King Cave

by Scarlett Dawn

  Perfect.

  Not only was I going to have to sleep with one eye open from the looks of it, I was now going to have to remember my life’s story — the completely fabricated one. And sell it. I nodded, not flinching, and turned back around in my seat, murmuring, “Everyone, buckle up.” While they grumbled because they were crammed in, doing as told, I stared out the window, quickly recalling everything Antonio had said that day at lunch. Even though I knew Ezra was ticked off, I placed my hand in his as I pulled the Hummer back onto the road and began telling his parents lie after lie about a life I had never lived, thankful they weren’t Shifters.

  “Lily!” Ezra barked loudly.

  My eyes jolted open as my hands fisted on the steering wheel. “Shit.” I jerked the wheel to the right, getting back into the correct lane. “Sorry, sorry.” I rubbed my eyes swiftly, squinting into the dark night.

  Ezra’s hand was instantly on the back of my neck, massaging my tight muscles. “Sweetheart, it’s time to find a hotel if you’re not going to let me drive.”

  “Yes, please do so, before you kill us all,” Vivian murmured dryly, releasing her grip from Ezra’s headrest in front of her. “I do realize Ezra’s driving history has scared you from letting him behind the wheel, but in his defense, he never once fell asleep while driving.”

  Again, I mumbled, “Sorry.” And yeah, it was a little growly, a smidge grumpy. “Antonio, how far until the next town?” Hell, I wasn’t even sure what state we were in any longer, my mind half dumb with exhaustion.

  “I can’t navigate for you,” Antonio stated, patting my shoulder. “The Elder’s only here to watch out for your safety while you’re searching for the Prodigy.”

  Through a yawn, I said, “Ezra?”

  “Oh sure, you’ll trust me to navigate…but not drive?”

  I growled a little. “Dammit, I’m too tired to fight right now.” My grin was feral. “Or I could pull over on the side of the road and shift. I wouldn’t mind sleeping out there in the trees. How about you?” Yeah, it was a little mean.

  “Remind me again why you’re in love with her?” Cahal drawled, cracking his neck.

  “Fuck off, Dad,” Ezra muttered. “She’s grumpy at night when she’s tired and I’m grumpy in the morning when I’m tired.” He pulled the atlas out from between the seats — the navigation system had long ago been disconnected by a spell — and kissed my cheek. When I growled a little, feeling irritated and also a little mollified, he chuckled, “It’s a fair trade.”

  “If you say so,” Cahal muttered, not sounding convinced.

  Vivian hummed, “The hell with fair. I’d run if I were either of them.”

  Antonio muttered, “It’s like they turn into poltergeist when they’re tired.”

  All three hummed in mutual agreement behind Ezra and me.

  “I would rather not hear another word from the damn peanut gallery right now.” I growled low, my eyes flashing. I swerved the SUV back and forth in quick jerks, making everyone in the back seat grunt as they repeatedly smacked into each other in their closed-in state. “Or I’ll do this all the way there.” I swerved a few more times for good measure.

  Ezra lowered his hand from the ‘Oh, shit’ handle when I drove normally again, chuckling quietly when not one peep came from the back seat. “God, I love your ass.”

  “Whatever,” I grumped, turning the radio up to loud and the air-conditioning to full blast. “Just find me a damn town with hotels to choose from.”

  Twenty minutes later we turned off a ramp, and I headed for the first shithole I could find. When Cahal and Vivian started to argue, pointing at the finer establishments, I jerked the car back and forth again, then relented when they shut up, explaining, “Those places have cameras all over them. If you want to do anything Mystical — like Ezra drinking — and have no problem being caught on film, I’ll let you out over there, otherwise, we’re sleeping where I pick.” They stayed mute. “Silence is mother-fucking-sweet.”

  Ezra grunted.

  When I stopped the SUV in front of the lobby, I leaned over, opening the glove compartment. Fiddling with the top section of it, I found the groove I had put there last year, and gave it a good jerk. My secret compartment opened, and the contents almost spilled out onto the floor, but Ezra leaned over, quickly helping me, and rumbled, “What the fuck is this?”

  “It’s safety,” I muttered. “And besides, you can’t go in there flashing everyone because even a dump like this has cameras in the lobby, so I’ll have to take care of it.” I shuffled through a few IDs until I found one with a picture of me with brown hair. The coloring wasn’t perfect, but it would do. When Ezra grabbed the rest from my hand, rifling through them, getting more pissed with each one he flicked past, I decided this argument could wait until later and quickly lifted one of the small rolls of cash he had sat on his lap. “I’ll be back. Everyone, stay put.”

  And…I should have known Ezra wouldn’t listen. Before I had even opened the lobby door, he was directly beside me. I took a calming breath, not wanting to argue with him right now, with the person behind the counter in full view. Ezra opened the door for me, placing a possessive hand at the small of my back as we walked inside. The place smelled like cat piss — somehow that was what these places always smelled of — but the clerk was friendly enough for the midnight shift.

  Well, until her expression turned apologetic as she informed us they only had one room left. Apparently a classic car show was in town, which did explain the parking lot filled with antique crap-mobiles, but still…that just sucked. Then the clerk cheerfully told us the room had two double beds. As if that made it any better with the group traveling with us.

  After paying for our one room — lovely — we piled back into the Hummer, and I had to listen to Cahal state, “Those were a lot of IDs and cash, and your evasive skill set is impressive. One would think you’re prepared like someone who has done something wrong.”

  I snorted, too tired to be freaked by his comment. “Or, one might think I was preparing to survive.” I paused. “You’ve evidently forgotten who raised me.”

  Cahal grunted. “Oh, no. You two are too much alike for me to forget that.”

  Ezra grunted, done putting my stash back in its hiding place as I pulled into a parking spot, and mumbled, “By the way, we’re all sharing a room.” Everyone groaned from the back seat, his redirection working perfectly. “And since Lily paid, we’re getting one of the two beds.”

  I handed the key to Antonio when everyone got out, instantly stretching from the long drive, and said, “We’ll be up in a minute.” I didn’t need to have a Vampire’s senses to know Ezra was still angry. “It’s room two-three-seven.”

  He nodded, patting my shoulder. “Have fun with that.” He knew Ezra was pissed, too.

  I snorted and then popped my back, watching as Bonnie and Clyde jumped from the back of the SUV, still appearing in their poodle form, as everyone grabbed their duffle from the back. Ezra had our two over each of his shoulders as he leaned back against the SUV, lighting a cigarette, his eyes steadfast on me. When the others were inside the building, and I could see them through the glass door stepping into an elevator, I whispered quietly, “I’m always going to be prepared, Ezra.”

  My gaze met his. “After I asked him to, Antonio worked those IDs up for me before we did the Awakenings. I never planned to run from you or Jack or Pearl. I’m not planning to now, nor will I ever run from you. But I will always be prepared as long as what I am is a death sentence.”

  Ezra took a long pull off his cigarette. Silent. Eyes slowly roaming my face, he finally spoke. “What else haven’t you told me?”

  My lips pinched. “Ezra, don’t ask this.”

  “Tell me.” Simple, quiet words before he took another drag of his cigarette.

  I inhaled deeply through my nose, then out calmly through my mouth. “Some of this was done when my mother was alive, some I did when I moved in with Elder Kincaid, and the rest was done when Antonio
resurfaced in my life.” I inhaled again, then spoke on the exhale, “I own five different homes all over the world under different names, most of them spelled so other Mysticals can’t find them. I have safety deposit boxes in all five of those locations, containing a variety of visas, all aliases, and cash. I have a highly spelled PO Box in New York where I keep all of my important mail. I’ve strategically placed three trucks throughout the United States in long-term parking garages in case I ever need another vehicle in this country, not counting the ones I have at my other homes. And all of my money is spread in different banking establishments under those aliases, and a few others, worldwide.” I placed my hands in my pockets. “And after saying all that, I promise I’ll never run from you, but if I have to survive, whether you go with me or not, I’m prepared.”

  Ezra appeared made of stone, he was so still. “If that’s true, then why haven’t you ever told me any of this?”

  “Sometimes, it’s best for the ones you love not to know.” I firmly believed that.

  His nostrils flared, and he jerked his head away, and very damn slowly, he stated, “I do understand that reasoning. My dad has taught me many ways to retrieve information from others. Most of the methods cruel.” Again he sucked in a deep breath, his jaw clenched, still speaking as if he was deliberately and carefully choosing each word before voicing it. “But I’m still pissed, so it would be best if you walked away right now before I start yelling at you for keeping this from me.” His eyes flashed bright green, lighting the area where he was staring as his control faltered. “Because it’s fucking me, sweetheart. Me, you kept this information from.” His Vampire growled. “Go.”

  I waited one more moment to explain, “Please understand, I didn’t want it to get to the point where only someone as strong as you could keep the information quiet.” Rubbing my face when he didn’t say anything, I turned and walked inside, Bonnie following me, giving him the space he needed. I know it hurt him, but I had been protecting him, so that in the beginning if he was ever questioned, his answers would be simply the truth, any inquiry stopping there…but at the same time — in his mind — it was me deciding that he could be broken for the information. Honestly, I didn’t think he could be broken. He was the type of individual who would kill himself before he would harm someone he loved, but I hadn’t wanted it to get to that point. An easy ‘no’ would be better than torture.

  Vivian let me into the room, instantly scanning the hallway behind me. “Where’s Ezra?”

  “He’ll be up in a few,” I murmured, slipping past her into the craphole of a room, feeling wrecked for upsetting him.

  Vivian slammed the door shut and blurred so she was directly in front of me. “I don’t trust you.” Her fangs bared as she scanned my person. “And if you ever hurt my son—”

  A quick finger over her lips shut her up, Antonio and Cahal both silently watching. My wolf growled. I was tired, upset, and very thirsty. And not in the mood for this bullshit. “Think before you threaten me in front of witnesses.” My eyes glowed softly, unable to control it. “And yes, I know. If I ever break your son’s heart, you’ll kill me.” I bowed my head slightly, but didn’t take my eyes off her. “And if I ever do, I’ll give you a fair fight.” Deliberately, I took my finger away from her mouth. “But don’t ever threaten me in front of others.” I lifted my hand, showing her my Ruler’s ring, my smile full of self-condescension. “After all, I am Queen Ruckler now.”

  She swallowed, closing her mouth, but damn, what a woman she was as she still looked down her nose at me. “Don’t hurt him.”

  I chuckled, moving past her again. “Mrs Zeller, I love your son, and I don’t intentionally hurt those I love.”

  “Intentionally?”

  I flopped down on the bed next to Antonio where he lay on the edge of the one closest to the door. “Shit does happen.” I peeked at her from under my arm, my eyes still glowing I was so out of sorts. “I don’t know how much Elder Zeller has filled you in, but Ezra was the father of my twins. They died. He and I were both hurt by this. Their death wasn’t intentional.” I placed my arm back over my face, seeing the shock on hers, knowing Cahal hadn’t told her that little tidbit of information. “But, like I said, shit does happen.” Understatement.

  There was a heartbeat of silence, then Antonio stated, “You should probably go to sleep, Lil.”

  “Yeah,” I muttered, knowing that was the truth, before I said anything else I couldn’t take back, but I was beginning to feel a little delirious, and starting to worry. I rubbed my face hard, then, with a shove, I literally flew off the bed, landing directly in front of the window. I pushed the curtain back, scanning the parking lot. And saw Ezra, walking from the SUV to the door, Clyde following. Turning, I muttered, “I’ll be back.”

  I stomped out of the room. I couldn’t sleep without him. I needed him next to me, his warmth and his breathing and his scent surrounding me. I ran to the elevators and paced back and forth in front of them. He was what I wanted. What I needed.

  Hearing the elevator ding, the doors opening, I launched myself at him as soon as he stepped out. Even hindered with the bags he was carrying, he didn’t wobble, one arm wrapping around my waist, the other threading into my hair, keeping my face close to his neck. Clinging to him like a monkey, I tightened my legs around his waist and hugged his throat tight, scenting him deeply. My wolf huffed in contentment, settling down just as I did, sighing heavily. “I’m sorry, baby. I just wanted to protect you, but I’ll write everything down. All of it. Promise.”

  “Hush, sweetheart, I know,” he whispered, running his hand up and down my back, soothing me with the repetitive motion. He began walking. “I’m not mad anymore.” A pause. “But I would like that list.”

  I yawned against his neck. “And you’ll have it tomorrow.” I snuggled into his embrace, sighing as his very being calmed me. “I love you, baby.” My eyes closed, and I felt myself going limp in his hold, complete exhaustion flooding my system.

  “I love you, too,” he whispered, tightening his hold.

  Time must have passed because when I next I opened my eyes, I was sitting on the countertop in the bathroom of our room as Ezra held me while changing my clothes, and I mumbled, “Feet cold. Leave…socks.” My eyes closed again at the sound of his rumbling chuckle.

  I blinked again when my head hit a pillow, staring up into green. “Come to bed.”

  “In a minute,” he whispered, kissing my nose, and then moving away.

  I growled a little, closing my eyes, and rolled…into a warm body. I sniffed. “Antonio, what the hell are you doing in our bed?”

  “It was either you two…or them.” He patted my head. “And I chose you two.”

  I growled, “Floor.” Never mind how I snuggled against his familiar warmth.

  “Showing the love there, Lil.” He snorted. “Bonnie and Clyde won’t even sleep on this floor.”

  Eyes still closed, I patted the bed behind me drunkenly. When I found nothing there, I whined loudly, “Ezra!” My wolf growled. “Ezra, it’s been a minute!”

  “Dear, get out of the bathroom so we can all go to sleep!” Vivian called loudly.

  “Hold on, goddamn it,” I heard Ezra gripe from the bathroom, and my wolf huffed in contentment hearing his growly voice. Twenty seconds later, I felt a rush of wind, then warm arms were circling me, pulling me away from Antonio and lying me almost completely on top of his warm, half-bare body. Feeling him adjust the blankets around us, I sighed happily, whispering, “Better.”

  “Much,” he murmured, kissing the top of my head. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

  I yawned, his scent seeping into my pores. “‘Night, baby.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Sipping on a strawberry milkshake in an old school ice-cream parlor, I said what no one else was willing to say, “My Prodigy’s family have to be fucking idiots.”

  Ezra’s lips twitched, but he stayed beautifully mute as he ate his rocky road treat.

  “Now, you do
n’t know that,” Vivian stated slowly, poking at her mint chocolate chip ice-cream as if she had never seen the stuff before. “Sin City’s known for many unique individuals.”

  Cahal actually chuckled. “Unique.” He seemed to be enjoying his double scoop of vanilla bean on a waffle cone.

  “Fucking morons,” Antonio muttered, sipping on his own shake. “Living in plain sight…right now? I mean, come on, who the hell does that?”

  “Apparently, the family of the next Shifter Ruler.” I sighed, rubbing my forehead. “An individual I’m going to have to train.”

  Ezra rubbed the back of my neck. “The ice-cream was supposed to make you feel better, so quit thinking about the id—” His chin trembled. “Um…the family.”

  I chuckled, lightly smacking his stomach. “Nice catch.” After almost four days of hard traveling, my die had led us to Las Vegas, Nevada. We had passed through it…only for the die to pull me back in this direction. Circling the city had the same effect. So, here we were, eating ice-cream after dinner on the outskirts of Sin City, waiting for tomorrow to come so I could begin the more thorough search alone.

  “Thank you.” Ezra grinned, his smile satisfied. He tugged on one of my low pigtails, which I was beginning to enjoy wearing, staring at it as he twirled my hair around his fingers. His smile grew before glancing back at my face. Gradually, he lowered his head and purred softly at my ear, “Besides, I want you in a good mood later.”

  My cheeks instantly flamed, eyes lowering to the table, knowing his parents could hear.

  He chuckled quietly, gently pressing his lips to my ear as he whispered in an intimate tone, “That, too, but there’s something I want to ask you, and I want you in a good mood for it.”

  My eyes narrowed. “What question would you ask that I need to be in a good mood for?”

  “Nothing bad,” he murmured, kissing my temple softly. “But just try to stay happy.” His green gaze met mine behind our glasses, and I saw a touch of…vulnerability…there.