by G. K. DeRosa
Kaige jerked on his horse’s reins, sidestepping a volley of arrows and lunging over a water-filled ditch. I hadn’t noticed it before, but various trenches and other obstacles covered the field.
He crossed the line over to Xander’s side of the pitch and spears shot up from the ground.
I gasped as the horse reared and narrowly avoided being impaled.
Kaige maneuvered his mount around the sharp weapons and trotted forward. A pair of soldiers flanked him on either side. He shouted something, but his voice got lost in the cries of the crowd.
The two soldiers to his left suddenly disappeared. A gasp rippled through the crowd. What the…?
I got up on my tiptoes in time to see a trap door closing on the floor of the arena. This was insane! How was Kaige supposed to survive arrows, spears, and trap doors along with his brother and his army?
I clasped my hands together as Kaige slowly moved forward. He only had a quarter of the field to go. His horse stepped cautiously over the treacherous terrain, Kaige keeping a tight hand on his reins.
I glanced across the arena at Xander. His steed was balking as his hooves sunk into fast moving quicksand. He was cursing at the poor animal, digging his spurred heels into his flanks.
Jerk.
I turned back to Kaige who had made some progress through the gauntlet. He still had two soldiers at his side and had quickened his pace. He was only a few yards away from the tower. My breaths came faster as his eyes narrowed in on the flag.
Xander must have noticed how close he was. He leapt off the horse, leaving the poor beast to sink farther into the quicksand. He raced to the outer edge of the field and tackled one of the royal guards.
A round of boos erupted from the crowd.
He jerked the bow and arrow out of his hands and trained it at Kaige across the field.
No!
Kaige and his men galloped forward, their eyes intent on the blue flag. Xander pulled the string back and loosed the arrow. It whizzed by as the entire arena went silent.
I screamed.
Kaige’s head spun toward me, his blazing eyes connecting with mine. The arrow zipped by his ear, just missing where his head had been a second ago. His upper lip curled into a snarl as he leapt off his stallion and sprinted toward the tower.
“No!” Xander cried out as he raced across the field. He passed one of Kaige’s soldier’s and wrapped his hand around the man’s leg to wrench him off his horse.
The soldier cursed as he hit the ground. Xander jumped on the steed and dug his heels into the animal. The horse bucked then surrendered to Xander’s heavy hand. He galloped across the field, leaping over trenches and another patch of nasty quicksand.
Hey, how come they aren’t firing at him now?
The soldiers stationed around the stadium all watched in tense silence, as did the rest of the crowd.
Kaige lurched forward, jumping over the small moat around the wooden tower and landing about halfway up the structure. He reached up to grab a metal handhold and pulled himself up.
Come on, come on. I gritted my teeth, scared to breathe. Xander was only a few yards away, and the pounding of his mount's hooves rumbled across the stadium.
Kaige glanced over his shoulder, catching sight of his brother. He grunted and lunged for the next handhold. He splayed out his fingers, reaching for the flag.
A sword zipped through the air, the gleaming metal flashing under the bright lights above.
My breath hitched, ice filling my veins as the weapon moved in slow motion.
Xander’s blade plunged into Kaige’s shoulder, and a sharp cry rang out across the silent crowd.
I clapped my hand over my mouth when I realized the shriek came from my lips as the taranoi beside me shot dirty looks my way.
Kaige didn’t flinch; he stretched his fingers a few more inches and yanked the flag off the stand. He dropped to the ground, the sword still protruding from his shoulder, and waved the flag in the air.
A buzzer rang, and the crowd exploded into cheers.
My shoulders sagged, and I hunched forward against the wooden barricade. A huge smile stretched across my face, and I sucked in a deep breath.
He did it. Kaige won.
Two smoldering silver orbs locked onto mine from across the field. The smile on my lips quickly faded as red-hot fury seared through the bond.
Uh oh. Someone was mad.
Chapter 19
Kaige
Lava flooded my chest, burning through my veins. The throbbing in my shoulder from the sword was nothing compared to the screaming rage swarming my body.
I was going to kill her.
Why was Solaris at the arena, much less standing in the center of a crowd of taranoi? I could see the hunger in their faces. If they knew a human was among them, they’d tear her to pieces trying to get a taste.
She nervously chewed on her bottom lip, feeling the anger coursing through the bond.
“Well done, Kaige.” Garridan squeezed my uninjured shoulder. “Excellent—”
I snatched his arm. “Solaris is here,” I hissed, jerking my chin toward the group she disappeared into.
“Oh my gods.” Garridan’s cheeks paled. “What in the world was she thinking?”
“She wasn’t.” I shook my head. “This isn’t the first time she’s done something completely idiotic and reckless.” My nostrils flared as I imagined what could happen if she was discovered. “Please find her and escort her to the room. I doubt she even remembers how to get back.”
Garridan gave a quick nod. “She’s not the easiest person to be connected to, is she?”
“Not at all.”
He shot me a wry smile. “You probably aren’t either.”
My eyes narrowed as he slipped through the throngs of nocturnes to find the one human amidst them.
I marched into the arena corridor, already stripping off the thick layers of leather protective gear. A lot it did to stop Xander from impaling me with a sword. I winced as I glanced over my shoulder, blood covering my shirt.
Bastard.
“Kaige!” Zabrina scurried through the crowd and launched herself at me.
I caught her, ignoring the sharp sting through the wound. “How did you get down here so fast? And why in the world would you jump on me? I’m filthy.”
She scoffed. “Like I care about getting dirty. I actually prefer it.” Her grin reached all the way up to her emerald eyes. “Besides, I wanted to be the first to congratulate you.”
I shook my head. “Mom’s going to be mad you ruined your new dress.”
She made a face. “I meant to ruin it.”
“Oh, Zabrina.” My mother showed up right on time. “Must you destroy every dress I put you in?”
“Yes,” she whispered as I placed her down. “Sorry, Mom.”
My mother rolled her eyes. “You’re as sorry as you were the last time you did it.”
The king appeared beside my mother, his presence engulfing the small area. He was furious when he found out I left in the middle of a trial. Fortunately, he believed the lie that I just wasn’t prepared for that particular test. I decided to forfeit and train for something else instead of wasting my time.
The smallest of smiles twitched his lips, indicating he was pleased with the outcome of the trial. “Good job, Kaige. You were very impressive out there.”
“Yes, Brother, you were.” Xander stomped into the corridor, his face harsh beneath the layers of dirt. “You were nearly invincible, a true immortal vampire.” Something dark and unreadable flashed through his navy eyes.
I swallowed the unease swirling up. Solaris’s blood had given me an edge. It was still coursing through my veins, making me stronger.
“You were very good too, Xander.” My father clapped him on the shoulder. “You were close to winning. I’m proud of you both.”
Xander’s jaw clenched as he nodded. “Thank you.”
My chest ached for my brother. It had to be hard always coming in behind me. Then
a flash of him sinking his teeth into Solaris shot through my mind, and I forced any sympathy away.
“Did you really have to stab Kaige with a sword?” Zabrina hopped up on a table so she was eye level with Xander, shooting him a scowl. “You guys aren’t supposed to kill each other.”
Xander shrugged. “Of course I didn’t have to throw the sword.” The corners of his lips twitched. “But did I want to? Yes.”
Zabrina pouted. “If you kill each other, I’ll have no one to watch fight.” She motioned toward me. “Tell Kaige you’re sorry.”
Xander’s eyes shifted toward me. “Sorry, Kaige.” There was not one ounce of sincerity in his voice.
“Good. Now catch me.” Zabrina jumped into his arms.
My mother sighed while my father chuckled, earning a glare from her.
He held his hands up. “What? She’s cute.”
I shifted on my feet, my thoughts going to Solaris. Had Garridan found her? Was she safely back in her room? “I’m going to get cleaned up.”
The king’s head snapped in my direction, his dark brows dipping. “Don’t you want to make a victory lap around the arena for the crowd to congratulate you?”
That was the last thing I wanted to do, even if I didn’t have a little human to yell at. “No, sir. I’d rather not.”
He motioned his hand toward my shoulder. “At least let someone have a look at that.”
I shook my head and laid my hand over the wound. “I’m fine.” It was already healing faster than normal because of Solaris’s blood. I didn’t want a soul seeing it.
“Very well.” My father waved me on. “We’ll see you for a late dinner.”
My mother stepped forward and kissed my cheek, her eyes lingering on me a little too long. I quickly averted my gaze and grabbed my things before she could uncover all the secrets I was hiding.
Tingles rippled down my spine, and I halted in the corridor again. It felt as if eyes were on me, watching my every move. I swallowed hard. Was someone following me?
I glanced behind me, to the left, to the right, and even up. No one was there.
I shook myself and continued on my way. I was paranoid. Solaris’s presence at the arena had me on edge. My hands curled into tight fists. This had to be the most idiotic thing she’d ever done. Sneaking into a massive crowd of vampires who hadn’t tasted a drop of human blood in a hundred years, if ever, was asking for trouble. What was she thinking?
A light footstep sounded against the stone. My breath quickened as my eyes searched the shadows. Someone was definitely following me.
Alarms rang through my mind. No one could know where I was going, especially Xander. Who else would be following me?
My nostrils flared. “Come out,” I demanded. “Come out right now.”
A long, heavy pause stretched, but nothing stirred.
My fangs tore through my gums, and a deep, threatening growl slithered between my teeth. “You’ve got five seconds before I hunt you down.”
A gasp echoed, and a slight figure stepped out from a corner. It wasn’t Xander.
“Tessamia? What are you doing?”
Her hands lifted in the air as she slinked closer, her shimmery pink dress hugging her body. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to anger you.” A nervous giggle slipped out. “I didn’t get a chance to congratulate you after the trial.”
My brows dipped. Was she snooping for Xander or was she chasing after me because she realized I was going to be king and not my brother?
Either way, I wanted nothing to do with her.
“You were amazing out there.” She walked closer, her moves fluid and predatory. “You’re amazing at everything you do, Kaige.”
“Um, thanks.” I cleared my throat and took a step back. “I’ve got something to do so…”
Her bottom lip snagged between her teeth as her hands lay on my chest. “I’d really like to thank you.”
My head snapped back. “Thank me for what? Winning?”
Tessamia laughed again, the sound deep and sultry. “For being you.” Her fingers began to trail down my chest.
“Whoa!” I snatched her wrists. “You and my brother are together.”
She scoffed. “No, we’re not.”
“Maybe not right this second, but I’m sure you’ll find your way back to each other soon.” I forced her away. “I don’t mess with his girlfriends.”
“Kaige.” Her lashes fluttered up at me as she twirled a lock of blonde hair around her finger. “I’ve always had a crush on you.”
My jaw clenched. I did not have time for this. “Look, Tessamia, go back to Xander. I’ve got something to do right now.” I spun around and darted off, ignoring her as she continued to call my name.
Chapter 20
Kaige
The bond told me my human was inside the room, anxiously awaiting me. I stormed through the door, a red haze clouding my vision. Garridan sat in a corner, a book clutched in his hand. His brow arched at my hasty appearance.
Solaris was on the couch, flashing me a tight smile. “You won. Yay!”
“Are. You. Insane?” I held a hand up before she could speak. “No. I already know the answer, and it’s yes. Only a mentally disturbed individual would do what you did.”
She shrugged. “Look on the bright side. What Garridan said was true. My scent really doesn’t have an effect on other nocturnes.”
A growl slithered between my teeth. “That’s not the point. You could have been killed!” I stalked toward the couch, looming over her. “You were in the middle of a group of taranoi. Do you not remember the last encounter you had with them?” The entire incident was burned into my brain.
Her own anger pulsed through the bond and she stood, forcing me back an inch. Her green eyes blazed into mine. “You don’t need to remind me. I can still feel his fangs tearing open my neck.”
My stomach clenched, and I hated myself for bringing up that horrific memory. But she needed to understand the danger she was in. “I don’t want that happening to you ever again,” I hissed. “They could have killed you within mere seconds.”
She rubbed her temples and heaved a deep sigh. “I’m fine now. Everything’s fine. Don’t be so dramatic.”
Garridan’s soft chuckle resonated from the corner. I was glad someone thought this was funny. “You want dramatic?” With lightning reflexes, I scooped her up and threw her over my shoulder.
“Kaige!” Her squeal was swallowed up by the wind as I zoomed into the bedroom, closing the door and tossing her on the soft mattress.
I stood at the edge of the bed, my chest heaving. “Give me one good reason you decided to sneak into an arena full of vampires.”
Solaris brushed blonde strands of hair from her face, her eyes searing into mine. “Because, you idiot, it felt like you were in danger. I was worried.” She bit her bottom lip to mask the quivering in it.
The anger suddenly evaporated from me, and my shoulders loosened. “Oh.” I hadn’t really been in danger, but Solaris couldn’t have known that. She would have felt my adrenaline and even panic when my side was losing.
This bond was confusing for both of us. And if roles had been reversed, I would have done the exact same thing.
It didn’t make what she did any less stupid, but it did explain why she did it.
I walked around the bed and sat beside her. “Come here.” My arms went around her, and she melted against me. “I should have warned you how intense the trial was going to be. I wasn’t in any real danger.”
“Your brother threw a sword at you.” Solaris pulled away and stretched my t-shirt down, her warm fingers grazing my shoulder. A gasp escaped her mouth. “There’s not even a scar.”
My lids lowered at the warm tingles her mere innocent touch created. “You can thank your blood for that,” I whispered, my voice deeper.
A flutter disrupted the steady beat of her heart. Solaris peered into my face. “You’d have a big, gaping stab wound if you didn’t drink my blood?”
My f
ingers absentmindedly curled a lock of her silken hair. “Yeah, but it would have eventually healed.”
Solaris’s gaze averted to the maroon and gold blanket, something I couldn’t decipher zipping through the bond. A line furrowed her brow. “Maybe you should have more then, in case Xander tries something in the next trial.”
It took me a second to understand what she’d said, and I was already shaking my head despite the ache in my fangs. “I don’t need more. You gave me plenty.” Of course, I wanted more. The blue veins beneath her delicate skin were already drawing me in. My eyes lingered on her neck, and I wondered what it would be like to sink my fangs right there while I held her in my arms.
She was mine. Her blood was mine.
Take it.
“Kaige?” Her voice was distant in my ears.
I leaned forward, my lips brushing over her neck. The honey and jasmine scent swirled around me. She was so warm. Her body tensed for a second and then relaxed. A mixture of desire and apprehension flowed through the bond.
My little human was just as confused as I was.
I swallowed hard and forced my mouth from her neck. My lips skimmed over hers.
“Kaige,” she whispered.
I shushed her with another brush of my lips. Her heart fluttered wildly against my chest, and it sent my pulse racing. I didn’t just want her blood.
I wanted so much more.
I laid her back. “Solaris, I can’t seem to stay away from you.”
“I know the feeling.” Her warm breath mingled with mine as her half-lidded green eyes stared up at me. They were pleading with me. Don’t stop.
My mouth descended on hers. I kissed her achingly slow. My tongue slipped across hers, and goose bumps popped along my skin. Her taste was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.
Her fingers slid into my hair, massaging my scalp. Gods, I was going to fall apart any moment. I was a fool to ever think I was the one controlling this.
My hand slid under her shirt, her stomach smooth against my palm. She was physically so small and delicate compared to me, but she was a force to be reckoned with. She was fiercer than half the nocturnes in Draconis.