Lina threw them two more before they could pounce on her again. “Look, they’re in such a better mood since Lucien let them come back to breakfast. They were perfect gentleman. Neither of them would even look at the frugal eggs. They’d stare at the ceiling every time the bowl came near them.” She glanced over to Cassie.
“Hey, what’s in the bag?”
Tana finally noticed the blue silk pouch secured under Cassie’s arm. She waggled her brows and dangled it by the drawstring.
“It’s a very pretty nightgown. Luna told me Keely only picked clothes that were prim looking. I figured she was too shy to ask for something to ramp her guys up.”
Lina elbowed her and chuckled. “I know your style, Cassie. That’s probably more than just a pretty gown. Black? Lots of lace? Low neckline? Barely covers the butt cheeks?”
“Oh, don’t you know it. Victoria’s Secret’s my second home. I’m surprised they haven’t offered me a franchise, yet.”
Their laughter instantly died when they came upon Keely’s wide open door. Three steps inside, and Tana felt Cassie grab her arm. Glancing to the side, she startled when spotting the senator’s guard stepping into the room through a gaping hole in the dining room wall. His eyes widened and then quickly narrowed. He slid a knife from his waistband and lunged forward.
Tana opened her mind. Lucien! Keely’s room. Help!
Chapter 24
Makar flicked his eyes toward Baruch and raised his brows. That’s ten times. Right? Please tell me you counted ten.
Nine. One more and I can quit holding my breath. I don’t know what the hell is in that smoke, but it’s starting to make my nose itch.
His brethren’s low collective groan joined his own when the Nawien leader stepped back inside the circle and relit the small cauldron. Makar hoped the sickly, sweet smell wouldn’t stick to his skin for too long. Sotarios’s internal voice rose above the sound of the beating drums.
Inferni! It took five seconds for a binding, and now it’s going on four hours to release them. We should’ve just kept the big bastards.
Makar was surprised to hear Lucien’s chuckle.
Have patience. This is the last step. Once they anoint your forehead, you’re done.
Within minutes, he was fighting to keep from wiping away the oily residue while the Nawiens executed their last bow of friendship. He heard everyone’s sigh of relief when they began packing up the ritual items. Lucien’s invitation to attend the festival was politely declined. Trasek feared that if they tarried any longer, something else might happen to cause the males to attempt a reconnection. Makar couldn’t really blame them once he learned why.
Three were required to select mates within the month, and they weren’t quite ready to suffer through the claiming. Their culture required them to give up a strip of flesh to prove their commitment to the female. The problem was that the mate had to choose the location. If she really loved him, only a tiny portion of skin on the back of his arm would be sacrificed. Otherwise, the male was at the mercy of her secondary choice.
Sotarios snorted. “Maratinia would’ve taken it from my left nut. Do you think she’d have done the removal gently? Nope, that bitch would’ve just—”
“Sotarios. Enough.”
Everyone looked to Geleon.
He briefly tipped his head to the right, lips set in a tight line. “The translator’s still on. Have some mercy.”
Sotarios’s eyes widened. He immediately turned, positioned himself between two Nawien males standing behind him, and put his hands on their thick shoulders. They stood frozen, faces turning a dull shade of gray. He patted them sympathetically and started pushing them gently toward the garden gates.
“Whoa, nothing to worry about, fellas. Listen. I’ll help you put your stuff in the transport while I tell you a little story. There’s no way the universe could ever create another female like that. You’re safe. Trust me.”
As his macabre pep talk faded through the trees, Baruch shuddered. “Come on, Makar. I have this overwhelming urge to go hug Keely. He just reminded me how adorably sweet our little minx is.”
Haemon grunted. “The bite of the necklace doesn’t seem so daunting now. At least it leaves your flesh intact, I’m told.”
After a round of enthusiastic agreement, Lucien led them all back toward the palace, halting at the covered entry when Drusus and Severus stepped out to greet them. Drusus held out a computer for his father. A hologram image of what looked like a small piece of equipment rotated slowly above the display panel.
“Cato found one of these devices on both transports. It’s so small, even the engineers missed it. He’s analyzing it right now, but at first glance, it appears to be sophisticated enough to have controlled the craft’s movements.
Lucien released a hard breath and turned to Eryx. “Round the Corvus up and bring them to my office. I believe it’s time to have that discussion, whether they want it or not.” He turned and gestured to the guard huddled up behind him.
“I want all of you posted outside of—” Lucien’s eyes widened and his body stiffened. Seconds later Drusus and Severus did the same. All three whirled around and started running for the door. Lucien shouted over his shoulder.
“Makar, Baruch! The females. They’re being attacked. Your room. Now!”
Makar thought the adrenaline dump was going to make him pass out. Soon, it kicked into play, and he was flying up the stairs, Baruch taking every step with him. His mate’s frantic words flew through his brain.
Gods damn it, Makar. Something’s going to get its ass kicked. What the hell?
Unable to formulate words, Makar fought to control his slide as they rounded the corner and ran into the long hallway, yet he still crashed into the wall. Blinking rapidly, he tried to make out all of the figures hovering in front of their doorway as Baruch snatched his shirt and pulled him forward.
Kallon stood rigid at the door, his arms braced against the frame to keep from toppling over. Tana, Cassie, and Lina were practically glued to his back as they all peered into the room. Argus stood behind them all with a puzzled look on his face as he strained to look over their heads
Within seconds, Lucien, Drusus, and Severus had their females scooped up into their arms and were analyzing them for injuries. Satisfied their mates were intact they turned to the door as Kallon stepped aside. Lucien clasped Tana’s hand and entered the room, keeping her directly behind him.
Makar skidded around the edge and felt Baruch pushing hard on his back. He couldn’t quite comprehend what he was seeing. Baruch’s thought mirrored his own.
Where’s Keely?
She’s not here. Maybe she went back to visit Luna. Thank the gods! I don’t know what the hell this is.
Bellator kneeled on the floor, his left knee solidly lodged against the senate guard’s back. The man’s right wrist was caught in the king’s hand as he steadily shoved the crooked arm high up between his shoulder blades. The Protonecian’s face was bright red, and blood trickled down his skin from a gash across his cheek. Teeth clenched, he grunted in agony. A glance to the lower half of the male had their eyes widening in disbelief.
Lina and Cassie’s Lemarok’s were wrapped around the guy’s legs as they tried to chew a large hole in his pants. Every time they lifted their little purple heads, they trilled loudly before sinking their fangs and ripping at the material to continue the assault to his thigh. Makar finally spotted the large knife lying by the couch, causing his stomach to flip. He couldn’t figure out why grapes were scattered across the floor.
Lucien snapped his fingers. “Barney. Cedric. Off!”
The animals immediately obeyed, scurrying quickly away to climb frantically into Lina and Cassie’s arms.
Lucien’s voice was deep and shaking with anger. “Explain this.”
Bellator looked up and snorted. “I’m trying to figure it out myself. Kallon came by to check on me and we heard yelling. I got the pleasure of watching your females kick Selnan’s ass. We made it to t
he door just as Cassie threw hot liquid in his face. Tana tossed some sheets at him, and his legs got tangled up. Just as he was falling, the purple monsters attacked, and Lina beat him in the head with a tray. They were on him like warriors. I think his nuts are up in his belly, and he may have some cracked ribs. Once he was on the ground, they worked him over pretty good. We finally peeled them off, and I secured him until you could get here.”
Bellator’s appreciative gaze passed over the females. “You have some fierce mates, my friends. I think I’m jealous.”
Severus palmed Cassie’s cheek, his voice concerned. “Sweetie? Why didn’t you mist?”
Cassie looked at the other females, and they all started chuckling.
“Hell, I didn’t even think about that. We just all jumped him, and it took on a life of its own.”
Baruch moved past Lucien and picked up a box of bubble bath from the floor. Glancing around, his eyes widened.
“Where’s Keely?”
Bellator shrugged and yanked the guard up from the floor. “I saw no other females present.”
Tana grabbed Makar’s arm, her face a mask of concern. “We were coming to bring her the things you asked for, and spotted the guard coming out of that doorway. I’m not sure where she is. Luna got her some clothes earlier before walking her back to the room. I’ve called out to her, and she said Keely was in the bedroom when she left. Maybe she’s in the shower or slept through the commotion.”
Baruch threw the box to the side and ran into the other room. Seconds later he returned, jaws clenched and furious. “There are clothes on the bed, but she’s not in there.”
Makar felt his world tilt. Fire roared through his gut, and he rushed the Protonecian. Bellator quickly stepped aside, palms lifted. Slamming the guard against the wall, Makar shoved his forearm into the meaty neck. He didn’t recognize the gravelly, strained voice coming from his own mouth.
“Where’s Keely? Tell me before I crush you.”
The guy’s eyes bugged from the sockets, and his skin turned a brighter red. Makar felt a hand land on his shoulder and squeeze. Bellator leaned in close, his voice deadly as he addressed the guard that had seconds to live. Makar loosened his hold as he watched a knife tip land ominously below Selnan’s left eye. Bellator’s voice was shaking with rage.
“Tell him, or you lose it.”
Frightened gray eyes flicked over as he pleaded with his king. “No…no, please. She’s not here. She was alive when Vibius took her.”
Makar growled when a frantic voice sounded next to his ear. It was Senator Milonius.
“Why, Selnan? The Insedi are no longer our enemy. You know this. What have you done?”
Selnan swallowed hard. “You were our target, not the Insedi. I was following instructions to come through the tunnels and kill Bellator. Vibius wanted you and Argus dead as well. The female was simply in the way.” His eyes shot back to the king.
“I didn’t have a choice. Forgive me.”
Bellator pressed the knife harder, causing a droplet of blood to spring from the wound. “Everyone has choices. You chose the wrong one and will pay dearly.”
Makar moved closer, his voice guttural as he foretold the male’s future.
“Tell me where she’s at, or I’ll tear your limbs from your body.”
The male whimpered and blinked rapidly. “Senator Vibius took her through the tunnel. There was a transport just outside the entrance. He said he was taking her to the ship to keep her quiet.”
Makar stepped back and crashed his fist into Selnan’s jaw. The guard’s eyes rolled, and blood shot from his mouth. “If anything happens to my mate, you’ll wish I’d killed you quickly.”
Whirling around, Makar fled to the door, Baruch hot on his heels. He wasn’t surprised to see Altair, Haemon, Geleon, Keos, and Ulixes already running down the corridor. Sotarios grasped his shoulder.
“We’ll get her back, my brothers. Count on it.”
* * * *
Leaping out of the transport, Baruch ran into the hangar bay and grabbed the first Insedi he could find.
“Where’s the Protonecian ship?”
The male’s eyes went wide, and he immediately pointed to the right. “Entrance Bay 2 at the far end of the structure. What’s wrong?”
“Did you see any Protonecian’s around it?”
“Yes. We just helped a senator load a crate. He said the empress gave them a gift, and he wanted to make sure the cargo was safely on board before the king arrived.”
Baruch’s belly flipped. “What do you mean?”
“The senator said the king was still concerned about the crash. They plan to leave and return home. He’s prepping the ship for departure.”
“Inferni! Contact flight control. Tell them not to open the bay door if requested. Delay, but don’t spook him. Our mate’s on board.”
“Got it.”
Jumping back into the transport, Baruch tried to keep from taking off until his brothers were safely inside. He glanced over to Makar. His eyes were narrowed and frantically scanning the hangar’s long expansive outer wall.
“Don’t worry. They’ll not let him out. Plus, he has no idea his guard’s been captured. They can’t mind talk.”
Makar’s jaw clenched. “We should’ve never left her.”
Keos reached over and patted him on the arm. “You’ll drive yourself nuts thinking like that. We can’t protect them at all times, amici, but you’ll make this right for her very shortly.”
Baruch grunted. “You got that straight.”
The minutes stretched out to what felt like hours before they reached the second bay. Everyone piled out of the craft and swarmed the hangar. Ulixes caught them at the door.
“Caution, my friends. If your mindset is the same as mine, you’ll wish to snap his neck. This should be Bellator’s decision as his king. I assure you, the male will not live past the next sunrise. He’ll make a public example of them both. It’s how it needs to be in order to solidify his power. Your consideration will show the Protonecian citizens that there’s respect between the empire and their king. More is at play here than just your vengeance.”
Releasing his breath, Baruch gripped Ulixes’s forearm and nodded. “You’re right. I’d not thought past my anger. We’ll refrain.”
Makar snorted. “I’m in agreement, but I can’t promise he’ll walk away without injury. I’ll warn you now. If she’s…dead. We’ll rip him apart.”
Ulixes gave him a solemn nod. “Of course, it is well within your rights. Bellator would expect nothing less. Go. I’ll stay here until you’ve secured his location. I’ve not perfected the misting ability yet.”
Calming themselves, they reformed, slid under the door, and drifted across the flight bay. Moments later, the others were in place around the ship as he and Makar slipped inside. There would be no escape for the would-be assassin. Within seconds, they found the senator entering the flight pod from an intersecting corridor, a smug smile plastered on his puss. Makar materialized and immediately wiped it from his face.
Gasping for breath, Vibius lay prone on his back and struggled to breathe past the blood pouring from his nose. He blinked rapidly, recognition of the horror he was about to face slowly moving across his features.
Baruch reached down, grabbed the top of his hair, and yanked him up from the floor.
“Where is she? I’ll not ask again.”
The senator lost all semblance of his superior station. Screaming for mercy, he frantically pointed down the hallway. “The back…in the cargo hold. Please, do not kill me.”
Makar lifted him into the air, released a thunderous growl, and threw Vibius from the ship. He tumbled headlong down the walkway, only stopping when Ulixes placed a boot on his ass. One by one, an Insedi Elite Guard slowly appeared from a ball of rolling smoke, their brows drawn and deep growls rumbling from their chests as they circled the petrified male.
Baruch caught Ulixes’s ominous words as he and Makar ran down the corridor.
“You fool. You’ve no idea the pain that will be unleashed upon you shortly. Bellator will stake portions of you upon each of the five towers for all to see the error of your ways.”
Vibius’s screams for mercy faded as they descended into the hold. After tense, frantic minutes of searching, they finally discovered a black crate pushed into a far corner. Tearing the cover away, they cried out in anguish upon finding their precious mate curled tightly at the bottom, skin pale, and still as death. Her eyes were closed, and panic struck them both. Gently lifting her from the enclosure, Baruch held her closely to his chest. His knees almost gave out when he felt her soft breath brushing against his neck. Fighting to find his voice, Baruch looked into Makar’s terrified eyes.
“She breathes. Tell Kallon we’re on our way.”
Chapter 25
Pacing from one end of the living room quarters to the other, Makar glancing periodically toward Kallon as he knelt next to Keely’s prone body. Baruch stood behind the couch and stared hard at her chest, ensuring that the slight lift and fall continued. At least her color was returning.
Makar fought from growling every time his eyes landed on the torn sleeve of her shirt and stains on the jeans from lying in the crate. Everyone else kept their distance as they awaited the doctor’s findings. Makar’s breath hung in his throat when Kallon stood and packed away the equipment he’d used to analyze her blood. Every muscle went loose with relief when Kallon swiveled around and smiled.
“She’s going to be fine. I found a small bruise on the side of her neck. They gave her an injection of Sivian to immobilize her muscles. This is why her breathing appears so shallow. I’ve counteracted it. The toxin should wear off in—”
Everyone jumped when Keely jackknifed up from the couch and hauled in a lungful of air. She scrambled to her feet, eyes wide and frantically searching for an exit. Baruch leaped over the couch and scooped her into his arms before she could get around the coffee table.
Fueled by Lust: Makar and Baruch (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 22