SARACEN

I groaned and sat up, glancing at Dex, who's eyes were fluttering. I stared at the apartment. It was just gone.

A door opened down the hall and a boy with spikey hair peered out. He stared at me, then the room and then disappeared.

"Shit," Erskine groaned and checked Siren. "That's going to be a nasty bump."

"Yeah. Someone blew up our apartment with magic, I just saw that other Teleporter and I think the mortals are coming," I reeled off. Erskine slumped on to the ground.

"Sounds like you need help," a voice said. We jumped and I groaned when I saw Tanith and her pet serial killer. "Wotcher boys," she grinned jauntily but it seemed off. She was nervous. So was the Remnant.

"What?" I said instantly.

"The mortals got Billy Ray. Tagged him but he managed to get out. We need someone to get it off him. Then we wait for the Irish and American Sanctuary to make a move and decide if we're going to have fun or actually be serious."

"'Til then," Billy Ray muttered and then grimaced. I smirked at his discomfort then jumped up as Dexter shifted. His eyes fluttered and then focused.

"Get out of my apartment," he groaned when he saw Tanith.

"What apartment?" Billy Ray asked innocently. Siren was slowly struggling into a sitting position but her eyes were unfocused and clouded.

"They're coming. I can't walk," Siren gasped and she pulled herself up. Erskine lifted her up and slung her over his shoulder.

"Saracen can you get the tracker of his leg. Then he can take Siren to the Sanctuary," Tanith said.

"Too late," I grumbled. We watched the elevator. Nine men stepped out.

"I'm taking two," Tanith whispered and I couldn't help but smile.

"Leave one alive," Siren said, sliding off of Erskine who kept his grip on her. "One to tell them what happens when you cross mages." Tanith nodded and stepped forward.

"Come and have a go," her smile was sly. She drew her sword. "If you think you're hard enough." Two men rushed her. She laughed and danced forward.

Dexter's hand was already lighting up and he grabbed me with his other, pulling me behind him. Erskine was waiting, watching. Siren's eyes had sharpened and she was watching the other seven warily.

"Go Billy Ray," she said softly and he sank into the ground. A guy took out a gun and Dexter's hand shot out. The beam hit the wall a millimeter from his ear. A warning shot. Obviously none of them were expecting it. They stared at Dexter. Erskine clicked his fingers and the two men who were fighting Tanith fell back as she bounced to the ceiling. The flame flickered steadily.

"You boys really weren't prepared," Siren said softly. "Sanguine," she reprimanded. The hitman lowered his razor and glowered, stepping around the youngest man. He walked around slowly, startling the man, stopping in the middle. "You've worked for us before, move your ass." Sanguine sank into the ground and reappeared.

"Let me guess," I said slowly. All eyes went to me. "You commanding officer told you we pulled rabbits out our hats and doves from our sleeves. It's kinda cute actually."

"Who are you," the first man to talk was the young man. He looked slightly in awe.

"I am Saracen Rue," I told him, looking him in the eye. "I know you are David Blare. 19 years old. Born in Sligo. You serve in the Reserve Forces now."

"Wha-" he spluttered.

"I know things," I winked and turned slightly. Standing in the shadows was Solomon Wreath and Valkyrie.

"They bid me come and make sure you hadn't hurt yourself," he said softly. "We will be back at the rendezvous. Valkyrie wishes to see the Manor first. I am meeting your friend, later. Skulduggery has the Bentley parked at the second exit. He said you would know."

"Be safe guys," Valkyrie whispered and they were gone. Siren watched the spot and then turned back to watch the men.

"Saracen," she said softly. I nodded and turned to the wall beside me and slammed on it. The sigil flared and the wall folded in on itself. I pushed Billy Ray down and Siren flicked her hand up. Mist curled around her feet and then shot towards the guards. They stood transfixed in one spot. "C'mon."

We dropped down the hole one bu one, Sanguine scowling at me as I got out of the hole. Skulduggery and Larrikin stood by the Bentley and I could see the Canary down the street.

"We heard you had friends," Skulduggery said smoothly. "Dexter, do you think you and Larrikin can handle them two by yourselves? I'll bring the others in the Bentley."

"If I get to go with Larrikin I'll behave," Tanith said with huge eyes. Skulduggery cocked an eyebrow. "He's the most fun."

"I know," Larrikin sighed making Tanith giggle madly.

"You were always my favorite," she fluttered her eyelashes and I heard Siren snigger.

"We're moving in a week. We have to have that new teleporter by next week or we'll just have to leave him here," Skulduggery said.

"Why would I have to stay here?" a quiet voice said. We turned to see a boy with spiked up hair and wary gray/blue eyes. He glanced from Skulduggery to Sanguine to each person, lingering on Tanith before going again.

"Mortals have started a with hunt," Larrikin shrugged. "It's not the first but definitely not the last time. We're going to a rendezvous that moves around using magic. You'll have a place to stay. People to talk to."

"I always have a place I can stay. I can travel where I want. I don't need people," his eyes narrowed.

"How about this?" Siren said, her eyes examining him. "There's a cult who want to use you to raise ancient gods that will destroy the world as we know it. They almost succeeded already."

"Don't believe you," the boy said.

"Fletcher Renn," she said softly and he froze. "Do not turn around. When you do, do not say that I didn't warn you." He turned.

A pitch black wolf closed around his arm and he squealed in pain.

"Maxi!" Siren said sharply, and the wolf rippled, turning into the boy. Blood dripped from his mouth and he picked up Fletcher by the back of his neck. Shadow appeared and gently blindfolded him and then began to wrap his wounds.

"How did you do that?" Dexter breathed. Maxi spat on the ground and turned. The motion was fluid, his body rippled and suddenly a crow was soaring into the sky.

"What happened?" Siren said warily. Shadow shrugged.

"Something. I don't know what though. It's bad if he attacked someone like that though."

"Keep an eye on him. Take Fletcher to the hotel. Treat the wound. And always be careful. Take Sanguine with you."

"Do I have too? Does he have to get in the car? The boot is really comfortable at this time of year. I've heard it through the grapevine," Larrikin whined, stamping his foot. Siren stared at him and she slowly turned.

"I won't as twice," she said softly and she started to make her way down the street. A crow landed on her shoulder. "I am going to an old friend's house. Don't follow and if you do, do not interrupt."