Becoming ONe (Kaliss Book 2)

by Cree Storm

  Nelson walked to Jewel pointing and wiggling his finger in the man’s face. “Oh no. You know, you tell me. What’s going on, Jewel?”

  “He does have a right to know, Jewel,” Briar said fluttering.

  Jewel looked at Briar, his aggravation evident. “Would you please go bother Helio. Nelson and I are having a conversation here.”

  Briar huffed and flew off high inside the solarium.

  “Jewel’s right, you really should wait for Orion and the Re to get back,” Kragen said.

  Nelson turned around hissing, “You do know that I blew up Fallon and thousands of his army, right? I don’t think you will be any harder to kill. Now back off and go guard something.”

  Kragen stepped back and looked at one of his men, pointed a finger at his head and started making circles.

  Nelson lifted his hand towards the Dire and Kragen immediately stiffened and stopped making the crazy motion. Turning back to Jewel, Nelson practically growled, “Jewel, out with it.”

  Hell, as it was his fox was begging to come out and claw the man if he didn’t tell them what was going on.

  “According to what Ezra said, Orion told him they were from some movie you and he watched when you were still out of it. One that Ollie told Orion to try out to get you to come out of your coma,” Jewel said then went back to bouncing his leg and biting his nail.

  “Gizmo?” Nelson asked.

  Jewel nodded, saying, “Damn you’re good.”

  Nelson waved his hand in the air brushing Jewel’s comment off, saying, “It was something we did years ago to piss Pascal off. Ollie would order a pizza and offer Pas some, then pull it back yelling, “Oh sorry, it’s after midnight.”

  Jewel snickered. “That’s funny.”

  Nelson sighed. “It was at the time. Seeing a burnt one kind of takes the humor out of it.”

  “I guess so, but not as much as the warning Orion was given,” Jewel said then his eyes went huge and his hissed, “Shit! Ezzy is going to be so pissed.”

  Nelson looked at his best friend. “Jewel?”

  “He told me to keep my mouth shut,” Jewel said nervously.

  Tiny butterflies mixed with glitter started falling out of nowhere. Nelson looked around, and realized it was coming from the nervous man in the chair. “Um, Jewel?”

  Shrugging, Jewel softly said, “Then again he should know by now I’m not really good at keeping secrets. Damn, what if he doesn’t do that special thing he always does that makes my toes curl.”

  “Jewel!”

  Jewel looked up, meeting his gaze. “What? He might, and I really like our special thing and he might use it to punish me for telling you about the note telling Orion to back out of the Ceremony or lose you.”

  “What?” Nelson gasped.

  Jewel tossed his head back in frustration. “Shit! I did it again.” Looking around Jewel noticed the mess for the first time. Rolling his eyes, he snapped his fingers clearing the room of all the glitter and butterflies. “Damn it. Since I got pregnant my magic gets away from me. Hell, it seems so does my mouth.”

  “My mate was threatened by who? Nicu?” Nelson asked in awe.

  Jewel shook his head. “Were you not listening? I said you were threatened, Nelson. You. Not necessarily Orion, although the note did say his past could come back and repeat itself.”

  “The past often repeats itself. If you don’t want yours to do the same with your mate, drop out of the Ceremony now,” Orion said from the door.

  Nelson gasped, turned and ran to his mate, jumping into his arms. “You’re here and you’re safe! Thank the Gods.”

  Orion squeezed Nelson hard, making him grunt. “Can’t breathe.”

  Orion let him go and set Nelson down as Ezra walked in and quickly went to his mate. “Hey there, Sweetheart, are you and the baby okay?”

  Nodding, Jewel said, “I’m sorry, Ezzy. I didn’t mean to spill the beans, but Nelson is good at getting you to talk. Besides, with the pregnancy, my hormones are crazy, and I don’t think before I speak and—please don’t stop doing our thing. I really like our—”

  Jewel started crying and Ezra laughed, then wiped his mate’s eyes. “Sweetheart, calm yourself. I know you can’t keep a secret from Nelson. It was stupid to even ask you to do it.”

  Nodding, Jewel quickly said, “Yes it was. Maybe we can go so you can do that thing and we’ll call it even?”

  Ezra picked Jewel up and replied, “You know I can never say no to you.”

  Nelson shook his head as Jewel and Ezra left the room. Once they were gone, Nelson looked at his mate and said, “You are not backing out of the Summoning Ceremony. So what do we need to do until it’s over?”

  Orion opened his mouth and Nelson snapped, “I’m not changing my mind, Orion. You deserve to be Regal, and I refuse to allow a threat to me to keep you from it.”

  “No rank is more important than you, Starlight,” Orion insisted.

  Shaking his head, Nelson replied, “No, I’m a title whore. I want to be mated to the Regal. I would be so hurt and disappointed if you didn’t compete.”

  Orion laughed, saying, “You are such a liar.”

  Nelson sighed. “Okay, how about this? If you don’t compete I will always blame myself.”

  Sighing heavily, Orion wrapped his arms around Nelson once more, whispering, “We’ll figure something out, Starlight.”

  CHAPTER 7

  Orion had greeted the last of the guests to arrive and was ready to join Nelson for lunch.

  “Orion, we have a last-minute entry that needs your approval,” Jorin stated from behind Orion.

  Turning, Orion asked, “Who and from what coven house?”

  Jorin looked at the form in confusion. “I’m not quite sure, Sir. It says his name is Radeem Napal. He says that Enoch is his scion representative.”

  “Have you contacted Enoch?” Orion asked.

  Jorin quickly replied, “I tried calling him, but his phone goes straight to voicemail.”

  Orion tilted his head, firmed his lips, and let out a long breath. “Ezra did mention that Enoch said he got a lead on Nicu and had to go deeper into the forest. Maybe he’s in an area with no phone reception.”

  “Ezra also said that Enoch may not be here for the start of the ceremony. We already have two entries for the Dire battle from his coven. This one is for Regal, but I just don’t have his name on the list. Could it be he forgot with everything going on?” Jorin asked cautiously.

  Nodding, Orion replied, “Could be, but Enoch knows the danger we are facing with Nicu and should have made sure we were informed.”

  “So, what do I do?” Jorin asked.

  Orion didn’t like it. It made sense that if Enoch couldn’t make it to the opening ceremony then he was sending his contenders ahead of his arrival, but not to have included all the names could disqualify this Napal person. However, if he didn’t approve the man, it could look as if Orion was hesitant to fight the man if he was able to climb the brackets. Then again this could be an attempt on his Re’s life. Damn it.

  The Ceremony was starting in the morning and it was known, if you did not start at the beginning, you did not start at all. If Orion refused the entry, and Enoch did send him, it would be like a slap in the face to Enoch and his coven. “Okay, allow Napal entry. However, I want a man on him at all times. He is to be given quarters in the outer housing area and add a few more guards.”

  Jorin nodded. “Yes sir, I will see to it myself.”

  “Thank you, Jorin. Were you not going to participate in the ceremony as well?”

  Shaking his head, Jorin replied, “No sir. I’ll be with my men watching over the crowds. We have no requests for Dire in our coven except for the new position Ezra opened up because of the anticipation of new residents coming to Kaliss. Kragen is going to take on the contender who wins the bracket to ensure he is qualified for the position.”

  Nodding, Orion replied, “Well then, I’ll see you at the opening ceremony.”

  “Yes s
ir, and good luck on your trials. We’re all rooting for you,” Jorin said with a smile.

  “Thank you, Jorin. I hope to do everyone proud,” Orion said.

  Turning to leave he stopped when Jorin called out his name. Turning back around, Orion was surprised to see the three Dires standing there alongside Imperial Leader Jael, and in the background were members of both the Crimson Corps and the Imperial Guard, who were in full gear and all held there sabers horizontally in hand.

  Orion was confused as Strix stepped forward, calling out, “Members of the Crimson Corps, present arms!”

  Every Crimson Corps member stepped forward and lifted their swords.

  Jael stepped forward, calling out, “Imperial Guard, present arms!”

  Every member of the Imperial Guard stepped forward lifting their swords high into the air.

  Both Jael and Strix called out, “Men! Arms!”

  Everyone lifted their swords high in the air, shouting, “Orion! Orion! Orion!”

  Kragen brought his sword back to his chest and marched in front of Jael and Strix. “Permission to speak?”

  Orion gave a small nod, saying, “You may.”

  “Sir, the Imperial Guard and the Crimson Corps would like to extend our wishes for luck on your upcoming battle. We have been proud to serve under such an honorable man. Our loss as an army, is the gain for our people.”

  Orion was touched by the men’s actions and didn’t quite know what to say. For so long Orion had thought his people had shied away from him because of the scars that marred over half his body. Yet between his mate and now these men’s actions and words, Orion understood it was never others who held him back, it was himself. “I haven’t won yet, guys, but let me tell you this. I have never been prouder of anyone than I have been of all of you. Your loyalty and strength to protect our king and people has not gone unnoticed. For those of you going to participate in the Ceremony, best of luck. For those of you who are standing guard and keeping our visitors and people safe from harm, be careful and stay safe.”

  All the men began to cheer and chant his name as Orion turned and walked away. He was glad his men couldn’t see his face right now. He wouldn’t look very much like a badass leader with tears in his eyes.

  Orion got in his truck and started towards the coven house. He couldn’t believe all the strange faces walking the streets of Kaliss. Pulling up to the coven house, Orion parked his car and got out.

  Guards surrounded the house and Ezra as he walked outside to greet him. “About time you got here. Jewel doesn’t do so well if he doesn’t eat about every two minutes.”

  Orion laughed. “Well, he is eating for two.”

  Ezra snorted, “The way my mate eats it’s as if he is eating for four.”

  “Well for your and Jewel’s sakes, let’s hope that isn’t true,” Orion replied.

  Ezra bumped shoulders with Orion, saying, “It’s not really how much he eats that concerns me as much as what he is eating.”

  Orion laughed. “Yes, Nelson told me that his taste in food has become a bit… odd.”

  Ezra stopped walking and looked to Orion as he replied, “If you call eating a raw steak with a blueberry and carrot salad covered in ketchup odd, then yes, that is what I’m talking about.”

  Shrugging, Orion said, “I can’t explain the ketchup covered thing, but the raw steak is normal for vampire women who are with child. I can’t see how Jewel would be any different.”

  “Maybe not, but my poor baby cried the whole time he was eating it. He kept saying he was becoming a cannibal. It took me hours to calm him down,” Ezra said in concern.

  “Isn’t that normal for a vampire child? I see the women of our coven doing the same when they are with child,” Orion stated rationally.

  “I did try to tell Jewel that very thing and got a face full of raw meat for my trouble and it took me two hours to talk the stubborn man out of the bathroom,” Ezra said with a sigh.

  Orion laughed. “Jewel can be stubborn. So what did you do to make it up to him?”

  Ezra looked to the side, muttering, “I don’t know what you mean.”

  Orion gave his Re and best friend a knowing look. Ezra’s shoulders dropped as he said, “I have night duty with the baby for the first two months, and there’s this thing he really enjoys during…” Ezra stopped, looked at Orion, and stated firmly, “Never mind… None of your business.”

  Orion threw his head back, laughing in earnest.

  “You do realize that Nelson is capable of having a child, right? This could be you one day,” Ezra replied sarcastically.

  Shaking his head, Orion replied, “Nope. Nelson and I talked about it and we decided we don’t want any children. We are quite content with how things are and having the ability to just enjoy each other. It might sound selfish, but with my responsibilities to the coven and the fact that Nelson raised his brothers after his parent’s death, we just have no urge to have a child.”

  Ezra lightly puckered his lips, then nodded. “Understandable. However, how will Nelson ensure it doesn’t happen? Are you two going to have a vas—”

  “Hell no! No one goes near my balls or Nelson’s. I will rip the person apart who even thinks to go near my mate’s. There is an herb that Nelson’s mom taught him and his brothers about to ensure they don’t get pregnant unless they choose to. Pascal grows it in his and Zen’s store and makes sure his brothers get a regular supply every week.”

  They made their way through the maze to the back yard where their mates waited for them. It was the one place that was guaranteed to have no one bother them while they spent time with their mates. “So what happens after Jewel has the baby?”

  “What do you mean?” Ezra asked in confusion.

  Shrugging, Orion asked, “Are you going to have more?”

  Ezra replied, “Helio told Jewel and I that he can father a child every five years. He said if we choose not to have a child until a bit later there is something Jewel can take to stop it from happening until we decide otherwise.”

  “Well butterfly dragons are like half-brothers to the Santorini foxes. I bet it’s the same herb that Nelson and his brothers take,” Orion replied.

  Both men stopped, hearing Jewel whining, “Oh come on… Just one little pet for the pregnant man? Ouch, damn it Nelson, that shit was just mean. After all I went through creating that damn willow tree. I should at least get one little pet as a thank you.”

  Orion and Ezra quietly stepped out into the center of the maze. Jewel was sucking on his finger as a black and white puff ball ran past. His fuzzy white tail flopping up and down. Leaping into a sickly-looking willow tree and jumping from limb to limb had Orion quickly making his way towards his little fox. “Cuddle bunny, come down from there before you fall.”

  The tiny fox chirped with excitement quickly leaping into Orion’s arms. “Well, hello to you too. I see you’re enjoy the beautiful spring afternoon.”

  The tiny horned animal nodded, and Orion’s heart melted as the cutie nuzzled closer to him, rubbing his soft fur under Orion’s neck.

  Smiling, and gently running his hands through the fox’s soft pelt, Orion asked, “Did you bite Jewel, Cuddles?” Orion asked.

  “I’m not a display at a petting zoo,” the little fox insisted.

  Orion walked closer to Jewel and Ezra, as Jewel sniffled allowing Ezra to suckle his finger and heal it. “So, I remembered the willow tree from our dream walk and thought that Nelson’s fox might like one. Nelson shifted and dang it, I tried, Ezra, I really did, but you know my magic is all wonky since I got pregnant. First, we had those falling flower showers, then ivy took over the yard and got a hold of Nelson’s fox by the tail and feet. I got rid of those and then finally was left with a seedling. That’s as big as I could get the poor tree. I really tried.”

  Ezra held Jewel close to his chest, consoling his mate, whispering, “I know, sweet baby. I know.”

  “He bit me, Ezzie. Bite him back and show him what it’s like,” Jewel muttered i
n Ezra’s chest.

  Orion felt his protective urges rise. “No one is biting my Cuddle bunny.”

  Ezra turned angry eyes onto Orion. “Well your Cuddle bunny bit my Cuddle bunny, so it does only seem fair.”

  Orion felt the fox tense in his arms at the anger coming from the Re. “I didn’t mean to. He grabbed my tail and I thought it was those vines coming after me again and I reacted. I didn’t mean to bite him, Orion, I swear. I’m really sorry. Please don’t let the Re eat me.”

  “No one is going to eat you. I know you didn’t mean to, Cuddles, but you should have apologized. Jewel is going to have a baby and right now, he is feeling alone, scared, and freakish. His magic is unpredictable, and he just wanted, and maybe needed, to feel something that might make him feel better. He wasn’t thinking of you as a zoo pet,” Orion softly replied.

  Jewel gasped and slightly turned his head. “I never thought of you as a petting zoo animal. I just… You’re so beautiful and look so soft. I just wanted to feel if you were as soft as you look. I never meant to make you feel like a freak. Trust me, I’m freak enough for the both of us.”

  “You are carrying my child. You’re not a freak,” Ezra firmly stated.

  “He thinks I’m beautiful?” The tiny fox asked in awe. Then slowly wiggled free of Orion’s hold, climbing up his shoulder and behind his neck. Slowly making his way closer to Jewel. “He can pet me, if it’s okay with you, Orion.”

  “Jewel, he says you can pet him,” Orion said with a smile.

  Jewel turned around with Ezra holding him close, and tentatively placed his hands on the fox’s neck and slid his hand down his back, lightly gripping the tail. Next, Jewel touched the fox’s tiny horns. “You’re amazing, Nelson. Truly amazing. I can feel the magic coming out of your fur. It’s almost energizing.”

  Jewel turned and pointed his other hand towards the willow tree and a small tornadolike funnel swirled around the tree. Seconds later, the willow tree was tall, filled with leaves and looked like a healthy willow that had been there for years. “Holy cow. You centered my magic, Nelson!”