Tactical Magik Read online

  Contents

  Copyright

  Tactical Magik (Immortal Ops)

  Mandy M. Roth Featured Books

  Tactical Magik (Immortal Ops)

  Dedication

  Immortal Ops Series and PSI-Ops Series Helper

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  About the Author, Mandy M. Roth

  Mandy M. Roth, Online

  The Raven Books’ Complimentary Material

  Tactical Magik (Immortal Ops)

  by

  Mandy M. Roth

  Tactical Magik (Immortal Ops) © Copyright 2014 by Mandy M. Roth

  Cover art by Natalie Winters, © Copyright 2014

  First Electronic Printing February 2014, The Raven Books

  ISBN 9781625010261

  Edited by: Sue-Ellen Gower

  Final Line Editor: Dianne B.

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  All books copyrighted to the author and may not be resold or given away without written permission from the author, Mandy M. Roth.

  This novel is a work of fiction. Any and all characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or events or places is merely coincidence. This book is intended for a mature audience only. Must be 18 years or older.

  Published by Raven Books

  www.ravenhappyhour.com

  Raven Books and all affiliate sites and projects are © Copyrighted 2004-2014

  Tactical Magik (Immortal Ops)

  by

  Mandy M. Roth

  Mandy M. Roth Featured Books

  Immortal Ops Series

  Immortal Ops

  Critical Intelligence

  Radar Deception

  Strategic Vulnerability

  Tactical Magik

  Administrative Control

  Separation Zone

  PSI-Ops Series (Part of the Immortal Ops World)

  Act of Mercy

  Act of Surrender

  Act of Submission

  Act of Security

  Act of Command

  King of Prey (Bird Shifter Series)

  King of Prey

  A View to a Kill

  Master of the Hunt

  Rise of the King

  Prince of Pleasure

  Prince of Flight

  Tactical Magik (Immortal Ops)

  Book Five in the Immortal Ops Series.

  Eadan Daly has thrown himself into the role of the sixth Immortal Ops team member, even though it wasn’t supposed to be a permanent position, and has forged a brotherhood of sorts with the other men. When he’s asked to go on a solo mission for the Paranormal Security and Intelligence Branch—PSI, for short—he’s not so sure he wants his old job back.

  Inara Nash is a survivor, doing what she must to get by. On the run for years from an organization she doesn’t fully understand, she tries to stay under the radar. When a blond hunk arrives and claims he’s her savior, she suspects her luck might have finally run out. Sure, he’s hot and looks like he’d be good in bed, but there is something almost magikal about him that defies reality. And if there is one thing she’s learned during her life in the paranormal underground, it’s that you never trust a magik.

  Dedication

  This is a long one. I’m sorry, but this book was a long time coming. I’ll start with my author buddies. To Michelle M. Pillow, Jaycee Clark, Melissa Schroeder and Jax Cassidy, thank you for agreeing to be part of the Magical Temptations project. And thanks for understanding when TM had to reach into another series instead. Michelle and Jaycee, you both went above and beyond, listening to me talk about various storylines, yelling at me when I deleted 20k words in thirty seconds, and making me swear to knock that crap off. Thank you!

  To Laurann Dohner, thank you for encouraging me to keep reaching for my dream. You’re one tough cookie!

  To my partner in mischief, Yasmine Galenorn, thank you for talking me off the proverbial ledge and for making me remember to take time for me.

  To my proofer, Leah, my editor, Suz, and my final line editor, Dianne, thank you for fixing “me.” And to Suz for taking on this project even with all you have going on.

  To the fans of my Immortal Ops Series. Thank you for your continued support for the series over the past ten years. I’m honestly having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that 2014 will mark the ten-year anniversary of the release of Immortal Ops Book One. I think the saying is true: time does fly when you’re having fun.

  I know you’ve been waiting for more installments and I promise you Tactical Magik is the first of many more within the Immortal Ops World. A side note: Tactical Magik picks up one month after Strategic Vulnerability ends. Also, be on the lookout for related spinoff series from the Immortal Ops. I’m sure you can guess PSI-Ops (Paranormal Security and Intelligence Ops) will be headed your way as well as the other Ops team stories. The first is Act of Mercy. Plus, I have many more surprises in store for you all because you’re the greatest group of readers an author could ask for. And for my “super fans”, I hope you enjoy the crossover into the underground fight club world from my book Going the Distance (Paranormal Death Match).

  As for Tactical Magik, I hope you love Eadan’s story as much as I do. I know he’s different from the other ops, as he’s not a shifter, but he’s still kick-ass. And from the bottom of my heart I hope you like how his story demanded it be told. Sometimes, I really do feel I’m at the mercy of the character. His story was a long time coming for me. You all know the Ops hold a special place in my heart.

  Thank you,

  Mandy M. Roth

  Immortal Ops Series and PSI-Ops Series Helper

  (This will be updated in each upcoming book as new characters are introduced.)

  Immortal Ops (I-Ops) Team Members

  Lukian Vlakhusha: Alpha-Dog-One. Team captain, werewolf, King of the Lycans, mated to Peren Matthews (Daughter of Dr. Lakeland Matthews). Book: Immortal Ops.

  Geoffroi (Roi) Majors: Alpha-Dog-Two. Second in command, werewolf, blood-bound brother to Lukian, mated to Melissa “Missy” Carter-Majors. Book: Critical Intelligence.

  Doctor Thaddeus Green: Bravo-Dog-One. Scientist, tech guru, werepanther, mated to Melanie Daly-Green (sister of Eadan Daly). Book: Radar Deception.

  Jonathon (Jon) Reynell: Bravo-Dog-Two. Sniper, weretiger. As of this book, not currently mated. Book: Separation Zone.

  Wilson Rousseau: Bravo-Dog-Three. Resident smart-ass, wererat, mated to Kimberly (Daughter of Culann of the Council). Book: Strategic Vulnerability.

  Eadan Daly: Alpha-Dog-Three. PSI-Op and handler on loan to the I-Ops to round out the team, Fae, mated to Inara Nash. Brother of Melanie Daly-Green. Book: Tactical Magik.

  Colonel Brooks: Chief of Operations and point person for the Immoral Ops Team. Book: Administrative Control.

  Paranormal Security and Intelligence (PSI) Operatives

  General Jack C. Newman: Director of Operations for PSI, werelion. Adoptive father of Missy Carter-Majors.

  Duke Marlow: PSI-Operative, werewolf. Book: Act of Mercy (PSI-Ops).

  James (Jimmy) Hagen: Werelion, left the organization on questionable terms ten years ago.

  Miscellaneous

  Culann of the Council: Father to Kimberly (who is mated to Wilson). Badass Fae.

  Pierre Molyneux: Master vampire bent on creating a race of super soldiers. Hides behind being a famous art dealer in order to launder money.

  Gisbert Krauss:
Mad scientist who wants to create a master race of supernaturals.

  Walter Helmuth: Head of Seattle’s paranormal underground.

  Dr. Lakeland Matthews: Scientist, vital role in the creation of a successful Immortal Ops Team. Father to Peren Matthews.

  Jinx: Magik, succubus, well-known, well-connected madam to the underground paranormal community.

  Chapter One

  Present Day. Location: Classified.

  “I said I was sorry,” Geoffroi “Roi” Majors stated as he glanced back at Eadan from the front passenger seat of the Hum-V. The vehicle that currently held five not-so-small guys was hardly inconspicuous. It was also less than comfortable. They stuck out like sore thumbs and Eadan Daly had to question the wisdom of this being their getaway vehicle. This one wasn’t reinforced to help stop bullets. It seemed a lot like tissue paper at the moment. Pretty much all it had going for it was cool factor. One that screamed government or paramilitary group. A blinking sign on the top would only make it worse.

  Shoot here. There is a better than average chance you’ll hit your target.

  With the entrance Lukian had been forced to make to get to them, they might as well have sent out engraved invitations to the enemy to come shoot at them there. Would have proven as effective.

  “This thing go any faster?” Wilson asked, fidgeting in his seat.

  Lukian didn’t comment. He merely glanced at the rearview mirror. His glare was enough of a response.

  Eadan’s ears were still ringing from the hail of gunfire around them. Had he not assisted with his magik, they’d be picking lead out of his ass.

  Out of all their asses.

  He’d expended more power than he should have, but it was required. Unfortunately, he’d be feeling the ill effects of that much usage for probably a week or more. Unless he met up with a hottie at a bar and spent the night rockin’ her world. Sexual energy would speed his ability to rebuild his natural-born power base.

  He looked to his left at his fellow Immortal Ops (I-Ops) teammates, Jon and Wilson. Jon shook his head, indicating they should not accept this apology from Roi either. They’d been steadily rejecting Roi’s attempts to make amends for the past twenty minutes.

  Wilson tapped his fingers on the doorframe, an annoyed breath easing from his lips. “You left without us. In a hostile zone, mind you. Might as well have painted a damn target on us yourself.”

  “No,” Roi protested, twisting in the seat. His dark hair fell partially onto his face. “I told you already I thought Lukian was getting you. And, see, he got you.”

  Lukian, the team captain, snorted as he drove. He tended to be on the quiet side yet always managed to get his point across. Eadan had been unsure how to read him at first but was learning more and more each day.

  “What?” Roi grunted and tossed his hands in the air. “Fine. I wasn’t listening during the briefing because I was exhausted.”

  Green’s voice came over their comms unit earpieces. “Stop worrying. Your wife and your girls will be fine.”

  Roi shifted around in his seat as he tapped his wrist and spoke into his comms piece. “You’re the one who told me it’s uncommon for a woman pregnant with twins to go to term. That means I could become a father any day now. I’m not ready yet. I only just got the nursery finished. I haven’t set up college funds for them yet. I didn’t…”

  Roi was going to spiral out of control again. He’d been doing that more and more of late. Seemed as if the prospect of fatherhood was going to do what the enemy couldn’t—kill him.

  Lukian reached over as he continued to drive and touched Roi’s arm. “Relax, brother. There is plenty of time for all that.”

  “Why am I the only one freaking out? Your wife is due soon too,” Roi said, sounding frantic.

  Eadan held back a groan. All this talk of pregnancies was getting on his last damn nerve.

  Green’s chuckle echoed through their earpieces. He was currently tucked away in a tiny location the team had preselected as base during their current mission. Green was their eyes and ears on everything else going on, a technical guru who also happened to be the best at patching them up when need be.

  “Peren has another two months. Missy, with the twins, probably won’t go that long. Melanie has two and half months left and Kim has—”

  Wilson leaned forward. “Just under five months left.”

  Eadan nudged Jon. “Is it just me or have our missions deteriorated into recipe swaps and what-to-expect-when-your-mate-is-expecting moments?”

  “No,” Jon said, his eyes widening. He looked almost scared, as if he too might catch the bug to discuss upcoming babies. “It’s not just you.”

  “I’m fairly sure we were once feared,” Eadan added with a laugh. “Now we’re the labor patrol. We make the enemy shake in their boots—well, right after we’re done talking about the first signs of contractions.”

  Wilson shook his head. “No. Not feared. Misunderstood. We were totally misunderstood. And just wait, you two will see what this is like when you meet your mates. Then we’ll all laugh at you.”

  “No,” Eadan said. “You’ll give us burping tricks to help the kid with gas.”

  Lukian laughed, obviously enjoying the friendly banter. “You’re probably right.”

  “Oh, I know I am.”

  Jon groaned as he smiled. It was actually a good sign. Jon hadn’t been dealing well with the loss of Lance, an Immortal Ops team member. He’d died seven months prior, and in that time Wilson had been captured and thought dead. Jon blamed himself for not finding Wilson sooner and for not preventing Lance’s death. For months the men had been walking on eggshells around Wilson because of the horrible ordeal he’d gone through. He’d been captured and tortured while the rest of the team believed he was dead. Had the women behind the men who called themselves Ops not been so persistent, there was a better than average chance Wilson wouldn’t be alive right now. The women had gone after him, forcing the men to follow. They’d all managed to bring him home, alive and well. Wilson even managed to get a wife and son out of the deal.

  Jon withdrew a pack of cigarettes from his vest pocket and then materialized a lighter. Eadan never said a word as he put the cigarette in his mouth and went to light it.

  Wilson knocked it out of Jon’s mouth. “What the hell? When did you start smoking again?”

  Jon’s amber gaze hardened as he reached for the cigarette.

  “Dad,” Wilson said in a whiny voice, tapping the back of Lukian’s chair. “He’s smoking.”

  Lukian looked as if he were trying to find his inner happy place.

  “That shit will kill ya,” Roi said.

  “While the effects of smoking have been proven to be detrimental to humans’ health, they have no ill effects on us,” Green chimed in.

  “Tell them the head and heart story again,” Roi said with a wag of his brows.

  Wilson shook his head. “I don’t give a shit. That crap stinks. You’re not doing it in here. I’ll smell it on myself all damn day.”

  Jon’s mouth changed shape quickly, his teeth lengthening, the start of a tiger’s teeth showing. He gave a soft roar at Wilson.

  Wilson smiled wide. “Dad, he’s trying to eat me.”

  “Dumbass,” Roi said.

  “Jon,” Lukian interjected. “No eating Wilson. He comes in handy from time to time.”

  Jon’s mouth returned to normal and he propped the cigarette between his lips but didn’t light it. He merely looked out the window again, ignoring them all.

  Eadan snorted, keeping the mood light, and tapped the back of Roi’s seat. “Try not to forget us next time, all right?”

  “I think he wanted to leave you on purpose,” Wilson offered, a cock-sure grin on his face. “He’s still sore you used to bang his wife.”

  True enough. Eadan and Missy had been married at one point in time. Now they were simply close friends. No stretch of the imagination, since their parents were close and had been since they’d been born. They’d be
en a constant in one another’s life since before Eadan could remember. Though his feelings for her were no longer sexual in nature. They were simply of love—the type of love one has for family.

  Roi growled. “Missy would have my damn balls on a platter if I let one hair on blondie’s head be hurt. She’s a mess of hormones and damn scary on a good day. So, uh, let’s not tell her I forgot to pick him up. And mention him banging her again and I’ll cut your dick off, mouse.”

  “Hey, you forgot me too,” Wilson protested. “And I’m a wererat. Get it right, douche.”

  Roi gave Eadan a hard look and Eadan winked at him. “Used to take baths with your wife when we were little too. Stew on that, asshole.”

  Wilson lost it. “Ohmygod, brilliant!”

  Lukian grumbled. “Great. It will take me weeks to calm him down now, Daly.”

  “He deserved it,” Wilson chimed in. “He left us in hostile territory. Hey.” Wilson looked to Eadan. “Are you leaking on me?”

  Jon twisted and stared at them. “Do I even want to know?”

  “No clue what he’s talking about,” Eadan added.

  Wilson shivered. “Magik. Are you leaking it?”

  “No. What you’re feeling is residual magik. Can’t help it. I had to use a lot to protect us from the bullets whizzing by us.” He looked up at the back of Roi’s head.