Wicked Games Read online

  "Put a muzzle on Scur, got it," Khalid said.

  "Exactly." Nihar nodded. "They are a self-sufficient community, but I'm thinking if you bring them something that will help their people, a plant, seeds, something they can use and cultivate, you might not get strung up on first sight."

  “Ooh!” Gogo said with a smile. “I have just the thing!” She hurried out of the library and was back a few moments later. “Kaelyn was by recently and cataloged the new thriving plants that are appearing in the Hunt forest, with Nihar’s help, of course. All plants that were from the beginning, right, my love?” She beamed at Nihar.

  "Yup," he said, grinning back. "Of course, I had to find a different filing system for the plants, ‘cause good gods, Kaelyn was finding new strands of grass. Actual strands of grass."

  Alyx laughed. “So, what’s this then?”

  Gogo handed her a small box. “Inside is five seeds for each of the twenty new species they found, including the glass flower.” She smiled. “Which apparently was the first flower to bloom in the known Faerie lands. Might be of some use.”

  "Can’t hurt to try," Khalid said. "So, Hendrix, best way to get there..."

  “By air, then by snowcat,” he said. “Next flight window is in four hours.” He typed more on his tablet.

  “Four hours?” Khalid said and scratched his chin. “Doesn’t give us much time to get everything together. We race off to see Anders and then head back to the Sithen to pack ASAP.” He looked to Hendrix again. “What about the lakes? Frozen?”

  “Partially. I’ll have an amphibious vehicle airdropped in,” he said, glee in his voice. Clearly he was as excited as they were.

  Alyx grinned. “I’m calling Tavi and Puizel to start. Telling them to pack for arctic temperatures. That cuts plenty of shit out.”

  “And I’m at your disposal during the op as well. Might not be able to go with you guys but I can offer support.”

  Gogo kissed her winged guard. “I like seeing this smile on your face. Now, Nihar? Shower?” She cocked her head. “Before you slide back down that rabbit hole?”

  Nihar’s unfocused eyes met Gogo’s and he stared at her. “Huh?” The man must have already been diving headfirst into said hole.

  “Shower,” Scur said with a laugh. “Naked Gogo.”

  He blinked and then a grin slowly spread across his face. “Shower, definitely a shower.”

  Khalid looked up from his phone and smiled at Alyx. “Just shot Pristina a message and told her to pack for me. Gotta admit, I really like having a fellow huntsman around. She’ll know exactly what I’ll need.”

  She nodded. “Good. So, I guess it’s time to see Mr. Rip Your Heart Out, yeah?”

  Gogo grabbed her and pulled her into an embrace. “Happy hunting, sister, and all of Dank and the Sluagh is at your disposal.” She looked to Khalid. “Take care of our girl.”

  “Always, Princess Gobeth,” he said and inclined his head to her.

  “Are we talking about literally ripping a heart out, or metaphorically ripping out sweet little Senara’s?” Scur said with a shit-eating grin as he grabbed her hand.

  “Both?”

  5

  With Cetus’s many portals around Dank Court, it only took them a few minutes to get from the Sithen to the heart of the Front. Two more minutes and Jedreck was pointing them to where he’d last seen Anders, after giving them a rundown on what was happening at the faeblin stronghold since they left.

  Heading in the direction of the mess hall, Khalid inhaled a deep breath. While he wouldn’t change his current position, wouldn’t give up Alyx for anything in the world, he did miss the smell and energy of the Front. It had been his home since he was a kid. It felt good to be back there. He sure as hell didn’t miss being commander, though. Luckily for all of them Jedreck loved it. The damn crazy fuck.

  “Anders,” he called out when he saw the man walk out of the tent. “You got a minute?”

  “Depends, if it has to do with the trolls in the back nine, I had nothing to do with it.” He looked at Alyx. “Princess.” He shot Scur the finger. “Asshole.”

  “Fuck you, too, my man,” Scur said, stepping up behind Alyx to wrap his arms around her waist and rest his chin on her shoulder. “You look like ass.”

  Khalid shook his head. “Not my problem what’s going on with the trolls.” He grinned. “That’s all Jed. We’re heading to the land of cold and ice, like dick shriveling off kinda cold. You got anything that might be of assistance?”

  Anders arched a brow. “Business or pleasure?”

  “Being with Alyx is always a pleasure,” Scur said and nipped Alyx’s neck.

  “Business,” Khalid said. “Guess you can say we’re on a mission. And we’re leaving in a few hours, so we’re pretty much trying to get as much done in as short amount of time as possible.”

  “Interesting. Dry land? Water? Climbing?” Anders said as he led them away from the tent and toward what Khalid knew was his personal toy tent. “And just you three?”

  “Dry land, water, and possibly some iced over water. And yeah, just the three of us. I think we’re set on climbing if we have to. Hendrix is handling all the transportation.”

  “Wait,” Scur said, “am I actually going to get to see the tent...like THE tent?”

  Anders ignored him as they approached the large barracks-looking tent with a sign on the front that stated ‘Entry is a crushed heart.’ He opened the flap and ushered them inside.

  “Don’t touch anything, you crazy asshole,” he said to Scur and winked at Alyx. “So, let’s see... You’re what...size six? Not with that ass. Well, depends on the pants,” he said to himself.

  “Six, yes, but my ass is always a problem,” she offered.

  “Right...a problem.” He laughed and opened a foot locker. “Check through this, see which looks like it will fit you. As to you two...” He opened another. “Neoprene suits, not wet suits, but they will keep you warm up there. What else...” He started to rummage.

  Khalid heard a smack and turned to see Alyx rubbing her ass. “How many times did you hit him when you were teenagers?”

  “Scur never touched me growing up,” she said. “Someone didn’t think I could handle it.” She smirked. “You know what I remember about then? The night Pris and I hooked up. Scur was there and I remember the look on his face. Even though he didn’t know I saw him.”

  Anders groaned. “Are we really going to be talking about this shit?”

  “That look was because I waited and waited to be invited to join and got left out in the cold. After that, figured you didn’t want me that bad,” the berserker said with a smirk. “And I knew you saw me.”

  “Breakers,” Khalid said, deciding to ignore the side conversation. They didn’t have enough time to travel down that memory lane. “Something compact in case we need to break through rock or ice. Not sure how well my powers are going to work in freezing temperatures.”

  “That box there and there’s also some pretty awesome new incendiary devices next to them. Also, spiked climbing gloves, new, just got them in. Non-freezing camelbacks, over there...”

  “Right, like I would have invited the dude that kept ignoring me every time I made a pass at him.” She scoffed.

  Khalid started to grab the items. Better to have what you don’t need than don’t have what you do need had always been one of his mottos. “Appreciate it, brother.” He looked up from what he was doing and really looked at his fellow huntsman, the guy looked like shit. “Trolls been keeping you up? Looks like you haven’t slept in weeks.”

  “Probably has to do with him not getting laid and dreaming about a little horned angel,” Scur said. The fucker never could keep his mouth shut. Khalid always figured it was because he was hoping for a fight. More he fought, or had conflict around him, the stronger his powers.

  Anders gave the berserker a droll look. “Two times, you shitbag,” he said and then looked to Khalid. “Viv is bringing her down from the mountain,” he said and Khalid knew
he was talking about his best friend Viviana, bringing their daughter down from the Xana encampment. Which meant that she was going to start training soon. It could be why he was resisting the call to Senara as well. “So yeah, I’m a bit on edge.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that. I know you will, but trust me, that one will be just fine, if not end up being one of the best,” he told Anders, smacking his shoulder.

  “Wait, you got laid two times?” Scur clicked his tongue. “Never would have guessed it.”

  “He does know I can remove his heart and show it to him, right?” he asked Alyx.

  “Clearly he likes to live dangerously,” she said and shook a suit at him. “Thanks for this.”

  “Of course, Princess. Can’t have you going on a mission without the latest tech.” He turned to Khalid. “And I know...I just...” He shrugged. Clearly there was shit he wanted to say but it was obvious he wouldn’t. Not here anyway. Changing the subject, he pointed to the small case to the right of Scur. “Grab that as well. Waterproof matches, and kindling in the pipe. New for the Special Forces boys for the desert. Figure it might work for you, too.”

  “Appreciate the assist,” he said and hefted to duffle bag he’d placed everything in over his shoulder. “I’ll give you a call when we get back. Let you know how everything worked. And a suggestion, have Afton do it.” He didn’t need to clarify his meaning. Anders knew he meant have the former Lotus guard train his daughter.

  Smirking, he nodded. “Good idea.”

  Alyx nodded to Anders. “Thank you and good luck, yeah?” She winked. “Come on, Scur. We can continue this discussion later.”

  Scur snorted. “Rather just live in the memory of that night, or at least my version, thank you very much. Anders,” he said, holding his hand out. “Thanks for all this. Seriously. And good luck with whatever is coming down the mountain.”

  Khalid shoved Scur out the door. “Catch you later. Now go find Afton and tell her she’s been recruited.” He grinned at Anders before following Alyx outside. “Okay, boy and Princess, let’s go freeze our asses off.”

  Alyx grinned. “Hell yes.”

  6

  Alyx saluted the carrier plane that dropped them and the snowcat as it started back toward Ninnivut. Not that they could see her but, after that harrowing ride, she felt like she needed to bid them Godspeed. Conditions to fly into the area were never optimal, and they had taken one hell of a chance getting there with the downdrafts and the rapidly descending temperatures.

  Darkness shrouded the landscape as Khalid and Scur unpacked the snowcat from its tarping, and slipped the coverings into the small side boxes that were already carrying the majority of their gear. They were quick, methodical and exacting. All things a woman liked when facing possible frostbite. Hunching further into her arctic jacket, she turned as the wind started to whip up. They needed to get on the road, and quickly, before the fluids in the machine started to ice over.

  She offered the thumbs up and Khalid nodded. They climbed into the cab of the small vehicle, and Scur started the engine, the treads it was sitting on rocking with the motion. The cabin was cozy, the back of it layered in blankets, and pillows, their soft gear held on the wall with netting. For the three of them it was enough. She hoped the trip would be swift.

  “Hendrix said that we should get to Victoria Island, or rather, the archipelago in about six hours. This time of year is darkness forever and the high is going to be negative six so...balmy,” she offered.

  Scur put the machine into drive and it lurched forward. “What’s the top speed on this fucker? Fifteen, I think, right?”

  “Sounds about right,” Scur said, his eyes staying on the terrain. “Last one I drove was as old as Canibores and I was lucky the little shit got up to eight.”

  “I always knew we’d find something you’re good at,” Khalid said with a grin.

  “Heavy machinery.” She nodded. “And that’s not an innuendo to your dick either,” she said dryly, knowing he was going to slide down that sewer.

  “Sugar, everything you say is an innuendo for my dick. You don’t have to hide the fact from Khalid. He’s a big boy, he can take your undying obsession for certain parts of my body.” Scur glanced over at her, giving her a slow, arrogant smile.

  “Keep your eyes on the snow, berserker,” Khalid said with a snort.

  “I’m with Khalid on this one. This just seems like the beginnings of a John Carpenter movie, and I don’t wanna become host to a parasite.”

  “I would suggest not letting him knock you up then.” Khalid put his arm around her shoulder and scooted her closer to him. “Probably best to keep your distance, just in case he’s contagious.”

  “Fuck,” Scur said as they glided over a small slope, “you. You don’t even know what a John Carpenter movie is.”

  “There’s this movie called The Thing. It’s about these researchers that go to the arctic and find bones, but they are contaminated, and when they warm up they unleash one fucker of a parasite,” she said to her captain. “Once this madness is over, I’m catching you up on all the pop culture.” Leaning into him, she smiled.

  “Oh, hell no you aren’t. That would take you decades. The man has been camping for four decades.” Scur leaned forward and let out a growl. “Mother fucker! It’s starting to snow. I swear, if we get a damn blizzard while I’m driving this thing...”

  “You want me to drive?” Khalid was laughing, the fingers on his hand stroking over her shoulder. “Wait, I take that back. I’m perfectly comfortable watching you have a temper tantrum while I have Alyx practically in my lap.”

  “Don’t make me pull this snowcat over, asshole. I’ll toss you in front of it and drive over you.”

  “There will be no killing of my captain, Scur. I need him.” She grinned. “Your road rage is wasted out here anyway. No humans to punch in the face.” Running her hand along Khalid’s thigh, she came dangerously close to his groin, then trailed her glove-covered fingers to his knee. “We were in New Jersey just before the fight at the Front for one of my events. Asshole is on the turnpike and gets cut off, so he races after him, in a goddamn Bentley mind you, and when he catches up to him there’s a ton of traffic, like dead stop. What does Scur do? Climbs out of the car, goes to the dude, pulls him out of his car through his window and head butts him.”

  “You told me I wasn’t allowed to punch the jagoff, so...” He shot her a grin before returning his attention in front of him, eyes squinted to see through the flakes that were falling down faster and faster. “Plus, I can’t be blamed, it’s part of my DNA. I tend to have...a boost of my adrenaline on occasion.”

  “Boost of adrenaline?” Khalid continued to laugh, his hand moving to stroke against her collarbone. “You’re full of shit, not adrenaline.”

  “And guts and black stuff,” she agreed. “Lots of black stuff.” Sitting up, she frowned. “Where is this coming from?” She pulled out the sat phone and dialed Hendrix.

  “Yeah-ha,” he said into the mic. “What can I do ya for?”

  “How’s the weather looking from space?”

  “Hold please.”

  “What the fuck is up with him and his ‘hold please’ shit?” Scur grumbled and jerked the wheel, barely missing a tree that seemed to pop out of the blue.

  “Looks clear...wait...there’s a large fucking storm coming up on you guys fast.”

  “Natural or...not?” she said, frowning.

  “I...I don’t know?” They heard typing. “Weather that far north is always sketchy. So...maybe?”

  “Or maybe the Nomarts know we’re coming,” her captain said. “They might have kept themselves cut off from Faerie, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their magic.”

  “Well they can go screw themselves, ‘cause I’m not stopping.” The sound of the windshield wipers sped up as Scur hit the switch. “I’m going to get us there even if I have to drive through a blizzard. Yippee ki yay, mother fuckers.”

  “He’s going to get u
s killed.” Alyx groaned. “We aren’t immortal, you lunatic.”

  “Weather service is calling it a squall, though they are saying thunder snow is possible and accumulation could be anywhere from two to seven feet. Normal for the area,” Hendrix added. “So yes, he might kill you all. My suggestion? Find an outcropping, and pull the cat in for the next four hours. It should have passed by then.”

  “You’re all a bunch of pussies.” Scur shook his head and snorted. “Plus, we’re all immortal until we aren’t. Way more fun to think of it that way.”

  “There is an outcropping about...” Khalid stared out the window, his eyes narrowing. “About a hundred yards northeast. Head that way, I’ll handle the rest.”

  “Thanks, Hendy. I’ll check in soon.” She hung up. “You will take care of the rest?” she said, looking at Khalid.

  He grinned at her. “I have some tricks up my sleeve.” Scur snorted again, but he was heading in the direction Khalid suggested.

  The snowcat came to a shuddering stop, but he kept the engine running. “You two stay here. I’ll be back.” Khalid opened the door, the wind making it difficult. Before too much snow could blow in, he shut it and disappeared into a blanket of white.

  “If he doesn’t come back,” Scur said, putting the snowcat into park, “you’re going to have to find another captain. Because even though I love you more than anything, there is no way either of us is going to live with me being in that position.”

  “You are many things, Scur, captain is not one of them,” she agreed.

  Turning to face her, one corner of his mouth raised in a grin. “So, just you and me, all alone... I bet I can make you come at least once before he finds his way back.”

  “Scur,” she laughed and shook her head. “It’s literally below zero out there...”

  “Out there, not in here.” His smile grew. “Is my adventurous Alyx becoming a proper princess? Pity.” He let out a sigh, but his grin was still in place. “Fine, I’ll let you choose how we pass the time then.”

  “This is where I say ‘it’s all you think about, isn’t it?’ Well, let’s see...how would you like your cock to freeze off? That’s not a good look for you, shithead.”