“Give her a chance,” he said. “She has a good heart, even if it needs to be dusted off a little.”
Blue paused and turned to face him. He could hear the shift in the proximity and direction of her voice. “I’m not the only one who feels this way. No one’s brought up the tattoo.”
Niko’s head tipped to the side. “You have to earn that mark.”
Each member of Keystone had the same tattoo—hidden so Viktor wouldn’t find out. He wouldn’t approve of such foolishness, but it was how the team created a bond. They had them sealed with liquid fire—a substance in their world that made tattoos, scars, and burns permanent. Most Breeds had rejuvenating abilities, and ink from tattoos would be absorbed by their body and vanish in a short time. Liquid fire prevented that, making their tattoos something they would carry for the rest of their lives—a symbol that connected them. They usually kept the mark a secret until the new person showed exemplary behavior, and while Raven had shown that with taking down Darius and even locating Christian in the cemetery, she hadn’t been an official member of Keystone at the time those events occurred.
Niko suddenly gripped the pommel of the katana he wore beneath his coat.
“What’s wrong?” Blue asked.
It was more than a Mage flaring; Niko recognized the unique qualities of the energy that skated across his skin.
“Go to the car,” he ordered Blue.
“Do you know them?”
He turned his head toward her. “Do as I say. This is personal.”
She touched his arm. “Okay, but if you need me, I’ve got my axe under the seat.”
As her footsteps faded, another set approached.
“Nikodemos. Have you been avoiding me?”
“Cyrus,” he said in greeting, never removing his grip from his sword.
“Worry not. I have no desire to fight you, boy. I didn’t spend the past five centuries combing the ends of the earth for you just to cut off your head. What kind of friend would I be?”
Niko widened his stance, noticing every inflection in Cyrus’s tone and how his energy fluctuated. He was speaking the truth; Cyrus had no intention of killing him. At least not now.
“What do you want, Cyrus?”
“When I saw that Native woman holding your arm, I thought she was yours. Then I remembered how painfully awkward you always were around strangers—especially women. Afraid they’d laugh at your weakness, as they often did. Now I realize she’s just your Seeing Eye dog.”
Niko bristled. Cyrus was masterful with insults. There was a time long ago when Niko relied on him, but time changes men and reveals their true character.
Cyrus stepped forward. “I’ve been watching you these past weeks. I see you’re living comfortably. By the looks of that estate, you must have access to a fortune.”
“You know money never meant anything to me.”
Cyrus belted out a laugh. “Yes, and that’s why you were always a fool. But maybe you’ve finally grown into a man.” He quieted a moment, as if he were contemplating. “Come back to us. It’ll be just like old times.”
Niko’s brows arched.
“Well, maybe not exactly like old times. I might have valuable information about a certain string of murders.” Cyrus’s shoe shuffled against the concrete.
Niko pulled his sword out just an inch, ready to strike. “Were you behind them?”
“You know that’s not my style. But maybe for the right price, I can give you a name. The truth might surprise you. Think of all those innocent lives you could save.”
Niko knew what the price would be, and it was something he’d never relinquish to a man like Cyrus. But it didn’t leave him with a clean conscience knowing his decision could mean more lives lost. That was assuming Cyrus had information. “You know nothing.”
“You insult me,” Cyrus said. “I have eyes and ears everywhere, and you know this to be true. Quit being so obstinate. After five centuries, we are changed men, are we not? Obviously someone took pity on a blind man and taught you how to handle a sword. Very admirable, Nikodemos. But sooner or later, someone is going to catch you alone. Your female companion is sitting in her car, but we would never leave your side. You need someone who will always have your back. I’m not asking you for what’s rightfully mine—what you absconded with all those years ago. I want you back. I can give you a position as my second. You’ll get respect and more money thantheyprobably pay you.”
“Stolen money.”
“Don’t act as if you weren’t once a thief. You still are.”
