Rovesciamento: Overthrown

by Maya Daniels

  Pressing a thumb and forefinger on the bridge of my nose, gripping my hipbone with the other, I squeeze my eyes shut. What a fucking mess, I think gloomily. Instead of calming her down and bonding her to me, which I had every intention of doing, I find myself butt naked in a hallway, bound to her like a fledgling that was just turned.

  “We heard the roar,” Marcus says hesitantly. “We thought there was trouble.”

  “After we found the mage missing, we thought he ended up here, attacking you,” Andrei chimes in, his voice missing the easy-going quality it always has.

  “What do you mean missing?” Snapping my eyes open, I glare at him. “He was missing limbs and bleeding out. How did he manage to walk out without your notice?”

  Two guardians come around the corner, walking in our direction. When they look up and see me standing there as naked as the day I was born, their eyes widen and, turning tail, they bolt back wherever they came from. Marcus takes off his pants, handing them over to me, leaving himself in boxer shorts, his boots dangling from his feet. Andrei shoves his shirt at my chest, not moving his hand until I take it. Without a word, I put the offered clothing on. It’ll do no good if I walk around with my bare ass and my cock still erect and bobbing around.

  “He couldn’t have gotten far.” Pulling the shirt over my head, my feet are already moving. “Marcus, stay with April. Andrei, you are with me.”

  One glance over my shoulder shows Marcus hesitating, his fist lifted in the air to knock. A smirk pulls my lips at the picture of my second in command losing his confidence to a tiny woman. Formidable, to be sure, but small, nonetheless.

  “I don’t envy him.” Andrei chuckles, his demeanor returning after snapping out of his shock.

  “I wouldn’t want to be in her line of sight right now, no.” All amusement leaves me when we round the corner.

  Andrei rushes to the bodies of the two guardians that we saw a moment ago. Wooden stakes protrude from their chest with runes carved on them on all sides. Their bodies shrivel into husks before our eyes. Kneeling, Andrei tries to pull the stakes out, hissing and snatching his hand back as soon as his skin makes contact with the wood. Angry blisters cover his palm, and his eyes flash with burning rage when he looks at me.

  “Unless that mage can magically grow a leg and an arm, we still have infiltrators in our midst.” Pushing the words through clenched teeth, he lifts up.

  “They must’ve snuck in while we were busy fighting the mages. Collect the guardians, only those you personally trust, and meet me back at the pool room.” Already turning away from him, I don’t need to look at Andrei to know he will do as told. “I’m not leaving April unprotected.”

  Storming back, I fling the door open and walk inside to find April glaring at Marcus with her hands fisted on her hips. The dog is curled up at her feet, covering his face with his paws like he can’t watch Marcus’s embarrassment. It would’ve been a funny sight if I didn’t have an assassin running unchecked through the building. She rounds on me, but whatever she sees on my face stops her from snapping at me as well.

  “We have an assassin in the building.” Marcus snaps his head in my direction, looking comical standing in his boxer shorts with a glower on his face. April frowns.

  “I thought we got them?” she says, more as a question than a statement.

  “Obviously not.” Pacing in front of April, my hands itch to wrap around the asshole that dares to come inside my nest. That dares to kill my people. “Two guardians are dead, stakes carved with runes stuck in their chest. It prevented Andrei from touching it.”

  “I wanna see it.” Pushing past me, April bolts through the door, the dog on her heels.

  Marcus and I follow behind, dread pooling like lead in my gut. I want to grab her and hide her somewhere until all this is over. I know better than to try, the bond pulsing like a living thing in my chest. What bad timing to let her have all the control. I’m not even sure she knows what she did.

  Rounding the corner of the hallway, April drops on her knees, hesitantly reaching for the wooden stake closest to her. Moving around, I kneel opposite her, ready to snatch her hand back at the slightest discomfort. I can feel the presence of others at my back, Andrei amongst them. Through the bond, his fear that she’ll get hurt stabs me like a hot poker. Grinding my teeth, I poise my hand, ready to pull her back.

  April’s hand stops, not touching the stake for a second. Her eyes glow brighter, the golden glow reflecting on the wood before her fingers close around it. My lips part in an astonished sharp intake of breath when the runes light up like fireworks in her hand. With a firm press of her lips, she yanks the wood out of the dried-up husk, watching it with her head tilted and her eyebrows furled.

  “I remember this…” her whispered words trail off, sending chills crawling over my body.

  Before I gather my wits about me, she rips open her wrist, holding it above the dried-up parted lips of the guardian. A collective gasp echoes around us when what was supposed to be a final death is but child’s play for her. In front of my eyes, the guardian comes to life. His back bows off the floor as he takes a sharp breath, clutching his chest. The more disturbing fact is his eyes, a golden flash shining from then right before they lock on hers.

  “Mother!” The guardian gasps, a look of reverence and love I’ve never seen radiating from his face.

  April smiles at him hesitantly before reaching for the second stake and repeating the process. The same thing happens with the second guardian as well. My hand trembles unbidden when I reach to take the damn wooden stakes from her, but she pulls them out of reach.

  “You can’t touch them.” Searching my face, her eyes soften slightly. “Yet. You can’t touch them, yet.”

  “Irina.” The first guardian scrambles on his knees, staring at April. “Irina is here. We didn’t hear her coming.”

  “Just who I’d love to see.” My insides shrink from the smile on April’s face.

  April

  I have no idea what I look like, but if the fear flickering in Sebastian’s eyes is any indication, I must not look very pleasant at the moment. The two parts of me have been molding together rapidly, and somehow having Sebastian inside me while I drank from him sped up the process. Was it him, or was it the sex? The monster is sharing the same space in my head, not trying to push me away, but I don’t feel like clawing out of my skin because I’m surrounded with males. Muscled, chiseled males that I’ve been hiding from for over a week. Going on killing sprees apparently helped me to steer clear, and although it would’ve sickened me just last night, I don’t feel disgusted by it anymore.

  The feeling of Sebastian inside me like a spare passenger is much stronger, too. Through it, I get glimpses of Marcus and Andrei, their emotions muted but there for me to see. Their combined worry and protectiveness would’ve brought me to my knees if I wasn’t on them already. Warmth spreads through my chest. I’ve been alone for what feels like forever, always running, always hiding, scaring people away from the fear of them leaving just like my family did that day. I never knew how badly I wanted a family until this very moment. Until I feel their unfiltered emotions.

  Stronger than all of it is Sebastian’s pulsing need to protect me. His guilt and shame for tricking me. It doesn’t excuse his actions, and I’m not as good at anything as I am at holding a grudge, so I’ll pay him in kind. Keeping my thoughts to myself, I offer him a small smile, his intent gaze unfurling butterflies in my stomach. I’ll sate that need after I’ve dealt with Irina. Speaking of a grudge…

  “I have a plan.” Sebastian doesn’t move or speak, still searching my face, feeling that I’m not telling him something.

  My smile grows.

  How does it feel to be blind of others’ intentions? I want to ask him, but I don’t. Instead, I look around at the faces watching us wide-eyed and openmouthed. They think I performed some miracle here by offering life to those not really dead. What have those miserable eight scums been teaching these people? Have they shar
ed nothing that will guide them in their immortal lives? After everything, I don’t know why I’m surprised, but there you have it. I guess I thought the hatred was simply aimed at me. At who I was, or am I guess.

  “A plan for what, mia redenzione?” Sebastian finally finds his voice, hunger and unease warring in his gaze.

  My redemption, I repeat his words in my head. You have no idea, tesoro, I want to say, but I don’t speak my thoughts.

  “You will let Irina capture me and take me in front of the Council.” Sneering the last word in disgust, I’m not prepared for the onslaught of shouting and growling.

  “Absolutely not!” To my surprise, it’s Marcus shouting the loudest. He is so loud it wouldn’t be a shock if Irina heard him, wherever she may be hiding.

  “You will follow me there.” My chest will explode from the worry they feel streaming steadily through the bond in my heart. “This”—Twirling the enchanted wooden stake between my fingers, I watch it with detachment—“won’t kill me.” A wry smile pulls my lips. “They tried before, and it didn’t work. It just got me angry. So they became inventive. But that’s a story for another night.”

  “You are not going to do this, April.” Raising to his full height, Sebastian looms over me. “I will not allow it!” Slicing his hand in the air with finality, he glares daggers at me. “I will not allow any of them to place their filthy hands on you.”

  “Aww, how touching, tesoro.” Lifting up as well, I pet his chest none too gently. “Too bad it’s not your decision to make.”

  “I will tie you to a column if I have to April. Do not make me do things I will regret.”

  Loyal, honorable, Sebastian. My heart thumps fast a few times in my ribcage, sensing his fear for me through the bond, and that fuels the anger. Even now, he is not aware of what he has awoken. If he knew, he might not be so stressed about the outcome of this little charade. The two parts of me mold even closer together. A thumping sound brings my focus to my feet. Mutt watches me with his adoring gaze, his tail going crazy behind him, thumping on the oriental runner covering the floor of the hallway. Scratching behind his ears, I turn to put Sebastian in his place, but Andrei stops me.

  “Give me thirty minutes.” He comes closer, his hand lifting as if he is going to shake some sense into me before dropping to his side. “That’s all I ask, April. Thirty minutes, and if what I have in mind doesn’t work, I will be the first to help you do what you want, even if Sebastian kills me for it.”

  “I will rip your head off your shoulders!” Sebastian roar angrily, and I step between the two of them, preventing him from snatching Andrei.

  “First, you won’t rip his head off his shoulders. Second, he is giving you thirty minutes to convince me why my plan is a bad idea, I’d think about that if I were you.”

  I like this calm inside me. Being pulled in two different directions for days almost drove me mad. I can definitely get used to this.

  “Time is ticking, Andrei.” Glancing at him over my shoulder, he nods grimly and disappears. “Are we going to wait for him here in the hallway?” Raising an eyebrow, I look at Sebastian.

  Pressing his lips in a firm white line, his nostrils flare for a few long moments before he jerks his head in the direction of the large reception hall we are using as a gathering place. The guardians part when I follow behind him, their eyes like physical fingers touching my back. Marcus blocks them, shielding me with his massive bulk, and I walk between him and Sebastian, a strange feeling enveloping my body. They look intimidating, all coiled muscles and immeasurable strength, yet here I am, appearing so tiny between them, yet a bigger monster than anyone can guess.

  When we enter the hall, silence greets us. My guess is word of what happened has already reached them. Sebastian glares at everyone, forcing them to avert their eyes. My fingers twist the fur on Mutt’s head absentmindedly until I feel hatred burning a hole on the side of my head. My head snaps in that direction and Sara stumbles back, the blood draining from her face when our gazes meet.

  Poor, Sara. I feel no pity for her, just detached sadness for her foolishness. Her thoughts project loud and clear in my mind, stirring up my anger, but I push it away. There will be time to address that later. We have a Council of eight to bring to their knees.

  “We can find that bitch, and I’ll rip the information out of her, April. I swear it.” For the tenth time, Marcus pleads with me.

  “But where is the fun in that, Marcus?” Reaching out, I squeeze his hand reassuringly, making Sebastian growl like a caged animal. “They have done much. Taking my life was just the tip of the iceberg for how hungry they are for power and control. I want to play with them a bit, would you deny me that?”

  “You are still not fully yourself.” Dropping on his knees in front of me, he begs with his gaze. “Maybe a few more days, a week? The transformation will be stronger, I think. I don’t want you regretting your actions. I hate to see you hurt.”

  My eyes prickle with tears at his words. He tells the truth, spreading warmth through me. Sebastian, seeing that Marcus might be getting to me, drops down as well. His large hand takes mine, twining our fingers together.

  “Let us deal with her tonight. There will be time to plan properly when the threat is not around the corner.” Bringing our joined hands to his face, he kisses my fingers, his warm lips burning where they connect with my skin.

  “The threat is always around the corner, Tesoro.” My eyes flick to the corner of the vast space where Sara is huddled pretending to sleep. “Sometimes, even staring you in the face while you think you are untouchable.”

  Sebastian glances over his shoulder, and Marcus following his lead. They both stiffen, but I tug on Sebastian’s hand, reverting his attention to me.

  “She has nothing to do with the Council.” Keeping eye contact, I wait until his muscles uncoil. “That’s a problem for another day. And the time for waiting has come to an end. We should…” My words trail off when Andrei pokes his head out, searching the space until he sees us.

  Urgency thrums through my veins, and I jump up, startling Mutt where he dozed off on my leg. Sebastian and Marcus lift off the floor as well, following behind me, their heavy footfalls silent on the floor. I still might tie bells on all three of them.

  Stopping short as soon as I walk out the door, Sebastian’s chest collides with my back. I stare at Andrei in confusion while he grins like a fool. Sebastian chuckles gleefully, adding to my dismay and making Marcus snort.

  “I don’t get it.” I look from Andrei to a familiar woman that I can’t place. I know I’ve seen her before, I just have no idea where and when.

  “Let us go to a more private place. I’m hungry, and I brought food.” Grabbing the woman by the arm, he drags her away, the three of us plus Mutt following behind him.

  After sticking his head inside a third door, he finally decides it’s private enough, and we all pile up inside what looks like a club. A long bar made of shiny wood stretches on one side, bar stools placed in even intervals along with it. Dangling, one bulb of lights hang above it, the yellowish glow reflecting off the mirrored wall and covered with dozens of shelves full of liquor. Tall round tables are scattered opposite the bar, leaving it empty of anything else.

  “A perfect spot.”

  Marcus eats up the space with his long legs, going behind the bar, snatching a bottle and three glasses. Turning to look over his shoulder, he reconsiders, grabbing a fourth one as well. When I was preparing to tell him I don’t like that crap they keep drinking, he drops it in front of the woman, leaving my mouth open with no words coming out. Pouring the amber liquid, he hasn’t moved the bottle away yet when she snatches the glass, gulping it all so quickly she coughs and sputters for a moment.

  “More.” Her voice is raw from the hacking, but determination is set on her face.

  With a lifted eyebrow, seeming impressed, he fills her glass again before doing the same to the others. Sebastian’s tension is drumming in my chest like a constant beat, and I gl
ance at him. He is staring at the woman as if he can peel her skin with his eyes.

  “Okay, what the hell is going on here?” Slapping my fists on my hips, I narrow my eyes on the three of them. “We are wasting time here. She can kill everyone in that hall while we are stupid.”

  “She wouldn’t strike carelessly.” Arrogance oozes out of Sebastian pissing me off. “Not with me and mine.”

  “You should’ve reminded her of that after she staked two of your guardians.” Sarcasm is dripping like honey from my mouth, and he scowls at me.

  “Technically, they are your guardians, too.” Marcus points out, sounding insulted.

  “Cazzo!” Andrei snaps at him.

  “Stop calling me a dick.” Growling, Marcus takes a step towards Andrei, and I raise my voice before they tear at each other.

  “True, but”—Lifting a finger in the air, I get their attention away from the fighting—“I’m not surprised by it, nor do I expect anything else from the likes of her.” Matching Sebastian’s scowl, I shove the finger in his face. “Unlike some idiots.”

  He snaps his descended fangs at my finger, and I snatch my hand back, making him grin at me. If looks could kill, he would’ve been dead right now. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

  “The plan?” I look at Andrei expectantly.

  “Irina will capture April.” I’m confused by his blabbing until he points at the woman. After that, I’m just confused, period. “Don’t you see the resemblance?” His eyebrows hit his hairline.

  “No.” I deadpan. “I mean, she has dark hair and dark eyes if that’s what you were going for,” I add helpfully, not wanting him to feel bad that he failed.