by Rosalie Redd
She approached him as if he were a caged animal, her steps tentative. With the need for a pill sending shivers down his back, perhaps that assumption wasn’t too far off base.
“What are you doing here? You said you’d return to the Keep.” Fear for her snuck into his chest, tightening around his heart.
She stopped a few feet away. Her brow furrowed. “I came after you.”
A flutter of hope intertwined with the fear. “Why?”
She gnawed on her bottom lip. Blood rushed south as memories of kissing those plump lips raced through him.
“I’m sorry, Gaetan, I…” She let out a quick exhale.
This was it. This was when she’d say she couldn’t be with him, leave him and find another mate. She couldn’t love him, not after what he’d done. He held his breath.
“…was wrong to send you away. You aren’t to blame for what happened to me. In fact, I’m glad the Gossum attacked me, glad you saved me, glad I’m your female. I will do—”
He didn’t give her a chance to continue. After closing the distance, he wrapped his free hand around her waist and tugged her to him.
She let out a quick gasp.
He trailed his hand up her back and rested his palm at the base of her neck. As he drew her close, he kissed her, pouring all his love for her into his kiss. Clasping her fingers around his shoulders, she returned his passion, leaning into him.
After a long moment, she broke the kiss, pulling away, but she teased the gray lock in his hair. “I love you and will do everything I can to help you find Anlon then beat this addiction.”
A mixture of joy and dread skittered down his back. To hear her confess her love for him just about brought him to his knees. Never in a million years had he expected to hear those words from her. Yet, she’d brought up his addiction. She didn’t want to be with an addict. He wasn’t sure he could conquer the soul-sucking demon that had weaseled into every fiber of his being. She didn’t want to be with an addict, that he knew.
He stroked his finger down her arm and along her marking. “Nicole, I—”
The breeze shifted. A bitter, astringent scent stung his nostrils. Gossum.
He turned, putting himself between the Gossum and his mate. With a tight grip, he brought his staff in front of him, ready and waiting. “Call Rin. Return to the Keep.”
Branches in a nearby cedar rustled. A Gossum, then another, slid from the bough. Dressed in black with bald heads and dark, emotionless eyes, the creatures hissed. One snapped its tongue, revealing its sharp, serrated teeth.
A deep growl rumbled in Gaetan’s chest. “Go, Nicole, now. I’ll hold them off.”
“No.” She stepped around him. “We fight together.”
Before he could react, she swirled her hands, drawing on the water from the small river. A thin stream of water curled toward the Gossum.
“Look! She has magical power.” One of the Gossum pointed at the water as it swirled toward them. “Capture her. We have to make up for not finding that Stiyaha baby. Besides, I’m sure Mauree will be very interested in her ability.”
No. Oh, craya, no. Gaetan swung his staff around and advanced on the pair. “Run, Nicole, run.”
They didn’t have Anlon, but Gaetan didn’t have time to dwell on it because the Gossum closed in.
Loud, guttural warning chuffs, along with the snap of a wet tongue connecting with flesh, echoed from behind Gaetan.
The water Nicole had summoned splashed a few feet from their enemy. Her tormented scream ripped through the trees.
Gaetan’s blood froze. Even as his staff smashed into one of the attackers, he craned his neck, searching for his mate.
A Gossum gripped her arm. His barbed tongue connected with her forehead.
Gaetan’s roar ripped into the night.
The barbed sting of a Gossum’s tongue hit Gaetan on the hand. His fingers numbed. He tightened his grip on his staff with his good hand. Another creature ripped his claws down Gaetan’s arm. He grimaced at the stinging pain, but concern for his mate outweighed his own safety.
Nicole struggled against the creature holding her, kicking and punching. A sense of pride for her fight joined the anxiety pulsing through his veins. Blood pumping loud in his ears, he bolted toward her.
One of the two Gossum he fought jumped in front of him. Gaetan had to deal with these two before he could help Nicole. Fear for her lit a fire inside him.
He pulled on the energy and swung his staff. The end slammed into the Gossum’s temple.
A loud crack rent the air.
The creature wobbled on its feet, stunned.
Taking advantage, Gaetan gripped the sunstone embedded in the handle and shoved the pointed tip into the creature’s eye. The beast stiffened for a moment then transformed into a pile of goo.
The other Gossum flicked out its tongue and hit Gaetan on his bad knee. He grunted and crashed to the ground.
Nicole’s scream echoed between the trees before being cut short.
Out of the corner of his eye, Gaetan caught a glimpse as the Gossum carried his mate over his shoulder into the dark forest.
“No!” Gaetan screamed.
The remaining Gossum leapt into the air, claws extended, serrated teeth bared.
Determination to save his mate pooled inside Gaetan. He thrust the pointed tip of his staff up, skewering the Gossum in the chest. A choking gurgle bubbled up from its mouth, along with a stream of dark blood. The creature stiffened then slid to the ground, becoming black sludge.
“Nicole!” Gaetan pushed to his feet, forcing his battered leg to cooperate.
The only reply was his voice echoing against the trees.
Nicole was gone, captured by the Gossum. The old, bitter, and familiar ache of guilt burned in his chest, squeezing his lungs until white spots formed in his vision.
His inner beast roared, eager to break free and chase the vile creature that had stolen his female, but Gaetan held the beast in check. He needed brains more than brawn. “I’m coming for you, Nicole. Nothing will stand in my way.”
CHAPTER 34
A lora stood outside Radnor’s door. Light from within her father-in-law’s home cast a welcoming glow through the windows. As if on cue, the leaves in the Etila trees whispered in the breeze. At least this part of the Lemurian forest escaped yesterday’s fire. She wiped her sweaty palms against her slacks and tugged on the Yandora vines.
Soft chimes echoed from within. The door opened with a low squeak.
“Alora, Alora, so good to see you.” Radnor drew her in for a quick hug before gripping her arms and peering into her eyes. “Thank the gods you’re all right.”
“Me?” She tilted her head. “I’m thankful Veromé and Carine made it out in time.”
He sighed. “Yes, me as well.”
“Alora?” Carine strode from the kitchen, a cup of tea in her hands. “Alora!”
She placed the mug on the table then hurried across the room, enfolding Alora in a big hug.
Alora returned the gesture, holding on to her friend for a long moment. “I’m glad you’re okay, Carine.”
The Arotaar female leaned back, a sad smile blooming on her face. “I am thanks to Veromé.”
Radnor cleared his throat. “Carine, would you mind giving Alora and me a few minutes?”
Alora’s mouth went dry. Not only was Radnor Veromé’s father, he was also the council leader. Did this have something to do with Zedron?
“Of course. I need to clean up the mess I made in the kitchen.” Carine squeezed Alora’s arm then shuffled across the room. Her soft-soled shoes swished against the floor’s polished wood grain.
When she was gone, Radnor placed his hands on his hips. The edge of his mouth twitched along with his long dark mustache. “Zedron has requested a special council session regarding your battle over Earth. Do you know what that’s about?”
Alora swallowed hard. “Perhaps, but I’d rather wait to see what he has to say.”
Radnor strode to his des
k and picked up a small blue disk. “It wouldn’t have anything to do with this, would it?”
Her gaze flicked from the disk to his eyes. She forced a smile. “I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
He laughed. “I’ve always liked your spunk, my dear. Say,” his eyes roamed over her shirt and slacks, “you’ll need something else to wear. Fortunately, Elise was about your size. There are several items in her closet. Carine has already selected a few things, but there’s plenty more. Veromé’s mother had a vast collection.”
Alora let out a relieved breath, thankful for the change of topic. “That would be nice.”
He gestured down the hallway. “It’s in the spare bedroom, help yourself.”
She nodded then hurried in the direction he’d indicated. As she ambled down the hallway, she passed pictures of Veromé from when he was a mid-youth through his years at the academy. She paused before one. Veromé, in what appeared to be one of his early years at the academy, sat on the branch of an Etila tree, a long fishing pole gripped in his hand. Next to him was a blond male, pointing at the small fish on Veromé’s line, his golden eyes sparkling with mirth. Mitan…
A pang hit her in the chest. How she missed her childhood friend. As neighbors, they had grown up together, spending hours at her father’s farm. When they’d gone to different academies, they’d drifted apart. At the academy, he’d met Veromé. She shook her head and continued on her path.
As she entered the bedroom, the sweet scent of Andoline perfume filtered into her lungs. Even two years after Elise’s death, her scent still lingered. The antique four-post bed took up the majority of space in the small room. Perfume bottles lined the top of an old dresser next to Elise’s visus bacin. Along the wall, nestled among the tree’s inner bark, two doors enclosed the large closet.
Alora stared at her hands, her eyes hot and gummy. “I miss you, Elise.”
Taking a deep breath, she gripped the handle and tugged. The hinges squeaked, the grating sound skittering down Alora’s back.
Inside, dresses, pants, shirts, and skirts hung from several hangers. She skimmed her fingers over the beautiful clothes, pausing on a blue dress with Coletta flowers in the pattern that caught her attention. Her chest tightened. Those were her favorite flowers.
She unzipped the dress, and it slid from the hanger onto the closet floor. “Craya.”
After pushing aside the other dresses, she twisted her fingers in the soft material and tugged it close. Nestled in the back, half-hidden behind a pair of shoes, was a large box. In bold letters across the top was a single word—Mitan.
Alora inhaled. What was a box with Mitan’s name doing in Elise’s closet?
A quiet knock on the door made Alora jump.
“I didn’t mean to startle you, my dear. Just wanted to see if you’d found something you like.” Radnor stood in the doorway. With his broad shoulders, he reminded her of Veromé. Her mate had inherited his father’s build and good looks.
“Yes, I found a nice dress.” She held it up.
He smiled. “Good, glad to hear that. Is there anything else you need?”
She glanced at the carton. “I couldn’t help but notice. There’s a box in here with Mitan’s name on it.”
“Oh, that. I’d forgotten it was there. When Mitan died, his parents gave a few of his things to Veromé because they were such good friends. As far as I know, he never looked at it. At the time, I think he was too stunned after Mitan’s death. My guess is he forgot about it.”
Alora tightened her grip on the dress, and her gaze darted to the carton once again.
Radnor cleared his throat. “He was your friend, too. You are welcome to take a look inside.” He extended his palm. “Go ahead. I’ll leave you to it.”
Before she could respond, he withdrew into the hallway. His shoes echoed down the corridor.
Curiosity mixed with excitement rippled over Alora’s arms. Mitan had died a sudden death, ruled an accident by the council. She’d never quite believed he’d slipped over the edge of his deck to the ground below. Could she dare hope the carton would provide a clue?
She placed the dress on the bedspread. With loving care, she caressed the fine material. “I’ll come back for you later.”
Her heart fluttering, she yanked the box from the closet, sat on the floor, and gripped the lid.
CHAPTER 35
The full moon’s light filtered between the trees, casting shadows onto the path. A rich, earthy scent burned Mauree’s nostrils. She scrunched her nose. In the middle of the path was a large pile of bear scat. Perfect, just perfect. With careful precision, she lifted her foot, stepped over the mound, and continued down the trail. The last thing she wanted was to add bear crap to her already dirt-covered pumps.
“I’m amazed you can walk in those things.” Eldon’s attention drew from her foot to her face. His dark eyes glistened and when he smiled, his white serrated teeth sparkled.
Mauree huffed. “You’d be surprised what I can do. How much longer?”
“Another minute or two.” He motioned with his fingers, and a couple of Gossum sped down the path. “Scouts.”
She nodded. “Once the army is in place, we wait. I suspect Gaetan won’t come alone. He’ll bring plenty of warriors with him. Well, the ones left anyway.” A slow warmth eased into her chest, but didn’t quite chase away the chill.
There was always a chance she and her brood wouldn’t succeed. She fisted her hand. No, failure wasn’t an option. Now that Noeh was dead, it wouldn’t take much to bring down the rest of his troops. She just had to keep Gaetan and the three females away from Roan’s Rock.
“Put me down!” a female’s voice shouted beyond the trees.
A moment later, a Gossum slid from the forest and onto the path, a female hunched over his shoulders. She squirmed against him, pounding her fists along his back. With a grunt, he pitched forward, flinging her off his shoulder.
She landed on the dirt with a hard thud. A whoosh of air escaped her lips. With her blonde hair, green eyes, and dark mark that extended down her arm and over her hand, Nikki, Gaetan’s mate, wasn’t hard to recognize.
Mauree’s chest expanded, giddiness filling her lungs. “My, my, look what we have here.”
The female’s attention riveted on Mauree. Her eyes widened. She scrambled to her feet and bolted down the path.
Mauree tsked. “Eldon. Detain her, would you, please?”
Eldon leapt in front of Nikki, wrapped his clawed fingers in her shirt, and yanked her to him. Securing her arm behind her back, he pushed her toward Mauree. “Would you like me to kill her now or later?”
Nikki struggled against him, her breaths short and fast.
Mauree tapped her finger below her bottom lip and studied the small female. “Where’s Gaetan?”
Nikki raised her chin. “Far away.”
“Somehow, I don’t believe you. If I know anything about Gaetan, he’d never let his,” Mauree glanced at the marking on Nikki’s hand, “mate be out here all alone.”
Nikki’s mouth thinned, anger flashing in her eyes.
With a flick of her wrist, Mauree motioned to Eldon. “Take her to Roan’s Rock. We’ll execute her in front of her kind and take away any hope they may have of winning this war.”
“No!” Nikki renewed her struggles, straining against Eldon’s grasp.
He pushed her forward, forcing her down the path.
As the trees gave way to a meadow, the giant rock stood along the edge. The stream that ran around its base gurgled as it trailed into the grassy field.
Mauree studied Roan’s Rock, noting the wide base and narrow tip then let her gaze drift over the meadow and the surrounding forest. Tonight, she’d defeat her enemy, win this war for Zedron, and become the ruler over the humans. She thought she’d be happy, yet the exhilaration she’d expected didn’t materialize. Instead, only bitterness coated her throat.
One of the earlier scouts emerged from the trees at the edge of the clearing. He bowed low
before Mauree and glanced at Eldon. “The troops, both Gossum and Ursus, are in place. We expect the enemy to arrive from the south and left them an opening. We await your orders.”
“Good work. Now, about that female, little Miss Nikki.” Mauree ran her hand down her short skirt until her fingers rested on the hilt of her dagger. With a quick tug, she unsheathed her weapon and studied the glinting blade in the beam of the cold moonlight.
Nikki’s chest tightened, squeezing her lungs. “What are you doing?”
Mauree winked at her, and a small, wicked smile curled her lip. The dark patch over her eye matched her evil personality. “Using you as an example.”
A jolt of energy rippled along Nikki’s veins. She struggled against Eldon, kicking and scratching him, but she couldn’t escape from his iron-tight grip.
“Eldon, bring her to Roan’s Rock.” Mauree strode toward the large boulder, her hips swaying to and fro with exaggerated flare.
“As you command, my lady.” Eldon gave her a brief nod. His grip tightened on Nikki’s arms.
She twisted in his grasp, screaming at him. As he dragged her across the meadow, her heels kicked up bits of grass and small pebbles from her tirade. None of it mattered. The evil creature wouldn’t let her go.
With a hard jab, he shoved her against Roan’s Rock. The rough surface scraped the skin on her arm. Blood pooled along the cut. She shoved away from the giant stone and stepped into the small creek that ran around the base. The cold water chilled her ankle, but couldn’t douse the fear, anger, and hatred churning inside.
“Mauree, you bitch!” The words echoed against the trees. At her feet, the water bubbled, swirling from her outburst.
Before Nikki could react, Mauree grabbed her wrist. She yanked Nikki against her back to front and placed the knife’s blade to her throat. “You’re not the first one to call me that, but you will be the last. Tonight, this war ends.”
In the distance, battle cries and the sound of blades clashing filtered through the trees.
Mauree tensed, tightening her grip around Nikki. “Ah, so it starts. Eldon, go battle the enemy. I can handle this little Dren.”