Dark Survivor Echoes of Love Page 3

  The glass pavilion the elevators spilled onto served as a lobby of sorts for the sprawling compound outside of it.

  “That’s the village square.” Anandur pointed at a large open area that looked like a small park.

  There were grassy patches surrounded by flowerbeds and bushes, walkways dotted with benches, and a large central pond and several smaller ones. There was even a playground for kids, but no one was swinging on the swings, or sliding down the slides, or building sand-castles in the sandbox.

  Was it just her, or did a playground without kids look sad? Maybe it was the wrong time of day for children to be out playing. Perhaps everyone had gone home to take a nap or something.

  As they strolled down the central walkway, Anandur continued to point and explain. “The buildings around the square serve the community. They house offices, classrooms, meeting rooms, and the clinic. There is also the big assembly hall over there, and the movie theater is right next to it. On the other side of it is the gym. We have an Olympic-sized swimming pool, but it’s located in one of the underground levels. We also have another gym down there for the exclusive use of the Guardians, and more classrooms for training.”

  It was a fantastic place for families. Except, there were none out and about. Other than the chirping of birds and the occasional rustle of leaves, there were no other sounds.

  “Where is everyone? And where are all the kids?”

  Anandur cast her a perplexed glance. “What kids?”

  She waved her hand at the playground. “Is it too late or too early for children to be playing out there?”

  Anandur shook his head. “As I told you before, immortals suffer from a very low fertility rate. At the moment, we have one baby and another one on the way. There are a few teenagers here and in the Scottish keep, and a couple of toddlers in the Alaskan sanctuary, but that’s it.”

  It was so sad.

  Maybe the clan should not have moved out of the high-rise. An urban environment was not as kid-friendly, and the absence of children had probably been less noticeable there.

  Except, since this had always been the clan’s reality, perhaps they were used to the quiet and it didn’t bother them.

  Wonder, on the other hand, was accustomed to the sounds of children. Small feet scuttling through the shelter’s corridors, excited voices talking loudly in several languages, and even the occasional screaming or crying. To her, those were the sounds of life, of vitality.

  All of that was missing from this little slice of paradise the clan had built.

  “What about the adults? Where is everyone?”

  “Many are at work, and the others are at their homes.”

  “Where are we meeting your boss?”

  “At his place. Syssi came home early from the university so she could welcome you as soon as you arrived.” Anandur scratched his beard. “Amanda, who is Kian’s sister and Syssi’s boss at the lab, is going to be there too. Everyone is eager to meet the new immortal. In fact, there might be a bunch of people there so get ready for that.”

  “Great.” Wonder looked at her rolled up sweatpants and her cheap sneakers. “And this is how everyone is going to meet me. Talk about lousy first impressions.”

  Anandur wrapped his arm around her shoulders, the first sign of affection since he’d brought her to his apartment. “You have nothing to worry about. Everyone knows you’ve been injured. You’ve captured three Doomers and me. And you nailed Brundar with a Taser. That is what everyone is going to be talking about. Not what you have on.”

  “Great. That’s even worse.”

  Anandur stopped and turned to look at her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing.” She looked away. “Let’s go.”

  “I promise that no one is going to be mad at you because of that. You’re going to get a hero’s welcome.”

  “Yeah, okay.” He wouldn’t understand so there was no point in explaining.

  Except, the tight press of Anandur’s lips was a sure sign he was not going to let it go. “We’ll talk about it later.”

  “Fine.” She had no intention of doing so. Hopefully, by the time this welcoming party was over, he would have forgotten all about it.

  “That’s their house.” He pointed.

  It looked exactly like all the others. “I was expecting a fancy mansion.”

  “Nah. They live almost as simply as the rest of us. The only luxury they’ve splurged on was a larger backyard with its own lap pool. Kian likes to swim. He says it calms him down.” Anandur chuckled. “Ask any clan member, and they’d agree. Whatever can do that is worth every penny. They would’ve gladly donated to the effort if it were necessary.”

  As Anandur prepared to take the steps up to the front porch, the door was flung open, and a dainty blond woman ran out, followed by a tall, stunningly beautiful brunette. The second woman was about Wonder’s height, but slimmer and built more delicately.

  A pang of envy darted through Wonder’s heart.

  She had no doubt that the woman had never been considered one of the guys. Despite her impressive stature and boyish haircut, she was the epitome of feminine poise and elegance.

  The blond halted in front of Wonder and lifted a pair of wide eyes at her. “Wonder,” she gasped, “I can’t believe it.” She then shook her head as if to dispel a pesky memory or thought and pulled Wonder into her arms. “I’m so glad you’re all right. I’m Syssi.” She let go only to transfer her to the brunette. “Meet my sister-in-law, Amanda.”

  “Hello, gorgeous.” Amanda hugged Wonder briefly before letting go and giving her a thorough once-over. “The things I’m going to do with you,” she murmured.

  She was probably referring to Wonder’s attire. But whatever the big boss’s sister had meant, Wonder was going to do her best to stay away from the intimidating woman.

  “I was so worried about you.” Syssi wrapped her arms around Anandur’s neck, forcing him to bend almost in half. “Don’t ever do this to me again.”

  “I’ll try.” He chuckled.

  Her arm wrapped around Anandur’s middle, Kian’s wife leaned into him as if he were her long-lost brother and wiped tears from her cheeks with her other hand.

  It was nice to see how much his boss’s wife loved Anandur, but Wonder would’ve preferred a little less touching. It also reinforced her suspicion that Anandur was more important to the clan than he’d let her believe.

  Was he closely related to Kian? A direct cousin maybe?

  “Let’s move this party inside.” Amanda cast a quick glance around before leading Wonder through the front door. “Once the news leaks out that Anandur is back and that we have a new immortal in our midst, everyone will want to come over and greet you guys. I know I’m selfish, but I would like the chance to get to know you first.”

  As a man got up from an armchair and advanced toward her, Wonder didn’t have to be told who he was. Kian’s face was as harsh and as unwelcoming as it was blindingly beautiful. If not for Amanda’s arm around her, she would’ve taken a step back.

  “So this is the girl who kidnapped one of my best Guardians and Tasered the other.” He offered her his hand.

  Shit on a stick, he looked mad. Well, she would be too if some random person overpowered her best warriors.

  “I’m sorry. When I abducted Anandur, I thought he was trying to kill a woman. And later, when I realized I’d been mistaken and released him, I didn’t know it was his brother on the stairs. All I wanted was to protect Anandur.”

  Finally, the guy cracked a smile. “We have ourselves a real Wonder Woman here. Welcome to my clan, Wonder.”

  She released a relieved breath. “Thank you.”

  “Please, take a seat.” He pointed at the couch.

  “Not yet,” Amanda said. “I’m sure Wonder would appreciate a change of wardrobe first.”

  Oh, so that was what she’d meant before. A change of clothes didn’t sound that ominous.

  Kian cast Wonder a quick look-over, one th
at was so far from interested that it was almost insulting, and raised a brow. “What’s wrong with what she’s wearing?”

  “Where do I begin?” Amanda rolled her eyes. “It would take too long. Just sit tight and wait for five minutes. Can you do that?”

  Kian shook his head. “I know better than to argue with you. Take your time. I need to talk with Anandur first anyway.”

  “Smart man.” Amanda tightened her arm around Wonder’s middle and started walking. “Syssi, are you coming?” She looked over her shoulder.

  “But of course.” The blond smiled and followed.

  Amanda opened the door to one of the bedrooms. “Let me explain, in case you’re wondering what this is all about. Anandur texted Kri, who is a Guardian and a tall girl like you, that you need to borrow some clothes. Kri couldn’t do it because she is on assignment elsewhere, so she texted me, telling me that you need an outfit or two and that you’re about my size. That was very smart of her, since I always have things I need to get rid of to make room for new ones. Especially here. The closets in my new house are tiny. That’s my only complaint about the place.”

  She leaned to whisper in Wonder’s ear. “The architect made a big mistake with the size of the walk-in closets. I need to convert one of the bedrooms so I can bring at least part of my wardrobe. Anyway, I brought you plenty of things to tide you over until you get your own stuff.”

  “That’s very nice of you.” And it was very nice of Anandur too. And Kri, who’d apparently decided Amanda would do a better job than her. Or maybe the Guardian really was out on an assignment.

  “Think nothing of it. I love doing stuff like that. Right, Syssi?”

  The blond sat on the bed. “If you let her, she will do your makeup and hair and dress you up like a harlot.”

  Amanda huffed. “I love you, darling, but you’re such a prude.” She put her hands on her hips. “Syssi thinks that a skirt reaching her mid-thigh makes her look like a hooker.”

  Wonder didn’t know what to say, so she remained quiet.

  Despite being much friendlier and outgoing, Amanda was just as overwhelming and as intimidating as her brother. The woman was stunning, and stylish, and exuded enviable confidence.

  “Not very talkative, are you, Wonder?” Amanda waved a hand. “That’s okay. Let’s get you dressed, and you’ll feel much better.”

  She lifted a folded pair of pants and a T-shirt off the dresser. “I brought you a bra too, but I’m afraid it’s not going to fit.” She glanced at Wonder’s chest and chuckled. “You’re built more like the original Wonder Woman. Lynda Carter was at least a double D.”

  Wonder had no idea what Amanda was talking about, but she could answer her about the bra. “I don’t wear them. What are they good for anyway?”

  Syssi started laughing. “Indeed. It’s not like we need to worry about sagging.”

  “Yeah, but what about sticking out?” Amanda put a hand on her hip. “I’m not modest, but I don’t want my nips to point the way when I’m cold or horny.”

  The other woman laughed again. “There is that. What do you think, Wonder?”

  This whole conversation was strange, but it was also kind of fun. Wonder had never had girlfriends to chat with about bras and stuff like that. Not since she’d awoken from her coma, and whatever was before seemed to be lost forever.

  “I wear dark T-shirts. That way I can get away with the occasional poking”

  Syssi nodded. “A frugal girl. I like it.”

  “The T-shirt I brought you is dark purple. I hope that’s good enough.”

  “I’m sure it is.” Wonder took the items from Amanda and headed for the adjoining bathroom.

  “Wait. I have brand new panties for you as well.” Amanda handed her something that looked like a triangle with strings.

  “Those are panties?” Wonder let the thing dangle from her fingers.

  “It’s a thong, darling.”

  “Oh.” She’d heard girls talking about them, and she’d seem some of the popular styles in advertisements, but she had no intention of wearing them. They looked painful.

  6

  Anandur

  Kian walked over to the bar. “Can I get you a drink? I know it’s a little early in the day for that, but after what you’ve been through I assume you can use one.”

  “You know me well.” Anandur joined Kian at the bar and watched him pour Black Label into two glasses. It wasn’t Kian’s usual fancy fare, but it was what Anandur liked.

  “Sláinte!” Kian said as they clinked glasses. “Let’s go outside. I want to smoke.” Which in Kian’s speak was code for ‘let’s talk in private.’

  Since moving in, Kian had added several features to his backyard, the most prominent being a noisy bubbling fountain. The thing was annoying as hell, but it provided protection from nosy neighbors. Not that he had anything to fear from Amanda and Dalhu on one side or Brundar and Callie on the other, but still, sometimes a guy wanted to play footsie with his wife in his own backyard without being overheard.

  “Tell me about Wonder,” Kian said as he sat on the outdoor sofa and reached for the pack of cigarettes on the coffee table.

  “There isn’t much to tell. She woke up from a coma about nine months ago and can’t remember anything from before. Even her name is one she adopted without even knowing what it meant. Some kid pointed at her on the street and said ‘Wonder Woman,’ and that was it.”

  “I can see why.” Kian pulled out a cigarette. “Mostly it’s the height and the dark coloring, I don’t think their facial features are similar at all. Wonder’s eyes are different. Very unique color.”

  Mesmerizing was a better description.

  “What else?” Kian asked.

  “She woke up in Egypt, so we have to assume she is from that part of the world. After getting attacked by a group of thugs and killing one of them in self-defense, she ran away and hid onboard a cargo ship that also took passengers. When she got to San Francisco, she was granted refugee status.”

  Kian lit his cigarette and took a puff. “Can you explain how a civilian female managed to take down three Doomers and two Guardians?”

  “She must’ve been trained, but she doesn’t remember it. But that’s not all. Wonder is incredibly strong, much stronger than any other immortal female including Kri. She’s probably stronger than most immortal males.”

  “Hmm, why do you think that is?”

  Anandur shrugged. “I guess that is her special gift.”

  “Interesting. I’ve never heard of physical strength being a special talent. Is it possible that she’s biologically a male, or maybe a hybrid? It sometimes happens in humans."

  Anandur felt his cheeks getting hot. He hadn’t blushed since he was a teenager, but Kian’s suggestions were making him furious.

  “If you’re asking whether I checked her equipment, the answer is no. The girl could not be older than nineteen or twenty, and I’m not a pedophile.”

  Kian waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t get your panties in a wad. I’m just thinking out loud. And a twenty-year-old is not a child. Maturity level aside, a seventeen-year-old is kosher.”

  “Maybe for another teenager, but not for someone my age.” Anandur took a long swig from his drink.

  “We can have Bridget take a look at her anatomy.”

  It had been a very long time since Anandur had felt like punching Kian in the face, but he was a hair’s breadth away from doing it now. “Over my dead body. I promised Wonder a sanctuary, not an interrogation that includes medical probing. The girl is probably still a virgin.”

  By the sly smile on Kian’s face, Anandur had fallen straight into the trap he’d set up for him. “You like her, you dirty old man.”

  Damn. He should’ve known better than to let Kian goad him.

  Anandur took another swig from his drink. “What’s not to like? She would make an awesome Guardian.”

  “And that’s the only reason.” Kian took another puff from his cigarette. “Her beauty has no
thing to do with it.”

  Finishing the last of his Chivas, Anandur pushed up to his feet. “Mind if I take a refill?”

  “Go ahead. Refill mine too.” Kian handed Anandur his empty glass.

  Still seething, Anandur walked inside and headed for the bar. From down the hallway, he could hear Amanda talking and Wonder and Syssi laughing, which helped calm his anger. The girl needed to laugh more. It was good for her.

  As he refilled the two glasses, Anandur felt his belly rumble again. The five frozen dinners he’d consumed were no more than an appetizer for him. He still didn’t have the half a cow and mountain of mashed potatoes he’d promised himself when he got free. Regrettably, the only thing he could get at Kian’s were veggie burgers, which tasted like crap.

  How could the guy live on that shit? Didn’t he have taste buds?

  Whatever. To each his own. Anandur opened each one of the bar’s cabinets until he found a bag of pretzels. It would have to do for now.

  Later, Wonder and he were going to eat a proper dinner at Callie and Brundar’s.

  Bag under his arm and a glass in each hand, he returned to the backyard.

  “Here.” He handed Kian his drink. “Do you want some pretzels?”

  “No, thank you. Aren’t you going to your brother’s house for dinner later?

  “We are. But don’t worry about it. I’m so damn hungry I’m going to wolf down everything Callie makes.”

  Kian arched a brow. “Do I look worried to you? I know how much you can eat. After you’re done with dinner, bring Wonder back here. Syssi will get her settled in one of the houses. Unless you want her to room with you and Magnus?”

  Right, as if he needed temptation right under his nose.

  “No. Magnus and I switch between the keep and the village every two weeks, and she would be all alone in the house. It’s better for her to room with other girls who are permanently here.”

  “I agree.”

  Anandur scratched his head. “But I think it would be better if I were around. I’m the only one she knows. Is it okay if I don’t finish my rotation at the keep and stay in the village for a while?”