by Rosalie Redd
Zedron. The name sent a chill over Ram’s scalp. His prior boss, Ashton, hadn’t fared well with the temperamental god. Ashton’s last scream still haunted Ram. He snagged his baseball cap off the rickety table and covered his bald head. He wouldn’t fail and end up like his old leader.
Ram focused his attention on his first lieutenant who stood next to the kitchen table. Jakar ripped a line of skin off his arm and held the membrane up for inspection. The transparent husk reflected the light from the bare bulb. Ram curled his lip. All the Gossum shed, but most did the task in private.
“Are they ready?” Ram asked.
“Yes, my lord. All but one survived the transition.”
“Ah, yes, the transition.” Ram chuckled.
The metamorphosis from human to Gossum was painful. It was one he would never forget. A single bite to administer the venom into the victim was all it took. He glared at the transformed males standing before him. Their bald heads and hairless arms were one of the unfortunate results of the change. That, and the scales running down their backs. The good news? They were blessed with hawk-like vision, sharp serrated teeth, retractable claws, and quick reflexes.
Ram turned his scrutiny back to Jakar. A smile pulled at the corner of his mouth.
Jakar stood with his hands clasped behind his back. The amount of strength and speed he possessed defied his thin frame and short stature. His cleft chin and pointed nose only added to his weak image, which was fine with Ram. Any advantage gained was good. If the enemy considered him an easy kill, all the better. Jakar was ruthless and cunning. Ram couldn’t ask for a better lieutenant.
Ram sauntered up to the first new recruit, one with a small scar through his now hairless eyebrow. He inspected the young male, noting his burgeoning biceps and strong pectoral muscles. Without warning, Ram stung him on the neck, his tongue fast and strong. A bead of blood ran down the initiate’s throat, but he didn’t flinch.
“Very good.” Ram nodded.
The next in line peered straight ahead, arms by his sides. Ram closed the distance and invaded the rookie’s personal space, their noses almost touching. A laugh boiled up from within. He let it out, savoring the momentary enjoyment. Ram wiggled his eyebrows. The rookie looked back with black eyes, motionless, ready for orders. The venom injected into them would ensure their loyalty to him as their leader.
“These greenhorns are acceptable. Take them to the asylum and begin training exercises.” Ram glanced at his lieutenant.
“The asylum?” Jakar wrinkled his forehead and frowned.
Ram stared down his lieutenant. The silence stretched on for several seconds.
“Is there a problem?” Ram asked.
Jakar swallowed, but didn’t flinch. “The Stiyaha know we’ve been there—”
“Precisely.” Ram shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Soooo, they won’t expect us to return.”
“Very well, my lord.” Jakar bowed his head.
“While you were busy gathering our new recruits, I snatched us some vodka. Seems online security isn’t what it used to be.” Ram pointed to the boxes of Smirnoff’s stacked in the far corner of the room. “Amazing what can be accomplished from a Starbucks at night over a cheap phone.”
Ram’s chest expanded, and he couldn’t suppress the grin that spread across his face. Alcohol was the only nourishment his body, or any of the other Gossum needed. He valued the liquid like a prized possession. It was also the source of the rubbing alcohol smell, the remnants seeping out through their pores as their bodies processed the booze.
“Excellent, my lord. We shall dine well tonight.” Jakar ripped open one of the boxes and hefted a bottle into his palm. His smile was all the thanks Ram needed.
As much as the euphoria felt good, the joy didn’t last long. Ram hadn’t always been a Gossum, and his past still haunted him. He pulled out his decrepit wallet, one of the few personal belongings he still owned. With deft fingers, he leafed through the stolen credit cards until he came to a worn photo of a young woman. Sliding his claw-like finger over her golden hair, the picture was a constant reminder of everything he’d lost. I’m going to make it all better, Sheri. I promise.
A memory flooded his mind, and he didn’t stop it. Instead, a perverse desire to experience the emotional pain ran through his body. It was twisted, but he didn’t care.
The sound of bubbling liquid and the smell of noxious chemicals gave Ram a headache. He pulled a tissue out of the pocket of his white coat and wiped his nose. Red and raw, the inside throbbed from his latest intake of heroin.
He picked up his notes, walked to the desk, and sat down to read through his comments on the latest experiment. He pushed aside greasy napkins and an empty fast food bag and laid the paper on the desk.
The room started to spin. A wave of nausea rippled through his body. His palms were damp. Sweat ran down his face. It splashed onto his coat, a yellow stain marring the white material.
He stumbled to the door and exited into the parking lot. The lone car left on the premises, his old Honda Civic, loomed like a relic from happier times. His heart raced as he stumbled to the vehicle. With a slight tug, he pulled on the door handle. It didn’t open.
His body shook with need, and he leaned against the cool side of the car. He pulled on what little energy he had left, yanking on the handle again. Mercifully, the door opened. He drove away from the medical school’s facility and headed toward his place, thankful for the short drive.
After some effort, he managed to get out of the car and shuffle to his old, run-down apartment. He walked into the kitchen, threw his keys into the empty ashtray. The clanking sound added to his building headache.
Silence greeted him. Everything here reminded him of her, the yellow kitchen towels, the “Eat at Sam’s” chipped coffee cup, the ceramic chicken salt-and-pepper shakers.
He couldn’t believe Sheri was gone, but he understood why.
He leaned against the sink for balance. A small scrape rustled in the quiet, as if a boot or a shoe had hit a piece of furniture. Goosebumps rose on his arm.
Before he had time to react, two men grabbed him from behind. “Hey, what the f—”
A hand clamped over his mouth, drowning out his protest. They pushed and dragged him into the living room, forcing him to the ground, despite his weak attempts to free himself.
One held him in place while the other came around to face him. The man was large and had pockmarks on his cheeks. A bead of sweat dripped off his chin onto Ram’s forehead. Ram flinched at the wet contact.
Pockmark looked menacing, and Ram sucked in his breath, trying to hide his fear. The man shoved the blunt end of a tire iron under Ram’s chin, but he didn’t cry out, not this time.
“Do you have the money?” Pockmark’s muscles bulged in his black fatigues.
“No, but—tomorrow. I’ll have some cash tomorrow.” He scanned the room, eager to find a way out of this.
“We’ve heard that one too many times,” said the other man.
They beat him, dragged him outside, and left him by the trashcans in the back of the dilapidated apartments.
“This is what happens to trash that doesn’t pay their bill. You better have the money tomorrow.” Pockmark kicked him in the ribs.
Pain blossomed in Ram’s chest. He couldn’t breathe.
“I hope you don’t have the money. I’d like to finish what we started.” The other guy winked at him.
He wished that the taillights from their pimped-out Land Cruiser were the last things he saw before he blacked out, but they weren’t.
Lying on his back, he stared at the night sky. His body ached in places he didn’t know could ache. A strange smell like strong cleaning fluid wafted down to him, drowning out the stench from the garbage cans.
He rolled over to his side and vomited what remained of his burger and fries. Groaning, he tried to sit up. Nausea rolled around in his stomach like a bowling ball as he propped himself up on one elbow. Down the street, a couple of guy
s eased out of a van and walked toward him.
Ram’s scalp prickled, the hair on his head standing on end. The strangers wore baseball caps on their heads and had sunglasses on, even though it was night. They appeared identical, except one stood several inches taller than the other. They walked faster as they got closer, their gait almost animalistic.
Ram’s pulse accelerated, and he scooted back, putting distance between them. Raising his hand, palm out, he spoke, his words rushed. “Ahh, that’s ok, I think I got it.”
Something about the two seemed odd, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. They stopped mere inches from him without saying a word.
The short one opened his mouth. His tongue stretched toward Ram, hitting him on the leg. Intense pain raced up Ram’s thigh. A wisp of fear caressed his mind.
The tall one pinned him to the ground with his body; the sick putrid smell like rubbing alcohol overpowered Ram’s senses. The man’s glasses fell off his face, revealing solid black orbs for eyes.
Ram screamed, the sound echoing off the buildings surrounding him.
Eyes wide with fear, he tried to scramble away, but his useless leg grounded him. The tall one’s tongue lashed out and hit him just under the eye. He couldn’t feel his leg or face, now numb with the creature’s venom.
Tendrils of fear wrapped around his heart. The beast holding him bent down, the skin on its throat expanding like a cobra collar. Two rows of serrated teeth gleamed from the monster’s open mouth, and the creature bit him on the shoulder.
Pain, hard and fast, ran into his torso. His entire body stiffened. Paralyzed, his silent scream echoed in his head.
They picked him up and carried him to their van.
When they opened the back doors, he saw two other men in various stages of transformation. One had no hair, and his eyes were nearly black. Another hunched over the wheel well, his shirt ripped off, green scales forming along his spine.
They tossed him into the van. The sound of his own scream echoed in his mind as he finally passed out.
Chapter Fourteen
Noeh’s stomach growled at the smell of fresh baked rolls coming from the Grand Hall. He approached the largest room in the Keep, eager to see the results of all the hard work the Jixies had done to prepare for the welcome feast. Thoughts of Demir and his Pride, and all their baggage, sent a shudder over his shoulders. He rounded the corner and surveyed the room. Jixies flitted about, adding the final touches to the elaborate meal.
Noeh released a pent-up breath and tried to relax.
The tables, covered in crisp white cloths, supported a wide variety of meats, fruit, and vegetables, all displayed with the artistic flair of the Jixies’ finest chefs. An apple tart, one of Noeh’s favorites, caught his eye. He made a mental note to come back that way later. Jixies skittered around the room, finishing the tasks for the feast. Jax darted past Noeh, a large tray of carved turkey in his arms, his muscles straining under the weight.
Across the room, Ginnia must have told a joke because Gaetan and Saar laughed. Council members and merchants wore their finest clothes and paraded around the room, trying to impress one another. Warriors stood in small groups, talking among themselves, the excitement and tension in the room buzzing like a swarm of bees.
Bet approached Noeh, wiping her hands on her once-white apron. She curtsied. “I think all the arrangements are done, Your Majesty.”
“Everything looks and smells outstanding, Bet. You outdid yourself.” Noeh placed his hand on the shoulder of the little Jixie who meant so much to him. “I’m sure the Panthera will enjoy the meal.”
“You are too kind, Your Majesty.” Bet stood from her curtsy, a twinkle in her eyes. “We will make sure no one leaves hungry.” She tensed and turned toward the entrance. “Do you hear that?”
Noeh followed Bet’s gaze just in time to see Demir stroll into the room. He moved with a smooth grace, his head held high and his shoulders back. Aramie and the rest of the Pride filtered into the room behind their leader.
Demir took in an exaggerated breath. As he released it, his loud sigh quieted the conversations in the room. He scanned the banquet tables and shook his head, his mouth grim.
Arrogant Kasard. A sense of unease rippled under Noeh’s skin.
“Demir. We welcome you and your Pride with this feast. May you enjoy our gift of food and drink.”
Demir smiled, yet his eyes remained cold and unblinking. He lifted his hand in greeting, fingers straight, palm facing up. “Thank you for the warm welcome.”
Noeh placed his hand against Demir’s. His skin was warm and clammy. Noeh stifled an involuntary shudder.
“I take it you found your quarters acceptable,” Noeh said.
“The accommodations are tolerable, for now.” Demir didn’t remove his palm, but instead increased the pressure.
The challenge did not go unnoticed. Noeh pushed back. “Is there something you require?”
Aramie touched Demir’s shoulder, breaking the contact between the two males. “We noticed our cell phones and tablets don’t work.”
“We have no use for human…things. Besides, the Keep lies too deep in the mountain. The rock is impenetrable and prevents any human technology from working down here.”
“That is unacceptable. We must have connection to the Internet to access our accounts.” Demir clenched his hands, his knuckles white with the force of his grip.
“It appears you’ve had more interaction with humans than we have.” The Pantheras’ height and build were closer to those of the humans and Noeh could see how they would blend in.
“Apparently so.” A flash of yellow appeared in Demir’s eyes.
“The Jixies can help you when they go to the human cities for supplies.” Noeh raised his eyebrows to annoy Demir. “Perhaps you can go with them.”
Aramie spoke, interrupting the tension between the two males. “The food smells wonderful and looks fabulous. Demir, let’s get something to eat, shall we?” She pulled on Demir’s arm.
Demir offered a tight smile, his face a mask of false sincerity. “My Pride and I are thankful for the feast given in our name.” He gave a slight bow of his head and strolled over to one of the tables with Aramie.
Noeh clamped his teeth together. He wanted to wipe that smirk right off his goatee-shaved face. Damn Alora for forcing Demir and his Pride on our kind.
A couple of Panthera warriors, one with a gold front tooth, the other with a string of piercings around his ear, raced to the tables, their eagerness apparent in the way they heaped the food onto their plates. A Dren female wearing a well-worn T-shirt with holes in the thin fabric waited close by. Once the warriors took their fill, she seized a small amount of food and raced to a corner of the room, where she could be alone with her treasure.
Noeh’s jaw flexed as he observed the female eat her meal. He wanted to strangle Demir for treating anyone like that.
“Well, that went well.” Gaetan’s tone was flat and low.
“Eavesdropping and sarcasm do not become you.” Noeh sighed in frustration and tapped the hilt of his sword with his ring.
Gaetan stood in front of Noeh, forcing eye contact. “We must trust the gods. There is a reason they put us together.”
“To frustrate me, I’m sure.” At the mention of the gods, Noeh’s thoughts turned to his other requirement, the one to take a queen. His back stiffened. Unbidden, an image of Mauree wearing the queen’s sunstone necklace flashed through his mind. The gods wanted to torture him.
Noeh scrutinized the attendees, evaluating the mood of the room. A flash of long red hair caught his attention. No way, she hadn’t left her room. But there she was in a form-fitting blue dress one of the Jixies must have altered to fit her small frame. She stood in front of Demir, her shoulders tight, a frown marring her lovely pale features. Demir caressed Melissa’s face, his thumb trailing down her cheek. She flinched, peered at the floor, and took a step back.
Noeh tensed, his muscles as rigid as stone. Get away fr
om her! His inner beast snarled. Wrestling for control, the urge to protect ruled his brain. He raced across the room, fighting to bend the beast to his will.
Chapter Fifteen
Melissa stood in front of Demir, and a sense of unease raced down her spine. She’d come to the Grand Hall, intent on getting this meeting over with as quickly as possible. Demir was here. It was only a matter of time before he would hunt her down. This way, she could meet him on her own terms. The smell of turkey and baked bread infiltrated her nose, making her stomach rumble.
“Ah, Melissa, fancy finding you here. We’ve been looking for you high and low.” Demir raised an eyebrow, an expression Melissa saw often.
The point of his goatee tightened against his face as he smiled, and his short ponytail held back all but a few wisps of his dark brown hair. His scent of musk and incense wafted into her senses, spiking her anxiety. He stroked her face in a soft caress, his coarse thumb rubbing down her hot cheek.
She flinched and backed away. A scream threatened to escape her lips, but she held it in. She stood as still as possible, but her hands trembled, betraying her fear.
Demir wiped his hand on his pants as if he had touched something filthy. His face tightened, his eyes narrowed. “Don’t worry, you’ll get another chance to make that up to me.”
His hot breath sent a tremor of dread from her ear to the base of her neck.
“Melissa.” Noeh towered behind Demir, his Stiyaha height overshadowing the Panthera leader. His breaths came hard and fast, his eyes flecked with gold.
“Noeh.” She took another step back from Demir, relief pouring through her like a cool shower on a hot summer day.