by Casey Wyatt
A blood-curdling roar filled the air. Not the Jiang Shi, but something else. Rich and robust, the sound reverberated deep in my chest. I rolled into the shadows, hidden and motionless. I didn’t want whatever else was out there to find me.
Great. Just great. I made a silent plea to the universe. Please, is it too much to ask for one tiny break? And not the kind that results in more injuries either, I qualified.
Each time I inhaled, it hurt, probably from broken or bruised ribs. I wasn’t about to start probing around to find out which it was. Besides, the skin on my hands was mostly gone, rubbed raw from contact with the creature’s skin. My body’s healing ability seemed to have been slowed by the creature’s venom.
The sounds of an epic battled erupted in the forest behind me. Mighty oaks collapsed with booming thumps. I scanned the area, preparing to run again. A sinuous shadow sailed overhead, then crashed like a meteor in the field. Waves of dirt and grass raced toward me. I shielded my head with my upper arms and braced for impact.
The ground shook again. Wings flapped, clearing the air. A new player had arrived. I couldn’t tell if he was friend or foe. Shaped like a man, his flowing, silver hair spilled onto his shoulders. Wide, silver wings jutted from his broad muscular back. He pounced onto the beast as it attempted to stand. That placed him solidly in the ‘friend’ column.
They tussled like two titan boxers. The winged man dug his heels into the ground and deftly repelled its lightning-fast strike attacks.
“You cannot defeat me, guardian,” the snake monster said.
“She is mine, Jiang Shi.” The winged guardian’s cadence sounded oddly familiar.
Tamzin landed on the branch over my head. She tutted, “A Jiang Shi is bad news. For you.”
“Why’s that?” I slunk along the tree line, angling for a better look at the guardian. His silver skin was smooth and glowed in the moonlight. The wings were sleek and glossy, unlike anything I’d ever seen before. Not feathered like a bird or leathery like a bat. The closer vantage point revealed pointed ears and a strong jawline. Black claw-like nails tipped each finger. His body was cut with muscles and lean flesh. Gleaming golden armor covered his chest, upper arms, and lower body. Because of the angle, I couldn’t see his face.
“A Jiang Shi is one of the few spirits that can manifest in both worlds.”
Fucking fantastic. “What is the other thing out there?”
“That is your savior. Are you really that dense?” Tamzin flapped her wings and took off.
At least someone was on my side. Unlike Luca. Where the hell was he? I tamped down my worry for him. He was tough and probably free of the wreckage and, no doubt, headed my way. As for Julian, who’d already disappeared, he was on my shit list.
I tried not to think about Julian’s revelation about the next heir. He had to be wrong. It couldn’t be Grace. Oh dear God, not her. She couldn’t inherit next. Not now, not ever, if I had my way. And I planned to. Dying was not an option. One way or another, I’d find a loophole or some way to end the cursed family legacy.
The ground quavered again, reminding me to pay attention to the battle.
My savior gut punched the Jiang Shi. The spirit took the blow then feinted left, then right. Strong arms swung around catching the Jiang Shi’s waist. Instead of falling, the Jiang Shi unhinged its jaw, python style. With a swift strike, its razor teeth clamped onto the guardian’s unarmored neck.
The guardian howled and clawed the Jiang Shi’s now-healed eyes. When the Jiang Shi let go, the guardian backhanded the beast, sending it flying over the treetops. Instead of pursuing him, the guardian rose into the sky and headed toward me.
“Radiance!”
Before I could protest, or consider escape, he scooped me up into his arms. The force of his upward rise pressed the air from my lungs. I clung on to him, arms tight around his injured neck. Tears streamed from my eyes, blurring my vision. Cool silvery radiance emanated from his skin, glowing brighter and brighter the faster we flew.
“Hang on,” he commanded, voice deep and raspy. Warm silvery blood flowed from his wounds, warming my arms. If I was hurting him, by touching the injury, he didn’t complain.
Far in the distance, the Jiang Shi screamed in defeat. I tensed.
“He can’t follow us.”
Giddy relief filled me along with a sense of peace. The air grew fresher and lighter, swathing us in a sea of white. The guardian’s skin heated, almost too hot for me to touch. He groaned, but his hold remained secure. I strained to see his face, but we were traveling too fast and I had to avert my eyes.
My breathing stuttered. Pain lanced through my ribcage. The sea of white faded. A blue horizon appeared. But I couldn’t summon the curiosity to care. Agony took precedence as every hurt, every injury made itself known.
I tried to speak even though I didn’t know what I wanted to say. My fingers and arms, wet with the guardian’s blood, slid down into my lap. Too weak to move, I trusted he wouldn’t drop me.
The guardian’s gaze captured mine. My limbs relaxed. The pain receded. The last thing I remembered was a single command—Rest.
Chapter 8
Your emotional nature is strong and sensitive.
Warm sunlight heated my face and the scent of fresh grass tickled my nose. Birds chirped merrily and a light breeze whistled through the leaves. It was all so relaxing until sharp points pricked my skin. Two clawed feet walked across my torso. I opened my eyes. And screamed.
“Damn it, Tamzin!” The snowy owl’s brilliant yellow eyes blinked once, then twice, unperturbed by my near heart attack. I rubbed my chest where her talons had jabbed me. “What is it with you?”
The owl hopped off me and waddled through the grass. “Time to wake up.”
I stretched and yawned, taking in the landscape. Jaw-dropping beauty surrounded me as far as the eye could see. The meadow, covered in wildflowers, was a crayon box full of colors: purple, red, yellow, white, and blue. The sky was perfect. A brilliant blue, so clear, so bright, I had to tear my gaze away. In the distance, groves were bursting with glossy green leaves and plump fruit.
Joy filled my heart. “What is this place?”
Tamzin twisted her neck to face me. Her soulful Barn Owl eyes looked almost incredulous. “You are the densest human I have ever met. What does your heart tell you?” With an upward flap of her majestic wings she took flight, leaving me standing there, mouth agape.
Alone in the field, I started walking toward the trees, drawn by the singing birds and colorful fruit. Halfway across, it clicked that it no longer hurt to breathe. The skin on my hands was pink and new. Even the tears in my clothes had been repaired. Where was I?
I stepped into the grove and a chorus of meows, followed by the happy yap of a dog greeted me. I blinked then rubbed my eyes. No way.
Tears spilled down my cheeks and I ran forward. When I reached the cats, I dropped to my knees. I couldn’t pet them all fast enough. Not just any animals, these were mine. My babies. Pets from throughout my life. My terrier, Jasper, killed by a car when I was ten, licked my cheeks. His tail wagged furiously. The cats pushed forward, eager for attention. Oliver, my first tabby followed by Stubs, a black cat missing part of his tail, and Mel and Mina, a brother and sister.
“Oh my God. I must be dreaming.” My throat constricted. I was so happy, yet feared that I was losing my mind. The sound of running water from a nearby brook grounded me. Mel, always a lover of water, wandered over and dipped his paw into the clear stream.
Collectively, they all paused. Stubs sniffed the air, attention fixed on a spot behind me. Over the horizon, a man appeared. Jasper barked and tore away, headed right for him. As the man approached, he adjusted his tie and smoothed down the lapels of his Armani suit.
“Luca!” I stalked toward him with a mixture of giddiness and apprehension. Wh
en he was an arm’s length away, relief won out and I leapt onto him. He easily caught me and drew me into an embrace.
“What happened to you?” I ran my hands over him. “Are you injured?”
“I’m fine now, cariad.” His lips curved into a full smile. He gripped my face between his palms, his thumbs stroking my cheeks. “I’m sorry. So sorry.”
“No. Don’t be. You can’t be everywhere.”
Luca clasped my hands and shook his head. “You don’t understand. It is in my blood to protect you.” He reached down to hug me again and winced instead.
“Damn it, you’re hurt.” I yanked off his jacket. I tore at his tie and tugged open the buttons. He hissed when I pushed the shirt aside. Ugly punctures marked his collarbone and chest.
“Did this happen in the car?” I didn’t wait for his answer and tore his shirt into strips ignoring his horrified gasp at the destruction of his designer duds.
I sat him in a wicker chair a few yards away. I hadn’t remembered seeing the furniture there earlier, but then I was so overwhelmed by my beloved pets, that I wasn’t surprised I hadn’t noticed.
After soaking the strips in the sparkling water, I gently wiped away the blood. Luca never winced or complained. Instead he fixed his attention on me, a mixture of pride and amusement on his face.
“What’s so funny?” I asked, irritated by his smirk.
“You mistake my smile for laughter. Aren’t I allowed to be happy in your company?” He grabbed my wrist and kissed my knuckles. That familiar tug of desire warmed my belly and tantalized my senses.
“I suppose,” I grumbled.
He held out a teacup. “Have something to drink.”
I didn’t ask where the tea service or plates of food had come from. Hell, or the large wooden farm table. Jasper lay underneath chewing on a stick. The cats were resting in various spots in the late-afternoon sun. The mechanics of the place eluded me and I didn’t have the mental energy to figure it out.
“Fine. Don’t come crying to me when you get an infection.”
He pulled me into his lap with a chuckle. “That’s not going to happen.”
“Now you are laughing at me.”
“Perhaps just a little.” Warm oranges and soft reds glinted in the highlights of his dark hair. The afternoon light was fading. His expression softened. “Come on. Let’s go inside.”
As if I was a doll, he stood with me in his arms. Too tired to argue, I cuddled against his bare chest, his skin soft and warm against my cheek. With heavy eyelids, I smiled, satisfied that his wounds were healing.
“Come on, pets,” he called as we traveled across the field. The light faded and darkness took hold as the final sliver of sun disappeared.
In the distance, a cottage materialized. A little giggle bubbled in my throat as we grew closer. Straight out of fairy tale, the cottage had a stone exterior and sturdy thatched roof. Red planter boxes filled with flowers rested under each window sill. Through the windows, a yellow glow illuminated our path. If seven dwarves were inside, I’d lose it for real.
I swallowed the laugh down, grateful for a safe haven to rest. I knew deep in my heart that we were in a sacred place.
Luca glanced down at me through his full lashes. Why did guys always have such great lashes? Drowsiness seeped into my limbs.
“Are you unwell, annwyl?” His mouth formed a lopsided grin as he carried me over the threshold.
Another jolt of lust coursed over me. I closed my eyes and burrowed my nose against his skin, inhaling his rich scent, losing myself in the luxurious feel of his skin against my cheek.
I exhaled and opened my eyes.
I was alone. Naked in bed.
Much to my relief, or maybe disappointment, it appeared I’d only slept. No signs of hanky panky or that the bed had been shared. The pillow on the other side was undented, the covers un-rumpled. The only thing firmly wedged between my legs was Mina. Stubs lay at the foot of the bed. Mel rested behind my back. Oliver was in his favorite spot against the side of my pillow. Only Jasper was on the floor. As soon as he sensed I was awake, he greeted me, paws against the bedside.
My vision blurred with tears and a stone rested in my gut. I was happy to see them all, but in reality they were dead, and at some point, we’d have to say goodbye again. Jasper licked my nose, tail wagging, oblivious to my concerns.
I scratched his head. “You’re right, little guy. Live in the moment.” After paying homage to each of them, I reluctantly extracted myself from the bed. With the exception of Jasper and Oliver, the rest of the cats refused to leave.
One hot bath later, in the cottage’s claw-footed tub, and I was clean again. With my jeans and T-shirt nowhere in sight, I dressed in the clothes by the bed—a satiny pink robe similar to a kimono and petal soft slippers. At least it wasn’t a princess dress.
Jasper raced ahead of me when I opened the door. No wonder the little guy got run over. I shook my head sadly. Poor pup.
Oliver walked in stride with me. He’d died after nineteen years of sensible cat living. I’d wept for a month afterward. It took me a year to even consider getting another cat—Brody.
The cottage was much bigger than it looked from the outside. The bedrooms were adjacent to a wide, high-ceilinged space that served as the both the living room and dining room. The equally impressive kitchen was well stocked with food and other necessities.
After a thorough walkthrough, Luca was nowhere in sight. Jasper yipped and scratched at the bottom of the living room’s French doors. Following his lead, I went outdoors. From the looks of it, there was an extensive English garden. A short distance away was an outdoor fireplace, surrounded by cozy furniture. Off to the left, a sturdy gazebo encased in billowy white sheers. When the breeze fluttered, the sheers parted and I caught glimpse of a large bed. Oh my.
Jasper bounded up to a long wicker sofa and waited next to Luca’s prone body.
I paused next to the fireplace and admired him. In sleep, his face was relaxed and utterly gorgeous. So beautiful an angel would weep. It was the first time I’d ever seen him at rest and vulnerable.
With a happy yip, Jasper jumped onto Luca’s bare chest. He let out a small oomph then laughed. “Well, hello, little one!” He smiled broadly at me, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Bore da, cariad. Sut wyt ti heddiw.”
His Welsh brogue washed over me, sending goosebumps across my skin. I don’t know what he’d said, but he could speak to me like that all day.
I shook my head. I wasn’t some provincial girl who’d fallen off the turnip cart. I’d traveled around the world and been romanced by some of the world’s richest playboys. Many with sexy accents and the cut body of gods.
None of them appealed to me like Luca did.
Luca stretched, arms overhead, muscles rippling with corded strength. He gave me a knowing smile as if he knew the effect his body had on me. “You’re blushing.” With one smooth movement, he tugged a T-shirt over his head, covering his luscious attributes.
“Am not.” I crossed my arms, the motion lifting my breasts upward. Luca grinned. I dropped my arms. “What did you say anyway? I think I understood one word.”
“Which one?” He smiled.
“Never mind,” I grumped, not wanting to admit I understood his oft used endearment. Cariad. Darling.
“So touchy. I merely said,—Good morning, darling. How are you today?”
“You promised to tell me about the Alkhari.” I tried not to look pleased by his surprised look. Granted, it only lasted for a moment. “Now would be a good time. We’re finally alone.”
“I’ll tell you over breakfast.” He held open the French doors and padded inside, his bare feet silent. The formerly empty dining room table was now laden with dishes: fruit, eggs, pancakes, and a steaming pot of coffee.
I peered around covertly, hoping to catch a glimpse of magical elves or brownies.
“Does this place have a name?” I took a seat and reached for the pancakes.
“You truly do not recognize where we are?” Luca poured me coffee before serving himself.
“Should I? We’re not dead, are we?” I motioned to Jasper, who eagerly awaited a hand out.
“No.” Luca sighed and leaned back into his chair, resigned. “My people call it heddwch. Mortals have many names for this place. I believe you know a few.”
I nodded but remained silent, not ready to speak the name out loud. I focused on my food instead. Was I afraid that if I acknowledged where we were, I’d wake up? I gave Jasper a piece of bacon. It wasn’t like it would kill him.
After a few mouthfuls of pancake, I set my fork down. “For what it’s worth,” I started then lowered my voice, “your pancakes are much better.”
Luca’s laughter lightened my heart. For a moment, I believed I could be happy forever. But I knew better. Lurking in the back of my mind was worry for Grace. And festering anger at Julian. He knew. Another thing he’d failed to tell me.
A chair scraped across the flagstone floor. Luca leaned over, his face level with mine. “Hey. What troubles you?”
“I can’t talk about it now.” I waved away his concern. “You’re supposed to be the one talking, remember?” Without thinking, I ran my thumb over his bottom lip.
Luca grabbed my hand, turned it over, and kissed my palm. The warmth of his breath rocked me to the core. I was suddenly aware that the only thing separating me from his bare skin was the kimono.
With a knowing smile, Luca helped me up out of the chair and led me to the living room. When he didn’t touch me further, my body protested.
“Have I ever told you that Alkhari are faithful for life?”
Fire spread over my skin. I wanted to feel his lips on me again. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from his mouth as he spoke. “Why do I feel like this?”