He pointed down and the floor opened under each person and swallowed then beneath the surface. Their dad strolled along, gazing down at the beings in the floor.
“Try to get out.” Satadal urged as he walked. “I know you can do it. Good, firebirds, that’s the way to do it. You almost have it. Reapers, don’t make me come get you. You can get out. Gargoyles, use your smarts and come on. Anyone who gets out will get a chance to go up against all my boys. Believe me, you want to fight with them to pick up some tips that will make you a good combatants.”
His dad continued, calling each being by what they were as he walked. He didn’t know their names but knowing his dad, Zyric knew he would before he left the room.
“I missed his subtlety.” Lethra chuckled.
“Yeah.” Zyric shook his head. “He’s a good trainer.”
“Yes. We learned a lot from him and Father,” Lethra replied. “Zayal was fire to his ice and together they made us warriors.”
Zyric and his brothers agreed.
“You need to stop holding back and do as Dad and Mom has shown. Teach them.”
“I’m not sure if I won’t unintentionally kill them,” Lethra admitted. “I’ve honed my skills over the years and it’s automatic to go for the kill for perseverance.”
“I trust you to control it. For you to have survived as you have, it takes control. For you to have not killed every Blackstone you took, it took that formidable control you always had. So don’t tell me you think you will unintentionally kill one of them,” Zyric said.
Sin and Savage grunted in agreement. Their mom was silent, just watching on, amused.
“What is the real reason?”
“I didn’t mean to knock Sabra out when I went to save you.” Lethra rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. “I just did it. Instinct took over and all else faded. That she is—”
“Yours doesn’t mean anything,” Savage said.
“She’s not mine.” Lethra scowled at him. “I killed many of her family. How could she possibly get over that? If someone killed those I cared about, I would not be so forgiving.”
“It’s different when it’s your bond shadow,” Savage said. “When you are true mates. There are obstacles but you have to do anything to overcome them. Lethra, you will figure it out with Sabra. Zyric, well…good luck with Pandora.”
“You’re going to need it.” Sin laughed.
“Thanks a lot, guys.” Zyric glared at them. “You could be helpful and give me some insight into her.”
“All we can tell you… She is Pandora,” Savage said.
“Unpredictable is all you should think of.” Sin shook his head. “If you think she is going to go left, she will go right. Pandora doesn’t do what is typically expected.”
“So that hasn’t changed about her.” Zyric smiled, liking that it hasn’t. “Does she still get all pissy if you call her weird?”
“Yes,” the twins said in unison.
“Okay.” Zyric glanced back and grinned, pleased to see a few of the beings had gotten out.
“I’m going to stop holding back and train them,” Lethra said firmly.
“And Sabra?” Zyric asked.
“There is nothing there to discuss.” Lethra rolled his shoulders.
“Damn, you are stubborn.” Zyric pushed at him playfully. “Fine, I’ll drop it for now. So are you ready to show them how it is done?”
“Yeah.” Lethra grinned and the familiar smirk made Zyric know what was to come would be fun.
Lethra sauntered over to his dad. He placed his hand on his dad’s shoulder then winked. Lethra spun then salsa danced before he pivoted and brought up a ball of power and flung it at the raven shifter.
“He’s always been a showboat.” Sin snickered. “Always had to have some flair. He’s like Mom.”
His mother smacked him at the back of the head. Sin rubbed it, moving closer to her and giving her a sorry face.
“And he always tried to get away with shit by using that look,” Zyric said.
“Yeah.” Savage sighed. “Always was getting me in trouble too.”
The whiz of power lit the air as Lethra trained. The surprise the push created filled Zyric’s senses. The men and women hadn’t realized Lethra was so powerful.
“Are you all coming to get in on the fun?” Lethra called.
Zyric glanced at him. Lethra levitated over the beings below. He had his palm flat and was flicking power with his other hand using his forefinger.
“Ping, there goes another.” Lethra twirled in the air and kept shooting at those below. “This is fun, like shooting skeet.”
“Skeet!” a man roared. He flew up in the air, shifting into a firebird. “I’m no fucking skeet.”
“Then stop holding back.” Lethra opened his arms then in seconds, whips appeared in each hand and he used them to rope the firebird.
The bird shrieked as they captured him. It thrashed and made a pulse of power but it couldn’t get free.
“You can do better than that,” Lethra taunted. “Come on, birdie. Get loose of the mean old Shadower. Come on. I dare you.”
“Oh boy…he still taunts you so you want to kill him.” Sin shook his head.
“That’s Lethra,” Zyric and Savage said together.
“Let’s go get in on it,” Sin suggested.
They went to join Lethra. Their dad went to stand by their mom. Zyric opened his hand and his scythe came into form.
“Really. Isn’t that sort of cliché?” Lethra said above him.
Zyric held it up and, using the point, zapped him in the ass. Lethra narrowed his eyes then lowered himself to the floor. He held out his hand and brought his battle ax. It gleamed in the light. Lethra lifted it over his head, using the chain to whirl it over his head. It made a chilling whizzing sound in the air.
“Let’s see who can take out the most students.” Lethra studied him. “Loser has to watch the other’s favorite TV series.”
“Ah hell, not Star Trek.” Zyric frowned. “I heard of your obsession with it.”
“Hey, there is nothing wrong with Star Trek,” Savage said.
“To you.” Zyric nodded. “You’ve got a wager. You’ll love Leverage.”
“What is that?”
“The show you’ll be watching when you lose,” Zyric said.
He pivoted and skidded across the floor, knocking over people like pins. “That’s a one, a two, a three…”
He kept counting. Lethra laughed and Zyric sensed him coming behind him. As he fought, Zyric thought of Pandora and wondered what she was up to. He made a mental note to be prepared for her to be unpredictable.
* * * *
Pandora paced in her office. She’d been invited to lunch but had declined. As she watched Sin and Savage leave with their father, Pandora knew she had made the right decision. She had been spending too much time with Zyric. At her house, she’d gotten used to watching TV with him while their various animals lay around them. He was surprisingly easy to talk to and they had a lot of things in common. A love for bantering was one thing. The taste they shared in music was another. Pandora was finding a lot of little things that she was starting to enjoy about Zyric. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. Her phone rang and she went to answer.
“This is Pandora.” She focused on work, pushing him out of her mind.
* * * *
Hours later, Pandora checked the stovetop grill then closed it before she went to the stove. She stirred the rice.
“You know Zyric is really a pain in my butt.” She glanced at the animals with her. “Don’t you agree?”
The tiger flicked its tail, staring at her while the hawk was perched on the counter above him. The cat and dogs were curled up by the tiger. They were always near and she’d become used to talking to all of them, as she usually did with her dogs.
“Yeah, I’m right. He’s like this Mr So Suave and sure he will get his way. Humph…like I’m a pushover who will fall at his feet and say ‘take me now’.
He’d wait for that one. If I was so inclined, I would more likely make a move and seduce him—not that I’m going to do that. But he’s so damn cute. I know he said he wasn’t cute, but he is.” She put down the lid of the pot before she went and sat by the kitchen island. “Also, the brow furrowing things when he is studying me like he is trying to dissect me is so damn adorable. I baffle him and that I love. I wonder how he’d look with his shirt completely off. I bet he’s ripped…all muscled and stuff.”
The tiger whined and put its paw over his eyes. Pandora frowned, wondering what its problem was. The hawk shrieked then covered its face with its wing.
“You all are some strange, strange pets. What is your problem?” Pandora didn’t expect an answer since they couldn’t talk. She placed her hand under her chin, staring off into space. “Yes, he’ll have a wonderful chest. One I’ll want to sink my teeth into. Rarw…” She snapped her teeth.
The tiger and hawk again made pained sounds. She glanced at them, concerned.
“Are you getting sick?” she asked.
They shook their heads. It was eerie how they did it together. She had checked earlier and they were just animals she didn’t know how they had mannerisms that reminded her of humans.
“Anyway, where was I?” Pandora went back to daydreaming. “I’d sink my nails into that firm flesh. Damn, if he ma—”
“Pandora,” Zyric called then the door slammed.
She hadn’t heard him open the front door. “In the kitchen.”
Moments later, he came in. He had a broad smile on his face. Pandora tapped her hand over her heart. The joy on his face made her breath catch. Zyric lifted his head and sniffed.
“Something smells good.” Zyric came over to her and leaned against the counter. “Steak.”
“Yes. I’m fulfilling your actually converting me to liking Leverage.” Pandora pursed her lips
“Love Leverage. You’re the one who has started searching it out whenever it is on.”
“Okay I love it. But I don’t have to hunt for when it’s on anymore.” Pandora picked up the bag she had on the high-backed stool next to her. She set it on the counter.
Zyric looked at it then her. Pandora gestured for him to open it. He took the bag and pulled out the package.
“The entire five seasons of Leverage.” Zyric laughed. “I created a Leverage fanatic.”
“I just don’t want to wait to see what happens. Also, we can start from the beginning so I can see how it started.” Pandora shrugged.
“I’m willing.” Zyric placed the package down. “This is good to have. I was planning to get a set. My brothers will be coming over to watch it sometimes.”
“Why?”
“Lethra and I tied on a bet we made.” Zyric filled her in.
Pandora went to check the steak and the side dishes. She plated the food and set it before him and one next to him. The tiger rose and came to the chair.
“None for you. This is human food,” Pandora said.
“Oh, I forgot… Aldis and Kyrian, your houses are ready,” Zyric said to hawk then tiger respectively.
“Their house are—” Pandora eyes widened.
A pale yellow mist covered the tiger then a man rose from the smoke. A white shirt covered his broad chest and his black jeans fitted him perfectly. Deep red fumes swirled around the hawk then a man sat in the stool across from her. He was all in black, his shirt and pants a similar style to the other man’s. Pandora stared at the two men then her eyes narrowed as she thought of all she had told them since she’d thought they were animals. The men exchanged glances then grinned at her. Their similar features made her realize they were related. The intensity of their pale blue gazes reminded her of the animals they had been posing as.
“How’d you do that?” she demanded.
“Fool you to thinking we were animals?” Kyrian replied in a deep, rumbly voice.
“We know Sirens can usually sense what other beings are but we’re adept at hiding what we are. It’s a matter of life of death in some cases.” Aldis’ tone was sensual and smooth.
“First Zyric masked what he is, now you two. I don’t like it one bit.” Pandora crossed her arms over her chest.
“Let us formally introduce ourselves.” Kyrian came to take her hand and lifted it to his lips. “I’m Kyrian T’jalike, and I’m a hybrid, similar to Zyric. My mix is a Reaper and Sidhe.”
“Stop hogging her.” Aldis pushed him out of the way. “I’m Aldis T’jalike and I’m a Sidhe. My brother is a flirt, so be leery.” He winked.
“Pot calling kettle black,” Kyrian said.
“Let her go.” Zyric pushed the men away from her. “Pandora, these used to be two of my best friends.”
“You love us,” Kyrian teased.
“He does.” Aldis wiggled his eyebrows.
“That is changing rapidly,” Zyric retorted, but there was a smile on his face. “Pandora, these were the two men who saved me when Blagden tried to have me killed. Kyrian is the seer who saw what he had planned.”
She inclined her head to him. Kyrian did the same and in his eyes, she saw he wanted to talk. She put her head down again to see he understood.
“Why didn’t you tell me they were not just animals?” Pandora poked Zyric in the side.
“Ummm…planned to tell you after that first day but—” Zyric smiled sheepishly.
“He forgot,” Aldis interjected.
“He was so enraptured with your beauty he couldn’t think straight because of it,” Kyrian said.
“Shut up, you two.” Zyric sighed. “This is what I have to put up with. I honestly meant to tell you but each time I tried, you would tell me to stop being jealous of my pets and wouldn’t listen to me.”
Pandora thought of what he said then replied, “Yes, that’s true. You should have tried harder.” She glared at the men across from them. “And you two should have revealed yourself before. To think I was worried because I never saw you all eat. But Zyric said not to worry. Now I know why. I really do want to know how you mask what you are from others. It’s a handy weapon to have.”
“It is. Catches others unaware. We’ll show you,” Aldis offered.
“Sounds good. Where are your houses? Maybe I’ll come for a visit.” Now she knew the animals were really men, she was curious about them. She wanted to know these men who knew Zyric better than anyone else.
“Through the clearing at the back of your property.” Kyrian waved his hand. “We brought the property and created a second house for Aldis, so we each have our own space but are close to each other. You’re welcome to come visit anytime. Thanks for your hospitality.”
“Thanks.” Aldis exchanged looks with Kyrian then the men moved swiftly.
They pulled Zyric back from her.
“Hey.”
Fabric ripped and the men strolled away, waving pieces of Zyric’s shirt. Pandora gulped as she viewed Zyric’s bare chest. It was even more beautiful than she thought it would be.
“You’re welcome, Pandora,” Kyrian said as they went out of the door.
She covered her mouth, laughing. Zyric stared after the men then turned to look at her.
“Why do I feel like I’m missing something?”
“Not missing a thing at all.” Pandora gestured to the food. “You ready to eat.”
“Sure.” Zyric made a shirt appear on his body, covering up.
Disappointed to lose the sexy view, Pandora hoped she would see him naked again. Zyric sat and picked up his fork then Pandora did the same. As they ate, they started talking about their days. When their meal was finished, they cleaned up before going to the living room. Pandora sat on the couch with her leg beneath her. She sipped her wine, watching as Zyric slid in the first DVD of Leverage. Moments later, Zyric sat beside her and she handed him his glass of wine. Pandora relaxed beside him as the opening credits came on.
“Pandora.”
“Hmmm…”
“If you wanted to see me without my shirt, all you had to
do was ask.”
“So noted for next time.” Pandora lifted the wine glass to hide her smile. It was more fun when the men had ripped it off.
“Don’t think I don’t know you are smiling over there.”
“How would you know that?” she asked.
“I’m getting to know you, Pandora.” It sounded like a promise.
“Be careful,” Pandora warned.
“I can take anything you dish out, Pandora.”
Chapter Four
“I’m heading out for a run,” Zyric said, as he came into the living room. “Do you want to come?”
“Nope.” Pandora looked up from where she lay on the couch.
“Okay.” Zyric squatted beside her then touched her hand. “Maybe sometime when I ask you, you’ll come.”
“Maybe.” Pandora tweaked his nose.
“See you later.” Zyric wrinkled his nose before rising.
“Later.”
As he walked away, she stared at his running shorts hugging his ass. Since that day a month ago when she had seen his bare chest, she’d been hyper aware of him. Every time Zyric touched her, she felt his desire pushing at her. Yet she couldn’t read his thoughts, just as she hadn’t been able to before. Even if she could, she wouldn’t have intruded like that. She only used that gift when necessary. Pandora sat up then stood. She went into the kitchen then out of the back door before going down the patio stairs. At the base of the steps, she scrunched her toes into the soil before she headed off to the forest beyond. When she reached the trees, she went through the path that had become familiar. Stopping, she picked a flower and sniffed before she kept going.
“Pandora,” Kyrian said above her.
She looked up and he was perched in a tree staring at her. Kyrian jumped from the tree, landing lightly on his feet and moving toward her. The ripple of power in his motions was sleek and predatory. He paused in front of her.
“We need to talk.”
“I’ve been trying to talk to you for weeks.” Pandora lifted a shoulder. “But you kept putting me off.”
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