Page 43 of Under a Wicked Moon
“You should try them sometime. They’re entertaining,” Dom said. “Those triggers, or prompts as they called them, are wedged in your head from a combination of hypnosis, brainwashing, and drugs. My magic won’t fix it.”
“I’m a ticking time bomb?”
“Interpol just offered me a rather hefty contract to kill you, my dear girl,” announced a lycan lady from the doorway.
Chapter Fifteen
“There’s a contract onme?” Vivi pointed to herself. No one moved. All had different variations of respect on their faces except Dom, who undressed the lady with his eyes. Would they not defend her against this woman? Not even Ky?
The petite woman with the blond bob and swoopy bangs radiated a larger-than-life aura in her red draped dress and spiky heels. Not a weapon was in sight, but Vivi sensed the danger in her. This female knew how to kill and had no qualms about doling out death. Maybe even hers.
“Apparently, you’re guilty of terrorism and mass murder or some such nonsense. Are you guilty?” The woman asked as if it’d be fascinating if Vivi said yes.
“Honestly, I’m not sure, given that I just spent two years in a prison, and I thought it’d been only a few weeks. I also just found out the humans were messing with my head to control me.”
“How exciting for you to get dropped into Ky’s life.” The woman clapped her hands. “So glad he decided to bring you to me, then. I’m Evie.”
Ky said, “We didn’t bring her to you, Mom. We brought her to Dom. For help. What are you doing here?”
“Mom?”
Ky nodded at Vivi’s question. He thought it obvious. He had his Mom’s eyes, even though where she was petite, he was huge.
“Come here, love.” Evie held out her arms and pulled Ky into a hug. “Thank God, those brothers of yours got smart enoughto finally bring you back to me even if they did let it go on too long. Look how skinny you are.” She drew in a shaky breath and whispered, “I thought I lost you.”
“You almost did.”
She cupped either side of his face with her hands. “Those people who put this curse on you have taken too much from you, all of you. Say the word…”
“You know I can’t. We’d be forced to hunt you down if we said that word.” He smiled softly. “I need you… We all need you here to be fierce for us. Someone has to be.”
“You have to get free of the Crown. All of you. There has to be a way. This mission had nothing to do with the betterment of the world. This was selfish. They intentionally split you three up to do”—she waved at Ky’s frame—“this to you.”
His mother leaned away from him to address Roman. “What good is being a warrior for God if you’re unable to locate Ky for seventeen goddamned weeks?” She embraced Ky again. “Love, you left right after you promised me a repeat of the bread pudding. Who does a disappearing act right before following through on that kind of promise?” She pushed away and fluffed her hair. “At my age, we have so few things to brighten up life.” Evie’s eyes met Dom’s and heated.
“Told you Ky was her favorite,” Flynn muttered to Roman.
“He bribes her with food,” said Roman, affection heavy in his tone.
“Warrior for God?” Ky asked Roman.
“Long story. Has to do with Zadkiel, the angel. Something else you missed.”
“Did you take the contract?” Ky asked as his mom pulled away.
A sly smile transformed her face. “Of course I did. If I hadn’t, someone else would’ve. Her face had lycan written all over it. Given she was located in the part of the world you boys were visiting, I figured she had everything to do with you. I couldn’twait to meet another girl who’d gotten under one of my boys’ skin.”
“It’s not like that. Are you going to kill her?” Ky asked.
“If I wanted her dead, darling, she wouldn’t have a pulse. We’ll have to find out if she’s tough enough to handle you. You’re a lot, you know. Now…” She squared off with Dom. “Why are we all in here while supper sits on the table?” She clapped her hands again. “Come. Let’s eat before the bread gets cold. Can’t stand cold bread.” With a spin on her ultra-high heels, she marched toward the exit, her red dress twirling around her knees.
Dom shot to a stand. “We eat.”
All three brothers shared a clear what-the-hell glance. They watched Dom follow her and speed to catch up. When he caught up to her, he snaked a hand around her waist and leaned in to whisper in her ear. Intimacy was written all over the move.
His mother had taken lovers from time to time since his father passed a few decades ago. Normally, he didn’t care. She’d never brought one home to the family or indicated anyone was important. But Dom?
Ky rounded on his brothers. “What the bloody hell? I’ve landed in an alternate dimension, haven’t I? It’s the only logical explanation. I’ve died and ended up in the twilight zone where Dom and Mom…” He wagged his head back and forth. “That even rhymes. I can’t. I just can’t.”
