing if she didn’t succeed she would die. Mustering all the courage she had, feeling her nerves prickling like pins on her skin causing her adrenaline to spike, she focused her eyes on her target and swung with all the power in her being. He turned his head to meet her with a violent yell.

CHAPTER 1

O ow! Mia! What the hell? Jay cried his arms up in a protective gesture as he jumped up from his side on th e bed.

I’m so sorry honey! I didn’t mean to hit you. She cried back, leaning over to rub the area between his neck and shoulder. I must have been dreaming again and acted out in my sleep. Did I hurt you?

What the hell were you dreaming about? He asked while feeling his neck for a sprain. You hit me with both hands clasped. Were you trying to break my neck? He bristled.

It was unintentional. I said I was sorry, She defended. Are you in pain?

Nah, I’m okay. It’s just that…well, it’s not every day I’m in bed with the woman I love and she tries to…physically hurt me. He teased realizing how disgruntled he had sounded. She just caught him by surprise and it bothered him that she hit him in that spot.

Oh, so you’ve been in bed with a lot of women, I take it? Her eyes opened wide making them look bigger and giving them a deeper smokier brown color than usual.

I didn’t say that. I’ve never been in bed with a woman I loved before you. He declared pointing his forefinger in defense.

I love you too Detective, she said, confirming she got his message loud and clear. Don’t you forget that ever? And I would never do anything to hurt you. She held his face in her hands and placed soft kisses over it, moving her lips onto his shoulder and neck, causing him to become so relaxed his head fell back onto the pillow.

Sweetheart, what was the dream about? He asked lazily. He felt her warmth and a smile of reassurance captured his face so completely it showed in his beautiful sea blue eyes. He played with her hair between his fingers. The feel of her skin on his, combined with the softness of the silky ebony waves, caused the beast inside him to stir. He could hear his body begin to hum and awaken with a subtle vibration that heightened his senses as the scent of lilac filled the air. The scent was her ID. It permeated the sheets, floated in the particles that danced in the rays of the sun and the slight breeze that entered the open window. Her sweet bouquet caused the beast to become aroused again although Jay lay sated. He bathed in it knowing he was in full control. They were one in the same with each other, he and his beast. Mia was their mate. With that solidification he would always be in charge. He would always protect her, as would his beast. She couldn’t know and right now all he wanted to do was enjoy her.

Looking into his eyes as she caressed his chest, Mia worked at keeping the momentum going. She didn’t want to discuss the dream with him. It was another weird dream about that damn beast and after the incident in the shower along with her disastrous stakeout attempt; she knew he would interrogate her relentlessly without meaning to. Jay worried about her even more after that fiasco and at times to the point of becoming overly protective. She didn’t want her ability or her dreams to overshadow their relationship, even though the latter was beginning to worry her more. She believed there was a haunting connection between her and the beast. He was becoming familiar and she could feel it growing stronger with each dream. Often she’d asked herself if she was going mad or experiencing a breakdown. She knew she had to find out what it all meant.

Mia, what’s the matter?

Nothing, She lied. Just enjoying the moment. Your fingers feel so good playing with my hair, but I need to wash up. She said lifting herself from his arms only to be pulled back down.

Not yet. You looked like you were somewhere else. Where were you? He asked, and then added. Maybe with someone else? The words came out in a soft mumble as he brushed the strand under his noise like a feather, taking in the sweet smell of her shampoo.

Not exactly, she thought placing a kiss on the tip of his nose. She sighed then lay back on her pillow hoping the move appeared casual. He began to tickle her, knowing it relieved her tension causing her to laugh frantically while attempting to stop him when tears appeared. She felt her heartbeat quicken and knew what was coming. Jay heard it too as her joyful laughter stopped and the stillness set in. She fell into a clairvoyant trance.

Her eyes stared straight ahead as she watched the stocky man pulling a battered slight woman by the hair. The woman held on to his arm while she tried to reason with him. A toddler and a baby cried in the background as he yelled at her to shut them up. The woman begged him to stop with trembling lips, but he was too enraged to listen. She could hear the sirens in the background as he pulled out a gun. The woman screamed. Mia closed her eyes and fell back unconscious.

George looked up from his post on the floor at the threshold of the bedroom door and jumped on the bed. He planted himself beside her head and raised a paw to touch her. Jay’s Android signaled and he reached for it with one hand while trying to roust Mia with the other. Thorten, he answered patting his hand lightly on her cheek trying to wake her.

Jay, I’m on West Houston. There’s a hostage situation. Mosher’s voice crackled.

He shook the device out of habit, even though he knew it wouldn’t fix the connection. We’re homicide detectives not hostage negotiators Ed.

Yeah, but it’s not that. There’s something here you need to see. The extreme urgency in his partner’s voice was unusual.

Okay, I’ll be there in 10. He assured, just as Mia regained consciousness and grabbed his shoulder and spoke.

Jay, I saw a guy holding a gun. He was pulling a woman by her hair, she said hurriedly. The guy’s going to kill them. There’s a toddler and newborn in the apartment. I saw a shadow by the door. There may be someone else there. Is that Mosher? Tell him.

Jay, you still there? Mosher snapped.

Yeah, Mia says there are children in the apartment and maybe another person. Let them know. He ordered as he slipped into the bathroom with his clothes in hand. Mosher continued talking when he quickly came out and grabbed his shoes.

They know about the kids. They’re already up there. The guy’s a deadbeat doper and she’s got a restraining order on him. They’re trying to talk him down while a squad’s working inside and you’ve already wasted 3 minutes.

Jay wiped his mouth. I’m out. He said with a quick disconnect. Putting on his jacket, he hurried to the door. Mia trailed behind with George following at her heels. Jay turned and looked down at her with regret. Interrupted again he thought. He kissed her lips quickly. I know. I’m as careful as I can be. He assured. Before she could say a word he was out the door heading down the stairway.

She stood staring at the closed door in an oversized t-shirt. Love you. She whispered as a quick rush of temper hit her. But it’s our Saturday? Damn it! You’re supposed to be off-duty! She said aloud fisting her hands. Her common sense kicked in with the realization that in his line of work he would never be off-duty.

During the past months their relationship had grown stronger. She knew it was much more then he dared to reveal. She felt it. They bonded. He planted the seeds of his strength, his passion, his love inside of her. She heard his body hum when they lay together. Their love felt like a ceremony, their sex like a supernova. He’d branded his mark on her for the world to see. Although he was gentle and protective, a wildfire burned deep inside of him that took complete control of her. There was so much she didn’t know about him, his family and his life before her. He never talked about it. But the closer they’d become the more she needed to unravel the mystery that was Detective Jayson Kenneth Thorten.

Jay slapped his NYPD plate on the dashboard and stepped out of his double parked car. He checked the tail light and noted he needed to get it fixed. It was regulation and he wasn’t a cop that lived by double standards. He followed the rules…at least most of the time. Taking in the sounds of the curious onlookers, crime unit personnel and uniforms, he spotted Mosher at the far end of the building entrance waving a hand in his direction. Jay moved like a dancer in a quarterback’s body as he made his way through the crowd towards his partner. Ed what’s this about?

Follow me. He said with a head gesture. They walked around the side of the building where low concrete stairs led to an open steel basement door. Two uniformed police stood guard as the first response unit walked in and out with marking supplies. Jay stopped briefly before entering. Officer Velasquez, he greeted. The officer nodded back in recognition accompanied by a verbal acknowledgment, Detective Thorten, then proceeded to assist the crew coming through. Something about the officer ignited Jay’s senses. It wasn’t a negative feeling. He just felt something was different about the officer.

After meeting Paul and his friends’ months ago, Jay’s scope of the city, heck, of the world had changed. It was as if his whole body had become sensitive to everything around him. He found himself experiencing peculiar feeling often. He’d pass pedestrians on the street or in various places he’d frequented before and a sensor would come alive inside him that could detect extreme differences that just weren’t human. He’d walk down the street in his usual state of observation, attune to his surrounding, only certain passersby heightened his senses. Sometimes they’d look back at him with annoyance. Other times a look of acknowledgment. He knew the difference. Velazquez was an excellent cop. But, Jay had the distinct feeling the cop wasn’t human.

Mosher pointed him to the people standing at the far corner of the dimly lit basement. A body? Is it connected to the hostage situation? Jay asked.

Nope. We’re positive there’s no connection. You’ll see. He advised as they walked towards the blue tarp. They looked down at the body then at each other. The ME said it looks like she’s been here overnight. But we still need search warrants for forensics. No purse, so we’ll have to run a check of our database and logs. This was much more than a robbery.

Just like the meatpacking victim. Jay looked the torn body over as it was being photographed. Anything on surveillance cameras?

Would you believe the cameras aren’t working? I swear there should be a fine for that. You think it’s the same person who did the meatpacking kill? Maybe it’s a copycat? Mosher asked.

Hell, it’s possible. Although this one feels…I mean looks familiar. Jay said as he scanned the body taking in every aspect of the crime from the torn throat and chest cavity to what was left of the victim’s appearance.

Jay thought about the months prior to the meatpacking kill and the chance he took battling the Alp immortal. Mia told him there were two killers. She swore her source was excellent. He had destroyed one of them. Hopefully, the other hadn’t picked up where his buddy left off. Could be? He thought. Then hoped like hell this was done by a human. Human criminals were easy to handle. But his recent crash course on immortals left him still a novice. He definitely needed an intermediate class stat. They were also hard to catch and even harder to kill. Once we get the victim’s information and the reports we’ll know what we got. He answered. Then the hard part begins. Jay turned with a look of resignation. Figuring out who we’re dealing with.

CHAPTER 2

A ndreas stood in the center of the laboratory they had constructed on the first floor of their newest living quarters. They’d chosen a brownstone in Brooklyn in an up and coming neighborhood. The French doors to the room stood opened wide, secured by steel doorstops. White washed large ceramic tiles shone against clean white walls and bright large pocket lights, as the smell of chemicals gave the large room an antiseptic odor to match its appearance. The stainless steel refrigerators, storage cabinets and countertops housed materials, tools and samples for their research. But it was the surveillance equipment that supplied the most important inform ation.

He turned toward the three large full length windows leading to the small outdoor area. Full length window coverings were timed to block the annoying rays of sunshine, although a light glow illuminated through the center like a florescent ball forcing its way through a plastic bag. Adjusting the temperature of the thermometer, he reached for his lab coat, picked up his electronic pad and took a seat upon one of the rolling stools in front of a surveillance monitor prepared to distract himself for a while.

Andreas had rested till dawn, at least he tried to. His need was still so strong he didn’t feel the weariness or exhaustion that had usually come with daybreak. His body felt sated though his mind was obsessed with her. Pieces of the puzzle she left scrambled in his mind struggled to fit together. He needed to find her, to make her understand that she was his.

Focus. He scolded. It was imperative that he prove to his sister he was completely cured. He was a scientist and up for the work required of him. This Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde parody had to stop, at least for now. The work required of them by the