Alamir: Blood of Kaos Series - Book One

by Nesa Miller

  Dar slowly pushed himself up. “If you truly believe she’s better off without me, let’s end it now.” He offered the hilt of the bloodied dagger.

  Inferno challenged his gaze, discovering something he never expected to find in the eyes of a demon – sadness. His willingness to keep Etain safe spoke to Inferno’s fatherly heart. “You’d let me do it too, wouldn’t ya?” he asked, taking the dagger. Dar nodded, watching the blade twirl through Inferno’s fingers. With a quick move of his wrist, Inferno aimed the blade at the demon’s throat. “Whether I like it or not, there’s someone dependin’ on ya. Someone I care for.” He jabbed the blade into the ground and held out a helping hand. “Let’s get back home.”

  Once on his feet, Dar released his demon and picked up the blade. The two slowly inched their way back to the castle.

  “Who the hell was that?”

  “Midir, my brother.”

  “Piss poor reunion, I’d say.”

  Dar shrugged. “Better than others we’ve had.”

  “Must not be dead if he’s standing.” Spirit took Dar’s face in her hands. “But not in such good shape, either. Let’s get him inside.” She and Inferno helped the exhausted warrior into the kitchen, sitting him down on a stool next to the sink. “Let’s see about these wounds.”

  “How is Etain?” Dar asked as he stood, grimacing, determined to find her.

  Inferno placed a hand on his shoulder. “Keep yer bum where it is and let me wife look ya over. The girls aren’t going anywhere.”

  Dar lowered back onto the stool.

  Spirt looked from one man to the other. “Love, would you check on them? Just to be sure?”

  “Wait, Inferno. There’s something I want to say.” Dar noticed Spirit’s concerned look. “Don’t worry, milady. There will be no trouble.” He turned to Inferno. “Thank you for your help today.” He offered his hand.

  Inferno accepted. “Efallai y byddwn fod yn ffrindiau (May we be friends).”

  Dar smiled. “Efallai y byddwn yn parhau i fod yn ffrindiau (May we remain friends).”

  Inferno suddenly smiled, impressed by Dar’s command of the Welsh. He glanced over his shoulder as he walked out of the room, sending an I’ll tell you later look to his wife.

  Spirit returned to her patient’s injuries. “Is he dead? Your brother, I mean.”

  “You know my brother?”

  “I know of him. Etain told me about the trouble he’s caused.” She pulled out a drawer, grabbing a large pair of scissors and a few dishcloths, then started snipping away the remnants of his shirt.

  “He is a hard one to kill, but he won’t be back any time soon. His wounds may not be fatal, but they are significant. I should be healed long before he is, so we can move on and not put you in further danger.”

  She gave him a serious look. “Etain told me something else.”

  “Did she?”

  “Aye. She says the girl upstairs is pregnant. Having met her before they went to your place, I noticed a change when she came back, but couldn’t put me finger on it. Is it yours?”

  Dar met her gaze. “How is she?”

  She dropped the last bit of fabric on the floor, but the scissors remained in her hand, the sharp tips waving dangerously close to his flesh. “She’s alive. That’s all I can say right now.”

  “And the child?”

  “Hard to tell just yet. But now I know, I’ll keep a closer watch.”

  Dar took hold of her hand, judiciously removing the possible weapon from her grip and placing it on the counter. “You have my every gratitude, milady. These women mean everything to me.”

  She eyed the scissors. Dar considered grabbing them himself, but thought it could prove a decisive moment in his relationship with this woman. He gripped his thighs, gritting his teeth. If everything went sour, he would be ready. He sucked in a breath as her hand neared the sharp instrument.

  “I don’t understand one bit of it, and I have to say I like it even less.” She picked up a cloth, flipped on the tap, and swished it through the running water, then dabbed away what blood she could. “But if Etain’s all right with it, I’ll find a way to deal with it.”

  He let go of the breath, thankful for her support of Etain. “What about Inferno?”

  “No.” She shook her head, removing more of the grime from his chest. “You’ll deal with that hornet’s nest on your own when the time comes…and it will. Mark my words. Hell won’t come near paying that debt.”

  “I’ll find a way, milady, although I don’t fully understand it myself.”

  “At least you’ve not kept her in the dark about that.” Spirit gave him the eye again. “What do you hope to gain with this other deception?”

  “Other deception?” Dar’s face was blank.

  “I don’t know a lot about Krymerians, but I have learned you’re quick to heal.” Spirit rinsed the cloth again and set to work on his back. “Etain’s been around you long enough to know it, too. Maybe her head’s all a dither with the change between you two and she hasn’t noticed…” She rinsed one more time, making a final sweep over his skin, “or she chooses to ignore the fact. Either way, whether by choice or not, it’s up to me and me husband to make sure she’s safe, and stays that way.”

  Dar answered with utmost sincerity. “It is not to take advantage of her. Please believe me.” He lowered his voice. “I trust this will be kept between us.”

  “Depends on your reasons.”

  “Fair enough.” He winced as she cut through the linen bandage to get to the nasty gash beneath his ribs. “Although our introduction was extraordinary, the time we shared afterward was as if we had known each other all our lives. Conversation was easy. It was…” He thought for a moment, “comfortable.” He said it as if the word was a delicious treat saved for a special occasion. “I told her things I’ve not told anyone, and I believe she did the same. There was no judgment, no façade. The friendship we shared then, and share now, is genuine.”

  “Then why do you deceive her?”

  “That happened before she knew me as the chieftain of a powerful clan. As a clanswoman, she was distant, content to avoid my company. If we spoke, it was stiff and uncomfortable. I came to believe what I felt that first night was mine alone, and she had set her sights elsewhere.”

  “But you know different now?” Spirit carefully layered new bandages around his torso.

  “Aye. I’ve come to realize what we shared was real. Etain did not place the distance between us. It was me. She was new to an organized clan life, er… No disrespect to UWS.”

  “None taken. Every clan has their ways.”

  “True, true. There I was, bigger than life, huffing and puffing my clan edicts, traipsing off into battle to return in a mood, wanting only to be alone to shake off the dregs of war. It’s no wonder she left.” He looked at Spirit, his expression open and unguarded, hand to his chest. “I need her to see me again. Not a chieftain. Not a warrior. I need her to remember the Dar from that night. To see me vulnerable and not so in control. Approachable, if you will. Do you understand?”

  “The girl’s not daft. She has a compassionate heart, but it only goes so far. I’d say what you have upstairs is pushing her to her limits.”

  “As long as she understands what she means to me.”

  Having done all she could for his wounds, she offered him a mug of ale. “Just be careful, lest your work be wasted.” Standing over the man, she asked, “What was that between you and me husband?”

  He enjoyed a long drink, then came to his feet. “Better from his lips.”

  She placed a hand on his shoulder. “I don’t know what happened whilst she was away, but Etain’s not the girl she was. I see a new maturity in the lass that wasn’t there before her little trip to your place. You best tread carefully.”

  “I would go to hell and back for her, milady. Thank you. I owe you both.”

  Spirit took him by the chin, looking him in the eye. “Just take care of our girl. That’ll be your debt p
aid. Heed my warning, Lord Darknight. Any harm comes to our lass, you’ll wish you could go to hell for it’ll be far more pleasant than here.”

  He bowed his head in acknowledgment, then took her hand in his and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “She is my life, dear lady. I will gladly give my own to keep her safe.”

  Etain watched Inferno walk into the room. His grim expression and silent stroll did not bode good news. He didn’t speak until they stood face-to-face.

  “He is safe.” Her knees buckled, but Inferno’s strong arms gave her support. “Only hell knows how. It was a mean and dirty fight, lass. By all rights, they should both be dead.”

  “But Dar is alive?” she asked.

  “Aye.”

  She wrapped him in a tight hug. “Oh, Inferno. Thank you.”

  “It’s not like I saved the man,” he blustered, but the sparkle in her eyes made him smile. “Last I saw, his bleedin’ brother crawled back to his hellhole.”

  “Hopefully for good this time,” she sniffled.

  Although not old enough to be a parent to one her age, Inferno donned a fatherly demeanor. “I saw a side of Dar I’d not seen before today.” He held up a hand at her hopeful expression. “It doesn’t mean I’ve changed me mind about him. How’s the lass?”

  “I don’t know. She’s been sleeping ever since Spirit stopped the bleeding. It’s gonna take a while, I’m afraid.” Etain bit her lip. “I was hoping you’d allow her to stay here until she’s recovered.” Not hearing the expected negative grunt, she pushed on, knowing she and Dar were chalk and cheese in Inferno’s opinion. “And Dar needs a safe place to recuperate, at least for a little while. Will you give us your blessing to stay?”

  He kept his eyes on the sleeping girl. “No need to ask. Yer welcome to stay.” He suddenly turned. “Why did she take the blade, Etain? Ya said she didn’t give a toss about anyone but herself.”

  She shrugged. “Somehow, Dar has awakened a thread of humanity in her. I have no idea if it’s a permanent or temporary change, but I think we should enjoy it while we can.”

  He nodded, sitting on the side of the bed. “What about you? Ya never let a man so much as touch ya before. Why this one? Has he bewitched ya with one of his spells?”

  She smiled and pulled up a chair. “I love you and Spirit. You’ve taught me so much, giving me more than I can ever repay. Darth taught me how to survive, but you gave me back my heart. Making me a part of your family, believing in me and loving me, has helped me heal.” She reached for his hand, holding his gaze with hers. “I am so thankful we’re family.” His hand still in hers, she looked away, thinking of how to explain Dar. “When I was little, there was a song I would sing with my mom.” Her eyes came back to him as she started to sing. “This little light of mine…” Tears glistened, making her eyes bright. “I’m gonna let it shine.” Her voice faltered. “Do you know it?”

  His hands covered hers. “Aye,” he said, his voice thick. “Ya don’t have four wee sprites without singing it a time or two.”

  “As wonderful as your love and acceptance is…” She knew her next words would be hard for her to say…and for him to hear. “Since he’s come into my life...” Her breath caught in her throat. “I shine…hell, I burn…” She blew out a breath, running a hand through her hair, and tried again. “My life before him was missing something. Not to take away from what I have with you and Spirit. It’s just…different. It sounds crazy, but his chaos brings me peace.”

  Inferno pulled her into an embrace, singing softly. “Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.”

  Dar walked through the door. “Inferno, Spirit’s asking questions I...” He stopped, realizing he had walked in on an intimate moment. “I am interrupting.” Without a word, Inferno stood and walked out of the room. Dar looked at Etain. “I didn’t do it.”

  She gave him a tender hug. “My sweet man, you have saved me.”

  With a sigh of relief, he engulfed her within his arms. “No more than what you have done for me.” Unexpectedly, he pushed her back to arm’s length. “Promise me you will never try to take your life again,” he scolded, crushing her to his chest. “You are my life. It is you and I, my sweet Etain. We belong together.”

  She clung to him. “Midir scares me. My blood was on fire. I could feel him slithering through me.” Terror deepened her voice. “I was ready to fight. I did fight. But it didn’t do me any good.” Her expression touched his heart. “I took control the only way I knew how. I won’t be used as a weapon against you.”

  His heart felt like it may burst. Whether from her fierce conviction to protect him or from the fear of losing her, he was not sure. She was here and, by the Krymerian gods, he would not let her go. “Forget about him. Let’s take advantage of his weakened state and prepare. He won’t stay down forever,” he said, holding her close for a quiet moment.

  A growl from Etain’s stomach broke the silence. “Well, there is one other thing.”

  “So I hear.”

  “Will ye feast with me, my dark knight?” She pecked a playful kiss on his lips.

  “I will, milady.”

  “You sit here and keep watch over Faux. I'll go see what’s in the kitchen.” After making sure he was comfortable, she headed to the door, then stopped. Dar raised a curious brow, watching her walk back to him. She crouched down before him, took his hands in hers, and placed one over her heart, the other to her cheek. “Thank you for risking your life for me.”

  He swallowed and leaned his forehead to hers, his voice thick with emotion. “Lady Etain, I was dead inside until I found you. I had not thought I could love again, or would want to. You have given my life back to me.”

  “Oh, please,” a voice croaked from the bed. “Get a room.”

  “Faux.” Etain smiled up at Dar. He held out a hand, helping her to her feet, not letting go as she sat on the side of the bed. “It’s good to see you awake.”

  Faux attempted to sit up, but fell back onto the pillows. “Ow! What the...?” She looked down at the bandage around her midsection. “Damn. I did something stupid, didn't I?”

  “You saved Dar's life. You were very brave.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Yep. Stupid.”

  Dar helped her sit up. “Call it what you wish, demon girl, but you acted in a most Alamir manner. I thank you for your sacrifice.”

  “Never.”

  “I told you it was in there,” Etain chided, trying not to smile. “It just took an extreme situation to pull it out. No telling what other good deeds you'll be doing now.”

  Her eyes expressed a go to hell sentiment. “Is the baby okay?”

  Etain exchanged a look with Dar. “As far as we know, the baby is fine.”

  Faux sighed, closing her eyes. “Did I hear something about food?”

  Her sister chuckled. “Can’t keep a good woman down. I'll be back in a minute.”

  After watching her walk to the door, Dar sat in the chair next to the bed. He and Faux eyed one another in a silent standoff.

  “You think you got it right this time, slick?”

  He gauged her temper, deciding she deserved the truth. “Aye. She is the one.”

  “No big surprise,” she said, tilting her head to the side. “She's always been drawn to big, pathetic louts. I think they bring out her maternal instincts.”

  He smiled, amused by her dig at his ego. “Pathetic lout, is it? Are you saying I'm not her first?”

  “They’re drawn to her.” A sudden pain made her gasp. “I don’t claim to understand what they see, but she’s never lacked for male company. That's for sure.”

  Always a fan of a good cat and mouse game, he decided to play. “Hmmm… Well, perhaps it has to do with her methods of pleasing a man.”

  Faux’s eyes darted up to his. “What does that mean?”

  He spread his hands in front of him and spoke matter-of-factly. “I'm merely saying she does not lack for…how should I word this… Creativity.”

  “What's that supposed to mean?�
� She snorted, clearly agitated.

  “You know what it means.”

  “But Etain's never…” She bit her lip.

  Dar forced a concerned look. “She's never what?”

  “Never mind.” With a roll of her eyes, she dismissed the subject. “Tell me about your nasty brother. Is he single?”

  Etain floated into the kitchen, finding Inferno and Spirit in a discussion over the remains of their lounge. “A bit of a mess, huh?”

  Inferno grunted a laugh. “We always wanted to remodel.”

  “The demolition’s done,” Spirit said. “What brings you down here so soon? I thought you would want more time with your beau.”

  “That’d be nice, but something more important has come up.”

  “What would that be?” Spirit asked.

  “Food! We haven't eaten since yesterday.” She laughed, rubbing her stomach. “And me belly's been a'hollerin for satisfaction.”

  “Oh, lass, you had me worried there.”

  Inferno joined in. “It’s been a busy day, love. I could handle a few of yer ham butties myself.”

  “Sounds a plan.” Spirit got up from her seat. “Let's see what we can put together for this hungry crew.”

  “Faux’s awake and wants something, too.”

  “Awake and hungry?” Spirit shrugged and set to work, grabbing the needed ingredients from the refrigerator. Etain opened a fresh loaf of bread, laying the slices on the countertop.

  “I’ve never understood why you call them butties. Maybe because you butt the bread up to each other?” Etain giggled, slathering the pieces of bread with margarine.

  Spirit gave her one of those motherly looks as she put a pan of soup on the stove. “I would think it has more to do with the butter.”

  “Except we’re using margarine. To be politically correct, shouldn’t we call them margies?”

  “When have you ever been politically correct?” she joked in return. “For your information, that’s butter made by me own hands. Those old margarine tubs come in handy.”

  Etain grinned. “Oh, well, excuse me, Mrs. Butterfield.”