by Brenda Trim
“I believe the sacred sign refers to Elsie and the blessing of Fated Mates once again. The passage may refer to a full red moon, and if that’s the case, than this melee is right around the corner. I took the liberty of checking the lunar calendar, there is a full red moon coming up in August,” Evzen finished.
“Fuck,” Zander cursed. His tension was evident in the lines around his mouth and eyes. “I had hoped to annihilate this archdemon’s soul once and for all, and then finally have a time of peace. It canna be that easy. Let’s break it doon. It mentions that this battle will take place in the woods where animals are captive. Fucking oracles, that could be anywhere in this world or several others.”
Jace crossed to the couch and joined Evzen, reading over the words of the prophecy, hoping to gain some clarity.
“Lightness and Dark is clearly us versus the demons and their minions,” Gerrick said, joining the conversation and running a hand over the scar on the left side of his face. “If the red moon is the full moon next week, then that leaves where have great beasts been imprisoned, and who is the mortal that vanquishes evil?”
“What great beasts are they referring to though? They couldna be referring to the Kraken since he was imprisoned in the depths of the ocean,” Zander reasoned.
“Do you think this is talking about the Unseelie that were banished to the Fae realm?” Santiago asked.
“That wouldn’t make sense because mortals aren’t allowed in the Fae realm, and neither are the demons for that matter. None of the players could travel to that realm to have a battle. I highly doubt they are referring to the Frost demons, who have been confined to their realm,” Orlando added as he leaned against the back of one of the couches.
“Could they be talking simpler than you guys are thinking?” Cailyn asked as she looked at him across the room. His blood heated as their eyes met. It still shocked him that this exquisite creature was made for him. His mate mark pulsed with pain, reminding him that he hadn’t completed the mating yet. He was determined to have this female.
Jace had to take a couple deep breaths and clench his fists to keep from reaching out to her and giving into his desires. “What are you thinking, Shijéí?”
“Well,” she said, licking her lips nervously, making him hold back his groan. He wanted to forget this conversation and lose himself in her kiss. “There is the Woodland Park Zoo. I mean, they don’t have great beasts of myth, but they do have wild animals. And, they are in captivity,” she explained, pointing to the television where a story about the zoo was on the nightly news.
“Of course. You’re brilliant, Cai!” Elsie exclaimed and looked over her shoulder at Zander. “Do you think it could be that easy? It makes sense to me. You guys do tend to overlook the mundane.”
Zander smiled at Elsie with what could only be described as utter devotion. “You’re right, I doona consider things that are strictly related to humans. If the realm isna connected in some way, then in my mind it doesna exist. This is an oversight on my part. Okay, so until a better opinion is brought forth, we operate under assumption this prophecy is referring to the zoo, and a battle next week. That still leaves the mortal who vanquishes evil.”
“Do you think that could mean there will be mortals present? It is a popular public zoo and park. I hate the idea of people being in danger like that. Is there any way we can clear the area at dusk, Orlando?” Elsie asked.
“We need to make sure Mackendra isna at the park that night.” Everyone turned around abruptly at the harshly growled words emanating from Kyran’s throat. At some point the disturbed warrior had returned, and now stood in the doorway to the media room with an armful of…Creamsicles? What the hell?
“Aboot fucking time, brathair. Next time you decide to disappear, you will tell me.” Zander and Kyran shared a meaningful look full of reprobation. Jace knew where it came from, thankful that no one else was aware of the death of the young shifter at Kyran’s hands. Zander was right with his concern. The knowledge would only drive a wedge between the warriors. “Obviously, you’ve heard some of what Evzen discovered. Your opinion would be appreciated. What exactly are you eating, anyway?”
“Ice cream.”
“Awesome. I love these things. Can I have one?” Orlando asked and attempted to take one of the boxes from Kyran.
“Touch them and I’ll break your fucking hand,” Kyran barked. The male was losing his ever-loving mind. First he killed a female, and now he was acting like a possessive lunatic over some silly ice cream treats. Jace made a mental note to talk to Zander about this situation.
Elsie approached Kyran. The female was the only being brave enough in the room to approach the feral warrior at the moment. “It’s okay, Ky. These have to be melting, why don’t you let Angus put them in the freezer?”
Kyran looked down at Elsie and some of the savage heat left his eyes. “The one in my room.”
“Alright,” Elsie motioned to Angus, who had come when he heard Elsie say his name.
“I’ll just put them in the freezer in your room. Would you like me to add them to the shopping list?” Angus was quick to reassure the agitated warrior. The majordomo had a sixth sense when any of them were on edge. It was likely a benefit of his dragon genetics. It still amazed Jace that such a strong creature served as Zander’s majordomo. Of course, he did more than act as majordomo. Having a dragon on hand for protection was far better than a pack of wolves.
After several long, tense moments Kyran handed over his bounty, keeping one box. “Aye, thank you, Angus. So, tell me more aboot this prophecy,” he said as he unwrapped an ice cream bar and ate it in three bites.
Zander gave Kyran the condensed version about the prophecy and what they had already determined and the conversation came back to concern for mortals. “My biggest concern is for Mack and her group. I can see her patrolling the area and getting involved in such a battle. She is a warrior and would never turn her back.” Jace questioned the protectiveness he heard in Kyran’s voice. “We need a way to make sure she is nowhere near the park that night.”
“Keeping any humans away from the park that night will be impossible,” Orlando said responding to both Elsie and Kyran’s concerns. “But, Mackendra will be another issue altogether. She is a force unto herself and doesn’t strike me as the type that if asked nicely will stay away from the park. In fact, I think approaching her with anything will ensure she will be there that night.”
“I agree with, O. Best option will be to set up a distraction so she patrols another area that night,” Santiago added from the side of the room where he stood with one booted foot against the wall.
“Speaking of patrols, you four head oot now,” Zander said, pointing to Orlando, Santiago, Rhys and Gerrick. “We’ve left the city unprotected long enough. We will continue to discuss these issues here.”
“We will have to pick this up later. I have a spell to obliterate,” Jace informed the room and grabbed Cailyn’s hand, dragging her to the back door, ignoring the good luck wishes sent Cailyn’s way and the knowing chuckles of the males.
He knew how to break Angelica’s hold over him.
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
“What the fuck is that?” Orlando whispered, gazing at what had to be a demon. The thing stood on two legs, and had mottled skin the color of smoke. It looked up from the neck of its victim as the moonlight reflected off its eyes, causing them to glow brightly. The creature had huge fangs that dripped blood onto the pale skin of the female in its arms.
“I’m going out on a limb here, but I think that is the enemy spoken of in the prophecy,” Gerrick commented. “I don’t think he is an archdemon, but I sense low levels of power.”
“Let’s ponder that crap later. We need to stop them from killing any other innocents,” Rhys remarked as he headed across the street. Orlando hated that one innocent was already lost, and kicked it into gear.
“Any ideas about how best to kill them?” Orlando asked Gerrick as the rest of them followed suit.
Orlando whipped out his blades and rushed the newcomers. He had never seen these types of demons, but they smelled to high heaven. Why was it that demons and their minions always smelled? Didn’t they have showers in Hell?
He heard Rhys taunting the one he had engaged. “Damn, you’re an ugly motherfucker, aren’t you? Bet you’ve never been laid.” Orlando would have laughed at the warrior’s taunting but he was too busy fighting. Orlando swung his sgian dubh out and connected with the demon’s stomach.
“Ugh,” Orlando groaned, keeping his feet, and dinner, in place as the smell of burnt flesh intensified. “You are a rank bastard,” he yelled as the creature slumped to the ground, groping for his intestines.
Orlando had enough time to kick it in the head before Santiago called out a warning. “Watch your back, O.” Orlando swung around, his blade up and ready. Metal clanged loudly as Orlando met every blow delivered by the newcomer. He took in the scene while he fought.
Rhys had injured his first demon, and was facing another while Gerrick and Santiago each battled their own. When Gerrick lost his weapons, Rhys threw his to Gerrick and had new ones in his hands before Orlando blinked. Lucky bastard. Orlando loved Rhys’ telekinetic ability, thinking it sure came in handy during battles.
The two injured demons crawled after the warriors, drawing Orlando’s attention. “These fuckers don’t stay down,” he warned.
“Chop their heads off, idiot. That’ll stop them, it stops everyone,” Gerrick chided as he swung and sliced cleanly through the demon he battled. Orlando laughed at the satisfying sight of both the head and demon toppling over.
Orlando renewed his efforts against the demon standing before him. These demons were tough as shit to kill, and they were going to need to regroup and refocus their strategy before the big battle.
The thought of Elsie facing these new enemies sent fear racing through him. He had no doubt that she could hold her own against skirm and ash them easily, but these were another story. These demons were stronger, faster, and far harder to kill. He worried about her no matter how much he told himself she wasn’t his to worry about. He was very aware that she belonged to Zander, but that didn’t mean his feelings for her had changed. It was a knife to the chest every time he saw them together. No matter how hard he tried, he wasn’t able to erase her from his mind.
While preoccupied, a blade nicked his bicep. He’d chastise himself later for his distraction, and swung out at the offender. He missed anything vital, and ducked to pick up a second blade from the sidewalk. He crossed his arms and brought them back together, cutting through half the demon’s neck. Before it could regain its balance, Orlando twisted his body, coming up behind and finishing his opponent. Head and body met pavement as Orlando looked around to scope the scene. The others were finishing off the rest of the demons. Orlando was out of breath and his heart was racing by the time all was said and done.
“I know I wished for tougher opponents, but I take it back. It makes me shudder knowing these creatures are out there. They are posing far more danger to any unclaimed mates than we previously assumed,” Gerrick groused.
“What the hell were those?” Santiago asked as he kicked a headless corpse.
“Lesser demons of some kind. Gerrick was spot on with his power assessment, thank the Goddess. Had they been more powerful…” Rhys trailed off and shuddered.
“Let’s call for clean-up and head back to Zeum. The council needs to be updated on this new threat. I’ve never smelled so bad in my life. Why the hell couldn’t they ash like skirm?” Orlando observed as he stabbed his titanium blade into its heart for good measure.
*****
Cailyn stumbled behind a determined Jace, blinking away the raindrops. “Slow down. I can’t see as well as you and I’m tripping over every branch and rock out here.”
“Sorry. I forget you don’t have super-senses,” he replied as he looked back at her over his shoulder. He finally stopped and bent next to her. She yelped when he placed one arm behind her knees and the other behind her back and hefted her off her feet.
“I wasn’t asking for you to carry me. I am perfectly capable of walking on my own, at a normal human pace,” she pointed out as she twined her arms around his neck. She loved his strength, and marveled at how easily he carried her across the property. She had never felt dainty like her sister, but this man made her feel like a tiny fairy. She had never felt more feminine, or safe.
“I like carrying you. Besides, I need you close, especially right now.” He clasped her closer and buried his nose in her hair. She shivered at the heat of his body, and loved that he openly acknowledged needing her so much. She sensed how she calmed and inflamed him at the same time. She’d never felt more powerful than she did seeing how she affected him.
His breath stirred in her hair as he moved gracefully and surely through the woods. She rested her head on his shoulder and breathed him in. He smelled of sage and masculine musk, and it went straight to her core. She kissed his neck and felt his pulse race against her lips.
Feeling bold, she swiped her tongue across his pulse point. He groaned and stumbled. She reveled in the power she had over this male. Not that she wanted to control him, but she liked knowing that she could cause him to lose control.
She kept up her exploration of his neck and twisted her hand around his long, black braid. She brought her other hand down the front of his chest. When they reached a small clearing in the trees he stopped and gazed down at her. His eyes glowed purple, which just happened to be her new favorite color. “You are playing with fire, mate,” he growled.
“Maybe I want to be burned,” she murmured, wondering where her courage had come from. Every time she came together with this man, she lost her senses. All her good intentions to square her life away flew out the window, and she was swept up in the passion.
He let go of her legs and let her slide down his hard, muscled body. Their eyes remained locked together and she rested her hands on his shoulders while he ran his hands down her back to cup her hips. She had to kiss him and stood on tiptoe, lifting her hands to tug his head down.
His pupils dilated as he realized her intent. She saw the moment he gave in to temptation, meshing his lips over hers. Like a match to tinder, he set her body on fire. She clutched his braid and pulled him closer. He met her urgency, deepening his kiss and teasing the seam of her lips. She imagined him teasing other far more sensitive flesh.
He licked at her mouth and she opened, inviting him in. She loved the way he dominated her and elicited sensations she had never experienced before him. Their tongues slid sensuously together and tangled passionately. His hands began an urgent exploration. This would be another fast, hard coupling, and she couldn’t wait.
When his hands cupped her ass and squeezed, her abdomen clenched with need. His mixture of masculine beauty and brawn struck her; it was a heady combination, impossible to ignore.
“I need you, Jace,” she begged as she wrapped one leg around his hip and began rubbing up against his hard shaft. She knew how that enormous piece of male flesh made her feel and she wanted it more than was good for her. One thing was certain; he had ruined her for anyone else sexually. She had never had a lover like him, and if she chose not to be with him, she never would again. She questioned if she could let this go. Then all coherent thought left as he met her thrust for thrust, causing more friction between them.
“I want you more than I can say, but I need to get rid of this spell first. I will not have our lovemaking sullied by that filth any longer.” How could she have forgotten the reason he pulled her out here? He made her lose her mind the moment he looked at her, that’s how.
*****
“No, I need you right here with me. Your closeness makes this easier. I don’t want to lose this.” Jace pulled her leg back to his hip, and when that wasn’t enough, he picked her up
and coaxed her legs around his hips. He rocked gently against her core and reveled in the way she gasped, clutching his shoulders.
“Isn’t this distracting you?” she groaned as he thrust and reached up with a free hand to cup her breast.
He lowered his head and bit her nipple through her fabric. “Not at all. I need this, trust me.” It was vital that she trust him, and he found he was holding his breath for her response.
“I do trust you, Jace, with my heart and soul.” He felt victorious and his heart swelled. He was going to beat this, and win her over. He continued to tease her until he felt the familiar nausea rise. He examined the sensation and located Lady Angelica’s signature.
He lifted his face and meshed his lips to Cailyn’s and focused internally. Several blissful and tormented minutes later, he was finally able to identify the weave of the spell. He mentally tugged at a strand, trying to pull it apart. Nothing happened. He recited a release spell in his mind while maintaining a mental hold on the strand, but nothing. He continued to kiss and caress his mate, allowing his love for her to envelope him.
His arousal hit a fever pitch and Cailyn was lost to her need, reaching for the hem of his shirt, trying to divest him of it. He allowed her to pull the fabric over his head while he increased his efforts to tug and pull on the threads of the spell. It began to unravel.
He could do this. The key was his love for Cailyn. “I love you, Shijéí. I have from the moment I met you, and am not afraid to ask that you give me a chance. Broken male that I am and all.”
“Oh, Jace,” Cailyn whispered, kissing him with renewed vigor. He refused to give the spell the power he had for seven hundred years. He was going to love his mate and win her heart.