Mercury Striking (The Scorpius Syndrome #1)(114)

Her lungs seized. “No.” The idea of leaving the safety of the gate stopped her breath. There were Rippers, scavengers, gang bangers, and even Mercenaries out there. The Mercs were a group from northern California who were even more feared than the insane Rippers.

He scowled. “Okay. It’ll be dawn in about two hours. Pack your things, and I’ll help you move to the main headquarters.”

She bit her lip. While she’d like nothing more than to leave the apartment, she didn’t want her nightmares to keep the soldiers awake. “I don’t think—”

“You’re about to start working for Vanguard, and being at headquarters makes the most sense.” Raze rotated and moved, all grace and muscle, toward the slider. “Be ready in a couple of hours.” Without making a sound, he slid into the night and closed the door.

Thunder rumbled outside. She hesitated, looking at her meager possessions. It was lonely so far away from other people, and she did start work the next day.

As she reached to gather her socks, her mind flared awake. She knew there weren’t any empty apartments at headquarters.

Just where did Raze think she was going to sleep?

Raze nodded to a soldier guarding the rear exit of Vanguard territory and strode into the darkness, appearing to be patrolling. The rain drowned out most of the night sounds, but in the distance, a wolf howled.

Wolves in east central Los Angeles. How crazy had life become?

With 99 percent of United States citizens killed by Scorpius, nature had quickly retaken the earth.

He wiped rain off his cheek and caught her scent. While he’d barely touched her, even now he could smell calla lilies. A soft, sweet, delicate scent from the woman he’d just left behind.

Making quick tracks, he scouted the area to the north of Vanguard, moving between deserted buildings smelling of rot and decay. Most of the Rippers and homeless would be seeking shelter from the storm, but again, since many were nuts, they might attack anyway.

His senses remained on alert as he passed a looted jewelry store, an empty quick loan store, and an abandoned convenience store. Beady green eyes stared out at him from the closest store.

Cat’s eyes. A huge black cat sat in the still-intact window, just watching him.

He jerked his gaze away. While he’d fought hand-to-hand with knives an ocean away, while he’d been tortured and nearly killed on one tour, cats freaked him the hell out.

He crossed over rubble and dodged around a several-car pileup in the middle of what was once a busy street. Rust covered the vehicles, and part of a decomposed body remained visible in a Chevy.

The tiniest of scraping sounds came from Luke’s Bar on the corner. No light, no movement, but a couple of breaths. He stopped moving and focused all of his senses.

One person only.

Raze reached the heavy metal door and pulled it open, waiting for his eyes to adjust before walking inside.

A lantern ignited.

“You’re late,” Ash said from behind what was left of the bar. Pieces had been removed, probably for firewood, leaving only a thin strip running end to end, attached with bolts to the floor.

“You’re inconvenient,” Raze drawled, keeping his expression bored. The door shut behind him and he surveyed the room.

Behind Ash, a cracked mirror decorated the dingy wall, which was lined with empty shelves that had once held liquor. Dirt, blood, and moss covered the floors, while a couple of tables without chairs were broken on the far side of the room. A jukebox, a real one, still sat in the corner.

It was probably too heavy for any of the early looters to take.

Ash shoved back his jacket to reveal a Glock stuck into his waistband. His greasy hair cascaded out of a knit cap, which didn’t cover enough of his long, crusty face. Apparently it was difficult to find medicine for impetigo nowadays. “Well?”

Raze kept his arms loose at his sides. “Well what?”

“Where’s the woman?”

“Not here,” Raze said.

Ash shook his head, his entire rail-thin body moving with the effort. “We made a deal.”

“No. We don’t have a deal,” Raze said silkily.

Ash swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I represent Grey, and you know it.”

Raze rubbed his chin. “I have until the end of the week. So get the fuck off my back and stop coming into my territory.”

Ash cackled, revealing stained and crooked teeth. “Your territory? You’re claiming Vanguard territory as your own now, are you?” He snorted. “You don’t have territory, dumbass.”

Raze straightened.

Ash breathed out and backed into the counter. “I’m just sayin’. You belong to the Mercenaries, and don’t you forget it.”

“I don’t belong to anybody.” The room was rank with the smell of sewage and raw fish. Raze glanced at the window to see the world lightening outside. “I have to go.” He turned for the door, keeping Ash in his sights.

“One week, Shadow. That’s all you have left.”

“I know.” Heat circulated through his chest, leaving a piercing pain. Even so, he shot Ash a hard look and waited until the guy paled. “Tell Greyson I’m looking forward to settling up with him.”

Ash smiled and flashed his disgusting teeth. “Oh, I will. You have five days to bring Vivienne Wellington here, or you know what happens. Grey wants confirmation you’re on track.”