by Eden Ashley
Lost in his touch, Kali didn’t come up for air until Rion’s voice shattered the spell. “Bailen’s coming around. But you guys can totally keep going if you don’t mind both of us watching.”
Her smile broke the kiss, and Rhane laughed. “Sorry.”
Rion hadn’t been kidding. Bailen still lay on his side, but his tail wagged slowly when Kali’s eyes found him. She and Rhane went to him. “Hi, Bailen,” she said, placing a hand on his furry hide. Rhane rested his atop hers, interlacing their fingers. Bailen’s heartbeat surged excitedly, growing stronger beneath her palm. In that moment, trapped inside a tiny bubble, and overwhelmed with too many emotions to catalogue, Kali felt more at home than ever before.
As if sensing her state, Rhane squeezed her shoulder lightly. Then he leaned in close to Bailen’s ear. “You scared the shit out of us,” he whispered.
“Me too,” Rion chimed in. “I almost had a heart attack.” He pointed at the still burning shield. “Can we get out of here now?”
Kali looked questioningly at Rhane. He nodded. “It’s safe. At least in here. Outside is another story.”
She commanded the flames to leave, and they obeyed in an instant. While the dust settled, they discovered that their escape was blocked. Chunks of concrete, pieces of rebar, and fire-ravaged steel littered a path in both directions, reaching a complete blockage where the upper level had caved in.
“We could climb,” Rion suggested but sounded uncertain.
“Bailen remains too weak.” Shoving to his feet, Rhane picked his way over the debris until he reached the opposite wall. Without a word of warning, he slammed his fist into the concrete. Fractures splintered from the crater that formed in the center and split into even deep fissures with the next punch. Releasing a guttural shout that would have made William Wallace proud, Rhane pummeled the damaged wall with his foot. Fresh air rushed in, along with the moonlit night…and also the pandemonium that awaited outside.
True to Orrin’s warning, more hired guns had arrived. But the small army was ill-equipped to deal with the supernatural forces who opposed them. Two vehicles were flipped upside down. Gabriel—in full beast mode—was currently in the process of overturning a third. York and Orrin barreled straight through a line of soldiers, shrugging off any bullet that touched them, knocking over the men like toy soldiers. War and Matthias had strategized to work together. One corralled while the other picked off stragglers.
At least one poor soul dangled helplessly from a tree.
But something had shifted in the atmosphere. Before Kali saw anything, she sensed the otherworldly presence lurking within the forest, electrifying the air. Fine hairs lifted all along her forearms as the power grew nearer.
Rion stepped through the improvised doorway carrying Bailen in his arms. From his expression, Kali knew he felt it too. He looked back at Rhane who leaned against the side of the building, looking worse for wear. His face was grim. His eyes had already turned black as Banewolf reemerged for the second time that night.
Two hues of light radiated beyond the tree line. A purple fog was spreading slowly toward the ongoing battle and, converging on a parallel course, a mist of blue descended at a much faster rate. As Gabriel and Rhane ran to intercept the creatures, the blue haze took on a different shape that was all too familiar.
“Builders,” Kali whispered.
The white wolf and the black demon reached the entity at the same time. Shifting forms, the Builder of blue light attacked first. Eight giant pincers sprouted from the light and surged in all directions as undulating waves of unpredictable trajectories. When one of the claws struck Gabriel, thunder let loose in the clearing as if lightning had struck. The Builder’s energy flowed through the fallen Prime’s body as a visible charge. Gabriel writhed with the pain it must have caused him, but he did not cry out.
Looking back at Bailen, still helpless in Rion’s arms, Kali was briefly torn. She finally met Rion’s eyes. “Keep him safe,” she said and ran to join the fight.
She had traveled less than ten yards when Banewolf seized the opening he waited for. Launching its great hide between flailing appendages, the wolf latched onto the center axis with both claw and teeth. In the same instant, Gabriel broke free—ripping the arm that imprisoned him from the trunk-like body—and battled back the claws seeking to grab Banewolf. Seeing the amount of damage Gabriel endured as he sacrificed his body to shield the attacks and the struggle of even a creature as powerful as Banewolf, Kali’s priorities shifted.
Having won the battle with Global Cures, the other kin raced to assist their warlord. Kali raised a wall of flames to cut off their charge, encircling them in flames. Of course Orrin would break through. So she raised a second wall, higher and thicker, forcing him to turn back. But Kali could barely maintain control over both formations.
“Orrin!” she shouted. “Just stay there!”
Behind them, the tide was finally turning. Banewolf and Gabriel held opposite sides of the Builder’s body and pulled with all their might. At first nothing seemed to happen. Then a high pitched shriek reverberated in the night sky. The blue light shifted spasmodically, unable to sustain its shape, as the shrieking rang louder and harsher.
Until the Builder was ripped apart, and the air shattered with one final deafening howl. Then everything stopped.
Gabriel and Rhane stood holding opposite halves of their kill. They spat them out, and the fragmented parts disintegrated. The two turned to the remaining Builder in silent challenge, but the purple mist receded into the forest.
Kali banished the flames. When she and the kin moved forward to receive their warlord, Banewolf let loose a raging snarl and lunged. Straight at Matthias.
Yelping as Banewolf’s teeth sliced into his withers, Matthias flailed in a useless attempt to escape. Shock held Kali frozen. The others must have been numbed as well for it was Gabriel who came to the young kindred’s rescue. He threw himself into Rhane’s flank, knocking the wolf off balance and Matthias free from its jaws. Banewolf turned on Gabriel in a flash, and the former Prime narrowly avoided a vengeful swipe of its claws. Gabriel roared, recovering into a stance that was prepared to fight. Returning the challenge, Banewolf leapt for his throat.
Finding her voice, Kali screamed Rhane’s name. Wrenched out of attack mode, the wolf jerked to a halt. Murder slowly faded from its eyes as Rhane regained control.
Once everyone was human again, York was the first to speak. He looked first at Matthias clutching his ruined shoulder and back at Rhane. “What the hell was that?” he said.
Rhane shook his head. He was kneeling on the ground exactly where he’d stopped with blood dripping from his nose profusely. Kali ran to him and whispered his name, making it a question.
York wasn’t feeling as gentle. “Rhane, talk to me,” he demanded in a worried tone.
Rhane took a breath and finally looked up. His guilt stricken eyes were only for Matthias. “I lost control. God I’m so sorry, Matthias. I promise it will never happen again.”
Pale and wide-eyed, the kindred nodded. Apology accepted.
Beneath Kali’s hands, Rhane’s muscles were still rigid. He started to push himself to his feet but faltered, so she leaned into him, offering her shoulder. When he didn’t refuse the help Kali darted a glance at York.
Yes, she hoped her eyes said. There is more to this, but not now.
Mercifully, York nodded and held his tongue.
Chapter 46
Kali lay next to Rhane, watching him sleep. After the short flight back to the manor, Rhane had scarcely shrugged out of his clothing and taken a shower before stumbling to bed and falling fast asleep. So they hadn’t made love, and they had yet to speak about what happened back at the Global Cures facility. York was certainly chomping at the bit to discuss the latter.
Morning had passed and now afternoon light filtered through the bedroom windows. Always an attractive guy, Rhane was especially beautiful when he slept. Shifting sunlight stroked his strong jaw as she wanted to
, bathed his abs and chest with rays of warmth that should have come from her fingertips. His lips taunted her, beckoning her closer with their appealing yet masculine fullness. He suffered from the worst bed head after hours of battle with covers and pillows. But even his messy hair was alluring. Kali longed to move the thin sheet slung low across his hips and relive every inch of him, particularly the parts experienced for the first time within the hidden catacombs.
She glanced at the clock. It was nearly three in the afternoon. Unable to resist any longer, Kali swept a lock of hair from Rhane’s forehead.
Mumbling something unintelligible, his hand whipped out and caught her retreating arm by the wrist. Rhane’s breathing hadn’t changed and his eyes were still closed. Kali bit her lip and waited. Maybe he still slept.
Then his fingers slid up her arm, relocating to her waist. The other hand found her hip and moved lower to cup her round bottom, lifting her to straddle him. A soft sigh escaped Kali’s lips. Squeezing her thighs, Rhane’s hips bucked reflexively. When his eyes finally opened—brilliantly rare and green—they were filled first with sleep and then flooded with lust.
Kali smiled. “There you are,” she murmured.
He tugged her closer. “Come here.”
Their lips met, and she instantly melted against him. Her curves molded around his hard planes and firm angles. His tongue danced against hers and probed deeper, slowly pulsing in and out of the depths of her mouth, building her desire until it reached a slow throb. Still the kiss deepened. He stroked her face and hair, kneaded her neck as his lips worked their slow magic.
His hands left her face, trailing down her backside to slide the oversized t-shirt over her hips. Realizing she had foregone any underwear, Rhane groaned against her mouth. “You’re perfect.”
Kali laughed. “I thought you might appreciate the gesture once you finally woke up.”
Lifting his hips again, he smacked her ass. “How selfless of you,” he said and rolled them both so she was on her back. The sheet fell away, giving Kali a good look at just how grateful Rhane truly was. “You know what else I like?” His mouth drifted to her neck and shoulder, branding a trail of licks and kisses into her skin. “Well, besides how insanely hot you are or how quickly you’re ready for me.”
“What?” Kali panted.
His lips moved to her stomach, searing her skin again and again, bringing her closer to the edge of something wonderful. “You are brave,” he said, and nipped her skin between his teeth. Kali shuddered. “Strong,” he added, kissing her lower. “And fierce,” he said, sliding his fingers between her legs.
Kali didn’t last long after that. And when she was done, the length of him slid between her still quivering thighs. The rhythm was slow at first, punctuated by steady, deep thrusts that made her fingernails curl into his back. While one hand braced against the headboard, the other held her neck gently, resting a thumb into the delicate hollow of her neck. His green eyes locked onto hers, deepening the bond made by their bodies. It felt as if their very souls touched.
Overwhelmed by emotion, Kali’s pleasure soared to new heights as she gave herself over completely to him. She embraced what it meant to be his mate and the mother of his child, accepting both the happiness and pain that would come with it. With a cry of joy, she tightened around him and came to pieces without ever letting go of his gaze. Rhane joined her and together they were lost in the sea of what was and what could be.
Completely spent, he collapsed on top of Kali but quickly moved to his side, pulling her against his chest. She buried her face in his shoulder, ashamed of the tears in her eyes. But Rhane lifted her chin, insisting she look at him. Kali did and was elated to see tears in his eyes as well.
“After everything I’ve lost…I know you, Kalista.”
“You are mine,” she said. “And I am yours.”
“Forever,” he whispered against her mouth and leaned in to kiss her.
Mutually insatiable, they finished another slow burning session of passionate sex and were beginning a third when Kali suggested they come up for air. “Something has really been bugging me and I think you’re the only one I can talk to about it.”
Rhane said something in reply, but Kali couldn’t make it out because the words came from a mouth muffled by her breast. Placing a hand against his shoulder, she pushed him away gently. “Sorry. I didn’t get that.”
“I said I’m listening.”
Kali looked down at Rhane from her perch atop him with a stern expression meant to convey the importance of the matter. His face was sincere, and for the moment he had ceased kissing her—though his hands seemed to have a mind of their own and couldn’t stop fondling her ass.
“Okay, so back in Asia we found each other because you and the rogues were also searching the catacombs for the Heart.”
“Correct.”
“But you were already enlisted as a champion for the other side—Builders who want Blight destroyed.”
Rhane shrugged. “My people saw an opportunity to use me to help their allies reach a common goal. They didn’t care that I was already enlisted to fight against rogues. Besides, our so-called team didn’t seem to mind letting someone force their champion to switch sides.”
“So you think it was because they needed you? Because your blood could open the tomb?” Kali had started to believe that wasn’t the reason at all, but she wanted know what Rhane thought without influencing him with her doubts.
“The rogues had searched other coordinates before then. That could’ve been when the Mothers learned of the blood seal.” He hesitated. “Or maybe they already knew. Blood seals aren’t strange to our culture.”
“If they had learned of the blood seal through rogues, wouldn’t they have sent you straight there to open it?”
“Yeah. So, I guess they already knew about the blood seal but still didn’t know where to find the Heart.”
Kali bit her lip. His explanation was possible. Yet…the way things had played out still nagged her. Noticing her uncertainty, Rhane sat up. “Kalista, what are you getting at?”
“We don’t know who the other champion is. Who fights for the Faction, the side that wants Blight to feed on this world?”
Rhane frowned. “I have no idea.”
“You never heard anything?” she pressed. “While you were with the rogues, I mean.”
“I didn’t. They mostly spoke in a different language around me.” He reached for her, twisting his fingers into her hair. “Is this what’s troubling you?”
Kali nodded. “Since I’ve got you back and Bailen is okay, it’s all I can think about—what is coming around the next corner to hurt us, to tear our family apart.”
The sudden angst in Rhane’s stare and the way he held her tighter said he understood it then. “Kalista, let’s enjoy the time we have now. Don’t taint these moments with the sorrows of tomorrow.”
She surrendered to the embrace, believing his strength could shield them from whatever pain awaited. Kali opened her mouth to reply, but another voice interrupted before she had the chance. York had come to retrieve Rhane at five p.m. as promised. “Put that in a fortune cookie and get dressed. Rhane, buddy, we really need to talk.”
Chapter 47
York was pissed. Not at Rhane or Kali or anyone else, he was angry at himself. Last night he’d stayed up worrying like a mother hen until dawn. Giving up on any chance of sleep, he eventually left his bed to check on everyone and then went for a run.
Seeing Rhane again for the first time in months was great. Having his best friend and warlord back at the manor—along with Warren—safe and sound was everything he had hoped for. Pulling off a virtually by-the-pants rescue mission with no casualties was a huge plus. And Bailen seemed to have fully recovered. They were all one big happy family again.
But everything was not okay.
Taking one good look into Rhane’s eyes made York realize Kali had been right. Something awful had happened back in Golden Mountain. York had seen Rhane tro
ubled by many things over the years. Guilt, regret, and fear had each taken a turn haunting the guy. But never had York witnessed profound shame in Rhane’s eyes…not even when he lived in disgrace among the villagers. He studied Rhane again this morning to be sure. The shame was still there. Worst of all, York had no idea what caused it. Getting Rhane to open up would be a pain in the ass. It always had been.
“I know I’ve said this before, but it’s good to have you back.”
“Thanks.” Rhane waited for the rest. His best friend nurtured a streak of persistence the wolf’s memories knew all too well. Positive something was amiss, York would be a dog with a bone until he found out what.
“Did what you went through in Golden Mountain have anything to do with what happened last night?”