by Mia McKimmy
He eased from the bed, grabbed the phone, and headed into the other room. He answered without looking at caller ID. “This better be important,” he growled.
“It is,” Oz said. “We captured Vind last night. He’s locked in a holding cell.”
Cy didn’t reply.
“Did you hear what I said?”
“Are you sure it’s him?”
“Yes, I’m sure it’s him. Do you actually think I wouldn’t know him? I practically helped raise the two of you.”
“Of course you would. I’m sorry, Oz. It’s taking a minute for this to sink in. After all this time it’s hard to believe we have him in custody.”
“I know. That’s what bothers me. We need to talk. Can you meet me in my office?”
“I’ll be there in five.”
Cy eased back into the bedroom to grab his clothes. He hesitated by the bed and took in the sight of his beautiful life-mate peacefully sleeping. Her hand rested on the pillow. Her long, slender fingers adorned with his ring. “I love you,” he whispered.
He took a pad from the drawer and left a note on his pillow. He didn’t want her to wake alone and worry.
Five minutes later Cy entered Oz’s office. “You look like hell.”
Oz scrubbed his hands over raspy whiskers as if to wipe away his fatigue. “Yeah, well, you should see it from this side. I’ve been up all night notifying the other chapters. Once Vind’s people realize he’s missing, they will attack. We need to be ready. On a lighter note, how did your night go? Are you going to be my son-in-law?”
Cy smiled. “It was perfect. And yes I am.”
“Good. You both deserve some happiness.”
Cy lowered himself into the chair across from Oz. “How did you end up capturing Vind?”
As Oz shook his head, his lips thinned. “That’s what I’ve been asking myself all night. Miles and Kam found him hanging out downtown. The weird part, he was completely alone. They called me, and Vind practically walked right into my hands. He hardly put up a fight. It almost felt as if he were trying to get caught.”
Cy’s brows drew together. “Where were his guards? He couldn’t have been alone?”
“I don’t know. He said he was meeting some of his men. And made some idle threats about them knowing where he was. I called in the west coast Protectors to guard the compound while our guys searched the entire night. Everyone came up empty handed.”
“If Vind walked into our town alone, without backup, something’s definitely going on. All hell’s about to break loose.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Oz said. “We need to get this class out of here and let them come back later to finish their last week of training. It’s the only way to ensure their safety.”
“I agree. Everyone needs to be out by noon. I have a meeting with the council this morning. I’ll let them know we have Vind. They can set up a time to charge him with his crimes.”
Oz stared with unseeing eyes at the center of his desk. “You know they’ll vote in favor of execution.”
“He deserves no less. I’m just worried what this will do to mother. Even though she knows everything he’s done, issuing an order to kill your child would be hard for anyone.”
“And what about you?” Oz asked. “What’s this going to do to you?”
“Just because he’s my twin, doesn’t mean I give a shit. The last time I cared what happened to him, we were kids. Even then he was cruel to me. I would’ve given anything if he had shown me an ounce of kindness. The day father named me as his successor was the day I gave up and saw Vind for the jealous, petty brat he’s always been.”
“That sent his jealousy into overdrive,” Oz said.
“I’d dealt with it my whole life. But when his cruelty became focused on others, I realized he’d eventually have to die. As Protectors, we swore to keep Sivadians and everyone else on this planet safe from his cruelty. There’s only one way to do that. Destroy Vind and his followers. Now that I’ve found Riana, we’ll have children someday and I’m more determined than ever to rid this planet of him.”
“I’m sorry, Cy.”
“No need to be. Vind brought this on himself. He started this war, and stopping it is way past due. He’s ended thousands of lives, for no other reason than to satisfy his sadistic addiction to blood. It backfired on him with the witches. If he’d been able to compel supernatural beings, a lot more would’ve died so his army could gorge themselves on blood of the innocent.”
Cy paced the office as horrible visions of the past flooded his mind. “So yes, I will execute my brother. If for nothing else, then for the atrocities he inflicted on all those people. Not to mention the lives of our females and the families he’s destroyed by abducting them.”
Cy stopped, realizing the more he talked the angrier he became. Almost to the point of raising his voice, something he seldom did. “I’ll meet you back here in a few hours. After the council meeting, I’ll go tell mother what’s going on. She’ll need to increase security at her palace.
Getting the girls out of here is my top priority,” Oz replied.
“It may take longer, but we should send a Protector to escort each girl home. If Vind’s people are watching the compound, it’d be easy for them to follow and abduct them.”
Cy hesitated and ran his hand through his hair. He needed to get Riana home, but he didn’t trust her safety with anyone other than himself or Oz. And Oz needed to remain here to oversee everything. If he cut the meeting short and made a quick trip by his mothers, he’d be back within two hours.
“Oz, would you tell Riana to stay inside her quarters until I get back? Then I’ll take her and Elle home myself. I want to check out her place and make sure it’s secure.”
“She’ll be fine. I stationed Protectors throughout the property’s perimeter. And there’s more on the way.”
Oz released a heavy sigh and grabbed the phone on his desk. “I sent Analae home last night after we returned with Vind, not thinking about feeders watching for females leaving.”
Oz’s demeanor changed when Analae answered the phone. “When you get home from work, I’ll come by to check out your security system.” Oz laughed at something she said. “I’ll see you this evening.”
“Sounds like she’s fine. If there’s trouble before I return, call.”
Cy had time before his meeting to go by the cells. He’d dreamed of seeing Vind behind bars since his coronation day when Vind had attempted to kill him. Afterwards, they discovered Vind had led raids on villages to feed on humans, which started the war. Since the day his brother buried his dagger to the hilt in Cy’s back, he’d never had the chance to look into Vind’s heartless eyes.
Cy entered the building used for temporarily holding prisoners and told the guard to take a break. What he had to say to his brother was private, and he preferred to keep the truth about his identity quiet for as long as possible. Even though they were identical twins, Cy figured Vind turning feeder had changed his appearance some. But it wouldn’t be hard for someone to realize how much they favored and put it together.
Vind stood as Cy stopped outside his cell. “Hello, brother.” The last word was filled with venom. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t be brave enough to face me during my stay.”
Cy’s lip curled of its own accord. “Well, it does turn my stomach to look at you. But I decided it was worth it to see you behind bars. You sound as if you’re on a short holiday and leaving soon. Trust me, Vind. This is no holiday, although I do plan for your stay to be as short as possible. I’m headed to the council now to ensure a speedy trial and execution.”
Vind’s eyes widened and the corners of his mouth curved into a smile. “Why, brother. Are you planning to end my life? I’m not the one who forced our race to live off of dull, lifeless, blood all these years. It is you and mother who should be punished. I never understood how you could turn your backs on your own race, and for what, to protect humans? They’re a worthless species. Every motive they have is sel
f-serving.”
Cy snorted. “If that’s true, then you of all people should relate to them. Your entire life has been spent catering to your own selfish desires, driving you to take thousands of lives. No one gets away with that kind of behavior forever. Eventually, everyone pays for their actions. And brother, your payment is way past due.”
“Tell me Cy, how is our beautiful mother? Will I be so fortunate as to receive a visit from her majesty, the queen? I do hope so. It will be like old times.” Vind’s tone conveyed sheer contempt.
“I may not even tell her you’ve been captured. Unlike you, I don’t enjoy causing her unnecessary pain. And your death probably won’t make her day, as it will mine.” Emotion flashed in Vind’s eyes. Somewhere in that heartless soul, he still held a small amount of love for their mother. Then, as if he caught himself, the mask came down again.
“You know, I believe I like the new fearless you, Cygan. It’s almost as if you’re actually a challenge now. I find myself looking forward to playing with you again.”
“Vind, your game playing days are over. There’s no way you’re leaving this compound in one piece.” As Cy headed for the door leading out of the cell area, he turned and glanced back at Vind. “You know, ridding this world of you is going to be more enjoyable than I thought.”
“Right back at you,” Vind shouted as the door slammed shut.
Chapter 21
Riana turned over in bed and reached for Cy. Her eyes sprang open when her hand met an empty space. A note lay on his pillow.
Good morning, beautiful. I had an early meeting with the council. Thank you, for being my life-mate and becoming my wife. I treasure our love, now, and for eternity.
P.S. Last night was wonderful.
I love you,
Cy
She smiled and stretched like a content house cat. But the large bed seemed cold and lonely without Cy’s presence. She rolled over and looked at the clock. She had less than an hour to get back to her place, eat and take a shower before class.
When Riana got to their quarters, Elle sat on the couch eating a bagel with cream cheese and strawberry jam. “That looks good.”
Elle pointed toward the kitchen. “Yours is on the counter. There’s fresh fruit too.”
She glanced down at the large diamond and ruby ring on her hand, then grabbed her breakfast and joined Elle on the couch. “How was your night?”
“Pretty boring, watched a movie, and then couldn’t put my book down until I finished it, around four in the morning. Yours?”
Riana fought back a smile. “Not much happened. Except Cy asked me to marry him.”
Elle choked on a mouthful of bagel. “What?” she yelled when she recovered.
Riana smiled so big her face felt as if it might crack. She held out her hand.
Elle grabbed her finger and pulled it closer. “Wow! That’s impressive.” She admired the ring for a moment, and then turned serious. “Are you sure you’re ready to be someone’s wife?”
Riana looked at her friend’s concerned face. “I’m ready to become Cy’s wife. He’s not just some-one. He’s my life-mate. There’s no one on Earth I could ever love the way I love him. I’ve never been happier.”
Elle scooted across the couch and hugged her. “He better treat you right, or he’ll have me to deal with.”
“I never have to worry about that. There’s only one thing that frightens me.”
Elle’s brows rose. “Okay, spill, what’s wrong with him?”
“There’s not a thing wrong with him.” Riana hesitated. “I need to tell you something, but you have to swear you’ll never tell another soul.”
Elle’s eyes widened. “I knew it! He wears women’s underwear, doesn’t he?”
Riana shot her a dirty look.
Elle held up her hands in surrender. “Okay, I swear! I’ll never mutter a word.”
Riana took a long breath. “Cy is short for Cygan.”
Elle’s jaw went slack. “As in the future king, Cygan?”
Riana nodded. “The one and only. That’s what frightens me most. If he becomes king, it would make me the queen. I didn’t even think about it until last night when he called me his queen. I can barely manage my own life. How could I possibly help him rule our race? You know me. I like things quiet and peaceful. Even coming here and being around a lot of people for four weeks had me stressed to the max.”
Elle took her hands, her blue eyes penetrating. “You say you love him, and he’s your life-mate. If that’s true, then you’re strong enough to become his wife and queen. My dad always said fate is a fickle bitch. And Mom would reply, but she’s a smart one. What she meant is fate knows what we’re capable of. She knows our destiny and doesn’t throw us into a life we aren’t capable of handling. If you and Cy are life-mates, then he is your destiny and you are strong enough to become his queen. Whether you know it or not.”
Tears spilled from Riana’s eyes, and she pulled Elle into a tight hug. “I’m so glad you’re my friend. You always know exactly what to say to calm me down.”
“Yeah, yeah, just remember me when you’re wearing a crown and living in a palace.”
Riana laughed and wiped her face. “Only you can make me cry one minute and crack-up the next.”
After they ate, Riana showered and slipped on a clean uniform for class. She entered the kitchen to grab bottled water from the fridge. A loud knock at the door caused her to jump. Maybe it was Cy. She ran to let him in. Her face fell when her father was on the other side. She stepped back. “Hey, come on in.”
“I’m in a bit of a hurry. Something came up that makes it unsafe for you girls to be here and we’re sending everyone home. Cy asked me to tell you and your roommate to remain inside until he returns. He wants to take you home to make sure you’re safe.”
“Is he okay?” she asked.
“Yes, he’s still at the meeting.” Oz’s face softened. “Congratulations on your engagement. I’m happy for you both.”
Riana glanced down admiring her ring. “Thank you.”
“Sorry, I can’t stay longer. If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to come see you once things settle down here.”
“You’re welcome to come anytime you like.”
“Thank you, honey. That means a lot.”
As Riana closed the door, Elle came out of her room. “Who was that?”
“Commander Oz. Something’s happened and they’re sending us home today. We have to stay inside until Cy comes to get us.”
“If he’s going to be awhile, I’m going back to bed.”
“You might as well. He’s not even at the compound.”
Elle turned and headed to her room. “Wake me when he gets here.”
Riana flopped on the couch, disappointed her remaining week at the compound had suddenly vanished. So much had changed in the past three weeks. When she’d arrived, all she wanted was to get back to her boring, overworked life as an intern. Now, she had a love that she’d never dreamed possible. And, a father whom she thought was dead. Normally, dramatic changes threw her for a loop…but she’d never been happier.
A half hour later, Riana had everything packed and went out onto the balcony. The fall breeze shook the remaining red and gold leaves, clinging to the tree like a frightened child would its mother. She would miss this place.
Riana glanced at her watch.
I better wake Elle so she can pack before Cy returns. Someone knocked, and she smiled. Too late, he’s already here.
Anxious to see him, Riana ran to the door and jerked it open. Her smile faded. Mr. Connor stood in the hall. His eyes were wide and the scent of sweat and fear assaulted her senses.
“Is something wrong, Mr. Connor?”
“Yes ma’am. I was delivering meals to the jail and found one of the guards on the floor unconscious. I can’t find Doc Regan. I think he’s away from the compound. Since you’re the only other doctor here, I need for you to come check on him?”
Oz had warned her to stay inside.
But, if someone was in bad enough shape to pass out, the doctor in her wouldn’t allow her to sit there and do nothing. “Sure. Take him to the infirmary and I’ll meet you there.”
“No!” Mr. Connor blurted. “He…he’s unconscious. You’ll have to come with me to the jail.”
“Okay, just let me run by the infirmary and get some things to examine him with. It’ll only take a minute.”
“We don’t have time. I’ll call one of my staff and send them for whatever you need.” Mr. Connor’s face and neck turned a reddish violet as if his blood pressure had rocketed into space.
“Okay, calm down. I’ll come with you. I’ll probably know more about what I need once I see him.”
As they left her building, Riana increased her pace to keep up with Mr. Connor. For a short person, he could move fast when frightened. “Do you have any idea what happened to cause this?” Riana asked.
“No, he was lying on the floor beside his desk. I tried to wake him but he didn’t move.”
Mr. Connor led Riana to the rear entrance of a building on the edge of the compound. He unlocked a paneled box beside the door and entered a code, and then said his name for voice recognition. He placed his chin on a rest and a small red light scanned his retina. Then he scanned his badge. The light turned green and the lock disengaged. He opened the door and ushered her inside. They went down several flights of stairs, and then entered a small room containing a single desk. A roll of monitors lined one wall. He walked over to a large steel door across from the desk and inserted a double electronic keycard. The door instantly opened.
Uneasiness stirred in the pit of Riana’s stomach. She’d seen no one since they entered the building.
“Mr. Connor, where are the other guards?”
“Ah… they’re at the other end of this hall,” he said in a tight voice.
The dim hallway had a cinder block wall on one side and empty cells on the other. Mr. Connors stopped suddenly in front of Riana, and she bumped into him. Her head snapped toward movement inside the cell where they’d stopped.