“What are you up to?” I asked.
We didn’t have any decorations this year and the house felt a little bare to me. I wanted a tree but it didn’t make sense to go to all that trouble since Sean and Killian were leaving tomorrow. I didn’t need the decorations, really, but I missed them a little. The roaring fire and howling wind provided all of the winter atmosphere I was going to get. Snow slammed into the windows with the ting of ice pellets. Mother Nature was throwing a Christmas tantrum.
Standing up with a grin, Killian winked at me and vanished.
“Where did he go?” I asked Sean.
Sean just shrugged and gave me an innocent look. Dec loped over to me and covered my eyes with hands that smelled like bacon.
“Don’t peek, darlin’.”
A heartbeat later, the atmosphere shifted and Killian was back. Warmth struck me like a personal sun and I flung Dec’s hands from my eyes.
“My tree!”
Killian brought my beautiful golden Christmas tree from the farmhouse in New York. He carefully set it down on one of the end tables. It glowed with all the warmth and magic of the angels who created it with their own blood and saols.
“It’s still breathtaking. You guys are so sweet!”
The silky strands of gold clung delicately to the intricate branches of the tree. Its fire warmed my face as I peered more closely at it. A work of art it was. More precious than a Hallmark card or a diamond ring. As beautiful as before, but with an intricate set of ornaments that were new this year. Gossamer threads wove patterns of runes throughout the hanging silk threads…delicately drawn with whirls and flourishes, they were beautiful ornaments on the magical tree.
Delicate...and yet their power was unmistakable. I recognized it as soon as my mind acknowledged the runes’ existence. Each rune had a faint halo, like an aura, around it.
“The runes are for protection and good health. This one’s meant to protect the baby from demons.” Killian pointed to one in particular. It was more vividly drawn than the others, as if the artist used more force to give it shape. It had no frills or flourishes; instead, its form was made from strong brush strokes and solid lines. Its power radiated in a faint blue halo. Its bold lines screamed authority. Killian had created this one.
“Give me your hand.”
His eyes were steady on mine. There was no stress or intensity in them. No reason for it; he was doing what needed doing. This was a practical exercise. He tucked my hair away from my eyes with a feather light touch and smiled to reassure me.
With a wave of a hand, the music shut off abruptly. The crackling fire seemed supernaturally loud in the void.
Sean and Dec stepped forward as Killian pulled Sgaine Eiron from its sheath. I held out my palm and took a deep breath as the others did the same.
Gone was the Primani. The high priest had returned. Killian stood utterly still in front of the blazing tree.
With a flick of his wrist, the tip of the blade pierced the center of my palm and drew a bit of blood. He repeated this action with everyone.
“Alam ne infant seain diote.”
Murmuring softly, he carefully swirled some blood from each of us onto the blade. Unlike other ceremonies, this one was elegant and graceful. His movements were as delicate and careful as an artist, and he wielded the golden blade like a paint brush. Even the motion to capture the blood was fluid, as if he were swirling paint on a pallet.
“Alam ne infant seain diote, Raphael.”
He called upon Raphael to hear his words and watch over the baby.
He paused and held each of our eyes for a beat before placing the blade against the rune he’d drawn over my belly the night the baby was conceived. He lowered the blade to it and let the blood drip to cover it. As the blood settled on my skin, it turned to golden light that seeped into my pores and tingled in the center of my womb. With feathery strokes, he traced the shape of the rune and set the protection with simple words.
“All who would harm this infant beware: the blood of Primani protect and defend him.”
Not the words of prayer; the words of a curse.
At his words, the tiny rune began to throb with life. An unexpected rush of heat shot outward and wrapped around me in a flash of pale blue.
Sean and Dec spoke together in a formal tone. “I give my blood to protect this child. He has the protection of my Primani powers descending from the archangel Raphael. Enemies beware: My retribution will be swift; your death slow.”
A chill ran down my back as the meaning of their words sank in.
Killian tapped the eye of the blade against the rune and added in a terrible voice,
“En vitrao dutre aain methite. Dio sai infant y Mica.”
Loosely translated he’d said, “I will find you and rip your heart out with my bare hands if you touch my wife or child.”
With a gentle stroke of his finger, the cut on my palm disappeared.
Hours later, the heavenly aroma of roasting cow lifted me off my feet and pulled me into the kitchen to check the temp on the roast. The thermometer said it was nearly done. Time to whip up the Yorkshire pudding.
“Dec? Are you doing the veggies?” I called out as I knelt to grab the flour.
Rematerializing next to me, he laughed when I jumped a foot. Deftly snagging the flour from me, he said, “I’m all over it, darlin’. Green beans are simmering away and the potatoes are almost done boiling. I bullied Sean into setting the table while you were, uh, occupied upstairs.”
“Declan Manning. Let’s get something straight right now.” I poked him in the arm to be sure he was listening. Using my best condescending tone, I said, “Killian is leaving for God knows how long again. Apparently I’ve been searching for him for 3,000 years. I really, really, really think we’re overdue for some alone time. So you need to stop nagging at us about it and just be happy we’ve found each other.” I blew out an exasperated breath of air.
“And besides, Raphael told Killian he had to be the one to heal the wounds in my heart. His words, not mine. So there!” I stuck out my tongue for emphasis.
Bursting out laughing, Dec stabbed a potato and tossed a green bean to Domino. “You’re adorable when you try to be mad at me. You know that, right?”
I glanced at the spotted pooch for some support; she ignored me in favor of human food. Traitor! I tried a glare and they both laughed at me. Huffing indignantly, I beat the heck out of the batter for the Yorkshire pudding.
An hour later, the chaos that precedes dinner was in full swing. By some kind of unspoken agreement, the guys all chipped in to help. Sean wielded the carving knife and sliced caveman-sized slabs of prime rib. Dec topped all non-meat items with too much butter and sat the bowls on the table. I was busy cutting up the uber-delicious Yorkshire pudding and dumping rolls into a basket. Killian lounged in the doorway with arms crossed, amused and content. He’d already uncorked and poured wine.
Sean licked his fingers and said, “There’s something weird about your face, bro.”
Killian lifted an eyebrow in question.
I stopped to look. Did I miss something? Nope, still looked like Killian to me.
Sean pretended to study him seriously and finally exclaimed, “You look different. Did you let Mica give you a facial?”
Killian chuckled shortly and said, “Yeah, like that would ever happen. This is my ‘peaceful’ look.”
Sean barked an unbelieving laugh and said, “Oh yeah? Better take a picture of it--today’s the end of our peace for a while! It’s back to maiming, killing, and blowing shit up tomorrow. Can’t wait to get my hands dirty!”
Elbowing Sean on my way to the table, I chided, “Stop! There’ll be no talk of blood, guts, or torture during Christmas dinner! We’re going to eat, drink, and open presents. Relax and enjoy it.”
As everyone sat down to eat, I whipped out the camera. Sean was right. We had to capture this dinner. Everyone was relaxed for a change; I had to get it on film. Dec made horrible faces while Sean tried
to keep a straight face. Killian scowled at the lens. Finally Dec snatched the camera and took some of me. Killian surprised me by pulling me closer so Dec could take one of us together as a couple. He set the timer and took one final shot of the four of us standing by the tree. I didn’t know it then, but I’d learn to cherish that picture.
Just after we finished eating, the laptop pinged. Skype was calling me. Dec beat me to the computer and had the picture up just as I shoved him off the chair. Janet’s smiling face was the first one to greet me.
“Janet! Merry Christmas! Where’s everyone?”
Laughing, she shifted over to let my dad stick his face in front of the tiny camera. “Hey kid! Merry Christmas.”
He peered into the camera giving me a close up of his eyebrows. I tried not to giggle. Old people shouldn’t use technology...
“Hey, Dad! You look good! Nice hat.”
“Yeah, yeah. Janet keeps making me wear the damn thing. This is the last year I’m wearing it, I swear.”
He’d made the same promise for the past four years. He liked the furry Santa hat; he just didn’t want to admit it. Trevor jumped on for about 30 seconds; just long enough to thank us for the money we’d sent him.
“I’m going to buy that new game “Dishonored” as soon as it comes out! It’s way cool!” He was already riding the Christmas morning sugar rush. His freckled face was flushed with cookies and video games.
Then it was back to Dad and Janet. They caught me up on all the excitement in Plattsburgh--essentially none since the serial killer was dead and I’d moved out of the country. Before I could say anything newsy, Killian slipped up behind me. He leaned down and kissed the top of my head and I reached up automatically and squeezed his wrist.
With no tact whatsoever, Dad said, “Who’s that? Is that Sean? I thought you dumped him?”
“Dad! Shh! He’ll hear you!”
Sean’s amused voice drifted in from the kitchen. “Too late. I’m crushed you never told me I was dumped!”
Dec burst into howls of hilarity and Sean wagged his head mouthing the words ‘worst girlfriend ever.’
Janet was giving my dad some pointers on how not to be an ass when I turned back to the laptop. This she did using her inside voice while glancing back at their monitor to make sure I wasn’t watching.
She elbowed him one final time before fixing a smile on her face. “Sorry, sweetie. Your father has no sense at all.” She leaned a little closer and whispered, “Is that Sean? I’d like to say hello if it is. I always liked him. He’s such a sweetie.”
Dec burst into laughter again and Sean joined him. Unable to resist, both Sean and Dec yelled ‘Merry Christmas’ from the kitchen. Janet smiled at their antics and waved.
This was getting better and better. Geez.
I smothered a grin and held out my hand to my halfway-insulted husband.
“Janet, Dad, I have some news.”
Killian pulled up a chair and smiled into the camera. Janet’s pale green eyes widened in surprise and her mouth dropped open.
Oh, yeah, she’d never met Killian. No wonder she was stunned. He had that effect on women. He was at his happiest today, so those wicked blue eyes were warm and soft and the little sexy smile could melt Antarctica.
Dad’s eyes narrowed suspiciously though and he elbowed his wife to stop gawking. “Who’s this?”
The suspicion in my dad’s voice sent him over the edge. Killian grinned showing both canines, and stated facts like he was spitting bullets, “I’m Mica’s husband. We got married in a pagan ceremony three days ago. She’s pregnant. Sean lives with us and we all play nicely together. He’ll be our son’s godfather, if I don’t kill him.” He leaned back and draped his heavy arm around my shoulders. The short sleeves only emphasized the bulging muscles and golden skin. “I’m overprotective and bossy, but I would gladly go to hell and back for her. Any questions?”
Twin expressions of shock stared back at us and I burst into giggles. “Killian! You’re awful!”
My dad’s mouth worked like it was trying to form words, but he ended up clamping his lips together and glaring at Janet instead. Janet’s eyes were glued to Killian’s biceps.
I gave them a squeeze and teased, “Yeah, he’s hard as a rock.”
Killian shook his head in disbelief. Wow!
Sean fell against the counter laughing again. Killian flushed.
Dec was crying and gasping for air. “Oh, God, Mica!”
“That’s not what I meant! You are so immature!”
By the time I looked up at the screen, Dad was gone and Janet was grinning into the camera. “Well, his, er, hardness aside, Mica, he’s very cute. And he seems to really love you. You can’t fake that. Welcome to the family, Killian. Maybe we should come over there and meet him? I want to see the baby too.”
“Will Dad be okay?” There were a lot, and I mean, a LOT of swear words getting tossed around in the background.
She grimaced and smoothed her hair while trying not to stare at Killian. Killian had switched from predator to loving husband. It was impossible to resist those eyes. It was like staring into the ocean. She cleared her throat delicately and said, “Sure he will. He’ll be fine. He’s not good with change. Give him a call in a week or so.”
Abby popped into view and demanded her turn with us. Janet said goodbye and passed the mic off to my favorite twin.
Dec and Sean were horsing around in the kitchen behind me. Like the total clown he is, Dec stuck his mug into the camera on the way by with dirty dishes.
Abby squealed so loudly the dog barked in panic. “Omigod! Is that Declan!” Completely unhinged by teenage lust, she waved madly into the camera. “Dec! Dec, it’s me Abby! Come say hi!!”
Rolling my eyes to the back of my head, I moved over so Dec could say hi. Before sitting down, he displaced Killian and grinned at Abby. “Hey, Abby girl! Did you have a happy Christmas?”
Shining like a comet, she grinned with full dimples. Wow! She’d grown up--a lot. Almost 18 now, she was a stunner and a flirt. Her pale blond hair was full and wavy and streaked with pale pink highlights. She sported three studs in each ear and one tiny stone above her eyebrow. She lowered her voice to a sexy purr and said, “It’s much better now. You’re still so hot you should be illegal.”
Oh, no she didn’t!
Dec turned pink and actually stumbled out of the chair. “Hey, Abby, nice talking to you. I’ve...got...to get the door. Merry Christmas!” And he made a hasty escape to the kitchen.
“Abby! You little flirt! What are you thinking? You gave Dec a stroke.”
Leaning into the mic, she looked for her mom and whispered, “I’d sure like to stroke him. God, he’s hot!”
My mouth actually fell open and Killian reached over and closed it. His chest vibrated against my side as he tried to hold in the laugh that was strangling him. The back door slammed and he shoved his face into my neck. I could feel him vibrating with mirth and pinched him.
“Abby! He’s waaaaay too old for you! Put him out of your brain. Where’s Monica? She hasn’t lost her mind too, has she?”
Later, as the clock announced Christmas was officially over, I snuggled closer to Killian and smiled when he wrapped his big hand around my flat belly and sighed. He was sound asleep and still keeping watch over me. I loved him more than I could say.
Staring up at the dark ceiling, I let my mind relax and drift towards oblivion. Sleep tugged me downwards, but there was one more thing I needed to do on this special night.
“Merry Christmas, Raphael,” I whispered into the dark.
Chapter 18: Slummin’ on the Dark Side
London, England:
“HOLD STILL! I’M ALMOST DONE,” Raphael hissed under his breath.
“Shit! That stings like a bitch!” Sean bit his lip to keep from whining like a girl. His brothers didn’t need any ammo to mess with him.
That clown Dec hovered over him, watching...waiting for him to crack. Killian leaned against the doorframe w
ith arms crossed over his chest, eyes alert and glittering. They were holding their breath just waiting for him to flinch. Probably had a camera some place.
Needing a distraction, he focused his attention on his discarded wristband lying on the wooden end table. The blue stone gleamed dully in the morning light, chastising him for taking it off. There was no help for it. He couldn’t wear it when he was undercover without raising suspicion. He was supposed to leave his Primani life behind him. Still, no one wanted to send him into No Man’s Land without a way to find him. So that’s what brought him to this point.
He was lying on the bed while Raphael marked him with a tracking rune. The marking process stung like a freakin’ red-hot poker digging into his groin. He bit his lip again as the final layer of the mark was set. Raphael’s hand hovered about six inches above him and directed a nearly invisible beam of light into his skin. It was kinda like a high-tech tattoo that would blend into his skin color when it was done.
“A little to the left and you can just neuter him.” Dec thought he was hilarious.
He cringed at the thought and his boys retreated all the way to his colon.
Killian just shook his head and smiled tightly. Not much amused him--at least not until recently. This crazy shit with Mica made him a whole new Primani. Guess this is what he was like when he was human. He was still bad ass, but a lot more mellow, less cold, less angry. A LOT less angry! That would change in a few hours.
Oh, yeah. As soon as he killed Mica, Killian would lose his mind. Time for stage two.
It would be on then!
Raphael looked reproachfully at Dec. “This is the most appropriate location, Declan. It can be assumed that he’ll be searched by Jordan’s demons. We can’t risk the mark being found.” He glared up in some real anger then, his tone suddenly one he rarely used with them. The hair on the back of Sean’s neck vibrated at the warning. It wasn’t smart to piss off one of the angels of vengeance. “They’d cut it out and then kill him.”
The Lost Soul Trilogy (Primani Book 5) Page 98