Free Dark Callings (Phoenix Intelligence Agency) by Taige Crenshaw Page A

him and Harmony. Christos rose from behind his desk. His silver gaze moved to each of them, then focused on Lennox.
    “Explain,” he said softly.
    Lennox winced at the tone. Christos was already angry. By the time he was done, it would not be any better. He started explaining.

    Harmony slid her hand from Lennox’s. He glanced at her briefly. She gestured she was going to sit. He nodded and went back to filling Christos in. She turned and paused as she was again awed by the formidable men and women who were with them. They inclined their heads and parted for her. She walked along the path they had made. At the chair, she sat. They flanked to either side of her. Lupo was closest to her on her left, and the one called Dulé was to her right. She wanted to study them, see what she could ascertain from them.
    It was partly curiosity about Lennox’s Shadower race, and partly so she could give Christos her observations. She knew he would ask. A glance at them showed Christos was standing in a relaxed stance. She had seen enough of him to know he was coiled for any danger. There were so many Shadowers but none of them knew made her antsy. Harmony ought not to look at the Shadowers at either side of her.
    “You’re welcome to check us out,” a sensuous voice stated.
    She looked at Dulé, who had spoken. She had thought Lennox looked otherworldly, with his silver hair. But Dulé, with his orange hair and eyes and creamy brown skin, was even more so. His smile was gentle.
    “We’re here for your bidding, my lady. Probe as you will.”
    “You’re a troublemaker, aren’t you?”
    “Maybe.” His gaze twinkled.
    “My aunty Storm says the same thing. I’ll have to introduce you to her.” She chuckled.
    “Not another one.” Lupo groaned.
    She looked at him. His look was long-suffering and fond.
    “With Dulé, troublemaker is an understatement. Behave, Dulé. They will want to go through their testers before letting us help.”
    Harmony was startled he knew.
    “It’s what we would do, too.” Lupo smiled, then walked over to Lennox and Christos.
    Christos studied him.
    “Ahh… You have a few hidden things.” Lupo’s smile widened.
    Harmony sat up staring at them.
    “Try and read me any further, and Lennox’s father or, no, I will gut you.” Christos’ threat was delivered with an amused tone.
    Harmony frowned. It wasn’t one she had ever heard him use. A sensation moved along her skin. Automatically, she touched her tattoo on her arm, materialising a Maji Star.
    “There’s no need for a weapon, Harmony. Just a friendly conversation. You have chosen well, Lennox,” Lupo said.
    Harmony frowned. Lennox glanced at her. Her breath caught at the heated look in his gaze. He winked, then returned his attention to Christos and Lupo. She didn’t really listen as they continued their conversation. After they had finished, the door to Christos’ office opened. All the Shadowers along the wall straightened abruptly. Harmony watched, curious, as Cairo entered. She looked at all of them, chin raised, before she focused on Harmony. A warm smiled curled her lips. The Shadowers inhaled, then exhaled.
    Cairo turned to Christos. “Cipher is ready.”
    With only a select few people in the agency knowing what was going on with Blagden, they would have to keep it quiet. Harmony made a mental note to ask her aunt to help. They would offer their assistance to Cipher—the head of the Oracle Psychiatric Investigators. Cipher was good at unearthing information but with so many, and the shortness of time, he would need help.
    “Good. Show them the way,” Christos replied.
    Harmony was surprised Christos would send them with Cairo. She looked at the Shadowers. They could overwhelm her.
    “You insult me. I can take care of myself.” Cairo sounded offended.
    Harmony winced. She would have to make her something caramel to make up for it. Cairo headed out of the office, the Shadowers trailing behind her.
    “Lupo, stay an—”
    Lupo