by Mia McKimmy
Riana wasn’t sure how she felt about becoming life-mate to the future king. She liked privacy, and solitude…definitely not attributes of a queen.
Cy pulled back and looked into her eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about my true identity. After I realized you might be my life-mate, I wanted to. But, I couldn’t until I knew you would accept me as yours. Only the people closest to me know. Miles, Kam, Oz, and a few who’ve known me since we fled Sivadia. It’s safer that way.”
Riana cringed at the mention of Oz.
Cy held her face in his hands. “Baby, I understand you feel betrayed by your mother and Oz, but there are a few things you should know about your father. Although he’s a stranger to you, I’ve known him my entire life. Oz and my father were childhood friends, and they were as close as two brothers should be.
“When Vind and I were boys, Oz and my father would take us into the great Sewol Mountains of Sivadia. They taught us to hunt and survive off the land in case of an invasion. I’ve never met anyone stronger, or more knowledgeable than the two of them.”
As Cy recalled childhood memories with his father, Riana’s heart ache for him. His stories were no longer like listening to those of a stranger. They affected her as if it were her own painful memories.
“After the Haagons invaded Sivadia, we escaped to those very mountains. Even though I was only fourteen, when it came time to leave Sivadia I wasn’t frightened. I knew no matter where we went, we would survive as long as the two of them were with us. But as you know, my father didn’t survive. In the beginning none of us would have if not for the actions of one person. Your father. He saved our race by teaching us how to survive on this planet. He’s a hero who has always refused to accept any type of acknowledgement. He’s suffered since my father’s death, convinced he should’ve been able to save him. But he couldn’t. No one could have.”
Cy tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Oz is a good and honest male, who has more integrity and honor than anyone I’ve ever known, since my blood father. He couldn’t have known about you, Riana. If he had, he would have moved heaven and earth to find you. Whatever you decide is up to you. I only wanted you to understand what kind of person he is.”
“I realized he never knew when he forced mother to tell me the truth. It was such a shock to find out my father wasn’t actually dead. I needed some time for it to sink in. It hurt that my mother chose to let me grow up longing for a father when he was alive. It might sound petty, but it’s going to take me a while to forgive her.”
Riana lay on her stomach with the pillow propped beneath her chin.
Cy leaned in and pressed a kiss to her temple. “Of all the wonders I’ve seen, I have never looked upon anything as beautiful as you,” he whispered.
Riana turned, wrapping herself around his firm body. His mouth covered hers, and desire leapt inside her. They made love again, but this time they took it slow and savored every moment. For the first time in her life, the loneliness was erased by the merging of their souls.
Chapter 15
The following day after class, Riana and Elle walked over to the Protectors’ lodge. Since they still weren’t allowed to leave the compound, a few of the girls were invited to the Protectors’ game room.
As they entered the large room, Riana sensed Cy leaning across a pool table, his cue stick aligned to break the balls. As he glanced up and flashed a stunning smile, her pulse raced. Since they’d taken each other’s blood, it was like having a built-in GPS. Within close proximity, her insides would quiver and not stop until she laid eyes on Cy. The first time it happened, the strange sensation kind of freaked her out. But now, she loved having such a powerful connection to him.
Cy met her in the middle of the large room and pulled her into his arms. “Hey beautiful.” His lips brushed across hers, doing wicked things to her insides. “Would you like a drink?”
Riana glanced at the full bar covering one end of the room, and grinned. “Looks like you guys are well stocked.”
Cy chuckled, “Yeah, two things Protectors never get low on. Ammunition and booze.”
“And females. You forgot females.” Kam chalked his pool cue.
“That’s just your obsession, Kam,” Cy replied.
With pursed lips, Elle folded her arms and looked away.
Kam’s eyes widened. “Do you have something on your upper lip, blondie?”
“Yeah, I smell bullshit,” Elle said.
“Well, maybe you should go wash it off before your face freezes that way,” Kam said, before sinking a ball in the corner pocket.
Elle’s face glowed bright pink. She turned on her heel and strode toward the bar with Cy.
“Hey, blondie,” Kam yelled after her. “On your way back, bring me a Jack and Coke.”
“Sure. Do you want fries with that?” Elle snapped over her shoulder.
Riana shook her head and laughed at Kam. “I wouldn’t poke that bear too much if I were you. She bites back.”
Kam lined up a shot and sunk two more balls. “It’s a good thing I heal fast.” He stilled. “Wait…think I need a rabies shot?”
“You can’t say I didn’t warn you, Kam.”
Cy walked up and handed Riana a glass of white wine. “Warn him about what?”
“Elle. If he doesn’t lighten-up, she’s going to tear into him.”
Cy leaned in and whispered. “Is it just my imagination, or is there an awful lot of sexual tension between those two?”
Riana’s burst of laughter echoed in the room. She slapped her hand over her mouth and glanced around. “I don’t know what it is. They act like two kids on a playground who like each other. Since they don’t know what to do about it, they pick on each other.”
Elle came back with a beer in her hand.
Kam eyed her drink and turned his palms up. “Where’s mine?”
“Oh, did you want a drink? I guess it’s still at the bar, still in the bottle. And for your information, my name is not blondie.” Elle pinned Kam with a stare so icy, Riana expected frost to appear on his face.
Kam’s brows drew together. “Why does negativity jump off you like fleas on an infested dog? Or, is it just me that brings out all this acrimonious behavior?”
“Maybe, it’s because you’re a narcissistic man-whore who thinks every female should fall at your feet.”
“I am not.” Mischief danced in Kam’s eyes. “I’m a sex god. There’s a difference. Do you need a demonstration?”
“In your dreams, buddy, in your dreams.” Elle wheeled around and stomped toward the game tables on the opposite side of the room.
“Thank God,” Riana said. “They make me nervous. You never know what will come out of either of their mouths.” She hooked her arm around Cy’s. “Come on, I’ll challenge you to a game of air hockey.”
After they finished the best two out of three games, which Cy totally let her win, he pulled her into his arms. “Do you feel like stopping by the gym to practice your fighting techniques?” He placed a gentle hand across the right side of her ribs. “I saw those bruises on you the other night. If I teach you a few defensive moves, we could prevent you getting more. Or I could give Kyra a beat down for putting them there in the first place. But I’d rather teach you how to turn the tables on her.”
Riana put her arms around his neck and looked into his incredible blue eyes. “That’s a tempting offer. But, I better let you teach me. Then I can give Kyra the beat down.”
She pulled him close and whispered in his ear. “Then afterwards, I wouldn’t mind another demonstration of your sex god powers.”
Cy nipped her earlobe with his teeth, and goose bumps rose on her neck. “You must have read my mind.” His low, sexy voice did wicked things to her insides.
They left the Protector’s lodge and headed across the compound toward the gym. Kyra’s little sister, Lily, skipped along beside one of the compound cooks. When Lily spotted them, a bright smile lit her angelic features. “Cy,” she squealed. Lily charged
toward him and then launched herself into his open arms.
“Hey Lily bug. How’s my girl?” He transferred her to one hip, holding her like a toddler.
“I’m good. Mr. Sanders is taking me to the kitchen for ice cream. Do you want me to bring you some too?”
“No, I’ll pass tonight. What if we go to our favorite ice cream shop tomorrow?”
“Yum-me,” Lily exclaimed.
“Okay, it’s a date then. Would it be all right if Riana comes along? She and I have become extra special friends. She likes ice cream almost as much as we do.”
Lily tilted her head and looked at Riana as if considering whether to allow her to invade on their plans.
“I really do like ice cream,” Riana said.
“Sure, you can come.” From Lily’s decisive tone, Riana must have passed her test.
“Good, we’ll pick you up after dinner,” Cy said. “Maybe we’ll even go shopping for those pink high-tops you told me about.”
“I can’t wait!” Lily threw her arms around Cy’s neck and kissed his cheek.
He sat her down and she ran to catch up with Mr. Sanders.
As they started toward the gym, Cy put his arm around Riana’s waist and pulled her close to his side. “I thought it might be good to spend some time with Lily, let her get used to us as a couple. I hope that’s all right with you.”
“It’s more than all right. That little girl has a huge crush on you. Now I understand why. You’re very good with her.”
“She’s been through a lot in her young life. If I can help fill the void from losing her parents, then I’m more than happy to do so. She’s an incredibly sweet child, which makes it hard not to spoil her.”
When they got to the gym, Cy taught Riana some defensive moves to prevent taking a blow to vital organs. “Now I’m going to teach you how to land an effective hit to the vulnerable areas on a male’s body,” he said. “If you’re attacked, you only try these maneuvers when you have a clear shot. Because of a male’s increased strength, your number one goal is keeping him from getting a hold on you. If he does, your chances of getting away are slim to none.”
Cy showed Riana the proper technique to land a hit to someone’s larynx. She threw several punches and kicks toward the area of his throat. He blocked every attempt with a speed she couldn’t fathom.
“Come on, baby. You’re holding back. Center yourself on the target and put your weight behind those kicks. The majority of a female’s strength is in her lower body. You have to use every advantage you possess.”
“You want me to actually kick you in the throat?” Riana’s voice rose an octave. “I’m sorry, but I can’t intentionally hurt you.”
He came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against all those hard muscles. “Well, that’s good to know,” he whispered in her ear. But how will you know what you’re capable of if you don’t give it your all?”
As Cy placed soft kisses along the column of Riana’s neck, warmth pooled in her abdomen. Her head fell to the side, allowing him better access. “You keep that up and my knees will be too weak to kick.”
“I’d rather be doing this than fighting,” he murmured between kisses.
She turned in his arms, faced him and pressed her body against the firmness of his erection. “Me too.” She took possession of his mouth. Her heart raced as need tore through her. She deepened the kiss and explored his mouth. Her body already ached for release, and the sweet mixture of their ragged breaths drove her closer to the edge. He could take her from zero to sixty in point three seconds. If there were such a thing as an orgasm speedometer, Cy’s ability to send her across the finish line would hold the world record.
Riana broke the kiss and framed his face with her hands. “I think it’s time to go home. Or, you may have to lock those doors. I’m not sure we can get home fast enough.” His hand dipped beneath her shirt and covered her breast. Her womb responded with anticipation and moisture pooled between her thighs.
Cy’s phone rang, but he ignored it. His hand slipped inside her bra. Her knees became like rubber…and his phone continued to ring.
“You might want to get that,” she mumbled.
“Oz is out on rotation with Miles. They’ll call him when I don’t answer.”
***
By the time Cy’s phone stopped ringing he was ready to throw it across the gym. But seconds later it started again. Why couldn’t people just do their jobs without him for one night? He stepped back, jerked the phone from his pocket and hit talk. “This better be important.”
“Yes, sir, it is,” the head guard at the gate replied. “Something’s going on with the security systems. It’s been going off for no apparent reason, and it just happened again. Each time we do a thorough search and find nothing. Commander Oz said the next time it happened to notify him. Or you, if he’s not at the compound.”
“I’ll be right there.” Cy turned off his phone and sighed.
“Is something wrong?”
“I hope not. The security systems are acting up. It’s never given us a problem before. I need to go check it out, but I shouldn’t be long.” He tucked her beneath his arm and they left the gym. “I would love to find you naked in my bed when I get home. We can take up where we left off.”
Riana stopped, rose on her tiptoes, and hovered her lips close to his. “That sounds like an excellent idea.” Her soft lips captured his mouth with a deep, enticing kiss. He released a needful moan as he forced himself from her sweet embrace, and then headed toward the guardhouse.
Cy was almost to the guardhouse when something brushed against his arm. He froze and a chill crept up his spine. Every hair stood on end as a malevolent force surrounded him. He turned in a slow circle and scanned the area. Nothing. But a wretched hostility filled the air, as irrefutable as the ground beneath his feet. Cy pinpointed the strongest area and swung his arm through empty space.
Well that was stupid. He glanced around to make sure no one saw him take a swing at nothing, shook his head, and then walked a few more feet to the guardhouse.
“Hey Cy,” the head guard said. “Do you have a minute to sit here and watch the monitors? Each time the alarm goes off at the gate, it’s not long until a sensor somewhere inside the compound goes on alert.”
“How long has this been happening?”
The guard pulled up the computerized security log. “The first time was the night after the trainees arrived, and it’s happened six times since. The company who installed the system can’t come out to check it until next week.”
“To hell with that,” Cy replied. “Where’s their number? They’ll either send someone out, or they’ll wish they had.” Dealing with Sivadian owned companies was the norm, although sometimes it wasn’t worth the hassle. Dealing with humans made things a lot easier. At least they could be compelled to come out and fix it right away.
The guard found the security company’s number and was dialing it for Cy when an alarm blared inside the small room. Cy leaned into the monitors to get a closer look. “Where is that?”
The guard’s eyes met his. “It’s your apartment.”
Adrenaline shot through Cy at the speed of light. Riana was alone inside his apartment. He tore out of the guardhouse at a dead run. A new curse erupted from his lips with every pounding step.
Damned anti-transport devices. He should have the things removed. But that would be a dumb-ass move.
Moments later, Cy ran through the door of his building with several guards on his heels. Half a dozen Protectors inside the lobby drew their weapons and fell in behind them. If he looked as panicked as he felt, it was no wonder. Swinging a dagger in each hand probably made him look like a mad-man.
Cy hit the stairwell, unwilling to wait on the elevator. His legs protested the four steps at a time pace. He burst through the door of his apartment. As soon as he was inside, the same ominous sensation from outside the guardhouse bombarded him. Before he entered his bedroom he yelled over his s
houlder, “Stay here.”
His heart pounded in his ears as if he were standing inside an enormous drum. The bed was empty, but he sensed Riana inside the bathroom. Cy turned the handle but the door was locked. He rammed his shoulder into the door. Splintered wood flew every direction as he burst inside.
Riana sat up in the water and screamed. “What’s wrong?”
She’d been lying back in the Jacuzzi with bubbles to her neck. Cy dropped to his knees beside the tub. His arms plunged beneath the water and pulled her wet body against him. He held her tight and trembled from the surge of adrenaline flooding his system. If anyone had harmed her, it would destroy him.
Someone from outside the bedroom door yelled. “Is everything all right?”
“Who’s there?” Riana struggled to pull out of his tight embrace.
He loosened his grip and framed her face in his hands. “Are you unharmed?”
“Yes, why? What’s going on?”
“The alarms went off. Someone with unidentifiable DNA was inside this apartment.”
“I haven’t seen anyone. I must have drifted off to sleep.”
“Someone was here besides you. Someone out to cause harm. Did you sense any danger?”
Riana’s brows pulled low. “No.”
Cy kissed her forehead, and then stood. “That’s the guards and some of the Protectors at the door. I’m going to have them search the building while I search the apartment.”
He went into the hallway where ten large males waited, making the space appear small and claustrophobic. Cy gave them instructions to search the entire compound. When he asked about the uneasy feeling inside the apartment, none of them detected anything. But he had no doubt, something evil had been there. Alone with Riana.