Avenger (29 page)

Zero clamped a hand over his mouth, his fingertips digging into the skin on his cheeks. He kept the anguish at bay for Nikki’s sake.

Her eyes closed one last time. “A beautiful sacrifice, remember?” Nikki closed her eyes. And everything became dark and quiet and nothing.

Zero cradled Nikki in his arms, rocking her lifeless body back and forth until Vessler’s men realized what had happened.
They stormed in and carried her to the examination table, the same one where Vessler’s chest had been stitched.

Scientists hooked her up to several machines, ripping her clothes to place electrodes on her upper torso.

The heart monitor read a flat line. No heartbeat. Zero hugged himself, sitting on the floor in the cage alone. Beyond him, doctors gave her several injections, then stared at the heart monitor and waited. A long straight line streamed across the screen where her pulse should be.
This … this isn’t happening. She can’t be dead
.

Zero cried. And prayed. And cried. Because he knew she’d willingly given her life to save them all. Without her, Vessler had no hope of creating his army. With her dead, there was no possible way of turning her then harvesting her Darkling eggs. And the harshness of that fact caused Zero to love her all the more. She’d been aware of exactly what she was doing. Nikki was the bravest Halfling he’d ever known.

He’d been lost in his own thoughts until he heard the screams. Vessler, running through the door and stopping by Nikki’s bedside. “
No
,” he yelled and folded forward, throwing himself over her body. Between his anguished screams, he sobbed.

Genuine love seemed to ooze from Vessler. It sickened Zero that he and this man shared the same grief of losing Nikki. Zero shrank away from the bars he’d pressed close to while trying to stay near Nikki.

After several minutes of crying, Vessler pulled the monitor wires from her and slowly lifted her in his arms. Her hair fell in soft waves as he carried her out.

That’s when Zero heard gunshots.

Chapter 27

T
he sounds of chaos rumbled through the sterile room and into Zero’s cage, charging the atmosphere. “Bolt the door,” one of the black-clad thugs hollered. Another had disappeared with Vessler — and Nikki — through a side door. The lights flickered. The white-coated flunkies stared at the ceiling. The bulbs flickered again. Then the room went black.

Zero watched the pathetic scientists and tough guys huddle together in the darkness, shifting their weight, eyes wide and fearful each time a boom permeated the air. When the computer screens glowed green, all eyes fell to their digital displays. Across every screen in the room, a banner flashed:

Zero runs the network. Zero runs the network. Zero runs the network
.

Zero’s small, sad smile split the cut open on his lips. Vegan had come. But she was too late.

Several scientists roamed from computer station to computer station, clicking buttons and rattling cords. Again, the
screens went black, blanketing the room in darkness. Tension rose like a hot air balloon with too much fire.

Beyond the door to the room, Zero could hear a battle. With each pounding jolt and scream, the skirmish drew closer, and the room’s population — including him—jumped with each sound. Someone managed to produce an emergency light. Excited chatter began, discussing if they should remain inside or try to escape. Zero overheard two of them whispering about Vessler’s secret exit, though it became clear neither knew the code to open the door.

He knew he should keep his mouth shut, but he just couldn’t do it. “Hey, science guys, how does it feel to be a rat in a cage?”

Frightened eyes shot to him. They must have forgotten he was there.

“Do you know what Halflings do to humans?” He thought quickly, trying to conjure the most sadistic action he could imagine. “We string them alive and peel the skin from their bodies.” He stifled a weak snicker.

People screamed beyond the door. The pathetic scientists searched the room and grabbed for anything they could fashion into a weapon. One even broke a rickety metal chair and clasped the leg like a club. The guard cradled a short club and pitched his weight from one foot to the other.

“That’s a toothpick for a Halfling,” Zero taunted. “When that door opens, they’ll wrap it around your neck like a noose and allow just enough oxygen past your windpipe to keep you alive. Then they’ll dangle you from the ceiling until your neck snaps.”

The man dropped the chair leg like it was on fire. The guard struggled to pull a gun from his holster. His hand shook as he pointed it at Zero.

“A .22? Really? What are you going to do with that? Those shells simply bounce off Halflings.” It was a lie, but the guy didn’t know it.

Another crashing boom and the door flew open. Zero saw the .22 barrel flash and looked down. Blood gushed from his leg. And was that Raven running toward him?

It was. Soon other Halflings were stopping the scientists, but Raven was carrying a … He must be hallucinating. Raven stripped a wrapper from a candy bar and pressed it to the cage lock while he screamed for Zero to get back. Then he disappeared through the same door he’d entered.

Five seconds later, the candy bar exploded and blew the door open.
Definitely hallucinating
. And weak. Zero could feel his life force draining from his leg. It was okay. He didn’t mind dying.

Then Vegan walked in, and he remembered what he had to live for.

Vegan entered the cage and went to work on Zero’s leg. She ripped a strip of material from his shirt and tied it off quickly. “I’m getting you out of here,” she said, and dropped a kiss on his cheek.

Mace followed her in. “Where are they keeping Nikki?”

Halflings were routing the scientists out until his brothers and sisters were the only ones who remained around him, and this brought a rush of safety — a sensation Zero’d wondered if he’d ever feel again. From the corner of his eye, he saw Vine searching the adjacent rooms.

Mace dropped to his knees beside Vegan. “Zero, where are they keeping Nikki?”

Zero shook his head. How could he tell him? “She’s, she’s gone.”

“Gone where?” He grabbed Zero’s shoulder.

“She’s gone, Mace. She’s dead.”

Mace’s hand became a vice on his collarbone. Vegan had to pry his fingers away. “No! She can’t be dead. Vine, keep looking!”

“Mace, she died in my arms.”

His head shook, refusing to believe.

“They put her on a heart monitor. I saw the readings. No life. Nothing. Just a long, flat line. She’s dead.”

Mace flew from him and hammered his fist into the titanium bars with such force the metal groaned and shook under the pressure.

Vegan was crying. She dropped her face into her hands, and Zero reached up to stroke her cheek. His hand was slick with blood, and when she looked at his fingers with wide eyes, she sat straight. “Mace, we have to get Zero out of here.”

Mace turned, his eyes glassy. Vegan showed him the blood still pouring from Zero’s wounded leg. With a jolt, Mace ran back over and scooped Zero into his arms.

Chapter 28

N
ikki was caught up on wings of eagles and carried to a hillside. Below her, steps led to a meadow, where colors as vibrant as oil paints fresh from the tube surrounded her, making her feel like she’d stepped into a living masterpiece.

And the pain. The pain was gone. She glanced down at her clothing, pristine, as if the nightmare at Vessler’s laboratory had never happened. But it did happen. It was as real as … the landscape she now saw.

This couldn’t be earth. Her gaze fell to flowers that seemed to smile as she glanced their way. Far off, she could see a city, its glory shining like a diamond in a field of emerald grass.

“Is it beautiful?”

The deep voice neither frightened nor surprised her. When she looked at him, her breath caught. He was the most perfect man she’d ever seen. Pure devotion seeped from a gaze so deep, she thought she could stare forever and not understand the depths of his adoration.

“Beyond imagination,” she said. “Are you …” But she knew. No human alive emanated such love. Such life.

A sash crossed from his collarbone to his hip and shone like diamonds. Then he smiled, and the entire realm seemed to swell with grandeur as if his very pulse gave life to the world around her.

She drew a breath of pure oxygen. So clean and clear, it cooled like mint as it permeated her lungs. It felt so good to breathe. She stretched, allowing her shoulder blades to expand. Nothing hampered their movement. And she felt no wings.

He gestured to the road and took a step. “Walk with me, Nikki.”

Her feet answered with movement before her mind responded. A feeling of peace rose with each footfall. She had no wings, but right now, wings didn’t matter.

His eyes were like mountain glaciers as he observed her. “That is the city of my Father. Do you know of it?”

The first sparks of panic set in. Vegan had told her something about the city of God, about Halflings never being able to enter it.

His smile melted her tension, and when he locked his hands behind his back and continued to walk, she continued too. “That is my Father’s kingdom. But my kingdom is my people.” Again, he stopped. “Do you understand?”

“Yes,” she answered, wondering where this clarity of thought came from. Fear quickly replaced comfort. “Humans,” she whispered. “You’re kingdom is the humans.”

Which she wasn’t.

“My heart beats for mankind. I love them beyond comprehension. I died for them.”

She drew in a slow breath, then another, but her heart kept speeding. She wasn’t a human.

She hadn’t been granted his love.

And she wouldn’t be able to enter the city. Her hands started to sweat and her mind spun. He wouldn’t bring her here — allow her to experience his beauty, his glory only to send her to hell. Would he?

“Peace,” he whispered. His breath, the breath of life, blew across her face, erasing the panic.

Nikki had never felt more loved.

“Halflings have captured my heart,” he said simply. “Will, he has been a good caregiver?”

“The Lost Boys’ devotion to him and his to them humbles me,” she said.

“And are you pleased that you were in his charge?”

Were
. Everything in past tense. She was undoubtedly dead. “Yes.”

“What may I grant you while we’re here talking?”

“Uh.” She stumbled over words. Her mind raced. What should she ask for? Something for Mace? To feel her wings one last time? But with her brain reeling, the only person she seemed able to concentrate on was Will, her caregiver. “There is something,” she said, tentatively.

He waited for her answer, those eyes of peace coaxing her to continue.

“I know that Will was once a great general in your army. And I know he was demoted to being a caregiver for Halflings.”

“Yes, this is so.”

“I would like you to restore his place of honor.”

He stopped and turned to face her. “Of all the things you could ask? And all that is in my power to give? You ask this?”

She swallowed. “Yes.”

“Though your life hangs in the balance, you ask for forgiveness for another?”

Mace rushed to her mind. She’d never see him again. Pain followed a tear down her cheek, but she stood firm. “Yes.”

His smile lit the sky, chasing her anguish away. A hand fell gently to her shoulder. “Daughter of man, Will was restored to his position long ago. When offered the army, he chose you. He chose to serve Halflings rather than lead angels. And his decision is pleasing to me.”

Nikki nodded slowly, and wondered if she’d ever comprehend this new world she’d been thrust into, its every element at war with the principles she’d grown up with. Yet with each passing moment, understanding flooded her.

“Will’s current position is more vital than any he’s held. As I said, it pleases me. And so does
your
sacrifice to mankind and Halflings. It will be rewarded.”

Rewarded? She didn’t know what that could mean. And all she really wanted to know right now was
where would she spend eternity?

“And now you wonder what will become of you.” He held a hand up. “Do you hear that?”

She listened until the faintest of sounds touched her ears. “It sounds like … Mace.”

“Yes. He’s praying for you. I must admit, his persistence is commendable.”

Mace was praying for her. Which meant he still thought she was alive. Her heart broke for him.

Mace would have to continue his immortal life without her.

Through the blinding tears and pain in his chest, Mace ran the halls of the Omega lab. At the far end of the longest tunnel, he spotted Raven. He skidded to a stop just as he turned. Their eyes met across the distance, and he realized Raven knew. The bag Raven carried dropped to the floor, and he ran to Mace, who now sagged against the wall. Strength came in spurts, as one second he was determined to find her and get her out, the next overwhelmed by the fact he’d never again hear her laugh, see her smile.

“What is it?” A midnight-blue gaze searched his face.

Mace stared back, but could only shake his head. Seeing Raven brought the last year flowing back. Moments with Nikki streamed through his mind.

“Is it Nikki?”

Mace’s chest became tight. “She’s gone. She’s dead.”

Raven collapsed into him. In the deadening silence, they gripped each other’s arms. Raven’s voice wavered as he half whispered, “I thought something had happened, but … No.”

“She’s gone, Raven.” Mace needed to say it. Hear it. Even though he couldn’t believe it.

Raven clung to him, hands squeezing his forearms as his head shook violently. And Mace held him, knowing this is the closest they would come to an embrace, but yet it was enough. They strengthened one another. Somehow, Mace had to make it through this for Raven, and he’d need Raven now more than ever.

A prayer started, without solicitation, in the depth of Mace’s mind. He heard himself crying out to God. “Please don’t take her. She belongs here. With me.” Over and over, his mind begged for Nikki to live. Though she was gone, he had no way of stopping the voice that pleaded for her life.