by H. C. Brown
"His eyes . . . . Lady's blood, he's a man in mourning," said Nox, shaking his head.
"Yes, methinks he's lost the will to live. What to do . . . what to do?"
"I'll send Tanz to see the female. Mayhap she's under the Druiks influence . . . not a spell . . . no . . . a potion, perhaps? He can cast a cleansing spell, and then at least we'll know the truth of the matter," Nox replied thoughtfully.
Blaise frowned and rubbed his chin. "You mentioned she resembles Fae more than Pride. We discussed her at the Five Gates meeting. Do you remember when my father was king? Some twenty summers ago when the Rams waged a war against Lyoness?"
"Vividly. Many of that Pride were slaughtered while they slept. Some fifty Pride males and twenty females," replied Nox with remorse.
"Aye, all were accounted for but Lia, the Fae mate of Barric. She was heavy with her first cub, a female, at the time of the attack. They found Barric decapitated, sword in hand. I was fifteen summers but I recall their joining; she was a stunning beauty with hair like my mate, Daii."
"Yes, she had hair the color of moonbeams. Gods, Blaise you think Aria might be the cub?"
"There's a chance. If this is the case and Tanz can make her morph, her cat will return her body as Pride. My guess is if this is Lia's cub, the Druiks have used some way to prevent her hearing her cat. They used a device pushed under the skin with Zandor when they kidnapped him, but I believe that was a recent invention. Mayhap, if she has been in the Human realm for some years, they've used other means."
"I will return to Other World at once and instruct Tanz." Blaise placed a hand on his shoulder. "If she is Rio's mate, likely she belongs to Tanz, as well. It would please the Lady if you forgave Tanz and gave him into my safe keeping."
Nox leveled his deep emerald gaze on Blaise's face; Blaise met his look with a frown. The power Nox exuded shimmered heavy in the air, as intense as the eye of a hurricane. A frond of Nox's long hair brushed against Blaise's shoulder, charged with magyck and the skin on his arm pebbled. He held his breath until Nox nodded slowly.
"You are the Lady's Champion, and I know you speak for Her. She's not spoken to me for some time, Blaise, so I will grant you this request."
"I'm in your debt."
"So it would seem." Nox grinned, drew a Circle of Light in the air, and stepped through.
Chapter Twelve
Rio stood patiently still as his squire removed his clothes. He flicked a glance to Hawke, who stood leaning against the doorframe. His brother had found the fight an amusing distraction.
"So why don't you morph and stop acting like a cub; surely you're not enjoying those injuries. Then again, if it's pain you need I could arrange a session in the Play Room for you. I hear Zandor has a set of very fine leather whips." Rio lifted one shoulder in a small shrug and headed for the bathroom. "I don't remember asking for sympathy, Hawke. Why don't you go and play with Nox. I hear he's looking for a new lover and he has this thing about males with long, blond curly hair."
"Well, you should know; I bet he's had your ass plenty of times. They say he's hung like a horse . . . now if that was true, I might enjoy the ride. I must say the last Fae male I had was quite an experience. They do this thing, you know . . . ?" Rio put his hand up. "Yeah, I know all about that, but my squire is under age and I'd rather he find out what it is when he's old enough." He looked over his shoulder to see his squire slipping out of the door, red faced, his arms loaded with dirty clothes. "Now look what you've done, Hawke; the poor cub will be frightened to be alone with me."
"You worry too much about the servants. Who cares what they think? Anyhow, what I came by for is to ask you if you're planning to come to the next female scenting?
I think it's time I found my mate," Hawke replied, following him into the bathroom. Rio stepped into the steaming tub, the water hit his bruised, raw flesh and he winced at the sting. The thought of standing in a line while the females of the other Prides came forward one by one to be scented made his stomach lurch. Gods, he had found his mate, why would he, could he even imagine he might find another.
"No, I may return to Other World. I enjoy being with Nox . . . like you say, he's hung like a horse."
"Well, while you're there mayhap you can get me an invite to one of his famous orgies?"
Rio grinned despite his inner turmoil Yes, he had heard of Nox's orgies. "I'll see what I can do."
"Great, now morph for the Lady's sake; you look awful," replied Hawke and turned on his heel and sauntered away whistling.
Rio slipped down into the steaming water; no, he needed the pain to dull the ache in his heart. Tipping his head back against the marble tub, he closed his eyes and thought of Tanz and Aria. Their images floated like ghosts through his mind, so close. If he could just reach out and touch them, draw them into the now.
* * * * *
Tanz stood in the great hall, taking in the splendor of the ancient building. Never in his life had he seen such a romantic place. Heavy blocks of black granite rose up around him, their depressing darkness covered by magnificent wall hangings and paintings. Knight Watch princes argued over a game of cards or lounged contentedly, drinking Miza. Children darted around, playing in safe contentment, females sat conversing on silk sofas, all looked at ease here in Feltich Castle . . . until he noticed guards standing to attention beside every entrance.
Warm scents of hot bread and fancies wafted from a laden table, and the sweet perfume from the many bowls of exotic blooms standing in abundance throughout the hall. He waited, wings folded as Nox had insisted, until King Blaise lifted his head and beckoned him forward. When the great King of Knight Watch stood, a quiver of recognition went through him. This male so resembled Rio, but as he stepped closer a second male came to stand by Blaise's right hand. Tanz dragged in a breath to steady himself, believing he was looking at Rio's twin. Both huge males, Rio's brothers bore his striking dark angel features; both had hair falling like black water down their backs. He swallowed hard. Prince Dare stepped forward with a smile, introduced himself, and welcomed him and turned to present him to King Blaise. Dare had amethyst eyes, so soft and his voice held a gentle tone. He had heard stories from Nox about, Blaise, the Lady's Champion, a fearless warrior who fought the gods of the Underworld to save his mate. The king turned to him, offering his arm in friendship. Tanz gripped his arm, trembling under his midnight blue gaze.
"Tanz, thank you for coming to Dryad at such short notice. I know Nox has given you orders but might I ask you a favor?"
"I am at your command, Sire."
"My brother, Rio, is suffering terminal melancholy. I believe your mission is to resolve this by seeking out Aria d'Lion; my wish is you speak to Rio before you leave. I think he'll find your visit comforting."
Tanz drew a deep breath, despair washing over him. How would he survive this injustice? How cruel to send him to save his lover's mate, so Rio would never want him. If she was, indeed, Rio's true mate, could he lie and say she was a Druik plant so Rio would turn back to him? Could he live watching his lover die a little each day without her? He watched King Blaise narrow his eyes and glance at Dare. He cleared his throat. "Yes, of course, Sire. I'll do anything I can to help Rio."
"Good, my squire will take you to him."
Tanz bowed and followed the squire, resplendent in red silk, from the great hall. He marveled at the ancient castle as they moved through soft-lit corridors and up well-worn sandstone staircases, twisting in spirals to a quiet floor above the great hall. Guards waited before a thick studded door, which opened to a wide hallway, the dark walls covered with a fine collection of arms. The squire led him down a red-carpeted passageway and stopped when a young male stepped out of an open doorway.
"A visitor for your master. Please announce, Tanz of Other World, by request of the king."
The young male turned to Tanz.
"My master is not well; he reclines in his bath and will not allow me to attend him. I fear your journey is wasted, sir."
Tanz
smiled at the pair of troubled faces. "Rio is my friend; I'm here by the king's request to cheer him up. Go about your business; I will go in and see him. There is no need to announce me."
Turning the large copper handle on the door that led to Rio's quarters, he gave the boys a sharp nod and stepped inside, locking the door behind him. He glanced around the opulent sitting room and strolled through a doorway into a large, comfortable bedroom with a massive cushion-covered bed. Doors opened into a slate floored bathroom. In the center sat a tub made of white marble, big enough to fit six men. He caught sight of Rio's battered body and his voice caught in his throat, all thoughts of his mission fleeing. He went to him, sat on the edge of the tub, and reached out to push a lock of wet hair off his bloody face.
Rio sighed; he wanted to stay in this dream-like state, where he could almost touch Tanz and Aria. The touch on his face reminded him of his mother and his eyes flashed open at the thought. Dear Lady, now his sight was playing tricks on him! He scrubbed his hands over his face and inhaled. That scent could only be ―Tanz. He gazed up into his angelic face. His toes curled. "Tanz, gods, is it really you?"
"Yes, it's me, Rio. Blaise sent me to see you."
Rio pushed himself up, stepped from the tub, and dragged a towel around his hips. He reached for Tanz, but the other man stepped away, his eyes filled with sorrow.
"Rio, I've to go and look for Aria. To make sure she hasn't been bewitched or drugged. Nox and Blaise both believe she's your mate; I'm to go and instruct her how to change into her cat. Then she will change back into to a Pride female and you'll have your happy ever after," he said harshly.
Rio touched his cheek and Tanz stiffened. Regret stabbed through him. Hell, he had cut Tanz so deep he still bled. "I love you . . . I'm so sorry I've hurt you."
"Will you still love me when I bring Aria back to you? Or will you cast me aside again?"
The look of betrayal in Tanz's eyes broke his heart; he cupped his face and brushed his lips. "No, I'll never stop loving you, I promise."
Tanz looked up into eyes burning deep amber, cat's eyes. Placing his hands firmly on Rio's chest, he gently pushed him away. "What about Aria?"
"I love her too; without her I die a little every day. I need both of you. You must believe me, Tanz, we need her . . . you will see she belongs to both of us. " Tanz fought the overpowering desire to fall into his arms and taste his lips, to love him. Under his hands, Rio's heart pounded and his chest heaved. "I want to believe you, but after all that's happened . . . ."
Rio dragged him into his strong arms and crushed his mouth; Tanz's hands went instinctively into Rio's damp hair, pulling him close. Their tongues stroked and he moaned, tasting Rio's rich scent. He pushed against the solid strength of him and tried to forget the pain in his heart. Rio licked a path down his neck, and needle sharp fangs sank into his neck. Tanz shuddered with emotion and cried out Rio's name. Heat flooded into his loins. His prince released his venom, sending waves of rapture right down to his toes. Rio's love poured over him, he fell into his mind, discovered the truth and the torture that consumed his lover. The room blurred and tears burned his eyes and streamed down his cheeks. Rio lifted his chin and looked at him intently.
"You belong to me now and you're never leaving me, Tanz . . . no, not ever again."
Rio held Tanz close. The faerie sobbed in his arms, trembling. Kissing a path along his jaw, he licked the tears from his cheeks and purred close to his ear. "I want you so much; come to bed with me."
"I would like that; I wish I could stay here." Tanz rested his head on Rio's shoulder.
"Nox gave me orders; I'm to leave immediately. I'm staying in his penthouse. My things are already there. Nox said Aria would most likely be in Moon Fire and suffering."
"Lady's blood, I've not thought of that probability. I must come with you; if this is true she'll need me."
"No! If this is a Druik trick, they won't be expecting me. Let me go, Rio. If she belongs to you, I'll bring her back . . . I promise."
"But if she's in Moon Fire she'll be in pain, she'll need my scent to placate her."
"I've magyck to deal with that and Nox assures me another bite will restore her Moon Fire almost immediately. We can scry her, Rio, to see what's happening," he said, reaching for the hand mirror on the vanity.
They sat on the bed and stared into the mirror. Rio concentrated on Aria and cast the scrying spell. The mirror became a mass of thunderclouds swirling, first one way and then the other before it cleared. The darkened room showed a lump on the bed, a heap of writhing, pitiful female. Aria's bone white face came into view. Rio touched the surface and moaned. Her eyes were closed and rimmed with dark circles; her bruised body looked so frail.
"She's still at Nox's hotel; I must go to her."
Tanz's hand clasped on his arm and he growled then turned to look into Tanz's emerald gaze.
"No, let me do this . . . for us. Give me the tunic you wore today; your scent will sooth her enough to listen to me."
Rio pressed his tunic into Tanz's hands. "I love her, Tanz."
"I know."
His gaze held Tanz's for a split second; his heart thundered. His lover slipped from the bed, made a Circle of Light, and stepped through.
Chapter Thirteen
Aria lifted her head to the rap on the door; those damn cleaners would not leave her alone. She screamed in frustration, dragging the sheet over her head. "Go away."
"I'm coming in." The male voice replied.
Drawing the sheet from her sweat-soaked body, she peered out as a shadow slipped into the room.
"Stay where you are . . . I've got a gun!"
She bristled with fear. The intruder replied with a soft chuckle. Lord, she could smell him, and his earthy scent sent a quiver straight to her belly.
"I know different, Aria. I'm Tanz, Rio sent me."
Aria sat bolt upright in bed, clutching the sheets to her naked breasts and staring into the shadows.
"That asshole left me! Lying, cheating bastard promised me the earth and then told me, ' Sorry, Aria, I made a mistake.' He took my book when he left. Fucking pig, he's given me some sort of sex mad virus and . . . it hurts."
A tremble went through her the moment the man turned on a lamp. He looked like a faerie straight out of a children's novel. Long, almost white curls tumbled over his shoulders. He smiled and moss green almond eyes sparkled. He had high cheekbones and a turned up nose, and Lord, the most glorious dimples. He stood tall, with a sculptured body and muscles, the kind that moved under his clothes at every step. So, this is the Fae male that Rio loves, my rival, the man he left me to be with. He had the fucking gall to send him―what for? To show him off?
"I'm guessing you're the faerie Rio loves? If so, where are your wings?"
"I have wings. Yes, Rio loves me but he loves you too. I'm here to help you transform, if you'll let me," he said, stepping closer and dropping a black tunic on the bed.
Pain racked her body the instant Rio's pungent scent flowed to her from the tunic. Her pussy began to weep with need; she gasped and crawled into a tight ball.
"Take it away."
Tanz stepped forward, picked up Rio's tunic, and flung it on a chair. The darkened room stank; the entire suite reeked of sex, sweat, stale food, and rampantly aroused female. The room was frigid, the fire long gone, and yet her skin glistened with sweat. Overcome with compassion, he sat on the edge of the bed, taking in the bruises on her face and neck, and Rio's prominent bite. What had he done to her to damage her like this? Lady's blood, had he beaten her? Recalling the tenderness Rio had always shown him, he tried to dismiss this abhorrent possibility from his head. He needed to get her out of this room. Thank the gods he had finally conquered the ability to jump. Clearing his throat, he met her emerald gaze. "Where are your bags? You must leave this room and get cleaned up"
"And why do you think I'm prepared to trust you?" she replied, lifting the sheet to her chin.
Tanz sighed. "Well, I could make you a
gree to anything I want, but as you are in no condition to help yourself, I suggest you do what I say. On the other hand, do you have a Human you want me to call? Maybe someone will understand when you tell them you've been bitten by a shape-shifter, you hear voices, and you have an insatiable lust for sex."
"My bags over there," she replied, pointing to an open suitcase on the dresser. Aware of her wrapping the sheet around her, he walked to the dresser, pushed the clothes and purse inside the case, and with a flick of his hand sent it to the penthouse. He turned to see her lift Rio's tunic and press it to her nose. He reached her just as she buckled in pain, scooped her into his arms, and jumped to the penthouse.
"What just happened? How did I get here?"Aria glanced around, her fingers tightening around his arm.
"You fainted; we're in my room. You'll be okay, you're safe with me. I must be honest, Aria, you don't smell so good, and how long has it been since you've eaten?"
"I had lunch with Rio," she said, her eyes filling with tears. Pushing her into a chair, he strode into the bathroom and filled the tub, emptying the remnants of a favorite faerie bubble bath from a bottle on the vanity. Hell, her scent, even her sweat, had got to him. As soon as he'd picked her up, his cock began to strain against the material of his pants. When he held her in his arms a hum of deep magyck collided with his senses, making him want to throw her to the floor and take her. He returned to the bedroom. She sat, eyes closed and head resting on the back of the chair. She looked so fragile sitting in the big armchair . . . so Fae
"Aria, can you manage to take a bath?"
He took her hand, rubbing it between his palms when her eyes opened and closed again. "Aria?"
"I can't walk . . . I'm sorry," she said, lifting her troubled gaze.