“Life without Naberia,” Isaiah said.
“She is busy and ignores us.”
“That won’t last,” I pointed out.
Malek nodded toward Isaiah. “This one doesn’t plan to take over does he?”
“Our masters might have to eat the new archdemon, whoever he or she is,” Wyn said. “A steady diet of corvo wears on dragons and servants alike.”
“Cattle might do well in this realm,” Jay said. “Or sheep.”
“Cattle? Sheep?”
“Cows and sheep are livestock raised for food in the Human Realm.”
Jay had a good point. “Anything’s better than corvo,” I muttered.
“This delicious morsel looks good enough to eat.” Malek jumped over the couch back and plopped down beside Brina. He reached for a lock of her blonde hair, but before I could react, she batted his hand away and pulled her dagger, holding it to his neck. Malek smiled and ran his finger along the blade, drawing a line of blood. “Are you skilled with this weapon, or is it simply a pretty accessory?” He sucked on his finger.
“Would you like to find out, demon? Swords are also an option.”
“Swords, you say? I would very much enjoy sparring, although I can’t imagine your weapon could possibly match mine. It was made in the mines of Kell.”
“As was mine.” Brina lowered her blade.
“Excellent.” Malek leaned closer. “I may resemble the royal brat, but I am not a demon, dear lady.”
“And I am not a lady, dear or otherwise.”
“She belongs to Charles Cuvier, the gatherer of armies,” Wyn said with great ceremony, tilting his head in my direction.
“Really?” Malek turned his gaze to me. “Is this male worthy of you?”
“That’s still to be determined,” Brina said. She hooked her arm around mine and sent, “I am holding on to my temper with great difficulty. Please do not blow this.”
“Let me know when you’ve made your decision.” Malek shifted slightly closer to Brina.
My possessive instincts screamed for me to wipe the floor with the guy for the little game he played with Brina, but that would more than destroy the code I’d sworn to. Plus, she wouldn’t thank me for interfering. Brina could handle herself just fine.
Malek touched my shields with his mind, something Wyn hadn’t tried. They were diamond hard, fashioned with demon, fae and cheetah energy. Nothing getting in or out unless I wanted it. He gritted his teeth and pushed harder. Wyn cleared his throat, and Malek backed off.
“At the risk of insulting my hosts…” I nodded to Wyn. “I believe attempting to crack your guest’s mental shield is not the action of someone following the code of Xenia.”
“And you are correct. Apologize, brother. We don’t want to start a war, do we?”
“How is it possible for you to use the powers of three realms combined?” Malek couldn’t hide his excitement. “Do you use a powerful blood spell?”
I didn’t answer. None of his business.
Wyn stood and spoke to Malek in a growly language I’d never heard before. In response, Malek rose, walked to the center of the room and bowed to me in a showy style. “I apologize for attempting to enter your mind. My behavior is not appropriate according to the code. You may strike back if you wish.” None of what he said sounded sincere, but this was not the time or place to make a big deal out of something small.
“I’ve been tested too many times to count. For the sake of our agreement, I won’t take offense.” Seeing the two demons standing together, pulsing with power, their auras a cloud of multicolored energy, made my hackles rise. “Your auras are extraordinary, but unknown to me. If you are demon, you’re unlike any demon I’ve encountered.”
“We are bound to keep that information safely hidden.” Malek smiled for the first time since he’d entered the room. He turned toward Jay. “And what species are you exactly?”
“Shapeshifter. Grizzly.” Jay continued pouring honey all over a mountain of some kind of pastry. He licked his fingers.
“Grizzly? I know not the species.”
“I’m a bear.”
“Not particularly helpful. Why don’t you shift your shape and show us?”
“That isn’t necessary,” I said. Jay would be vulnerable while he was shifting.
“Sorry. Gotta follow Charlie’s orders.” Jay grinned and shoveled a gooey mass into his mouth, grunting with happiness as he chewed and swallowed. He was going to need another shower.
“Hmm.” Malek turned to Wyn. “The bear is oddly subservient.”
Malek and I would never be friends.
“You mentioned gifts in the spirit of Xenia?” Wyn asked.
“For the dragons.” Isaiah frowned. Wyn arched a brow. “Go ahead. You’ve already broken the oath that was designed to keep you safe.”
Wyn smiled at his brother. “If you please, Malek.”
Malek moved even farther into the room, to a place without furniture. With a liquid grace I’d only seen in the most powerful of shifters, Malek’s human shaped body transitioned into a steel gray dragon. The whoosh of energy was similar to what any strong magic user calling on his gift and crafting a spell would cast. It raised the hairs on my arms and chest then cooled my skin. The musty, metallic, burning ember scent of dragon filled my nostrils. I should have guessed, but none of the other dragons I’d come into contact with were shifters.
He was massive, as large as Jakobx, the dragon we’d befriended who’d died under Naberia’s sword. He roared in my face, his breath smelling strongly of corvo and wood ashes. I waved a hand in front of my mouth. He lumbered back and sat on his haunches.
Jay was already running, coming to an abrupt halt in front of Malek.
“Jay!”
Malek’s eyes spun with the blue, orange, and red of flame.
Jay bowed low, then backed away. “I apologize. I get excited. You’re freakin’ incredible. Bigger than the dragons in Faerie.”
I shook my head and glared at Isaiah. “You didn’t think to tell me these dragons were shifters?”
“All dragons are shifters, child,” Wyn said.
“Not the ones in Faerie.”
“Every dragon you brought from this realm was shifter. If they haven’t changed shape it is because they are perfectly satisfied to remain in the draconic form. It is, after all, our true form and superior to all other forms. Some feel it is demeaning to transition.”
“You don’t feel that way?”
“My brothers, sisters and I find mingling with lesser beings amusing. Dancing with lovely partners often leads to even more interesting activities and the enormous banquets enjoyed at court are particularly delightful. Meats and fish are served in such a wide variety of styles. The sweets they serve are tolerable, but l cannot understand how anyone can eat vegetables.” He shuddered.
Malek changed back to his demon form, then lowered his body into a chair. “No apology is necessary bear. We are glorious in true form.”
Jay narrowed his eyes, probably not liking Malek’s patronizing tone. He wandered over to Isaiah. “Are you really a dragon?”
“No, you idiot.”
“I’ve seen you change form.”
“Those were disguises. Other than my warrior form, this is what I am.” He indicated his body with a sweep of his hands.
“Don’t feel too bad. You’re not completely disgusting,” Wyn said in a comforting tone. “One member of your team is most attractive.” He aimed his gaze at Brina.
Brina changed shape with ease, taking on Wyn’s as easily as Malek had morphed into dragon. She glanced down at herself. “Not too disgusting.”
Wyn erupted in laughter. When he could talk again he focused his attention on Brina once more. “The ability to shift forms is a gift rare for a fae.” Wyn rose and strolled way too close to Brina for my comfort.
She faced him full on, now at eye level with the enormous male. “The fae are your equals. Do not underestimate us.” Her voice was identical to Wyn�
�s.
“Your magic is magnificent, as are you.” Wyn stepped closer.
“She is magnificent. She’s also a valued member of my team who deserves your respect.” I stood and smiled at my gifted mate. Brina didn’t know I considered her my lifemate, but I’d tell her as soon as I had a chance.
With grace, power, and efficiency Brina transitioned back.
Malek looked thoughtful as he sat on the back of the couch, his feet on the seat. “As a Fae citizen, you must have sword fealty to Finvarra.
“Yes, I’ve sworn fealty, but no one owns me, dragon.”
She strolled back to me in a very feminine way, leaned forward, and brushed her lips against mine. The stress of the meeting drifted away. Everything was possible with Brina beside me.
Malek scowled but Wyn’s expression turned thoughtful.
“A powerful female strengthens her chosen mate.” Brina and I froze. Wyn had used the M word. Guess we’d be talking about this sooner than I’d planned. His gaze drifted to Isaiah, then back to mine. “And you have gathered dynamic allies, Charles. Impressive for one so young.”
“Show us some of your magic, youngling,” Malek insisted.
“My abilities are not on display for a reason. Naberia is searching for me. I’m number one on her most wanted list. My magic is unique and would attract her attention instantly,” I said.
Brina sat, but I moved toward Wyn, willing my heart to stop beating like a freakin’ rabbit’s. “How large is your clan?”
“Within our territory? Fifty-one males and forty-four females,” Wyn said.
“Do you lead them, Wyn?”
“I am the alpha, yes, but they are free to choose their own path. Most will follow you if the negotiations are fair and the rewards generous. I will leave the decision to them.”
“Do you have a trove?” Malek asked, swinging his legs over the back of the couch. I didn’t like the idea of him coming up behind me so I turned in his direction.
“A trove?” I asked.
“You must have a hoard. Might we pick among your treasures?” Malek asked.
“Treasures?” Isaiah laughed. “His laptop and his guitar are probably the only two things he’d call treasures.”
“I have money accumulated from various business ventures, but no stash of gold or jewels locked away in my basement, if that’s the sort of hoard you’re referring to.”
“You’ve forgotten something.” Malek stared at the waistband of my jeans where my dagger was sheathed.
“You won’t be able to handle it. An ancient created this particular blade for a fae wielder only. It chose me as its user. The dagger only allows one user at a time.”
“I have heard rumors of the nine blades, but surely, it would not refuse a dragon.”
“I can’t allow you to test that theory.”
“No?” Malek took a step closer.
“I’ve been a wielder for centuries.” Isaiah blocked Malek’s progress by taking the lines and appearing between us. “Mine is a blade fashioned for a demon.”
He slid it from its hand-crafted sheath and laid it across the flat of his hand. “Try it.”
Wyn took Malek by the shoulder and pulled him away from the shining blade with the jewel-encrusted hilt. The brothers locked gazes and Malek bared his teeth. Wyn settled him down after a minute of mind to mind conversation.
An alpha should have more control over his clan.
Isaiah sheathed his dagger and sat as Malek took a seat beside Jay.
Malek sniffed the bear, shook his head and scooted a few feet away before speaking to Isaiah. “Do you have a gift for us, firstborn son of the female who plagues our realm?”
Isaiah sent me a private message. “Are you sure you want to get involved with these blood oath breakers? Malek is the type to rat us out to Mother Dearest.”
“What blood oath did they break?”
“They swore to remain in dragon form until Mother was dead. If she found out they were shifters she could have compelled them to use their power to infiltrate your world. To spy. To cause chaos. I’m fairly certain she’ll be calling on them when it’s time to do battle. They’ll have no choice but to follow her, unless they’ve already left and are working for you.”
“Don’t they know she can control them?”
“Dragons don’t believe anyone can defeat or control them. Their arrogance is part of their charm.” He sent me a picture of the happy pile of poo emoji.
“Is there anyone else I can call on?”
“No one new, although you might want to pay a visit to the Goblin King. He may need a reminder.”
“Will you stand behind my decision to form an alliance?”
“You know I shall.”
Isaiah stood with great solemnity. I translated his words to Jay.
“If you ally yourselves with Charles Cuvier, his mother, Jacqueline Cuvier, and his adoptive father, Garrett Cuvier, in the battle against the Archdemon Naberia, I pledge that when I sit on the throne of the Demonic Realm and rule over the land my mother once ruled, I will create for you a wide stretch of territory bordering my land to rule as you see fit. Your sovereign territory will be rich in resources and will enlarge in the natural way if you tend it with ley line magic and gentle care.”
“What about…” Wyn began.
“I’m not finished.” Isaiah cleared his throat. “I will make it law that the rulers and residents of the Draconic Realm will be equal in every way to the rulers and residents of the Demonic Realm. In return, I ask these four things: If one of us are in need, the other will send aid. That we meet every three cycles of the moon to work out disagreements or problems that may have arisen between our two realms. That anyone from my realm may travel to or live safely in your realm without prejudice as long as they follow the laws of your realm. The opposite is true for your people as well. They will always be welcome here if they respect the laws of my land. We can work out specific details later.”
“And the fourth?” Wyn asked.
“The alliance between you, your clan, and the Cuvier family must be accomplished with a blood oath you cannot break and it must include an order not only to fight beside him against Naberia’s forces, but to help protect the family if the battle goes badly.”
Silence reigned for a full minute. Finally, Wyn spoke, “You have not asked us to ally ourselves to you during the battle against Naberia and her forces.”
“My purpose in this battle is to bring a final end to my mother. Charles and his advisors will be overseeing the rest.”
“This is not an alliance formed on behalf of Finvarra?” Malek asked.
“Definitely not.”
“Why did you include the child’s family?” Wyn asked.
“Because if Charles is captured or killed, they will have to step up. They will listen to the same advisors and make decisions based on the health of their world, rather than Faerie. A fae leader would disregard the residents of the Mortal Realm.”
Malek’s brows lowered as he seemed to see me clearly for the first time. “And what do you offer us, mixed breed?”
I’d thought long and hard about how I would describe what I was offering. “I am not above working long days to help you design and build your new territory. I did the same for Faerie, why not your realm? I offer you one year of service as a consultant and a magic user.”
“A consultant?” Wyn asked.
“Exactly. I’ll help shape the terrain and advise you on how to sustain a healthy supply of livestock.”
“We hunt. We don’t raise food.” Malek turned away.
“But the demons and unseelie who settle on your land will need a food source. You’ll have to give them land where they can farm and tend animals.”
“We can create what we want. We’ll stock the rivers with fish,” Wyn said.
I took in a long breath to force the tension to dissipate. It was so important that I convince them to join us. “Fish are fine, but demons eat meat, the same as you. A certain amount of
independence is vital. Do you want the new residents to be self-sufficient or do you prefer they depend on you for everything? Give them land where they can build towns. Create what they need. Trade with others. Some will hunt, some won’t, but the more opportunities you give them the more they will respect their leaders.”
“Why would they come to us? Doesn’t Naberia give them everything they need?”
“She’s stripped them of most of their magic in order to create her army.”
“Perhaps we should erect a barrier. We don’t share well,” Wyn said.
“Isaiah knows his people. They like adventure and they’ll want to check out the new territory.”
“I bet if you showed up in human form once in a while, they’d welcome you with mugs of ale and bowls of corvo stew.” Isaiah smiled.
Brina took my arm. “The townspeople love music and dancing.”
I laughed. We’d walked a lot of miles in the DR last year pretending to be musicians and entertaining the locals.
“And how do you know this?” Wyn asked.
She explained and everyone laughed when we described how the demons loved a good fight.
“They sound like creatures I might consider meeting,” Wyn said.
“If all goes as planned, I’ll be returning to the Mortal Realm when the war ends to help my parents and my realm, but I’ll contact you when I’m able to come.”
“You have no desire to rule in Faerie?”
“King Finvarra rules the fae. My home is with my family and my team and…my mate.
I’d smiled at the last bit, using a light tone. Brina’s face paled a bit. Not the reaction I’d hoped for.
“Will you rule in your realm?” Malek asked.
“Each species has territorial leaders. Charlie’s dad oversees the vampires in his area, his Uncle Aaron is alpha to five wolf packs, but there isn’t one all-powerful leader over everyone,” Jay explained.
“Your father oversees vampires?”
“He is a vampire, but he was born a cheetah shifter. He adopted me when I was an infant. Long story.”
“But you are obviously fae,” Malek said.
“My birth father was full-blood fae.”
“He is dead?”
“We’re…not sure.”
At Risk Page 7