by V L Moon
“I’m here now, that’s what matters. Khurn will soon find out what it’s like to lose something when he loses his life. What he did to me was bad enough, but what Sage endured was far worse. I won’t rest until his blood is spilled.” Khad meant every word. He’d seen the damage inflicted on Sage. No female deserved to be treated like that.
His mother’s arms wrapped around him and squeezed him tight. She rested her cheek against his chest.
“Mother, are you going to hog our boy all night, or are we going to eat?” His father’s voice boomed throughout the house. His mother rolled her eyes and took a cleansing breath. She led Khad down into the kitchen where everyone was busy placing plates and food onto the huge table standing in the middle of the room. The lively atmosphere and banter between them was familiar and reminded him of his time with Alexa, Damian and Shaver. All three of them loved nothing more than to bait each other and run off at the mouth.
Khad took the seat between his father and Tobias while his mother took some time to speak to Sage and lay even more food on the already full table. Khad’s thoughts turned to his island pack and how hard Alexa and Damian worked to supply them with even the most basic of supplies. And yet, there he was ready to gorge on the fruits of his family’s success. It wasn’t right, and it definitely wasn’t fair. It played on his mind, not because he believed his family greedy, far from it. He just couldn’t help but care. Excusing himself from the table, Khad sought the nearest bathroom. He locked himself inside and pulled out his phone.
“Khad, babe, is everything ok?” Alexa’s voice over the sound of the club’s music brought tears to his eyes. “Hey! What’s wrong sunshine? We thought you’d be all wrapped up in all things home. Did you meet you mom? Did it go well? Khad, talk to me, baby.” Alexa’s concern broke his resolve. The tears started to fall as he came apart.
“She’s lovely. You’d really like her. Everything here is so different than it is at home. I want to come back so I can rip Trenton’s throat out for what he’s done to our pack.”
“Oh, honey. Don’t worry about that. Damian and I, we’ve got that covered. Just enjoy yourself and please thank your father for me. I wasn’t expecting him to send so much. It’s really taken the pressure off, and the pack is really going to appreciate knowing where it came from.”
For the first time in years, Khad recognized hope in Alexa’s voice. The last thing he wanted to do was dampen her spirits with his silly mood.
“He’s fine by the way, missing you like crazy, but Damian and I will look after him.”
Khad’s throat closed and his voice croaked out a whisper. “Okay.”
“Call me anytime, night or day, ok? Damian, Shay or me. We’ll always be here for you. You’re ours Khad. We miss you, but we want you to have fun, too.”
“I know and I will. I promise. I just…I needed to hear your voice and let you know I’m missing you guys. Don’t work Daimo into the ground; he’s getting old. Tell Shay…let him know…”
“I’ll let him know you called. But, you need to call him, too. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. I know it’s hard, but what you have to remember is that you’ve been friends a very long time. Don’t let anything change that. Now, get back to your family and have fun. Love you, kiddo. We all do.” Alexa sniffled, and then the phone went dead.
“I love you, too. All of you. Far more than you know.” Khad whispered into the silent room.
“You want to come out now?” A soft knock and a hushed voice beckoned him from the room. Khad opened the door and was immediately engulfed in his father’s arms.
“You’ve got the makings of a great Summus, Khad. You care about your people more than you care for yourself. I know you're hurting for them; I can feel it. I’m so proud of you, and don’t worry about your mate. He’ll wait for you. He’d be crazy not to.”
Jorn expressed himself so easily. Tobias did too, so why did he find it so difficult to tell Shaver exactly how he felt?
“Just a heads up, son. There’s a lot going on around here. I don’t mean to sound rude, or belittle you or your feelings because they matter to me more than anything. But, I do worry. You’ve been somewhat sheltered from a lot of the problems within our world. As Summus, I’m responsible for all of the wolves, not just the ones under my rule here.
“When we signed the treaty with Malachi to strengthen our ties and unite us as a force against our enemies, it was a double edged sword. By allying us with the vampires, we became a part of something much bigger than a treaty. We became a recognized force within the preternatural world. With that came an added threat and a responsibility to help others less fortunate than ourselves.
“Over the last few months, we’ve been host to many Nephilim. They’ve sought sanctuary from a Queen who not only abused them, but tortured them and forced them into heinous acts of depravity. Allied to the demon realm, their queen has forced a war upon us that we can no longer ignore. She’s putting everything we value at risk. If she succeeds in her vendetta against Malachi and the world we live in, I dread to think of the chaos this world would be thrown into.
“We would lose everything. The human world would become cattle, or worse, hosts for the demons. I can see the wonder in your eyes. Why am I telling you all of this now? Well, we have guests. Two very important males who are helping to relocate the Nephilim, offering them homes and training. I just want to prepare you. Arial on his own is a formidable sight to behold, but Bastian in his true form can be very frightening for someone unaccustomed to the demon world. They’re both very good friends and I’d appreciate it if you’d come and meet them,” Jorn explained, looking more worried than he needed to be.
Khad literally bounded down the stairs and skidded to an abrupt halt at the sight before him. Tobias was being held in an arm lock while an insanely huge male with the most beautiful set of wings knuckle rubbed the top of his head. The wings shimmered in a flow of deep yellow that turned into a stunning scorched orange and finished in a flame of blazing red. Khad was stunned by the sheer size and beauty of them as the two males tussled and fought over the last of the chocolate covered fruit.
“I know right. Talk about immature.” A deep voice vibrated from right beside him. Khad looked up, and up again. His jaw went slack at the male beside him, demon horns and all.
“I remember you, Khad. I tended to Sage though you weren’t around as much as the others.” The demon smiled and a few seconds later morphed into the human form of Bastian DeRhys.
“Bastian,” Khad gulped. “Oh my god! Sorry, I’ve only ever seen you in human form. I wanted to thank you for taking care of Sage.” Khad’s hand looked small compared to the one swallowing his as Bastian shook his hand. The doctor guided him toward the table where Roman had taken control by snagging the fruit for himself and feeding it to Tobias.
“Ugh. Get a room you two,” Arial snorted and turned his attention to Bastian.
“We’re planning to.” Tobias winked.
“Boys, do I need to remind you about playing nice inside my house?” His mother laughed when Arial took her by the hand and swung her around the room to the music playing in the background.
“Show off,” Tobias called out.
Khad laughed at the crazy antics going on his parent’s home. He’d never imagined it possible to have a relaxed atmosphere with so many different preternaturals within the same small space, but it worked. Even better, his parents and the other pack members happily accepted all of it without batting an eye. Khad couldn’t have wished for better kin.
He sat with everyone for a while after dinner, but after the chaos of the day, he needed a little space. Taking a beer from one of the ice buckets, he quietly slipped from the room and made his way out onto the porch surrounding the house. Yips and howls filled the air along with the singing crickets and hooting owls. Khad took in everything. The varying array of scents, the swirls and colors of the wolves’ spirit forms dancing on the air as their magic rose up to meet and welcome Khad home.
Humans thought the Aurora Borealis was a sight to behold; they were fools. Nothing compared to the gift of magic taking place before his eyes. So many colors, so many different shapes and forms, so much beauty; yet among them all was something entirely different. Something old and the magic that dwelled there was definitely not wolf.
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Chapter Fifty-Five
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Arial watched as the kid slipped away and made his way outside. The family resemblance was startling, but there was something different about the younger wolf, something odd that stoked Arial’s usually dormant curiosity. Beer in hand, Arial followed suit and slipped from the room to join the blonde haired male on the porch.
“Fresh one?” Arial held out the icy brew and smiled at Khad’s easy acceptance.
“Thanks.” The reply was flat. Arial followed the kid’s line of sight out toward the tree line.
“Whoa. I mean, oh wow, erm hi. Tobias was right. You really are spectacular.”
Arial chuckled as the young blonde stuttered and blushed. “I’m flattered. The name’s Arial, and I’m assuming you’re Khad considering how much you look like Tobias.” Arial held out his hand and gave his best impression of a smile. He was trying to be nice. Khad had obviously never crossed paths with his kind before.
“Your wings are beautiful, if you don’t mind me saying so.” Arial felt his cheeks heat. What was it with this kid?
“I don’t mind.”
Khad’s head twisted back around, his eyes going back to the trees. “You can sense them?” Arial asked, knowing what had caught Khad’s attention.
“Sense them? I can see them. Who are they?” Khad asked, but kept his sights firmly fixed on the bordering woodland.
“You can see them, as in actually see them?” Arial asked and blinked in surprise when the young wolf nodded. He’d only ever sensed the Fae, and even then he guessed it was mostly due to them wanting their presence to be known. Khad was the first preternatural to admit to being able to see them. Some humans claimed to have the ability, but that was because the Fae tainted their lineage by mating with humans. It worked the same way with the fallen, angels who for some unknown reason, fell in love with and mated with humans to produce offspring.
The only difference was that angels, for the most part, held on to their celestial grace, even when stripped of their wings. The Fae, however, were an anomaly. They were a dangerous race that no one completely understood. Their laws were a strange mix of magic, oaths, hearsay and promise. The last of which was never advised.
By making a promise to the Fae, a being tied themselves to the Fae. Depending on whether it was a light Fae or an Unseelie dark Fae, the bearer of that promise would either live a life of eternal bliss or suffer heartbreak and loss. It had been said that their beauty was false, a product of their magic used to draw humans into their web. The vampires used a similar trick when compelling humans.
“They make me uneasy; the way they watch but never show themselves,” Arial explained.
Khad gave him a shocked look. “I wouldn’t think anything could scare someone like you.” Awe colored the kid’s words. He was definitely Tobias’ brother, yet he had an air of innocence about him, something Tobias seriously lacked.
“Are you sure you’re related to T?” They both laughed before the sound of footsteps drew their attention toward the male approaching them across the quad.
“Lance, come and meet the new addition. He’s like a younger version of Tobias without the mouth,” Arial joked.
“I heard that.” The porch door swung open to reveal Tobias, sporting his usual cocky grin, and behind him stood Roman and Bastian. They spilled out onto the porch, heckling each other. It didn’t take long for the banter to die as they each became aware of the presence of the Fae.
“Sorry guys. I don’t know why they’re here. It sure as hell isn’t to check up on me.” Lance spoke up. Khad gasped drawing the attention of everyone on the porch.
“They ran. When Lance spoke, they ran back into the woods,” Khad announced. Arial could see the startled look on the faces of his friends.
“You can see them?” Lance asked, pushing past Bastian with a look of worry on his face. Khad nodded. His eyes widened as he lifted his hand to touch Lance’s face.
“You’re one of them. Your color may be different, but your magic is the same. You’re the reason they’re here.”
“I guess so, I just don’t get why. My father exiled me. I can never return. My only saving grace is that vampire blood runs through my veins. If not for that, my father would see me dead. Instead, he sends his scouts to watch over me. If I’m to die, it will be by his hand. So, he waits. He believes vampires to be soulless creatures which is crazy. In all of my years, I have yet to meet a vampire as ruthless or as dangerous as the Fae.
“I don’t mean to spoil your evening or tarnish your return to your family, but please, heed my warning. Stay away from them. If one should approach, show them respect but offer them nothing. Make no offers of friendship or promises of any kind. Once again, I apologize for their presence. Arial, a moment of your time if you please.” Lance inclined his head in respect and made his way from the porch. Arial followed leaving Khad with the others.
“Malachi wants us back in Rome by the end of the week. Saul’s and Kimberly’s mating has been set to take place before Bastian’s Crescente di Ordinare Cerimonia. He wants everyone in attendance. Jorn has agreed to watch over the Nephilim who want to stay here. The rest should be safely situated within their opted enclaves or pack lands. We have four troops of the highest skilled on standby. Laziel has ordered that two be sent to Thunder Bay, while the remaining two are to accompany us back to Rome, along with the injured male with the broken wings.”
Lance flushed and cleared his throat. “Laziel asked me to pass on a big girly kiss your way, but I’ll leave that for now.” Lance’s gaze pierced the darkness. The emanating purple glow often announced his arrival. Every bit as ethereal as Khad had described the Fae to be; yet, Lance used no enthrallment to conceal his features, which confirmed Arial’s earlier assumption that the Fae hid their real identities.
“I do.” Lance winked, flashing a smile brighter than his eyes. “Humans and preternaturals have a terrible affliction for beauty. While many of the Fae would have you running for the hills given the severity of their features, others would have you falling to your knees and pleading for them to bind you to them such is their beauty.” Lance smiled and tapped his temple before apologizing to Arial for hearing his thoughts.
“One of the traits I ended up with after being turned,” Lance explained. “I usually block people out, but I wanted you to know the truth.”
“Much appreciated, I think.” Arial chuckled. “So what’s the real reason you dragged me out here? You could have told me Malachi’s plans on the porch. It’s the boy isn’t it? You’re worried about him?”
“As I said before, there are many who claim to sense their presence, very few actually do. Preternaturals, mostly the wolves born of the Earth and not turned. It’s the same with the vampires, excluding Malachi of course. They are linked to the cycle of life. Wolves are very much in balance with the Earth, with its seasons. They’re a spiritual race; yet, few are born to the magic running through Khad’s veins. The fact that he can see them will draw them to him, so he really needs to heed what I said about keeping away.” The concern on Lance’s face was proof enough of the male’s concern.
“Is my son in danger?” Jorn growled from behind Arial. They turned to see the Summus with Tobias at his side. Worry tightened the lines by their eyes. They had only just found Khad, and knowing Tobias as well as he did, Arial knew losing the kid again would tear him apart. For all of his banter and ribald humor, Tobias was a fighter, an alpha in the making. There was no way he’d risk any harm coming to Khad. As for the Summus, Jorn’s power would rip a hole through the Earth if anything happened to his sons.
“I’m hoping not, sir. As soon as I return t
o Rome, the Fae will depart. They are here because of me. However, I have warned Khad against approaching them or talking to them should they confront him.” Lance apologized again and said his goodnights.
Arial cleared his throat loud enough to draw the wolves’ attention. “I have an idea. Lance passed on a message from Malachi for us to be in Rome by the end of the week. The Nephilim, for the most part, are all taken care of here. Some are being assigned to Thunder Bay and the rest will be returning to Rome with Bastian and me. There are two official ceremonies we all need to attend. Roman will have to be there as he’s an Elder. Because of the treaty, the wolves will need to send an envoy. Why don’t we take Khad with us, show him the sights and let him have some fun? You can keep tabs on the Fae while we’re gone. And if what Lance suspects is true, there will be nothing to worry about once we bring Khad home.”
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Chapter Fifty-Six
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Rome, Italy
“Most of them are young so don’t go in there all fierce. You’ll scare them to death.”
“We’re at war; we aren’t having an ice cream social.” Malachi tugged on his leather jacket and checked his underarm holster. He didn’t usually carry weapons; he preferred his own natural defenses. But, Laziel insisted.
“Come on, Batman. You can do the Bruce Wayne schmooz. I’ve seen it.” Laziel tucked a slim dagger into his back pocket. Malachi growled lightly when the angel groped his ass and tugged him closer.
“I promise not to kill any of them. That’s all you’re getting out of me. They want to be coddled and babied, that’s Arial’s job. He should know their strengths and weaknesses and what they want out of their freedom. I will not make any of them fight if that’s not their desire.” Clariel’s short life and heroic but senseless death was still a raw spot. He should have been safe in Malachi’s enclave under Malachi’s protection.