Author Lisa Andel WIP Excerpt

Terminated: Excerpt Copyright 2008 - Lisa Andel
PROLOGUE

"What do you mean, you're letting me go?" I slammed the file I was reading onto the top of the desk and gaped at the man that had been my boss for the past eighteen years.

He didn't even look guilty. He should have, with the stunt he was pulling on me right now. He should have looked way beyond guilty. His expression held nothing however, but boredom and a slight irritation. It was starting to piss me off. I was one of the select few trained in my field, at least on our side of the fence. I worked in a government job, for God's sake. Even if it was only the human government. I was a scant two years away from retirement eligibility, and I hadn't even been thinking of taking advantage of it.

"Just that. We are no longer in need of your services." His dark brown eyes narrowed before he turned to the heavy oak door that separated my office from the communal room.

The door stood ajar, the noise from the staffers working at their stations having noticeably quieted as they undoubtedly eavesdropped on my humiliation.

"If you're saying I'm fired, I'd like to know what I've done." I crossed my arms in front of my chest and leaned back against the scarred metal top of my desk.

"I'm not firing you, I'm letting you go. You know how harsh the budget cuts have been." Not a single wrinkle marred his chocolate colored skin. Not a bead of sweat.

If I didn't know better, I'd say he was possessed.

"In fact, there's been a ruling in the Comstat that the position you hold is to be eliminated immediately, nationwide."

I was beginning to get the picture. Something had happened, some turn in our relationship with the others and I was now an embarrassment to my government. A liability. "I see." Fortunately, I'd planned for this eventuality.

"These gentlemen will be escorting you out now." He edged the door open farther and two burly security guards lumbered in; neither man familiar to me.

"Tom," I shrugged into my leather jacket, snagged my only personal possession, a small framed picture of a beach I'd never been to, but kept on my desk anyway, and headed for the door. "I'll be seeing you."

The skin around his eyes tightened in a flinch before he caught himself and schooled his features back into blandness. It was all the confirmation I needed. "It's been a pleasure working with you Devon."

I had no doubt that sometime in the next day or so they were going to try to kill me. "Sure has," I smiled at him, and was pleased to see that flawless brown skin turn ashen. I'd been told that my eyes went dead when I was about to kill, and a small icy smile curved my lips. From his reaction, I'd say they'd got it right. Not that I was about to kill him.

I sauntered out of the building, my two bulldogs tagging along, their tension making me want to laugh. I took in the furtive glances of the people I had spent the majority of my adult life with and realized I didn't know more than a third of their names. Then again, I worked outside of the office more than inside with these people.

The guards stopped at the edge of the parking lot, legs braced, arms held ready at their sides, watching me to make sure I really left. I flipped them the finger as I opened the door to my Jeep and slid behind the wheel.

The explosion that happened shortly after that was magnificent, one I'm afraid that I missed experiencing, having not been in the Jeep at the time it tried to launch itself into outer space. I did get to see it though, and it was a truly beautiful show.

Chapter One

I leaned against the side of the building in the darkest part of the shadow, watching the street come to life. I was in the other half of town, a place I'd only ventured into on assignment before. The evening breeze held a chill, though was still warmer than usual for the middle of April. The heavy scent of rosewood smoke drifted on it as an undercurrent, along with the spicy aroma of Mexican food from a restaurant down the street. Cars hummed along the asphalt, carrying all varieties of others off to their places of employment, or entertainment.

The sound of voices raised in greeting caught my attention, and I shifted slightly to see who the new arrivals were. On the other side of the street, in front of one of the numerous taverns in this part of town, four werewolves exchanged handshakes. All male. A young vampire couple passed in front of me, close enough to touch, more intent on each other than their surroundings. Not that it mattered.

I adjusted my duffel, wondering if I should have called August Addison, instead of hanging out here, hoping he'd walk past me on his own. At the time I'd made my decision it had been right not to contact the master vampire, it was still right now, but I was growing tired of the waiting.

The wolves disappeared into one of the bars, a family of fairies skipping down the sidewalk where they'd been standing. A lanky magic user caught my eye, and for a moment I allowed myself the luxury of admiring his body. It had been a while since I'd had sex and the thought of it was appealing to me more and more each day. It wouldn't do, you know, to allow the urge to become a distraction. I would need to pick up a random male soon, to take care of the itch.

In my line of work it was safer that way.

My stomach rumbled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten anything since yesterday, what, with the excitement at work this morning I just hadn't gotten around to it. The scents from the Mexican restaurant weren't helping either, and my mouth watered at the thought of Chiles Renellos.

"I get the feeling you're looking for me?" Addison's hypnotic voice settled over me like a caress. Dulling my surprise at his ability to read me so well.

"Is there somewhere we can talk?" I didn't look at him, not yet, there was always the risk that I'd lose myself once I did, and I needed information before that happened.

He brushed a hand down my spine and let it linger on my ass. "Privately?"

I weighed my options. I couldn't go back to my apartment, in fact I couldn't go anywhere I'd gone in my previous life. I was starting from scratch here, and while I had a hidden account that I could live off of, for a while, I would eventually need a job, and a place to live. Not to mention a new identity. I was counting on Addison for the last item.

"You going to feed me?" Belatedly, I realized asking a vamp for food, was an offer to return the favor.

"Absolutely," he cupped my right buttock and squeezed.

The temperature dropped as a sharp gust of wind swept out of the alley to our right, carrying with it the stale, greasy odor of used lard and rotten meat. Vampire. I sensed the others presence just before I felt Addison tense, his action letting me know he was aware of the new arrival as well.

What happened next, took me by complete surprise.

"Go to the Onionskin," he pulled me around to face him and I had to stop my mouth from dropping open at the sight. Wavy dark brown hair fell below his shoulders, his eyes a light, light gray, ringed in black. His features were finely shaped, and perfectly symmetrical. He was exceedingly handsome, thoroughly masculine, but bordering on pretty.

"Tell Obermeyer you're waiting for me." He reached into the neck of his shirt and drew a fine gold chain over his head. "Do not take this off for any reason." He placed the necklace over my head, stared into my eyes for a moment, then pulled me tight to his chest as he captured my mouth with his for a brief, heated kiss.

Then he shoved me away.

I blinked and barely caught a blur of movement turning the corner into the space between the buildings. I thought for a moment, about following, thought better of it, and started off the other way, intent on finding directions to the Onionskin. It was never a good idea to get mixed up in vampire business. Hell, it was never a good idea to get mixed up with vampires.

I just didn't see that I had any other choice.

* * * * *
The Onionskin was a shake sided structure that stood alone on a treed corner lot. The paved parking area lay hidden behind a tall, rigidly pruned evergreen hedge. A series of flagstone paths led from both sidewalks and the lot to the front door; a rough hewn affair wrapped in iron, with large battered bolt heads that looked functional, rather than decorative.

I pulled harder than was necessary to open the door, stumbling backwards on the stoop, saving myself from tumbling down the short set of steps with my tight grip on the handle. I planted my feet firmly under me, took a breath, then sauntered inside, head up, eyes flashing side to side, the incident on the stairs relegated to the section of my brain reserved for "things I should have known".

It was early by other standards, so the place wasn't crowded yet. The patrons already present the equivalent of young professional humans mixed with a few wiser, older males. I pegged at least half a dozen of them as experienced killers, though not the ones I'd been briefed about, that worked for the preternatural Consul, the Comstat's equivalent to the others.

A large were was manning the bar, his thick forearms resting on the polished oak top, his shaggy head turned in my direction. I walked nice and easy over to him, cataloguing his sheer size, and automatically planning countermoves that I prayed I'd never have to make.

"Can I get you something?" His expression telling me he'd like to get me the hell out of the place.

I eased up onto a stool, leaving my duffel hanging over my shoulder for the time being, until I could determine the extent of my welcome. "Are you Obermeyer?"

"Yes." His deep voice rumbled with an unspoken warning.

"August Addison asked me to wait for him here."

Another were moved silently into position behind my right shoulder. I was used to the tactic, and didn't even flinch when I heard him inhale close to my ear. "She's carrying his scent."

Obermeyer studied me for a moment, then clenched his jaw. "Put her in the back."

I didn't like the sound of that and slipped my hand into my pocket while the smaller were, led me away from the bar. I eased my custom speed hunter into my palm, then dropped my hand down by my thigh, making sure my fingertip was resting against the trigger should I need the blade.

We stopped at the very last booth in the main bar area. An arch to the left led back to the bathrooms, a door next to that, the kitchen. I could hear the clatter of pots and utensils and the sizzle of food cooking in a deep fat fryer; the muted voices of the employees a pleasant hum in the background.

"Addison always sits here," the were gestured towards the booth, his expression neutral.

"Thanks. Do I ask you for a drink, or will someone else be around?" I wanted to sit on the far side, with my back to the wall, but the were was in the way.

"I'll get it."

"Red wine, something tart, if you will." I was pleased to note the surprise that flit across his expression.

"Really," he narrowed his eyes at me, obviously convinced I wasn't up to that type of beverage.

"Yes really." I glared back at him, knowing that I passed for human. It's what had enabled me to both get my job and be good at it. Most of the assassins that worked for Comstat were something other than human. None of us had ever been found out.

The were barked a laugh before he twisted around on his heel, and set out for the bar. I crossed to the far side of the booth and slouched into the seat, spent the time waiting for my drink by memorizing my surroundings. It was an automatic for me to do so, but still I monitored my awareness. You overlook something small it could be the last thing you ever overlooked.

I didn't have long to wait before the were returned with my drink. I imagine it was his curiosity that prompted the speedy service. Obermeyer stood with his arms crossed where he could see me. Beyond those two, no one else was paying undue attention. I reminded myself it was natural other discretion and nothing more.

I raised my eyebrow at the pewter mug, buffed by years of use to a mellow patina. The dark red liquid inside breathed a spicy scent that had my mouth watering. I couldn't chance being caught drinking the beverage designed specifically for paranormals while I worked for Comstat. I would gladly pay the price to come, for the freedom to drink it now. I silently thanked my ex-boss for this opportunity, even though he was probably aware of the fact by now I hadn't died in the explosion and was once again on my trail.

I tipped the heavy mug to my lips and took a nice slow swallow of the meaty beverage. Not quite as thick as blood, it still coated as it flowed down my throat, waking all my senses and nerve endings as it progressed throughout my system. I didn't stop drinking until I'd emptied half the glass, then I set it down with an audible "thunk", knowing that the next few minutes would cause several involuntary reactions throughout my body.

"And so I awake again," I whispered, eyes on the remaining liquid calling out to me from inside the mug.

"'Tis an awful, but necessary slumber, at times," the were placed his hand on my shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"This is going to be bad," I managed to get out before the first tremors hit.

"I've got you," with a fluid movement he slid onto the seat beside me and trapped me in a brutal embrace.

Pain lanced through my stomach, my muscles clenched, then started to jerk in random groups. My eyes rolled into my head, and I heard myself start to scream; the sound abruptly cut off as an unyielding pressure clamped over my mouth. Minutes, hours passed, I didn't know, but a small part of my brain tried to catalogue everything, tried to hang onto its perception of my surroundings. I was at my most vulnerable right now, a position I hadn't been in for many, many years.

Then sweat broke out across my brow and I started coming back into my head. My thoughts slowly sorted themselves out so that I could once again identify the clatter of the cooks and the aromas of seasoned meats and sauces.

I relaxed into the were's body, my lips molding to his, moving against his in a grateful kiss. He adjusted the angle of my head, and returned the kiss with a skill that nearly took my breath away. When he finally let me up for air, I saw sympathy and admiration in his eyes. And still a bit of wariness.

"Thanks," my voice came out breathier, huskier than I liked.

"I don't get it," he buried his face against my neck and inhaled. "You still smell like a human." I felt his body stiffen, and knew he'd just realized what I was, that the scent was a fabrication, deeply embedded, a cover for a much darker nature. "You're not a human though, yet you still smell like one," he breathed, his eyes searching mine.

"Yes, yes I do." There was nothing I could say that would assure him. If I was here to kill someone I would deny it anyway.

A shutter went down behind his eyes as he eased his arms from around me. It was the expected reaction, what most of the men I met usually did when they found out I was an assassin. It was the reason that I usually fucked men I'd just met, and never more than twice. They started asking questions after that. Even if you only fucked them when you ran into them on a night out. Even if a couple of months had passed since you'd last seen them.

Without taking his eyes off me, the were slid out from behind the table, and rose to his feet. "Can I get you anything else?"

"Would a menu be too much trouble?" I'd been refused service before by people that just wanted me to leave.

The man cocked his head to the side, his expression not quite as suspicious as it had been. "Are you really meeting Addison here?"

I nodded.

"Are you here to kill someone?"

"No," I blurted, taken by surprise that he'd bothered to ask me. "Only if they come after me first." I wanted to hit myself in the head for adding that last part.

The were leaned back across the booth and planted a quick kiss on my lips. "Welcome to the Onionskin. You're not likely to find another place as good as this one in the entire country." Then he backed away from me with a twinkle of amusement in his eye.

Will wonders never cease.

Two hours later, after I'd eaten my fill of the spicy pork dish, Chanco Adobado, a side of chile fried rice, and two refills of the other wine, I was becoming concerned that the master vampire had stood me up. The were, who'd finally introduced himself to me as Jason Lester, lifted a mug in my direction and waggled it, offering me another glass. I glanced again at the clock in the hallway.

I shook my head at Lester, declining the drink, while I dug through my pocket for something I could leave as a "locator". The only thing I came across that was porous enough was a breath mint. It would have to do.

I drew my nearly empty keychain out and stared at it. I'd gotten rid of all the keys to the places I could no longer go. That left me with only two, both so small they looked like toys. It was the pocket knife on the other end of the chain that I was after, and a moment later I had the sharp thin blade out and locked. I muttered a passable spell "let the dickhead be able to find me, twice," then poked the tiny tip of the blade into the pad of my thumb. I smeared the drop of blood over the mint, flipped the knife closed, and returned it to my pocket before I levered myself out of the booth.

Lester met me as I headed towards the bar. "Not going to wait for Addison?"

"I've got a bad feeling about that," I let him see that it was concern, on my part, and not irritation. "I'm going to take a look around, if he shows up, give him this." I held out the mint, imbued with my blood, the color now a dulled rusty brown.

The were raised his eyebrow, but took the locator from me, and tucked it into the front pocket of his pants.

"I'm sure I'll see you around." I locked eyes with Obermeyer, and tipped my head to him, earning a slight grin from the imposing male. "Nice meeting you," I told Lester, meaning it.

"My pleasure," he snagged me by the back of my head and gave me a quick, thorough kiss.

Laughing, I sauntered out the door into the cool of the night.

Hopefully coming soon...