"Hush my love. I'll never let anyone hurt you.” Malek cooed into Sharra's ear, attempting to calm her fears while stroking a hand though her hair.
Mikael focused his attention on the young couple. His yearnings would wait until they were safely out of Romania and in Italy under his roof.
"I was so scared. Lord Daemor said you'd broken clan laws by making love to me. I never meant to get you in trouble Malek. I swear it, I just..."
Malek stopped her apology with a heated, passionate kiss.
Mikael hated to interrupt them, but Daemor would only hesitate for so long before attacking. If they didn't reign in their desire, he just might ravage his beautiful Bella, in the middle of Raven house's driveway. “It's time to leave children; my presence will only keep Daemor at bay for so long. Once he remembers that he has a house full of warriors and we are only five, he will attack."
"He's right Sharra. Get back in the car."
Sharra held on tighter. “What about you? I'm not leaving here without you Malek! You can't make me."
Mikael grinned. “She sounds like you, mi Bella. Strong of will and full of determination to get her own way."
Bella raised an eyebrow at him, before slipping out of his arms and getting into the car's front seat next to Nicolai, leaving him to sit in the back with his new charges. Mikael chuckled arrogantly. Bella knows I desire her, she can sense it.
With one last look around their surroundings Mikael shook off the sudden foreboding that washed over him and turned to his new charges. “You heard my lady, into the car. I wouldn't recommend tempting her wrath."
* * * *
Enraged, Daemor flew to the top of the northwest tower of his castle to watch Mikael drive away with his most prized possessions. Fury enveloped him like a cloak at the knowledge that Annabella had been within his grasp and he'd let her slip away. Tonight, no wolf within his lands would be safe for the insult Mikael bestowed upon his house.
Then he'd take his revenge on that ungrateful cub and his mate for killing his only son, Sebastien. Mikael De Wohlf he would make watch as he ravaged Annabella. Perhaps he'd even pass her around to his clan and let them have a little fun of their own before killing her. No one humiliated him in his own home and got away with it.
The bloody images he conjured helped calm him. It was time to take back the reigns of power and put into action the plans he'd spent years formulating.
Chapter Five
Malek followed Nicolai as he weaved his way through the maze like corridors of the Wolf house manse. He still felt confused and suspicious by all he'd experience in the past forty-eight hours, but one thing was certain. Sharranna was his mate, and no one would ever hurt her again.
"Your rooms childe. If you or your keeper need anything you may ask Jeffrey; he's been assigned to you until further notice.” Waving Jeffrey out of the room, Nicolai turned to look at Sharra. “Lady Annabelle will require young Miss Sharra's presence at eight am to complete her Keepers Oath."
Then Nicolai finally turned his attention on him. “Vater will send for you childe when he's ready to determine your status within the clan."
"I'm not leaving Sharra alone!"
Malek knew nothing about these damn wolves. He wasn't leaving his mate unprotected in the middle of their stronghold. The look of quiet disgust Nicolai threw him didn't sway his resolve one bit. He'd spent sixty years despising the wolf clan for abandoning him. Those feelings didn't go away overnight. They'd done very little to earn his trust.
"I'll speak with Lady Annabella concerning Miss Sharra's safety..."
"If you think—"
Sharra placed her hand on his arm and stopped him from finishing his sentence. “We apologize, Nicolai. I'd be honored to spend time with Annabella if she is free."
Malek frowned. What is she thinking?
"Rest. I'll send Jeffrey when Vater is ready for your presence."
Malek waited until Nicolai left before turning an angry glare on Sharra. “What are you trying to do? Get yourself killed?"
Sharra glared back not a trace of fear in her bright blue eyes or an apology on her lips. Sweet demure Sharra was standing up to him. “I'm trying to keep the peace and show our hosts some respect for their kindness."
"You are much too naïve Sharra, we know nothing about these people.” Why would she care if they showed Mikael De Wohlf respect?
"I'm sorry you feel that way. I suppose it was naiveté at work when I allowed you to take refuge in my home the first day we met! I like Annabella. It will be nice having another human around to talk with. It's been months since that last happened. In case you've forgotten Malek, once I agreed to become a keeper I was isolated from other humans. A practice I've since learned isn't upheld in any other house or clan! You'd be surprised at all the information I discovered during the two hour flight here form Romania. Lady Annabella is nice and she promised to teach me the true laws while you, Mikael, and Nicolai were below in the cargo hold of the aircraft asleep. I like and trust her, Malek."
His fury with Daemor intensified, a hot red rage burned in the core of his being. Daemor obviously had plans for his Sharra by keeping her apart from the other humans in the house, and the more he learned, the more he realized that those plans would have ended in her death. “Did Daemor touch you?” Narrowing his eyes further he leaned in so she couldn't avoid the question. “Did Mikael?"
Sharra cupped his face, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “No Malek, but if Mikael hadn't arrived when he did Daemor would have done far worse than touch me. For that I am grateful. I will be polite and as helpful as I can to make things go smoothly while I am under his roof."
"You never answered my question Sharra! Did Mikael De Wohlf touch you?"
"He never passed the doorway. The moment Daemor was gone, he called Annabella into the room to care for me and she made certain he left so I could dress."
He'd forgotten that Sharra had been naked when he'd gotten dragged from their bed. Seemed he owed De Wohlf more than he felt comfortable owing another. Pulling her close, his hands stroked back her hair in soothing strokes. “If anything had happened to you..."
"Just promise me that you'll be nice. I like it here. Much more than at Raven house. Here women have freedom. They are treated with respect and equality. Not Property!"
"I can't make you any promises on this subject, but I will be fair. Will that suffice for now?"
Sharra leaned against his chest, her fingers tangling in the material of his shirt. A sigh of relief caressed his skin. His fangs extended protectively at the sound. In one night, this tiny woman had thrown his whole world in chaotic disorder and he wouldn't change a thing.
* * * *
Mind racing Mikael walked over to the room's only chair and sat. He'd requested Nicolai bring the childe to him an hour ago and they still hadn't arrived. Nicolai had reported his entire conversation with Malek to him after leaving the childe alone with his new mate in their rooms. It seemed that Malek was not happy, nor did he trust anyone in this house. Any other house lord would be furious with the whelp for his lack of appreciation and the insult shown. Mikael was entertained.
The childe and his mate intrigued him. From all the accounts he'd received from Nicolai during the past six months concerning the pair, neither was acting normally. The woman was quiet and shy, afraid of her own shadow, yet she'd stood up to Malek and defied him in one breath. She had potential that one, potential to become a great keeper and an even better house member should she seek out the change. Malek, he'd been led to believe was quiet and easy going yet he'd seen nothing but arrogance and anger since they officially met at the car.
"Vater, the childe as you requested."
Mikael looked up in time to watch Malek wipe a frown from his face. “Welcome to my home. I trust your rooms are satisfactory?"
"Sharra is content. That alone makes me happy."
Mikael smiled, his fangs extended in approval. He'd expected that answer. The mating was true and strong.
&nb
sp; "I've asked you here to determine if Daemor twisted you beyond redemption during the time he had you in his possession. Tonight we will decide if you are truly ready for a keeper of your own. I'm confident you know a keeper is never to be harmed or used for your own personal pleasures? The laws protecting them are more severe than any other law we have. Any vampire found abusing a keeper is put to death!"
He watched the childe closely, scrutinizing every nuance of action and reaction. He liked what he saw so far. Malek still had a firm hold on his morals and understood the difference between good and evil. Malek's actions towards his mate proved that. She hadn't been afraid to stand up to him proving he'd been nothing but kind and loving toward her.
"I refuse any keeper but Sharra, and I'd never harm a hair on that woman's beautiful head. She taught me that humans deserve to be treated with respect, that they can be very useful in situations where we are quite vulnerable."
Mikael nodded. “Good answer. Now tell me how you met Sharranna."
Malek pulled himself up straighter. “Sharra saved my life. She just didn't know she was doing it at the time. She gave me a place to hide when I got caught outdoors at sunrise."
"Sounds like Sharranna deserves to be rewarded for her bravery. Not many young women would allow a strange man into their homes. Perhaps I should offer her the chance of becoming Clan?"
Malek's angry growl echoed though the room. Mikael held up a hand forestalling Nicolai. “You don't like that suggestion Malek? Why? Do you not wish to spend eternity with your mate?"
"Sharra has too much life to be cursed forever to darkness. She's like a flower that needs sunshine to flourish and thrive. Sharra took care of me when I desperately needed it, and now I will care for her. For however long we have together."
Mikael sat back a slow smile curving his lips in approval. “Congratulations Malek. I am quite pleased with your responses. Welcome to our house. Bella has agreed to complete Sharranna's training this week, and we shall hold the official bonding ceremony on Friday at midnight.
"The rules state a keeper must spend the last week of training isolated from their new charge, alone in contemplation of their new path in life.” Mikael held up a hand for silence when Malek made to interrupt. “But taking into account what the girl has been through, and my wife's adamant insistence, Sharra shall share your chambers until the bonding ceremony. As long as she agrees. In this, the lady has the final say! Do not make me regret my decision."
Malek didn't verbally respond, he merely nodded and waited for Mikael to continue, confirming the childe was truly ready to be on his own. “Now tell me what your plans were once you gained your keeper?"
"Plans?"
The fact that Malek was confused by this question confirmed a few other rumors and information he'd received over the past six months. “Yes plans. The way you were planning on supporting yourself and aiding in the support of your clan. Your means of employment, Malek?"
"Daemor never mentioned anything concerning work. I assumed I would be told what to do once I became a full-fledged clan member."
Mikael nodded. “That short-sightedness is why Raven house is weak. They're scavengers and until something changes, they always will be the weakest house of all the clans.” He knew he was harsh, baiting the childe, but he needed to know where the boy's loyalties stood.
"Daemor enjoyed having complete power over the clan.” Malek announced in a matter of fact tone.
Mikael went over the options open to the childe. “What would you like to do Malek? Every one in Wolf house must be able to support themselves and their mates before they are allowed to bond. Earning ones keep is how we determine if a childe is ready to move forward on their own.
In Wolf house there is only one keeper, and that is mi Bella..."
When he saw Malek intended to interrupt, Mikael held up a hand to silence the childe. Malek needed to learn to listen until he had all of the information before losing his temper and interrupting. “Yet since you were already promised a keeper, and since the woman has had some training in the role I will allow her to become one. Mi Bella will be unable to carry out most of her duties soon and I feel your mate could be a useful aide for her."
Malek tensed, his eyes narrowing in mistrust. “I won't let you take Sharranna away from me."
Mikael laughed. “Dio childe, mi Bella would lock me in the dungeon and throw away the keys for even suggesting such a thing. No one can or will take your mate away. Rest assured of that fact, Malek. Now what do you believe you'd like to do with the rest of your after life?"
Chapter Six
Sharra entered the room timidly, her posture and nervously darting eyes helping Bella assess the woman from behind Mikael's ... no, her old desk. She'd usurped the lovable monstrosity from him the day they married in the ancient bonding ritual. Mikael was immensely amused by her bold move, but didn't begrudge her the win.
Pulling her mind back to the task at hand, Bella returned to her assessment of the girl. When Nicolai had called Sharra a tiny woman he hadn't been jesting. She couldn't be more than five foot two and seen next to Malek's six foot frame, she truly was tiny. Her light blonde hair and quiet ways fooled you into thinking she was a push over. The truth, Bella saw, couldn't be further from reality. Sharranna was a strong and confident woman, as proven by the way she looked you straight in the eyes when she spoke.
Bella felt a little jealous of the tiny beauty, if and when Sharra accepted the change, no other vampire would have more beautiful eyes. The dusty blue would turn silver and her mate would then be hard pressed to keep the men, both human and vampire, away from her. “Have a seat Sharra. We need to have a chat about your future."
"My future? I don't understand? My future is at Malek's side as his keeper."
Bella smiled and sat back in what Mikael liked to call her intimidating pose. “Is that all you want?"
"I'm not sure what you mean, Annabella? What more could there be?” Sharra asked with confusion in her voice, finally accepting the seat she was offered in front of the desk.
"Your options are limitless. We always need day workers here at the manse and at the company. You could even return to school and get a degree. The clan would pay for your education and in return you would support the clan with your education and earnings. You could marry and have children."
Bella noted that when she mentioned marriage Sharra's face glowed with happiness, yet at the mention of children a sadness, deep and profound, filled them and pulled at Bella's heart. Covering her abdomen with both hands Bella smiled. Sharra's sadness she had known well herself; one Bella was happy could be wiped clean.
"Malek can never..."
"It may be possible that he can. After five years, it's still a little confusing as to what all the rules are, but if I'm correct...” Bella smiled when Sharra leaned forward. “As Malek is your true mate, you should be able to conceive ... if you're both willing."
Sharra's eyes lit up and her breathing quickened. Bella well understood the myriad of emotions Sharra experienced and allowed her time to digest the information in peace.
"Does Malek know?"
Bella sat forward with interest. Could Daemor have kept such an important piece of information a secret form his clan? “I'm not sure my child, but I promise to make certain he learns of it if he doesn't."
Picking up her pen, Bella made a note to speak to Mikael later. It was time to make certain that all the clans were properly educated in the ways of their world. “Now back to my question. What do you want Sharra?"
"Malek!"
Bella laughed and stood up. “Congratulations, you passed the final test. I will personally finish your training this week and you can take your oaths on Friday."
"Then Malek is really officially mine?"
It had been years since Bella had felt any form of entertainment. Vampires weren't known for their senses of humor and Sharra's excitement was infectious. “Yes. On Friday dear, Malek is officially yours. We have one more bit of business to ta
ke care of and then you can return to your rooms and tell him the good news."
"Will Malek truly be done as well?"
Bella checked her watch, amazed but not surprised by the girl's one track mind. “Yes, I believe he just might."
Sharra rose out of her chair and walked to the window. “What's this business you want to discuss?"
The way the girl held herself with her arms wrapped protectively around her body to ward off unwanted information worried Bella. The girl was much too suspicious for her young age. “Relax Sharra. I want to discuss your living arrangements."
"I know the laws."
"Yes, I'm quite sure Daemor enforced his version of the laws. Normally you would need to stay in the south wing with all of the other humans who serve in the manse."
Sharra hung her head. “I thought as much."
Bella made a note to speak to Mikael about the defeated responses. “I said normally. Mikael has agreed to make an exception in your case. If you and Malek wish it, Mikael has agreed to allow you to share a chamber. Do you wish this?"
Annabella thanked dio for the mental bond she shared with her husband. This way they could both interview one half of the couple and make decisions without waiting to discuss the interviews.
Sharra took so long to answer that Bella seriously thought she would say no. “More than anything, but only if—"
The door slammed open. “Where's Sha—"
A look of complete relief crossed Malek's features telling Bella he wished it also.
"You weren't in our rooms when I got there and Mikael said you'd be there waiting for me. I got worried..."
"Well that answers my question. I'll inform Mikael of your decision. I'm confident you can both find your way back to your chambers."
The Ravenson Project [Chronicles of the Cursed Book 2] Page 3