by Nesa Miller
“No, you don't. You’re not gonna steal my fun.” Running to the door, her body lit in a blazing fire, her tail whipping the air.
Freeblood twisted out of an attack ready to deliver a mortal blow to one, but the deformed body crawled to its lost head. Faux cast a power blast at the head moments before it reattached to the body, bursting into flames, filling the air with the stench of rotting flesh. The torso convulsed, then withered to dust.
Faux wrinkled her nose at the smell and winked at Freeblood. “The poor thing looked cold.”
He winked back, then turned toward Canker and Darkwing, swinging his weapon at their heads. Canker stumbled, pushing against Darkwing, saving them both from a fatal blow. Darkwing attempted to draw the Alamir away from Canker, giving him time to weave back to his feet. “She’s a feisty one. Glad the boss said I could have whatever’s left.”
“You’re never gonna touch her.” Freeblood ran toward Darkwing. At the last minute, he turned toward the old Recruiter.
Faux did her best to keep up but felt herself slowing down. The pain in her belly worsened with each move. She worked her way closer to Freeblood and offered to call for assistance.
Between blows, he yelled, “Leave if you must. This is my battle.”
“As you wish,” she said, shimmering out of the courtyard. Once in Freeblood’s bedroom, she sat on the bed and leaned over, her arms wrapped around her stomach. “That wasn’t smart.”
After a few steady breaths, the pain seemed to subside. Feeling better, she stood up, hoping to rejoin the fight, but the world spun, then went dark.
8
No Rest for the Wicked
Are you sure this isn't too much, Spirit?” Etain asked for the tenth time that morning. “I feel guilty leaving you to make all the arrangements.”
“If it was, I wouldn’t be doing it, would I?” Spirit shooed the betrothed couple out the front doors. “Now, get out of here and find a beautiful dress for your wedding.”
The door slammed in their faces. On the front steps, Dar and Etain blinked.
“She’s a small thing, but I wouldn’t want to cross her,” Dar said.
Etain giggled. “You'd think it was her wedding day.”
He smiled, turned, and held out his arm. “Shall I escort thee to town, milady?”
Arms linked, she agreed with a Texas version of a British accent. “Tally ho, milord. I would like nothing bettah.”
Dar nearly pulled her off her feet as he turned in one direction and she the other.
“Where are you going?” she asked. “Town is this way.”
He laughed, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a set of keys. “No walking today. Inferno said we could use his vehicle.” The look on Dar's face reminded her of a kid in a toy store.
“Inferno? Gave you the keys to his Hummer?”
He opened the door for her and she climbed in, watching him walk around the vehicle, then settle in behind the steering wheel. The expression on her face made him say, “I didn’t do it.”
“After everything Inferno went through to get his pride and joy to this realm, plus the fact you two aren’t exactly best buds, I’d like to know how you wrangled this deal.”
Dar’s grin returned. “He must want us married real bad.”
Etain laughed, shaking her head. “I guess so. But how is it the High Lord of Kaos knows how to drive a car?”
He shifted it into gear and winked. “Dar VonNeshta, man of mystery.”
With the beast of a vehicle parked at the edge of town, they ventured out on foot to explore the shops they missed on their first visit. Etain remembered the excitement she felt that day, the sweetness of a newfound relationship with a man she thought would never be hers, and the pivotal moment that raised their relationship to a new level. She secretly glanced at her handsome love, her fiancé, and swallowed a giggle.
The couple strolled along sidewalks constructed of rose-colored pavers that lined both sides of a cobbled street. Quaint little shops with large windows arranged their wares in bright displays, tempting those walking by to come inside for a closer look. Goods spilled out from open doorways onto the sidewalks. A pharmacy at the top of the street neighbored a small fruit and vegetable market. The sweet fragrance of strawberries melded with the citric scent of juicy oranges, coalescing into the heady bouquet of coriander, rosemary, basil, and freshly baked bread.
Next to the market stood a hair salon, a combination convenience store/post office on the other side. Just past that, they came to their first dress shop. Etain browsed the items in the window and dismissed it.
They walked past a charity shop toward another dress shop, but she decided it was too old-fashioned. A men’s shop, a shoe store, a small furniture and appliance store, and a discount shop were passed by at the prospect of another dress shop. Etain smiled, pulling Dar in.
Once inside, he frowned at the assault of estrogen that met them at the door. He politely smiled at the ladies, then bent down, whispering in Etain’s ear. “I think I will wait outside. You don’t mind, do you?”
“Do not wander off.”
“Of course not.” He tipped his head. “Ladies,” he murmured, making a quick exit as an eager salesclerk swept Etain deeper into the fabric jungle.
Free for the moment, he looked up the street and breathed in the fresh air. Deciding to inspect the shops farther down the road, he turned, colliding with a cloaked figure. Judging by the size, it was a woman, which was immediately confirmed by a string of colorful words uttered in a feminine voice. She dropped down to recover her basket of goods now strewn over the sidewalk.
“Apologies, milady. I didn’t see you there.” Dar retrieved several oranges that had rolled toward the street. “Are you all right?”
She continued to gather her things, muttering under her breath.
He crouched, trying to get a glimpse of her face, placing the fruit into her basket. “Are you hurt?”
Dar straightened as the woman came to her feet. Although the hood hid her features, he did get a peek of dark hair and pale skin. Amber eyes looked up into his. Disconcerted, he stepped back. He did not know this woman, yet felt as though he should.
“Keep her safe and beware the dark son, brother.”
“Excuse me?”
He heard Etain call his name from within the shop and turned his head for a second. When he looked back, the woman was gone. Dar searched down and up the street. There was no sign of the cloaked woman. The only proof of her existence was a stray orange rolling toward the doorway of the shop where Etain stood, ready to step out.
“Stop,” he said with such authority, she froze mid-step. He strode over and scooped up the lone fruit. “An escapee on the lam.”
She laughed and accepted the orange. “Where did this come from?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Hmmm… Well, thank you, my shining knight, for protecting me from the evil plot of the vile orange.”
He bowed low. “My life for yours, milady.” He straightened and noticed her lack of packages. “I see you have no dress. Did nothing suit you?”
“Nothing.” She searched the other side of the road, which boasted a butcher, a baker, and, just short of a candlestick maker, a candle shop.
Dar sensed her frustration. “Tell me again why we came to town.”
“Mainly to keep us out of Spirit's hair, but I’m not finding anything to my taste.”
A lascivious grin turned up the corners of his mouth. “What would be to your taste, my love?”
Preoccupied, Etain missed his attempt at humor. “I don't know. I haven't worn a dress in ages.”
He drew her close. “Don't worry. We'll find something. After all, it's just a dress.”
She pushed him away. “And you’re just a Krymerian.”
Her sharp words had no effect on the grinning man. “Etain, you’re perfect with or without a dress.”
“This whole wedding thing was not my idea, but I have agreed to it
because I can’t imagine life without you.” She placed her hands on her hips. “However, if your blasé attitude is what I have to look forward to, you can count me out. I’ll go home and we can be done with it.”
Dar ran a hand over his face. “Where you are concerned, a chuisle, nothing could ever be blasé.” Etain crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m sorry I made it sound that way. Tomorrow is a most important day for both of us...and the Alamir. Our marriage tells the world we are united, a show of force if you will.” He dared to gaze into the steely depths of her eyes, resting his hands on her shoulders. “You know as well as I, it is not needed between us. What we share does not require a ceremony or traditional tokens of commitment. Words cannot convey the joy I feel within my heart, knowing you love me. I can hardly believe you’ve agreed to be my wife. So, please forgive me if a dress falls low on my list of priorities. For me, it is you who is most important.”
She uncrossed her arms, swiping at a stray tear. “Oh, stop it,” she said, a glimmer of a smile on her lips. “You really make it hard to stay mad when you say things like that.” She leaned her forehead against his, framing his face with her hands. “If only Inferno could see it that way. Even though it’s come sooner than I expected, I want it to be perfect.”
“It will be. You have me,” he said, grinning. As they kissed, the clock in the town square began to strike the hour. “It’s noon. Let’s get something to eat and rest our feet. Maybe the break will give us a new perspective.”
Not long after walking into a nearby pub, giving their order to the barmaid, and finding a comfortable seat, Etain and Dar found themselves blessed with the company of Wolfe and Elfin, congenial clanmates from UWS. The dark-skinned Wolfe was the Yin to Elfin’s fair-complexioned Yang. What they intended to be a brief interlude stretched into an afternoon of merriment filled with food and drink.
“What’re the odds we’d end up in the same pub at the same time?” Wolfe laughed, beer in hand.
Elfin slapped him on the back, grinning. “Aye, it must be fate.”
“Aye,” Etain mumbled. “It’s a bloody mystery, considering there’s only two pubs in the whole town.”
“A fifty/fifty shot, Lady E.” Elfin lifted his mug in a mock toast and downed the contents. “Ah, ice-cold beer! Another round.” He was off to the bar before anyone could protest.
Dar grinned, pleased by the distraction. “How is it you two were able to slip through the Inferno wedding net?”
With a beer in one hand, Wolfe pulled up a chair with the other. “We’re doing our part,” he said with a wink.
Elfin returned, carrying four golden pints. “Inferno knows we’re more effective if left to our own devices.”
“Have you left your devices for a grander purpose?” Etain questioned, nodding toward the pints.
Wolfe laughed and looked at Elfin. “Our devices are well in hand, milady. Now is the time to celebrate.”
Several cold beers, provided by the cheerful duo, followed a sumptuous meal of crispy fried cod and chips. The men enjoyed an afternoon of swapping stories, which proved entertaining not only for their small party but for the other patrons of the pub, as well. Somewhere along the way, news of the forthcoming wedding slipped out, instigating a stream of congratulations, toasts, and a lot more beer.
Late into the afternoon, Etain brought the revelry back to reality with a reminder of her need for a wedding dress. Wolfe and Elfin gave her a strange look. “You’ve not found a dress?” Elfin asked, placing his fresh brew on the table.
Etain frowned, shaking her head. “Not yet.”
“Bloody hell.” Wolfe turned to Dar. “The shops close early around here. You best get to it!”
“I told her I’d marry her dress or no dress,” Dar laughed, finishing off his beer.
Elfin grinned. “I highly recommend a dress. Otherwise, one of us randy blokes may abscond with your fair bride.”
“Like a dress would make any difference,” Wolfe threw in.
“Aye, it only gets in the way,” Dar said, doing his best to keep a straight face.
Etain rolled her eyes and stood, reaching out for Wolfe’s strong shoulder to steady herself. “If you will excuse me, good sirs, I’d prefer to be dressed.”
Dar winked at the others. “There’s a challenge, mates.” He slipped from his chair and slapped both men on the back. “We’ll see you at Laugharne.”
“Aye, that you will, milord. That you will.” Wolfe and Elfin tapped glasses and swigged their beers.
Exiting the pub, a boy rushed past Etain, pushing her into Dar without so much as an apology. “How rude,” she grumbled, glaring after him.
Her sexy savage smirked, wrapping his arm around her waist. “Dress first, milady. Then we can commence with the taking.”
Again, she rolled her eyes, the rude boy forgotten. “You’re quite taken with the taking bit, aren’t you?”
“Aye, milady. ‘Tis me favorite part.” His steady gaze turned her legs to rubber, making the butterflies flutter in her belly.
“Dar! Etain!” Hearing their names called squashed the momentary interlude. Swee, one of Dar’s Council members and the healer of the LOKI clan, crossed the road, her eyes sparkling. “I’ve been trying to think of a way to get a message to you, but here you are. I’m so glad to see you.”
“Swee,” Dar said, taken aback. “What're you doing here?”
She ignored the blue-eyed glower from the woman at his side. “Oh, well, the fresh air and change of scenery convinced me to stick around a little longer. Besides, you know you can count on me to be your backup.”
Etain’s glower intensified. “He has backup, in case you haven't noticed.”
Swee blushed. “I-I didn't mean… It’s just that I've known Dar for so long.”
“Ladies, please.” He laughed. “A man can never have too much backup.”
Blue eyes rolled. “I think you're enjoying this a bit too much.” Etain turned, flipping her hair in his face.
Dar gave Swee a wink as he caught Etain around the waist, bringing her close. “We have come to town, shopping for a dress.” Etain's struggles only encouraged him to tighten his hold.
Swee pretended not to notice. “Is there a special occasion?”
The man positively beamed. “Our wedding. Since you’re here, your presence would make it all the more special. Wouldn't it, my love?”
Etain gave up her struggles but kept the glower. “Why, yes, Swee. We'd be absolutely giddy.”
“Well, who could turn down such a warm invitation?” Swee looked at Dar with an anxious smile. “Are you sure?”
“There is no doubt. It would be good to have at least one friendly face sitting on my side at the ceremony.”
Her gaze turned to her silver-haired opponent. “Etain, I would feel better knowing you’re okay with me being there.”
“It depends. Are you here to keep tabs on Dar for the Council? Give them a signal when his guard is down?”
Swee blinked. “I-I guess you didn't notice my absence at what I'm sure was a free-for-all yesterday. I resigned from the Council and left the clan.”
“Savage?” Dar asked, raising a brow
“I don't know why you put up with her, Dar. I couldn’t take it anymore.”
He shrugged. “My strength is on the battlefield, not in public relations.”
“Dealing with her is a battlefield,” Etain muttered.
Swee had to laugh. “Etain, you’re such a gem. I hope we can become friends.”
“Fabulous.” Etain ran a hand through her hair and looked away.
Dar dropped his arm from her hip, grabbing her hand. “You should come back with us tonight, Swee. Laugharne has plenty of rooms, and I’m sure they could use your help.”
Etain tugged against his grasp. “I haven't found a dress.”
“Swee can help us.” Dar looked across the road and pointed. “There’s a shop we’ve not scandalized with our presence.” He dragged Etain along, leaving a determined Swee to f
ollow.
Black eyes reflected mirror images, watching as the three crossed the road. A slim figure slithered up next to the hooded observer. “I caught up to ‘em at the pub. They’re getting married tomorrow.”
Sparks flashed in the black depths. “Anything more?”
“Nah, unless you like blabbing about the old days.”
Red lips parted in a sinister grin. “What tales did our lady have to share?”
“She didn’t say much. It was mostly the men talking. She’s looking for a dress.”
“Who is the other woman?”
“I dunno. Your lady wasn’t very nice to her, though.”
He was amused by the ownership so easily afforded him. “Yes, my lady didn’t appear to care for her presence.” A low chuckle issued from the hooded figure. “Perhaps a wedge between the lady and the Krymerian that can be manipulated?”
“Want me to follow them?”
A red-skinned hand ruffled the boy’s white-blond hair. “No, you have done well. Go see Raum. He will reward you for your services.”
“Sure. Anytime.” The boy disappeared down the street.
Dathmet remained hidden in the shadowed doorway. A wedding. How can I resist?
Upon their return to Laugharne, Dar sent Etain ahead, saying he needed a private word with Swee. Her face blank, she considered Dar, then Swee, then Dar again. The slight rise of a blonde brow conveyed her opinion of the matter.
With an appreciative eye, he watched her walk away. Once she was out of earshot, Dar asked, “Are you done for good this time?”
“You know LOKI is my family, but you’re one of my dearest friends. I couldn’t leave you unguarded.”
“Do you not think I can handle things?”
“You handle the big problems outside the clan, but you're not there to handle those within the clan. I'm your voice of reason, but my voice gets weaker with every challenge.”