“I’ll make arrangements at a hotel. We won’t need Joseph this time around.”
Joseph was the leopard shifter pilot we hired to fly the team’s private plane. In a situation that crossed international lines we would have had to contact International Vampire Association headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland and fly in, but as far as we knew this was only a North American crime. NAVA headquarters was located in Montreal and since Garrett has been there numerous times, we could take the lines.
“Farrell will like this trip a lot better than babysitting me.” I stood, pulling the scrunchie out of my hair and letting the blonde tangle fall around my shoulders. “I’ll pack a few things in case we have to stay over.” I pictured a nice warm shower. “I’m cleaning up then crawling into bed for a few hours. Long day.”
“Room for two?” He stood, sliding his hand to my hip, and eyeing my neck.
“We’ll have to be quick.”
“Mon ange. You ask too much. We Frenchmen are never quick when it comes to pleasuring our lovers.” He used an overdone accent that always made me giggle.
“You’re American now, and if we’re going to make it to Montreal before dawn…”
He yanked me hard against his body. “You underestimate my abilities to delegate. Sasha will call the hotel and contact Farrell. Rick will pack a few things. They need to dress more formally when meeting the higher ups at NAVA. They’re not to show up at our door for another four hours.”
“You’re so masterful, master.”
“I may have to punish you for that.”
In one graceful movement, Garrett picked me up so my legs could wrap around his waist and my mouth could continue its slow climb up his chin to nibble on his lips.
When we got to the bathroom, the male I loved more than reason, more than life, released me slowly so I could slide down his body before my feet touched the floor. Passion gleamed in his sapphire eyes as he threaded his fingers into my hair and pulled me in for a heated kiss.
When we pulled apart, his forehead pressed against mine, his grip tightened in my hair. “I need you tonight.”
A visit to NAVA was a big deal. Although a major player on the west coast, NAVA’s directors were able to strip Garrett of his position, even order his execution if he didn’t toe the line.
Digging my nails into his shirt with one hand, I clasped his nape with the other. “I’m here. Always.” I kissed him slow and easy, broadcasting my forever love and loyalty more than my heated need.
He turned on the shower heads and we stripped, slipping in and taking the time we needed to care for each other. The sight of his naked body made me ache with need, so when he pressed me against the wall of the shower, bit into my neck, and joined us together, I yielded completely, meeting his demands with equal force. Like his nest, Garrett needed to be at the top of his game tonight. My blood, my body, and my love would help him find his focus.
We laughed shyly when we pulled apart, both of us a little shocked by the power of our mutual need. Garrett stroked my hair, tucking the thick strands behind my ears. “Did I hurt you?” He licked the bite marks, healing them in seconds.
“Never. Exactly the kind of punishment I love,” I teased.
“We don’t have time for a gentler round.”
I handed him the shampoo and turned so he could wash my hair. “I’ll wash yours next.”
“Yes, mistress.”
When we finished in the shower, we dried off and dressed. Garrett chose black leather pants, a black tee shirt, a black leather jacket and black boots. His don’t fuck with me look. I went with the same style pants and jacket but chose a red silk blouse and short boots with heels. We strapped on our ancient daggers and packed a few items, throwing them into a couple of backpacks.
His expression turned serious. “I’m as worried about this new turn of events as you are. Thinking that Charlie may be thrown to the wolves so to speak. My oldest friends turning against me. On top of that, a nest of rogues attacking children and others attacking shifters.” He leaned over and kissed the corner of my mouth. “I’m afraid I can’t always be as strong as you need me to be.”
“Crazy vampire. My mate is the strongest, bravest, smartest male in the three realms. You’re exactly who I need every minute of every day.”
Garrett arched a brow.
“That last bit was a slight exaggeration,” I admitted.
He laughed. “I imagine so.”
“But even when I’m steaming mad, I love you.”
“And that’s what makes you the perfect mate.”
“Take me to bed, mate.”
“My pleasure.”
11
Charlie
“So you’re leaving?” The dragon lowered himself into a chair across from mine at the smaller breakfast table. It was just past dawn and Wyn’s drawn expression told me he’d had a tough night. None of the other dragons were here.
“Yes. Do you need more time to decide?” I’d already helped myself to a plate of eggs, sausage and fresh-baked bread. I might not have slept for long, but that didn’t make my digestive system lazy. I filled another fork and sighed in ecstasy as the spicy meat melted in my mouth. I’d be up for seconds in a few minutes.
And you never knew with Khent. He might lock us up for popping in unexpectedly.
Maybe thirds was a good idea.
“I’ll do what I can.” Wyn smiled, then leaned forward. “As long as you remember you’re in our debt.”
“As long as you keep to your bargain.” Isaiah took a seat next to me. His plate was heaped as high as mine. “No flying off when things heat up.”
“We’ll be doing the heatin’ up. Watch where you step, brat.”
“Cool down. We’re leaving soon. Get another helping. Khent won’t be so generous.”
Isaiah scowled but rose to his feet for a second helping. Jay was working on his third.
I pulled my plate back. No reason to waste yummy food. “Is it acceptable if we return tomorrow?”
“I can’t guarantee things will go as I’ve planned, but yes.”
“I understand completely, but my family needs help now. I have another ally who—”
“Not Khent,” Wyn said.
“Why not Khent?”
“He’s unstable.”
“He likes to make people think he’s unstable, but he’s as sharp as one of your claws.” I wiggled my own claws around, my hand taking on the spots of my cat.
Wyn smiled approvingly. “Much softer and prettier than dragon scales.”
“Your scales are more suited to battle. Hard to pierce.”
“They shine under moonlight,” Wyn added.
Isaiah, who stood behind Wyn’s back, pretended to stick his finger down his throat.
I laughed as I pushed the hair out of my face. They’d left their doors open and the breeze from the vestibule was continuous in this part of the cave.
“You should cut your locks.” Wyn held up a very sharp claw. “I can assist you.”
“Thanks for the offer, but no. My dad says the same thing. He thinks it’ll cause problems in a fight. He forgets I can do this.” A moment later, my hair was tied back with a leather strap.
“And this is better?” In a flash he was behind me, yanking on the tail I’d just created. Isaiah pulled his dagger but Wyn only laughed and walked around to face me. “Your enemies will use every weapon at their disposal.” Wyn patted his military cut. “Hair does get in the way. Makes you vulnerable. I don’t suppose your trainer ever told you that?” He smirked at Isaiah.
“Charles doesn’t respond well to lectures,” Isaiah said.
I almost choked on my eggs. Isaiah glared at me. I made the zipping motion in front of my mouth and kept eating. Not the time to tell Wyn that Isaiah gave more lectures than a college professor.
“Is Khent thinking of raising an army?”
“He pledged his loyalty, so he’s already assembled and trained his army.”
“He’ll let you down. He let
s everyone down. The only way you can trust him to do what he says he’ll do is to trick him into it,” Wyn said. He speared two sausages and shoved both in his mouth.
“You’re joking, right?” I glanced at Isaiah, grinning. He shrugged in response.
“He’s a coward,” Wyn said.
“I didn’t find him to be a coward,” I said. “But he does love to gamble. Bets on everything. All the goblins do.”
“If he gives you a hard time, try to win him over with a wager.”
“Been there done that. Never worked out well.” Isaiah’s frown disappeared when he took another bite of a buttery pastry.
“They’re masters at working the odds. You’ve spent quality time with the unseelie?” Wyn asked.
I leaned forward. “Unseelie are no different than demons or fae or drow elves or witches or—”
Wyn held up a large hand. “I understand your point, although you need not mention every single species.”
“Did you know Naberia considers dragons unseelie? Common as corvo.” I smiled.
Wyn’s irises spun. I grasped my dagger in case my big mouth had gone too far.
“Our species is pure and ancient.” He laughed roughly as he took in my fae eyes and body along with the fuller features that broadcast my shifter/demon bloodline. “You have enough mixed blood to be called worse than that.”
He probably thought I’d bristle, but it took a lot more than words these days. “I’m a prime example of how the magic of different species grows more powerful when blended together.”
“Are ya now?” The dragon snarled. “You have balls of dragon bone, Charles Cuvier, to talk to me so frankly.”
“Your scales ruffle too easily. We’re on the same side, Wyn.”
He arched a brow in a slowly dramatic gesture. “Dragon scales do not ruffle. But I bet I can get your bones to rattle.”
I was pretty sure he was playing with me now. “You’d have to strip off the juicy parts and dry the rest. Then maybe you could use what’s left of my skeleton in a percussion section.”
His twisted grin had snarky written all over it. “Ah, but we break apart our instruments after a performance. The crowd goes wild every time.”
“Not as original as you might think.” Isaiah winked at me.
Wyn snorted and a puff of smoke swirled in the air between us. “I might have to take the archdemon to task for her comments about my race.”
“Why do you care what she says?” Isaiah asked. He’d finished eating and was now leaning nonchalantly against the stone wall near the fireplace. “The dozen unseelies I know and work with have more honor than my mother and her courtiers combined.”
“Your point is well taken, but when the archdemon we have bargained with in good faith speaks thusly behind our backs, my gut begins to burn.”
I winced when Wyn’s eyes flickered with flame. But despite the possibility I might end up a living torch, I straightened my shoulders and took a few long strides. After meeting his dangerous gaze, I breathed in and out for courage, focusing on my center and the power stored at my core.
This was not the time to use magic, but it sure felt good knowing it was within reach.
“Help me protect my family and Faerie. Help me destroy the female who tortured my mother and killed my grandmother and grandfather as she’s killed so many others. Help me make the demon realm a place of growth instead of desolation. The residents of this realm deserve better.”
“You speak from your heart. Rare in these times.”
“I’m risking my life and the lives of my companions by coming to you. You could have killed us easily as we trudged through your obstacle course. Or told Naberia our location and handed us over. We make valuable hostages. Brina and I are grandchildren of the King of Faerie. Naberia has branded Isaiah a traitor.”
“You dragons would probably serve me for dinner,” Jay piped in, not wanting to feel left out.
Isaiah shook his head. “He’s tough and gamey.”
“Hey!”
“Just trying to save your life, kid.” Isaiah punched Jay in the shoulder then wiggled his hand in pain.
Wyn was still staring at me. “For some odd reason I find I trust you more than I have trusted most males not of my species. But I also sense you have an advantage. A gift to coerce. To control with your mind. Makes my scales prickle.”
The so-called gift of forcing your victim’s body to do your will even when his mind is screaming out in protest was the very darkest kind of magic. It could turn the wielder into a monster. I’d inherited the ability from my birth father, Lord Kennet. He was a monster in every sense and my mother had been one of his victims. Now Naberia, with her blood-spelled neck torcs, had leveled up even higher in the monster division. She’d used my mother, taking away her ability to shift and sending her out to assassinate me. If it wasn’t for our strong bond as mother and son, it might have worked.
When I slept I often imagined clamping a torc on Naberia’s neck, of forcing her to do my will, of making her suffer the way Mom has. The morning light usually had my dark thoughts dissolving, but not always.
As Wyn turned his gaze in my direction once more, I nodded, shaking off the memories. I’d give Wyn the full truth of the monster who lurked in the magic I could wield. “There are always other options in every situation, but I chose to use Influence when fighting criminals. Every time I raped a mind it became easier.” I lifted my head to meet his gaze. “I won’t use it again except in battle to save the lives of the people I love and those who fight beside me to preserve the Mortal Realm.”
“Not to preserve Faerie?”
“I’ve done what I can for Faerie. If they intend to betray me to Naberia and have turned their backs on our alliance, then I fight for my home and the citizens who will die if I don’t step up. If all supernaturals who are able to fight don’t step up.”
“You could have used Influence to gain our cooperation.”
“I’ve been honest with you. We’re here to negotiate a peaceful alliance in the hopes that a group of you will join our side and fight with us. Using force of any kind would not encourage you to help us.”
“The opposite, truly.”
“If you fought on Naberia’s side in the war and you aimed your fire at one of us, then I’d use whatever magical, mental or physical gifts I had at my disposal to stop you, including Influence.”
“Charlie’s kick-ass,” Jay added.
Wyn smiled. “I will send a brother with you now to visit Khent and then travel back to us. If he desires to stay in your party, I will allow it.
“When the war begins, more will arrive to join our cause. I call it that to remind you we have a stake in the outcome. You, Charles Liam William Cuvier, have pledged a year of service. Isaiah, a new beginning in a new and sovereign territory. If we fight beside you, we will expect you and the heir apparent to keep your word.”
Relief flooded every muscle in my stressed-out body. I placed my hand over my heart and bowed deeply, kind of a combo demon/fae gesture of respect. “I swear on my blood and my magic, my promise will be fulfilled.”
Wyn walked toward the entrance. “Vantor! I know you’re lurking behind the pillar and have overheard everything.”
The male shifter shuffled out cautiously. He peered into the face of the larger male, then bowed his head. “I am sorry to have listened.”
Vantor ’s Fae was excellent, which would make traveling with him a lot easier if that’s what Wyn had in mind.
“I am not angry and you are not sorry in the least.” Vantor shrugged as Wyn continued. “This makes things easier. Now I don’t have to explain. Would you like to go?”
“Yes. Yes, Wyn. I want to see more of the realms. To learn more of the species who live there.” He knelt on the ground before his dragon alpha. “Please send me.”
“Are you willing to fight for the cause Charles has spoken of?”
“Yes, on scales and wing I pledge this to be true. My skills have improved daily. I will
not disgrace our race.”
“You could never disgrace our race.” Wyn extended his hand and helped Vantor up, then turned to me. “Vantor is as he says. An excellent fighter in shifter or dragon form. He is enthusiastic but needs to learn not to jump into the fire the moment it blazes.” He faced Vantor once more. “Charles is an example of a young supernatural male who has learned to control his magic and his ego. I expect you to take note and follow his orders. While you are a member of his party, he is the alpha. You will do as he says. Do you understand?”
“What about…” Vantor tilted his head in Isaiah’s direction.
I stepped forward. “Isaiah is my trainer, my friend, and a member of my family. He knows his way around this part of the universe much better than I do.”
“But he is not your alpha?”
“Definitely not. Think of him as a high-level advisor.”
“And the…” We all turned to look as Jay poured honey on his toast.
“Bear. I’m a bear shifter. A grizzly.”
“A grizz?”
“Grizz-leee.” Jay shifted his gaze to me. “Am I gonna have to go through this everywhere? Doesn’t anybody here watch movies or nature shows or…”
“It’s okay. He’ll get it when he needs to get it.”
Jay nodded. “Right. Cool.” He folded his toast in half and downed the large slice with two bites. His sticky smile was one I’d seen a thousand times. It still made me laugh.
Brina strolled into the room, dressed in traveling gear and patting her wet hair with a cloth. “Are we leaving? Are we staying? What have I missed?”
“Have something to eat. We’re leaving in an hour. Vantor is accompanying us to unseelie territory.”
She didn’t even glance his way. “Oh, good. Another male to deal with.” Brina’s features remained neutral as she wandered over to the buffet table.
Vantor, who’d frozen in place when she’d first arrived, followed her as she perused the buffet. “May I assist you in any way?”
“Sure.” She gave him a plate. “Three serving spoons of eggs, two sausages, a small chunk of grilled corvo, medium rare, and a bowl of fruit. I’ll get my own tea. Thanks.”
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