by Vella Day
Bevon kept her close to him. Because cloaking took effort, she let down her guard and used his powers to shield her. This Fey’s abilities continued to impress her.
Bevon took them from room to room looking for Maylora. One such room had a man dressed in a uniform sitting at a desk. Whoops. When he didn’t look up, she relaxed a bit.
She grabbed Bevon’s arm to indicate they should leave. He immediately teleported them to what had to be the basement. It smelled of mold and some substance she couldn’t identify. He led them toward a door that had been padlocked.
Zulema indicated she wanted to see what was inside. When Bevon teleported them, she froze at the sight. Her sister was asleep on a dirty cot with one arm chained to the wall. Zulema stepped away from Bevon and rushed over to her sister. “Maylora, wake up,” she whispered. “It’s me. Zulema.”
Her sister groaned. When she opened her eyes, it seemed to take a moment for her to recognize who it was, possibly because it was so dark—or maybe because some ass had drugged her sister, just like he had Zulema.
“Zulema?” her sister croaked.
“Yes, it’s me.”
Maylora struggled to sit up. “Someone kidnapped me and drugged me.”
Before Zulema could say anything or tell her she and Bevon would return for her, the door flew opened. “What the hell?” the guard said.
Damn. Just as she was about to cloak herself, Bevon grabbed her and pulled her to her feet. His touch made her invisible again, and a second later, they were back at his house.
“Why did we have to leave?” she said in not the nicest of tones. “I could have taken down the guard!”
“Were you willing to get caught? Again?”
“Of course not, but I would have cloaked myself. He wouldn’t have been able to defend himself. I could have snatched the key to the chains.” She didn’t understand this man.
“We decided not to free your sister this go around.”
“I know, but—”
“There is no but. Besides, can you be certain the man wouldn’t have opened fire in the room? He did see you, although briefly.”
Zulema hadn’t even noticed if he was carrying a weapon or not. Shit. She was losing it. Even she had to admit that a quick spray of bullets would have wounded her, and possibly Bevon or even Maylora. The room was at most eight feet by eight feet. Being cloaked merely meant a person couldn’t see her. They were still there. “I know. You’re right. And to make matters worse, I’ve put my sister at risk of being killed. The guard will surely contact Derrick, who will know that I’m not following the plan. I say we go back and incapacitate the guy before he contacts Derrick.” Or was it too late?
“He might have already called him, but to admit that someone got in the house without his notice might cause his head to roll. It’s possible the guard will keep things to himself and move Maylora on his own. Regardless of the guard’s response, I’ll return to that house—alone—to make sure nothing happens to your sister. If he or anyone tries anything, they won’t see the sunrise tomorrow. I’m anticipating your sister will be moved elsewhere now that the site has been compromised.”
His logic was mostly sound. “Why wouldn’t they just kill her if they know I’ve changed the plan?” Her pulse skyrocketed at that horrible thought.
“The guard might not know it was you. Not only was it dark in the small room, you were visible for less than two seconds. Even if he recognized you, and he contacted Valoric, Derrick would demand that you return to the original plan. For you to agree though, he’d need your sister alive.”
“Let’s hope you’re right. Whatever the guard is planning though, I’m going with you.”
Bevon cupped her shoulders. “What I’m saying is that you are vulnerable when it comes to your sister. You might let your emotions, rather than your logic, rule again.”
Bevon acted as if he didn’t think she was capable of handling herself. So what if that exact scenario had just occurred? “I would not, or at least I’d try to control myself this time.”
Bevon crossed his arms. “Suppose you see the guards mistreat Maylora. Can you assure me you won’t try to intervene?”
“Of course, I would.”
“I rest my case,” he said.
He wasn’t the only one who could use logic. “Tell me this. If they move Maylora, what will you do?”
“I see what you’re doing. You want to know if I’m concerned for your sister’s safety. The answer is yes I am. That being said, could I take her to safety? I certainly could teleport her back to Feyrion, but the consequences might be more than you are willing or able to deal with.”
“What consequences?”
“He could come after you, and I’m assuming you want this mess done and over with—just like I do.”
If he didn’t have a decent argument, she would have fought back. Without any leverage over her to kill Bevon, Derrick might decide just to kill her and have someone else carry out his plan. “Fine. Follow them. Tomorrow, I’ll pretend to kill you, and then we’ll save my sister.”
“Deal.” He moved in front of Zulema and kissed her quickly before she could react. “Be back when I can.” The arrogant man grinned and then disappeared.
Zulema pressed her fingertips to her lips, not wanting to react, but she did. Her lips burned from the quick kiss, and her heart raced with excitement. She didn’t like it one bit—or so she told herself.
Wahoo! her dragon said. It’s about time you two did what you’ve been aching to do.
What are you talking about? Her dragon was out of control. Zulema assumed it was because Bevon was so powerful that her animal took his side.
He is our mate. The sooner you admit it, the sooner we can have some fun.
Are you crazy? I can’t think about that now. We have to get Derrick Valoric off my back first, and for that to happen, I have to pretend to kill Bevon and then save Maylora. Then I’ll figure out what to do about this crazy attraction.
Her dragon shot a hot blast into her stomach. Remember what I said: denial is ugly.
Stop saying that.
Zulema didn’t have time for this. She paced his home, making sure she understood what needed to happen tomorrow. His cabin was small, but it was cozy and safe. However, because she had excess energy, she stepped outside for a breath of air. Stars peeked through parts of the heavy canopy, and the slightly cool temperature helped clear her head.
Just in case the Zon was watching her, Zulema cloaked herself and walked toward the eternal flame. She was tempted to follow Bevon to the house that she guessed was owned by Derrick. Only Zulema wouldn’t. Bevon was right about one thing. If she saw anyone mistreating her sister, she’d attack him, and that could jeopardize her, her sister, and possibly her mother’s well-being.
At some point, if her mother’s health continued to improve, she wouldn’t want to stay on Feyrion. She’d insist on returning home to Avonbelle Province to resume her life. Since her mother possessed few skills—other than what was imbued by all dragon shifters—she wouldn’t be able to fend off several Zon members at once.
Zulema wouldn’t be surprised if Derrick had guards or cameras positioned near her mother’s home and near the nursing home just in case she returned—assuming he was aware she was gone.
There had to be something Zulema could do though. Someone must know where Derrick lived. His home—assuming it belonged to him—was near her home, or so Tamarella’s maid had said.
Most likely Bevon would be gone for some time, giving her the opportunity to teleport to her town and make a few calls. Someone should be able to provide her with information about Derrick Valoric or his Zon organization.
Happy with that relatively safe solution, she left. The coffee shop where Zulema often went was still open. With her usual coffee in hand, Zulema found a booth and called a friend who was very talented when it came to doing research. Zulema’s computer was at her house, and while she could have gone there to retrieve it, she didn’t want to be see
n anywhere near there. Most likely, the Zon was watching her place too.
Her friend answered. “Zulema! Where have you been?”
That was the big question. Aislin was aware of Zulema’s bodyguard job but not that she’d been ordered to kill a man. “I’m in trouble, or rather my sister is in trouble because of me.”
“Oh, no.”
“I need you to do me a favor.”
“Anything,” Aislin said.
Speaking softly, Zulema outlined what had happened in the last few days, leaving out the detail that Derrick’s mate lived on a different realm or that Bevon was a Fey. “I need you to learn anything you can about Derrick Valoric and a woman named Anna DeLeon.” The real Anna might have been to Valoric’s home.
“I can do that. When do you need it by?”
“Now?”
Aislin laughed. “Give me an hour.”
“You are the best.”
“I have an idea. Why don’t you come over? It will be easier in case I need some information.”
Zulema couldn’t say no to that offer. If her phone was tapped, she didn’t need to be using it more than necessary. Shit. She’d totally forgotten about that possibility. “Be right there.”
With her coffee in hand, she left the shop, worked her way to a side alley, and then teleported to her friend’s house. Even though Aislin had seen her teleport hundreds of times, she always acted surprised when Zulema popped up out of nowhere. “That was fast.”
“Teleporting always is,” Zulema said.
Aislin tapped her computer. “Let’s see what dirt I can dig up on this guy and your mysterious woman.”
Chapter Twelve
When Bevon returned from watching the Zon move Maylora to a different location, he expected to see Zulema relaxing on the sofa, perhaps watching television. When he found the house empty, a wave of despair grabbed him.
“Zulema?” He didn’t know why he called her name. Perhaps he thought she might be out back getting a breath of fresh air and would hear him.
Just to be thorough, he checked out back but didn’t detect her. “Fay or Meena. Have either of you seen Zulema?” He didn’t want to panic, but he couldn’t help it.
“No,” they telepathed in unison.
Damn it. She hadn’t gone to the original house where her sister had been held. He’d been there for hours and never sensed her. Could she have gone home in need of something? The fastest way to find out would have been to teleport to Zulema’s house. The only problem was he didn’t know where she lived—only where her sister did. Zulema probably wouldn’t have gone to the hotel in Edendale because she said she’d already packed up her stuff. There was no use paying for a room she wasn’t going to use, and he had agreed with her.
“Zulema, where are you?” he mumbled.
Bevon refused to believe that Valoric had found her. Bevon’s home was invisible to all but those he wanted to have the sight. Frustrated, he teleported next door to where his sisters lived. Neither were in the living room, which meant they were in bed. “Sorry to disturb you, but I need help finding Zulema.”
A few seconds later, both of his sisters appeared. “Do you think she went to save her sister?”
“No.” He explained that he’d just been there. “I’m thinking maybe she went home, only I don’t know where that is.”
“What you need is a locator bracelet like the one I made for our brother and Tory.”
“You’re right, but I need to find Zulema first in order to give it to her.”
Fay smiled. “I’ll make one for you tomorrow.”
“Thank you. Any idea where she might live?”
His two sisters faced each other and then held hands. In silence, they joined their magic, and Bevon knew better than to interfere. Two long minutes later they opened their eyes. Fay smiled. “I believe if you return to your house, you will find her.”
“I was just there.” She dipped her chin, indicating there was no use arguing with her. “Fine.”
When he teleported next door, to his intense delight, Zulema was in the kitchen pouring herself a glass of water. He rushed over to her and had to touch her to make sure she was real. “Where have you been? I was worried.”
Before he let her respond, he grabbed her to his chest and hugged her. The warmth and comfort confirmed once more that she was indeed his mate—not that he had any doubt. When she leaned back, he tried not to show his disappointment. He’d never been with a woman who didn’t want to be with him, but he understood her hesitation. His logic about how to do things didn’t always align with her desires.
“I didn’t know how long you’d be gone. Since I wanted to find more information on Valoric and Tamarella’s friend, Anna DeLeon, I contacted my friend, Aislin, who is a very talented computer person. I thought she could do a deep dive for me.”
Bevon exhaled. “That was smart. Join me on the sofa. We need to talk.”
He walked over to the living room while Zulema followed. He would have grabbed a beer, but he wanted her to understand this was serious and not a drinking matter.
Zulema sat on the chair across from the sofa instead of next to him. Bevon wished he understood why she was so adverse to him. “Before you begin, could I ask you to do me a favor?” he asked.
“What is it?”
“When I returned home and found you gone, I panicked.”
She sucked in a breath. “I’m sorry. I thought I would be home before you.”
Arguing would do him no good. “Okay, but maybe leave a note next time?”
She smiled. “I can do that.”
He’d bring up the locator bracelet that would allow them to communicate tomorrow. “Tell me what you learned.”
“You first. Did they move my sister?”
“Yes, to another nice home a few miles away.”
“How did she seem?” Zulema asked.
“You sister was awake and walking. Does she have any powers?”
“She’s a dragon shifter so she can fly and shoot fire, but she can’t teleport or cloak herself. I imagine Derrick, or whoever took her, blocked her ability to shift, which means she’s basically helpless.”
That would be smart on Derrick’s part. “As soon as you pretend to kill me, I imagine Derrick will return your sister. I agree that this plan needs to take place tomorrow.”
She sighed. “That would be great. Maylora isn’t tough, and this incarceration will crush her for years to come.”
He shook his head. “How did two sisters end up so different?” Though he could ask himself the same question. He and Kenton were quite different too. Zulema sucked in her bottom lip, and Bevon’s thoughts raced to something rather erotic.
“I’m five years older than my sister. My dad, who was a warlock, died when she was six. My mother’s health deteriorated a few years after that, and I had no choice but to take the role of provider and protector.”
He whistled. “That’s a big burden for someone so young.”
She shrugged. “It wasn’t as if I had much of a choice.”
He patted the seat next to him. “Come here.” He held his breath, hoping she would join him on the sofa.
Zulema’s mouth twisted right and then left before she stood and moved. It took all of Bevon’s control not to hug and kiss her. “Tell me what you found out about Derrick Valoric.” He assumed she thought this Anna DeLeon might know where Derrick lived.
“Not much. Aislin found a house that Derrick bought a few years back, but she couldn’t tell if he still lives there. It’s close to where my sister was held captive the first time though. Since it was growing late, I thought I’d stop by Anna’s house tomorrow and ask her if she knows where he lives.”
“Do you have that address of Derrick’s property? Your sister was moved about three miles from the first house.”
She rattled off the address. “That means she’s not at his home. Derrick’s property is more like ten miles away.”
“It’s good intel though,” he said. “It mi
ght come in useful in the future if he moves her again. It would be a shame to mount a rescue only to find she wasn’t there. I’d like to be sure he didn’t sell the place to someone else.” He tapped his thigh. “I have an idea.”
“What is it?” she asked.
“I need to talk with my computer expert. Give me a second. Be right back.”
Even though it was late, Logan Caspian, who was Tory’s cousin, would understand the need for immediacy. Bevon teleported to Logan’s house. His home was dark, but Bevon sensed the presence of two people. Most likely it was Logan and his mate, Wendy. Bevon walked to the bedroom and tapped on the door. “It’s me, Bevon.”
A moment later, Logan came out. His pajama bottoms were on inside out, but Bevon appreciated the effort. “Is Tory okay?”
“Yes, she’s fine. This is about Zulema.”
Logan slipped out of his room. “Let’s go into my office. What exactly do you need to know?”
Bevon gave him the address. “Can you tell me if a Derrick Valoric lives there?”
He booted up his computer, and it took Logan less than four minutes to find the answer. “No, he doesn’t.”
“Can you find his current address?”
“I’ll try.”
He tapped a few more keys. “I got lucky. I’ll email you the address.”
“You are the best,” Bevon said.
“Who exactly is this Valoric character?”
“He hired Zulema to kill me.”
Needless to say, Logan’s eyes widened. “Talk about an impossible chore—unless she found some treniam.”
“She didn’t. Valoric thinks I killed his mate, who happens to be my cousin.”
“I see.”
As much as Bevon would have appreciated Logan’s unbiased viewpoint, not only did Bevon not want to keep him, he needed to get back to Zulema. Even though his house was cloaked, he didn’t trust Zulema not to wander off again. He stood. “I owe you one.”