Through The Veil

by Christi Snow

  Marcus jerked his head back to her. How did she hear them?

  “Um, no, we didn’t realize that.” Malcolm said as he eyed her curiously. “Were you trying to listen to our private conversation?”

  “No!” She sounded offended. “What kind of person do you think I am? I wouldn’t intrude on someone like that.”

  The brothers exchanged a look. They’d learned over the years to automatically shield their telepathic conversations from others. Marcus reinforced the shields before turning to her and instructing, “Try to hear us now.”

  To Malcolm he said, “She looks tired this morning. How does she seem to you?”

  She rolled her eyes at Marcus. “I’m fine. Just didn’t sleep very good, as well you know. And yes, obviously I can hear you. I don’t even have to try. You both just broadcast in my head.”

  Malcolm frowned at her when he asked, “Can you hear anyone else?”

  She immediately shook her head and then focused a bit more. “No, but I’ve never been particularly good at telepathy.”

  The brothers exchanged another confused look. “You shouldn’t be able to hear us at all,” Malcolm stated. “We have our shields up.”

  She shrugged and then winced as the motion pulled at her side. Malcolm moved over to her side. “Can I check it?” He asked. At her nod, he lifted her shirt. “Do you still have much pain?”

  “It’s a little tender, but it’s no big deal.”

  He pushed at the stitches a little bit. “It looks inflamed.” He reached up, felt her forehead and then took her pulse rate. “I think you may be getting an infection.” He pulled some packets of medicine out of his pockets and dropped them on the counter. “I want you to take one of these every four hours.” He turned to Marcus. “If her fever gets any higher, I need you to call me immediately.”

  Marcus nodded, worried about Malcolm’s concern. He couldn’t let anything happen to Lori.

  “But before I go,” Malcolm continued, “we need to figure out what’s going on with the telepathy.”

  “That will have to wait. Bethany wants to meet Lori first thing and she hasn’t had anything to eat yet.” Marcus moved into the kitchen and started mixing batter. He glanced back over toward Lori. “Go ahead and take some medicine.” He pulled the fruit platter out of the fridge from the night before and sat it in front of her. “You can eat some of this while you wait.”

  He didn’t know what else to do to help her get better, but knew nutrients would help.

  Malcolm left with a promise to check back later and they settled into breakfast like it was just a normal start of the day.

  “I’m taking you to meet the leader of our people this morning. Her name is Bethany. She’s going to want to know more about how you got here and the ES.” Marcus tried not to flinch at the wary look that came over her face.

  “Tell me about her.”

  “She took care of us when our world fell apart.”

  “How old were you then?”

  “I was sixteen. Malcolm was only eleven. We were in North Carolina visiting our cousins Griff and Brock. At the time, our family lived in Texas. Griff was fourteen. Brock was seventeen. Brock couldn’t handle all of us counting on him after the Veil and he took off after a few months. The three of us learned how to survive together.”

  “What about your parents? Did any of them survive?”

  He looked at her in surprise. He’d just assumed all the adults died in the ES, too. That obviously didn’t happen. “All the adults died. And as far as my parents and family in Texas, we have no idea what happened there. It’s gone. Where the Mississippi River used to be, is now ocean. Anything west of the Mississippi is completely gone.”

  She gasped in surprise. “How is that possible? All those people…” She reached across and laid her hand on top of his. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It happened a long time ago. We’ve adjusted. But are you saying the same thing didn’t happen in the ES?”

  She shook her head. “It was similar. A hell of a lot of people died and yes, most of them were adults, but within a few months, adults began to reappear. I don’t know if they had some sort of insider knowledge and somehow protected themselves or what, but members from our government slowly started filtering out and taking control. There were others like scientists and doctors who showed up, too.” She shuddered and the blood leeched from her face. “Somehow they were protected from whatever the Veil did.”

  She obviously had an issue with doctors and scientists. Were they somehow to blame for her injuries? Why? But of further interest was how some of them survived when no one did here. “Interesting. You think they had some sort of warning?”

  “They had something because they stayed safe in those months after the Veil dropped. What about the wings?” She gestured toward his back. “I’m guessing you haven’t always had those?”

  He shook his head ruefully, “No, definitely not. I got mine about ten months after the Veil fell. We all had them within a year.”

  She stood up. “Do you mind if I look closer at them?”

  “No, that’s fine.”

  He stood by the sink and his muscles tightened as she approached from behind. He could feel her elevated heat as she drew nearer and both his wings and his cock twitched in reaction. Her warm breath brushed on his bare back and her gentle fingers touched the sensitive area where the wings joined the sides of his spine. He dropped his head and fought the urge to groan.

  She quickly withdrew her hand. “Does that hurt?”

  “No,” his voice murmured low with arousal, “but they’re sensitive to touch. It actually feels really good.”

  “I noticed Malcolm’s have a bit of the same color as yours. Is that because you’re brothers?”

  “Yes. Everyone’s wings are unique, like fingerprints, but siblings usually share one or two colors that are the same.”

  “Hmm.”

  Her fingers reached up to touch his back again and this time he couldn’t hold in the groan. What was this woman doing to him? She examined the area where the wings joined his back closely before reaching up to brush along the feathers. “They’re so beautiful and soft.”

  As she brushed her hands over his wings, it had the same effect as brushing her hands over his cock. Never before had they been such a sensitive arousal zone. He couldn’t help the spasms of movement that went through either his wings or his cock as he succumbed to her ministrations. Damn, if she didn’t stop he would come in his pants simply from her touch.

  “Did they hurt when they grew in?”

  “Um…What?” He couldn’t concentrate with her doing this.

  She ducked underneath his right wing and came around to the front of his body to come face to face with his very obvious erection. Twice in less than twelve hours now. Damn, he had to get his randy body under control. She stayed crouched there for a moment and looked up at him with visible humor and a touch of interest showing through her eyes.

  “Um…” He could feel the blush suffuse his face. “I mentioned they were sensitive, right?”

  She stood, ducked her head, and chewed on her lower lip. “Sorry, I guess I didn’t realize exactly what you meant.”

  He brushed his thumb along her abused lip and smoothed it. “Quite honestly, they’ve never been quite that sensitive with anyone else before.”

  Her tongue darted out to wet her lips and accidentally touched his thumb. As her violet eyes darkened, the color on her cheeks rose. Their eyes met and a surge of desire shot through him. He couldn’t ignore his arousal anymore. He groaned as he lowered his lips to hers. Damn, she tasted so good. So sweet. So perfect.

  Quickly his body crowded hers so she leaned back against the counter. She threaded her fingers around behind his neck and pressed her body against him. He lifted the hem of her shirt and found her skin felt way too hot.

  It was as good as a cold shower. Slowly he pulled his head back and looked into her fevered eyes filled with desire. He didn’t want to stop this, but he had
no choice. He refused to take advantage of her.

  “Sweetheart, we can’t do this. Your fever’s gotten higher.”

  She looked up at him with a slightly confused, wary expression.

  “Besides, we need to go see Bethany. I’ll touch base with Malcolm on the way to let him know. Then you need to get back to bed so you can heal.”

  Disappointment and hurt momentarily flared in her eyes, but he tried to ignore it. This was the way it had to be.

  She drew herself up, her expression cleared, and she stepped back around him to gain control of her space. She gave a terse nod. “Okay, let’s go.”

  * * *

  Lori couldn’t believe what a fool she made of herself this morning. First, she’d brushed the guy’s wings so he became completely aroused and then she’d thrown herself at him. Her cheeks flamed in humiliation at the remembrance.

  In her defense, what was a girl to do when faced with that much masculine, toned flesh on a constant basis?

  She was such an idiot. What was she thinking? Yes, it had been a few years since she’d had sex, but she needed to concentrate on how she planned to get the Others out of their captivity in the ES. She sure as hell didn’t have time to mess around with some guy.

  She couldn’t leave her friends there to slowly die. She didn’t know how she would achieve it, but she hoped she could gain some support from the WS. Having Marcus barge into her room last night with his sword ready to go had given her the idea. Actually, she’d obviously had too many ideas about how to use both swords, but she needed to concentrate on how he could aid her.

  After flying her down from his home, they set to walking across the village floor. While most the homes were in the trees for safety, Marcus explained to her that daily life happened on the forest floor simply because that made it easier. They only took to the trees after dark.

  As they walked along, she marveled at the enormous size of the trees. “We’re still in what used to be the western side of North Carolina, right? Along the Appalachian Mountain chain?”

  He nodded. “Yes, why?”

  “I visited here the year before the Veil and the trees weren’t near this size then. How did they grow so fast?”

  “We don’t really know. Obviously, it has something to do with the Veil.” He waved his hand up into the sky. “The mist never fades and it’s created a rainforest environment. And it’s not just here. It’s this way all the way to the ocean. The entire ecosystem has changed since the Veil. That’s how we’re able to have things like coffee here. The environment is perfect now for many crops that we weren’t able to have in the U.S. before.”

  He halted their forward momentum and looked up. “We’re here.”

  She reached up gingerly around his neck so he could fly her up to the platform. She tried to ignore the little thrill which went through her system at the feel of his hips meeting hers and his hard chest against her breasts.

  An elegant woman with amazingly colored wings met them outside. This had to be Bethany. She was beautiful and had an extremely confident air about her. Dressed in a flowing skirt, she wore a top which creatively wrapped and wove around her body to encompass her torso. Like Marcus, she also wore a sword, but hers was strapped to her waist rather than her back. Lori realized Bethany looked similar to Brooklyn. Reexamining her wings, she saw they also shared the turquoise blue in them.

  Marcus made the introduction. “Bethany, this is our guest, Lori. Lori, our leader of the WS, Bethany.”

  Bethany had been watching Lori closely as Lori examined her.

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Lori said. “Forgive me if this is too forward, but are you related to Brooklyn?”

  A wide smile lit up her whole face. Lori could see how she became their leader. She appeared very charismatic and hadn’t even spoken yet. “Yes, she’s my little sister, even if she does tower above me now.”

  “She is very tall isn’t she?” Lori was 5’6” and Brooklyn had several inches on her. Appearing just slightly taller than Lori, Bethany probably hit 5’7”.

  “Lucky for us, she’s equally efficient as a Warrior as she is medical assistant to Malcolm. Come in and let’s chat. Marcus, you may stay out here. I’ll call you when I need you to return.”

  For a moment, panic zinged through Lori. She didn’t want him to leave her side. Something about the man made her feel secure. Even though he’d reverted back to the hard man she’d met yesterday as they approached Bethany’s, there was a level of comfort and safety with him. She knew she was being silly. She meant nothing more than a job to him and he’d put his professional face back on and she needed to do the same. No weakness. Not even with him.

  He gave a quick nod to Bethany, before he turned back to Lori. “Are you going to be okay without me?”

  He brushed her forehead with his lips. She knew he was sneaking in a check of her temperature before he left. “She’s running a fever so don’t let her get too worn out.” She heard him in her head, although he obviously spoke to Bethany, not her.

  Her gaze flew to his, at the same time she heard Bethany respond. “She’ll be fine. I’ll take good care of her. Don’t worry, Marcus.”

  “Damn, you heard that didn’t you?” he observed.

  She nodded, wondering what this meant. Her telepathic abilities were normally pretty wretched, but Marcus seemed to boost her perception somehow.

  Bethany’s eyebrows quirked up. “Well, that’s interesting, isn’t it? I think your appearance in our little village is going to make life very exciting.” She linked her arm through Lori’s and waved off Marcus, who seemed reluctant to leave.

  Lori gave him a reassuring smile and sent him a mental message, “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.” She’d never spoken to him directly through their link before.

  She could hear the surprise in his voice as he answered gruffly, “Just call to me if you need me. I’ll be close by.”

  Entering Bethany’s house, she found it to be much like Marcus’s although slightly larger with more fabrics and color to give it a more feminine feel. A tall, muscular, brooding man with midnight black wings stood in the corner scowling at her. His upper arms were huge and covered with swirling tribal tattoos.

  Her footsteps faltered and Bethany came back to pull her into the room. She scowled at the man. “Don’t let Aaron bother you. He’s the head of my Warriors and he’s here to make sure you don’t murder me.” She tilted her head and looked seriously at Lori. “You’re not going to kill me, are you?”

  “N…no, I definitely didn’t plan to.”

  Bethany gave a short nod like that settled everything and turned toward Aaron. “See? We’ll be fine.” She waved him off like a pesky puppy. “So, you can go join your buddies in sword practice or something.”

  He practically growled. “I don’t think so.”

  She just looked at Lori and rolled her eyes. Lori couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her. She liked this woman.

  “Would you like some warm tea?” Bethany asked her.

  “Yes, that sounds nice. Thank you.”

  Bethany suddenly clapped her hands at Aaron. “Chop-chop. If you’re going to be here, make yourself useful and make the tea.”

  “Yes,” he bowed low, “whatever I can do to serve you, madam.”

  Lori could feel the corners of her mouth twitching at his cheeky response. Bethany appeared to be having the same issue.

  “Damn man. Come sit and talk. I don’t want to get into trouble with Marcus for wearing you out before you’ve had time to recover properly.”

  “Thank you, but I’m fine, thanks to all three of your Warriors’ care. I can’t thank you enough for allowing them to help me.”

  “Well, good. You can consider us even after you’ve told me how you managed to get through the Veil.”

  This woman didn’t hold any punches which made Lori want to deal with her directly and honestly. “I’m sorry. I can’t tell you that.”

  “Can’t or won’t?” The woman looked at her s
hrewdly.

  Lori pursed her lips.

  “Okay, I understand you came to us hurt and scared. We aren’t going to hurt you, but you have to understand my side to it.” Bethany swung her hands out. “These are my people and we’ve obviously changed in the last eighteen years. I can’t let a single person within my care fall into danger. I have to protect them, which means I need answers. I need to know if there’s a threat coming.”

  Lori’s body shuddered at the thought of what could happen to any of these beautiful people if the scientists from the ES got hold of them. She knew firsthand at how awful those scientific probings could be, but that didn’t mean that she would open herself up to the same thing here.

  As she debated it in her mind, Bethany leaned forward with gathering concern.

  “I’m sorry.” Lori shook her head in true remorse. She wanted to be able to trust them. “I just can’t, but I can assure you that there isn’t anyone else who has the ability to do what I did. Your people are safe and I won’t do anything to compromise that. I promise, I won’t betray you.”

  Her fever and the subject matter were getting the better of her as a round of shivers rolled over her body.

  Aaron walked in with the tea and handed a mug to each lady. Lori grasped hers and tried to regain control over her shivering body.

  Suddenly, she heard Marcus in her head. “Are you okay? I can feel your distress.”

  “I think my fever just spiked. I can’t get warm and can’t stop shaking.”

  “I’ll be right there.”

  “That’s not necessary,” she told him.

  No answer. Suddenly she realized the room had quieted. She looked up to see both Aaron and Bethany looking at her with concern.

  “I’m sorry. I’m really not feeling very well suddenly.” She couldn’t stop her teeth from chattering loudly.

  “Aaron, can you please go grab a blanket from my room?”

  He strode off just as Marcus arrived and rushed into the room.

  Lori stood and the room started spinning. She really had to stop passing out in front of this guy. Marcus caught her before she hit the floor.