Air Bound

20

MAXIM woke with the moonlight pouring through the bedroom window. Beside him, Airiana’s eyes snapped open and she glanced out the window as well. He felt the instant tension run through her body. He put a hand on her to keep her calm. Siena and Nicia had both climbed into the bed and he didn’t want them to wake up and cry.

He sat up slowly, making certain not to shift his weight too fast and risk waking the two little girls. Lucia lay on the floor wrapped in a blanket a few feet from Airiana’s side of the bed while Benito lay on his side. He hadn’t expected all four children to be joining them at night—every night. They definitely needed a sign as well as a lock on the door or they’d never get any privacy in the bedroom.

During the day the children spent their time with Judith doing art projects or Lexi on the tractor or inside the greenhouse. Benito hung out with the men and Lissa trying to learn everything as fast as he could about weapons and turning his body into a weapon. The boy was like a sponge, soaking up every bit of information as fast as he could. He learned quickly to be respectful of Lissa’s skills. Maxim had learned respect for her as well, although he still knew little about her.

Daytime was the only time Maxim could sneak off with Airiana and seduce her. Fortunately there were many places on the farm they could go and be undiscovered. Their house was just not one of them. True to his word, Damon had men rebuilding Airiana’s workspace, making it soundproof and totally secure. Maxim was going to be very grateful for that room if the children insisted on sleeping with them every night.

He didn’t have the heart to force them to go back to their own rooms once they showed up. All of them suffered terrible nightmares, particularly Nicia. She seemed to do better when she was close to him. Lucia and Siena clung to Airiana. Benito was Maxim’s shadow. He’d even had to take the boy aside and give him “the talk” about how he needed alone time once in a while with Airiana. That had bought him a few small reprieves, but Benito seemed to need to be as close as possible to him too.

They’re here, Max.

I know, baby. We’ll be fine. Everyone knows what to do. Levi and Thomas will know, just as you do. Lissa too. Thomas will get word to Lexi and Blythe. Let’s get the children to safety.

His one concern was Benito. The boy had a burning thirst for revenge and he had taken very seriously to heart the lecture Maxim had given him—particularly the part about protecting his family. Maxim woke him first. He put a finger to his lips.

“They’ve come for Airiana, just like we figured they would. I need you to help me take the girls down to the safety of the secure room. It’s been ready for a few days, and Airiana’s work is put away.” She’d been locking it up to be safe in case they needed the room for the children.

“I’m ready,” Benito whispered.

He not only looked ready, but eager as well. Maxim nodded. “Good. Once we’re down there, I’m going to lock you in with the girls . . .”

“No. No way. I’m coming with you. I can shoot a gun.”

“Right, you can. I need you to protect the girls. I can’t do it, Benito, so I’m counting on you. I’m giving you a pistol, but if you leave that room, you’ll leave them unprotected. I have to know I can rely on you.”

Benito’s face was a study in war. Part of him believed Maxim and the other part was certain he was being tucked away somewhere safe while the enemy came.

“I don’t have time to argue. Either you’re going to help me with this or you’re not. I’m counting on you to be a man.” Maxim pushed a whip of command in his voice, as well as a touch of impatience.

Benito squared his shoulders. “You can count on me. No one will get through that door to take them again.”

Maxim nodded in approval. “I’m going to take the two little ones down the stairs. Watch my back for me. Let Airiana and Lucia down in front of you.”

Benito pushed out his chest. “You got it.”

Maxim nodded to Airiana and she gently woke Lucia while he scooped up the two younger girls. They moved together as a group through the house, in darkness, down the stairs to the basement below. No one spoke, but Lucia’s breathing was too fast.

Maxim settled the two younger girls on one of the loveseats in the corner of the room where Airiana liked to put her feet up and stare off into space, presumably thinking. More often than not, they ended up making love, which he told her gave her even more to think about.

He caught Lucia’s hands and looked into her eyes. “No one is going to hurt you or the girls or Benito again. You’ll be safe here. Don’t panic. You didn’t panic on the ship, and there are a lot more of us to stop them this time. Just sit down here and read a book or try to sleep. Benito will shoot anyone coming through the door if they don’t identify themselves properly.”

She took a deep breath and nodded. “I want a gun too, Max.”

“Sweetheart, you’ve only had two lessons, and the last time I took you out on the range, you shot just about everything but the target. It isn’t safe yet. You’ll get it down, but let’s wait so no one accidentally gets hurt.”

“Levi told me to practice more and I should have listened.” She blinked back tears. “He showed me before you did, but I didn’t like it.”

“Lexi doesn’t like it either, honey. That’s all right. We’re going to be fine. I need you to look after the little ones just in case they wake up. There’s a small bathroom off of this little sitting area.” He held out his hand to Airiana. “We have to go.”

Airiana kissed Lucia. “We won’t be long, honey,” she promised.

Benito held out his hand. “The pistol.”

Maxim pinned him with steely eyes. “Don’t shoot anyone unless you have to, Benito. And don’t leave this room. Once I’m hunting, I’ll kill anyone I come across and you don’t want to be out there.”

Do you think we should say arrest? Shouldn’t we try to arrest them?

Maxim wasn’t going to dignify that with an answer. He wasn’t a cop, and these men had come to his home to take his family from him. He’d lost one once before, it wasn’t happening twice. He shot her a quelling look and she smiled at him.

So sorry, Mr. Badass. It was just a suggestion.

“Let’s get out there. Benito, the code word is nutmeg. If that word isn’t given, shoot. Do you understand?”

Code word? Nutmeg? Are you kidding me? It was all she could do not to roll her eyes. Nutmeg seems to be a favorite code word for you.

He has to feel important. I don’t want him trying to follow us. These men Evan sent are top players. They know what they’re doing and they’ll be well equipped. Which is where you women come in. Thomas and Levi tell me you can handle yourselves when you’re together. I need a good distraction while we pick them off.

Benito nodded, his dark eyes going fierce. “I understand, Max. I won’t let you down.”

Maxim couldn’t help himself, although the gesture startled both him and Benito. He leaned down and brushed a kiss on top of the boy’s head. “Keep them safe. Lock this door behind me.”

Airiana followed Maxim up the stairs to the ground floor. The men Damon had sent had brought with them the supplies Maxim, Levi and Thomas had insisted they needed. It had been Maxim who had built the secret door into the side of the house where the bushes grew high and wild. He’d carved out a small pathway through the bushes were they couldn’t be seen from anywhere on the property.

They rendezvoused with Airiana’s sisters in the small bunker prepared in the center of Airiana’s garden, just to the left of the gazebo. All of them had practiced for this moment hundreds of times, although only a few days had passed since Airiana and Maxim had come home. The men had worked them hard, not allowing anyone to go to work or do anything but go over the steps they would take when threatened.

Even if Evan’s men tried to burn down Airiana’s house, the spacious room in the basement would, in theory, still stand and the children would survive. Airiana hoped they wouldn’t have to test that hypothesis. She greeted each of her sisters with a hug. Lexi shivered, but she stood her ground.

“We’ve got this,” Airiana told Maxim. “Be safe. Go do whatever you need to do, but don’t let anything happen to any of the three of you.”

Maxim caught her face in both hands and kissed her hard. Leaving her wasn’t the easiest thing he had to do, but these women all had enormous gifts. Each woman alone was a force to be reckoned with, but together, they made a frightening force. He stared into her blue eyes for a long moment, noting the gathering storm there.

Airiana wouldn’t hide herself away, not when someone was threatening her family. Not when these men worked for the man who had sent the children to his ship to be abused and murdered.

“I love you,” he said. The words came out husky, a voice he’d never used before, maybe even a little harsh. He’d never said them before, but he needed for her to know.

She reached up and pulled his head down to kiss him a second time. “I love you right back. Now go. And be safe.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Maxim left her to it.

Airiana turned her face up to catch the slight wind. At once the map of the farm sprang into her mind. The enemy had come in from three different directions. One group, at least five—I think I’m getting five—is coming in from the back entrance near the irrigation pond.

Judith linked them all together, the six women and the three men.

I can confirm that, Thomas said. I’m moving in that direction now.

How close are they to the pond? Rikki asked.

They’re approaching it now, Airiana said, feeling the displacement of air near the pond’s end. They’re close to the small group of flowering trees we planted last year.

Thomas, stay on high ground, Rikki advised. Judith, remember Levi, Thomas and Max are out there when you and Blythe give us a boost. Don’t be heavy-handed.

I’ll do my best. You know when we’re all working together it can be hard. Blythe will need to keep us toned down.

Airiana glanced up at the sky. Clouds drifted slowly above them, but with a little bit of heat she managed to pull water from every source into the clouds. Rikki lifted her hands, her fingers tapping into the air as if she might be tapping the keys of a typewriter. Airiana moved behind her, back to back, her own hands going up. The wind picked up, rushing toward the back of the property, back toward the pond.

Maxim was shocked at the authority in Rikki’s voice. She was captain of her boat and she took it seriously. Apparently she was captain when she decided to wield her water talent as well. From his vantage point on the roof of Airiana’s house, he could see Thomas crouched near a small grove of trees, waiting to do his part.

The wind hit the surface of the water, dipped low, and three geysers shot into the air, spinning fast, dancing across the pond, rising higher and higher. The twisters jumped from the pond to land, spinning madly, picking up debris along the way as they moved across the land now.

The sight was a little disconcerting, even though Maxim knew what the women, as elements, were capable of. The twisters looked malevolent—alive—and bent on destruction. They raced toward the five intruders in silence while more formed in the water, springing up like mad, whirling soldiers.

Dozens more leapt from the surface of the water, spinning madly, bending toward the mercenaries as the group approached the far side of the pond. In order to get to Airiana’s home they would have to walk close to the spinning tops of water.

“What the hell?” the leader snapped, holding his fist up to still everyone’s approach.

Airiana, where are the others coming in? Levi demanded.

Airiana turned her attention from providing the propulsion of wind to the waterspouts back to the map of the farm, checking for displacement. Another group of five is coming in from the main entrance. They’re about halfway past Rikki’s house heading to Judith’s.

I’ll take them, Levi said. And the last group?

They’re dropping down from above, right into the clearing where the gazebo is. Right in front of us. Max, are you under cover, they should be able to see you.

The men dropping on ropes from the helicopter were too close to the house and the hidden children. It was all well and good to give young Benito a gun, but he had no business actually shooting anyone. Airiana glanced toward the house, afraid for Max, afraid for the children.

I’ve got them, Maxim said, his voice as always calm and confident. They’re in the helicopter, Airiana. Bring in the wind and slam it hard into their left side. Hard enough to spin them if you can. You know they won’t be able to see me. I’m the shadow man. I’d do it myself, but I’ll need to be ready to take them out from here.

Don’t get overconfident, Levi said.

Maxim laughed softly. You take care of your little band of mercs and I’ll take care of mine, baby brother. Lissa, are you ready? When Airiana brings in the wind, give me some fire, breathe it right through the helicopter.

Can you do that? Airiana asked, startled. She’d never really considered what Lissa could or couldn’t do with fire.

Of course. It’s all about energy and igniting the gasses in the air, Lissa replied.

Lexi, I’ll need you to keep the men near Judith’s occupied while I get into position to pick them off, Levi said, ignoring Maxim.

No problem, Levi. Lexi slipped her palms about an inch beneath the soil, listening intently. I’ve got them. Stay above the little dip Judith has near her arbor. Tell me when you’re clear. Blythe, Rikki needs Judith to boost her while Airiana is directing the wind. Can you give me a little extra power?

Blythe never spoke of her gifts. She was a Drake, not an element, but she had power, and they suspected it had to do with unifying all of their gifts, not in the same way as Judith did, but in a much more subtle way. She soothed them all and yet could empower them as well. She seemed to be a melting pot of several gifts.

I’ll do my best, Lexi, Blythe promised.

Lexi pulled her hands from the soil, doubled them into two tight fists and angled her punch toward Judith’s home, mapping out the path of the tremor in her mind. She hit the ground hard, a one-two punch that sent a small ripple through the earth. As it moved toward the group of five men, the ripple spread and picked up speed. It shook the earth beneath the mercenaries, knocking them off their feet.

One fell to the right of the group, almost under Levi’s nose. The man rolled, clutching his automatic weapon as if that would save him. Before he could come back up on his feet, Levi was on him, hooking him around the neck and snapping it fast, leaving him where he lay and scooting away. One of five, he reported.

Airiana concentrated on the helicopter. Maxim had said to bring the wind in hard from the left, to slam it into the stealthy helicopter. She took a deep breath and called the wind to her. She felt the rapid buildup of power—of energy—suddenly aware of the roiling gasses in the air around the helicopter. Sparks crackled around the rotor blade and body of the craft.

The wind slapped at the helicopter, swatting it like a bug, nearly knocking it from the sky. At the same time, the helicopter rocked wildly from side to side, the buildup of electricity in the air tangible. The sparks surrounding the craft and the ropes burst into flames. The wind fanned the flames so that the helicopter appeared to be a ball of orange-red in the sky. The ropes caught fire.

Maxim rolled from the low side of the roof, directly over the spot where the first of the team had landed after fast-roping down as the rope above him burst into flames. Maxim waited until the man began to rise cautiously and dropped directly on him, wrapping his legs tightly around the man’s neck, driving him back to the ground as he snapped his neck. Immediately he rolled into the brush and scooted forward toward the next target he had marked.

Above his head the helicopter spun like a top, throwing one of the men to the ground while the other three slid down their ropes fast to give the pilot time to try to find a place to land the burning craft.

Hit him again with the wind, Airiana, drive him out to sea, Maxim commanded as he came up behind his next mark, his knife in hand. He drove the blade deep, one hand over the merc’s mouth to keep him silent until the life drained out of him. Two down. They won’t get into the house, Airiana, I promise you that. Lissa, can you make your way around toward me?

Lissa was much smaller than he was, so slight she barely made a shadow on the ground. She was dressed in dark clothing and had tightly braided her hair. Maxim had watched her closely during their numerous training periods and she had skills when it came to combat. She was absolutely calm in any situation he or one of his brothers had thrown at her.

I’m making my way toward you now, coming in from the south. Are you in position to take the man crouched in the flower bed? Lissa asked.

I’m in front of him. There’s no way to get on him without being seen. I can’t risk the gunfire yet, it would alert the other teams, Maxim said.

He won’t be able to see you in a couple of seconds, Lissa assured.

A stream of bright orange-red flames crackled and danced in the air, a fiery whip extending from the helicopter to the ground. The whip lashed at the spot where the third mercenary had crouched low, cradling his weapon, frantically looking around with his night goggles to see what, if anything was coming at him.

The whip suddenly went white-hot, a dazzling display lighting up the ground as if it were a lightning bolt, blinding the team members wearing night vision.

Maxim was on the third mercenary immediately, moving with blurring speed, using his body weight to control the weapon while his blade sank into the man’s heart and his hand covered his mouth. The man died staring at him. For a moment, he recognized Maxim. Maxim had seen him a few times over the years, always for hire to anyone who would pay him, uncaring what the job was.

Maxim lowered the body silently to the ground and slid into the shadows. That’s three. Lissa, you’ve got one to the right of you. Don’t move, I don’t want him to fire his weapon. Just ease down to the ground, keeping every movement slow and I’ll work my way over to you. We’ll trap him between us.

Maxim tried not to worry about the woman, but he’d called her out of the safety bunker, knowing she would be the best one to get onto the roof to watch over the children. If necessary, he knew Lissa would kill to protect the others. Killing up close was far different than from a distance. It would bother her, but she’d be able to live with herself.

The children had to be protected on the off chance that whoever was running the operation had a couple of others waiting until everyone else was occupied. They could sneak in and supposedly grab Airiana or the children. That’s what he would have done—sacrificed the pawns to get the queen. Lissa was his best bet against that possibility.

I need a little help controlling these waterspouts, Rikki said. I’ve got too many of them. Thomas, stay back until I know I’ve still got all of them under control.

Airiana threw the wind at the helicopter, doing her best to hurl the craft out over the ocean. She didn’t want a forest fire or the thing crashing on someone’s home. The moment she saw that the helicopter, now engulfed in flames, was over the ocean, she turned back to help Rikki.

The spouts were everywhere, a virtual army of water surrounding the five mercenaries coming at them from the back side of the property. The men knelt, watching the water dance around them. One held his hand out experimentally and touched it to his mouth. They looked relieved that it was only water.

I’m moving into position. Can you cut off the one flanking them? He’s dropped back about six feet from the others? Can you be that precise? Thomas asked.

Rikki gave the telepathic equivalent of eye rolling. Seriously? She could do anything with water. She had already planned to start twisting the tops of the waterspouts together to form a tunnel around the men.

You’re such a show-off, Blythe teased.

Rikki closed her eyes, feeling the water heavy in the air now. Judith fed her power slowly, but it wasn’t really necessary. Every drop of water for miles responded to her, she could feel it, the drops all interconnected. She had to be careful that she didn’t call in the seawater as well. She manipulated the twisting spouts, so that several left the ground, cushioned by the air Airiana sent under them.

I’m in position. Drop them, Thomas commanded.

Rikki did so easily, the spinning spouts landing solidly between the four men and the one who had dropped back. The four men were completely surrounded by walls of water so thick it was impossible to see through them. Thomas struck hard and fast, coming in from the mercenary’s left where the strongest pull on the water was.

He struck with his fist, a punch of enormous strength against the artery in the neck, paralyzing the man momentarily. He eased him to the ground as his knife bit deep, twice. He laid him almost gently on the ground and moved back into the shadows.

One down from the backup team, Thomas reported. Rikki, push the water inward on the left side.

Rikki did and the wall of water, all the spouts merging completely, revealed one, soaking-wet mercenary. The man spun around, trying to get the water off his goggles to see. It was already far too late. Thomas rose up like a monster from a horror film, his knife slashing deep, hitting arteries on the way, even as he yanked the weapon from the man’s nerveless fingers. The blade buried deep in the mercenary’s throat. He lowered him to the ground.

That’s two, he reported as he rolled through the wall of water to the other side of the three men left.

He caught a glimpse of the remaining three. They had become aware of their missing companions and had gone back to back. He continued his roll until he was in the heavier brush. The moment they examined the bodies, they would know they weren’t alone.

Can you push them toward the irrigation pond? Thomas asked. Subtly though, but keep them moving. I don’t want them to have the chance to spray the area with bullets.

Judith, pull back the power altogether, Rikki said. I’ll handle this, you help Levi.

Rikki maneuvered the wall of water closer to the three men huddling in the center. They inched away from it. The water had built into a powerful fall that was endless, soaking the ground and creating a muddy mess that sucked at their boots. One ducked his head and tried to go through it upright. The force of the water drove him to the ground. His buddies grabbed his boots and pulled him free before the water could bury him in the mud.

Lexi, Rikki said, can you help me saturate the ground with water? I’m calling it up from underneath, but if we can stop them from moving, as long as Thomas is careful, we can contain them there.

Sure. Lexi plunged her hands in the earth, feeling for the ebb and flow of the earth’s song. The melody connected with the blood in her veins, and sang through her body until her heart beat with the same rhythm.

Lexi felt for the disturbance in the earth toward the back of the farm. Water was pounding down, saturating the ground. She shook her hands gently, mixing the dirt with her fingers about an inch or so beneath the soil. At once the earth responded to her call.

The ground beneath the three mercenaries shifted subtly, turning to soup, trapping their legs in the mucky goo. The water shifted directions, hitting them in the face, effectively blinding them.

Be careful of the ground, Thomas. It’s highly unstable, you could sink with them, Lexi warned, or get stuck.

Thomas slid on his belly, dispersing his weight across what essentially had become quicksand. He moved slowly and deliberately, not drawing attention to himself. The mercenaries had other things to worry about. Each of them had realized they were sinking and had laid their bodies as flat as possible on the surface, dispersing weight as Thomas had.

They probably wouldn’t have sunk any farther than their waists, but the combination of spinning water towers and sinkholes had shaken them all. He didn’t want them back on their game. He killed the man nearest him with a quick thrust of his knife through the back of the neck. As he started to move away, the closest man suddenly turned his head.

He’s got me, he’s targeting me, Thomas said, rolling, trying to use the dead body for cover.

Roll toward the irrigation pond now. Roll now! Lexi slammed both fists hard into the ground, her heart pounding in her throat. She saw Judith turn toward her, her face going white.

A deadly jolt ran straight from Lexi’s fists, picking up speed and strength as it raced underground toward the sinkhole. A crack opened just a few yards from the pond and continued like a lethal snake, widening as it ran toward the two men.

One had lifted his rifle, finger on the trigger, spraying the ground through the veil of water Rikki tried to keep up to protect Thomas as he rolled away from the unstable ground. The crack opened the earth below them. Both men dropped down, water pouring in on them. The crack undulated and then receded, drawing back, the ground beneath closing as if it had never opened.

Thomas! Thomas answer me! Judith cried.

Thomas rolled over and stared up at the sky, his heart pounding. He’d seen the women in action before, but each time they came together, the power seemed unbelievable. I’m fine, mi angel caido.

Lexi sank back on her heels and pressed her hand to her mouth. I’m going to be sick. I’m sorry, Judith. I didn’t know what else to do.

You saved my life, little one, Thomas said. Thank you. You did the right thing. That’s all five. Give me a minute and I’m heading your way, Levi.

I forgot Levi, Lexi wailed. Levi, are you all right?

I’m trailing after my four. They’re trying to rendezvous with the two Maxim has left. Give me a minute. Maxim? Did you get that? Three more headed your way. They’re all trying to converge on your home, Levi reported.

I see them, Maxim confirmed. Lexi, quick thinking. Thanks for keeping Thomas alive, we all owe you one. I tried to muffle the sound of gunfire coming from the back side of the property, but everyone here is on alert now.

Same with this group. I’m taking the one on the right. He’s coming straight at me, Levi said. The others have passed. Lissa, can you do another flash for me. Bright and hot.

Maxim felt his heart stutter. Lissa was trapped, lying perfectly still with one of the mercenaries only a few feet from her. She was small and fit nicely beneath the shrub, but if he had looked down at his feet, he would have seen her. If she moved . . .

No problem, Levi. Count down to three. It’s coming.

Maxim wanted to tell her to stop. He could only hope the man practically standing on her hand would be just as blind as the one Levi had targeted. The whip of orange and red flames danced through the sky, lashing toward the ground close to the garden, gathering energy as it snapped down toward earth. Suddenly it went white-hot, so bright the entire ground was illuminated.

Maxim cursed under his breath as the mercenary close to Lissa tore off his goggles and threw them, his hands going to his eyes.

Levi came at his target from behind, taking him fast, using his strength to break the man’s neck, drop him and roll out of sight. That’s two. Don’t mistake me for one of them, Maxim. I’m trailing after them.

Maxim pushed his knife back into the sheath and pulled out his pistol. He was too far away from Lissa to use a silent kill. The mercenary close to her was bound to look down for his goggles.

The moment the flash of light was gone, the mercenary spun around, to look behind him. Lissa rolled out of the brush toward the man, evidently just as aware as Maxim that there was no way she could remain undetected. Her legs shot smoothly and precisely between the soldier’s legs and she rolled, bringing him down. Fire raced up and over the ground, long ropes of it, wrapping around the rifle so that the mercenary had no other choice but to drop it.

Lissa’s blade flashed for a moment in the moonlight and then it was gone, buried in the enemy’s chest. She rolled away, coming to her hands and knees. She looked as if she might be getting sick.

Lis? Get the hell out of there, Maxim commanded, hoping his voice alone would snap her out of it.

The man’s partner, a few feet ahead, swung his head around and spotted Lissa. Maxim shot him through the head twice before he toppled to the ground. The sound of the two bullets fired one after the other galvanized Lissa into action. She sprinted across the garden to the shadows of the house.

Maxim covered her as the other three men Levi was tailing burst into the garden. He beckoned to Lissa to keep running. She used him as a ladder, leaping into the air, one foot finding his hand, then his shoulder before she gained the roof.

All five down, he reported.

Not only had they built three bunkers, two of which still needed work, but they had added blinds on the rooftop as well. They hadn’t had a lot of time to prepare, but they’d made the most of it.

Maxim swung onto the roof beside Lissa. Do you have a gun?

She nodded, scooting toward one of the blinds to cover the back of the house. She looked very pale, but determined.

Airiana, they’re close to you. No one make a sound. Not a movement. Stay low. We’re in a gun battle now. Weave the air around the bunker, make it dense and tight just in case a bullet travels that way.

If I do that, we can’t help you, Airiana protested.

Maxim spotted Thomas converging from the south. Levi came in from the west, still behind the three remaining mercenaries.

Max! Two more. Two more. They’re behind the house, right behind, at the window already, Lissa hissed.

Of course. The sound of gunfire had been the signal to bring in the last of Evan’s team. These two men were the elite, the ones who were not considered expendable. Evan believed they could get the job done.

Go, Levi said. Thomas and I have got this.

Maxim caught another glimpse of Levi coming up behind one of the mercenaries, locking an arm around his throat and using the man’s weapon to shoot the second one as he turned. Thomas knelt and took aim on the third man, firing as the mercenary turned back, firing his rifle in an effort to kill Levi.

Levi sank his blade into the man he held as a shield. All five gone.

The moment Levi gave the report, Airiana burst from the bunker and raced for the house. There would be no stopping her. Maxim couldn’t blame her either—he was feeling a bit desperate himself. Benito had a gun and he would fire it if somehow the two mercenaries managed to get through the door to the secure room in the basement, which would be nearly impossible. Still, their children were in danger.

Maxim leapt from the roof almost in front of Airiana. She skidded to a halt. He threw her a hard look, one that should have intimidated her, but he realized Airiana didn’t intimidate all that easily.

Thomas is entering through the back window, right behind them, Lissa reported.

Levi is taking the front, Judith added.

We’re going in through the new entrance, Maxim stated, still glaring at his errant woman.

She held out her hand for a gun. He gave her the pistol and drew his Glock, waving her to stay behind him. He went in silently, easing the door open to feel the air patterns.

They’re upstairs, in the main bedroom. They’re moving in standard, two-man formation, clearing every room, he told his brothers.

Please don’t get blood in my bedroom, Airiana said.

You’re such a girl, Thomas teased.

Maxim, can you close the door on them? In, say, that small recreation room just between the kids’ rooms? Levi asked.

What are you thinking? Maxim asked.

Let them make their way there. You and Airiana close off the room and suck the air out.

They can break out the windows, Maxim reminded.

Exactly, they’ll get the hell out of your house. Thomas and I will be waiting for them, Levi said.

Not a bad idea.

Don’t want that sister of mine to be upset over a little blood, Levi teased.

Hey! Have you ever tried to get blood out of something? Anything? It just doesn’t want to come out, Airiana justified. And the children don’t need to see anything like that in their home.

Both Thomas and Levi laughed at her, an affectionate, gentle laugh that helped to ease the tension. Maxim and Airiana waited while the two mercenaries made their way back down the stairs and cleared the first bedroom, Siena and Nicia’s room. It took only a few minutes and the two men were back in the hall before slipping silently into the recreation room that separated Lucia and the younger girls’ bedroom.

Together, Maxim and Airiana slammed the door closed, and sucked the air from the room. The two men reacted exactly as Levi predicted, throwing a chair through the window the moment they couldn’t breathe, and diving through to the yard below them.

Thomas and Levi were on them immediately, two shadows, dealing death. All clear, Thomas reported.

Maxim once more felt the air outside to make certain no other enemy was near. He put his arm around Airiana. Everyone is safe. I’ll call Damon and let him know we need a cleanup crew out here now. It’s been a long night. Thank you. All of you.

We’re just protecting our own, Blythe said.

Maxim glanced out the window to see Thomas with his arm around Judith, and Levi holding hands with Rikki. Lissa and Blythe were on either side of Lexi as they walked toward Lexi’s home. No one looked at the bodies scattered around the garden.

“It’s over,” Airiana said softly. “Thank God.”

Maxim didn’t reply. It would never really be over, not until Evan Shackler-Gratsos was dead and gone, but there was no real way to get to him—yet. They’d just have to keep building up their security and watching over one another.

“What was that password I gave to Benito? The boy’s so trigger-happy he might shoot us both,” Maxim said. “You know, baby, we can’t let them out until the cleaning crew has removed all the bodies.”

“Max”—she shook her head—“they’re probably scared to death. You’re so . . . bad.”

“They’re sleeping in our bed at night. I’m desperate.”

She laughed softly. “If I’m honest, I have to say, so am I, just a little bit, but we have to go reassure them.”

“This parent thing is killing me,” Maxim said.