by Olivia March
“Stay close Annabelle. Mithrain is here in this building.”
Nefarion glided forward stealthily, all senses focused on Mithrain’s scent. This building was some form of lodging. After a common area, the hallways branched out into a series of many doors on each side. He didn’t bother to open any of them, but went down the hallway on the left. He passed all the doors in that hallway until he reached the very last one at the end of the corridor. Here Mithrain’s scent was the strongest. It was behind this door that his fellow Keeper awaited retrieval to receive all the last rights he was entitled to.
“He’s here Annabelle. Wait out here for me, I don’t know what condition his body will be in. When I have him wrapped up I will come back for you. Do not attempt to leave the protection of my shadows.”
Annabelle was looking at him with sad, sympathetic eyes. They were the eyes of a person who’d seen too much death and destruction, but still had the ability to feel pain and empathy for others. Nefarion loved that quality in his mate, even if it made her more of a target among his people. He kissed her quickly on the lips, gaining strength for what he was about to face. No matter what was behind that door, his search for Mithrain had brought him to Annabelle, and he’d always be thankful for that. Ending the kiss, Nefarion swathed his mate in shadows and then turned and went through the door.
Several impressions hit Nefarion at once when he had walked all the way inside. One, it was a tiny, tiny space fitted with two beds and two desks. How humans could live in such cramped confines eluded him. Nefarion was certain he would go insane if he was forced to live for any significant amount of time in such a place. And then he saw Mithrain stretched out on one of those tiny little beds. Mithrain was of such a size that his legs hung over the end and his shoulders barely fit in the space. He’d been stripped of his golden armor and skin armor, but Nefarion saw that stacked in a corner. Perhaps whoever had removed it from his comrade had intended to keep it as a trophy, and would be back for it. If they did he’d show them the true merciless nature of the Keepers of Balruin.
An emotion Nefarion rarely felt was in danger of closing his throat. Mithrain looked so powerless laying there. A traitor was at fault for this. Mithrain should be safe in their camp even now, not lying prone on that ridiculous bed, a victim of treachery. He walked further into the room, approaching the bed to get a better look. The traitor clearly hadn’t given Mithrain to the Scourge. Those bastards would have torn Mithrain to pieces and humped the remains. Mithrain was all in one piece, right down to all that vibrant purple hair. Nefarion couldn’t even see any open wounds on him.
But wait…Nefarion focused in closer on Mithrain’s chest, just in time to see it lift ever so slightly. Dear Goddess…Nefarion had been so consumed in his grief that he hadn’t even noticed at first that Mithrain wasn’t dead. He was breathing, he was alive! Joy coursing through his veins, Nefarion immediately called out on the mind-link for Commander Helion even as he rushed forward to check Mithrain’s vitals.
“Commander, I’ve located Mithrain. Alive!” Nefarion was running his hands over Mithrain as he talked, looking for wounds. He found only one, a deep stab wound in Mithrain’s side. It appeared to have been doctored and stitched, which had no doubt saved his life.
“Thank the lady,” came Helion’s swift response. “What is his condition?”
“He has a deep stab wound under the left arm. Whoever did this clearly came up behind Mithrain, and knew enough about all that shiny gold armor you Light Keepers wear to strike the vulnerable spot. The wound has been cleaned and stitched, but no one else was here when I arrived with my mate. Mithrain is unconscious but his heartbeat is strong.”
“I want Nathal to examine Mithrain as quickly as possible. Whoever stitched his wound must have saved his life, but there’s no time to waste on waiting for them to return. Secure Mithrain and your mate and bring them back to camp with haste.”
“Understood Commander,” Nefarion said, cutting off the mind link. It would add to his burden, but he wouldn’t return to camp without Mithrain’s armor. A Keeper’s armor was an extension of themselves. It was something they earned during training, and would stay with them for the entire length of military service. Nefarion quickly but carefully dressed Mithrain in his skin armor before adding all that golden plate that Shadow Keepers tended to mock. Mithrain didn’t rouse the whole time, which was probably a small mercy. Once Mithrain was once again attired, Nefarion called Annabelle to enter.
“He’s alive, my mate. Mithrain is alive. His wound is very serious however, so we need to make haste back to camp to get him to our healer. I wish to warn you now, we will be pushing a brutal pace young one, and it will be hard on your body.”
“I understand Nefarion. I’m so happy your friend is alive! Whatever it takes to keep him that way I completely understand, I can handle it.”
Nefarion grabbed Annabelle close for a fierce kiss, proud of her grit. This last week had gone nothing like he’d thought it would. He’d left camp on a mission to find his comrades body. And instead he’d found his mate, saved her life, and even found Mithrain alive. It was more good fortune than his normal pessimism could handle. Now he needed to get both this injured warrior and his mate back to camp before anything could harm either of them. Even if it took the last ounce of strength he had, he would get them back to safety.
Mithrain was a heavy load, so Nefarion strapped him securely to his back with Annabelle’s aid. Once he was assured that Mithrain wouldn’t be budging, he escorted his mate outside and looked her over. She was dressed as well as they could get her for the time being, but even with several layers the wind would chap any exposed skin.
“We will need to cover your whole face this time mate, much as I like to look upon it. Keep your head tucked under my neck and your hands tucked under your arms. I will make this trip as brief as I can but it will take several hours even still, and I won’t be making any stops. Do you need to relieve yourself before we begin?”
When Annabelle shook her head, Nefarion wrapped her head in a warm scarf, leaving only space for her to breathe, and even that was a small section. He hated to cover her beautiful green eyes, but it was a necessity in this case. Once she was fully covered he swept her up and held her close. He took a moment to relish the feel of having her in his arms. If he had his way, she’d be in his arms most of every day once these campaigns were over. For now, he’d take what he could get, and when she complied with his instructions he immediately jumped into lightstep.
Chapter 14
Annabelle lost feeling in her face first. And then the numbness crept all the way down her body until even her toes were dead. But even when all her limbs were frozen solid and her mind started screaming for relief, she didn’t utter one single word of protest. This was important, and she’d rather die than delay Mithrain from getting the help he needed for even one extra minute. It was a miracle that he was even alive, and it was important that he stay that way. So, no matter how much she wanted to cry out, or even whimper, over the brutal pace, she said nothing.
This went on for hours. Soon the only thing Annabelle could focus on to put off the pain was the feel of Nefarion’s arms. He had to be under enormous strain to carry both her and Mithrain while he was lightstepping, but he made it appear effortless. The arms under her back and legs were gentle yet firm. He kept her head tucked into his neck with the same sort of unyielding, yet comforting pressure. And his pace never lightened. If anything, the longer they lightstepped, the faster Nefarion seemed to go. It was inhuman, this amount of endurance.
Of course, everything about Nefarion was inhuman. Annabelle had known that from the first moment she’d met him. Hell, her first interaction with Nefarion had seen him killing five members of her own species with shadows. Those shadows came from within him, and they could be used to both deadly and pleasurable effect. But even knowing how different and deadly this creature was, Annabelle had taken him to bed as her first lover. Initially she’d felt proud, even empowere
d, that she’d been able to take that step and choose Nefarion for a night of passion, despite what had almost happened to her a week previous.
Now though, the situation was spinning out of her control. No, she hadn’t been foolish enough to assume she could control such a one as he. She’d just thought…well, she’d just assumed that he’d be content with what she’d been offering. The fact that he wasn’t on board with the one-night deal she’d offered was the huge problem she couldn’t stop thinking about. The truth was she just couldn’t commit in the way Nefarion was insisting on. Annabelle made other introverts looks like party animals. To be a princess, and later a queen, just couldn’t happen, that wasn’t who she was.
Well, it wasn’t who she had been before the invasion. Before the invasion, she’d had her stars, and her secure job. She’d had take-out, and cell phone apps, and her cozy little apartment that had been her sanctuary. She’d had just a few friends, carefully chosen, and much loved. What she hadn’t been was a social butterfly. Social gatherings with even just her coworkers had given her sweats and headaches. That wasn’t princess material. And it certainly wasn’t queen material. She couldn’t be what Nefarion needed, no matter how much she wanted him.
And she really did want him. For days, she’d thought of nothing else, ever since he’d found her and saved her life. She’d been consumed by curiosity, wanting Nefarion as she’d never wanted any other man she’d met in her whole life. He was dangerous, mysterious, strange. He’d also been her savior, her knight in not-so-shining armor. And as a lover…she couldn’t have imagined how he would take her. Oh, he’d teased her a few times. She knew that now that their previous encounters had primed her for when he’d finally taken her. They’d teased and cajoled her, until she’d finally broken down and asked him to take her in full, seemingly on her terms.
Now, though, she wasn’t sure. It hadn’t been entirely on her terms, that much she knew. He’d given her the ultimate decision in the matter, but had certainly stacked the deck in his favor. She could hardly blame him, by the time she’d finally given in to her own urges she’d been nearly obsessed by desire. Even after a whole night of hot, sweaty sex she still wanted more. Dangerous, dangerous obsession.
What needed to happen, and what she was increasingly skeptical that she’d be able to accomplish, was to keep Nefarion at arms-length from now on. Just the idea of separating from him caused feelings of depression and mild panic. She needed to be strong though, and stick to her guns. Nefarion’s life was on his planet, with his people. And her life was here. Once the Scourge had been eliminated, Earth would need people here to rebuild, and Annabelle intended to be one of those people.
She’d been a coward before, running to save her own life instead of helping any of the other people running in fear for their lives. The shame of that had stuck with her over the last several months, and she’d had plenty of time to think about it. The only way she’d ever be able to redeem herself in her own mind would be to help her fellow man recover from this devastation. She would throw herself into helping others, to teaching what she’d spent exhaustive hours learning. And maybe one day in the future she’d have her own space again. Maybe she’d make a few new friends, and watch Golden Girls episodes while eating cheesecake. And when she went to bed at night, she’d think about her week with Nefarion, and take comfort and pleasure from the memories.
But to do that, to do any of that, she needed to put Nefarion off, no matter how much she’d rather stay by his side. And she could think of only one way that might work to keep Nefarion at bay. If she talked to his commanding officer, and asked for protection, surely he would give it. And after a while, if his commander kept Nefarion at a distance, then maybe he would lose interest in her. It would hurt, a lot, but she had to do it, she had to try. It was best, that’s what she had to keep telling herself. That, and to have courage. Maybe by the time they reached their destination she would have scraped together enough to do what was needed.
Hours went by, and before she was ready, Nefarion had come to a halt. Annabelle was frozen stiff, but she managed to raise her head to look around. They were in another forest, yay. But across from the real forest was another forest of tents. Tents full of Keeper soldiers. Soldiers that were heading towards her and Nefarion at a rapid pace. And in the front of that group was a huge Keeper in golden armor, with hair the color of snow. From previous conversations Annabelle knew that must be Helion, Nefarion’s commander.
Annabelle’s blood, already frozen in her veins, chilled even more. Her heart began racing until she felt almost sick to her stomach. Commander Helion looked like one cold son of a bitch. Doubts crowded into her mind over what she planned to do. But Helion had a human mate, he had to have some humanity in him. If she pleaded with him to intervene he had to help her. Any other outcome was too frightening to contemplate.
“Welcome back Nefarion, and job well done. Nathal, take Mithrain to your tent right away, I want a report on his condition as soon as you’re able.”
Helion paused then as Nathal and another healer unhooked Mithrain from Nefarion’s back and took him away. A full company of Keepers followed closely, like they didn’t want Mithrain out of their sight again. Annabelle was touched by this. Even though these Keepers looked very cold and tough, they clearly were capable of finer emotions. Soon just Annabelle, Nefarion, and Helion remained. There were more soldiers close by staring at them with curiosity, but they didn’t crowd in.
“Your mate is quite beautiful Nefarion. She also looks frozen solid. Your new accommodations are ready though, so she will soon be warmed up. There’s a hot meal there for you both, and baths will be delivered shortly. Also, the men you requested from your guard have arrived and await you in your tent.”
Annabelle’s voice was frozen in her throat. She knew if she went with Nefarion to his tent that she’d never leave. A hot bath and a warm meal sounded heavenly, but she couldn’t indulge in those things with Nefarion. They’d eat, and get clean, and would sooner or later end up in bed together again. Nefarion’s hold was strong, and possessive, and before she had a chance to bolster her courage he was moving towards the direction Helion pointed them in.
Say something, you coward, she screamed at herself.
“Oh, Nefarion, there you are! Helion ran out on me when he heard you were arriving. But I had to come thank you myself for completing your mission and finding Mithrain alive. And I wanted to greet your new mate as well. Hello Annabelle, I’m Gwen, Helion’s mate. I’m the only other human in camp, and one of the few women to boot, so if you ever need anything just come see me, our tent is just right down that path to the left.”
Annabelle grasped Gwen’s presence like a lifeline. Nefarion had stopped his determined stride off down to the right of the path when Gwen had arrived. Annabelle couldn’t waste this opportunity that Gwen had dropped in her lap.
“Hi Gwen, it’s nice to meet you,” Annabelle called out, pulling away from Nefarion to offer Gwen her right hand. She kicked her legs, telling Nefarion without words that she wanted to be put down. But typically, he ignored her silent demand and after briefly greeting Gwen he tried to resume his trek to the tent. Thinking fast, Annabelle called out to Gwen before Nefarion could whisk her away.
“Actually Gwen, there is a matter of importance I’d like to talk to you about,” she called out a trifle desperately. Nefarion halted again, and this time stared down at her, but she didn’t dare meet that look he was giving her. “I have a, uh, woman’s issue I could use some assistance with.”
Annabelle looked intently at Gwen, willing her to get on board and take her somewhere private. And to her relief, Gwen was as intelligent as she looked. After one hard stare, Gwen turned to Helion and lifted a brow.
“I’m assuming you won’t mind if I have a moment with Gwen in private in our tent. Women’s issues, you know how it is. I’ll bring Annabelle over to Nefarion’s tent once we’ve had a chat.”
Helion hesitated, and for a moment Annabelle was afraid he
was going to deny his mate’s request. But in the end, he just lifted one of those icy brows and shrugged at Nefarion, as if to say, “women, what can you do?” Annabelle shifted again, and this time Nefarion slowly lowered her, reluctance clear in every movement. But when Annabelle tried to put some distance between them by walking to Gwen, Nefarion snagged her by the arm and leaned down to whisper in her ear.
“Whatever you’re plotting little mate, it won’t work. I’ll give you time to discuss whatever womanly complaint you’re pretending to have. But if you’re not in our tent in less than ten minutes, I’ll be coming to fetch you.”
Annabelle looked up in his eyes, assessing. She wasn’t scared of him, not really. Nefarion would never physically harm her, she knew that instinctively. But his tone was quite forbidding, and the look in his eye was intimidating to say the least. This was a man who expected to be obeyed, and when he wasn’t, bad things happened. But what could he do really? They were surrounded by other Keepers now. If he tried anything questionable, she could call for help.
Annabelle needed to get away from him, so she just nodded to let him know that she understood. That didn’t mean she agreed with him, but he didn’t need to know that. And one hard look later he was striding away with Helion by his side, deep in discussion. Annabelle watched him go, admiring the strength of Nefarion’s back and the long sweep of his amazing black hair. If she got her way this would be the last time she saw her lover. If Gwen agreed to her request, she would be sent to a refugee camp far from here. Once they were safe again anyway. And until then she’d do her best to avoid Nefarion’s notice.
Chapter 15
Gwen stared at Annabelle with concern. The girl had been through a lot, and Gwen could relate. But Helion had told her that Annabelle and Nefarion were mated. Gwen had looked forward to having another female in the camp, to having someone to talk to who was from her own planet that she could relate to. Helion was a wonderful companion of course, and she was crazy in love with him. But there was just something to be said for having a confidante of your own gender and similar life experiences to talk to, and Gwen had been eagerly anticipating that pleasure.