Final game cupid, p.1
Final Game: Cupid, page 1
part #6 of Paranormal Mercenary Corps Series
FINAL GAME: CUPID
PARANORMAL MERCENARY CORPS™ BOOK 6
M GUIDA
MICHAEL ANDERLE
This book is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Sometimes both.
Copyright © 2023 LMBPN Publishing
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Cover copyright © LMBPN Publishing
A Michael Anderle Production
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LMBPN® Publishing
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Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 USA
Version 1.00, September 2023
ebook ISBN: 979-8-88541-429-6
Print ISBN: 979-8-88878-533-1
THE FINAL GAME: CUPID TEAM
Thanks to the JIT Readers
Dave Hicks
Wendy L Bonell
Christopher Gilliard
Jan Hunnicutt
Diane L. Smith
Jeff Goode
Dorothy Lloyd
Paul Westman
Editor
SkyFyre Editing Team
DEDICATION
To my dad and my sister who told me never to give up. Without their continued support I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today. I love you both.
— M Guida
To Family, Friends and
Those Who Love
to Read.
May We All Enjoy Grace
to Live the Life We Are
Called.
— Michael
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Author Notes - M Guida
Author Notes Michael Anderle
Other Books by M Guida
Books By Michael Anderle
Connect with The Authors
About M Guida
CHAPTER ONE
The moon hung high, casting a gentle silver light over the Court of Blossoms. It illuminated the sorrowful faces of the Seelie, who were mourning the deaths of Awstin and Maeve. As I stood among them, my heart felt heavy with our shared grief. A chill wind blew through the court, its whispers carrying the silent prayers of the fae.
Seelie guards carefully lifted two glass caskets and carried them into a glistening golden cave, its entrance strewn with bright red petals like a carpet. The engraved walls held delicate flowers crafted from jewels that sparkled in the twilight. Beauty would surround Awstin and Maeve forever.
That wouldn’t be true for Baka if I had my way.
I glanced down at my clenched fist. My dragon and fae powers surged within me, an intoxicating mix of untapped magic and volatile like my emotions. The memory of Awstin’s and Maeve’s funeral still clung to me like a fog, reinforcing the vow I had sworn—to seek justice for their passing, to make Baka pay for his treachery.
I turned to Jonas, who stood steadfastly beside me, our fingers intertwined like a single knot. His steady grip pressed against my skin, providing reassurance amid the strife. Our eyes met in silent understanding. We were better together than apart.
“Promise me, Jonas.” I spoke barely above a whisper as I faced him. “Promise me we’ll make Baka suffer for what he did to us.”
He held me tight, then brushed his lips against my knuckles before stepping back and gazing intently into my eyes. “We will, Chelby,” he declared with conviction as his hands squeezed mine reassuringly. “Together we will fight this battle until nothing is left standing but justice.”
I nodded, unable to talk yet. He was my mate. Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to get through this endless nightmare.
It wasn’t over yet. While we buried our dead, Baka moved forward on his diabolical plans to become president of the United States, the most powerful man in the free world.
Only my team and I stood in his way.
As I looked around at the faces of my team, their expressions varied from solemn to seething. I saw the pain etched in their eyes, a mirror of mine. We had lost and suffered, but we weren't defeated. Not yet. Our shared loss had bound us tighter than ever, transforming us from a team into a family.
I squared my shoulders as a newfound determination surged within me. Baka would not go unpunished. I would see to that. I wasn’t going to do it alone. I had a team, a family who shared my resolve.
With a last lingering look at the place where Awstin and Maeve rested, I turned back to face the court, my resolve like steel. We had a mission, and it was time to act. The hunt for Baka was about to begin, and by the stars, we would see it to the end. For Awstin, for Maeve, for all of us.
Let the struggle begin.
Still holding hands, Jonas and I walked in silence as we headed down the grassy hill toward the Court of Blossoms. My heart was heavy with misery.
He stepped closer, the warmth of his body radiating against my chilled skin and filled with a tenderness that I hadn’t felt in weeks. His gaze softened as he looked down at me, and the corner of his lips twitched into a small smile. “You can’t blame yourself for their deaths,” he murmured. It didn’t shake the sharp guilt that sliced through my heavy heart.
I shrugged, unable to look up at him.
He clasped my chin and forced me to look at him. “You’re not the only one who bears the guilt, Chelby. We all do.”
My lips trembled as I attempted to hold back tears that threatened to spill out. “I was the leader. I should have protected them,” I whispered, determined not to show any signs of weakness.
He brushed his warm lips over my stiff ones and tightened his arms around my shoulders in an embrace. “Do you think you’re the only soldier to lose someone you cared about?”
“No,” I replied miserably, but it didn’t make swallowing any easier.
“Chelby,” a deep voice called behind me.
I stiffened, not wanting to face Dr. Gould, my grandfather. He, my father, and I all had the same blond hair. He was taller than most fae and had a commanding presence. My father and uncle trailed him. Their steps were slower as if the weight of what we were about to face dragged them down.
Jonas flashed me a reassuring smile as Dr. Gould approached us. His blue eyes looked misty and tired. Jonas was right. I wasn’t the only one who had lost soldiers in the heat of battle.
Dr. Gould cleared his throat. “I wanted to let you know that we leave for Earth tomorrow.” He paused. “I know it’s sudden and your team hasn’t rested, but time is of the essence.”
My heart sank further into depths of despair. We hadn’t had time to mourn our losses or recover from battle-induced exhaustion. I drew a deep breath and responded with a firm nod. “We will be ready, sir.”
He gently squeezed my shoulder. “If you’ll excuse me, I must speak to King Ash.”
Jonas tilted his head. “Come on.”
“Wait, I need to tell my team.” I stepped away to inform them of our impending departure.
Justice, Kog, Maggie, Garrick, and Brody made their way toward us. Their faces were gaunt from sorrow after witnessing the burial of yet more fallen comrades. Hicks had perished in a previous war, and now we had lost two more. When would this cycle of violence end? Or worse, would it ever stop?
Jonas nudged me. “I think they know, Chelby.”
Brody reached us first and squared his shoulders. “Orders?” His voice was hoarse and strained.
“We leave tomorrow,” I said in a hushed voice.
Garrick’s eyes darkened, and a vein twitched on his clenched jaw. “Earth?”
I met his angry gaze. “Yes.”
Once a proud and dashing Unseelie king, Baka had stripped him of all his powers. Now he was nothing but an outcast.
I suspected something else kept him here. Namely a spark between him and Maggie that everyone felt even from afar. I hoped she didn’t get hurt like she had when Hicks died.
“I can’t believe the bastard thinks he can become president.” Kog shook his head and folded his large arms across his green chest. He made the Incredible Hulk look tiny.
Justice, the ever-wise and composed vampire, flashed him a tense smile. “Baka only wants power, and if we don’t stop him, he’ll destroy not only the human world but ours. He won’t be satisfied until everyone is under his control.”
Brody remained silent throughout our exchange. He was deep in thought as usual. He had ma de it his mission to free his super soldier buddies enslaved by Baka and his men before it was too late.
Kog put his hand on Brody’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. We’ll free them. I promise.”
Brody nodded, but I saw the doubt in his eyes. Baka was powerful. Plus he had the Terra Moruorum cross and was turning humans into his drooling zombies.
Garrick looked at Jonas. “Time to tap into your power, king.”
Jonas scowled. “I’m not a king.”
“You’re a direct descendant from the first Unseelie king, and you can use both crosses. I suspect you’ll also be able to take the Heart of the Fae from Baka if you can tap into your power.”
I glanced at my frowning mate and gently squeezed his hand. He was our last hope—the true descendant from the first Unseelie king, but he still didn’t believe in himself.
That was something I could understand. Maybe that’s why we were meant for each other.
He looked down at me, and I saw the anguish in his eyes.
Except I knew him. He would unlock his secret power again and help us defeat Baka.
Justice yawned, exposing the sharp tips of his fangs as he smothered the sound with the back of his hand. His gaze flicked over the team. “We should rest while we can. Tomorrow we’ll be dealing with something much bigger than ourselves.”
Maggie yawned too and chuckled. “You started it, Justice, but I agree. We should all get some rest.”
“You’re right.” I echoed the sentiment. “We all need to recharge. Tomorrow is a big day.”
As the group dispersed, I moved toward Jonas. Our fingers stayed interlocked in silent understanding. We walked to our shared quarters, away from the prying eyes and weight of responsibility.
Once inside, Jonas pulled me into his arms and held me tight. “We’ll get through this, Chelby.” His voice was low and soothing.
“I know,” I murmured, resting my head on his chest. His heartbeat was a comforting rhythm in our sea of uncertainty. We stood there for what felt like hours, drawing strength from one another.
“We should rest,” he finally suggested, pulling away reluctantly. His hand traced my cheek as his gaze searched mine. I nodded, too overwhelmed to speak.
I cupped his cheeks and stared into his eyes. “Let me forget what’s coming tomorrow,” I whispered. He leaned in and kissed me deeply and passionately as his fingers deftly unbuttoned my shirt. His rumpled hair cascaded onto my face while his hands traveled across my body. I wanted him to never stop.
His touch and enthusiasm made me forget everything for the next few hours until I collapsed against him. As I lay there, I thought of Jonas’ promise and held it tightly. Together we would fight Baka, avenge Maeve and Awstin, and survive this battle whatever the cost.
The moon still shone outside in the Court of Blossoms when I eventually fell asleep. The night before the storm had arrived. Yet despite all odds, hope still lingered in our hearts.
The hope to win. The hope to avenge. The hope to survive.
CHAPTER TWO
The morning came quicker than anyone had anticipated. There was no time for goodbyes as we packed our gear and prepared to head to Earth. A part of me felt guilty. We were leaving the serene Court of Blossoms to embark on a mission fraught with danger and uncertainty. However, my resolve outweighed any qualms. We had a purpose—to stop Baka from his ruthless pursuit of power, no matter what.
Jonas leaned against the door and gazed at me. “Are you ready to go, mate?”
I put my bow and arrows over my shoulders and held my head high. “As long as you’re at my side.”
He drew me into his arms. “Always.”
I laid my head against his broad chest. He was mine.
My greatest fear was that I would lose him. I couldn’t lose him like I had Maeve and Awstin.
I blinked away tears and put on a happy face. “Let’s go.”
He clasped my hand, and we headed out the door. Our team was waiting for us in the hallway. Each looked determined and had their weapons ready.
None of us said a word. We all knew what we faced. Baka was a ruthless enemy, and was after the most powerful office. I didn’t know if we could bring him down.
I led my team down the hallway and the stairs. Princess Lyra waited for us at the bottom of the staircase, wearing a long white gown. She looked as elegant as ever with her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders.
She gestured. “We have prepared a farewell breakfast for all of you.” She held the silver Purus Unus cross with a red ruby.
I didn’t want Jonas to have to use it again since it drained him. Now I knew what a police officer’s or soldier’s wife felt when their man went into danger.
I opened my mouth to protest, but she gave me a knowing smile. “Dr. Gould, your commander, your father, and the king are waiting for you.”
Some of the tension melted from my face. “Lead the way, Your Highness.”
Delicious smells came from the grand hall.
The distant clatter of silverware and the low hum of conversation grew louder as we traversed the opulent passages. The intoxicating aroma of breakfast became stronger, a delightful blend of freshly baked bread, sweet and savory spices, and sizzling meat wafting in the air.
We entered the grand hall, a splendid space bathed in the soft morning light filtering through the tall, stained glass windows. A long wooden table stood in the middle, lavishly laden with platters of fruits, pancakes, eggs, and more delicacies that would be mouthwatering under normal circumstances. The looming battle made my stomach clench, and I could hardly appreciate the feast before us.
As we approached the far end of the banquet space, I spotted my uncle and father seated around a long mahogany table. An ornate velvet-upholstered throne loomed in the center, occupied by an imposing figure in a long white robe embroidered with flowers. The king of the Court of Blossoms had the same blond hair as his sister.
He bowed his head. “Please take a seat.”
Princess Lyra sat beside her brother and put the cross next to her plate.
When we entered, their gazes shifted from us to Dr. Gould, who stood at the head of the table. He wore his usual half-smile that held a hint of amusement and deep seriousness. “Good morning.”
I adjusted my chair. Its smooth wooden arms beneath my hands felt like a shield ready for battle. Jonas took a seat beside me. A closer look at the others revealed that each face expressed resolve and firm purpose tinged with apprehension for what was to come.
A solemn silence filled the air like fog, interrupted only by the crackle of the fire burning in a hearth nearby.
There were champagne glasses. The king nodded, and a servant entered and poured a white sparkling bubbly drink into each.
Princess Lyra raised a glass. “This is Everspark nectar, our most prized beverage. We harvest it from the rare Everspark flowers that only bloom under the light of the twin moons. Its delicate bubbles shimmer with all the colors of the dawn sky, and it tastes of wild honey with a hint of crisp apple and starlight. We only serve this on special occasions.”
All of us stood and raised our glasses.
“May you experience victory and restore the Court of Blossoms and the Unseelie realm.”
We clinked our glasses to the toast, a tall order to fill. If we failed, the Court of Blossoms would slowly fade away.
For the next hour, we indulged in the feast. Our chatter was about everything but the mission.
