by CJ England
Hell's Gate was quiet. While most of the hell beasts had been destroyed, some were caught and tossed back in. A few made it passed the shade army and escaped into the woods beyond. Those would be hunted down, but now they were more concerned about the Gate itself.
"We can't trust it,” Lucas said.
"No,” agreed Danolas. “But it is part of the natural order. We cannot do away with it entirely."
"I have an idea,” Koran offered. He was redoing the numbing spell on Benjamin. The big man was sweating from the pain he was in, but there hadn't been time yet to repair his arm.
"We're listening.” Gallegar had Kira by the hand. She had told him about Robin and Charlotte and he hadn't let go of her since.
"We all know we can't trust the demons within the Gate, even though we have defeated them this time. But we also know we must allow the Gate to stay open for shades that are called to make their final journey."
"True,” Patrick admitted. “So what do we do?"
"The wards have been a great help. They even saved the warded ones that were pulled into the Gates unnaturally.” Koran nodded at Beiron and the shade leaders that were freed from the Gates evil after the battle had ended. Beiron made a special effort to find them all and hold them until Kira could work her magick on them.
"What we could do,” the faerie continued, “is build a one-way warding around the Gate. Shades can go in, but once in, they must stay. No one who is within the warding can come out. Shades or demons ... they will be caught."
"Couldn't the demons break free?” Kira asked.
"Koran and I have the power now to make the thing impenetrable.” Danolas grinned. “A gift from you and Gallegar."
Kira blushed and the Chosen laughed.
"Make it so...” Gallegar said, as he pulled Kira into his arms. He glanced up at the sky. “Dawn draws near. I must get my people home."
"I will take Benjamin back to The Keep and Koran and I will repair his arm.” Danolas nodded at the weary Suprahuman.
"Will he be okay?” Kira asked worriedly. She pulled out of Gallegar's arms and went to Benjamin. “My sovereign, does it hurt much?"
Benjamin gave a tired chuckle. “Not now. That numbing spell is great. But when it wears off ... whew!"
"It will be fixed before it wears off again,” Koran promised.
"I think I'll go with you guys.” Lucas bent and helped Benjamin to his feet. “Gotta stay with my partner here."
Patrick sighed. “It's a good thing I don't tire. This place is a mess. I've got a hell of a lot to do."
Gallegar clapped the shade on the back. “You have done your people proud, Patrick. Not only have you fixed the Gates of Heaven and Hell, you protected your people against a terrible enemy. No one will doubt your leadership now."
Patrick grinned and his dimple flashed. “The best thing that ever happened to me was y'all walking though my front door. If you hadn't—"
"As we have said before,” Kira interrupted, her love for the men around her glowing in her golden eyes. “We are a team. And it was as a team we have won this battle and defeated Adrian.” She shivered, remembering the hate glazed eyes of the wizard as he died.
"Aye.” Gallegar smiled as he put a possessive arm around her. “The war may still be on, but we have struck decisively this day. And we have much to do tomorrow."
"The demons will not underestimate us again,” Patrick murmured. “We should get the Gates and their wardings in place as soon as we can."
"Yeah...” Lucas grumbled. “But can we eat first? I'm starving!"
They all burst into laughter, welcoming the levity, after the horror of the night.
Danolas wiped his eyes. “Come home with us, my friend. Louie will take care of you."
Gallegar frowned, as he looked down at Kira. “Perhaps you should go with them, A Ghra ... You will need sustenance as well."
Golden eyes smiled up at him. “I will be fine with what I find in the kitchen at Sanctuary.” She sent a narrow mind-beam to him. And what I am hungry for cannot be found at The Keep.
Gallegar's eyes glowed hot and he cleared his throat. “We should go."
Danolas chuckled. The desire between Kira and Gallegar was strong enough to see. “Yes, you should, before we all need to find a woman. Right now, Benjamin can't handle that."
At that, both Kira and Gallegar turned red.
* * * *
Gallegar washed the soap from his long hair. They made it back to Sanctuary with time to spare before dawn. Both Gallegar and Kira had been busy doctoring the injuries of those vampires that had been wounded in battle.
He'd looked over once to see Kira surrounded by a group of vampires, all who wanted the Peacekeeper to heal their wounds. They treated her with respect and the deference she deserved. He didn't worry about any harm done to her, but he felt himself getting jealous when he saw those same vampires look at her with adoration in their eyes.
He'd walked over and watched as she finished treating a shoulder wound. Then, he had sent her below to clean up. All he'd had to do is look at the male vampires. They finished bandaging each other.
He sighed, and turning, let the full blast of the water hit his face. He wasn't jealous of Lucas anymore ... well, not really. Now he was jealous of anyone else who came near her. He was in sorry shape.
He jumped, as two gentle hands slid down his naked body. He turned swiftly and pulled a laughing Kira into his arms. “A Ghra..."
"I scared you,” she hooted in glee.
A smile played around his lips. “You had already showered. I didn't expect you to come back inside."
Kira's eyes warmed. “I didn't come back in for a shower.” Smiling, she ran her hands down his naked back and squeezed his butt.
Gallegar's body reacted quickly to her touch. “Then what did you come back in for, A Ghra..."
Her busy hands moved around and traced a line from his chest to his groin. She leaned in and took one nipple into her mouth and sucked.
He groaned as he hardened instantly at her touch. “Let me dry off. When we get into bed...” He stopped when she shook her head.
"No ... I want you here. Now."
He could only close his eyes as she began kissing him. Her sweet lips moved across his chest, drawing his already hard nipples into her mouth and biting them gently.
"Kira...” he groaned. He braced himself against the wall, out of the spray.
"All mine.” She licked him, gently running her tongue down his side and up again. “I love to touch you."
Gallegar gritted his teeth. “You are doing a fine job of it."
"Ummm,” she hummed to herself. She ran her tongue down the center of his hard stomach and tasted the indent there. His muttered imprecation filled her with delight. Kneeling, she continued, running her tongue down the thin line of hair to Gallegar's groin. She slowed as she got the scent of his arousal and buried her nose in the soft hair that grew there.
He groaned again. He grabbed at her head. “Kira."
"Don't touch.” She pulled his hands away, before running her nose all around his hot throbbing shaft. She breathed in the musky aroma that surrounded him. It made her mouth water, as she bent further and traced the tight sac of his balls with her tongue. The sac jumped and he let out a muffled curse, making her giggle.
Straightening a little, she licked the underside of his shaft, feeling his groan right down to her toes. Her own body began to tingle with arousal. She continued licking, until she came to the vein that protruded just below the head. Instinctively, she flicked her tongue back and forth.
Gallegar felt his knees buckle as he leaned against the wall. His body was already aching to possess Kira's but he knew she wasn't finished with him yet. He could see it in her golden eyes. If he himself hadn't taken her innocence, he would be suspicious how she knew just where to touch him. When her tongue circled the head of his cock, he couldn't help it. He grabbed the back of her head and held her there.
"A Ghra ... ” he begged. “P
lease."
She smiled and shook her head free. She touched the tip of her tongue to the slit in the head of his penis. Gallegar breathed in hard, his eyes glowing hot green as he watched her. His muscles were so tense, he wondered if they would shatter before she was done teasing him.
She lapped at him again, tasting his musky, salty essence for the first time. She licked her lips, enjoying it, taking the time to get all the salty liquid off, before moving on and running her tongue up his hard penis and back into the musky curls. She didn't stop there, but turned and licked back up the shaft until she was back at the head. Looking up, her gold eyes met Gallegar's burning green ones.
Smiling, she took him into her mouth.
Gallegar threw back his head and groaned out her name.
Kira ignored him, enjoying the feeling of him in her mouth. The salty taste was stronger now and she could feel the controlled strength of the man whom she held. She moved her mouth up and down, sucking gently. When she got to the head, she ran her tongue over the underside, flicking at the throbbing vein she felt there.
He felt the burning start deep inside, knowing he wouldn't last much longer. Although they had never loved this way before, she had brought him quickly to a place, and if he didn't move soon, he would explode down her throat.
He pulled at her gently, but she ignored him, sucking him back deep into her mouth. Holding onto her head, he moved with her, hoping to control her motions. Soon, even that became too much for him. Bending down, he pulled her off him, his cock popping out of her mouth.
"Gallegar!"
He wasn't listening. Backing up, he lifted her and braced her against the wall. Spreading her legs, he drove into her with one hard thrust. They both cried out as sensations rocked through them.
"Gallegar!” Kira cried again. This time he bent and crushed her mouth beneath his, as he moved against her, aching with the need to be closer to her.
Kira wondered fleetingly when she had lost control. He was so hard, his penetration went all the way to her womb. She moaned in his mouth, her teeth biting down on his tongue.
Gallegar shuddered in response and his head lifted. “You are mine, A Ghra ... You belong to me.” His glowing eyes held hers for a moment, before he put his mouth to her neck, licking at it in unconscious preparation.
She shuddered as well and instinctively cocked her head to give him better access. When he growled and bit down, she screamed as the rush of power flowing between them threw her into a climax stronger than she had ever before felt.
Gallegar groaned as her climax urged him into his own. He sucked down the blood, but his focus was on the mind-blowing sensations in his pumping cock. It didn't take long before he exploded as well, filling her with his desire and love.
* * * *
Dawn had long since arrived when Gallegar climbed into bed beside Kira. She lay on her side waiting for him.
"Is everything all right?” She ran a gentle hand down his chest.
"Aye. All is as it should be.” The vampire pushed her down on her back, examining the bite on her neck. “You make me lose control, A Ghra..."
Kira smiled. “I cannot be sorry. I enjoy it too much.” She touched his firm lips with a gentle finger. “I love you."
Gallegar shook his head and pulled her beneath him. “I love you too. That is why I worry. I fear I will take too much from you in my passion."
"You are a wonderful lover, Mo Chridhe ... I trust you. Anything we do together is right and good. Please do not stop touching me as you do."
Gallegar kissed the soft lips that beckoned to him. “I won't stop touching you, love. I cannot. I live for the moments we are together."
Kira ran her hand over his hip, feeling him hold his breath. She laughed softly. “We have won the battle to be together. Now it is only right we enjoy the sweet rewards."
Gallegar kissed the bite mark he'd left. “I promise I will not stop touching you, if you promise to do the same.
"That is an easy promise to keep."
"I think it is time to show you another one of those sweet rewards.” Gallegar smiled seductively.
Kira's head swam as he sent out his enthralling power over her. “Rewards?” she gasped.
"Aye...” Gallegar kissed her mouth and then the tip of each breast. His mouth moved lower down her body and suddenly Kira knew exactly what he meant.
"Oh yes...” she murmured, arching herself toward him. “Sweet rewards."
Epilogue
It was less than a week later, when Kira and the Chosen stood next to the newly built Gate of Life. It was back in the library of The Haunted House and the last of the shades were being sent through to their rewards. Only a few, those with unfinished business, were left behind.
Gallegar watched Kira, as she spoke to the little shade Robin. The boy had not wanted to leave this plane, since he had no family to go to on the other side. It had taken some time for Patrick and Kira to convince him he should go.
Now, as the vampire watched Kira smile and hug the small boy, his throat was tight. He suddenly felt guilty he would never be able to give Kira a child. She would make a beautiful mother, but a vampire's seed was as dead as he was.
He sighed. He would never have a son of his own. When he was human, he'd been very careful not to get anyone he'd been with pregnant. He knew the fate that often befell bastard children.
He managed to smile when Kira led Robin over to him. “Are you ready, Robin?"
The small shade nodded, but his eyes looked longingly up at Kira.
Lucas knelt down in front of the little boy. “When you get to the other side, I want you to look up someone for me, okay, sport?"
Robin stared at the shapeshifter, before nodding seriously.
Lucas grinned and pulled out a picture of a towheaded child of about ten. “His name was ... is Chris. Just about your age, I think. His mother will take real good care of you."
A smile broke out over Robin's face and he nodded excitedly. Whirling around, he threw himself into Kira's arms, hugging her with all his strength.
Kira closed stinging eyes and hugged him back. “You be a good boy. I will be watching you."
Robin nodded then, walking around the circle, shook every one's hand. When he got to Patrick, he bowed.
"Robin...” the shade's voice gave out.
Robin's lip poked out and then he was in Patrick's arms for a hug. The shade leader lifted him and carried him over to the Gate. The little boy lifted a wet face and looked into the swirling blue. As he stared into the whirlpool, his look became peaceful.
"Be safe, little one,” Kira said. They all watched as Robin leaped from Patrick's arms and disappeared into the Gate.
Benjamin put his newly restored arm around Lucas, as the wolfman ran his sleeve over his face. “Who is Chris, my friend?"
Lucas looked deep into the pool. “He's my brother. He and my mom were killed in a car crash when I was sixteen."
Kira gasped and put her hand into Lucas'. “I am so sorry, my wolf."
Lucas shrugged his shoulders. “It was a long time ago. Maybe they can help Robin out. From what you said, he needs a mom who knows how to do the job."
Kira's jaw clenched, when she thought of the evil Charlotte had done. “Hell is too good a place for one such as her.” No one disagreed.
Patrick sighed. “Robin was the last. Now, all have gone as they were meant to. The Gates are restored."
Lucas squeezed Kira's hand before dropping it. He was still careful with the vampire's feelings. “Now what ... I wonder?"
Danolas looked up from where he and Koran were conferring. “I just received word a powerful witch is coming from Ireland to help us. He is being sent by my mentor. He is supposed to be bringing something that will help us win the war."
"Hell!” Benjamin grinned. “That is good news. We can use all the help we can get."
"Yeah.” Lucas thought back on the battle. “If we hadn't figured out how to force their hand, we'd have been screwed. There were a
whole lot of them."
"The army was well trained. For that we can thank our strategist and the sovereign.” Gallegar inclined his head at his two brothers.
"Shucks,” Benjamin said. “It was nothin'.” Everyone laughed.
"Ummm, I'm almost afraid to say anything."
Kira looked at Lucas. “What is it, my wolf?"
"Well ... it's just..."
Koran rolled his eyes. “Spit it out, man."
Lucas bared his teeth at the faerie. “I'm hungry."
Everyone groaned. “Of course you are.” Patrick grinned. “Now we know everything is back to normal."
"We can finish up here and go see if Louie would mind feeding us,” Danolas said. “Of course if you want to go ahead, and beg him, Lucas..."
"I'm outta here,” the shapeshifter answered. “He'll do it. He likes me."
Benjamin snorted. “He likes anyone who eats like you do."
Arguing companionably, the two of them left the room. Koran went back to discussing the aspects of warding the Gate with Danolas. Patrick joined them, leaving Kira and Gallegar alone by the Gate.
Gallegar smiled down at Kira. “You will miss the boy."
She nodded. “Yes, he was the first shade I met. But going home was what he needed to do. He deserves happiness after what he has been through."
They both gazed at the beauty of the Gate.
He cleared his throat, suddenly nervous. Sensing this, she turned toward him. “Are you all right?"
He couldn't help the flush that rose on his neck. He had been practicing this for a week, but he felt as nervous as a schoolboy. “I-I...” He swallowed the knot in his throat and felt like a fool.
"Mo Chridhe ... “ She mind-spoke him gently.
He sighed and pulled her against him. “I love you, Kira. More than anything or anyone I have ever known."
She smiled and leaning up on tiptoes kissed his hard mouth. “I love you as well. I thank the Power every day she chose you for me to fall in love with."
He felt tears sting his eyes at her words. “If you'd had a choice..."
Kira frowned. “But, Gallegar ... I did have a choice. And I chose you."
Suddenly, he realized why they had been put through everything. It wasn't only for the sake of making her power stronger. That would have happened no matter who she'd chosen to love. That test had been for her.