by Moni Boyce
Their mouths fused together in a searing kiss. Soon they were waist deep in the water. He carried her over to the side and pressed her against the wall. They spent the next couple hours christening the bathing pool.
The soggy sandals and laurel wreath were discarded on the floor on the way back to the bed after their wet sexcapades. Damp bed sheets clung to her skin. Her wet curls lay across the pillow. Every part of her was exhausted and sated. It was some of the most mind-blowing sex she’d ever had in her life. Plus, Eli had been an animal. She smiled to herself, reliving the events in the bed and in the bathing pool.
Although, she’d thoroughly enjoyed herself, she felt like she’d had an out of body experience, like she was coming down off some high. Why did she feel like that? She didn’t remember taking anything.
Does he feel like that too?
Eli lay on his stomach with his eyes closed. The question she was going to ask flew out of her head when her eyes landed on his naked ass, which was displayed gloriously. Even though they’d just been at it for hours she felt something stir in her nether region. She propped herself up on her side and leaned on her elbow while she admired his body. He must have sensed her watching him. “You like what you see?” He mumbled into the pillow he cradled.
“MmmHmm.” She licked her lips.
He opened his eyes and smirked.
“For a white boy, you have a gorgeous ass.”
He looked over his shoulder at his naked rear end and then back at her. “I’m glad you like it, baby, but I think you have a better ass.” He leaned up and kissed her. She was hoping it was about to turn into round three, but Eli pulled away and turned serious. If he had been affected by anything at the party it had sense worn off.
“Something Ulrik said tonight has me a little on edge, so I need you to do something for me.”
“Okay.” A little knot of fear curled inside her stomach.
“Don’t say anything about being half-fae right now. In my talk with Ulrik, he mentioned some anti-hybrid talk that was going around. I just want to be safe.”
She nodded. She could see he was worried. Another time, she might have pushed back, but this wasn’t a joke. If he feared for her safety, that someone would harm her if they found out she was part fae, she was going to take it seriously.
He got up from the bed and rummaged in his bag. The smile returned to her face as she was treated to a full view of his sexy body. She sat up trying to see what he was doing.
What is he searching for?
When he came back to the bed, he placed her dagger in her hands. Her mouth fell open in surprise. She thought it was lost forever after that day.
“You found it?” She looked up at him.
He scooted closer to her. “Yeah... shortly before we left the campsite that day. I said I would give it back to you when you recovered. I’d almost forgotten about it. I found it in my bag while you were sleeping this afternoon.” His eyes were so earnest. She knew talking about that still made him upset.
“Thank you.” She leaned over and kissed him.
“Promise me when you’re out and about you’ll have it with you.”
“I promise.” She made sure he heard the sincerity in her response.
“We should probably get some sleep. We have training tomorrow.” He got up to turn down the covers.
“What?” Her eyebrows arched in shock. “Seriously?”
“Yes, just because we’re in Greece doesn’t mean training stops.”
“You’re such a slave driver.”
“I am not.” He chuckled. It’s my job...”
“Yes, Terminator. I know.” She mocked him.
It was one of the first times she’d seen Eli give a full belly laugh. His laughter tickled her so much before she knew it they both lay on the bed giggling like children. He pulled her close as their mirth subsided. “We can sleep in, but we still have to train tomorrow.”
She smiled into the crook of his neck. “Okay.”
THWACK! HER STAFF STRUCK Mathilda’s staff and then she backed off. Sweat was dripping into her eye. She swiped it away. It was hot and they’d been sparring for over an hour. All she wanted to do was jump into the pool. Part of her still felt like she was nursing a hangover.
When she woke up this morning, Eli hadn’t been next to her. When she saw him at breakfast he said he’d had to talk to Hadrian and Lysander about when they would be able to head to the Temple of Apollo. He also filled them in on what Ulrik shared with him last night. She’d been glad to have a name to put to the face of the mystery woman from her dream and the battlefield. Katana.
After last night, she had to remember they had a purpose here. She’d read some of her mother’s letters this morning to remind her of the importance of finding that book.
A sharp pain coursed down her arm after Mathilda landed a blow because she lost focus.
Get your head back in this or you’re going to end up battered and bruised.
She charged at Mathilda and their staffs clashed once more.
“Come on. You had fun last night, but now it’s time to get serious.” Eli’s voice called out to them.
“If I recall, I wasn’t the only one who had fun last night.” She gave him a knowing look as she remembered how many different ways they’d enjoyed each other’s bodies last night.
Eli cleared his throat and crossed his arms over his chest, trying to appear authoritative. Max and Phaedra smirked at him.
She was feeling victorious over having the last word when her feet were knocked out from under her and she saw nothing but sky before her back hit the ground with a thud. A low groan left her mouth while she lay there and recovered.
Thirty seconds later, Eli was standing over her with his hands on his knees. He wasn’t even trying to hide his grin.
“Looks like you could use a little help.” He reached out his hand to help her up and she swatted it away and sat up.
She had to pay attention with Mathilda. If you took your eyes off that girl for a second you were a goner. Slowly, she rose to her feet.
“Max and Phaedra, why don’t you guys go a round.” He tossed Willow’s staff to Phaedra.
“Wait... but, I’m not...” Willow winced.
“Yes, you are. It’s time for a break.” She tried to slap him away again, but he wouldn’t let her push him away. Once she relented, he helped her over to a lounge chair. “You okay?” He crouched in front of her with her hands in his. She could feel the calluses on his palms from where he handled the staff frequently.
She looked into his eyes. “I’m okay.” It was stupid and petty to be upset with him because Mathilda bested her as usual. “What did they say when you talked to them this morning?”
“Hadrian reminded me that the Pythian Games were going on for the next four days and that you were expected to be Mistress of Ceremonies.”
She sighed. “I completely forgot about that. My brain is a little foggy after last night.”
“We’ll be able to begin our search the day after the games are completed.” She could tell he was slightly irritated over having to wait that long, but he gave her a smile anyway. She leaned down and hugged him. If she was honest, she was anxious herself. Five days might not feel like torture if she had the Pythian Games to occupy her. Then they would be one more step towards finding the book. It put her mind at ease. Everyday she wanted it to be the end of this thing between her and Killian. It wouldn’t fully be over until one of them was dead. Preferably him.
He pulled away. “Why don’t we go into town? Have a look around.”
“I thought you said we had to train?” She eyed him suspiciously.
“I know what I said, but just for a few hours we’ll take a break. Then you and I can come back and meditate, work on Oracle training since Mathilda just beat the shit out of you.” He chuckled.
“You asshole.” She giggled while she smacked him on his arms. He defended himself against her attack.
“Hey guys. Let’s head into town
.” He called out to the rest of the group.
Willow was so thankful she didn’t have to spar the rest of the day.
CHAPTER 6
Eli
Walking around the picturesque village of Chrissó was a nice way to spend the afternoon. The narrow cobblestone streets lined with neoclassical architecture provided a romantic setting. Today, he actually felt like just a normal couple, a normal couple out sightseeing. He’d shucked off the role of Protector for a few hours to be a boyfriend. They held hands, talked, laughed. It had been a relaxing day.
The rest of the team was somewhere around the city, but he didn’t care. He was enjoying it just being the two of them. They strolled to the village square to grab coffee at a little café they passed earlier.
Willow had removed her shades and leaned back in her chair to soak up the sun. He enjoyed watching her live life without the weight of Killian on her shoulders.
“It’s so beautiful here.” She sighed and looked over at him. Before he could respond, the waitress delivered their cappuccinos.
“I think you’re very beautiful.” It may have sounded cheesy and she’d probably tell him so, but he meant it with his whole heart.
She gave him a radiant smile before she leaned across the table and kissed him.
It was the perfect day he mused right before his eyes landed on a familiar face. He blinked twice, hoping his eyes were deceiving him, but no, there she was in the flesh. Katana. They hadn’t even gotten to enjoy their coffee. His head whipped around the square and he saw some of her punks coming in from the other side.
‘WE’RE IN TROUBLE. GET YOUR ASSES HERE NOW. WE’RE IN THE VILLAGE SQUARE. KATANA’S HERE.’ He sent the message telepathically to the group. The square was packed with locals, tourists, families, but he knew Katana didn’t care. They were all collateral damage to her. He took one last look at Willow’s serene face and wished they had more time, wished she had more time to enjoy what had been a perfect day. “Get under the table.”
The minute the words were out of his mouth she froze, the coffee mug poised at her lips. Her eyes registered her panic. She did her best to control her fear but her hand shook when she returned the cup back to the saucer, sloshing some of the hot liquid onto the table. “What’s wrong?” Her eyes darted around the square trying to locate the threat. It only took seconds for her eyes to find Katana.
When she looked back at him he remained calm. “The team will be here in a matter of seconds...” Right after he said the words Phaedra and Max appeared in the open seats at the table.
So much for keeping a low profile and trying to keep our magic under wraps.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a few of the startled onlookers gawking at their newly arrived tablemates.
“Where is she?” Phaedra asked while scanning the crowd.
“Your three o’clock. I’m pretty sure she knows we’ve spotted her. Where are the others?”
“They should be searching the perimeter.” Her eyes found Katana as she answered Eli’s question.
“Get under the table, Willow.”
“But, I can help.” She pleaded.
Now was not the time for this. She needed to listen to him. “Remember what I said about others not learning about your fae ability right now?” He reminded her, hoping she would listen.
The defiant look didn’t leave her face, but she gave him a silent nod and reluctantly slipped underneath the table.
“Do your best to save any innocents. I wouldn’t put it past her to use any of these people as shields or ways to distract us. I’m going to stay here.” He peeked beneath the table. “Did you bring your dagger with you?” She slipped it from her purse. “Have it ready, just in case.”
When he sat back up Phaedra looked at him. “It would be much safer if you teleported Willow back to the villa. You can’t teleport within the walls, but you should be able to appear on the front lawn. Take her and go and we’ll meet up with you once we deal with them.”
Max nodded in agreement.
“Okay. Be safe.” He reached beneath the table. “Give me your hand.” Willow put her hand in his and they disappeared. When they reappeared they stood at the end of the driveway leading to the villa. Arsenio’s car skidded to a halt mere inches from hitting them. Eli wrapped his body around Willow and put himself between her and the vehicle.
“We nearly killed you.” Arsenio pulled his huge frame from the passenger seat. “What’s happened? Why didn’t you come back with the car and driver?”
He uncurled his body from around hers and looked at Arsenio. “The vampires showed up. They were ready to ambush us in the square. Phaedra and the others are still there, dealing with them.”
Arsenio’s face took on a menacing look. For once, his facial expression matched his intimidating stature. “I’ll grab others. We’ll provide back up for your friends. Get inside.” Arsenio moved with a speed he wasn’t aware the man was capable of and opened the door before he went back to the car, the whole time speaking Greek into his phone.
As they entered the front door he looked back over his shoulder at Arsenio’s car speeding down the road.
Inside, they didn’t stop until they reached the sanctity of the suite that had been assigned to them. After he shut the door, she collapsed onto the bed. “I wasn’t stupid enough to think that Killian didn’t know where to look for the book. I just thought we’d have time.” She said to her lap. “I could have fought, you know.” This time she looked at him when she said that statement.
“I know, babe.” He walked over and sunk to his knees before her, resting his arms on either side of her on the bed. “I know you’re more than capable.” He was in no way trying to patronize her or condescend to her. He sighed. “We try not to use our magic in front of humans unless we absolutely have to. There were a lot of humans out there today that would have witnessed our magic and it isn’t going to help at all if any of them get caught in the crossfire or worse.” He let what he said sink in.
Recognition crossed her face. “You’re referring to the anti-supernatural groups that Samson spoke about?”
“Yeah, and it doesn’t help that after what Ulrik told me last night, there may be an anti-hybrid group within the supernatural community that I have to worry about too.” He pushed up from his leaning position and cupped her face with both hands. “Babe, being part fae makes you a hybrid... and if anything ever happen to you because some idiot gets it in their head they don’t like that... I’m not sure what I’d do.”
She reached up and rubbed the back of his hand.
“When I ask you to stay out of the fight, I’m not trying to be a jerk. I know you can handle yourself. It’s just... I want you safe.” It was hard not to relive how close she’d come to death in his mind. He pressed his forehead against hers and shut his eyes.
“Okay.”
The fear in his gut unknotted itself, but it wasn’t completely gone. He knew Phaedra could more than take care of herself, but he worried about her and everyone else as well. They were his family.
For the next thirty minutes, they sat together on the couch in the living room, waiting for the rest of the Protectors to return. When the front door opened, they both stood up. Anxious looks marked their faces as they waited for people to enter the room. The first one inside was Mathilda. Willow ran to her and wrapped her in a hug. One by one, they each entered the living room. Once he’d seen each of their faces and that they were unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief. They’d all made it back alive. Lysander, Hadrian, Arsenio, Ulrik and some of the witches from Hadrian’s coven he hadn’t met yet entered behind them.
“I don’t think we can wait another twenty-four hours before going to the ruins.” He addressed Hadrian.
“You’re right, but with the Pythian Games tomorrow everyone will be expecting Willow. If she’s not there it will draw suspicion. She must preside over the Opening Ceremony.”
Eli knew he was right, but it didn’t mean he liked it. Hadrian continued ta
lking before he could process this information.
“The other problem becomes that the first day of games are scheduled to take place at the theatre and stadium which is near the ruins. The space will not be completely empty like it would have been if we waited until the games are over.” Hadrian shared a look with Lysander.
Eli was about to protest when Hadrian put his hands up. “I know we cannot wait. I only tell you this so you are aware of the dangers with so many eyes watching us. If Katana and her gang show up, they will have more people to harm in trying to take what they came for.”
There was never going to be an easy way to this. He was thankful he hadn’t deluded himself. Yes, they would have preferred for them to hold off, but five days at this point was impossible. Katana would surely have the book by then. They couldn’t wait. “What do we need to do to be ready to search the Temple once she finishes her duties at the games?” He asked Hadrian, but his gaze swung to Lysander to gauge his reaction to all of this. Lysander’s face was a blank mask.
Hadrian let out a sigh, that reminded Eli how old he was despite his appearance. “I will make the preparations.” He left the room with Lysander, Arsenio and the other members of his coven on his heels.
Ulrik approached. “I’m sorry to hear about what happened, but very glad all of you are okay. If I’m not intruding, I’d like to accompany you tomorrow, to be of service if needed, my friend.”
Their talk last night killed most of his suspicions about Ulrik’s intents and motives and right now they could use all the help they could get. He’d only seen a few vampires with Katana in the square, but that didn’t mean there weren’t more. “We’d be glad to have you.”
Ulrik smiled at him and patted him on the shoulder.
“You heard the man, everyone. We first have to get through the Opening Ceremony and then we’ll slip away to head to the Temple. Get some rest. We have an early start and I’m sure it’s going to be a long day tomorrow. We’ll need to be on guard from any more attacks from Katana.” He pulled Phaedra aside for a quick powwow. “What happened in the square?”