by CJ England
Partway across the room, Lucas felt Kira's hand on his arm. He turned to see her worried face gazing up at him.
"What's the matter?” he asked, taking her by the arms. She was shaking. He was shocked it bothered him. He didn't even know her. Unconsciously, he stroked her arms soothingly.
"You must not tell your clan leader what I have said to you. You need to be as surprised as he is when I offer for you."
"Why?"
Kira swallowed heavily and Lucas could tell she was frightened. “You will be in danger otherwise. What I have offered to you, a lesser man might take to overthrow his leader. I do not know your future in the clan. But you are the one I must join with. If he fears you, he may kill you."
Lucas stood there, holding her arms in his large hands, thinking through what she had said. She was right. Elijah might kill him if he knew what Kira had offered him. That much power would rightly belong to the clan leader alone, and he wasn't it.
But one thing he did know. He was curious about this joining with her and he wanted to know more about it. What he didn't get was why his feelings for this slip of a woman kept getting stronger. It was one thing to want to get in her pants, but what he was feeling hinted at emotions beyond that. And he wasn't sure he liked that one bit.
Bemused, he looked down at her, seeing she was truly afraid for him. “All right. I won't say anything. I'll just bring you to Elijah. You can do all the talking."
Kira smiled at him again and her golden eyes glowed. Lucas held his breath at her beauty. His body tightened as she stood on her tiptoes and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek.
"Thank you. I cannot bear to see you hurt."
Lucas swung around sharply and strode toward Elijah's office, not bothering to see if she followed. If he was to pretend she didn't mean anything to him, he had better keep his distance from her. Already his body was tensed up like a stallion wanting to protect a mare. He had lifted his big hand and was about to knock at the inner sanctum door, when he felt a sweep of new power enter the hall.
He turned swiftly and saw three tall men striding across the room toward him. The power and heat rolled through the room. Lucas growled low in his throat and moved into a fighting stance. All the shapeshifters in the club came to instant attention.
Lucas could tell almost immediately they were vampires and the one in front held tremendous power. Instinctively, he took Kira by the arm to move her behind him. Instead of obeying him, she gently shook herself free.
"It is all right, Lucas. Earlier tonight I joined with this vampire.” She walked toward the men, joy wreathing her face, and the dark-haired vampire opened his arms to her. Kira went straight into them as if that was where she belonged.
Lucas growled again deep in his throat. A pang of something dark raced through him as he watched.
Gallegar lifted Kira's chin and kissed her deeply. “I felt your need for me, A Ghra ... I came."
Kira held him. “I am so glad you are here. I missed you.” She buried her head in his chest for a few moments, breathing in his unique scent. After a long moment, she took Gallegar by the hand and brought him forward to where Lucas was standing stiffly by the door. They both waited, as he finished calming the other shifters who had gone into readiness mode when Gallegar had entered the room.
"This is Lucas Kane. He is for me. I am for him, but he is not leader of his people.” Kira's anxious eyes moved between the two men.
Lucas's eyes narrowed in recognition. “King Gallegar, welcome to our domain."
Gallegar's stomach clenched. Kira was to join with this man too? How was that possible? Didn't the Power say they were to be together? His questioning eyes turned to Kira, but he could sense she was as confused and scared as he was. It made him feel a bit better. He saw the shapeshifter was waiting politely for him to respond.
"I come as Kira's joined. I come in peace to your lands."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. “The power you sent out before spoke of challenge, not of peace."
Gallegar looked amused. “I apologize, Shapeshifter. My concern for my Lady overrode my normal good manners."
Kira broke in before the men could continue. “I am to meet the clan leader, Elijah."
Gallegar nodded. “Use your words carefully, A Ghra ... This Lucas’ clan leader is a wily and clever man. He will think long before granting your request.” His eyes met Lucas's over her head. “He will think only of what is best for him."
"I will heed your counsel, my Heart.” She reached up and cupped his cheek in her hand. Gallegar caught it swiftly and placed a kiss in the palm of it before releasing her.
Turning, she met Lucas’ gaze and placed her hand again on his chest. “I am ready, Lucas. Remember ... I am for you.” Her golden eyes glowed gently at him.
A knot formed in Lucas’ throat. He spared a quick glance for Gallegar. That one's gaze was imperturbable. Lucas realized he felt a trickle of jealousy over their easy affinity with one another. Swallowing, he turned and knocked once on the door, before pushing it open.
Elijah, Clan Leader of the Wolves, sat behind a massive chrome and smoke-glass desk. He was surrounded by several other shapeshifters. At a nearby table, a tall brunette dealt out cards to several men playing blackjack. Lucas left Kira and the others at the door and moved behind the desk to whisper in Elijah's ear. His attention turned to them and he rose from where he was seated.
"Welcome Gallegar, Vampire King. You are gladly received in my establishment. May luck find you tonight.” The traditional greeting was accompanied by a low bow.
Elijah was short and stocky, but powerfully built. Older, his temples were graying, and the lines on his face were deep, but the intelligence in his dark eyes bore witness he was no feeble old man.
Gallegar returned the bow. “My night has already proven lucky, Lord Elijah.” He put his hand on the base of Kira's back and gave her a slight push forward. “This is why."
Kira walked forward and met Elijah's sharp gaze. “Lord Elijah, Leader of the Wolf Clan. I am Kira. I am Peacekeeper. I have been sent to join with one of your clan. I am here to help you and to protect your people."
Elijah stared at Kira. His lips quirked and he gave a bark of laughter. “How can you do anything for me, girl? You're no shapeshifter. I would have smelled it on you."
Offhandedly, he sent a burst of power at Kira. It made the hair on her head move slightly, but her own power met it easily and deflected it. In answer, Kira sent her power rolling over Elijah. Her eyes glowed, and everyone in the room felt the hairs on their body lift in response.
Lucas stiffened in his position at Elijah's side. He had the mad compulsion to jump in front of Kira and protect her.
Elijah's eyes narrowed as he felt the strength of her power. “Well, girl, there is more to you than meets the eye. Who sent you, and what is it exactly you want?"
Kira chose her words carefully. “A great Power sent me. I am told it goes by many names. I am here to join with one of your people. By doing so, I will be able to use my abilities to protect your kind. The person chosen will be a conduit through which you may direct my powers to help your clan.” She looked at him, willing him to understand. “There is something coming that can do great harm to all of our people. The joining will help prevent that."
Elijah looked Kira up and down almost insultingly. A murmur of power slipped away from Gallegar, angry at the offense.
"Careful ... Wolf Leader. She is my Lady."
Elijah looked at Gallegar. “She is neither shapeshifter nor vampire. She doesn't even smell human. You have freely joined with this creature?"
"With great joy. She has given me life through her power."
"You serve her then?"
Gallegar snorted in amusement. “The Vampire King serves no one, Beast Lord.” Gallegar's power continued to move over the room. “We have joined our powers."
Elijah turned back to Kira. “Why does he need you? His power is very strong."
Kira smiled. It made the hairs on the ba
ck of all the shapeshifter's necks standing on end. “I know the Words of Death over the vampires.” Her soft statement sent murmurs of shock through the crowd.
Gallegar's gaze met Lucas’ over his Clan leaders head. Lucas’ was impassive. So, she had already told him.
Elijah frowned. “That is all fine and good for the Master Vampire here, but what good will they do for us?"
There was a short silence then Kira spoke quietly.
"I know the Words of Death over Shapeshifters as well."
Elijah actually took a step back from her before he collected himself. “Those words have been lost for centuries. No one knows the Words of Death over my kind! No one!"
Kira looked at him and her eyes shone even more golden. “I do."
Elijah snarled and clenched his fist as if he wanted to strike her. Beside him, Lucas moved suddenly, and it wasn't clear whether he was trying to stand with Elijah or Kira.
In response, Gallegar moved up beside her protectively. Gabriel and Noah flanked their backs. Kira put a hand on Gallegar's arm and he relaxed slightly, but he kept one eye on the Clan Leader. Shapeshifters and vampires were both very quick when they needed to be.
"My Lord Elijah, if I had wanted to use the Words against you or your people, I could already have done so. I wish to join with one of you so the Words of Death may be used for your people's sake."
Elijah turned and paced back to the edge of his chrome table. You could almost hear the wheels turning as he fought to turn the situation to his advantage. He turned back to Kira with a crafty expression on his face. “You wish to join with one of my people."
"Yes."
"Do you know who?"
Kira hesitated, not wanting to lie directly to him. She thought frantically, trying to figure the best way to tell Elijah about Lucas. Lucas stood like a pillar of stone next to his leader.
"I will choose who you are to join with.” The demand startled Kira out of her thoughts. She blinked at him in confusion.
"I am sorry, Lord Elijah. The Power must choose."
"Who is this Power? Is that who sent you to me?"
"Yes,” Kira answered him. “I am sent to help you, but the Power decides who I will join with. With your permission, I will test those in this room. When I find him, we both will know.” She dared not look at Lucas.
"Accepted ... if I must.” Elijah sat on the edge of his desk. “Start with me."
Kira took a deep breath. “You, my Lord?"
"I am the Leader of the Clan. Does it not make sense I should be tested?"
"Of course.” Kira walked toward Elijah. Spreading her hands in front of her she sent her power out over him. Since she knew it would not accept him, she waited an extra long minute before shaking her head.
"I am sorry, Clan Leader. I am not to join with you.” Without waiting for his response, Kira moved around the room touching her power gently to all the shapeshifters. As she had known, none were acceptable. When at last she came before Lucas, she moved her power over and through him.
Lucas gasped and his eyes lit up with a silvery glow. Kira's eyes lit with answering golden fire.
"Lucas Kane, I am to join with you. I am for you. You are for me.” Kira's voice was strong and sure as she spoke to him.
Lucas staggered against the desk as Kira's power flowed through him. All he had felt for her since she walked in came to a head at the feeling of that power. Everything in him wanted to go to her, to press himself against her, to join with her. He actually began moving toward her like a sleepwalker, but Elijah slapped an arm against his chest breaking the thrall.
"This is who you choose?"
"The Power chooses, Lord Elijah, not I.” Kira reminded him. “This Lucas is the shapeshifter I am to join with.” Kira tried to keep her choice of Lucas sounding impersonal. They could not allow him to know how important this was. She could feel a touch of fear now he was exposed, and she didn't like how it made her feel.
"I fear for him, My Heart," Kira mind-spoke worridly.
"If he is the one, A Ghra ... all will be well."
Kira stood still as Elijah paced around the room. To say he was angry about her choice was an understatement. He was furious. To protect Lucas, she must continue to play the game. At least that was the counsel Gallegar kept repeating in her mind. Quietly she put out her hands in a placating movement.
"What must I do to convince you, Clan Leader? Your Lucas is the one the Power has chosen. He is to be the conduit you use to help your people."
Elijah moved in front of her. As short as he was he was still taller than Kira. He stood close to her, trying to intimidate her. “And what if I don't believe you about the Words of Death? I have only your word they exist."
He glared at Gallegar as he stood poised and ready at Kira's side. “Did you take her on faith alone? Or did you see the Words in use?"
Gallegar snapped his fingers and Noah came forward.
"Yes, Master."
"Did you see our Lady use the Words of Death?"
Noah nodded and a look of fear came over his handsome face. “We would not allow her in to see the Master. She used them on the door guard at the club. He said it felt like his skin was burning off."
Elijah stared at the vampire. “This vampire still lives?"
"Yes, he gave up before she finished the death chant. He allowed her in, so she healed him."
At that Elijah looked over at Kira. “You know healing words as well?"
Kira shook her head. “I know the words to end and ease the pain, if the Words of Death are not completed."
"But you did not kill anyone."
"No, I do not kill unnecessarily."
Gallegar cleared his throat. Even though everything had turned out well, it was hard for him to think of those moments where he had taken Kira and bloodied her neck. “When I would not listen to my Lady's request, she used the words on me."
Elijah pounced on his statement. “What happened?"
Gallegar shrugged. “I did not believe she was there to help my people. I feared for them. I ... attacked her.” He looked at Kira, smiled, and his eyes shone a hot green. “She used the words on me.” His gaze went back to Elijah. “They would have killed me."
Elijah was still for a moment. Deep in thought. Kira felt uneasy. She sensed something would go wrong, but she did not have the knowledge to prevent it from happening.
"I wish to see the words in action.” Elijah looked at Kira as if he expected her to turn tail and run. “Show me these words."
Kira stared at him, aghast. “You wish me to kill one of your clan just to prove to you they work?"
"Afraid you can't do it?” he sneered.
Kira's temper flared and she came toward him with her hand outstretched. He backed away quickly.
"Come Clan Lord ... let me show you real fear. I started with you once before. Let me do so this time as well!” She backed him up against the desk, her eyes burning hot in her head.
"Get away from me!” Elijah shouted. His guards moved swiftly between Kira and their leader, Lucas included.
Seeing him standing there so bravely, made Kira swallow her temper and bring the power back into her body. Gallegar moved up behind her and put his hands soothingly on her shoulders.
"Come away, A Ghra ... You can do nothing to him."
"He is a coward!” The words were spoken softly in Gallegar's ear, but a shapeshifter's hearing is acute and the insult was heard by all of them. A resonating growl filled the room.
Kira and the vampires moved closer together.
"You abuse our hospitality, Vampire!” Elijah's voice dropped roughly. “Do you think you can safely get away from here with your Lady in tow?"
Gallegar's jaw tensed in anger. He was sure between Kira and himself, they could wipe up the floor with these shapeshifters, but he was afraid she might get hurt in the crossfire. So when he spoke, his words were mollifying.
"Clan Leader ... my apologies. Too much emotion does not allow us to see clearly.” He ke
pt Kira standing firmly before him. He could sense her regret and anger. He thought for a moment, his handsome face tight in concentration. “An idea, if you were to permit me."
Elijah moved from behind his bodyguards. His face was still flushed with anger but he was listening. “Tell me your idea."
"My Lady does not like the idea of killing unnecessarily. You know as well as I, a leader's safety is of prime importance to our people. Not wanting to risk yourself makes sense and carries no shame. My thought is ... perhaps if you were to ask for a volunteer to have the Words of Death spoken over them. Someone who would put his life before the clan's...” Gallegar let his voice trail off.
"A volunteer.” Elijah mulled that over. He stared at Gallegar and tapped his forefinger against his lower lip. “I think that would be acceptable.” He looked around at the shapeshifters gathered in the room.
"I volunteer."
Kira's gasp almost covered Lucas’ quiet words. “For the sake of the Clan and my Clan Leader, I will do it."
Kira started forward to object, but Gallegar pulled her back against his chest.
"If you prevent him from doing this, it will go badly for him."
"Elijah just wants me to kill Lucas and remove the competition. I will not do it!" Kira's voice was a shout in Gallegar's head. He gave his head a bemused shake.
"Gently, A Ghra ... My head may not survive your anger."
Kira whirled and stared angrily at him. "Do you wish me to use the words on all those I join with? You want me to do to them what I had to do to you!" Tears welled up in her eyes.
Cursing, Gallegar pulled her gently into his arms. "I think we must allow this ... to keep him safe. His stature will go up in the clan by agreeing to do this. Mayhap, Elijah will find him worthy to join with you."
"I hate this!" Kira sniffled into his shoulder.
Gallegar pulled away from her and looked into her eyes. "What must be done, will be done. You have the control. You do not have to kill him."
"And if Elijah requires it?"
Gallegar laughed softly. "Since when have you listened to one such as him?"