Avenging Angel (The Fallen #4)(68)
Author: Cynthia Eden

Why did everyone seem to keep forgetting? “I’m not an angel anymore.”

His grin widened. “Even better.”

A snarl came from Tanner.

But Riley just laughed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “There’s a motorcycle hidden about a hundred yards to the east, under an oak. Take it. Join the hunt.” He tossed the keys to Tanner and gave him a little salute. “And now, that means you’re in my debt, too.”

Whistling, he headed into the cabin.

“Bastard,” Tanner muttered.

Yes, but he was a bastard who’d helped them. She caught Tanner’s hand. Laced her fingers with his. “Come on.” If they hurried, they’d be able to catch Cody. Dawn would come soon, and this battle would best be fought under the cover of darkness.

It was easier to hide the truth from humans in the dark.

They raced through the brush, heading east quickly through the night. Marna had to double-time it in order to keep up with Tanner. Her shifter was so fast.

Then they were at the motorcycle. Tanner climbed on, and she jumped behind him, holding tight. The engine burst to life with a growl as great as Tanner’s panther, and they leapt forward.

Her heart slammed into her ribs as they gave chase.

She couldn’t see any sign of Cody’s vehicle now, but he had to be close still. The motorcycle leapt off the old path and onto the twisting two-lane highway with a jarring thud that had her holding even tighter to Tanner. Faster, faster. Her hair whipped behind her as they drove.

Another corner.

Another tight turn.

Her thighs squeezed around his as the vibration from the bike shook her legs. When had she grown so used to the adrenaline rush of danger? When had it started to turn her on?

Not such an angel.

Maybe it was time for everyone to realize that.

Another turn. Her body was plastered against his. Another—

A siren screamed and a police cruiser seemed to leap right out of the darkness. Blue and red lights flashed in a blinding whir.

The cops had found them. Had tracked them.

Tanner didn’t slow. Faster, faster . . .

Another turn. Another tight corner, another—

A car was blocking the road. No, not a car. An SUV. Riley’s vehicle—the one Cody had taken. Tanner tried to stop the motorcycle. Brakes squealed and sparks flew into the air—

But there wasn’t enough time to stop. They were going too fast. The SUV was too close. The motorcycle slammed into the side of the vehicle. Marna tried to hold on to Tanner, but she was ripped away from him. She flew through the air—not like when I had wings. This flight was terrifying, short, and her body slammed back into the pavement after only moments.

Her skin ripped away at the impact. Pain burned through her side and her arms.

Metal crunched and groaned. Those sirens were squealing, hurting her ears. Marna tried to rise—

“It’s okay,” a familiar voice told her, “I’ve got you.” Then arms wrapped around her body. Too tight. Too hard. And she was flying again. Rising higher and higher into the sky. She tried to fight the hold on her but couldn’t break free. When Marna glanced down, she saw the wreckage below. Tanner and Cody were both there, running toward her. Tanner was screaming her name.

But she couldn’t break free and get back to him.

“No! Marna!” Tanner stared up, body shaking with fury, as the angel took Marna away from him. Fucking Bastion. He wasn’t taking her. He—

“He flew right at me.” Cody’s words tumbled out. Blood dripped from the gash in his forehead. “I was trying to get back to town—and my windshield shattered. I couldn’t even see him, not at first.” Cody’s breath shuddered out. “He forced me to stop.”

And he’d taken Marna. Tanner had caught a glimpse of the angel’s black wings. He’d moved too fast for Tanner to see his face, but he knew just which angel had come calling.

A door slammed behind him. Footsteps raced toward them. And those sirens kept screaming.

“Tanner!”

He couldn’t see Marna anymore. But he would find her. The angel wouldn’t take her.

“Tanner!” Hard hands slammed into him, and Tanner jerked his gaze away from the dark sky and found himself staring at his partner’s tense face. Wait, what the hell was Jonathan doing there?

“Man, we are in one big-ass shit storm,” Jonathan told him. The guy was sweating and shaking. “I’ve been searching this swamp for you all night.”

Tanner shook his head. “I have to—”

“What? Go after the girl? Not right now. Right now, you have to avoid the damn manhunt that is coming your way. They found the captain’s body, and now, they are looking for you.”

Did everything really have to go to hell at the same exact time? He glanced around. The motorcycle was smashed and twisted into a heavy mass of undriveable metal. The SUV was totaled. Only one way out. “Then take me into custody.” He headed for the patrol car. The same patrol car that he’d raced past moments before.

Jonathan grabbed his arm in a surprisingly strong grip. Huh. Maybe the human wasn’t so weak after all. “Are you insane?” Jonathan demanded with narrowed eyes. “Why do you think I was hauling ass to find you first? I’m trying to keep you out of custody.”

Tanner jerked free and kept marching toward the car. The guy wasn’t that strong. “Maybe I wasn’t clear enough.” He didn’t climb in the back of the car. He slid behind the wheel. “I’m taking this car.” More sirens were screaming. Coming ever closer

“Shit.” Jonathan jumped in beside him. “You’re not leaving without me. I’ll be damned if I have to keep chasing your ass.”

“You’re not goin’ without me!” Cody, weaving a bit, stood in front of the vehicle. “I won’t let you face him alone!”

Jonathan stared through the windshield at the bleeding demon. Then he shook his head. “I think it’s time you brought me up to speed, partner.”

Tanner’s hands clenched around the wheel. Being in the car was the perfect camouflage for him. While the other cops were out beating the streets in their search for a fugitive, a cop killer—time for me to kiss that badge good-bye—he’d be safely behind the wheel. Tracking an angel who was bent on hell.

You aren’t walking away after this. He’d make sure Bastion didn’t have a second chance to go after Marna. He’d seen the lust so clearly in the angel’s eyes. He should have expected—