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  Kenjii ran his tongue over his lips, tasting the bitter blood on the tip. “I-I will heal,” he cautiously answered.

  Akio motioned with his outstretched hand for Kenjii to come to him, and the warrior slowly took an unsteady step toward him. When he shifted his weight to his left leg it gave out, causing him to gasp in pain as it buckled.

  Akio caught him before he fell, his powerful arms pulling him close. Kenjii instinctively wrapped his arms around him, and they stood silent for several minutes. The only sound was their breathing and the occasional clunk of plaster hitting the floor as it fell from the shattered ceiling.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Quzhou, China

  Akio leaned back from the embrace, his eyes narrowed when he saw the three deep furrows the tiger had cut into Kenjii’s face. The skin was healing; as he watched, the bleeding slowed to a trickle.

  “Come,” he commanded as he pulled away. “You need blood.”

  Kenjii hesitated for a moment at the abrupt command. There was a tone in his friend’s voice that not only brooked no disobedience but also held a hint of disappointment.

  “Is everything okay? You seem a bit off,” Kenjii remarked as he took a halting step in the direction Akio was going.

  The older vampire stopped and turned to face him. “It is now. But in the future, when I tell you to wait, I expect you to obey. Had I encountered more Weres, they could have killed you before I arrived. I will not have you die—again—because I exposed you to danger.”

  Kenjii dropped his head, ashamed he had caused the look of disappointment on Akio’s face. “It won’t happen again. I’m…I’m sorry.”

  Akio nodded once, and without a word, walked through the open door and across the front porch into the yard. When Kenjii joined him, the Pod descended and hovered in front of them. Akio went inside, and when he returned, he thrust two bags of blood toward Kenjii.

  “Drink this and heal while I deal with the humans,” he told him, then stalked to the barn where the humans were being held. He should listen when I tell him to do something. That was more frightening than Yuko’s escapade on Kume. I haven’t lost control like that in centuries.

  Akio approached the closed double doors leading into the barn. A length of chain and padlock secured them, and he caught the chain in both hands. A quick jerk popped a link, allowing him to pull the chain free.

  When he opened the doors, the odor of fear and unwashed bodies permeated the air. Men, women, and children littered the floor, all in tattered, dirty clothes, staring at him with fear in their eyes.

  “You’re free to return to your homes,” he started, and the people involuntarily moved away from him. He took a deep breath to calm himself and tried again.

  “The men who have held you captive are no more.” His voice was much softer, and the feeling of calm he projected relaxed the people. “You have nothing to fear and can return to your homes.”

  A woman who was covered in grime slowly stood. She looked like she was in her fifties, but when she spoke, her voice sounded much younger. “How do we know they won’t come and take us again? We were all in our village when they took us.”

  “Those four will take no one ever again,” he told her with finality.

  She hesitated briefly before she continued. “What of the others? The ones here now are only half the crew who works here. The other four will return next week. What’s to stop them from finding and punishing us when they get back?”

  Several others in the room stood, emboldened by the woman asking questions. They nodded in agreement.

  Akio narrowed his eyes, a hint of anger coloring his voice. “The people who did this will be too busy to worry about you.”

  “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice tight with concern. “You don’t know what they can do. You call them men, but they are beasts—literally.”

  “I am aware of what they are and who they represent. I will hold them accountable for the laws they violated here. Return to your homes, and know if they come for you, I will too. You need not fear them any longer. They will be too busy trying to survive to cause you any harm.”

  He turned and strode back to the Pod, leaving them to make their own decision about when to go. The injuries Kenjii had received still occupied his mind.

  Abel, please track these people and put surveillance on their village. Notify me if any of the Clan members approach them.

  Affirmative. I already have a drone carrier positioned in the area, and it’s loaded with the upgraded models. Should I deal with the tigers?

  Akio’s lips turned up in a half-smile. Abel had progressed to another level, anticipating need and acting independently.

  If it’s necessary to prevent them from harming humans, do what you must, but still notify me. I need to talk to one of these Clan members. That is not an option with any of them here.

  Acknowledged

  “Kenjii, let’s go home. We need to get back to the base and check your injuries.”

  “I’m almost healed.” He motioned to his face. “Still sore, but that will pass soon enough. What about you? Did they injure you?”

  “No, I’m a little harder to hurt. It will take more than a few tigers to cause damage I can’t easily heal.”

  Kenjii cocked his head to one side as he looked at Akio’s battered and scuffed armor over thoughtfully. “Hai, let’s go home. I need a shower to clean all the gunk off.”

  Akio reached out and gently pulled something out of Kenjii’s hair. He held it in front of him and chuckled as he looked at the bloody piece of meat with orange fur on it. “Yes, you are disgusting. Try not to get any on the Pod. Were blood makes a mess.”

  Kenjii smiled as he motioned to his blood-covered armor. “Do you have something I can sit on? I don’t think I can’t keep this from staining the upholstery otherwise.”

  Akio smiled at him as he pulled a folded blanket from a nook in the Pod and handed it to him. “Hai, that’s probably best.”

  TQB Base, Tokyo, Japan

  “Enter,” Akio called as a soft knock came from his door.

  Kenjii walked in, his damp hair pulled back from his face, which showed three white lines where the Were had clawed it earlier. The tight t-shirt he wore hugged the muscular curves of his upper body like a second skin. Akio’s lips quirked up on one side as he took in the healing and the sculptured chest.

  “Tea?” he offered.

  “Hai, that would be nice,” Kenjii acknowledged as he leaned against the counter, watching as Akio measured an aromatic mix of tea leaves and spices into a ceramic pot of steaming water.

  “Akio?” Kenjii hesitantly murmured.

  “Hai?”

  “I, ah… What happened back at the house?” he finally managed in a rush.

  Akio raised one eyebrow and cocked his head to the side. “What do you mean?”

  “The tiger that did this.” He pointed to the almost-healed scars on his face. “I, uh, I’ve never seen you… Uh, you were…”

  Akio watched as Kenjii struggled to put his thoughts into words.

  “You tore him apart with your bare hands,” he finished.

  Akio nodded, understanding the question that was really being asked. “I saw you down and covered in blood when I pulled him off. Your...” He looked away and swallowed hard. “When I saw your torn and bleeding face, in my mind, I saw what Isamu and Ogawa did to you. I felt the same rage as that night, only this time, there was no compulsion holding me back.”

  Kenjii’s hand went to his face involuntarily at the reminder of the night his human life had ended. “Oh, but how were you able to do that? I know you have been around for centuries. Can I expect to have that kind of strength over time?”

  Akio carefully weighed his response. He had concealed most of his enhancements from Kenjii, waiting until the man resolved his internal issues before revealing what was possible. “You remember I told you I was…improved. What you saw are some improvements that came about after I met Bethany Anne. Before she chan
ged me, I did not have that level of strength.”

  “So, she did something to you similar to the things Heinz did to me? Things to strengthen you and allow you to heal faster?”

  “Hai.”

  “Was it painful? Some things Heinz did to me, though they made some positive changes, hurt and took several days to pass.”

  “No, the process didn’t cause me any physical discomfort. It took some time to adapt to them, though.”

  Kenjii nodded in understanding. “Do you think she would want to change me too? Not that I would not agree, but I’ve spent years being an unwilling test subject for that bastard Heinz and don’t wish to ever be forced into…” His voice trailed off, and he watched Akio expectantly.

  “Neither Bethany Anne nor I will force you to undergo any changes. If the time comes, it will be your choice if you wish to do it.”

  Kenjii sighed in relief. He never wanted to be anyone’s victim again. “Thank you, my friend. I appreciate your assurance. If the time comes where your Queen wants me, I am glad she would not force me to change.”

  “Bethany Anne forces no one to do anything, except those who harm humans. They don’t want to do that. She believes people deserve choices.”

  “She sounds like a true Queen. I hope to meet her someday.”

  Akio smiled at him. “She will return, and you’ll have that chance.” His lips thinned to a straight line. “Unless you manage to get yourself killed by not waiting as I ask. ‘Here, kitty, kitty?’ Seriously?”

  Kenjii blushed and ducked his head. “I guess I rushed into that. I saw them there and became so angry at the way the cats pursued me that I wanted to kill them all.”

  Akio rolled his eyes. “Hai, you rushed it. Ask Yuko about her experience with rushing into a situation while blinded by anger. Perhaps it will be enlightening.”

  He plucked the empty teacup from Kenjii’s hand and placed it next to his on the counter. “Come, let’s go to the training room. Eve has fashioned a pair of shuang gou for you to try. I think the longer reach will be beneficial.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sakutaro Estate, Nishitama District, Tokyo, Japan

  “Sofu, do you need anything before I go?”

  “No, I think I will retire early tonight. Where are you off to, Granddaughter?

  “There is a new club opening tonight in Hino. I’m meeting some friends there to check it out.”

  “Check it out? Is it one of our businesses?”

  She shook her head. “Not yet.”

  Sato’s eyes crinkled as he smiled. “So, this is work?”

  Kishi smiled back at the old gangster. “Of course, but you never said I couldn’t enjoy my work.”

  “That is true, Kishi. Who are you taking with you?” All hints of levity left his voice. “I don’t want you unguarded, given that those…visitors we recently had are still in the area.”

  “Asaka is driving me and accompanying me this evening.”

  “I will have Jei assign a team to follow you.” He held up a hand to stifle her protest. “I will not risk you, granddaughter. They will follow and stay in touch with Asaka. As long as they are close enough to respond if needed, that is sufficient.”

  Kishi pursed her lips, knowing that arguing was a waste of time when the old man got like this. She leaned down and hugged him. “I will do as you say, Sofu.”

  “Have fun, and let me know what you find. Clubs are always good for profits.”

  “Hai. Have a good night, and I will see you for lunch tomorrow.”

  The old man waved as she exited, his mind already on the next task. He picked up and then punched the intercom by his chair. “Jei, I need to see you. Now.”

  Less than a minute later, there was a soft knock on the door. “Enter.”

  “You wanted to see me, sir? Is everything all right?”

  “Hai, Jei. Kishi is going out for the night, and I want extra precautions taken.”

  Jei stiffened. The Oyabun doted on Kishi, but the look on his face told him this was something more. “Sir?”

  “Have Asaka and the crew that follows take some of the special ammunition. I want two heavy weapons with the crew and loaded with them when they depart.”

  “Certainly, sir. May I ask if there is a specific threat we should know about?”

  “No, nothing specific. Just an old man being overly cautious, I hope.”

  Jei bowed deeply to Sato. “I’ll take care of it, sir. Will there be anything else?”

  “No, that is all.”

  Jei started for the door, and when he pulled it open, Sato called, “Have that girl come in here. I’m ready to go to my rooms for the night.”

  “Yes, sir,” Jei replied as he closed the door.

  “Good evening, Asaka. You ready to have some fun?” Kishi asked as she got into the black Toyota Century.

  It was one of several compromises she had made with Sato years ago. It wasn’t the flashy type of car she’d wanted in her teenage years, but the armor plating and bulletproof glass allowed her to travel with only her driver most of the time. Sato had told her she could have the flashy car, but she would always have to deal with a lead and chase car if she did. Valuing her autonomy over flash, she opted to keep the tank, as she called it. She figured if it was good enough for the royal family, it was good enough for her.

  “We still going to that new club in Hino?”

  “Hai, after we make a stop along the way,” she answered as she pulled her small phone from her purse. “Just drive toward Hino for now. I need to make a call.”

  After she completed the call, she turned in her seat and smiled. “All set. Go to the Ome apartments.”

  Asaka’s lips curled into a frown. “We’re not taking Kimura with us, are we?”

  “Jealous much?” Kishi giggled. “No, I sent him on a scouting mission earlier this week. He won’t be back for a few weeks.”

  “Good.” Asaka smiled. “I hate to share you with him. He’s such a drag in the club, flopping around like a fish out of water. He chills my buzz.” He chortled as he wiggled his eyebrows at her.

  Asaka had been a daily part of her life since not long after she’d moved in with the old man. A year older and the son of one of the best assassins in the Yakuza, Asaka had been training to join the family since birth. Skilled in several martial arts forms at fourteen, he was her regular sparring partner and closest friend through her teenage years. He was more a brother to her than anything else, but he and Kimura had kept a rivalry going since the day Sato brought Kimura on. Kishi found it annoying, but any time she tried to stop it, the moment was lost when one or the other of them would make her laugh. That they were her oldest friends and staunchest supporters in anything she undertook was a given. It allowed them to take liberties others could not. That both would kill for her without question was another.

  “You two are going to drive me as insane as Sofu if you keep it up. You know he says the same about you?”

  “He may say it, but we both know I got me some sweet moves on the dance floor.”

  Kishi shook her head and let out a groan.

  “So, do you know what’s got Jei in such a tizzy?” Asaka asked, all levity gone from his voice.

  “No, what are you talking about?” Kishi went alert at the mention of her grandfather’s chief of security.

  “He issued the guys in the chase car and me silver ammunition. Said Sato ordered it.”

  Kishi was silent as she considered this information. Sato had told her that the man who visited a few weeks ago was one of the tiger men. She wasn’t sure if it was true or another sign of dementia. She knew the man sought an enemy of the family, which was the reason she was going to the meeting now. That didn’t change what she was planning, but it opened more possibilities in her mind.

  Kishi was silent until the car pulled into a garage under an apartment building. The black SUV that had followed close behind the entire trip pulled in as Asaka was opening her door. All four doors opened on the SUV, and the m
en moved into position, two in front and two behind Kishi and Asaka.

  Everyone assigned to the crew tonight was one of Kishi’s loyal followers, and they knew the building was where she ran her part of the personal empire she was building. The additional pay she provided bought their silence. That Asaka was one of the deadliest men in the organization ensured it.

  They rode in silence to the twenty-seventh floor, where the elevator opened into a hallway with a door at either end. The lead man turned left, and before he got to the door, it opened. A man in a white shirt with a pistol in a shoulder holster held the door for all of them.

  “Kishi-san, your guest has arrived. He is waiting in the side room.”

  “Thank you, Hito. Bring sake and then escort him to my office.”

  Hito bowed forty-five degrees and spun on his heel toward the kitchen. The apartment-turned-office was a mirror image of the one at the other end of the hall. The only difference was this one had desks, computers, and phones in the three bedrooms, and the other was a luxury residence. Kishi Sakutaro owned both. Kimura had leveraged them for her in a deal with the developer when they were being built. She never asked the details, but it was one of the few times that Kimura had requested Asaka’s help on a project.

  Kishi sat at the large antique desk, her back to the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the mountains behind her. Hito knocked once and opened the door, then escorted a nondescript man wearing workers' clothing in. The man smiled as he saw Kishi and hurried to stand in front of the desk. He bowed as he greeted her. “Kishi-san, you are more beautiful each time I see you.”

  “You flatter me as always, Juba. How is your assignment going?”

  Hino poured two cups of warmed sake and looked at Kishi. She nodded to the desk, and he placed the bottle next to the glasses and exited the room.

  “I have seen the man you sent me to find a few times. He is with three others, at least.”