Finding the Fallen

Chapter 14

Logan had seen Leanne around town before, but he didn't realize she worked for Tannish. He and Sonya had been arguing about her desire to "serve her King," and as it turned out, Sonya had shared details of that little argument (in which Logan had expressed his sincere dislike for the King) with Tannish himself. As a result, Tannish had dispatched Leanne to "persuade" Logan to join the ranks, as it were. Her persuasive techniques were extremely effective up until one telltale point.

Logan had quickly become intoxicated with Leanne and as they reached the landing, he nearly broke down his apartment door in a clumsy attempt to get inside quickly. All he could think about was ripping off what little clothing she was wearing and devouring her. Inside the apartment, Logan kissed her deeply. When they came up for air, she moved her hands down his chest and grasped the bottom of his shirt, raising it quickly over his head to reveal his finely-toned chest.

Logan grabbed a handful of curly hair and pulled Leanne's head back. Her lips parted and a soft moan escaped. Urged on by her reaction, he began hungrily kissing her shoulder, working his way toward the nape of her neck. She was digging her nails into his back as he moved along, but he barely noticed. All he could think was how good it felt to touch a woman again...it had been a long time.

Unfortunately, the moment ended as quickly as it had begun. As he kissed his way to Leanne's perfect neck, he noticed a small pendant hanging from a thin chain. It was the same necklace Sonya had recently adopted. When he asked his sister in passing where she had gotten the necklace, she proudly told him it was a gift from the King.

The realization of what was happening suddenly dawned on him, releasing him from Leanne's enchanting spell. He shoved her back roughly, fire burning in his eyes. "Get out," he said, pointing at the door.

Leanne grunted her displeasure and stepped back toward him, apparently willing to risk his anger to complete her task. "Don't be like that, Logan. You know you want me..."

"Whatever Tannish is selling here; I don't want it. Get the hell out before I throw you out," was his reply.

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Logan sucked in a short breath, returning to the present in a rush as he recalled the sharp smack in the face he had received after refusing Leanne's company that night. She had been more than just pissed at him when she left; in fact, she was livid. Apparently, no one rejected the advances of the King's Fire Captain. He figured it was just a matter of time before she tried to kill him in his sleep, but he hadn't seen her around at all until now.

Sighing inwardly, Logan hoped this would not go sour too quickly. He needed time to get everyone out safely, but as Leanne continued to advance on him, he began to wonder if that would be possible at all. Mira was with her, and from the way she was looking at Kala, it was unlikely either of them had just stopped by for a quick beer.

Still focused on Leanne, he waited for her to make the first move. He knew Merik and Kala were behind him, and as long as they stayed there, they might have a chance to get out. Some of the locals were starting to get the picture, moving swiftly towards the exit now.

The fire behind Leanne flashed brighter, but didn't spread any farther. The bar sizzled under the strain of the heat and flames. It was getting hotter in the small room. Sweat tricked down one side of Logan's face as he continued to wait for the inevitable.

Leanne knew Logan was strong, which made her smarter than she looked. Logan surmised that knowledge alone was why Leanne had not tried to kill him that night 3 months earlier when she hadn't gotten her way. Mira, on the other hand, apparently didn't care.

Raising her hand quickly as she reached Leanne's side, Mira produced a sphere of water that lifted off her fingers and hovered in midair between the two women and Logan. He could see his reflection in the shimmering mass, which was growing larger with each passing second. She was flexing her muscles, but he didn't take the bait.