Stolen Warriors

by S. Dalambakis

  “Fuck,” she moans. I use the angle of my body to drive my hips up, harder and faster. I watch her greedy little cunt take my cock.

  “That’s right, doll, take it all. Take everything that I’m giving to you.” I feel her channel tighten around me, and I moan. Fuck, she’s perfect. “Mine,” I growl. “Do you hear me, Finley? You.” Thrust. “Are.” Thrust. “Mine.” Thrust. “Say it.”

  “I’m yours.”

  Damn right you are. I thrust once more before she screams her release, shattering apart in my arms. I follow right after. I jerk from the force of my release. I loosen my grip on Finley, and she slumps forward in my arms. The only sounds in the room are both of our labored breaths. We stay like that, basking in each other. Finley finally breaks the silence.

  “Your dick...just ruined me...that piercing...my God,” Finley says between breaths. I chuckle. “I can’t wait to do that again, but I’m going to need a moment. Shit.”

  “Glad you like it.”

  She pulls back, her gaze falling to my face. “Like it? I love it. Hell, I have no idea how you don’t have your exes tripping over themselves to get back with you. Fuck that. I don’t know why the hell they let you go in the first place.”

  I preen under her compliments. I don’t know if she actually wants an answer, but I give her one anyways. “I’ve never had an actual relationship. The life I lived was too dangerous. I never wanted to bring another person into a life of hiding and being on the run.”

  “But, you’ve had lovers, right?”

  “Yes, but I made sure they knew what they were getting into beforehand. I was usually gone the next day anyways. I never wanted to stay in one place for too long. Let’s get cleaned up. Verkor and Stolas should be back soon.” I gather her in my arms and stand.

  “Are you going to help wash my body?” There’s a gleam in her eyes.

  “That and so much more.”

  Finley graces me with a beautiful, wide smile. “Well, then you better get to it. Onward, steed.” I smile, shaking my head. But, I do what she says. I’ll let her have this, but that’s going to change when we get in the shower because now I have a sudden urge to see what she would look like on her knees, with my cock in her mouth.

  Chapter 16

  Verkor

  “Did you really need me to come with you?” Stolas questions as we walk to my cousin’s room. “Because, I think you only told me to come to give them some alone time.”

  I sigh. “Partly, for that reason, but I do need another set of eyes. My plan is to keep Kellan busy so you can scope out the room. I doubt that he’ll let me get close enough to the safe to see how to open it, but I can hope.”

  “And if that doesn’t work?” he asks.

  “Then, we wing it.” Stolas nods in agreement.

  “What are you hoping that he still has?” he asks softly.

  “My mother’s necklace. She never took it off, except for the day I found her. It was laying on the stand next to the bed. A guard found me laying on the floor. He ushered from the room. I wasn’t allowed back in until they removed her body. I went to get the necklace, but it was gone.”

  “Why do you think it’s in the safe?”

  I stop us right before we get to Kellan’s wing. I don’t want his guards hearing this conversation. “Kellan’s father was a ruthless man. I only have a hunch to go on, but I believe he took the necklace as a souvenir. I have no way to prove anything, and maybe it’s just the boy in me that would like to think that my mother wouldn’t have just abandoned me to the mercy of the king.” I look away from Stolas, staring at the red carpet. “Look, I know that after everything that happened with my father and Kellan’s mother, it broke her. I saw it every day. I know that the depression and the guilt of what they did weighed on her, but I would still like to think that she could have pulled through it. I would like to think that she would have loved me enough not to leave me, because once she died, I became an orphan.”

  I turn, heading down the hall that leads to Kellan’s wing, not wanting to talk about my past anymore. Stolas and Obsidian know quite a bit about it, but I never went into specifics about anything. Even though it’s been many years since it happened, it’s still fresh in my mind. I think because I don’t know what actually happened, and I never got true closure, it still haunts me. I’m hoping that getting my mother’s necklace back will help me start putting it behind me. I have a new and bright future ahead of me. I found my mate, and I’ll do whatever I can to make sure she stays safe and happy.

  We enter Kellan’s wing of the castle, and there are two guards at the entrance. We pass two more about halfway down the hall. The last two guards are at his door. Their armor clinks as they step closer together, blocking my entrance into Kellan’s room. They cross their swords, making an x.

  “What business do you have here? The King is not expecting any visitors this evening,” the one on the right states.

  “I wish to see my cousin. I’m Verkor Eirwen, in case you didn’t know. I’ll stand here and wait for you to go and ask if he would be so kind as to take an audience with me and my friend.”

  The guard on the right nods to the guard on the left, who turns and enters Kellan’s room, closing the door behind him. The guard that’s left, immediately moves and blocks the door. It seems as though the training for them has gotten better, but still they would be no match for me, Stolas, and Obsidian. It might actually be fun to finally take some of these bastards down. Oh yes, the guards are just as cruel as the master that controls them. Since I can’t see their faces, I have no way of knowing if these guards are still the same ones from when I was here. I shouldn’t take my anger and frustration out of innocents, but in the same sense they didn’t care to help when I needed it most.

  I take a few deep breaths, trying to calm the rage within me. I need to put on an act, or Kellan will see right through it if I go into his chambers angry. It only takes a few minutes, but the guard comes back.

  “King Kellan will see you,” he states.

  He holds the door open, not completely moving out of the way. His hand is on the handle of his sword. I know it’s a scare tactic, but it doesn’t work on me. Stolas and I walk right past him. As we enter the room, I realize nothing has changed in the years that I’ve been away. The same burgundy carpet is on the floor. The ornate wooden table is still in the center of the sitting room, with the same ugly floral printed couch and chairs surrounding it. The fireplace off to the left is blazing. Portraits of the royal family still hang on the walls. I do notice that my families painting is gone, replaced by another picture of Kellan. I almost snort. My cousin is nothing short of vain.

  Floor to ceiling bookshelves line the right side of the room. The mini bar is tucked away in the corner. There is a door on the left side of the room, towards the back, that leads to Kellan’s private room, which he just stepped from, wearing black pants and a plain white t-shirt. I can’t remember a time I’ve actually seen him dressed so casual.

  “Cousin, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” He walks over to the bar, grabbing three glasses and a bottle of fae whiskey. He pours two fingers in each glass. Collecting all three glasses, he walks over to the sitting area, placing the glasses down on the table, before taking a seat on the couch. “Come, sit. No need to be so formal when we’re alone.”

  Stolas and I walk over, each sitting in a chair. I lean forward, grabbing a glass of whiskey. Stolas does the same. I take a sip, before stating the reason why I’m there.

  “As you know Kellan, I haven’t been back here in quite some time, and the main reason I came back was because of my mate, Finley. I wanted to show her where I grew up, where I came from, even if this place holds bad memories for me.” I take another sip of whiskey.

  “Hm, yes, your mate. She’s quite lovely and fierce.” Stolas and I laugh.

  “You have no idea,” I smile, thinking of the way she pulled a knife out on the guy at the bar. How she jumped in to fight the fae that tried to attack us on t
he journey here.

  “You love her,” Kellan states.

  I look at him, taking a moment to think about it. Could I love her already? We’ve only known each other a short time. We’ve barely scratched the surface, but the more I think about it, the more I think I do. I love her smile, and the way she always hides daggers on her body. The way she stands up to Obsidian. I love the sound of her laugh, and the fierce way she declared that we are a team, and that she would fight for and with us. She’s sexy completely covered in clothes, and even more so without them. I love the way she says my name, and all the little noises she makes when I touch her body. I love how strong and determined she is, even after the life she’s been dealt. I sat there stunned for a moment, because I realize I do. I love Finley.

  “You’re right, I do,” I announce. I glance over at Stolas from the corner of my eye to see his reaction. He’s just sitting there with a shit-eating grin on his face. I’m sure he’ll have plenty to say on our way back to my room.

  “So, why did you come here?” He sits back, placing an arm on the back of the couch, crossing his legs.

  “I was hoping you would know where something is, something that was my mother’s. I would like to give it to Finley as a gift on the day of the ball.”

  “What is it of hers that you’re looking for? It’s been a long time, whatever it is may be gone.”

  “I know. A part of me was still hoping that there’s a chance it might still be here in the castle. It was her necklace.”

  “And what does this necklace look like?”

  “You know, the one she wore all the time and never took off. A silver chain with a silver skeleton key hanging from it. The top looks like faerie wings. Sapphires and diamonds decorate the wings, and there is a red river lily flower in the center made of rubies.”

  “Oh, yes I remember that necklace. And it just so happens that I do know where it is.”

  “It’s still here?” I say surprised. I’m not really. I was more than convinced that his father took it, but I had no proof. I still don’t, but I also think his father had a hand in my mother's death. Again, it’s nothing I can prove, but maybe this is the first step.

  “Yes. It’s actually in this very room. It’s in the safe.”

  “I would like to see it. I want to see if it’s the same one.”

  “Of course.”

  He unfurls his legs, leaning forward to place his glass on the table. I watch as he walks over to the fireplace, counts over seven stones, and pushes it in. The portraits above the fireplace swings open, revealing a wall safe. Quite honestly, it doesn’t look very sophisticated. There is a series of four beeps, and a green light flashes. The door to the safe opens. Kellan reaches in, grabbing a box. I can’t sit still any longer. I’m up and out of my seat in a second. Moving to stand next to him, I gaze at the velvet blue box he holds in his hands. Mine shake as I reach for it, expecting him to stop me, but he doesn’t. Taking the box from him, I slowly open the lid. I suck in a breath when the necklace is revealed. It’s my mother’s. Tentatively, I run a finger over the key. It’s been so many years since I’ve seen this.

  “It’s just as I remember.”

  I look at Kellan. He nods, turning back to the safe. I watch as he closes it, spying a torn, tan, piece of paper. I bet that’s the second part of the map. The outside of the safe only has a simple keypad, and now I know how many numbers are needed to unlock it. He closes the portrait, and I quickly look back to the necklace. One, to make sure he didn’t see me looking at the safe, and two, just to make sure it’s still there.

  “Thank you, Kellan.”

  “Of course, cousin. You know I loved her like she was my second mother. What happened was tragic.”

  I nod my head in agreement, because the only thing that was true about that statement is that her death was tragic. He didn’t love her like a mother. He was one of my biggest tormentors as a child. I guess he forgot that. But I’m not the same fae I was when I left here. And one way or another, I’ll eventually find out everything what happened, and when I do, I kill anyone involved.

  “Come, let’s finish that drink before you head back to your mate.” He claps me on my shoulder, pulling me from my dark thoughts. The only reason I’m staying is to not draw any suspicion.

  “Yes, I could really use it now.” We walk back over to the sitting area, and I share a look with Stolas. He nods slightly. There is something he needs to tell me, and I can’t wait to find out.

  Finley

  Verkor and Stolas return shortly after Obsidian and I finish our shower. We would have been done sooner, but Obsidian was determined to make me dirty again. I’m not complaining. That was some of the best shower sex, I’ve ever had. But, I can’t help looking at the distraught expression on Verkor’s face.

  “Did he not have what you were looking for?” I ask. Verkor looks over at me, making his way to the bed, where I am currently lounging next to Obsidian.

  “He did, but…” he trails off, looking at the blue box in his hands, stroking his thumb over it.

  “But,” I encourage.

  He sighs heavily. “But, it brought up the past. The things that happened to my mother, to me. I started telling you about it, but there’s more to it than that. The fact that this,” he gestures to the box, “was in the king’s safe, only makes me think he had more to do with her death.”

  “Why do you think that?” I inquire.

  Maybe having him talk about it might ease some of his pain. Verkor turns his sad eyes to me. He sits on the edge of the bed, hanging his head, almost like he is contemplating on whether he wants to continue or not. I give him all the time he needs to decide. He holds out the blue box to me. I carefully take it, opening the lid. I gasp. Inside sits the most beautiful skeleton key imbedded with sapphires, diamonds, and rubies.

  “It’s gorgeous, Verkor. Was this your mother’s?”

  He nods. “It was. She never took it off, until that day.”

  I nod, because I know he’s talking about the day he found his mother dead. I close the lid, handing the velvet box back to him. He takes it, placing it on the bed between us.

  “Do you know why she took it off?”

  “No. It’s one of the things that keeps bugging me about that day. I remember seeing it on the nightstand by her bed. Once the room was cleared, I returned to find it missing. I searched everywhere in her room, never finding it. Originally, I thought maybe someone took it, and they’d bury it with her, but on the day of her funeral, it was still gone. It wasn’t until I got older that I really started thinking about the situation. I mean, everything that happened. The cheating, the bullying, her depression,” he sighs.

  “The king was made aware of the situation, but he had to see for himself. I knew he hated my mother. You could see the disdain on his face whenever he saw her.”

  “Why did he hate your mother? It wasn’t like she was the one that cheated.” My brows pinch together. Would they be more inclined to seek solace in each other? Both of their mates cheated. It doesn’t make since he would hate her. Verkor sighs.

  “I don’t know. Maybe he blamed her. Maybe she was the easiest target for him to take his anger out on.” He runs his fingers through his hair. “I hate not having all the answers. All I know is she stayed in bed more days than not after any interaction she had with him. Anyways, the more I thought about it as an adult, the more it made sense. I don’t recall seeing it after the king left the room, but I was a child and grieving. I had just become an orphan. I didn’t know any better.”

  “Why do you think he took it?” I whisper.

  “As a souvenir. Because I think the king had something to do with her death. I don’t believe for one second that my mother would have left me in the hands of our tormentors. No matter how bad things were getting.” He shakes his head. “She wouldn’t do that to me,” he whispers. “I have to believe that.”

  I scoot over toward him, rubbing a hand up and down his back, comforting him. There’s so much I wan
t to say to him, but I don’t think he would be receptive to anything I have to say. The thing about depression is you can’t just stop feeling that way. You can’t snap out of it. From what Verkor has told me, it sounds like she lost hope and the drive to keep going. It doesn’t sound like she had anyone there to get her help or to help cope with what was going on in her surroundings. Sometimes, you feel so down, so low, that you don’t want to continue on. That the only way to feel better is by not living anymore. I don’t want to break his heart more.

  “Do you have any proof,” cringing at the way it sounds.

  “No. That’s why I haven’t said anything to Kellan.”

  At least he’s smart enough not to accuse anyone without evidence.

  “Have you been in her room since you left?” He shakes his head. “Maybe, we should go together? Maybe, looking around her room will give you more insight to everything that happened. Like you said, you were a child when everything happened. There might be something in there that you didn’t think to look at or notice before.”

  “You don’t think I’m crazy for thinking what I do?”

  “It’s not unfathomable. Anything is possible, especially with the way you were describing the last king.”

  “Can we go now? Her room is right next door.”

  “Of course.” I move to get off the bed, but Verkor stops me, reaching out and pulling me onto his lap. I gaze into his crystal blue eyes, seeing a warmth in them that I haven’t before.