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

cut Christos off. “I’m not staying with Eve coming here. Lennox will tell you my terms. I’ll be in testing.”
    Lupo turned on his heels and strode out.
    “Wha—”
    “Was that Lupo?” Eve’s voice cut through what Christos was about to ask.
    “Yes,” Lennox stated.
    Eve’s eyes narrowed. She studied him, then blinked. “You’re his son.”
    Lennox didn’t answer her. Instead, he was abrupt. “In return for his help, he stated you are not to come anywhere near him.”
    Pain flashed across Eve’s face. “He can’t even look at me. I’m not her.” She stiffened, then turned. “I’ll make him see reason.”
    “Keep away from him, Eve. Your family has done enough to mine,” Lennox stated.
    Eve rounded on him, getting into his face. “What have I ever done to you?”
    “Your sister killed my mother,” Lennox said, as if discussing something insignificant.
    Harmony stood, knowing that was not the case.
    Eve shook her head, shock on her face. “No. A’rm Ageddon could not have done such a thing.”
    “She did. And we’ll need Lupo’s help to stop her from coming back and creating more havoc. Stay away from him.” Lennox pushed by her.
    Eve moved away. She collapsed in a chair, staring after his retreating figure.
    “So much pain. She caused so much pain. And she’s still doing it. Is that why he won’t see me?” Eve asked.
    “No,” Harmony said.
    Eve stared at her, then rose, taking a step towards her. “If that’s not it, then why?”
    Harmony kept her mind carefully blank, not forming the why even to herself. She remembered what Lennox had said about never calling Shadow World by its true name, verbally or even in thoughts to himself. She never thought she would have to bury something so deep it would not even be in her mind. But for all their sakes, she would have to with the information she had on his reasons. In the corner of her mind, she embedded the thought to never think of it, and locked it away. For all their sakes, it should never come out.
    “Tell me!” Eve roared.
    “You can’t intimidate me, Eve. I won’t tell you. Keep away from Lupo, or you’ll have to deal with me.”
    “You think, because we’ve been working on the PIA Games, you know me? That you can dare to threaten me?” Eve was disbelieving.
    “A threat is a warning. You won’t see me coming if you go near Lupo,” Harmony vowed.
    “You impudent child.” Eve shook her head.
    She suddenly smiled, then put out her hand. Harmony wasn’t sure of her change of mood.
    “I’m not going to hurt you. I respect you for standing up to me. It’s foolish, but I respect it.”
    Harmony studied the silent Christos. He nodded. She took the offered hand, shaking it. Eve shifted her grip and pulled her into her frame. She pressed her lips against Harmony’s ear, whispering, “Instead of waiting for Lennox to make a move, go and get him. Shadowers enjoy the mate hunt too much, and sometimes lose sight of the end goal.” Eve released her, stepping back. “I’ll do as you bid, Harmony. I don’t want to cause Lupo any more pain. I didn’t know she killed his bond shadow.” She glanced at the door, then to Harmony. “Go on, now. Don’t let him brood, or you’ll lose all headway. Christos will fill me in.”
    Eve pushed her gently towards the door. Harmony returned her attention to Christos. He waved her out. She hurried into the hall, before she reached out her senses for Lennox. Nothing. Frowning, she stalked to the outer office door. He was blocking her, shutting her out again. Before the day was done, he would learn not to do that again. She shimmered, fading from view, and headed to find him.

 
    Chapter Five

    Harmony returned to form, crouching in the tree above him. She watched as Lennox paced along the ridge he had taken her to weeks ago. It was the place he went to think.
    “You’re starting to piss me off,” she said mildly.
    Lennox stiffened, glancing up at her. Harmony stood on the branch, putting