Rourk (Keegan's Chronicles Series Book 4)

  Once back in bed, Keegan called Anna and had to hold the phone away from her ear as Anna screeched into her ear that she was going to be an aunt. Not technically, but close enough. Anna and Lauren were as close to sisters as they could get without being blood. And they had even done a blood spell once, sealing the bond. Keegan smiled at the memory. They’d been ten years old.

  Keegan begged Anna to come over and whip up some witchy concoction. Anna was in her car before they hung up.

  Pregnant. Wow

  Keegan. I can talk now.

  She stretched and rolled over on her side, smiling softly, causing his stomach to drop. She rubbed her eyes with her palms. I have some big news. I would have waited till you got home, but you know I can’t keep secrets.

  Tell me. Rourk kicked one leg over the other and lay back on the cot. Stitch was already snoring away on his side of the room. Classical music filled the air, Beethoven this time.

  We’re going to have a baby.

  Rourk felt like his world had shifted beneath him. He tossed his legs over the side of the bed and sat up straight. A baby? His throat ached with affection. He was going to be a father? His emotions overwhelmed him, and he swallowed hard to try to push them back. Are you sure?

  Positive. I’ve had my head in the toilet all day and my mom confirmed it. I thought I had the flu.

  You’re sick? He hated not being there for her when she needed him.

  Yes, but that’s normal. Don’t worry, I’m fine. Anna came over and made me some tea to calm my stomach. I read online it should pass by twelve weeks.

  Twelve weeks? That’s a long time.

  Not really. I’m nine weeks pregnant. I think we conceived the day you left.

  Keegan, I don’t know what to say. I’m at a loss for words. He dropped his head back on his pillow.

  Are you happy? I’m pretty shocked myself. I thought it would be at least five years till we had an elfin.

  I’m terrified, to tell the truth. Rourk ran his hands over his face, still shocked by the news. A baby.

  Keegan’s laugh echoed through his mind. You and me both! It’s scary.

  I’m also overjoyed. It’s truly incredible news, Keegan.

  Rourk’s vision was starting to fade. He was exhausted and using the power to communicate with Keegan was draining what little energy he had left.

  I was thinking, if it’s a girl, we should name her, Caitria, after your mom.

  Rourk’s heart rate increased, and he felt the emotions rise in his chest. He cleared his throat, but it still felt tight. I like that idea. Very thoughtful, Keegan.

  You look tired. I’m glad you are safe. I’ll let you rest. I just wanted you to know we’re going to be parents.

  I wish I were with you right now. I will email you when I wake up.

  ’Kay. Night, Rourk. I love and miss you so much.

  I know. I can feel it. I love you too, and Keegan, you’ll be an amazing mother.

  I hope so. I really do.

  ’Night, Keegan.

  Rourk folded his fingers together over his stomach and stared up at the ceiling. A father. A slow grin spread across his face. He had helped make a real living being with the woman he loved. He had no doubt Keegan would be a wonderful mom. He did wonder if he would be able to give a child all the love and support it would need. As much as he loved his own father, he had not been the best of dads after the death of his mother. If anyone had been a role model to him on how a father should be, it was Richard, Keegan’s dad. Somehow, he managed to balance his responsibilities between being leader of the Elfin Army, and his family life. Rourk had always been slightly in awe of the man.

  If he knew one thing, it was that he was determined to do better than his own father. He secretly longed for a son to pass on his power as a warrior. The thought of a girl was utterly terrifying. He’d never been very comfortable around females until he met Keegan. But if the Gods willed a girl, he would adapt. Nothing said he couldn’t teach a daughter the way of the warrior.

  Rourk closed his eyes and let sleep wash over him. He dreamed of Keegan waddling through the house with Athena close at her heels. In his dream, she was absolutely glowing and had never looked more beautiful.

  CHAPTER 13

  As usual, Rourk woke up before his alarm. He ran his hands over his face and wondered if last night had been a dream. Was he really going to be a father? He closed his eyes to check on Keegan. She was flipping through a pregnancy magazine in a bookstore. Not a dream.

  Can’t talk, but wanted to see your face. Rourk said through their bond.

  Keegan bit the side of her lip and smiled. It drove him crazy when she did that. She really had no idea how sexy she was. I can’t wait to get home.

  Only three more weeks! Her blue-green eyes sparkled.

  Not soon enough. Gotta run. Love you. He wished he had more time, but he had to get his day started. Seeing her face and confirmation of the pregnancy made him feel like he was floating on air.

  Love you too.

  Rourk’s eyes snapped open. Stitch walked out of the bathroom.

  “Guess what?”

  Stitch raised an eyebrow. “It’s too early to play twenty questions. I need coffee first.”

  “Keegan’s pregnant.”

  “No shit? That’s incredible news, man.”

  “I can’t believe it.” Rourk wasn’t one to talk about his personal life, but he had to tell someone. Stitch had a son that was around six months old, so he knew he would understand.

  “Congratulations. It’s the best feeling in the world, holding that little wrinkled baby in your hands for the first time. I balled like a baby.” Stitch shook his head and smiled. “I’m sure you’ll make a great father.”

  Rourk grabbed his ID off the desk. “I’m not so sure about that…”

  “Well, I’m sure enough for the both of us. You never do anything unless it’s one hundred percent times ten.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Rourk said. “I’m going to get a quick workout before the meeting.”

  “See what I mean? I’m going to sit my ass at the computer and watch mindless YouTube videos.”

  Rourk laughed and closed the door behind him.

  He was reeling on the walk over to the gym.

  Rourk and Stitch had been tasked with another mission. Rourk enjoyed these times. Just the two of them together.

  He pulled a khaki shirt on over his Kevlar vest. Riding prominently on his right hip was his Glock 17, where he carried it unconcealed even though they were in civilian clothes. Stitched was dressed similarly except he preferred the Colt .45. Some guys liked the bigger fire power. Rourk didn’t have a preference as either would get the job done.

  Today their task was rather simple, but necessary. They had to pick up and drive a VIP to the airport. Rourk was specifically requested as the driver, which he thought was a little odd, but actually wasn‘t. Word got around in their small circle about who was who and how they operated.

  Arriving at the pick up site early, Rourk and Stitch met the VIP‘s advance team out front exchanged bonafides, then quickly discussed the details of this short escort mission. Twenty minutes later, the advance team signaled to Stitch that the VIP was on his way down. Stitch held the back door open and a three-star general, flanked by two of his body guards, approached. Rourk, sitting behind the wheel, was surprised to see the telltale pointed ears, but kept his face blank. His eyes darted to the man‘s shoulder to see what unit patch he was wearing: JSOC, commonly known as Delta Force. Interesting.

  Everyone climbed in, and Rourk radioed that he was moving, putting the other vehicles assigned to the general‘s security detail into motion. Driving in Afghanistan was hazardous to your health. People drove like complete lunatics, and you never knew if there were IED’s on the road. Rourk had seen more than his share of vehicles blown up in his time overseas. After an uneventful ten-minute drive to the airport, Rourk pulled up to the hangar where the general‘s advance team was waiting.

  A
s the general exited the vehicle he said, “I would like to have a moment with Kavanagh.”

  Rourk looked at Stitch, whose eyes were as wide as saucers. Rourk exited the vehicle and fell into step beside the general as they walked out of hearing range from the others.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The general held out his hand. Rourk grasped it and shook firmly, meeting General O’Neil’s steel blue eyes.

  “Likewise, sir.”

  “Believe it or not, I know your old man.”

  Rourk could believe it. Their world was small, and Rourk’s father had been the Marines’ equivalent of Delta Force. “’Nam?”

  “’Nam.” The general got a far away look in his eyes and shook his head. “We’ll save that for another day.”

  “I know this is unorthodox, but there are problems in the area. And not the kind of problem we’re used to seeing around here, if you know what I mean.”

  “D’jinns?”

  “You’ve seen them?”

  “I saw one the other day when I was out on patrol.”

  “Dear spirits, during the day?”

  “It was late in the afternoon.”

  “It’s worse than I thought if they are getting that brave. I’ve spoken to your father-in-law. He suggested I contacted you. At first I thought he was overly fond of you until I looked at your records. Why the hell haven’t you come across the fence?”

  “Across the fence” meant joining Delta Force, an even more elite Special Forces team than he was on now. The thought was appealing, but he’d promised Keegan they would go back home after his four years were up, and truth be told, he missed working with the Army of the light.

  “I’m only finishing out my contract and then returning to the Elfin Army, sir.”

  “Can’t say that I blame you. This shit gets old. I’m close to retiring myself. I’ll be bringing my old ass over there to see if I can help out in any way.”

  “We’d be most grateful, sir.”

  “Richard said he has men over here but they are stretched thin. Seems all is not right in the supernatural world either. The whole damn universe is off kilter.”

  “What can I do?”

  “Honestly, I have no idea. I just wanted to warn you and make sure you were on the lookout. But seems you’re already ahead of me. Consider any contact with them as part of your normal rules of engagement but remember, those creatures are ruthless bastards. If given half a chance, they‘ll attempt to kill you. Watch your back, son.” He paused. “Rourk, you do know there is only one way to kill them, right?”

  Rourk’s gray gaze met the general’s. “Yes, sir, up close and personal.”

  “Very good.” The general turned and walked back towards the hangar and addressed his security detail. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

  As they drove back, Stitch turned to Rourk, “What was that all about? How did he know your name?”

  “Seems the general worked with my dad a few times when they were in Vietnam.”

  “Really? That‘s pretty crazy. Wasn‘t your dad a marine?”

  “Yeah, Force Recon, so probably classified missions. He didn‘t go into any details, just wanted me to know and to say hi to my dad next time I talked to him.”

  Stitch looked at Rourk and shook his head “Figures your dad was a badass. The apple never falls far from the tree.”

  Rourk mulled over the information as he and Stitch drove back to their base camp. He should contact Richard when he got back, but it wasn’t like he could just sneak off on his own. He was here for his team and he had to be there when needed. If he happened to cross paths with any d’jinn, he would be sure to remove them from the equation.

  They had permission to check out a local bazaar on the drive back. It was a continuation of becoming familiar with the area. They pulled up and parked the truck where they could keep their eyes on it. Even though they were wearing civilian clothes and were wearing a Pakol, the traditional Pashtun hats that many Afghan males wore, they still stuck out like sore thumbs. Everyone knew who and what they were. Some of the children smiled and waved, a few vendors and shoppers glared, and others dipped their head in respect.

  He couldn’t really blame them. He wouldn’t like it if foreign soldiers stormed his country, but they were there to help. Clean up an infestation. A few of the Afghans realized that, but most wished they would go back where they’d come from.

  Stitch handed out candy to the kids while they walked. Rourk casually scanned the area, taking in everything. It‘s what they called keeping his head on a swivel. Looking for anything out of the norm and taking mental notes of the area.

  They passed several stands of handmade jewelry, Persian rugs, knock off Rolexes, purses and tons of clothing.

  “Hey, man, I’m going to grab something for my wife,” Stitch said.

  Rourk stopped and stood watch while Stitch haggled over the prices with the vendors. They tended to take advantage of foreigners when it came to pricing. Rourk would have liked to pick out something for Keegan, but when he was on the job, he wouldn’t allow himself the luxury. He’d pick her up something at the airport on the way home. It would cost five times more, but that was okay.

  It was obvious he was making some of the locals nervous, so he relaxed his stance a bit but stayed fully alert. The sun beat down on his neck, and sweat formed on his brow. The heat here was bad, but not even close to Iraq or Africa.

  The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. Slowly, Rourk turned his gaze to the right. Glowing eyes stared back at him, four pairs of them. D’jinns.

  CHAPTER 14

  Rourk glanced over at Stitch. He was holding up two brightly colored scarfs and looking between them like he was making a monumental decision. He should be occupied for a little while.

  “Not feeling great. I’m going to find a bathroom. Don’t leave the area.” Rourk spoke into his mic, eyes locked on the d’jinns. He had the feeling they had found him and not the other way around. Either way, they had to go. A rush of adrenaline flooded his body.

  From the corner of his eye, he saw Stitch turn slightly and acknowledge the words with a single nod.

  He didn’t have time to shadow them. It was going to have to be a hit and run—fast and deadly. Rourk walked straight towards the d’jinns. They seemed to think that was funny. Wide grins spread across their faces. Their eerie blue eyes glowed and the tattoo’s appeared to dance across their faces. To his eyes, they were shirtless, huge, covered in ink with large knives hung loosely at the hip. He knew to others they appeared as whomever’s body they were inhabiting.

  Causally, he walked past them and turned down a narrow side street. Their footsteps echoed behind him. Rourk gripped his knife tightly in the palm of his hand. His mind raced with possible scenarios.

  Half way down the alley, Rourk spun on the balls of his feet. Legs bent slightly, hip-width apart, hunched forward so he could twist better. It was second nature; he did it without thinking.

  He’d let them think they had the upper hand. They had him outnumbered, after all.

  A fist nearly slammed into the side of Rourk’s head, but he moved just enough to miss the blow. In a blink of the eye, he grabbed the d’jinn by the wrist, spun him around, and had the demon’s arm pressed firmly against his back. Exerting more pressure, he drove the arm up and he let out a sickening pop. The d’jinn cried out in pain, dropping to his knees.

  With the flick of his wrist, Rourk slid his knife across the demons throat. Warm blood poured out and he could feel the blade crunch through bone and muscle. The coppery smell filled his nostrils. He dropped the d’jinn to the ground. The tattoos that once covered his face disappeared in a flash, the d’jinn’s body faded and in his place was what appeared to be a local Afghan.

  One down, three to go.

  One of the d’jinns let out an angry battle cry, and like an enraged bull, he charged knife raised. Rourk smiled.

  Sidestepping, he drove his elbow into the d'jinns temple, and he fell to the ground li
ke a rag doll. The knife clattered across the ground. But he was not dead. Rourk wished he had his sword. Killing them would have been much quicker.

  Quickly, he leaned down and picked up the d'jinn by the hair of his head and pulled it back. The man’s glowing eyes were wide and full of fear. With another quick swipe, he cut the man from ear to ear, his head nearly sliced clean off. Two down, two to go.

  He heard muffled footsteps coming down the road. He had to hurry before he was spotted. The footsteps were fast approaching. The timing couldn’t be worse.

  The two remaining d’jinns looked scared. Good. Scared demons made mistakes.

  Hearing a sudden noise, Rourk whirled around. Stitch. He groaned inwardly. Why couldn’t he have just stayed where he was?

  “Rourk, what the hell are you doing?” He looked down at the two dead men and then took in the others. In the blink of an eye, Stitch had his weapon drawn. Rourk groaned. A gun would do nothing. He had to act fast.

  “I got this, Stitch. Just go back to the bazar.”

  “No way, I’m not leaving you.”

  Stitch fired and hit one of the d’jinns in the forehead. The impact caused him to spin, but he remained on his feet, an evil grin spreading across his face. “What the fuck, man,” Stitch said in a panicked voice as he crouched behind a wall.

  The d’jinn Rourk was after lunged for cover behind a pile of wooden crates.

  “You can only kill them by slitting their throats,” Rourk said, keeping his voice even.

  “What they hell are they?”

  “I’ll explain later.” Rourk’s back was slick with sweat. How the hell was he going to explain d’jinns to Stitch?

  Rourk saw the muzzle flash and leapt across the alley toward Stitch. He wasn’t fast enough. Where the hell had the gun come from? He heard the sickening whack of a bullet hitting flesh.

  “Nooo!” Rourk’s voice shook with rage.

  The blast lifted Stitch off his feet and threw him back against the building. Blood splattered against the wall, and he slid to the ground, his head bouncing off the ground. Rourk ran over and crouched next to Stitch, holding him up.