“They didn’t even pay us the money they promised,” another woman added.
“We should kill Darafer for what he’s done to us!” a third woman shouted.
“If you want to hurt Darafer,” Rajiv said, “the best way is to destroy his crop.”
With a cry of revenge, half the villagers grabbed broken planks off doors and fences, then lit them in the cooking fire. Howard and Phil ran with them to the field to make sure the fire didn’t get out of control.
While the field was burning, Rajiv’s were-tiger friends made two stretchers for carrying the ill women. Leah and Yu Jie elicited help from the remaining villagers, and soon all the medical and cooking supplies had been safely stashed back into the cave on the ridge. Howard and Phil made a quick run through of the village to make sure no clues had been left behind as to who had interfered with the zombies.
It took about thirty minutes to walk to the Mekong River where five more were-tigers were standing guard over the ten fishing boats. Once everyone was aboard, they headed upriver to Tiger Town.
Leah waved at Yu Jie, who was in a neighboring boat with her family. She grinned and waved back.
In two hours they arrived at Tiger Town. The were-tigers had prepared tubs filled with hot water so the villagers could bathe, then they offered them fresh clothes.
“That’s very kind of your people,” Leah told Rajiv in English.
He grinned. “They’re doing it for themselves, too. Tigers have a very strong sense of smell and can’t stand stinky people.”
Howard wrinkled his nose. “It’s been rough on me and Phil, too.”
Tiger Town had several jeeps, and they offered to take the villagers to a nearby town the next day. Most of the villagers had relatives in other towns, so they were eager to reunite with their families.
Rajiv led Leah and the shifters up the stairs to the courtyard. “I have arranged for you to have private rooms and baths.”
“Oh, thank you.” Leah would be relieved to wash off the stench of the zombie village.
“I’ll have a servant wash your clothes, too,” Rajiv added. “We’ll give you something clean to wear.”
“Thanks,” Phil said as he looked around the courtyard. “This place is awesome.”
Leah nodded, admiring the palace. “Absolutely beautiful.”
“You tigers are living good,” Howard said.
Rajiv grinned. “Wait till tonight. It’ll be so much fun!”
“What’s tonight?” Leah asked.
“We celebrate! There will be a feast and music and dancing.” Rajiv punched the air with his fist. “It’ll be great!”
Phil chuckled. “You sound like Tony the Tiger saying it’ll be great.”
“I don’t know Tony,” Rajiv said.
Howard snorted. “I’ll drink and eat, but don’t expect me to dance.”
“Oh, come on.” Rajiv nudged him. “I want to see Pooh Bear do the Tiger Dance.”
Leah smiled, although inside she was feeling an increasing amount of fear. The daytime part of the plan had succeeded without a hitch, but as soon as the sun set, the Vamps would have to handle the fallout when Master Han’s soldiers discovered an empty village and a field of demon herb burned to the ground. Dougal might end up fighting for his life.
Dougal crouched, hidden behind some bushes with Angus and J.L. on one side of the burned field, while Kyo and his friends positioned themselves on the other side. Smoke curled up into the night sky from the smoldering ashes of demon herb.
Angus had passed out tranquilizer darts to everyone with the instructions to capture the soldiers if possible. Then they would teleport them back to the school.
Earlier, J.L. had received a text from Rajiv that they had safely transported the villagers to Tiger Town, so Dougal was looking forward to seeing Leah soon.
“Darafer’s going to be pissed,” a voice said quietly behind them, and Dougal glanced over his shoulder to find Russell standing about ten feet away.
“Glad ye could join us.” Angus stood and extended a hand, which Russell ignored, keeping his distance.
“You shouldn’t anger Darafer,” he muttered. “He’s more powerful than us, and he will retaliate.”
“That’s why we’re here.” J.L. motioned for Russell to hunch down. “We’re going to stop the soldiers from reporting in.”
Russell squatted. “That will only buy you one night at the most.”
Angus hunched down. “We’ve developed a process that will turn Master Han’s soldiers back to normal. We’ve established a clinic on a remote Japanese island so we can treat them.”
Russell snorted. “They’re the enemy. Just kill them.”
“Their souls will go to hell,” Dougal said.
“We’re in hell,” Russell muttered. “Besides, it was their choice.”
“Shh.” J.L. lifted a hand. “I hear a motor.”
“Take them alive if possible,” Angus whispered.
Two jeeps pulled up at the end of the field, and armed guards jumped out. After their initial shock, they divided into two groups. One group examined the field while the others ran to the village.
Angus motioned for his men to follow him toward the village. They remained hidden behind bushes and trees till they were just above the village, then they moved downhill and divided up.
The soldiers were ducking in and out of huts. Dougal positioned himself next to a door, and when a soldier exited, he slapped a tranquilizer in his neck, then another one for good measure. When the soldier slumped over, Dougal hefted him over his shoulder and carried him into the central meeting area. Angus was there with another unconscious soldier, and J.L. was bringing in a third.
“Where’s Russell?” Angus asked as they deposited the soldiers in a heap.
A cry of pain sounded close by, and they ran to investigate. Two dead soldiers lay at Russell’s feet, and blood dripped off his sword.
“The devil take it.” Angus glared at him. “I told you we wanted them alive.”
“You asked for my help.” Russell wiped his sword on a soldier’s uniform. “You got it.” He vanished.
With a muttered curse, Angus headed back to the three tranquilized soldiers.
J.L. sighed. “Russell’s been living among the enemy for too long.”
Dougal nodded as he trudged back with J.L. He understood how harsh a person could get when just trying to survive. During his four years of slavery, he’d seen so many other slaves whipped and tortured that he’d grown cold and unfeeling inside. Only his music had kept his soul alive. And his music had brought Li Lei into his life. If she hadn’t saved him, he probably would have died a slave. But it had been Li Lei who had died young.
Forgive me. He would earn her forgiveness by keeping Leah safe and happy for centuries to come.
Kyo dashed over at vampire speed. “We had to kill one, but we have three knocked out.”
“Let’s get them back to the school,” Angus said.
In a few minutes they were dropping the captive soldiers on stretchers in the clinic. Abby and Laszlo quickly put them into stasis, while Gregori reported that all had remained quiet at the school.
Dougal was eager to see Leah, but first they had to teleport back all the supplies left hidden on the ridge. They didn’t want to leave any clues as to what had happened. Even the three dead soldiers were teleported to the island, where they would be given a proper burial.
Finally done with the mission, Dougal showered and changed into a kilt and white shirt. Then he grabbed his Uilleann pipes. He’d keep his promise to the Grand Tiger, then spend the rest of the night with Leah.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Leah clapped along with the pounding drums while Howard and Phil attempted the Tiger Dance. They’d resisted for the first hour of the celebration, but after a few cups of Tiger Town’s homemade liquor, they were raring to go.
Most all of Tiger Town and the guests from the zombie village were in the courtyard celebrating. Torches lined the perimeter,
and a half-full moon glowed in the starry sky. Each end of the courtyard was lined with tables bearing grilled fish, rice, fruit, and what Rajiv called Tiger Juice.
In front of the palace, large drums were being pounded in a compelling rhythm that was almost hypnotic. It certainly made everyone want to dance. That and the homemade liquor. After drinking half a cup, Leah was feeling much less nervous about Dougal. Then when she heard the news from Rajiv that the Vamps had safely completed their part of the mission, she jumped for joy and tried the Tiger Dance, too.
It was simple enough to do. Face a partner, pound your right foot four times, crouch and leap with a half spin in the air, then repeat facing another partner. Then link elbows and spin, ending with a hiss and fake showing of claws. Of course, the were-tiger men were trying to outdo each other by leaping the highest. Other men donned giant tiger masks and were leaping so high that they sailed over people’s heads. Every now and then there was a drunken collision, but everyone laughed it off and went back to the table for more Tiger Juice.
“Is that Howard dancing?” J.L. yelled over the noise. “And Phil?”
Leah looked up to see that J.L. and Angus had arrived. Her heart lurched but quickly settled down when she didn’t see Dougal with them.
J.L. set down an ice chest. “Whoa, they just hissed at me.”
With a grin, Angus handed J.L. a Bleer from the ice chest. “Ye did a great job,” he told her.
“Thank you. I heard everything went well for you guys, too.”
Angus nodded and helped himself to a Bleer. “We have six more prisoners in stasis.”
Leah couldn’t wait any longer. “Where is Dougal?”
“He had to keep a promise to the Grand Tiger.” J.L. took a sip of Bleer. “He promised to wear a skirt and play the pipes for him. You’ll find him in the palace.”
“Okay, thanks.” Leah dashed up the steps to the palace.
Once she closed the thick double doors behind her, the pounding noise outside quieted to a dull throb. Instead, the air was filled with the plaintive, lyrical sound of pipes.
The guard nodded at her, allowing her to enter the throne room. She eased forward, keeping to the side, behind the columns. And then she saw them. Dougal was sitting on the edge of the dais, his head bowed as he concentrated on a slow, sad melody. Rajiv’s grandfather was sitting on his throne, his eyes closed, his body swaying to the music.
Tears filled her eyes. How could she not spend the rest of her life with Dougal?
When the music ended, she stepped out from behind a column.
Dougal set his pipes down and stood. “Leah.”
Her heart squeezed at the expression on his face. So much tenderness and love.
“Ah.” The Grand Tiger watched them closely. “Have you found love again, Dou Gal?”
“Yes, Your Eminence,” he said, never taking his eyes off Leah.
She glanced at Rajiv’s grandfather, wondering what he meant by again.
“True love,” the Grand Tiger whispered, his eyes glistening with tears.
Dougal bowed. “I apologize, Your Eminence. I did not mean to make you sad. I can play only slow music now.”
“It was beautiful.” The Grand Tiger waved toward the door. “You may go now. I wish to be alone with the memories of my wife, who passed before me.”
“Yes, Your Eminence.” Dougal grabbed Leah’s hand and led her toward the double door.
She glanced back to see a tear running down the Grand Tiger’s face. He must have loved his wife dearly.
Dougal pushed open the doors, and immediately the pounding drums filled her ears. The courtyard was teeming with life, people laughing and dancing. Tears crowded her eyes as she realized how blessed she was.
“Life is an adventure, lass,” her grandfather had told her. “Live it to the fullest, and never look back.”
I will, Grandpa. She blinked back her tears and smiled at Dougal. “Did you want to dance?”
He pulled her to the edge of the courtyard. “I have another activity in mind.”
She followed him down an alleyway between two buildings. “Where are we going?”
“I have a room in the guesthouse.”
“Wait.” She dug in her heels.
He pressed her up against a stone wall. “Why should I wait? I’ve hungered for you every night.”
“I have something to say.”
He nuzzled her neck. “Then say it before I rip this pretty robe off you.”
“It is pretty, isn’t it? Rajiv’s cousin, Jia, lent it to me. She’s a lovely girl.”
Dougal leaned back to give her an impatient look. “Is that what ye wanted to say?”
“No.” The pounding noise from the courtyard grew louder, and her heart thundered along with it. “I was really worried about you.”
“I was worried about you, too.” He grabbed her hand to take her toward his room.
“Wait.” She halted. “I was so worried that it made me realize something really important.”
“What? That ye worry too much?”
“No. That I don’t want to live without you.” She touched his cheek. “I’m all yours, Dougal. One hundred percent.”
His eyes glowed red. In a matter of seconds, he had swept her up in his arms and carried her to his room. In a few more seconds, he had lit the candle from the lantern hanging outside the door. She took the bedding off the dresser and spread it on the floor.
His shoes, socks, and sporran hit the floor.
“Wait,” she said as he flung off his shirt.
“What now?”
“There’s something I’ve been wanting to do. Actually a few things.”
“Aye, me, too.” He unfastened his kilt.
“No, wait!” She motioned to the bedding. “Lie down.”
With an impatient huff, he sprawled on the bedding. “What now?”
She kicked off her shoes. “Enjoy the show.” She slowly untied the ribbons that held her robe in place. The floor vibrated beneath her bare feet from the pounding drums in the nearby courtyard. She was naked underneath the silk, and it made her feel deliciously decadent. Her nipples hardened as she slipped the robe off her shoulders. She let the robe fall in a puddle at her feet so she stood naked before him with only the jade dragon around her neck.
He inhaled sharply, his eyes glowing a deeper red. “Ye’re so beautiful.” He made a grab for her. “Come here.”
With a smile, she stepped out of his reach. “I’m not done. There’s something else I’ve been wanting to do.”
“What?”
She knelt at his feet. “This.” She grasped the hem of his kilt and tossed it up to his chest.
His mouth twitched. “Ye wanted under my kilt?”
“Yes.” Just the sight of him made moisture pool between her legs. He was gloriously hard and full, but she dragged her gaze away from his erection and skimmed her fingers up his muscular calves to his thighs.
“Lass, if ye want to molest me, ye’re a bit south of the target area.”
She smiled. “Are you complaining?”
He smiled back. “Aye, ye’re too slow.”
“Where have I heard that before?” She cupped his balls, and he hissed in a breath. “I demand compensation.”
“Take whatever ye like,” he growled. “But get on with it.”
She circled a hand around his erection and squeezed. “I’ll take this.”
A drop of moisture seeped from the crown, and she leaned over to lick it, then take him into her mouth. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the feel and taste of him while the drums from the courtyard continued to pound faster and faster. She’d never felt so primal, so free.
“Enough!” He tossed her onto her back and dove between her legs.
The feel of his tongue and lips drove her wild. She thrashed, and he clasped her hips, lifting her to deepen the torture. A fierce orgasm struck, making her jolt from the power of it. As shudders racked her body, he plunged into her, and she came again. She was in a
whirlwind of pounding drums and throbbing muscles as he pumped into her faster and faster. With a shout, he climaxed, then fell beside her, holding her tight.
She clung to him, rubbing a hand over the dragon tattoo. His heart was pounding as fiercely as the drums in the courtyard.
“Leah.” He stroked her hair. “Ye’re mine. Forever.”
She smiled. Her life was so beautifully perfect. With a contented sigh, she closed her eyes.
But how long can it last? a small voice in her head warned her, and her eyes opened. They’d burned down Darafer’s precious field of demon herb. It was the same as declaring war on the demon. And no doubt, he would retaliate.
The next afternoon, Leah was back at work in the lab. The Vamps had teleported her and the shifters back to the school shortly before dawn, then they’d headed down to the basement for their death-sleep.
Leah was exhausted, too, from a night of lovemaking, so she’d grabbed some sleep before waking around one thirty. After taking some blood samples from the newly captured soldiers, she went to the lab to process them. Abby had the results from the first two prisoners, and it looked like they were making progress.
“What can you tell me about Laser?” Gu Mina asked, sitting on Laszlo’s empty stool.
“He’s a sweet man,” Leah replied as she prepared a slide.
Mina waved a hand. “I already know that. But what else do you know?”
“He’s Hungarian, I believe,” Abby said, peering through a microscope.
“I know that, too.” Mina swiveled impatiently on the stool. “But why is he so nervous around me? I keep telling him how cute he is, and that I would never hurt him, but he keeps fiddling with his buttons.”
Leah smiled. “He always does that.”
“Why?”
Leah shrugged. “I guess he’s nervous.”
“Why?”
Leah sighed. It was hard to get any work done with a curious fox in the room. “I don’t know. I guess you’ll have to ask him.”
“I did, and one of his buttons popped off.”
Smiling, Leah looked into a microscope.
The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo (Love at Stake) Page 23