Demon Retribution (Shadow Quest Book 3)

by Kiersten Fay

  Sebastian launched him into a small meeting room, closing the door behind. There was a table and some chairs, not too much to break. Cale turned, ready to take out his frustration on his brother, knowing Sebastian would understand and let him rage as he needed to.

  He swung his fist out, but Sebastian grabbed it midair, wrenching his arm behind him, and slammed his face against the wall. “I’m not fighting you now.”

  “Dammit, Bastian! I need this.”

  “What you need is to listen to me.” Sebastian’s tone gave pause. He’d never used his I’m-this-close-to-killing-you voice on Cale. “If you ever again question the validity of my mate bond with Anya, you will no longer be welcome on this ship. I will toss you out into space with my own hands.”

  “I’m not saying your matehood isn’t sanctioned. What I’m saying is I’m already a mated male, and I’m feeling the drive to make Kyra mine. It’s impossible!” Spikes of pain pierced his chest. His heart wanted to collapse in devastation.

  It. Was. Impossible.

  “I don’t give a fuck how you’re feeling. Deal with it and stop being a dolt. We are about to fly headlong into a Kayadon fuck-fest and all I care about is that my mate, my family, and my friends survive the onslaught. In that order! And for that plan to succeed, we need your girl to survive as well. So if you’re feeling the drive to make her yours, then, suffice it to say, you’re feeling the drive to protect her with your life. Correct?”

  Cale’s silence answered for him.

  “Then all the better—”

  “You want me to ignore the fact that I want to claim her?”

  “No. I want you to embrace it, use it, at least until we’ve finished mangling our enemies.”

  “What would Anya say if she heard you now?”

  Sebastian didn’t hesitate. “She’d say I was being callous, but you know better.”

  Cale did. Sebastian saw opportunity in the situation. If Cale’s body recognized Kyra as his, then it would be easier for him to tap the supreme strength of the Edge when it became necessary. The mere thought of her in danger already had his muscles coiling.

  Movement to the right caught their attention. The curious witchling perched on the edge of the table.

  “How did you get in here?” Sebastian barked.

  She pointed to herself. “Witch.”

  Sebastian released Cale from the wall. “And why are you here?”

  “I was intrigued by what Cale suggested. Why is it you think magic is involved?”

  With unrestrained annoyance, Cale recited his mated status. In a calmer manner, Sebastian explained demon mating. Portia listened with a bland expression.

  “Hmm,” she muttered when Sebastian finished. “Finally, something for me to look into.”

  “What do you mean? Can you fix it?” Cale asked, hopeful. Sebastian’s lips thinned.

  “I doubt it, but it will be interesting to research.” With that she popped out of the room, vanishing as if she had never been.

  Kyra spent the rest of the day in seclusion, contemplating her reaction to Cale’s words. Could there be some invisible force drawing them together? Were her feelings for him unsound?

  For a time, the idea suffocated the breath out of her. The way Cale had spoken, one would think she was some sort of succubus.

  Now she sat on the couch, her father’s book weighing down her lap while her eyes roamed the nonsensical symbols.

  From nowhere, Portia appeared directly at her front, making her jump.

  “Holy cow! Did you just teleport?”

  “Astral dimensional navigation,” the witchling explained.

  Kyra cocked her head in blatant confusion.

  “It’s totally different.”

  “Whatever.” Kyra focused on the book again, too weary to care if Portia was joking. “Did you need something?”

  Portia took a seat next to her, her expression coy. “Nothing, really. Just wanted to chat. What do you think of Cale’s comment earlier?”

  Kyra let out a tired breath. “I don’t know,” she finally replied, grateful to have someone to confide in. “It doesn’t feel like I…Are you sniffing me?”

  “Hmm?” Portia leaned back innocently.

  Kyra placed the heavy book on the table, and then rose awkwardly off the couch. “Seriously, what is with the sniffing?”

  “I was just checking. Most magic has a unique bouquet. If you’re using, I should be able to scent some kind of residue. Like your book there.” She pointed. “It reeks.” Then she muttered absently, “Familiar though. I think I know the person who spelled it.”

  Of course! Magic sometimes left a trace. At least if Cale was right, Portia might be able to confirm it. Then she could deal accordingly.

  “And?” Kyra prompted when Portia went silent.

  “And I think she owes me some money.”

  “Portia!”

  “Huh? Oh, I don’t sense anything that screams lust spell or anything like that.”

  “What about love?”

  Portia scoffed. “There are no love spells, only lust, infatuation, obsession. All emotions can be manufactured for a time, with the exception of love. It’s theorized that love is not an emotion, but a state of being. So, are you in love?”

  Kyra clamped her mouth shut and then open it a second later, “No! Absolutely not. No.”

  “You said no twice—technically thrice. That’s two too many.”

  “I’m not in love,” she insisted again.

  Portia eyed her suspiciously. Just when Kyra was about to stupidly continue the train of denial, the door to the room slid open.

  “Hey guys.” Zoey stepped inside, wearing the same clothes from the day before. “What’s up?”

  Kyra exhaled with relief. “Zo, are you okay?”

  “’Course.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Better than okay. What are you guys doing?” she asked, claiming a spot on the couch.

  “Smelling Kyra,” Portia blurted, “but she’s clean.”

  Portia remained perfectly serious, but the dumfounded expression on Zoey’s face nearly made Kyra double over with laughter. Then her stomach reminded her that she hadn’t eaten today.

  “You hungry, Zo?”

  Zoey nodded. “Famished. I just need to change clothes.”

  While Zoey dug through their clothing stash, Kyra entered the bathroom to splash a bit of water on her face and readjust her ponytail, trying and failing not to think of Cale.

  He had been so cold, sounding as if he thought she betrayed him. But had she? Had merely wanting him been a catalyst? Had she somehow entranced him without realizing? Portia said she was clean of that sort of magic, but not all magic left a trace. There were a few exceptions. Could she trust Portia’s senses?

  She studied her reflection as if seeing herself anew. The person looking back at her had light smudges under her eyes, a completely lost expression on her face. Even her strawberry blond hair looked dull.

  Was it just magic, or had she truly fallen for Cale? Is that why the girl in the mirror looked utterly defeated now that she was sure he would never return her feelings?

  Through the years, Kyra had been careful to guard her heart. Keeping it safe and protected, knowing she could never let herself become attached by love. Yet it had crept up on her like a shadow in the night. Somehow, she had given away her heart.

  And the first thing Cale did was crush it under his boot.

  She stifled a flinch.

  Well, then, she would just have to take it back from him and patch it up. She was used to heartbreak—the loss of her home, her family, countless friends and lovers. It had all worked to harden her. To prepare her for this, the devastation that outdid four hundred years of sorrow.

  Shoulders squared, she walked back into the room a new woman. “Okay, let’s go.”

  Zoey leaned over the book, her face contemplative. “What is this?”

  “You know what that is, Zo. I’ve shown it to you.”

  “Yeah, but w
hat you showed me was gibberish. This is written in English.” They shared a look as realization hit and, in unison, slanted a glance at Portia.

  The witch looked confused for a moment. “Did my spell do that?”

  They nodded.

  “Huh. It must have been more complex than I realized.”

  Kyra managed to choke, “You put a spell on her, and you don’t even know what it does?”

  “Hey, I’m still in training. And at least it worked how it was supposed to. For the most part.”

  Kyra paused. Did that mean there was a chance it wouldn’t have worked properly?

  She didn’t have a chance to inquire. Just as Portia popped out of the room, the witch grumbled, “Ungrateful…”

  Cale paced his room, mulling over Sebastian’s suggestion. Going along with his instinct was a tempting prospect. It’s not as if he could actually claim Kyra, and it would give him an advantage when they faced the Kayadon. However, it wouldn’t be fair to Kyra.

  He reminded himself that it wasn’t fair for her to beguile him, even if she hadn’t intended it. He paced some more. What if she had intended it? What if they were all being manipulated, knowingly? Sebastian would kill him if he said that aloud, but he couldn’t help his suspicions.

  Had Kyra purposely sought to bewitch him, without realizing her efforts were being wasted on a mated demon?

  It would be the perfect strategy, maybe even engineered by the foresight of the king himself. Was there information in the book with instructions on enslaving his kind?

  What better race to bring to heel than the demons with their vendetta against the Kayadon, and what better way to do it.

  An army of mated males.

  He shook his head. Kyra wasn’t so heartless, was she? Certainly Anya wasn’t. Besides, Anya had Sebastian wrapped around her finger long before the book came into play. She had also tried to sacrifice herself to save him…all of them, actually. He had no doubt their love was real.

  Pushing away a renewed sense of envy, he recalled how quickly he had delved into a murderous rage when Anya pretended to have betrayed them in an attempt to keep everyone else from harm. How easily he’d believed it. Was that what he was doing now? Jumping to conclusions? Seeing things that were untrue?

  He froze. What if…could his feelings for Kyra be real? But how could that be possible?

  “It’s not,” he said aloud, growing more confused by the second. “Dammit.” He needed to see Kyra, to hear her confirm or deny the accusation. Once he knew for sure, he’d finally be able to focus on the impending battle instead of this nonsense.

  He bound down the hall, determined to get his answers, but when he pounded on her door, no one answered. He tried the salon next, not finding her there either. The Sanctuary wasn’t empty, but no Kyra. Or Nadua or Anya for that matter.

  Reluctantly, he entered the pub. Sonya jutted her chin, glaring as he approached. He ignored her ire. “Have you seen Kyra?”

  Her tail flicked angrily. “Yes.”

  “Well, do you know where she is?”

  “Yes.”

  Taking in a calming breath, he returned her indignation with a sour expression. “Will you tell me?” he said through clenched teeth.

  “Nope.”

  He bared his and restrained a hiss. Then he noticed Ethan wasn’t tending the bar. “Where’s Ethan?”

  “Just like everything else, none of your business.”

  Aggression surged. “Is he with her?”

  Sonya shrugged. “Does it matter?”

  “No.”

  Of course it matters!

  Kyra would probably want to speak with him about their arranged marriage, something Cale had forgotten until Sonya’s declaration earlier, and had refused to think of till now. His mind flooded with unwanted images of Kyra smiling up at Ethan as they embraced for a kiss.

  Red covered his vision, but through the haze, he realized she could be happy with Ethan.

  Happier than I could make her.

  He tensed. Why was he even allowing himself to react this way? She was not his. Never would be. A wiser demon would step back and let her fall into the arms of another.

  Fuck wise.

  “Dammit, Sonya, tell me where they are!”

  At his booming voice, something changed in Sonya. Her tough demeanor eased into concern. “It’s true. You really are acting like she’s yours.”

  He realized then that his fangs had descended as he teetered on the Edge. Running his hands through his hair, he struggled for control. “It feels like it. Yes.”

  “Is it just as you remember? Like with Velicia?”

  “Nearly,” he admitted, omitting that this was more intense than he recalled. Because of the magic, he rationalized. “What about you? Isn’t it driving you crazy that they are together?”

  “Maybe if they were alone, but they’re not.”

  Cale relaxed slightly, and his fangs receded.

  Sonya continued, “Then again, I’ve decided never to take a mate. It’s too much trouble.”

  “You wouldn’t be saying that if it were real,” he reasoned.

  “Then maybe your theory is correct,” she allowed, but her expression turned strange as though she were forcing the words to sink in. “That Zoey girl found something interesting in the book, so they’re all speaking with Aidan and Sebastian about it in the control room.”

  “Why? What did she find?”

  “Ethan said something about transmission codes before they left.” Almost unconsciously, Sonya began mixing him a drink. Her disposition had changed completely, and Cale knew he was already forgiven for his behavior in the training room. His baby sister could never stay mad at him for long. She set the drink down and then twisted her fingers together, nervously.

  “What is it?”

  “I wanted to ask you something.”

  He raised a brow at her reluctance. Sonya was never shy about anything. She’d once told a rather ignorant Hakin prince, who had offered to purchase her from Sebastian, that she could lay eggs in his groin that, when hatched, would burst out of him in a very painful manner.

  “And if you survive that,” she’d added, “I can show you some very unique places to store your scepter.”

  Throughout the rest of that evening, she’d feigned infatuation until the prince had been compelled to retreat with his guards.

  Now Sonya looked downright timid.

  “What is it like?” she asked. “To claim someone?”

  The question, innocent enough, nearly knocked the wind out of him. He hadn’t thought of that night in so long. It was always painful to do so. He struggled to remember, while keeping his face blank.

  Velicia had come over for dinner. It had been only a week that he’d suspected she was his, though she’d moved to their village a month prior. Bastian and Sonya had gone to trade in the next town, and only Cale and their mother were at home to greet her.

  His mother had set out drinks for the two of them and then prepared a meal in the other room. Velicia had been coy and shy, sipping her cup and giving him bashful looks. He found it hard to believe now that he had found that look irresistible, when all he found sexy these days was a pair of fierce strange eyes, meeting his gaze head-on.

  As the night drew on, Cale had grown more and more desperate for her. He recalled the lengthy dinner being torturous.

  Finally his mother had retired for the evening, telling Velicia that it had been nice to meet her and giving Cale her approval with a silent nod.

  Left alone, the two had talked a little longer, learning each other. Then he stole a kiss and hadn’t been willing to let go. Velicia had felt it too, and swept aside her hair, presenting her neck. As his teeth pierced her, she moaned, and he drew greedily. When it was over, he had felt completely connected to her.

  To Sonya, he said, “It is pleasant. Like you and your mate are joined for an instant.”

  His mask slipped, and Sonya’s eyes began to water for him. “I’m sorry, Cale. You deserved bet
ter.” She took his glass, chugging the last of its contents. “What do you think I should do?”

  “You know I can’t answer that.”

  Sonya’s voice lowered to a tone he’d never heard her use before, barely audible. “I’ve never been scared of anything like I am of this.”

  “I can tell. It’s not a good look for you.” He grinned as she glowered.

  Her fist connected with his shoulder, but there was no power behind it. “Ass.”

  “Just being consistent,” he corrected.

  She handed him another full glass and asked, “What are you going to do about your…situation?”

  “I have no idea.” He downed the mixture in one smooth gulp while something spurred the back of his mind.

  Had that been the first time Velicia had met his mother? Surely they’d been introduced before then.

  Chapter 23

  “That’s the last one, Captain,” Aidan shouted across the control room.

  “Good,” Sebastian replied from his station. “If anyone responds, I want to be informed immediately.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The book had contained a long list of possible allies, with individual messages to each, as well as encrypted transmission codes. Ethan had been ecstatic when he’d learned Zoey was able to translate what he could not.

  Sebastian too was impressed. To Zoey, he said, “That was a good find. We’re lucky to have you aboard.”

  Zoey beamed. “Thanks! But it was just kind of a lucky accident.”

  Sebastian chuckled. “I think you’ll find that coincidence had nothing to do with it. At least that’s my belief.”

  Kyra cocked her head. “What do you mean?”

  Ethan answered, “Your father seems to have put more thought into this book than I’d anticipated. He gave me the key to decode it, but I’d been unable to decipher the last few pages that Zoey here can now read with no problem. Like Sebastian, I think the king anticipated that, and didn’t want these transmission codes discovered until just now—right when we have collected the three Faieara princesses, and are on our way home.”