by Mia McKimmy
Chapter 16
Vind returned to the compound and had just entered the gate when he noticed Cy headed toward him.
Let’s see how perceptive my brother is. Vind skimmed his hand across Cy’s arm. Cy came to an abrupt halt. He scanned the area and then looked straight at Vind. Unbelievable. No matter how many times he used the invisibility compound, being unseen would take some getting used to.
He moved closer to Cy. The knowledge that he could end his brother’s life and no one could stop him, was almost as euphoric as an adrenaline high. But he had to be patient and stick with the plan he’d devised to destroy Cy and every Protector. If he rushed things, it would cost him soldiers and the possibility of not accomplishing his goals.
Vind noticed the girl Cy had declared as his life-mate heading toward the building where the Protectors lived. He stalked toward her and then followed her inside an apartment. Cy’s scent hung in the air. He glanced around at the meager surroundings. This wasn’t how a future Sivadian king should live. His pride swelled as he thought about his palace. He lived as a king should.
Just goes to show, the lying bastard I called father chose the wrong son.
As he strode toward the bedroom to see what the girl was up to, running water started inside the bathroom. He was about to go inside when she closed and locked the door. He decided to do a little exploring instead. He opened several drawers, but found the usual clothing. As he opened a drawer filled with socks, a black velvet box caught his eye. He eased open the lid, and a smile broke on his face.
Oh, this is priceless.
The front door slammed against the wall with a loud boom. Vind spun around, replaced the box and closed the drawer. Heavy footsteps scrambled down the hall, sounding as if someone had released a herd of antelope inside the apartment. Vind edged his body flush against the wall. Cy barreled through the bedroom, panic consuming his features. Then he almost broke the bathroom door off its hinges. Vind wove through ten large males lining the hallway and eased through the front door.
Once outside, Vind glanced toward the building that contained the kitchen. In order to go about their work, the compound employees had deactivation badges they scanned to bypass the alarms. Vind’s plans balanced on the cooperation of a supervisor named Connors. The man over domestics had access to every restricted area inside the compound. After Vind dealt with the supervisor, there were only a couple more details before he could set everything in motion.
Vind entered the compound’s kitchen. Connors stood at a serving table heaping a plate with food. With all the food he could eat at his disposal, no wonder the short man had such a rotund physique.
Connors placed the food in a portable warmer and spoke to another employee. “I have to run home to check on my wife and take her dinner. Will you keep an eye on things until I return? I won’t be long.”
The employee clamped his hand on Connor’s shoulder. “Take your time. In her delicate state, she needs you more than we do. Things here are under control.”
Vind followed Connors to the back entrance used for employees and deliveries. Outside the gates, he transported and Vind followed his vapor trail. Connors materialized on the front porch of a modest, ranch style home. Vind followed him inside and then into a bedroom where a pregnant woman lay sleeping.
As Connors sat down on the bed beside her, she opened her eyes and smiled. He laid a chubby hand on her rounded stomach. “How are my girls today?”
“They’re good. It’d be nice if they’d ease up on my bladder though. I think they’re practicing to become tap dancers.”
He chuckled. “I’m sure you would, hon. They’ll be here before long. Then you’ll wish you were back on bed rest.”
“I know.” Her arms cradled her distended stomach.
Connors pulled a table over to the bed and set down the plate of food. “I brought your dinner. I have a couple more hours work at the compound. Do you need anything before I leave?”
“No, I’m fine.”
Connors reached down and kissed his wife goodbye.
A satisfied grin crossed Vind’s face. He’d found the perfect leverage to assure Connors would do anything he asked. With the woman pregnant, it would be dangerous to transport her back to his castle. Transporting such a distance could cause her to lose the babies. If those infants were female, he could add them to his orphanage for future breeding.
Oh well, if they die, they die. His best option would be to get them out of the states.
Vind went outside and called one of his staff doctors. He informed him to be on standby at his palace when he arrived. After Connors left, Vind placed the visibility formula beneath his tongue and went back inside the small house. The female had finished eating, and was looking through a parenting magazine. After a couple of minutes Vind became visible.
The woman’s head jerked toward him. She screamed and tried to scramble out of bed.
“You are in no shape to run.” He placed his hand on her shoulder and pushed her back on the pillows.
“Who are you? What are you doing in my house?” Her face was red, and her voice demanding.
Vind applied enough pressure to her shoulder to let her know he wouldn’t put up with an ounce of defiance. “It doesn’t matter who I am. I’m in need of your husband’s cooperation. And, you are coming with me to ensure I get it.”
Her hands trembled as she braced her stomach. Tears filled her eyes. “I can’t leave. I’m pregnant and on bed rest until I give birth.”
“You have no choice in the matter.” Vind placed a hint of threat in his voice. He reached down, scooped her off the bed, and transported to the infirmary that covered the top floor of his castle.
When they materialized the female was unconscious. He laid her on a bed and turned to the doctor. “Examine her. Her life doesn’t matter, but do not let those babies die.
Vind picked up the phone and called Alpheus. He managed his household, and was the closest thing to family he’d had since the war started.
“Master, you’re home,” Alpheus said.
“Yes, I’ll only be here a short time. While I shower, would you fix something to eat and bring it to my room?”
“Yes, Master. It will be ready when you’re finished.”
“Thank you, Alpheus.”
***
Vind arrived back at the Connors’ house and took a seat in the small living room.
Before long, Connors entered and headed toward the bedroom.
Vind cleared his throat. The man stopped mid-stride and squinted in the dim light.
“Hello, Connors.”
Connors stared in silence for a moment, as if his brain was on a delay switch and needed time to catch up. He flipped on a light. “What are you doing in my house?”
“Sit down,” Vind demanded. “We have a matter to discuss.”
Connors glanced toward the back of the house and slowly moved toward a chair on the opposite side of the room. He regarded Vind as if he were a viper poised to strike.
Vind took a deep breath, savoring the aroma of rising fear. “Do you know who I am?”
Connors shook his head. “No.”
“My name is Vindius. I am the rightful heir to the Sivadian throne. I’m in need of your assistance.”
“I…I’m nobody. How could I possibly assist you?”
“You have unlimited access to the compound. What I need from you is whatever I decide I need at any given moment.” Vind picked up a picture of Connors and his wife from the table beside his chair. He gazed at it for a moment before speaking, giving the man’s mind a chance to make the connection. “You see, Mr. Connors, your dear wife and children’s lives depend on how well you cooperate.”
Connors sprang to his feet, ran toward the bedroom and burst through the door. Vind remained seated, waited for the man to realize the severity of the situation.
“Where is she?” Connors screamed, as he ran from room to room. He flew back to the living room, his face red, panicked. “Where is my w
ife? You better not have harmed her!”
Vind narrowed his gaze on the man. “For the moment, she is safe. However, I assure you that will change if you do not calm down and follow my instructions to the letter.”
Connors slowly lowered himself into the chair.
After Vind issued his demands, a feeling of satisfaction came over him for his long awaited goal. He could finally move forward and end Cygan and the Protectors’ existence on Earth.
He grinned as Connors squirmed in his chair. Most Sivadians had heard of his reputation, and from the looks of this man, he knew what would happen to his wife and kids if he messed up.
As Vind left the residence, a gangly young man wearing a compound uniform stood on the porch.
“Sir,” the boy said. His voice was as frail as his stature. “I overheard you speaking with my uncle…and…I want to join your army.”
Vind stared at the boy. He definitely wasn’t army material. He could literally see his body shake with fear. “What’s your name, boy?”
“Neil Connors, sir.”
“Haven’t I seen you working at the compound?”
“Yes, sir. I work wherever they need me, but mostly in the kitchen.”
Well, Neil Connors, did you swear an oath of loyalty to the Protectors when you got that job?”
“Yes, but I hate those assholes.” The boy’s lip curled in a snarl. “They treat me like a servant, like I’m scum. I want to make them pay for the way they treat me.”
Vind glared at the boy. He had planned to find another compound employee, and this pitiful excuse for a Sivadian just might work. “All right, you can join my army. But first you must prove your loyalty to me. I’m in need of your help on the final day I’m here. Your uncle will give you further instructions when the time comes. Afterwards, I will send one of my men to this house to get you.”
The boy released an exaggerated breath and grinned. “Thank you, sir. You won’t regret this.”
No, but you will. Vind turned to leave and looked back at Neil Connors. “Boy, if you betray me, it will be the last thing you’ll ever do. Are we understood?”
The boy nodded nervously. “I won’t, sir. You have my word.”
Chapter 17
Riana opened her eyes, and for a moment wasn’t sure where she was. The warmth of a firm body snuggled against her back, along with light, even breathing gave her the answer. Cy’s arm draped across her waist in a gentle, protective embrace. His warm scent seeped into her soul, wrapping her in love, security, and peace. The lonely emptiness she’d always known was gone. It had gone after their first night together when their souls became one. And it would stay that way as long as she had Cy in her life.
She smiled as she recalled the intensity, and frequency of the passion they’d shared over the last two weeks. They couldn’t get enough of each other, and she knew they never would. Each time they made love and took a little more blood, memories from each other’s pasts sealed their bond tighter. Although, what she’d witnessed last night was hard to bear. A painful moment in Cy’s life that shaped him into who he’d become—the last conversation with his father.
It had taken place on the ship that had brought them to Earth, only moments before the king died. Cy was alone in a room with his father, where he laid on a bed with a gaping chest wound over his heart. Cy’s lips trembled as he took his father’s hand. The king opened his eyes, eyes the identical shade of blue as Cy’s.
The king’s breathing was labored, his voice weak, and his tone determined to remain alive long enough speak to his son. “My sweet and noble son.” He brought Cy’s hand to his mouth and kissed it. “I need you to promise to take care of your mother. She will need you more than ever once I’m gone.”
Tears rolled down Cy’s young face. “Yes, father, you know I will. But you are not going to die. You will be with us and see our new world.”
“No, Cygan, I will not. My injuries are too great. You are my successor, and in time you will learn to rule our people. I’ve known since you were young that you would become a kind and honorable king. It is your nature. However, this is not true of your brother. I fear I have not prepared you for the battle ahead. Vind will be arduous. He’ll oppose your every decision. For that, I am truly sorry. I believed I would be around to control him. It appears fate has other plans.”
The king grimaced and coughed. Blood trickled from his mouth. Cy grabbed a towel from the tray of medical supplies and wiped his father’s mouth. “Cygan, Ozeas is a good male and my closest friend. He has promised to keep my family safe. I know he will honor that promise as long as he lives. I ask that you heed his counsel. I know in my heart he only wants what is best for our people.”
“I will, Father.” Cy wiped tears from his face. “When I become king, I promise to never allow anyone to harm a weaker species the way the Haagons have ours.”
The king began to choke on the blood filling his lungs. When he could speak again, he looked at Cy and a tear ran from the corner of his eye. “You have been the best son a father could ever ask for. I’m so proud of you.” Those were the last words he ever spoke. After that, his breathing became too difficult to speak.
Cy ran to the door and screamed for help. Several doctors ran into the room, along with the queen, Vind and Oz. Vind stood back and stared at his father with apathy, while Cy and his mother held the king’s hands. Moments later, the king took his final breath.
Riana’s eyes burned as she recalled Cy’s pain when he realized his father was gone forever. After each blood exchange, she’d experienced both happy and painful memories. Memories now fused into her soul, every bit as real as her own.
She wiped moisture from her eyes and pushed the vision from her head glancing at the clock on the bedside table. Dang. Only forty minutes until class. She eased from beneath Cy’s arm and forced herself to leave his bed. Collecting her clothes from the floor she tiptoed into the bathroom for a quick shower. She stepped inside the large tiled shower and sighed as hot water cascaded over her. After washing and rinsing her hair, she opened her eyes and gasped. Cy’s large, naked body stood next to her.
His eyes were filled with sensual promises as he wrapped her in his arms. “I didn’t mean to frighten you, but I couldn’t resist. The sight of that water caressing those gorgeous curves made me jealous.”
She shuddered with need as his hard body made contact with her hot skin. “Well, good morning,” she crooned and rubbed her stomach against his erection.
“Yes, it’s definitely starting out that way.”
Riana ran her tongue along his earlobe. “I don’t have much time before class.”
“I may never let you leave this shower. Days from now, they’ll find us in here locked together, shriveled like prunes.” A low, sexy chuckle came from his throat. He lowered his head and covered her mouth with his. One hand covered her breast, and the other dipped between her legs.
Her womb tightened under his expert touch. Even with the water, tiny sparks ignited beneath his hands. After only a few seconds, her legs began to tremble. It was a state of pure ecstasy. A state she craved, where only he could take her. Leaving her lips, he replaced the hand covering her breast with his mouth, lapping the water off her taut nipple as he teased it with his tongue. “Cy,” she moaned.
As soon as his name left her lips, he lifted her off the shower floor. Her legs circled his hips. Cy eased her down onto the thickness of his erection. Riana took him into her body greedily, and a cry of relief burst from her lips.
Moments later, she screamed from an intense orgasm. Cy found his own release and his body poured its wealth of seed into her.
Riana cupped his face in her hands. “That was wonderful,” she whispered, then kissed the tip of his nose.
Cy ran his hands up her back causing her muscles to clench around him. “Mmm, it’s still pretty wonderful from where I am.”
Riana rained kisses over his face, stopped, and then broke into laughter. “You know what? We had our first quickie.�
�
Cy chuckled, and set her feet on the shower floor. “Well, you did say you didn’t have much time.” He picked up the soap and started lathering her body. Riana reached to take it from him, but he jerked the bar out of her grasp.
“I will never make it to class if you do this.”
“I promise I’ll be quick.” A sensually wicked smile broke his lips. “Get it, quick…quickie?”
She cocked her head and looked beneath wet lashes. “I knew one quickie wouldn’t be enough.”
Cy dropped the soap on the shower floor, and pulled her back into his arms. “Baby, I could never get enough of you.”
Chapter 18
Riana and Elle left defense class and headed home to shower before dinner. Riana pushed at the strands of hair sticking to her sweaty face. Kyra had worked them extra hard today.
“Someone’s waiting for you,” Elle announced.
Riana looked up. Cy stood beneath the big oak tree in front of their lodge. He looked totally scrumptious in faded jeans and a Rolling Stones T-shirt, the one with lips and extended tongue.
God, look at me, covered in sweat, and no doubt smelling like a pig.
“Hello, beautiful,” he said as they approached.
“Are you sure you don’t need glasses?” She knew very well Sivadians didn’t have bad eyesight.
Cy smiled, and pulled her in for a kiss. “If I say you’re beautiful—you are beautiful. I thought I’d grill steaks for us this evening. Afterward, we can walk down to the lake and take a canoe out.”
Riana looked at him, bewildered.
“What, you don’t like my plans?”
“No, it’s not that. I just find it hard to believe you know how to cook.”
“Riana, you wound me,” he said, with feigned pain. “You think because I’m a male, I can’t cook? Guess I’ll have to show you how good I am with a grill. I have many skills you don’t know about.”
He planted a hot kiss on her lips, and she melted into his arms. God, he smelt good enough to eat. “I guess you will, although, it’s your other skills I’m more interested in.”