by Rosalie Redd
Veromé held her head in both of his palms, forcing her to look at him. “Hey, hey. This is one battle. It’s not the end of the war.” His furrowed brow and set jaw revealed his belief.
Her heart pounded. Yes, it was only one battle, but she couldn’t help but wonder if the tide had changed. No, that can’t happen. She pursed her lips and fisted her hands. “I’m not giving up, not on your life.”
“Now that’s the Alora I know and love so much.” A comforting smile broke across his face. “I have no doubt you’ll win this war, my love.”
Her heart swelled with love for her mate. She wrapped her fingers in his hair and kissed him. He embraced her tighter, taking control, unleashing a passion she longed for every night. The waning rays of the sun disappeared, taking Veromé with them.
She cried out, and the emptiness in the room couldn’t match the emptiness in her heart.
The blue glow that had hindered their ability to fight was gone, but the cries of the wounded warriors still echoed around Saar. Every scream was a reminder one of his soldiers was in pain, or worse. Some of the aged, retired warriors had come through the portal to help. Good thing they had. Between them and the remaining warriors on the battlefield, they’d held most of the enemy at bay. Saar held back, staying near the fringe of the war zone, ensuring the others made it through the portal and returned to the Keep. He clenched his teeth and focused on his current opponent.
A tall, muscular male with dark hair and brown eyes raised his weapon. His bicep flexed as he twirled the mace, increasing its speed. The chain rattled as the spiked ball whizzed in its circular path. With his mouth formed into a grim line, he approached.
Saar gripped his sword in both palms, angling the blade toward his adversary. Now that the blue glow had dissipated, his strength had returned. The muscles in his legs bunched, ready for his attack.
A loud shriek burst from the male and he ran toward Saar. His mace crashed down, connecting with Saar’s sword. The vibration ran through Saar’s arms and into his chest.
He pushed against the force. The tip of his sword nicked the male on his shoulder. Blood pooled along the thin line.
The male issued a loud bellow and transformed into a large bear. Long claws extended from his paws, and he swiped at Saar’s head.
Saar ducked. Wisps of his hair caught in the breeze.
In a fast turn, Saar brought his sword around. The blade sliced through the bear’s gut. Intestines spilled onto the grass. The scent of blood and bile filled the air. A low, needful cry escaped the bear’s lips. Before Saar could finish the job, the animal slumped to the ground in a pile of sand.
Saar tensed. Sand?
To disintegrate in such a manner was a sign of one of Alora’s characters. He rubbed his hand over his face, and a heaviness settled into his stomach. Something wasn’t right…the Ursus couldn’t be an enemy.
A soft whiz caught his attention.
He ducked.
A mace, with pointed, sharp spikes narrowly missed his head. The acrid smell of metal infiltrated his senses.
He glanced at his new opponent, and his heart skipped a beat. A female Ursus faced him, her eyes narrowed with her determination. She raised her mace above her head. The muscles in her arms and shoulders flexed, affirming her status as a warrior. Wisps of hair escaped her long, dark braid, framing the soft skin on her cheeks. Resolve sparkled in her eyes, and a grim smile formed on her face. An unbidden desire to kiss those plump limps raced through his mind. She was the beautiful female who’d captured his attention minutes ago. Against his will, his beast stirred.
She swung her mace. He raised his sword in self-defense.
She attacked, again, and again. He blocked her blows with his sword. Her frustration increased, her movements more agitated. He couldn’t bring himself to fight back, and his skin tingled.
With a quick glance, he took in the scene around them. Gossum and Ursus were everywhere. A tightness coiled in his gut. His warriors were outnumbered.
“Retreat!” Bitterness coated his throat.
His opponent blinked. Instead of attacking him, she lowered her mace. Creases formed in her forehead as she furrowed her brow.
He raked his gaze down her body, whether to intimidate her or burn her into his memory, he wasn’t quite sure. In either case, she’d haunt him in his dreams.
She curled her lip, and he couldn’t help his overwhelming desire to touch her. Before he could stop himself, he closed the distance between them and trailed a finger along the side of her face.
She knocked his hand out of the way, but not before he’d seen her reaction—the quick intake of breath, the dilated eyes.
What am I doing? He shook his head and backed away.
Her eyes narrowed, her chest rising and falling with heated breaths.
His beast growled, and he fisted his hand. He quickly turned and ran toward the portal. Don’t look back, don’t look back. But of course, he couldn’t help himself. She stood in the same place, her hand caressing her cheek where he’d touched her. His chest expanded. He’d never been attracted to a female like this. The intensity of his reaction and the realization she was his enemy hardened his stomach.
CHAPTER 45
M auree was so close Tanen could see the blue of her eyes. War cries and the clashing of swords from the battle in the meadow behind them rang in Tanen’s ears, reminding him of the destruction she’d wrought. The urge to grab her by throat and drag her back to the Keep rose to the surface. He tightened his grip on his dagger and took a step forward, placing himself between Sheri and the male Ursus—Theron.
Sheri placed her hand on Tanen’s back and stood next to him. That she was willing to fight by his side lightened his chest. Coop barked, but maintained his position at Sheri’s feet.
“You need to pay for your crimes, Mauree.” Tanen evaluated Theron and the mace that dangled from his belt, noting the sharp spikes on the end of the ball. He thrust out his chest and stared the male down.
Mauree tittered. “My, my, Tanen. Quite the warrior you’ve become, haven’t you?”
“I’ve got him.” Theron unhooked his mace and raised his weapon. As he swung the handle, the ball circled his head.
“I wouldn’t get too close if I were you.” Sparks from Sheri’s fingers lit up the trees and reflected in Mauree’s eyes.
Tanen’s lungs expanded as pride for his female washed over him.
Mauree raised her hand. “Halt, Theron.” She glanced between Sheri and Tanen and her mouth pulled into a thin line. “Tanen killed Jakar, and I’ve felt her power firsthand. I’d hate to lose you, Theron. Seems we’re at a stalemate.”
Theron lowered the mace, and Tanen could’ve sworn a flash of relief crossed his features.
“Retreat!” Saar’s loud voice crossed the meadow.
Tanen’s blood turned cold. That wasn’t a good sign. He peered behind him, into the clearing. At the far end of the meadow, the portal beckoned. Saar assisted his warriors, ushering the injured toward the opening. Mauree’s troops battled the remaining warriors, but the soldiers couldn’t maintain their position.
Frustration built like a geyser, and Tanen clenched his jaw with hatred. He didn’t know how long the portal would last, and his priority was to protect his female. “Someday, Mauree, you’ll pay for your crime.”
She laughed, the sound echoing off the trees. “Tanen, be sure to tell Noeh I’m alive and well.”
Tanen wrapped his fingers around Sheri’s hand. “Let’s go.”
They skirted the meadow’s perimeter as they raced through the grass, avoiding those still battling the enemy. Sheri slowed, her grip pulling from his.
He looked at her. With wide eyes, she stared through the portal into the Keep. Tanen stopped and faced his love. “Come with me, through the portal.”
Her gaze met his, flitting back and forth as she studied him. He was asking her to give up everything, leave her world behind including everyone she’d ever known. The gravity of her impending deci
sion weighed on him, settling into the pit of his stomach.
He trailed a finger over her brow, moving back a stray strand of hair. “I’m well aware of the decision I’m asking you to make. I waited for you until nightfall, but had to warn my people. I planned to return for you.”
She swallowed, her hazel eyes, the ones he’d fallen for not so long ago bore into him, squeezing his heart. The gleam of trust and acceptance in them almost brought him to his knees. “Tell me the worst thing.”
“My world is full of danger. As you’ve seen, we battle and fight our enemies…” He exhaled and shook his head. “I can’t make you any promises life will be easy. In fact, it’s not, but there’s good in there, too. Trust me, Sheri.”
“Hurry, Tanen. We must close the portal.” Saar stood at the portal’s entrance and waved them forward.
Tanen raised his hand. “Hold on, Saar—”
“Take a leap of faith.” Sheri’s soft words were barely audible.
Tanen’s heart leapt into his throat. “What?”
When she spoke again, her voice was firm. “Take a leap of faith. That’s what my mother used to say.”
The tension in Tanen’s shoulders eased.
“So, you’ll go with me?”
“Yes. Me and Coop.”
Tanen’s chest expanded. He grasped Sheri’s hand and brought her fingers to her lips, giving them a gentle kiss. “Yes, you and Coop.”
Her smile radiated all the way to her eyes.
As he pulled her toward the opening, his heart filled with joy.
Sheri’s heart pounded. Through the opening in the mist, a small male about three feet tall with vibrant red hair and a goatee circled his hands over a stone platform in what appeared to be a cave. Several concentric rings of small crystals graced the large stone’s surface, culminating in a vibrant red central stone. The glow emanating from the gems lit up his face, and he reminded her of the fabled leprechauns.
She pressed her hand against her chest. Everything in Tanen’s world seemed so magical.
With a tight grip on Coop’s leash, she leapt through the mist.
Her shoes, still wet and slippery, slid on the slick surface, and her knee banged against the stone floor. Pain, sharp and fast, blossomed from the impact. A soft glow radiated from yellow stones embedded in the cave walls. Warmth eased into her skin, chasing away the dampness and cold.
Tanen’s warm fingers wrapped around her waist, and he pulled her to a standing position. She turned to face him. He encased her in his protective arms. “Are you okay?”
“Y…yes.” As she laid her head against his chest, the steady beat of his heart calmed her, and the tension in her shoulders released.
Coop chuffed and nuzzled her leg. She bent down to stroke his fur.
The male Tanen had called Saar landed next to them, his boots smacking against the stone surface. “Rin, close the portal!”
The little male circled his hands over the stones, and as the mist dissipated, the meadow from which they’d come disappeared.
“This ain’t all of ya. Where’s the rest?” Rin’s words echoed around the chamber.
Saar shook his head, and the little male’s features hardened. Sheri’s chest constricted. How many perished tonight?
The packed room was full of injured warriors. Some leaned against the wall, others sat on the stone floor. Pained cries and moans rose above the shouts of those attending to the wounded.
Sheri glanced at a male sprawled on the ground. His ashen face contrasted with his dark clothes, reminding her of the stories her father used to tell her about the man in the moon. She let go of her hatred. Her father had run from his problems, and had taught her to do the same. She didn’t know if he’d ever faced his fear, but she had, and she’d grown because of it. Her father couldn’t haunt her memories any longer.
Saar peered at her, then focused on Tanen. “Didn’t expect to see you again.”
Tanen stiffened, and his grip around her waist tightened almost to the point of pain. The tension between the two males was palpable, and a shiver ran over her shoulders.
Saar’s mouth quirked at the corner, the scar over his lip and cheek pulling tight. “You have much to explain, but you did well tonight, battling the enemy, warning us about Mauree and the blue sunstone. That won’t go unnoticed by Noeh.”
Tanen’s shoulders visibly relaxed. “I shall uphold the laws, whatever punishment is meted to me.”
Saar raised an eyebrow. “Of that, I have no doubt.”
His gaze tracked to Sheri. “Now, who’s your friend…and her companion?”
Tanen ran his fingers up her back and gave her shoulder a delicate tug, pulling her tight against him once again. His warmth filtered through her skin, and she relaxed. “Saar, this is Sheri, and her pet dog, Cooper—Coop for short.”
Saar’s nostrils flared and his eyes widened. “You turned her. How did that happen?”
Tanen glanced at her, a chagrined look on his face. “It’s a long story…”
“I look forward to hearing it, but there’s much to do.” Saar gave a quick nod, then headed to help one of the injured warriors.
Sheri placed her hand on Tanen’s shoulder. “I thinks it’s time we talk, don’t you?”
Tanen grasped her fingers, and steered her to the side. “I’ve waited too long to tell you this, but you’re no longer human, and—”
“You changed me into a Dren. I already know. I’d bitten my cheek and when we kissed…”
His brow furrowed. “How did you find out?”
“Ram, my ex-husband, shared that bit of info.”
“Ram? He’s your ex-husband?” Tanen’s lip curled, and his gaze raked over his sweatshirt and pants. “I thought he was dead.”
She shrugged. “Don’t worry, he’s no longer a Gossum. Tanen, what you did for me—”
“Sheri.” He rubbed his hands over her shoulders, comforting her, tugging her close. “Why didn’t you leave…go to Seattle when you had the chance?”
She pulled back to look at him. “I couldn’t leave you, not then, not now, not ever.”
He inhaled, his lips parting slightly. “What are you saying?”
“Your world…it’s all so strange, but I can’t imagine living anywhere else, nowhere but by your side.” Her chest expanded as the words hit home.
His handsome face lit up when he smiled. He drew her fingers to his lips and gave them a gentle kiss. “I promise my love, I’ll take good care of you, that is, if you’ll have me. Would you…be my qithan?”
“Your what?”
His brow furrowed, his gaze flitting back and forth. “My…betrothed.”
“Oh…oh…yes.” She melted into his embrace, his warmth seeping into her skin.
He kissed her with his warm and tender lips, and her heart melted. Although she wanted to stay in his arms, there was much to do.
She peered at him, then glanced around the room. “There’s no time like the present to get acquainted with your people. There are plenty of warriors here that could use some help.”
He chuckled. “Indeed, where shall we start?”
A male sat against the far wall, his head lolled to one side. Sheri tugged on Tanen’s sleeve, and pointed. “Over there.”
He trailed a finger over her forehead, placing a few stray hairs behind her ear. “As you wish, my love. Welcome to your new home.”
Whatever the future brought, Sheri would live here with Tanen and these honorable warriors. Home…it wasn’t a place. It was a state of mind…being with the ones you loved. She smiled, her chest bursting with happiness. “Yes, Tanen, home.”
CHAPTER 46
Tanen stood outside the double doors of the Throne room. A wrinkled shirt and a pair of loose pants were all he could find after his shower. His disheveled appearance would’ve bothered him in the past, but not anymore. There were more important things to worry about like what punishment Noeh would administer. He unbuttoned his collar, and the cool air trailed over the sweltering
skin on his neck.
He wrapped his arm around Sheri’s waist. “You ready to meet the royal family?”
She bit her lip and nodded.
“Don’t worry, they’ll be nice to you.” Maybe not me…
He rapped on the door, the sound echoing down the empty corridor. This close to sunrise, most of the Keep’s inhabitants had settled in for the day. Tanen longed to join them, but he couldn’t put off the inevitable.
On a soft whisper, the door swung open, and a light breeze filtered past Tanen’s shoulders. Sheri’s hair swirled around her face, highlighting her pert nose and high cheekbones. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.
Jax peered at Tanen, and raised an eyebrow. His attention travelled to Sheri before returning. “Oh, oh, my. Noeh is expecting you. Yes, indeed, he is. Come, come, enter.”
Tanen squeezed Sheri’s hand and led her through the double doors. The king stood from his desk, his knuckles planted on the rough grain, his fingers turning white from the pressure. Noeh’s assessing gaze roamed Tanen’s face before flitting to Sheri. Unreadable, the king extended his hand in invitation.
Tanen swallowed. His need to serve his king, search the scriptures to find the appropriate sentence for Mauree’s treason had sent him down this dangerous road in the first place. He couldn’t help but glance at the spot on the desktop where he’d fetched Gaetan’s satchel so long ago, stealing the blue sunstone from Noeh’s desk in the process. His chest tightened. I deserve whatever punishment he gives me.
Noeh sat in his throne, and the wood creaked from his weight. Melissa was already in her seat at his side, the young babe, Anlon, sitting on her lap. A small ball levitated above his palm. To see Anlon using his gift sent a chill up Tanen’s spine. What would he be capable of as he grew?
Tanen approached his king and kneeled, his head bowed in supplication.
“Tanen, please rise.”
Tanen stood and met Noeh’s gaze. “Your Majesty, I accept whatever punishment—”