by Rosalie Redd
A crease formed between her brow, marring her beautiful features. He couldn’t allow that. He pointed to his cane. “Would you…”
Before he could finish his request, she rose to her feet and padded to retrieve his crutch, at least the physical one. In the back of his mind, he understood all too well that the pills in his pocket could be a bigger crutch and much more dangerous.
He glanced at his hand. The marking for patience was gone, and the others, the ones for responsibility, benevolence, and empathy were almost invisible. Sweat beaded his brow. He couldn’t lose the other three. His leg shook, the tremble wracking his entire body.
Nicole’s warm palm brushed down his arm, calming him and electrifying him at the same time. “Here.”
She drew his hand to the orange sunstone in the handle. The crack in the stone reflected the light, sending a brilliant cascade over her features, turning her into his own private jewel.
He gripped his cane and forced himself to a standing position. Blood fled from his brain. He concentrated on her pursed lips and the determined glint in her eye.
“Do you want to lie down?” She motioned to her bed.
No. Not in a million years. For a male to touch a female’s bed was a sign of commitment. He’d just done the ultimate in that one department, but he wouldn’t cross that other line, not now, not ever. Despite the bonding ink flowing through his veins, he wouldn’t force her to be with him. If he lay on her bed, he had no doubt they’d end up naked and between the sheets.
He met her gaze. “I’m fine now.”
She blinked, and her brows drew together.
He pinched the bridge of his nose. What a mess he’d created. This was a colossal cluster of enormous proportions and all his fault. He should’ve never kissed her in the first place. Maybe she hadn’t drunk any of his bonding ink. The thought sent a jolt of adrenaline into his bloodstream. “Did you taste anything unusual?”
She tilted her head, and a few strands of her golden-blonde hair cascaded over her shoulder. He wanted to reach out and touch the fine tresses, feel the silkiness between his fingers.
“I’m not sure. When you’re near, I smell tarragon, and after we kissed, I tasted it as well. Is that what you mean?”
Heaviness settled onto his shoulders. She’d indeed taken some of his bonding ink. He touched the skin on his throat. In a matter of hours, his bonding bands would appear. How many would he receive? He didn’t dare hope for three, but he prayed he received more than one. A single band was the sign of a bad relationship.
He shuffled closer to her, each step sending a jolt of agony up his leg. As he approached, her unique scent of ripe melons washed over him, reigniting his desire for her. “I’m afraid I have some bad news.”
She closed the distance between them. “Tell me.”
It took all his willpower not to pull her to him, kiss her until she begged for more. Instead, he wrapped his fingers around her elbow and rubbed his thumb over the tender skin on the inside of her forearm. “What you tasted was my bonding ink.”
“Bonding ink? What does that mean?” She narrowed her eyes.
The urge to kiss her overwhelmed him. He clamped his jaw so hard his teeth rattled. “It means I am your mate…bonded to you.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
He continued to stroke her arm, as much for his need to touch her as for his desire to give her some measure of comfort.
“Your mate? No, I belong to no man…er, male, ever.” She jutted her jaw.
“I can’t, no shouldn’t, be bonded to anyone either. However, because I released my bonding ink, I am bound to you, but you won’t be mine until we complete the physical bonding…” She’d come from another world. Had she left behind a male, someone she cared about? The burning desire to know crested over him, and he tugged her close, his need to feel her next to him overriding his common sense. He blurted the question before he could stop himself. “Was there a male in your life?”
She swallowed and licked her lips.
He growled, his beast eager to claim her.
She raised her chin. “No. I had a boyfriend a while back, but he’s no longer in the picture.”
Relief skittered over his nerves, and the tension in his shoulders eased.
She pushed away from him, and he let her go, sensing she needed some space. Not that he blamed her. This was his fault. His mark for responsibility burned on his hand, the line barely visible. There was no way he could keep up his commitment to her. He had a mission to complete, to find Anlon, one he likely wouldn’t survive due to his weak leg, but first, he had to see Ginnia, if for no other reason than to say goodbye.
“I have to visit my sister, Ginnia, before the evening repast. Would you like to meet her?” He blinked. He hadn’t intended ask to Nicole to go with him, but he couldn’t stand the thought of leaving her alone. Deep inside, he wanted to keep her next to him.
She studied him for a long moment, assessing him. At last, she exhaled. “Is she stoic and demanding like you or different?”
“Different, very different.” Shame heated his back and raced over his ears.
Nicole crossed her arms. “Then I’d love to meet her.”
CHAPTER 13
N ikki skimmed her fingers over the sunstones lining the corridor walls. Their warmth filtered into her skin, easing some of the tension flowing through her veins, but not enough, no, not nearly enough.
Gaetan is bonded to me. A mixture of trepidation and excitement skittered over her shoulders. Her gaze drew to Gaetan, her mate.
Shoulders stiff, jaw tense, he proceeded along the corridor, his pace quick despite the limp in his gait. The rhythmic ping of his cane echoed off the walls. Unbidden, memories of his kiss, so demanding and possessive, raced through her mind.
Everything had happened so fast. One moment they were in a conversation, the next he’d pinned her against the door, his large body holding her in place. She’d wanted him to kiss her with a fevered intensity, and he’d done exactly that, giving her more than she’d bargained for.
Gaetan halted.
Nikki plowed into him, her front molding to his backside. Her hands landed on his shoulders, and he tensed beneath her fingertips. He gripped her thigh, steadying her. Through the thin material, the warmth of his hand burned, igniting a shiver of desire that travelled all the way to her core.
“I didn’t mean to startle you.” He turned to face her, gliding his hand up her thigh to rest at her hip, the movement sensual, possessive. Lines formed around his concerned eyes. “You okay?”
His careful attention to her wellbeing touched her, more than she cared to admit. “I’m fine.”
“Good.” He withdrew his hand from her hip and ran his palm over his face. “I have to tell you about Ginnia before we arrive.”
The hair along Nikki’s nape rose. “What is it?”
“My sister,” Gaetan shook his head, “she’s in our strong room, the dungeon, for treason.”
Nikki inhaled. “What did she do?”
“She released a prisoner, a traitor…Mauree, the one you saw kill Noeh.” Gaetan clamped his mouth shut, his lips drawing into a thin line. Pain and torment reflected in his eyes.
Nikki’s chest ached, and she placed her hand on his arm. “That was Mauree’s doing, not Ginnia’s or yours.”
He flinched, his muscles tensing beneath her fingers. “Come, we are almost there.” With determined strides, he continued down the corridor, his cane tapping in counterpoint to his steps.
This is what Bet had alluded to during their conversation. Gaetan blamed himself for the loss of his friends. Nikki wanted to wipe away his guilt and pain, but she didn’t know how. A headache pounded at her temple, and she had to run to catch up.
Gaetan peered at her over his shoulder. “There’s something else you need to know about my sister. Although she’s an adult, her mind isn’t…” His jaw tightened. “There was an accident when she was a child. Please understand she may not take to you right a
way or may say odd things. She has visions and is a seer, of sorts.”
A swell of empathy filled Nikki’s chest. There was more to the story, she could tell, but he didn’t seem willing to share, not yet, anyway. She placed her hand on Gaetan’s shoulder, stopping him. “My brother, Toby, had Down Syndrome. He was the same way, forever young at heart, but he’s no longer around. I loved him dearly.” Hot tears welled in her eyes.
Gaetan clasped her hands, his warmth seeping into her, easing some of the anguish. “Then we have something in common.”
Her heart ached for them both. “I look forward to meeting her.”
His mouth curled into an adorable smile, accentuating his handsome features. He gripped her hand, squeezing gently. “She’s just around the corner. Let’s go.”
Nikki nodded and let him lead her down the corridor. In this part of the Keep, there wasn’t much traffic, and they didn’t encounter a soul. As they rounded a bend, light emitted from a small room, casting the hallway in a soft glow. Bars covered the entrance, and a large padlock secured the latch.
Gaetan cleared his throat. “Ginnia, I’ve come for a visit.”
The rustling of sheets and soft padded footsteps echoed down the corridor. A tall female wrapped her fingers around the bars and pressed her forehead to the rods. Strands of her brown hair protruded between the iron as if eager to escape.
Gaetan smiled. “Ginnia, this is Nicole, my—”
“Mate.” Ginnia’s pale blue eyes, a perfect match to Gaetan’s, locked onto Nikki.
Confusion fluttered in Nikki’s mind. “How did you—”
The innocent-looking female smiled, her eyes twinkling with mirth. “I just know.”
Nikki held her breath.
“It’s okay. You’re good for Gaetan, I can tell. I like you already.” Ginnia giggled. “Ooh, want to play a game? You like games and puzzles, don’t you?”
Nikki furrowed her brow and glanced at Gaetan. “What…”
Gaetan’s handsome smile grew, yet the lines around his eyes remained, lending him a haunted appearance. “Like I mentioned, Ginnia is our seer.”
Nikki studied Gaetan for a moment then approached his sister and held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Ginnia.”
Ginnia gripped her palm, drawing Nikki’s hand through the bars.
Nikki gasped. “What are you doing?” She tugged, trying to free herself, but the tall female’s grip was too strong.
Gaetan stepped forward. “Ginnia, release her!”
Ginnia grabbed Nikki’s wrist and forced open her palm. The seer traced her finger over the mark in Nikki’s hand. The blemish, pink and raw, burned from the seer’s touch. Nikki jerked her arm and, this time, Ginnia released her.
Gaetan wrapped his arms around Nikki and drew her away from his sister. His welcome touch eased the anxiety running through her.
“It’s you! It’s you!” Ginnia jumped up and down, her hair bouncing to and fro. “You’re the one!”
Gaetan squeezed Nikki’s arm, released her, and approached his sister.
“What do you mean, Angel?” Gaetan’s low, soothing voice rumbled in his chest.
Ginnia smiled, her innocence reflecting in her wide-eyed gaze. “She’s the final piece needed for the catalyst.”
Catalyst? Nikki’s stomach hardened. Fear crept deep inside, draping around every cell in her body. “Me? I’m no one special.”
Ginnia blinked. “Of course you are. You and Gaetan, together, will save us all.”
Nikki glanced at Gaetan, a sense of foreboding cresting over her shoulders.
“That sounds pretty ominous. Can you tell us more?” Gaetan brushed a few strands of stray hair behind Ginnia’s ear.
The seer tilted her head. “About what?”
Gaetan exhaled and kissed his sister on the forehead. “Angel, that’s enough for now. I want you to know that I love you, no matter what. Okay?”
Ginnia’s expectant gaze roamed over Gaetan. “Did you bring me one? Did you? Did you?”
Gaetan’s eyes narrowed. “Bring…what?”
The enthusiasm in the air deflated in an instant. Ginnia’s brows furrowed. “You forgot my favorite treat.”
Gaetan’s shoulders slumped. He yanked the small pouch from his pocket once again. His fingers trembled as he withdrew a small, round pill. With a quick pop, he shoved the medicine into his mouth and swallowed. Dry, without water, no less. A shiver wracked his shoulders and relief flickered over his features.
He’s addicted. Nikki’s vision pinpointed, white spots forming before her eyes. She placed her hand against the stone wall, but the cool surface did nothing to ease her anxiety. He’d taken a pill a few minutes ago and now he’d taken another. The shakes…the shiver…the look of immediate relief on his face were all signs of addiction. …and he’s my mate. Dread slid down her back like ice.
A forced smile bloomed on Gaetan’s face. “Nicole and I are on our way to the Grand Hall right now. We’ll bring you back the largest blueberry muffin in the entire Keep. How about that?”
Ginnia’s excitement returned with childlike fervor. She clapped her hands. “Yeah! Yeah!”
The guilt in Gaetan’s pale blue eyes burned its way into Nikki, tugging on the threads that bound her heart, searching for a way to unravel the protective barrier. Although she hadn’t known him long, she’d already begun to care for him, but she couldn’t afford to let him inside and allow herself to love him.
With his addiction problem, he was too much like her father. He could never love her. The pills would always be more important to him than her. Yet, he was her mate and bound to her. A scream bottled up in her throat. It took all her will power not to let it out.
CHAPTER 14
M auree tapped one long, red, polished nail against the wood rail. The small ping beat against her nerves, and her pulse quickened. From her vantage point on the deck balcony, she had a good view of the troops on the lawn below. Gossum and Ursus sparred, the grunts and shouts melding together into a dull buzz. The air reeked of sweat and the bitter tang of Gossum, but even the stench couldn’t bring down her elation.
They were so close to winning this war, she could taste it. Soon, she would enslave and rule over the humans, forcing them to aid in the transport of water to Lemuria.
“My lady.” Eldon’s scratchy voice broke through her thoughts.
She whirled to face him.
He wiped his palms over his dirty jeans. A slow smile curled his lips and creases formed around his dark eyes.
“Eldon, you’ve done well. The new recruits learned quickly.” She quirked her finger, motioning for him to join her.
“I aim to please.” He strode across the deck and leaned against the wooden rail. His gaze tracked to the sun low in the sky. “Nightfall isn’t far off. When do you anticipate our enemy will arrive?”
Mauree raised her chin and evaluated her first lieutenant. His confidence and determination were evident in the set of his jaw. She’d done well in selecting him. The memory of Theron, her prior first lieutenant and lover, along with his betrayal, slid through her mind. He’d helped his niece, Kaelyn, and her beloved Saar. Mauree tracked her fingers to the patch over her eye, and she curled her hand into a fist. “They will come soon after sundown. When they do, I want Kaelyn.”
Eldon placed one of his boots between a couple of slats, resting the sole against the rail’s wooden frame. A light chuckle eased from him. “Your desire for revenge goes far deeper than I ever imagined.”
“You have no idea.” Bitterness swept across her shoulders like a bad chill, wracking her body. She rubbed her arms and longed for the sweater she’d left inside. “The warriors’ anger and need for retribution will make them distraught and disorganized. They will fall like trees in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption.”
“Now there’s a vision I hadn’t imagined before. Interesting word choice.” Eldon studied her, his dark eyes glinting in the sunlight. He tapped his finger against his chin. “I expected you to b
e a bit more elated since you killed Noeh. That’s been your main goal as long as I’ve known you.”
Adrenaline surged through her veins. Without warning, she unsheathed her dagger from the strap on her thigh and pressed the pointed tip under his chin.
He stilled, the muscles in his arms rigid. His pulse throbbed at his throat.
“Your job is not to question my motives, only to do as I say. Is that in any way unclear?” She increased the pressure on the blade. The tip pierced his skin. A drop of blood welled from the cut.
He swallowed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “Yes, I mean no. Your message is very clear.”
She withdrew the knife then wiped the blade on his shirt sleeve. A black stain darkened the material.
He stepped away, giving her some space.
The adrenaline rush had her head spinning, but his words had hit their mark. Noeh… An ache built in her chest. “Prepare the troops. I’ll join you in a few minutes.” Before he could respond, she turned her back on him and stared at her troops sparring on the lawn.
“As you command.” He marched off, and his booted feet echoed across the deck until he reached her bedroom. The sliding glass door closed with a soft click.
Alone at last, she released a long exhale. The sound turned into a moan, and she brought her fist to her mouth, trapping the wail. Confusion swirled in her mind, and a fine sheen of sweat broke over her arms.
Noeh…
She should be happy, glad that she’d killed him and earned her retribution. Yet, instead, there was a dark place in her soul.
“All I ever wanted was to be your queen.” She choked on the words.
No! Stop it! She fisted her hand and rammed it against the rail, again, again, and again. He’d rejected her, tossed her aside like yesterday’s trash. All for that twit of a female—Melissa. Noeh had deserved death, and Mauree had come too far down this road to have any regrets.
Males have a habit of betraying you, don’t they?
“Never again!” Mauree ground her teeth together so hard, a jolt of pain raced up her cheek. “There isn’t a male on this planet I trust, not a one, and I will bring down the Stiyaha if it’s the last thing I do. I swear it.”