King of Tides (The Immortal Iron Brothers #3)

Chapter 42

Setting the Play

I have never forced myself into a body this small. However, I don’t have time to adjust to his size. I need to find some useful information I can take back.

When the bishop gave me this assignment, that Carson guy felt like the right vessel. His obsession with her and the way he reeked of her scent caused me to choose him. I was sure he would get me close to her.

My luck, she cut him off the same day I possessed him. He will be lucky to survive all the time I’ve spent occupying his body. He’ll be dead by morning, being a human and all.

Ah, bingo. I won’t need to remain in this one long, but I will use him to set up a play, just in case.

I knock the little boy out so I can take control of his mind and body. He will wake when I exit. For now, I need full control.

“Grandpa Mack?”

“Yes, Beck.” The old man looks up from the drawer he’s digging through.

“Will you come to see us at the clubhouse?” I ask.

Thankfully, I won’t have to be in this body long because I don’t think I would get used to the tiny voice. It would drive me crazy after a few hours. However, he was the easiest vessel to take over without notice.

“We’ll have to see what your mother and father think of that. If it’s fine with them, I would love to.”

“Good. I have something for you. It will help you get into the clubhouse. They will know we invited you and they’ll get you right to Mom and Dad.”

I reach into the little boy’s pocket and pull the coin from inside. The old man looks at it and hesitates. I think fast in order for my plan to work.

“They would want you to have it. We all have them. If ever something were to happen to Mom, you would be able to get in during a lockdown if you have this.”

This gets him to take the coin from my hand. I smile, pleased with myself. I will return to His Grace with solutions and not empty hands. I can’t help wondering how my brother has fared.

Asher doesn’t have the same patience. Knowing him, he has abandoned the mission for another realm—not doubt the vampire realm, his favorite—and he will return when he senses I have.

“Thank you, Beck.”

“No problem. I hope we see you soon, Grandpa. I had so much fun with you today.”

“Come give me a hug, little buddy. You have made my day.”

With a cunning smile on my lips, I go to hug the old man.

The bishop will be pleased.

***

I enter the bishop’s office with confidence and pride. However, I do note something is off. I don’t feel many of my brothers here. That’s strange. This place is always filled with life. Even when many of us are out hunting or on assignment, there’s always so many of us around.

“Your Grace,” I say as I place the coin down on his desk.

I stole this one as I passed by the other baby titan. I was nearly caught as that woman and the abomination sensed my presence. I only got away because they rushed for the boy not knowing I had already released him.

I jumped right into one of the humans and walked out the front door in their person. I’m sure my plan will go off as effortlessly.

“You come in here at a time like this with a coin? Do I look like I’m in the mood for a fucking offering?” The bishop spews.

I take a step back, startled. He’s never spoken to me like this. As one of the only original queens of my kind left, he has treated me as special among our lot.

I still believe he would have killed me if I had not been just as special as my brother. While Asher has the power to clone others, I have the power to invade their beings and access their thoughts. He couldn’t have one and not the other. We are a package deal.

“Y ... you told me to come to you straight away when I had something,” I stammer out in shock.

“Not three, four months later. Not after nearly everyone is gone.”

“What? What do you mean, Your Grace?”

“What do you mean, Your Grace?” He mocks in a whiny voice and moves his head tauntingly. “I needed something useful two days ago. Your brothers are all dead. Well, the majority of them. Our numbers have been depleted.”

“Asher?” I ask with a shaky voice.

He looks at me and glares. Something crosses over his face quickly. I hold my breath, fearing his next words.

“He gave a sacrifice for the greater good. I wouldn’t have used him if I would have known she would kill all the rest of them.”

My heart crumbles. My brother, my twin was all I had felt. I have served this cause as a nun for longer than I can remember. Asher never wavered in his support, he may have detoured to enjoy his life, but he always returned.

“In that case, I’m glad I have this news to give you. This is not just a random coin. It will grant us access to the headquarters of the Iron Brothers.

“I’ve been inside the boy, so I can trace my essence to where they are. Although I have set up a better plan if you’re willing to listen,” I say.

He gives me a dark grin. “I am listening.”

Carson

What the fuck is wrong with me? I feel like I’m dying. My body feels so heavy, and I’m soaked with sweat.

I groan as I try to toss and turn to get some relief, but this ache is in my bones and feels so heavy I can’t move. It’s not like I’ve been sick. This just came out of nowhere.

Although for months, I haven’t felt right mentally. Even now, I can’t fully remember a lot. My thoughts are all jumbled up.

“Carson. Carson Ramirez.”

I can’t open my eyes, but I don’t think the voice is in the room with me. It sounds more like it’s in my head. I groan in response, thinking the angel of death is here for me.

“Are you listening, Carson?”

“What do you want?” I reply in my mind.

“I want to help you.”

“Help me how?”

“I can heal you.”

“Why would you do that? Who are you?”

“I’m a friend. I want to help you come into your true potential.”

“Bro, I can’t even think right now. There’s nothing I can do for you, and I don’t think I’m going to live long enough to come into anything.”

“Yes, you need reassurance and relief. I understand.”

Suddenly, the crushing pain lifts from my body. I lift a hand to wipe some of the sweat from my face. Feeling like I can move now, I sit up in bed and open my eyes.

“Now, that’s better,” the voice says before some dude appears standing in my room before me.

I jump and reach for my piece, then realize this isn’t my apartment. I don’t have my gun on me, I’m off duty. The one I usually carry when I’m off is in the glove of my car.

“Do you mind if I sit?” he says, pointing to my old desk chair in my old bedroom.

I take him in as he moves to sit without my response. This guy is dressed like some priest or bishop or something. His blue eyes are cold, and he has this vibe coming from him that throws me on the side of caution.

I want to allow him to speak, so I know his motives before I engage him. I remain silent and watch him as he watches me. A part of me believes I’m losing my mind.

“Now I think we can talk and have a productive conversation,” he says.

“About what?”

“Billy Salvado and the biker she’s with.”

I ball my fists at my sides but give no other reaction to the mention of Billy. I knew that biker was going to get her into some shit. I calm down to pay attention to figure out how to get her out of this.

“She never picks you. Over and over again, she chooses someone else. Anyone else but you. Don’t you think it’s time you become the choice?”

“Once Billy has made up her mind, there is no changing it. I don’t know what all this is about, but I don’t think I’m your guy.”

He stands and snaps his fingers. The pain and sweats return instantly. I grind my teeth and grip the sheets.

He snaps his fingers again and the pain stops. I double over and gasp for air. When I catch my breath, I scramble back. This shit ain’t normal.

“What the fuck are you?”

“I am your salvation.”

“I highly doubt that.”

He gives a maniacal laugh. This guy looks unnatural. What the fuck has Billy gotten herself into?

“You still don’t understand you’re dealing with something greater than your fleeting human life. You will do this willingly, or I can force you to do what I need.”

I go to tell him fuck him, but I quickly remember a few moments ago and the pain I was in. I need to know what it is he wants with Billy so I can understand how to help her.

“What exactly is it you need from me?”

“I want her to choose you.”

I sigh. I’m a fucking detective. A damn good one. This motherfucker is lying. He knows she won’t choose me and that’s what he’s banking on.

“Okay, how do we make that happen?”

He gives me a sinister grin. Nothing good for me will come of this. I can feel it in my bones.

I will always protect you, Billy. Always.

The Bishop

I needed a quiet place to act out my mission, so I went to my prayer quarters with a renewed step. My lord was right. Eden presented herself useful.

Her idea is brilliant. We will walk in with the upper hand and if all else fails, I still have an ace in my back pocket.

Her plan is solid, but I have taken things a step further. Eden gave me more information than she knows. Once I told her Asher didn’t make it, I knew she would.

By the time she finds out the truth, I will have completed my mission. I left none of my valued assets behind. Not even my hunters know who made it out and who didn’t. I purposely split them up for my plan to work.

As I’m done with Carson Ramirez, I return to my body waiting in my prayer quarters. I lift my head and stand from kneeling before the stone. Power still courses through me even after the energy I’ve expelled. He will play his part nicely.

“That went well,” I murmur to myself with a satisfied grin.

I have planted the necessary seed to get my desired results. I now have a pawn in play. My numbers may be down, but I have the critical players still at my fingertips.

I have lost one battle, not the war. This is still mine for the taking. I’ve always been in this for the long game.

Remembering my purpose, I pull out my cell phone. I lift it to my ear and wait as the other line rings. It doesn’t pick up until the third ring.

“Hello,” the voice on the other end comes through gruffly.

Good, he sounds detached. I believe I have the perfect timing. Invoking insanity is my strong suit.

I snort to myself. The water wielder’s mate has the spirit of intikam. They’re making this all too easy.

Very well done, Eden.

“Bardo. It is time. I have your task for you.”