Shattered Warrior

by Brenda Trim

  Orlando glanced around and saw Elsie holding Izzy in front of the dining hall where Emily and Faith had joined them. Wolves, leopards, lions, and a big ass bear stood in the clearing alongside Zander and Ramiel.

  The demons were dead and the archdemon had disappeared. The playset was a pile of timber and the ground was littered with bodies where the demonic blood ate away at the foliage like acid. Shifting back to human form, Orlando grabbed a shirt from Faith and covered Ember as she shifted, as well.

  “I told you to stay back with your sister and Faith,” he growled at Ember, pissed that she seemed determined to put herself in harm’s way.

  “No you didn’t. You growled at me and pushed my leg. You mated a warrior, Orlando. Hayden may not have made me his C.L.A.W. yet, but that is who I am at my core. You need to wrap your mind around that now. I will always fight by my pack’s side,” Ember declared with her hands on her hips.

  She was so damn sexy when she became defiant he couldn’t resist grabbing her into his arms and smashing his lips to hers, kissing her hard.

  “My instinct as your mate is to protect you. I’m thinking of buying a box of bubble wrap to keep you safe,” he teased as he assessed their losses. There were several injured shifters that were being treated, but thankfully, no casualties.

  “They came after the Princess,” Ember observed, changing the subject. “Why is that? And, how did they know she was here?”

  “Pile these bodies in the pit,” Hayden ordered as he pulled on sweatpants and handed a pair to Orlando. Grateful, he slipped into the pants as Hayden explained, “Izzy isn’t a normal stripling. She carries the magic of the Goddess.”

  “Aye, she became the Triskele amulet when she was born and has been a target of the demons ever since,” Zander added.

  “You mean she’s been hunted her whole life?” Ember said, horror crossing her features.

  “They began targeting her while she was still in Elsie’s womb,” Zander explained. “We didna think they would locate her during this short excursion. Plus, we thought the protections would keep her safe.”

  “She isn’t safe anywhere,” Elsie said through tearful eyes as she clutched Izzy close.

  “She is safe with me,” Rami promised.

  “We will find a way to hide her from the demons, a ghra,” Zander interjected as he rubbed his mate’s back.

  “We need to call in the witches to add to our protections,” Hayden announced. “I will not have my pack so vulnerable and I refuse to place Isobel at risk during the mating ceremony.”

  Ember glanced around and Orlando watched her shoulders slump. The area had been dusted with snow, but now it was completely black. “How can we have the ceremony here? Their blood is killing the land,” she pointed out and Orlando saw the disappointment in her eyes.

  “The Rowan sisters can bring wood sprites and they can help heal the plants and soil,” Hayden announced. “These demons will not take more from us. I promise this site will be healed by the time the ceremony comes around in two weeks,” the male said and Orlando knew he was trying to reassure her.

  “I hope so. I want our day to be perfect,” Ember said.

  “The triplets are the strongest witches in the realm and their sprites are eager to help. Have faith in the magic. Our mating ceremony will be nothing short of spectacular. Anyway, no more worrying about that. I have a treat for you,” Orlando declared as he tilted her head up with his forefinger.

  “Oh, are we going to christen another room?” she asked with a wink.

  Chuckling, he kissed her lips then murmured, “Even better.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Ember gazed out the window of Orlando’s prized Mustang. She’d learned right away how attached he was to his vehicle. She saw the appeal of the muscle car, but she preferred her mate’s muscles to a silly vehicle. Cars were more a practicality for her, a way to get from point A to point B.

  Orlando had surprised her the past couple days and been far more affectionate towards her. Initially, she was wary and unsure of the reason, but decided to embrace it. He tried to hide his inner torment from her, but she sensed and saw that he still struggled with the idea of them being mates.

  It was difficult to be upset over the complicated situation when she looked at Brantley. He was such a good baby and she missed him and Orlando when they weren’t there. She couldn’t wait to be mated so they could be a family in every way.

  “What are we doing here?” she asked as she glanced out the window at the fancy restaurant.

  She’d heard of Bouche à Bouche. Shifters owned it, but they lived in the city rather than with the pack so she didn’t know them all that well.

  “Usually people eat when they go to restaurants,” Orlando teased and winked.

  He reached over and tweaked the end of her nose. He’d been more light-hearted lately. More like himself from what Hayden said. She was beginning to see the side of him she’d been told laughed easily and joked often.

  “I wish you’d told me we were coming here. I’d have dressed better,” she lamented as she ran her hand down her black dress slacks.

  “You look absolutely ravishing. In fact, I’d rather eat you,” he husked and reached over to pull her onto his lap.

  The space was cramped in the car and she didn’t get very far as her hip got stuck between the stick shift and console. Not the stick she wanted to be rubbing up against.

  She started laughing as she squirmed and tried to get comfortable in the awkward position and her glasses slipped off and fell between the seat. Orlando reached down and fumbled for several moments before retrieving the object.

  “Why do you need to wear these?” he asked as he slid them back on her face.

  She realized she hadn’t told him about the painful memory. Few knew the story. “My father was shot and killed by human hunters while in animal form. I was very young when it happened. Hayden came to our house to tell my family about the tragedy and I freaked out and fled into the woods. I ran as fast and far as I could until I realized I was lost. A mountain lion found me before my family did and attacked. I’m lucky I didn’t lose the eye altogether, but the injury was severe enough to cause permanent damage to one eye. I know the glasses are dorky,” she remarked as the loss of her father hit home again.

  “I had no idea. I’m sorry to have brought up such a sad topic for you. I happen to think you’re sexy as hell in glasses,” he confessed as he reached over and caressed her cheek.

  She looked deeply into his green eyes and melted when she saw genuine care and concern from her mate along with raw desire, causing blush to stain her cheeks.

  “It’s okay, you didn’t know. I still miss him every day. I wish you could’ve met. He was quite the character, much like you,” she said and smiled. “I think he would’ve approved of you,” she added and leaned over to place a tender kiss on those full lips that were calling out to her.

  That fast, the kiss heated as Orlando took her in his arms and passion erupted. It didn’t take much from him before she was mindless with desire.

  He ran his hand along her collarbone and unbuttoned the first few buttons on her silk shirt. His deft fingers slid beneath the fabric and inside her bra, brushing her nipple. Moaning, she wrapped her arms around his neck and mashed her lips against his. He palmed her breast and squeezed, eliciting a whimper from her as her core spasmed with need.

  “You should buy a bigger car,” she declared as she broke the kiss, panting, “because now you’ve got me all excited,” she murmured as she sucked his bottom lip into her mouth.

  His hot breath fell in puffs against her mouth and his eyes glowed brightly. “We will continue this after dinner, Wildcat” he promised as he fastened her buttons. The brush of his fingers against her flesh was torture.

  “Cruel, cruel, male. Next time we take my vehicle,” she told him as she climbed out of the car.

  He hopped out and was at her side before she could shut the passenger door and twined her fingers with his as t
hey walked towards the restaurant. “What do you know about this place?” he asked.

  “I know shifters own it and it’s very expensive, but that’s it. Why?”

  “This is where Angel’s Kiss was being manufactured and distributed,” he informed as he kept his pace leisure and his body relaxed. She had no idea how he was so calm because she was taut as a drum and wanted to jump his bones in the parking lot.

  “Why would you bring me here?” she asked incredulously. “Zeke told me the devastation that drug caused shifters. I saw Tobias when his family brought him back. He abandoned his mate and kids for that drug. Even now, months later, he’s a shell of the male he used to be. He’s lucky Santiago didn’t give up on him. It was his persistence that got the bear into treatment.”

  Orlando stopped walking and gaped at her. “Tobias went into treatment?” he asked and she nodded. “Santi has no idea. He was certain the male had died. He will be pleased to hear that. He worked hardest of us all to deal with this drug.”

  “Well, he did a good job of it. The drug is gone and supes are on the mend. Zeke said shifters were hit hardest, so I’m glad someone had the balls to deal with this,” she admitted and shivered.

  Snow didn’t fall in the city as often as it did on the east side where she lived and she was glad the night was clear, even if the breeze chilled her to the bone. The jacket she’d shrugged wasn’t offering any warmth. It wasn’t practical, but it sure was pretty and completed her outfit.

  “Santi made many mistakes in his bid for justice and he is paying for them, but we owe him a lot. Because of his insistence and determination, Angel’s Kiss was cut short.”

  “You say that like its not gone,” she hedged as she stepped into his body heat.

  “You’re shivering. Come on, let’s get you inside,” Orlando prompted as he tugged her into motion. “There’s rumors it’s back.”

  “What? Steve never mentioned anything to me about any rumors.”

  Orlando held the door open and warm air blasted them. “They’re new and there haven’t been many. It’s entirely possible he hasn’t gotten wind yet. I haven’t had time to dig deeper because of this new demon.”

  “Is that why we’re really here?” she asked, unsure if she was okay snooping on another shifter.

  “My treats never involve work, mate,” he whispered coming in close to her body. She felt his erection against her stomach and her ache intensified. “I have my work cut out for me if you think I’d promise fun then ask you to work. I haven’t forgotten that your seafood is your favorite. That’s why we’re here. All work and no play makes Orlando a dull male,” he added as he leaned his head and ran his nose along her cheek, kissing behind her ear.

  The male drove her wild with passion and she feared she wouldn’t make it past the salad before she attacked him at the table.

  “I don’t know. Our last outing turned into a battle, after all. Far cry from dull if you ask me,” she replied, nibbling on his ear as she pulled him closer.

  A throat clearing interrupted their love play. “Can I help you,” came a voice behind them. Chuckling, Orlando turned after he pecked her lightly on the lips.

  “Reservation for Trovatelli,” Orlando replied.

  Ember had never felt so giddy on a date in her life. Her mate was an affectionate male and she couldn’t wait to break through the rest of his reservations and see the real Orlando. She liked every piece that had been revealed so far.

  Glancing around the restaurant, it was obvious something major had happened as the crystal chandeliers near the back hall were missing most of their crystals. The embroidered carpet was impeccable as were the white linen tablecloths, but to her sensitive nose, the smell of burned wood along with a faint whiff of rot lingered.

  She held Orlando’s hand as they followed the maître d’ to their table. Orlando held out her chair then took his own. She slapped out when an unknown hand reached into her lap.

  “What the hell are you doing? I’m here with my mate,” she barked at the cambion who’d shown them to the table.

  The male’s eyes narrowed as Orlando snickered. “It’s a courtesy to place your napkin in your lap.”

  “Well, he doesn’t need to. I can do it myself,” she replied, irritated and embarrassed that she’d made a fool of herself. She’d never eaten in a restaurant where they did things like place napkins on your lap.

  She was in way over her head if these were the types of places her mate preferred to frequent. Her parents had a higher than average status among shifters, but they didn’t take them to places like this. They believed in cooking meals at home and money was spent on trips or improving the communal areas.

  “A bottle of Talaria Merlot, please,” Orlando asked the maître d’.

  “Very well. Stefan will be along shortly to take your order,” the cambion said and walked off.

  “I don’t normally drink alcohol. It’s always given he a headache,” she informed him, hoping this wasn’t going to be an issue between them.

  Orlando waved his hand in the air. “That’s because you’re drinking the wrong wine. Just try it. If you don’t like it, we will order something else.”

  “Deal, but I’m grumpy when I have a headache, just so you know,” she warned.

  “I think I can soothe any ache you may have,” he replied with a waggle of his eyebrows. She knowingly grinned as a couple approached the table carrying a bottle of wine.

  “Orlando, so good to see you,” the female said as she took Orlando’s hand.

  He stood and embraced her briefly. Ember sensed they were wolf shifters, but she didn’t recognize them as pack members. Maybe they were the owners.

  “Good to see you, too, Mary. The place has come a long way,” Orlando told the female before turning to the male. “John. Mary. This is my Fated Mate, Ember Hawthorne,” Orlando introduced.

  Flushing, Ember hurried to stand and came around the table to Orlando’s side. “Its nice to meet you,” she said, reaching out to shake their hands.

  “Nice to meet you, as well. You have a great mate, here,” John told her. “He helped us break Angelica’s spell and get our restaurant back.”

  Ember looked up at her mate who was smiling easily. Orlando waved his hand and said, “I was only doing my job. I’m sorry we didn’t figure things out sooner. We could have saved Charlie and his family.”

  “That vile woman had us by the balls, threatening to kill our families if we didn’t do as she ordered. Thank the Goddess for Santiago,” Mary added.

  Ember thought Mary was beautiful, dressed to the nines in her designer clothes, high heels, and pearls. Ember’s silk shirt and diamond stud earrings were decidedly lacking. This place was somewhere she could see the vampire royal family dining. It fit with their style that was for sure.

  “Have you had any trouble since we vanquished Angelica?” Orlando asked.

  The male couldn’t help but work. It didn’t bother Ember, though. In fact, she understood completely. With such a serious topic, she’d ask the questions, too, if she had the chance.

  “The male that simpered after Angelica came around and tried to use a spell, but whatever the High Priestesses did to ward the building made his magic fizzle before it left his palm,” John indicated.

  “Did he say why he was here? Or what he was trying to do?” Orlando asked.

  Ember could tell he was concerned with what they had told him as he leaned closer and listened intently to their words. The detective in him was coming out and it was just as sexy as everything else she’d seen.

  “All he said was mongrels weren’t going to get the best of his mistress. That everyone who’d harmed her would pay,” Mary admitted.

  “Do you have a name? Anything that may help us find him? Jace may know more if I can get a name and description,” Orlando added.

  “Don’t know his name, but he was a tall, slender bald male with gray eyes. He had a tattoo of a raven on the back of his hand. Aside from dressing in expensive suits, that�
��s all we can tell you,” John finished.

  “We won’t take any more of your time, Orlando. So good to see you,” Mary interjected. “Enjoy your meal.”

  When the couple was gone and they were sitting down, Ember couldn’t help but tease her mate. “No work, huh?”

  “Sorry,” he said, sheepishly. “I have to get the information when I can. I guess you should know I’m never really off the clock. There will be times that battle will come up at the worst of times and I will have to respond. That’s how life with a Dark Warrior is, but we know how to have a good time, as well. Granted, it seems those good times are always interrupted by demons,” he relayed with a smirk and shake of his head.

  “Demons are very inconsiderate,” she joked. “It’s like that with my job. I don’t have regular work hours. I show up when needed. Once Hayden appoints me C.L.A.W. I will be gone as much as you.”

  “Then we will make the most of the time we have together. You’re good at what you do. The realm needs you,” he replied.

  The waiter arrived to take their order before she could respond. She had no idea what she ordered. All she could think about was the warmth that spread through her knowing he supported her job. Her mother cautioned her that males would not want her in a role where she’d be in danger. She sent a silent prayer of thanks to the Goddess for picking the perfect mate for her. One that treated her as an equal.

  Orlando was easy to talk to and her lobster and scallops were delicious, practically melting in her mouth. He had picked the perfect restaurant even if she initially felt outclassed. It didn’t take long for her to relax and enjoy his attention. The conversation was natural, even though, wariness remained that she hoped dissolved soon.

  “I can’t believe you’re a Trekkie. Don’t tell me you’re a Chris Pine fan,” he groaned with a shake of his head as he scooted his chair to sit beside her.

  A decadent chocolate cake was set between them as she laughed. “Chris Pine is so much sexier than William Shatner. Of course I like him better. What female wouldn’t?” she teased.