He handed the cup back to Corvaan.

  “I’ve had to make some tough choices in my life, but this ain’t one. You’ve done right by us, Felina. I’m grateful. But like you said before, your job’s done. Sorry. Moon and I are going with Corvaan.”

  She didn’t hold back her tears.

  “Don’t you think Moon should speak for himself?”

  “Moon wants to be a Destroyer like me. We’re partners. I’m not going to let him down.”

  Felina wiped away her tears and reached for the book she’d been reading. She held it against her chest.

  “When all this is over, you won’t be men anymore. You’ll be animals. His animals.”

  “But it’ll be over.”

  Felina brushed past Royal and Corvaan, head down.

  “Keep in touch,” Royal mumbled. “You think she’ll be back?”

  “Always I have been a poor judge of women.”

  “I scare them off, too.”

  Royal wasn’t sold on Corvaan’s promises, but he seemed the best bet to open doors otherwise hidden. He needed to know everything about Bessios before committing to a path. He hadn’t ruled out the possibility of a simulation. This notion of genuine freedom inside the city borders – do whatever you want forever – felt a bit too generous.

  Still, Royal sensed the future tugging at him like never before. So much unknown, so many avenues. And all of them, it seemed, were painted with a healthy dose of blood.

  I’ve been out of the killing business too damn long.

  “Reckon it’s time I throw on some clothes. Any suggestions?”

  Corvaan allowed his first smile of the day.

  “They should see you from afar.”

  “Gotcha. I’ll check out the wardrobe. Help yourself to more coffee.”

  Royal prepared to wake Moon out of his slumber but discovered the Hokki sitting up on his bed, butt naked, smoking from his pipe. Moon jumped up when he saw Royal.

  “I feel incredible. I’m a new man, Royal. I literally feel like I’m in a new body.”

  “I know what you mean.”

  “How long were we …?”

  “Four days, but who’s counting anymore?”

  He looked around with a goofy smile and shrugged.

  “Yeah. Right. Who’s counting? Fuck all that. I’m so ready to go.”

  “Good. Look through the wardrobe. Choose bright colors. Jewelry. Crazy shit. We’re going into the city.”

  Moon pumped his fist. “Yes!”

  “Partner, we’re starting a new adventure. The age of Royal and Moon. You game?”

  “I’m ready for anything, partner.”

  22

  Half a lifetime later

  A NYTHING BECAME EVERYTHING for Moon. Bessios gave, and he accepted with glee. He found joy in every district through food, drink, and leaf. He gained expertise in guns, languages, martial arts, and mechanics. He sculpted his muscles while others used his body as a canvas. Moon built friendships with hundreds of vendors and allies he and Royal would need for the looming battle. Yet nothing proved as satisfying as wrapping his body around a beautiful woman.

  Moon remembered all seven hundred and twenty-two like he’d been with them last night. The only one who mattered was lying in his bed this morning.

  He thought Addis might be a keeper.

  Was it love? Who was to say? Royal and Corvaan warned him from the first: Don’t go down that alley. It leads nowhere and will cloud your mind at the most important moments.

  As daylight broke, love wasn’t on his mind so much as replaying last night’s antics. The workout was intense, some of the best sexual gymnastics in his repertoire. Royal was right: Age and experience made all the difference. Addis had four lifetimes on Moon and at least two thousand lovers.

  He sat up in bed and stared at her. Addis possessed a runner’s body, long and slender, black as coal, topped with an electric blue buzz cut. She’d been with him thirty times.

  They both sensed it: This connection meant more than the others.

  Moon grabbed his half-smoked cigar and a lighter from the nightstand. After his first puff, she smelled the smoke and rolled over. Addis slinked on top, wrapping a leg over his thighs and grabbing his cock, which hardened. She bore an enticing combination of pearlescent teeth plus eyes the tender blue of dawn.

  She swooped in through a cloud of his smoke and they kissed. This was what he loved about her most: Addis skipped preliminaries. She wasn’t much for words. When they were done, the sheets were wet and she seemed ready for more. They shared the same hunger.

  Her talent was well-worn before she became immortal. Addis used her body as a weapon during a coup that brought down her planet’s most powerful tyrant. The rest she did with a blade. Moon was happy she’d be on his team when the fight for Bessios began.

  When they finished their morning pump, Addis settled in with Moon, his right arm wrapped around her. She took a puff of his cigar and handed it back to him.

  “I know your secret,” she said, her head on his chest.

  “Yeah? What’s that?”

  “I saw the blue rose over your spleen.”

  He exhaled a long stream of white smoke.

  “I wanted you to find it. When did you notice?”

  “The first five minutes. I know every inch of you, Moon.”

  Of that, he had no doubt. Every woman indulged in his elaborate, intertwined tattoos as much as they did his cock. Other than his face and genitals, Moon had all but run out of real estate for further tattoos. The last plot of virgin skin, but an inch round, sat beneath the twenty blood-tipped claws of a Dameraat, which dominated his chest. The story of the mythological predator inspired him. So too the blue rose.

  “What do you think?” He asked.

  Addis spoke with a sultry tone that raised its temperature toward the final words of each sentence.

  “The shade matches my eyes. Thank you.”

  “Shiang is a master. He’s done ninety percent of me.”

  “Yes. Every time you enter his shop, he adds another hundred clients. His competition hates you.”

  “Making a Rider happy. That’s what it’s all about these days.”

  “And you’d never take advantage, Moon.”

  Her sneaky laugh suggested what Moon long suspected: Addis used that very motivation to work her way into his bed. He appreciated her snark. She knew him well.

  “Privilege has rewards. I’m like anybody else. I take what the city gives me.” After a quick puff, he circled back around. “So, about the rose. What do you really think?”

  “I know you’re not trying to say you love me.”

  He wondered whether she’d raise the possibility aloud.

  “You know people like us don’t love. We take and we keep. I have you now, and I intend to keep you. Just you.”

  “Exclusive, Moon? Is that an option for you?”

  “The fight’s coming soon. After it’s over, we start planning for Prelude. I intend to keep you all the way to the end.”

  She pulled on his cigar and blew a thick cloud in his face.

  “Do I have a say?” Addis asked.

  “You won’t find better than me.”

  “Big claim. Good thing I’ve done the herd. The eligibles, at any rate. The only one left I’m curious about is your partner.”

  Moon stifled a laugh, choking on smoke.

  “Royal’s never touched a woman in his life.”

  “Exactly. He needs to try a different flavor. I’ve seen some of his men. Ugh.”

  “It’s not all his fault. He didn’t have a large pool to choose from. Most want him because he’s a Rider.”

  “Can you blame them?”

  “Royal can. Soon as he realizes they aren’t naturals, he kills them. Usually a knife in the throat. He leaves it in so they won’t regen. They stay dead until someone else finds the body and yanks out the blade. They don’t come calling a second time.”

  Addis pulled the sheets up close, as if chilled.

  “So, the stories are true. How about that? Did you ever …?”

  “Yeah, I took pity on a few of those fuckers. I waited around for them to regen. Then I gave them the blade as a souvenir.”

  “Why?”

  “Thought it was a nice gesture. ‘No hard feelings from the Riders.’ No point making enemies outside of the ones we already have.”

  “You are a wise man. Does Royal appreciate what you do for him?”

  He tapped his ash into a crystalline tray.

  “Goes both ways, Addis. We’re family. We’re Destroyers. We’ll win together or go down together.”

  She propped her head on his shoulder and stared into his eyes.

  “You are so far from the boy in the pink shirt.”

  “The pink? Oh. That.”

  “I have a surprise.” She rolled across the bed and slipped a tubular white ring over the base of her index finger. She tapped it twice, and a holo emerged. “I was researching city archives. I found interesting images. I’d almost forgotten about it.”

  “Tell me you didn’t.”

  Addis scrolled through a cavalcade of photos until settling on the one she found delicious. She expanded it.

  Moon winced at the sight of he and Royal on the back of a rifter along with Corvaan Das, surrounded by Bessians. It was so long ago, yet felt like yesterday.

  “You aren’t going around showing this off, I hope.”

  “But it’s so sweet, Moon.”

  “As a sick joke.”

  “The yellow shirt I understand. But a hot pink jacket?”

  “Royal said to wear bright colors. I was a stupid kid. What the fuck did I know?”

  Next to Moon, Royal wore form-fitting clothes that highlighted his musculature and showered himself in gold and silver jewelry. Corvaan wore muted colors on his wide frame. Between Corvaan’s dour expression and Royal’s wolf tattoo, Moon came off like a clown.

  “It wasn’t hard for them to pick out the Observant,” she said.

  “I did so many stupid fucking things back then.”

  “It was your coming out. You were excited. The youngest citizen in Bessios. Our sweet little Moon. Hah, hah. Our baby.”

  “Technically, I always will be.”

  “Nobody cares about technicalities. You’re no baby now.” She caressed his stubble. Moon liked to maintain a four-day shadow. He thought it was a good look along with his narrow tuft of amethyst-dyed hair atop his scalp. “Your voice back then was so gentle, almost feminine,” she said. “Now your words seem to scrape over a thick rust. It arouses the holy fuck out of me.”

  He laughed.

  “Too many cigars.”

  “Whatever works, my gorgeous beast.”

  “Damn, I love that word.”

  “Beast.” She sucked at his right nipple. “My gorgeous, bloody beast who used to wear pink.”

  He broke into a fit of laughter.

  “Trash that fucking holo.”

  After she complied, Moon took a deep, final pull on his cigar. He blew out a heavy smoke cloud as he smashed the thick butt into the crystalline bowl. He intended to roll over on top of her and launch into another round of gymnastics.

  That’s when he felt the discrepancy.

  Moon didn’t move. He laid a finger over her lips. She understood and waited for his instructions.

  Was he right? Were the elements nearby unbalanced? Unfamiliar heartbeats raced. Feather-soft feet moved the floor panels just enough for the most sensitive ears to detect. The house was heavier now than a moment ago.

  They’re here.

  His eyes saw beneath the bedroom door. A shadow neared, barely discernible in the daylight, but enough for Moon.

  He didn’t say a word when he pointed over his shoulder to the wall behind them. Addis pressed against a panel, which flipped forward, revealing a black pistol with a long barrel.

  Moon drew his gun from a holster attached to the nightstand. It was a Garmin .38 “gut buster,” twenty rounds per cartridge, and his favorite left-hand weapon. He’d have to play this out with an empty right, but Addis knew how to deal with assholes entering from the flank.

  I haven’t even had breakfast. Corvaan, you’re a piece of shit.

  When Moon winked, they jumped together to opposite sides and advanced. Moon didn’t believe in playing defense. He saw enough shadow beneath the door to anticipate the next two seconds.

  The attacker kicked it open. The door flew inward and smacked against a dresser drawer. He expected a clean entry.

  Moon pulled the trigger twice as he advanced, cutting down the Destroyer, who shot his rifle without discipline as he stumbled across the corridor, slamming against the back wall. Moon finished him with a clean shot between the eyes.

  Moon felt a pinprick beneath his right collarbone. He took a bullet. He disregarded the wound and leaped into the corridor, knowing what he’d face from his right flank. He ducked, rolled, and turned right-side up as a hail of bullets flew above him. The second enemy, another Destroyer who had cut Moon down a few times during early sword training, unleashed a TS-9 machine gun. This asshole would soon regret his choice of weapon; he was better with a blade.

  Moon plugged him twice in the face.

  The roar of gunfire, with its symphony of ricochets and broken glass, continued around the corner from Moon’s second kill. He didn’t need to check on Addis. She was doing just fine.

  He felt number three coming at him, but a split-second too late. Why hadn’t he anticipated it sooner? This one fell through a vent in the ceiling, driving a knife into Moon’s right shoulder blade.

  “Fuck me!”

  The assailant went for his sidearm but didn’t reach fast enough. Moon swung around to catch the Destroyer four times in the gut. The man lay writhing. Moon fired two bullets into his brain.

  “Seriously?” He shouted, grabbing at the knife. He screamed as he yanked it out and picked up the enemy pistol. “Don’t be a fucking hero next time. Shoot first, moron.”

  Moon raced to the intersection and waited for more enemies to appear. Instead, he had a chance to acknowledge the blinding pain in his back and also smile at the woman he had planned to penetrate once more before breakfast.

  “All good?” He said.

  “Brilliant, you beast. You were hit?”

  “It’s all good.”

  The second assailant, the one with the machine gun, groaned at Moon’s feet. Was he regenerating already? That was a bit too fast for Moon’s taste, so he pulled the trigger again. Two clean holes opened in the side of the man’s skull.

  Moon looked around at the bloody carnage.

  “Corvaan.”

  A door opened at the end of the hall opposite Moon’s suite.

  “Now that right there is how to start the day.”

  Royal sauntered onto the scene, dressed in his business attire. His black leather jacket thin cut above a brown muscle shirt hid an arsenal of small weapons but allowed his raft of gold necklaces to shine. The red wolf covered his glossy scalp and remained the eye-grabber after many unmeasured decades, but groups of ringlets in his nose and his ears accentuated the effect.

  “Look at this shit, Royal. What is Corvaan thinking? He sent Khazzimeer amateurs to take down me and Addis?”

  The slender black woman joined Moon at the T. She carried her pistol with love.

  “How’s it going, Addis?”

  “Busy morning, Royal.”

  “Looks like they got your man twice.”

  She glanced at Moon, who was bleeding front and back, although the bullet wound was sealing.

  “That’s OK, Royal. I’m betting you’d fare no better.”

  “Dunno. I’ve got a ninety-eight percent success rate.”

  “I’ll be there soon enough,” Moon said. “I’m at ninety-four and climbing. Hang on.” He whispered to Addis. She nodded. Moon shot his three assailants again, and Addis did the same to hers.

  “Don’t want these fuckers waking up for a while,” he told Royal. “Good thing we pulled up the carpets, huh?”

  “Yep. I wasn’t much into vacuuming.”

  “Blood’s hard to get out. Shitload of holes in these walls.”

  “Whatcha gonna do, partner?”

  Royal was much too calm. Moon realized why.

  “Shit. Corvaan didn’t send these assholes. You did.”

  Royal smiled.

  “Bono Khazzimeer wanted these fellas to have a challenge. And you wanted more practice putting your sixth sense to use. So I sent them up against a pair of top ten Destroyers.”

  Moon gave Addis a side glance.

  “Can you believe this guy? So, I’m top ten now?”

  “Corvaan says top five.”

  “You don’t agree.”

  “Not until you can kill me in the corral. Anyway, good to see you, Addis. Time to clean yourself up, partner. Corvaan will be here soon. He’s bringing new business.”

  Those words were code for “a shitstorm of trouble.”

  Royal stepped over the bodies and headed downstairs. Moon and Addis collected weapons en route to the bedroom. He shut the door just as the Khazzimeer attackers showed signs of full regen.

  “I ought to make those assholes clean up their own mess, but the rules say I can’t. Pisses me off.”

  “The spoils of victory. Next time, let them kill you.”

  “No chance. There’s nothing more embarrassing than waking from a regen. I lost thirty of my first fifty tests. You know how long it took to grow from forty percent to ninety-four?”

  “How long, my beast?”

  “Let’s put it this way. Remember my brothers and sisters I told you about? The ones Royal saved?”

  “Yes.”

  “They’re probably grandparents by now.”

  “How can you be sure?”

  “It’s a feeling. I think Rider talks to me.”

  She caressed her hands over his chest.

  “If that’s true, you know what it means.”

  “We’re getting close. Yeah.”

  “I think the city is bracing, Moon.”

  “You’re right. I’ve felt it. Royal’s right, too. I need to kill him in the corral, just so everyone knows I’m his equal.”

  “Hmm. What’s his current winning streak?”