from it. I’m an employee of the Tribunal, and I’m allowed to use deadly force to protect myself. If any of you step to me, expect to fight to the death.”
Sinclair’s eyes flashed in rage.
“So be it.”
“Raph, get out of the car,” I yelled. “Now.”
There was a fireball growing in the SUV as the doors opened.
15
Chapter Fifteen
I jumped away from the car as the witch threw the fire across my lot. I saw Raphael rolling out the side as a blaze erupted on contact where the fireball landed on the trunk, pieces flying inside the car and igniting the seats. Jumping back toward it, a gunshot went off over my head. I reached into the backseat and grabbed my bag, throwing it to the side before rolling to avoid more gunfire. Glancing up, I saw Sinclair waiting at the hood of the SUV, still smiling. The fae and witch were walking toward Raphael and me, another fireball growing in the witch’s hand.
I needed a plan. Raphael needed to get that SUV out of our way. It would leave the assholes stranded if he did enough damage, which would give us time to get the fuck far away from them.
“Sinclair, don’t be fucking stupid!” I called out. “You don’t want to have this fight with me.”
“Why not? You die here, I take the prize, and I never have to deal with you ever again. No one will be able to prove I killed you.”
He was right. If there were no witnesses and if the witch disposed of me with no evidence, then there was nothing anyone could do to stop him.
“And how do you know I won’t kill you?” I asked, eyeing the two walking closer. Raphael was backing up toward the house, not the stupidest idea. I started walking backward, as well. If we baited them inside, it would be easy for me to kill at least one of them and get around behind them and get out.
“Because I don’t think you’re that skilled,” he taunted. “Light them up.”
The witch threw the second fireball, and I jumped out of the way, letting it scorch the dirt where I had been standing. Running for it, I looked back only to see the fae lift his assault rifle again and begin firing, this time in bursts.
“Go, Raph! Inside!” I roared. He turned and started at full speed as well, picking different entrances. He crashed through one of my windows, for which I couldn’t blame him, and I went through the garage. Glass shattered, and I hissed.
“NOT THE ASTON MARTIN!” I roared. Someone laughed, and I really couldn’t blame them. Every supernatural had their favorite toys and appreciated pretty things. The Aston Martin was mine.
“Apologies!” a man who I didn’t recognize yelled out. I could hear the laughter in his voice. “It’s a nice car!” More bullets rained into it, destroying the inside.
Shaking my head in disgust as I ducked inside, I didn’t bother finding a weapon. In a magical second, I shifted into my snake form and went looking for Raphael. He was going to need me. Hopefully, he didn’t try to kill me on sight like some people did.
I heard his breathing and could see his thermal readout under the door of the guest bedroom. Carefully, I reached up for the door handle and twisted around it until I heard the click of it opening. I had done this on numerous occasions, and it wasn’t too difficult. I was also certain it could give Raphael a fright, so as it swung open slowly, I fell to the ground to dodge any gunshots. I heard other doors opening; the fae and the witch must have followed us in. Sinclair was probably going to wait outside. That didn’t fit my plan, but I was certain once one of the assholes died, he would come running.
“Holy shit…Kaliya?” Raphael whispered, so quietly, I almost didn’t hear him. I bobbed my head and made my way to him, wrapping myself around his leg and moving upward. “What the fuck are you doing?” he asked, hissing it at me in a way that damn impressed me. I thought I was the only good hisser on this side of the Mississippi.
I continued up, ignoring the ache in my fangs as I flicked my tongue, picking up his scent. Still too human. He needed to get angry and fast if he wanted a chance to win. Carefully, I moved around his chest and perched my head on his shoulder.