Dark Stranger Immortal (The Children of the Gods #3)(54)

4 9

K I A N

K ian gritted his teeth, knowing Andrew was right and resenting him for it. It was irrational, even stupid, to feel this way about the man with the means and know-how that were crucial for Amanda’s rescue. But he loathed the necessity to relinquish control over the situation to an outsider.

“Fine! You lead, and you can bring two of yours. But I’m coming with two of mine… You need us; there are things only we know about our enemies,” Kian growled, and pulled out his phone. “Tell me what you need and I’ll arrange for it.”

“I’ll call my friend, have him swing by my place and bring my laptop.

Once we know more about where the perp is holding her, we can form a plan of action. We’ll need a private room for our people to meet and plan the mission.”

“Have your guy come to the lobby. I’ll have a room ready by the time he gets here.”

“Good.”

As Andrew stepped out to the terrace to make his calls, Syssi tagged behind him. “I need a cigarette…” She grabbed the pack that was still out on the side table next to the chaise.

Andrew arched a brow but said nothing. Turning his back to her, he kept talking with his man in a hushed voice.

Joining Syssi on the lounger, Kian wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

“It must’ve been difficult to grow up with a badass like him.” He smirked.

“Compared to Andrew’s raging bull style, I’m merely a housebroken bulldog.

Not that I’m not grateful beyond words for his help…”

“I know, right? Now you know why your he-man antics have no effect on me. I have lots of experience dealing with that.” Syssi playfully bumped his shoulder with her head.

“Imp…” Kian cupped her neck, and holding her pressed against him, buried his nose in her hair.

Syssi sighed. “Andrew had to take charge. With our parents always busy elsewhere, he practically raised my younger brother and me. But he is a great guy, and I love him. I bet once you’re done with your macho posturing, you guys will get along great… He cares about Amanda, you know… Yesterday at that lunch there was definitely something going on between them.”

“You know Amanda. She would flirt with a wooden post… It doesn’t mean anything.” Kian sighed, missing his sister with all her little annoying habits and her never-ending drama. He would never admit it, but he enjoyed all that brouhaha she created around her. She was fresh, and fun, and lively…

Oh hell, he really hoped his mother’s vision was true…

“Perhaps…” Syssi said. “I had a feeling it was more than that, though. It looked like they really liked each other. Found each other interesting, beyond the physical attraction. It wasn’t just Amanda’s usual act.” Syssi took a drag on her cigarette, collecting her thoughts. “I want to tell Andrew the truth. He has to have all the facts if he is to bring Amanda home safely. Besides, as my brother, he is also a Dormant. You should offer him the same deal you offered Michael and me.”

Kian ran his fingers through his hair and grimaced. “You’re right. He should know. Although I hate to do it under these circumstances. What if he refuses the offer? I can’t thrall him until after the mission without compromising him, and in the meantime, he’ll have us by the balls.”

“You can trust Andrew. He’d never do anything to endanger my safety, and I’m one of you now.”

“I can just imagine his response…” Kian chuckled. “Who is going to lay it on him?”

“I’ll do it. But you’ll have to supply the details and the proof.

Regrettably, I don’t have fangs to show him or the ability to create illusions.

Or do I?” Syssi looked at him hopefully.

“I don’t know. You might. I’ll try to explain how it is done once things get back to normal.” Kian leaned into her, taking her mouth in a hungry kiss.

“I can’t wait for us to enjoy ourselves with each other without some calamity hanging over our heads…” he whispered once he let go of her lips.

“Me either,” Syssi whispered throatily.

“I can’t believe you two are making out at a time like this!” Andrew snapped. “Can’t you control yourselves?”

Syssi and Kian exchanged knowing glances.

“Take a seat, Andrew. There is something I need to tell you, and you’d better be sitting for this.” Syssi gestured toward the lounger across from them.

“Don’t tell me you’re pregnant and running off to Vegas to get married…” Andrew looked them over, his expression only half-joking.

“No, I’m not pregnant. Not yet, anyway…” Syssi smiled at Kian and winked, teasing Andrew for sounding like an old prude. “But I did go through an interesting change recently… a change you might consider for yourself.”

“What are you talking about?” Andrew frowned. “Let me guess… A fanatic cult? Self-help nonsense? New health diet?” He taunted his sister with his absurd suggestions.

“No, and stop it. You’re not playing nice. But anyway, back to what I was trying to say. I wish I could tell you all of this under less stressful circumstances, but we decided that it is important for you to know what you’re dealing with on this mission. So here it goes…” Syssi took a long breath, bracing for what she was about to reveal.