by Toby Aden
Once the party began dwindling down, Dorian scooped Rorik into his arms. “I’m going to put him to bed. He’s had enough excitement for the day,” Dorian said with a smile at the almost asleep baby. “Say good night to your father.”
They all watched as Kevyan pressed a kiss to Rorik’s forehead, using a finger to brush across his son’s cheek. “Love you, son. Sweet dreams.”
Rorik cooed, grasping Kevyan’s fingers in his extremely tiny hand and causing his father to laugh softly, his eyes tender and full of love for this child of his. Another kiss to Rorik’s baby-soft cheek and Kevyan deftly withdrew his finger, allowing Dorian to carry their son away.
“Maria, won’t you go with your papa?” Kevyan called out at the girl no more than five years he and his mate adopted when Dorian had brought her home from the orphanage.
“Not yet father,” Maria called out before scampering away.
Holding Rorik against his chest, Dorian nodded to them before turning and walking out of the garden, moving into the house through the side entrance.
They were all quiet for a while until Gregory drew Kevyan’s attention to him. “You do realize that you’ll have to answer all their questions regarding the hybrid situation.”
Kevyan ran a weary hand down his face before nodding. “I know, Gregory. What no one seems to realize is that we all have to take this one day at a time. Just because I’m king does not mean I have all the answers you know.”
“That’s the burden of the responsibility we carry, my friend,” Gregory agreed.
“Ah yes. Forgive my remiss and congratulations on your new Alpha status,” Kevyan said, holding his hand out for Gregory.
With a chuckle, Gregory reached out and clasped hands with Kevyan. “May the peace between our two species foster for generations to come,” Gregory said, grinning at his brother-in-law.
Just then, the sound of rapid movement caused them to raise their heads and peer in the direction of the intruders a mile away. The overwhelming scent of vampires filled the air, and the two jumped to their feet.
Immediately, Kevyan yelled, “Guards, to me!” Together with his guards, he rushed to the side entrance of the mansion, his family his first priority. Never had they seen such an army amassed in front of them, nor had such an army ever entered the mansion without any alert of any kind.
“Get the humans and my daughter to safety,” Kevyan yelled out to his men, and two of them rushed to carry out his orders.
“Will, make sure the humans remain safe. Go!” Gregory yelled from where he stood, bodily moving the humans away from the line of fire. When his mate didn’t move immediately, he pushed the man after the few humans invited for the occasion.
When he was sure Will had heeded his words and was leading Dorian’s adoptive family away, Gregory turned and shifted into his hulking brown wolf form. He rushed into the battle that had ensued all around him and, along with the other vampires and shifters, tore mercilessly into their invaders.
Soon, the place turned into a deadly bloodbath. The wolves had shifted, and the vampires, together as one, attacked the intruders. It was a slaughter. Kevyan and his guests moved with unrestrained rage and tore into the army of created vampires. But when their host fought to enter into his home, rushing toward his mate and son, the rest dealt with the invaders.
They fought a bloody battle, tearing into the vampires who came at them. Gregory fought with a savageness and fierceness that befuddled even his own pack members, but somewhere along the line, he began to feel a sort of foreboding and paused in his tracks. Using the mental bond between an Alpha and his pack, he left instructions for them to capture alive as many as they could and kill the rest or drive them out before turning on his heels and racing back into the mansion.
Gregory arrived at the scene inside the house, only to feel his heart drop from his chest as he stared in frozen disbelieve at his brother lying on the floor on the staircase.
“No! Don’t touch him!” Sam yelled at Kevyan when the man had reached for his mate, startling him back into reality.
“Why? I can’t—I can’t leave him like that,” Kevyan said in a tortured voice, clearly distressed and his thoughts all for his mate. “He’s losing too much blood. Call Dr. Morris,” Kevyan snapped to his men.
Sam went ahead, his hand hovering over the injured infant who was covered in blood. Chanting the healing incarnation with a soft blue glow shimmering around Rorik, Sam gently picked Rorik into his arms, holding the distressed baby close to his chest. The baby flailed his hands and legs, the crying gradually reducing until he settled in relief. Thankfully, the baby was not harmed too much for Sam could see that Dorian had done his best to protect his child, taking the brunt of the injuries. Once Sam was done healing Rorik, he handed the baby over to Kevyan, wiping the sweat away from his forehead.
With the fear of his mate’s life clearly in Kevyan’s distraught face, Gregory strode forward and took the baby from Kevyan’s arms. “Where’s the damn doctor?” Gregory barked to no one in particular when the doctor was still nowhere to be found.
They watched as Sam rubbed his two palms together, generating heat before carefully hovering them over Dorian’s body. He ran his hands tentatively over Dorian’s body then began his incantation. Even though no one really knew all the ins and outs of what a wizard could do, they paced, anxiously waiting for a change, something to happen, and it was not long before Dorian made a slow change into his white wolf form.
But what no one had been expecting was for Sam to collapse soon after, causing them all to jump into action to save him from injury of his own. With Kevyan’s attention completely focused on his mate, he had not been quick enough to help the one who had apparently just drained his reservoir to save his mate, and only the quick reflex movement of Alistair, who was much closer, saved Sam from hitting his head on the cold stone as he passed out before them.
Chapter Twelve
Now, two days later, they all were standing in the room around Dorian, who was still in his wolf form, unconscious in bed.
“Why is he not waking up? It’s been two days now,” Kevyan said, the frustration clear in his voice.
It was the same question they all wanted to know the answer to. Dorian was supposed to have woken up by now. There had to be a reason why he was still unconscious. It was not normal. Well, in the range of what was “normal” for paranormal.
Dr. Morris straightened up from examining Dorian and eyed all of them before turning to report to Kevyan, his king and Dorian’s mate. “As far as I can tell, he is completely healed.”
“So why hasn’t he woken up yet?” Kevyan asked in mounting frustration.
Sam stepped forward to collect Rorik from Kevyan’s arms. Even the baby could feel the frustration in his father, for he began fidgeting and hiccupping in a way that told them he would begin crying soon. After first, Kevyan did not want to release his hold on the baby, but when he also noticed the distressed look on his son’s face, he dropped a kiss to Rorik’s head and passed him over to Sam.
“Your Highness, I see no reason why your mate should not be awake by now. He’s perfectly healthy and healed. Most likely, this is a case of the ordeal playing on his subconscious mind. I would recommend that you talk to him a lot. He needs those he loves and who love him around right now. The only thing we can do is to wait for him to wake up.”
“And how long will that be?” Gregory asked.
“If I may?” The doctor turned to Kevyan, seeking his permission to answer the questions of the others. When Kevyan nodded, Dr. Morris continued. “There is no set time. The mind is a powerful tool, and it would depend mostly on the consort.”
“So, you’re saying there’s nothing that can be done?” Sam asked, wanting to be clear about that.
Dr. Morris nodded. “That’s exactly what I meant.”
Alpha Steven ran an agitated hand through his hair, muttering, “I don’t like this. I don’t like this one bit.”
“Your Highness,” Dr. Mor
ris said, drawing Kevyan’s attention to him. “I would advise that your mate not be overwhelmed. Perhaps two or three at a time, constantly watching over him and talking to him until he is ready. I will come back in a week if he’s still unconscious to check his condition. Until then, should anything happen, please call me.” Dr. Morris bowed respectfully before taking his leave.
Sam let a cooing Rorik play with his finger. The baby squeezed the digit with his hands, sometimes pulling it into his mouth to chew on with his toothless gums. “Kevyan, I’ll take Rorik and bring him back later. Give you chance to be alone with Dorian,” Sam said.
Kevyan glanced at his son then nodded, watching until Sam left the room with his son before turning to the others. “I’d like to be alone with my mate.”
Understanding dawned on their faces, and nodding, they all began to leave one by one until Alistair was the only one left in the room with Kevyan.
Gregory stood right outside the door, his face a picture of frustration and pain, weariness settling into the lines on his face at the thought of losing his brother who he’d just found. Never in a million years had he imagined this happening and especially on such a special day for all of them.
The event just brought to the forefront the fact that, even though the war was over, there were still a lot of problems their kind would continue to face. He felt torn on the inside knowing that he could not remain with his brother indefinitely, even though he was making arrangements to try and remain as long as he possibly could.
Gregory felt the strong supportive weight of his mate’s hand on his, squeezing his arm in reassurance, and he glanced at the man in question knowing it he had been lucky to have the man safe by his side and untouched by the ambush on the house.
* * * *
“How is he? Any change?” Gregory asked.
Kevyan shook his head, his lips pulled into a thin line, his face haggard and his hair a mess. He ran a hand over the untangled mess, and his hand snagged into a stubborn knot in the strands. He pulled his hand out, shaking his head in frustration. “Not one bit.”
Gregory walked farther into the room, coming to stand by the bed where Dorian lay still. He stared down at the peaceful look on his brother’s face. Dorian might look as though he was just sleeping, but they all knew the lie to that. He had been in a coma-like state for close to two weeks now, and no one knew what more could be done to revive him. It made what he needed to do next, to say next, all the more difficult for him, but he did not have a choice in the matter anymore. Best to just get it over with and make the best of the situation.
“My mate and I must go back. I cannot leave my territory undefended for long,” Gregory said.
Gregory, Will, and Alpha Steven, along with his closest enforcers, had remained after the incident that occurred during Rorik’s naming ceremony. Gregory had sent his betas back to ensure that the town was still up and running like a well-oiled machine, but up until now, he’d been unable to leave his unconscious brother in good faith. Yet as the days slipped by and Dorian still did not wake up, they had all become more agitated, especially Gregory, knowing that he could not afford any more time away from his pack.
Kevyan stared at Gregory silently for a while, his face expressionless. Finally, he nodded, his face still haggard from worry. “I understand. When do you leave?”
“Tonight.” Gregory sighed. “Any lead on who attacked the house yet?”
Kevyan shook his head. “We’re still looking into it.”
It was a bullshit answer for sure. From the expressionless tone in Kevyan’s voice, Gregory knew something was up, but the man was not at all willing to share the information. Well, good for him because, had the situation been reversed, he, too, would have been reluctant to share confidential information with a species who, up till a few years ago, had been at war. That did not mean his curiosity was not piqued though. Yet, he had to hand it to the man. He took security to a whole new level, turning the mansion into an impenetrable fortress with men stationed at every inch and interval in the house and on the grounds.
He was not here to argue with the vampire though. If the man was not willing to share, there was nothing he could do about it. Dragging in a deep breath, Gregory trained his gaze on his brother’s pale form once more before looking away. “Send me news once there’s any change at all. He has to get better. He has to,” Gregory said, pain lacing his voice.
“I can’t live without him, Gregory. I just can’t,” Kevyan said, and for the first time since the two men had known each other, Kevyan broke down in front of someone who was not his mate, burying his face into the curve of Dorian’s body.
Always, he put on a brave face in the presence of others. Kevyan never showed a bit of weakness, not to mention the rage and anger that had ridden him ever since the rogue vampires had infiltrated his home.
It was a surprise to finally see Kevyan, the regal king of the vampire race, break down. If anything, it told him of how genuine his feelings for Dorian were and how much he cared for his mate.
Gregory felt as though he was intruding on a private and intimate moment. Feeling uncomfortable, he turned away from the couple, giving Kevyan a sense of privacy to let his emotions out. He had a feeling, though, that this was also the first time Kevyan had allowed himself to breakdown after putting up a strong front both in private and in public. He waited silently until Kevyan got his emotions under control once more before turning back to find the man still buried in Dorian’s chest.
“Take care of him,” he whispered softly.
“You have my word on that,” Kevyan responded, his voice hoarse and teary.
Gregory peered into the vampire’s bloodshot eyes, searching to make sure he really would do as he had said and, satisfied, nodded his head and clasped his hand on the vampire king’s shoulder before turning on his feet and walking out the room, his shoulders sagging.
Chapter Thirteen
A few weeks later
“I am Alpha successor to the Yenassi pack, and I’ve come for retribution for the death of my brother.”
Will let loose a gasp, clutching his chest in shock from the sound of the voice he’d heard so many times in his nightmares. The sound of the voice he’d never thought to hear again. The voice he’d been dreading hearing every time they looked over their shoulders while running from one place to another.
He had known deep down within him that the past few months of living blissed-out in love with his mate would not last forever. He sometimes wondered why Gregory continued to put up with him, but never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that the illusion of happiness would come crashing down this way. Found out and exposed before he’d been able to explain by himself, to tell his own side of the story.
Will shook his head, unable to move an inch from where he stood hidden from the view of their visitor and Gregory. His flight-or-fight instinct kicked into overdrive with the burning desire to run away. No one knew he was there as of yet, or, at least, he hoped so. It would not be long, though, before the wolf smelled him and identified him, but his feet would not work. They kept him frozen in place like a statue and hidden away from all of their views by the wall that separated them.
“Retribution? Retribution on whom?”
Will heard Gregory ask, yet the words sounded as though he were from some faraway place. His heart was beating wildly in his chest, and his hands were clammy. Blood rushed through his body, making him sway on his feet as he felt lightheaded and his breath shortened, coming out loud and painfully. Will could feel panic rushing over him and crippling his body as he shook with dread.
The fairy tale he had been living in ever since meeting his mate would come crashing down any minute now. He should have told Gregory about his past. Damn him and his procrastination and his fears. He should have told his mate so that the man would not be blindsided. He should have trusted him enough, and now, Gregory would not want him anymore. Would be forced to have him hand his brothers over for punishment. He would not see Gregory
stare at him adoringly anymore.
He had screwed up. He had screwed up so badly, and he could not take it. He dragged a ragged breath into his burning lungs, leaning heavily against the wall to support his weight and clenching his hands at his side. He was done for. He would lose everything now. His whole world was coming down around him, and he had no one to blame but himself and his stupid fears.
“Will Mendez and the Mendez brothers. My pack enforcers tracked them to this pack,” the Alpha successor said.
And with those words, Will slid to the ground, biting his bottom lip and pressing his knuckles to his mouth to stifle his cry. Everything was ruined now. There was no going back. There was no explanation, no excuse he could make. Nothing he could do. He had to leave. He had to run. He needed his brothers. They would know what to do. They always knew what to do. They would fix it. They would fix everything.
Now if he could just get up and sneak away. Make sure no one knew he’d been there. He needed his limbs to cooperate. Get up! he yelled silently in his mind at himself, but first, he made sure to block out Gregory away from his mind and his thoughts. He slammed the door down so hard against their connection that he could feel Gregory wince in his head, but it was a fleeting emotion until his mind was blank and empty of the presence of his mate.
Get up! Get up! Get up! Will screamed at himself, panic and fear ruling over him, and he forced his limbs to move, to do his bidding, but they were weak and shaky and knocking against each other, and he had to press into the wall for support.
Now, one step at a time. he silently ordered himself, pouring all his attention on lifting one foot after another because he knew, the moment he allowed himself to think of something else, he would break down right there and draw attention to himself. Left foot then the right foot. One by one, he moved until he was well out of their range, and he kept going, heading toward Gavin’s room. He needed Gavin. Gavin would get them all organized and make their next move possible.