by K. G. Reuss
I nodded against his chest and pulled away.
“You better damn well hope we are, Hawthorne, or it’s your ass.”
He let out a loud laugh and helped me into the passenger seat, making sure to buckle me in before placing a quick kiss on my lips. I watched with eager anticipation as he climbed behind the wheel and started the engine. We reversed out of the Conexus garage and made our way down the dark street.
“You OK?” he murmured as we approached the gates to leave.
I sucked in a breath and nodded. He reached out and grasped my hand as the gates opened. A moment later, we were off Dementon grounds and zipping along the old highway.
“Relax. I’ve got you.” He squeezed my hand. I nodded again, unable to use words. I darted my gaze around to the midnight environment, waiting for a creature to launch itself at us. Or a ghost to pop into the backseat. After fifteen minutes of nothing, I sank back in my seat, my guard up, but my tension down.
“Where are you taking me?”
“I told you. A date.” He shot me a grin that made my heart skip. I couldn’t stop the smile which spilled onto my lips. He slowed the Jeep down and turned into the parking lot of a twenty-four-hour diner with a full parking lot on the edge of the city. I looked up at the sign which read The Jam Barrel.
“Come,” he instructed, holding his hand out for me as he pulled open my door. I placed my hand in his and let him help me out of the Jeep. He twined his fingers through mine as we walked to the diner.
“This looks cozy,” I commented.
“It’s not much on short notice, but it’ll do. Had I more time to plan, I’d have made you dinner instead.” He opened the door, and the bell jingled overhead as we stepped inside as my heart gave a jolt. I’d never had a guy cook for me before. Dylan made me a peanut butter and jam sandwich once but put pickles in it. That definitely didn’t count as cooking.
“Hey, there, hon. Two?” A middle-aged woman with a wobbly bun greeted us with menus.
“Yes, please,” Raiden rumbled.
She blushed, clearly taken with his looks. We followed her back to a booth in the corner and slid in across from one another.
“Your waitress will be Greta. She’s just finishing up serving another table and will be right with you. I’m Deb.”
“Thank you, Deb.” Raiden smiled at her. Deb smiled back before leaving us.
“Do you come here often?” I opened my menu and scanned it.
He shrugged. “We like to sometimes after a hunt. Damien is a sucker for their loaded waffles.”
“And what are you a sucker for?”
He smirked at me. “I thought it was obvious.”
My face heated, tingles darting around in my belly.
“Hi. I’m Greta. I’ll be your waitress.” A college-aged blonde smiled down at us. Her cheeks heated when Raiden met her gaze. He did look incredible in his all black outfit.
“Did you and your sister get a chance to look over the menu?” She pushed her chest out, her cleavage peeking through her low-cut V-neck t-shirt.
I frowned. Sister? What an ass.
“My girlfriend and I would like a minute if you don’t mind.” Raiden leveled his gaze on me and smiled as he squeezed my hand. Butterflies sprung to life in my chest.
“Right. I’ll, uh, be back in a few minutes then.”
“Greta?” Raiden called out, his eyes still locked on mine.
“Yeah?” She was eager, turning back to us.
“Bring my girlfriend a strawberry milkshake. You can bring out two waters as well.”
“Sure.” She gave Raiden a tight smile before shooting me a look of disgust.
“She likes you,” I commented when Greta was out of earshot.
Raiden rolled his eyes. “She’s a commoner. I have no interest in a Nattie.”
I lifted my brows at him. “I’m a commoner—”
“You, my beautiful girl, are anything but common.”
I ducked my head at his words, causing him to chuckle.
“What will you have?”
I glanced down to my menu. “The usual.”
He grinned. “Cheeseburger and fries. No mayo or onion.”
“You know me so well.”
His traced a circle on the top of my hand with his thumb, his eyes sparkling. “You have no idea just how well.” He didn’t wait for my answer. He gestured for Greta to come back. She rushed to us like her shoes were on fire. Raiden gave her our order, and she left quickly, shooting me another glare.
I looked through the window at the dark woods beyond the diner, searching the tree line.
“They’re out there,” I murmured.
Raiden’s hand tightened on mine. “I know.”
“Why don’t they come closer? Why are they lurking in the dark?” I tore my eyes away from the trees and looked to Raiden. He had a sad look on his face.
“Most things try to stay away from me if they can help it.”
“Must be a lonely life.”
He shrugged. “It used to be. Now? I have you. The rest doesn’t matter.”
“What are you, Raiden Hawthorne?” I cocked my head at him, entranced by his beauty and mystery.
“I’m just a shifter prince who’s fallen for a whisperer.” He brought my hand to his mouth and planted a warm kiss on top.
My heartrate kicked up a notch. I didn’t get to answer because Greta was back with our food.
Much to my displeasure, Raiden released my hand so we could dig in. I savored the strawberry milkshake. Raiden finished both my dinner and shake when I became too full. He tossed a fifty onto the table and offered me his hand. I took it, and he led me out of the restaurant.
The moment we were out the door, his mouth was on mine.
I kissed him back, loving the way my heart beat at his kisses and touches.
“Come on,” he growled against my lips, breaking away breathlessly and tugging me to the Jeep. I followed along, his arm wound firmly around me. When we got to the Jeep, he opened the door. Before I got inside, he planted another kiss on my lips then made sure I was safely tucked away in the warm confines of the vehicle. I watched as he walked around the Jeep, his keen eyes taking in our environment. Sharp. Hunting. Chills ran up my spine at the knowledge of what was out there. Not knowing how creatures of the dark may gossip, I assumed maybe word had gotten out about me being a human torch, and rather than getting turned to ash, they kept their distance.
“Where are we going now?” I asked as Raiden got in and started the Jeep. We pulled back onto the road, heading in the direction of Dementon.
“Back to campus. I don’t want to keep you away too long.”
“Good point. Heard the general gets snappy about things like that.” I peeked at him from the corner of my eye. A smirk was on his face. I grinned, knowing I put it there.
“I want to work on a few things when we get back.”
“Oh.” Back to the stuffy general. All rules and no fun.
“Trust me. It won’t be too bad. Eric mentioned he hadn’t gotten around to teaching you to meld.”
I perked up. “Like that thing you guys do to disappear?”
“Something like that. Ours is a bit different. Yours would be to go unseen. All Specials can do that. You just haven’t mastered it yet. I think it’s something worth knowing.”
“Abby doesn’t know how to do it,” I said thoughtfully, remembering her mentioning it during lunch a few weeks back.
Raiden nodded. “It’s not an easy ability to master. Some find it easier than others. Most casters and locks cast to make it happen, rather than tapping into their innate senses. Being a fae psychic whisperer, I think it should come easier to you. We’ll find out though.” He shot me a smile.
“What’s my prize if I master it right away?” I teased, my heart hammering in my chest. I never flirted, but with him, I couldn’t stop myself, eager for his answers.
“We’ll see about moving away from that wall and taking it somewhere a little more comfortab
le.” He winked at me, causing heat to pool in places that made me squirm.
Easy conversation followed. By the time we were back on Dementon property, all the tension had melted away, allowing me to relax.
“That wasn’t so bad, right?” Raiden took my hand as I got out of the Jeep in the Conexus garage.
“We’re still alive. I award points for that.”
He chuckled and pulled me in a for a kiss before leading me out to the backyard where a fountain was hidden within a garden filled with flowers. He waved his hand, and a purple glow surrounded us.
“What’s that?” I asked, recognizing he’d cast a spell.
“It’s for privacy. No one can see us right now.”
“Why do we need privacy?” I lifted a brow at him as he pulled me close.
“So we can do this.” His lips met mine again, making my toes curl.
I was breathless when he broke off the kiss. With his hands on my waist, he hummed, moving us in time to the soft song coming from him.
“You look good in red,” he murmured.
“You should see me in nude.” The words shot out of my mouth before I could stop them as we danced beneath thousands of twinkling stars, me in my red dress and him in his dark dress clothes.
He chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to my lips. “I eagerly await the opportunity to compare, sweetheart.”
My heart flip-flopped in my chest as he twirled me around, going back to humming his song. I didn’t recognize it, but it sounded beautiful in his deep rumble. We danced, him holding me close, my head resting on his chest.
Finally, he ended his song and kissed my forehead.
“Come on. We’re almost over curfew.”
“Right. Rules. Regulations. The stuffy general.”
He chuckled against my lips as he planted another kiss. “You’re learning fast.”
“I have a good teacher.”
“If you think that, we’re going to have lots of fun later.” He winked, grinning at me over his shoulder as he led me from the garden.
I hoped his idea of fun and mine were the same. Judging by the look in his eyes, I was sure we had the same thoughts.
Fifty-Six
Raiden
“It’s about concentration. Focus.” I circled Ever in her living room. She nodded her head, her back stick straight in the red dress which had quickly become my favorite on her. I loved how much effort she put into everything she did. This wasn’t a game to her. I’d trained plenty of people over the years, and I’d never had a student as serious as her. She’d make an incredible soldier.
I shook the idea off. If things weren’t fixed with the Amara situation, it would be pure agony to be around Ever in Conexus, especially when we bonded. Plus, I didn’t want my life for her. But damn, did I want her. Maybe I could bring her in anyway…
No!
I cleared my throat. “You try.”
“So, I should try to match the pattern on the chair?” She wrinkled her nose at me. “Like I’m a chameleon?”
I smiled. She was adorable. “Something like that. It’s more like you exist as nothing. Focus on the unseen.”
She shivered.
“Be a ghost, Ever.”
She nodded as her brows scrunched in concentration. I watched as she shimmered for a moment before returning to normal.
“Almost,” I encouraged, impressed by how fast she got it. She tried a few more times, each one better than the last. Melding wore a user out. I could see the exhaustion in her eyes. She didn’t quit. She tried again.
My heart ached as my mind wandered to my father’s impending visit the following evening. I wanted to spend as much time with Everly as I could before he got here. The truth lurked on the tip of my tongue, and yet I couldn’t bring myself to say the words which could ruin what I had with her. I tucked it into the back of my mind and let out a whoop of joy as she shimmered and faded away.
“You did it!”
She shimmered back into existence, a look of pure joy on her face. My heart clenched. I swept her into my arms, peppering her face with kisses.
“I’m so proud of you.” I kissed her lips.
“Me too,” she laughed. Her eyelids were half-mast, exhaustion radiating from her. I kissed her again. Her lips parted, allowing me entry, and I took it. I dipped my tongue into her warm mouth, relishing in how wonderful she tasted. My healing flowed into her, and she sagged against me, sharing a breath.
“I love kissing you,” she murmured, pulling away to kiss along my jaw. I angled my neck for her as she went up on her tiptoes.
“I love you kissing me,” I answered, closing my eyes and breathing out. I stilled as her fingers found their way beneath my shirt, her warm touch on my muscles. She traced along the edge of my pants, making my heart stumble in my chest.
“What are you doing?”
She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and gave me an innocent look as she backed away. Then she turned and walked to her bedroom, her mass of long, black hair swinging behind her
I’d be a damn fool to not follow.
I stood in her doorway, watching as she let her dress pool at her feet. Casually, she pulled her comforter back. She looked glorious in her black bra and panties. She turned, wringing her hands.
“Coming?”
I nodded and pushed off the doorframe. Hastily, I unlaced my boots as she climbed into bed. I slid in beside her a moment later, bringing her to me.
“Am I violating any rules, General?” she teased, her lips brushing against mine. A shiver of anticipation rocketed through me.
“Only all of them,” I growled back.
She giggled softly, her body pressed against mine. “I thought this might be better than a wall.”
“I agree.” I kissed her, my fingers in her hair. I allowed myself to touch the bare skin of her waist. When she didn’t object, I moved my hands higher, so I was skimming just beneath the edge of her bra.
“You’re beautiful,” I whispered against her lips.
“So are you.”
She pulled my shirt off. Her warm body against mine coiled my stomach into tight cords. In a brave move, she straddled my lap, her long curtain of hair brushing against my bare skin as she leaned down and pressed her warm lips to my tattooed chest then sat up again. I sucked in a breath as I stared up at her. She was gorgeous. Otherworldly.
“You have a lot of tattoos.” She traced her finger lightly around a tattoo of a rotwraith I had on my bicep. Goosebumps popped along my skin. “Why do you have a rotwraith?”
“It was the first creature I ever killed.”
“And this one?” She traced a bleeding crown on my sleeve.
“I’m royalty, and I hate it. But I’d bleed for my people.”
She nodded. “Is that why you’re in Conexus?”
“It is.”
“Who brought you in? Who was the general before you?”
“His name was Michael Abernathy. I was brought in from the children’s school. I served one year as his lieutenant before I became general. I was twelve.”
Her eyes widened at the news. “You were a kid when it happened?”
I nodded, studying her sad face. “I was. I never wanted to change it. It’s my birthright. My father was general before me, as were my grandfathers. It’s part of who I am.”
“Is it?” She cocked her head at me.
I frowned, gripping her small waist as her eyes glazed over. I knew that look. I held her in place as she swayed, my pulse thudding in my ears as I waited for her words.
“A different path will be placed before the crown
A prince of Xanan he is not
His loyalty lies with his Bound
But hers must still be sought
When she breaks the chains
His heart will crumble
The pieces shall bring pain
And the crown shall tumble.”
She fell forward, and I caught her to my chest, my breathing ragged. What the hell?
“Everly? Are you OK?” I called out, brushing her hair away from her face. “Everly?”
“I’m sorry,” she choked out. “I can’t control it.”
“Shh.” I tilted her head up to look into her eyes. Tears threatened the edges. “Don’t cry. I’m here. I’ve got you.”
“Did I say something bad?” Her green eyes searched mine, and I forced a smile onto my face as I pushed my energy into her.
“No, sweetheart. You didn’t.”
“Promise?”
“Cross my heart,” I managed to rasp out. She let out a tired sigh and rested her head on my chest.
I held her tighter, praying this was one of those inaccurate predictions I’d heard so much about from the psychic faction.
Something told me I’d better pray harder.
Fifty-Seven
Everly
I woke up to strong, warm arms wrapped around me. I snuggled deeper into them.
“I could wake up like this forever,” Raiden rasped and chuckled softly as he traced small circles along my back.
“Me too.”
After my vision, I’d fallen asleep. I’d intended on trying to get a bit more action, but that whole predicting thing had gotten in the way, totally ruining anything we could’ve done. When I’d snapped out of my trance, Raiden seemed freaked out. Bless him for trying to make me feel better though.
“I won’t be at training tonight.”
I lifted my head and looked at him.
“Really?”
He nodded. Sleep looked good on him. His silver hair was a mess, and his scruff had me reaching out to cradle his face. He nuzzled into my hand, smiling at me.
“Are you going soft on me, General?”
His smile widened. “Hardly, Miss Torres. I just have a prior commitment tonight. That doesn’t mean you won’t have training.”
I groaned, hanging my head. He chuckled and titled my chin up.
“Damien will be helping you this evening. Same time. Same place.”
“Not that I don’t adore everything about Damien, but why not Eric?”
Raiden’s brows crinkled, the smoothness gone from his face.