Page 27 of Marked
Was that a vampire?
I trudge further, boots shuffling loudly over the rough floor. Masculine grunts flow to my ears, followed by the familiar sound of flesh striking flesh. A brawl?
Another set of small lights flare in the dark, like eyes. I freeze.
The sounds grow louder. Heavy footfalls resonate around me, pounding in my ears. There is a sharp twang of sound, and a whistling of air. Or something moving through it fast. A harsh male scream rends the residual silence and dome lights flood on.
I blink, trying to adjust to the new glow. Half-clad men step back from their opponents, sweat glistening over skin of every shade.
Low fatigues and boots seem to be the norm. But the ethereal shine of their irises gives them all away.
“That took ten minutes longer than last time,” Ruin’s voice is hard, authoritative. He pushes through the masses at the rear of the group, dark hair slicked back and his shirt gone.
The crème muscle that greets me is like stone ridges, so defined I don’t know how he doesn’t grate when he walks. Trademark leather pants sit low over the swell of a masculine v at his hips and the rock-hard curve of his ass. His dark eyes glow softly with a bright line of gold as he takes in his men. They sweep over me absently, then track back and halt.
He stares, words dying on his lips. With a hard shake of his head, he looks away. “Men, take five. Then we run through it again.”
They peel off, casting curious glances in my direction.
Ruin prowls over, his leather pants and dark boots silent. One pale hand closes over my arm and he begins to pull me back the way we came.
I rip away.
He eyes the men somewhere behind me. “No civilians in the Tunnel. You both know that.”
Gone is the resolute Captain from last night. Even the heated vampire from the club would be a nice change. The male that watches me is cold, rigid, and unnecessary.
A dark-clad shape eases up to my side. “She asked to speak to you, Cap,” Caine says, almost all his snark gone.
Ruin’s lip curls. “And you know the rules.”
I step in front of the demon, drawing the Captain’s icy attention. “I need to talk to you, Ruin.”
Though it wasn’t my initial intention to find him this evening, fate has other plans. I want my freedom. And if that means helping with Vic ... So be it.
He stands there. “Then talk.”
I peer into the shadows at the groups of waiting men. Most, but not all of them watch us. Two, the ones from the club last night, take it all in with almost angry expressions.
What the hell do they have to be angry about? My world has turned upside down since last night. Not theirs.
My face heats with my temper. “What I have to say is not for any supernatural ears but yours. It’s nothing on your team, butyoucame tomelast night. You asked to speak tome. Now I’m here, willing to help ... and you can’t give me five minutes?”
His jaw mottles, but he remains quiet.
I rock back. “I see.” My head shakes, and I can’t stop the smile. “Well, when you get your head out of your ass and want my help, you know where I’ll be.”
Turning on my heel, I pat Caine on the arm and make sure the motion is easily visible. “Thanks for the escort.”
He stares at me, but I laugh and start the walk back through the tunnel. With the lights on, it makes the going quick. Or maybe it’s from the near frenzied state of every step.
I have one destination in mind, and it’s anywhere but here.
Chapter 14
Ruin
My chest heaves and every damn supe around the tunnel can hear the erratic beat of my heart.
