by Brenda Trim
Zander narrowed his Sapphire-blue eyes at her. “I doona believe you.”
Snapping her head back, Teagan’s stomach dropped to her feet. Here it was. This relationship was too good to be true. She was going to be asked to leave, and she’d never see Kilian again. Her heart cracked and broke, making it difficult to breathe.
“What?” she asked as she picked up the plate again.
“Z, stop,” Killian barked.
“Look, I’m no’ saying she isna welcomed or that I doona trust her. I want to know the reason for all of her questions.”
Killian plopped a scoop of rice onto her plate then added a spoonful of curry. “You’re right. Look, Teagan,” Killian said. Emotion clogged her throat, and tears misted her eyes. Her head was shaking before she realized it.
“Hey, none of that. I’m worried. I sense your need to know this information and don’t understand it. I want to help if something is going on. Think about it hard. Has someone asked you to gather information from us?”
A tear escaped past her control and slid down her cheek. “I don’t kno…” A groan left her. Her hands flew to her head, and Zander caught the drink she dropped. Any second the hatchet hammering inside her skull was going to split it wide open.
Clutching the sides of her head, she opened her mouth as she stared into Killian’s jade green eyes. She wanted to tell him, but nothing came out. And, when she tried to think about why the pain elevated to volcanic levels.
Setting down her plate, Killian scooped her up in his arms and crossed to a chair. “What is it?”
“My head.” Terror had her heart racing from more than just pain. Something was happening, and it wasn’t right. If this pain didn’t stop, she might actually die.
Killian clutched her tightly and rubbed circles on her back. “It’s going to be okay. Jace, can you heal her?”
Jace rushed over with his pregnant mate right behind him. There was no way to focus on anything but the feel of Killian’s hand running over her body. Jace’s hand landed lightly on her head. Instinctively, she flinched and tried to draw away.
“It’s okay. I’m trying to heal you.” Jace closed his eyes, and her hair warmed, but the pain remained the same.
Moments later, the warrior with a long, black braid shook his head. “I can’t heal her. I don’t understand it, but there is no injury.”
Elsie hovered next to them. “What can we do?”
Zander wrapped his arm around his mate’s shoulders. “Can you tell us what you did last night?”
When Teagan called up the event, she worked last night, the pain immediately receded. “I worked a Wild Turkey sponsored party at a new club downtown.”
Zander and Killian shared a look that didn’t reassure Teagan at all. “We need to talk, Dimples.”
Zander placed a hand on Killian’s shoulder, stopping his words. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”
“Yes. She is my mate and not only deserves to know but also needs to know,” Killian growled before focusing back on her. “We suspect you’re under the control of an archdemon that is forcing you to get this information so she can break into Zeum and kidnap our children.”
“I don’t understand. How can this demon make me do things, and why would she?”
“Archdemons use Dark magic. I suspect Crocell cast a spell to discover my Fated Mate then hatched a plan to use you that we couldn’t easily unravel. And, she did it because she’s sadistic and treacherous,” Killian explained.
“I still don’t understand and wouldn’t believe it for a second except that I cannot even think about why I want to know certain things without feeling as if someone is trying to smash their way out of my skull.”
Elsie took a seat in the chair close to them and set her cornbread back on her plate. “Is that normal if she is compelled by an archdemon?”
“There’s a lot we doona know, but what she is feeling is definitely a side effect. I’ve heard aboot the pain when a subject defies a compulsion,” Zander shared.
“How did I fall under her radar? And what does she want?”
“Crocell is crazy and wants to fast track her sister’s return to her side here on Earth. We killed Crecil and, ever since, Crocell has been using the power of our children to quicken her reincarnation.”
Teagan shook her head then groaned when the ache started pounding again. Okay, no thinking or talking about Crocell. “You guys can be reincarnated?”
“The only way to permanently kill a demon is by using the power of the Goddess. It used to be harnessed for our use in an amulet, the Triskele Amulet. That’s a representation over there on the floor,” Killian said as he pointed to a Celtic design on the floor with a red center. “But, paranormals are not reincarnated. Well, usually.” Killian looked at the scarred warrior and his mate and baby. What the heck was that about, she wondered?
“Usually?” Pain aside, her brain was barely assimilating the information they were throwing at her. Amulets, demons, compulsion, and reincarnation? It was too much.
“My mate is one of the only known females to have her soul reincarnated,” the scarred warrior informed Teagan.
“I’m Shae, and this is our baby, Maddox,” the redheaded female next to him added with a smile.
“The point is that we canna’ share much information with you because you are under the control of our enemy. It puts our stripling at risk,” Zander informed her, cutting off any further discussion about Shae’s coming back to life.
Once again, Teagan was a thorn in a delightful family’s side. It was her destiny to be an outsider. Thank God her skin was durable leather, and this fact didn’t bother her. She would walk away and not look back. Killian was taking time away from her time with Kari anyway.
“Hey. None of that,” Killian demanded as he turned her to face him with a finger under her chin. “You’re mine, and you belong here as much as anyone. What Zander is saying is that we need to be careful, so if we don’t answer your questions or show you the inner workings of our protections. Don’t be offended. It’s to keep the kids safe.”
Teagan accepted the kiss he placed to her lips before feeling like they were on display. When she glanced around, she noticed everyone’s attention was on her, but no one showed a sign of anger or wanting her to be gone.
Zander handed her the drink she nearly dropped and smiled. “Killian is right. Evzen and I will do some more research and find oot if there is a way to break the compulsion. In the meantime, my mate made a feast for us to enjoy. Let’s celebrate Killian and Teagan.”
Whoops and cheers echoed throughout the room while a smile creased Teagan’s face. She refused to allow herself to hope for anything beyond a nice meal. If this was all she was given with this group, she would enjoy it as much as she could.
As she took a drink of her margarita, she looked over at Elsie. “You made all of this? You must have been cooking all day.”
Chuckling, Elsie picked up her cornbread and took a bite. “I didn’t intend to cook so much when I started out, but every time I finished something, it wasn’t what I was craving after all, so I made more. That’s why you will see Cajun, Thai, and Mexican food over there.”
“I don’t recall you having so many cravings with Izzy. Do you think that means you’re having a boy?” Killian asked.
“I have no idea, and the ultrasound hasn’t shown us what the baby is. I blame it on how preoccupied I’ve been. I miss Izzy like crazy, and my mind constantly wanders to how she’s doing and where she’s at. What trouble she’s getting into while not under our supervision.”
Zander shook his head and kissed her temple. “Angus is keeping a close eye on her. She’s safe and happy. We will see her soon.”
“I have to walk away now,” Teagan blurted as she jumped to her feet.
“Was it something I said?” Zander asked. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“No, it’s not you. It’s me,” she chuckled. “Questions are bursting to come out of me, so I think I’d better
keep my distance.”
Killian was already on his feet next to her. “Good thinking, Dimples. Let’s go get you some of this delicious food.”
Certainty settled in Teagan’s mind as they walked away. There was no way she could incorporate into Killian’s world. She was a danger to everyone around her, and she would rather slit her own wrists than place anyone, especially children, in danger.
Her heart shattered when she realized the likeliest outcome was her leaving Killian. She was going to give Zander and Evzen a chance to discover a way to break it, but if there was one the Vampire King would know about it. Or her Maven.
Chapter Thirteen
Sending a silent prayer to the Goddess, Killian hoped his friends discovered a way to remove the compulsion his mate was under. Turning his head, he watched as Teagan scanned the property surrounding Zeum. He felt her need to discover some crack or way inside the barrier. He had no doubt that Crocell was behind her compulsions.
“Is there anything you can tell me about the demon forcing you to do her bidding?”
Teagan cocked her head and blew out a breath that misted in the crisp fall air. “When I try my, pain takes over. It’s unbearable. One thing I’ve noticed is that it’s better when I’m away from you. In the beginning, I had no memory about the paranormal world or the creatures living right under our noses.”
“And now?” His gut was in a knot as he waited to hear her answer. Numerous scenarios played through his mind about what she might have suffered at the archdemon’s hands, and he could do nothing to go back and protect her.
Shaking her head, Teagan continued walking toward the hand-carved, wooden door of the grand estate. “Now, I remember everything about you, and my intense need to see you again. It’s like I’m addicted to you.” She made an adorable face as she scrunched her nose. “I wondered if you put me under some spell, Magic Man.”
Throwing his head back, Killian laughed. The moment of levity eased some of the tension in his shoulders. “That’s normal between Fated Mates. It’s the mating compulsion I told you about. It makes being away from each other difficult, painful even.”
“Who isn’t compelling my actions?” she scoffed. “I doubt I go to the bathroom because I truly need to. Wait a minute,” Teagan murmured as she stopped and turned to face him. “Pain? I don’t feel any discomfort unless you count unending arousal. Are you in pain?”
Killian wrapped his arms around her waist and tugged her flush with his body. “My brand burns more and more each day. It will continue to do so until we complete the mating ritual, but don’t worry. It’s a small price to pay for being blessed with you. Besides, the agony eases every time I sink into your body,” he husked and pulled her against his straining erection.
Rising on her tiptoes, she placed a kiss to his lips, making his blood boil. “I’m surprised you let me leave your bed.”
“If I had my way, we’d never get out of it.”
“You’d better have someone to run Confetti Too,” Nate called out from the open doorway. Killian broke away from his mate and turned to the dragon shifter, whose giant body filled the entire space.
“I run the club myself, why?”
“Someone has to keep that place running if you plan on spending the rest of your days in bed with this sexy female,” Nate said and smiled at Teagan.
Killian punched Nate in the chest, making him stumble backwards. “You should know better by now than to flirt with my mate.
Teagan put her hand on his chest, drawing his attention. Her heat scalded him through the fabric of his shirt. “Nate’s harmless, and I don’t think he was really flirting with me.”
Nate stepped aside and threw his hands in the air. “Finally, someone that understands me. For the record, I was merely acknowledging an attractive female. But what I am far more worried about is you closing my hookup joint. Hell, I’ll run the place if need be. I know how you warriors get when you find your Fated.”
The moment they entered the grand foyer, noise filled the space as several gnomes rushed from room to room waving what looked like ribs at one another. “What are those?” Teagan asked.
“Oh, them,” Nate grumbled. “They’re supposed to be helping me around the house, but since Izzy left, they spend more time making a damn mess than anything else. And, since Pepper left, Dipple has been moping in his room with a bottle of scotch. I’ll be happy when he leaves for Khoth.”
“Please tell me he didn’t drink all the McCallan,” Killian replied. “If Evzen and Zander don’t have good news, I’m going to need a drink, or ten.”
Nate chuckled as he headed to the war room. “Nah. The little jackwagon is a lightweight. Only takes a couple of shots to get him wasted,” he divulged as he stuck his head inside the war room. “Killian and Teagan are here. If you have good news for them then you need to help me manage Confetti Too so they can get their freak on, and so can I.”
They’d just entered, and Killian saw Zander raise one of his eyebrows as he watched Nate. “Shite, Nate. Why is it that every time you speak, I’m reminded of why I miss Angus?” he stated with a shake of his head.
“You know you couldn’t survive without me.” Nate countered with a wide grin.
“You’re doing a great job, Nate,” Elsie reassured with a smile.
“Doona encourage him, a ghra. Last week I ran oot of fighting leathers because he was at Confetti Too for three days straight.”
“That wasn’t my fault. That witch put a spell on me, and I was compelled to provide her with endless orgasms. I was a victim,” Nate mocked and clutched his chest in an exaggerated gesture.
Killian cut off any reply Zander might have had. He didn’t give a shit what Nate did or didn’t do. He wanted to know what they’d discovered about compulsions. “Have you discovered a way to break the compulsion?”
Zander released a heavy sigh, and a scowl creased his forehead. The drastic change made Killian’s chest twist inside out. “Nay. It seems impossible to override a compulsion.”
Evzen leaned forward with his hands clasped on the tabletop. The male wore a dark blue suit with a grey shirt, but no tie. It was still odd to see him without the robes and pointy hat. He might’ve looked ridiculous in the getup, but it never detracted from Evzen’s power and respect. “There’s nothing about it in the Mystik Grimoire, either. I found a couple passages that mentioned the issue, but none of them gave a way to break it.”
Teagan’s face fell. “So, that’s it, I guess. I should go. It’s not safe to be around me. I’m programmed to search for weakness and gather information. I can’t block it, and when I try…ah!” she cried out and clutched the sides of her head.
Killian bent and picked her up in his arms then crossed to a seat. “You aren’t a danger. And you aren’t going anywhere.”
“He’s right. No one wants you to leave, Teagan. Having said that, we can’t share any pertinent information with you,” Elsie added as she glanced to the others in the room. “The last thing we want is to make you feel left out, but we can’t take any risks with the children.”
Zander rubbed his mate’s shoulders. “Unfortunately, my mate is right. Withoot a way to override the compulsion, Teagan can’t be privy to important information.”
“I don’t want to put anyone in a position where they have to guard their words. It’s best if I keep my distance from all of you.” Killian heard the hurt and pain in Teagan’s words.
Mack set her drink down and tapped the side of her glass. “That, our little martyr, isn’t going to work. We don’t push away family. We band together. In fact, I think you need a Mack special,” the spiky-haired female said.
“What’s a Mack special?” Teagan asked the female then glanced to Killian.
“That would be a custom t-shirt made by yours truly,” Mack relayed with a crooked grin. “and, I think yours needs to say Shut Your Blowhole. No better way to remind us to keep our convo on safe topics.”
Teagan laughed aloud. “Now, that’s funny. I like it!�
�
“The second you receive your first Mack shirt you’re officially part of the group,” Killian told Teagan.
Through their bond, Killian sensed her hopelessness ease slightly, but she was still concerned. He feared her walking away from him. She was so much stronger than he was, and he had no doubt that she would do what she thought was best for him and everyone else.
“Now,” he continued. “No one is going anywhere. There has to be a way to deal with this and free Teagan’s mind.”
“I wish I could tell you that there is,” Evzen interjected. “But I searched the entire grimoire and found nothing. I can’t think of another resource that might help us.”
Mack shook her head. “Step aside and let the women think this through. Complicated math problems are beyond the male’s small brain capacity. Remind me again, Teagan, what you recall when you return home, and Killian isn’t around you anymore.”
Teagan looked at Mack with wide eyes and a massive smile on her face. “You’d think the mating bond would be capable of doing so much more, right? Before sleeping with Killian, I couldn’t recall anything about your existence. I was subconsciously searching for Confetti without understanding why.”
“And, now that you’ve started mating Killian you can remember some details” Elsie added. Killian saw where they were going and had to admit the males were slow.
“Do you think completing the mating will overcome the compulsion completely?” he asked no one in particular.
Evzen shook his head and sat back. “Shit. There isn’t a stronger bond than that between mates. And, a compulsion is nothing more than a forced bond.”
“Fuck,” Zander blurted. “There will be no living with her now.”
Mack blew Zander a kiss. “You can engrave the trophy with She Who Knows It All.”
Kyran chuckled and tugged on his mate’s spiky black hair. “You want another one, Firecracker?”
“This one will go in the media room to remind everyone else in the house, bloodsucker.”