Altered: A Beyond the Brothel Walls Novel

by Ryans, Rae Z.

  My assault didn’t end there. I repeated the motions, enjoying the slow burn, building deep in my cods, while he took over and jacked himself. Slapping skin. Heated, salty flesh and raw testosterone infiltrated my senses. I kissed and licked his crack, swirling my tongue above and below his hole, and listened to his cries.

  Unintelligible words sprouted from his mumbling lips. Musty sex thickened in the air as he stiffened.

  “Not yet,” I echoed his words from the alcove, and knocked his hand away. He reached for his cock, but instead of smacking his hand away, I slapped his ass hard. “I said, not yet.”

  Before he had time to protest, I pinned his arms behind his back, yanking him upward, and entered Cain in one painfully slow movement, though careful not to injure him.

  Curses flew from our mouths. Sweaty flesh joined. His ass bounced, slamming against my pelvis. From my head to my toes, the burn ignited and flared. My lips dropped to his neck, all the while I thrusted harder and built a momentum to match Cain’s cries. Heart pounding, as if running a marathon, I breathed hard.

  I stared down his chest, my gaze scanning past the hard, chiseled ridges of his abs, and watched his dick slap against his stomach. The head shiny, presenting drops of dew, watered my mouth. All the ways he could fuck me ran through my mind, and Cain’s breathing rotated from panting to erratic.

  Visuals flashed, and he murmured, “Harder, faster.”

  I released his arms and encircled his chest. Warmth filled my achy heart as the embrace had so many times before. Lost in his touch, his silkiness, and having his ass clench around my cock was surreal, almost unbelievable. His back arched, curving against me, and nails dug into my arms, scratching and drawing blood.

  Cain slammed his head against my shoulder and erupted with a deafening scream and titan grip. His orgasm rippled over me and caressed me inside and out.

  Like the first moment our eyes had met, I came hard.

  “You’ll be the death of death,” I said, grinning and catching my breath. My weakness, my Achilles heel, and, damn it all to hell, I would fight to the end of time to protect what was mine. If loving him made me weak, so be it.

  “Sweets, you’re far from weak, but then again, so am I.” He heaved for breath.

  We toppled over sideways, legs and arms entangled. For once, I was spent and closed my eyes. “How did you manage to escape the Garland base? You said you had help?”

  Again, I couldn’t quiet the detective in me. Cain I trusted, but Veric Garland soured my stomach. Maybe the sheer association to Boric was to blame. Or maybe the amount of power he possessed threw me off, seeing as he wielded too much for a simple Elioud that he claimed to be.

  “Veric,” Cain flopped onto his stomach and flashed a grin, “he stowed away with me and a baby he’d called…oh shit.”

  My brow rose at his outburst. “Your eyes flash red when you’re excited.” I stroked his back, enjoying the energy humming between us.

  “Korrigan really is Angelica, isn’t she?” He slapped himself and left a massive red welt, ignoring my statement. “Mother did it. She pulled off the spell.”

  “Believe so, babe. Thought you’d figured out that one. Bloody fucking crazy shite.” What was going on down there? Boric’s own brother risked hightailing for the border with escapees?

  “Why do you use British English?” He cocked his head, brows drawn together. “Not that I mind. Kind of sexy, even without the accent.”

  “Most Archangels have British accents. Those of us who were on Earth longer lost them for the most part. Some of us lived here in the beginning. When the Angels fell, many landed in England.” Father had sent me to Eden.

  “What about demons? Elioud?” He shook his head.

  “I’m certain there’s all sorts of accents and nationalities among us. Remember, Father gave everyone on Earth fair warning, so many hightailed it from across the pond and beyond, babe.” I paused for a moment before switching gears back on topic. “I didn’t get the whole story, didn’t pretend to understand it, either, but when did this escape go down?”

  Cain snorted. “Years before Armageddon fucking hit like a freight train, but it took me longer to cross into Arcadia on foot.” Tomas had verified as much. Cain reached for my hand and laced our fingers together. “I might’ve never made it to Delphia if not for Veric.”

  “I met him.”

  “How?” He blinked, emotion washing from his face, and opened his mouth. A strange sound emitted before he said, “He’s dead.”

  “Babe, he survived,” I chuckled, “and he’s kind of my boss. A prick but… yeah.” I shrugged.

  Cain’s mouth fell open again.

  “He remembers you, said he lost you in Delphia.” A statement. I wasn’t accusing the agent of dumping him in the hellish world. Honestly, I had tried to make sense of it all. Their whole posse intrigued me, and the more I learned, the more curious I became. Like internal avengers fighting against their captors. “Do you know why he turned on his brother?”

  Cain glanced toward the bedroom door, as floorboards creaked, and the front door closed downstairs, rattling the windows. “I think you can ask him yourself.”

  “Shite.” I shuffled and scurried to dress before Veric moseyed upstairs.

  Cain laughed at me and dragged the blankets to his chin. I sighed, glancing back at the warm and inviting bed, and closed the door.

  Tiptoeing down the steps, I meant to catch Veric off guard, but he waited. The redheaded demon sat in the chair by my desk, dressed in an ABDA issued, all black, tactical uniform. A sad comparison seeing as I was Death, yet he seemed to fit the part better than I did. “What can I do you for?”

  He didn’t turn around, but crossed his legs and bounced his thigh. “Is Petre alive?”

  “Yes, he is alive.” Strolling to my desk, I answered with truth.

  Veric hissed, “Shite, real fucking wanker he is. Don’t go after him.”

  “Is that an official order?” I lit the oil lamp on my desk. Soft light bathed the completely dark room. Sulfur released into the air, quickly overpowered by the kerosene. I eased into my chair. How long had Cain and I been in bed?

  Red rims swelled around Veric’s crimson eyes. “No. I know why you want the sodden bastard, no offense, but he’s a bit of a pain in the arse.” He winked. “And not in a good way.”

  “He called her Korri didn’t he?” I leaned back in my chair. “Cain was just filling me in before you arrived. She’s the baby, right?”

  Veric nodded and shielded his mouth with his palm. “Bloody hell this whole façade reads like a bad science fiction novel.” His fist closed and trembled. “I need to bring my brother down. Petre complicates that.”

  The least I could have done was hear the man out before making up my mind. But I didn’t understand the connection. Cain, fully dressed, leaned against the doorframe, and I assumed he wanted to understand what had happened all those years ago. My fingers tapped over the desk.

  When an explanation hadn’t come, Cain said, “It’s true, then? Mother died…Boric killed her, but Angel looks—”

  “Almost the same?” Veric twisted around. “I know…she’s still in there, and sometimes, our Angelica pops out, recalling everything.”

  Cain dragged a chair from Belle’s desk and sat next to me.

  Veric faced us; sparks alight in his eyes. One departed, and the tiny speck hovered beside his head. He blew on the flicker, and it raced toward the hearth, alighting the logs in a crackling glory. Veric sighed, shoulders slouching. “Yes, Angelica Garland and Korrigan Garland are one in the same.”

  My brows scrunched together. “How?”

  “Magic,” Cain replied, and shrugged. “You asked how I escaped, but you never asked why Veric helped me.”

  Lying by omission was still lying, but I’d meant the spark trick. But as I opened my mouth to correct him, Veric spoke.

  “Luna was their mother, and she cast the spell removing Angelica’s soul. Even Tomas doesn’t know, though, I’m c
ertain the bloke figured it out already.”

  “You said their mother?” I reached for my pen.

  “Our mother sacrificed her life to save Angelica’s. Boric sentenced Angelica to the brothels, but she chose death rather than service.”

  Something was off the way Cain spoke of Boric, but I couldn’t figure out what. My brows rose. “You can do that with magic?” Both men nodded, but I shook my head. “Cain, I admit…it’s all a little crazy.” Wiches and warlocks weren’t my domain, so even before the Sundering, I rarely dealt with them. Give me a vampire any day.

  “I promised to save her remaining children,” Veric said to Cain, “Lily wasn’t with Jules when I left Angel. Should’ve seen his deceit then. Maybe she hadn’t arrived, or he hid her away, but I saw nothing off.”

  My temples throbbed, and I rubbed small circles over my flesh. Do I want to know? Now, there was a question.

  I lifted my hand and butted in. “Let me get this straight.” I motioned to Cain. “You have two sisters, one died but had her soul removed, and another who went missing among the brothels.” I pointed at Veric. “You’re married to Angelica aka Korrigan, but the actual woman died and arose as a vampire?” And I thought my family had problems.

  Both men chuckled, but it was the truth.

  I knew extraction and bloodsuckers, not crazy family drama and magic. “And how the hell does Petre fit into all of this again?”

  Through gritted teeth, Veric said, “He bought Korrigan from Jules on her eighteenth birthday.”

  “Did they marry?” Legally purchasing her, though a bit tasteless, wasn’t enough.

  “No, mate, they never exchanged vows.”

  “You’re certain?”

  “Of course, I’m bloody certain. She’s been my wife for over three hundred and fifty years.”

  “But you left her with another man?” I replied.

  “Like I had a choice?” He slammed his palm onto my desk, and Cain jumped. “My brother would’ve killed them both and then me. She slowed us down, and I trusted the fucking tosser to keep her safe until I could return.” His face softened as he eyed Cain. “I had planned to retrieve her after you were secure. Botched it all up when he caught up to us.”

  “He holds no claim then,” Cain whispered, “according to the laws unless…he turned her.” Cain’s eyes glistened. “I don’t blame you. Never did.”

  I squeezed Cain’s hand, and he tucked my fingers into his before bringing my knuckles to his lips.

  “So, Death, eh?” Veric forged a crooked smile, the light reflecting off his scar that cut deep and jagged into his jawline. “Well, you’re certainly an improvement over—”

  Cain coughed. “Yes, he is, but back to business. Why is Petre such a problem? I never met him, but Tomas spoke highly of him.”

  Veric cracked his neck and stretched. “Petre, from what I’ve gathered, is squeaky clean. He’s good and so are his intentions.” He leaned forward and rested his elbows on my desk. His amber gaze widened. “Thing is mate, Angelica loves him, and her love for him is fierce. When she thought him dead, I thought, finally, my chance to win her back. But no…never seen a woman pine so much over a scraggly bloke.”

  Yeah, Petre had changed her all right. But I believe she truly loves Petre, just as I love her brother.

  “The problem is bigger than that I’m afraid.” I leaned back in my chair and wrapped my arm around Cain, drawing his head to my shoulder.

  A distant look had appeared in his eyes that hadn’t been there before he’d stopped Veric. Did he not want me to know the man’s name? Watching both men for clues was like watching paint dry. Neither gave the slightest hint. Were they speaking privately?

  “Petre and Nicolai both pose a huge problem until they’ve been marked again by me or Conquest.”

  I allowed my words to sink in over the gentle hissing fire. Fauna and Markos had both met Nicolai, but he needed no temptation. He was mine. My fingers gripped around a pen. Petre was another story, and few knew his tales. He’d kept his past hidden, but I had known the truth. Before Petre Von Baron had died, he’d been a lowly vicar. In his family and time, it was common for the second son to join the priesthood. Understanding him, I doubted he’d knowingly broken any law. I scribbled the newfound connection between Korrigan and Petre and Veric into my notes.

  Veric offered, “Adulterer?” My boss wore the truth on his face, lacing his gruff tone in hate.

  “Not technically.” I stopped writing. “You were married under God’s laws, but only Korrigan’s soul survived, and Petre then laid his claim under the new laws.”

  “Arcadia doesn’t recognize slave ownership.” Veric crossed his arms over his chest and stuck his nose into the air.

  “True.” My lips pursed, reaching for the pen again. “He used vampire law, but now, if he’s human, that claim no longer applies…” The slippery slope slickened. My breath blew out. Veric appeared incapable of judgment for those crimes or anything revolving around her. I didn’t blame him. Hell, I would fight tooth, nail, and blood for Cain. My pen tapped against my dry lips, clicking.

  If the body died, did the marriage absolve? Father didn’t have rules or laws for magic, which meant no matter what, Angelica willingly participated. Otherwise, I didn’t understand how else a spell, such as soul swapping, wouldn’t be evil.

  “I need to speak with her alone,” Cain responded to my unspoken questions.

  Veric objected, but I raised my hand, waving at him to shut up. “If Petre is in the wrong, he will be dealt with according to the laws of Arcadia, and then judged by Conquest and myself. But, if he’s in the right or at no-fault, I will send for him, because frankly, we need all the fucking help we can find to overthrow your arsemonkey, whorebag, wanker of a brother and still manage a quick getaway.”

  “I think you missed a few adjectives,” Cain muttered under his breath.

  Veric grinned and barked a laugh. “Oh please, don’t hold back on my account. The fucking bastard can rot in Hell for all I care.”

  Cain excused himself, disappearing into the downstairs bathroom. I lifted my pen and shuffled papers around.

  “Dorian,” Veric whispered, so low I had to strain over my desk to hear him. “Cain once belonged to Boric.”

  The pen in my hand snapped. Black ink poured over my hands. Images of the monster, I’d once called Brother, flashed through my mind, and I glanced to the bathroom door.

  “It was a long time ago,” Veric said. “But I figured you of all people should know my brother only gave him up, because the Arch demons said he must. Even then, he never let go and tossed ‘em around. In his twisted mind, I do believe he loves Cain.”

  “Why are you telling me this?” my whisper hissed through my tightened jaw. The back of my mind nagged, piecing bits together.

  “Of all the lovers my brother took,” he nodded toward the bathroom, “he coveted him the most.” The toilet flushed followed by running water. “And Cain, although a child himself and easily influenced... I think he loved him before...maybe still. We don’t need anything jeopardizing the mission. You share a common weakness with Boric.”

  “What are you suggesting I do?” I rubbed the ink over my jeans. My heart ached more for Cain, and though I should’ve been pissed, rage didn’t rise.

  “Put him in a safe house, Sanctuary. Don’t let him near my brother.”

  The bathroom door creaked, and Cain strolled back to his seat. “Don’t act like y’all weren’t talking about me.” He shoved my shoulder. “I can read the guilt on your face.”

  “Nonsense. We were just figuring out who should go where.” Veric shifted in his chair. “I offered Dorian use of a safe house for you, while we’re in the field.”

  Cain’s wide amber eyes glowed. “No. Screw that. I’m not staying behind, while y’all go out gallivanting. I’d rather go back to living my life.”

  “Cain, Dorian and I are trained agents.” He extended his hand toward me.

  Cain stomped his foot. “I have m
agic, and I can use a gun. Damn it, Veric, you taught me.”

  I rested my hand on his thigh, rubbing over the rough denim. “I’d rather you not rely on magic or discharge a weapon, babe.”

  He only stuck his bottom lip out, turned his body and looked away. Shite. He was adorable, but Veric had a point. Sanctuary would protect him better than I could.

  “C’mon, just listen.” I squeezed his shoulder, but he tossed off my hand. “Besides, I don’t have time—”

  Cain’s chair slid into the wall and his feet pounded over the stairs as his cute ass retreated from my office.

  I glared at Veric, his warning still weighing on my mind. “Can he shoot?”

  “Yes.” He offered a half-shrug. “He’s not the greatest shot, missed Boric.” He dragged a finger along his scar. “Gave me this instead.”

  I tore a hand through my hair and rested my chin on my fist. If anything happened to him, I’d never forgive myself. But would he forgive me if I left him behind? We had finally broken through some of our trust barriers.

  “Fuck it. He’s coming with me.” A groan slipped through my lips. At least with me, I could still keep him protected and safe. Besides, we wouldn’t be alone once we ventured south. “I’ve gotta smooth shit over with him. Can you call everyone back?” Bounding the steps two at a time, I called, “Babe.”

  Cain sulked on the sofa, his scowling face rested on his hands, and he stared at the fire. “What? Come to order me around?”

  A smile flitted my lips at the twang his accent created whenever he was upset. “C’mon that’s not fair. Babe, I need you safe, but if you really think you can help...” I knelt in front of him and tore his hands away from his face.

  “What did he say about me?” Slowly, he turned his attention toward me.

  “Please, can we not fight? There’s enough bad shit in this world without having you hate me, too.”

  He chewed his bottom lip and studied the fire. “Everyone is treating me like I’m that sixteen year old boy.” His mouth opened, as if he was about to say more.

  From downstairs, Veric shouted, “Dorian, Cain.”