“Did you beg her to stay?” Quinn insisted.
Kirill swallowed. “What would Attor say to such a question? A King can never bow to a woman. You know that. I asked. She said no. It’s the end of it.”
“After all you have learned, you’re still listening to our father’s nonsense?” Falke shook his head in disbelief. “Are you really so foolish? Stop her. Forbid her from leaving. Do what you must.”
“What would our people say? What of my reputation?” Kirill asked. He didn’t really care about his reputation for personal vanity, but knew he had to care for the sake of his rule.
“They love her,” Falke answered with a shrug.
At that, Kirill blinked in surprise.
“It somehow was leaked how she selfishly put her life on the line to save the Var and the Draig.” Falke grinned into his drink. “Her staying would be good for peace. I’m sure the Draig will soon know of her selflessness as well.”
“Monogamy isn’t for me, nor was it for our father. But, for you...?” Reid shrugged.
“We won’t tell you bowed this one time.” Quinn grinned.
Kirill looked at Reid. “Wasn’t it you who said I was going to be looked at as weak?”
“This is not our father’s rule. It is yours. You must make your own destiny.” Reid grinned. “Besides, my prowess will more than make up for your lack of.”
“Having her at your side would not be so bad,” Falke interjected. “She is good with a sword. She learns fast. Her sense of duty is strong.”
“She has a fine look to her features.” Reid motioned his hand through the air, as if to outline a woman’s body. Squeezing once he reached the invisible butt, he added, “And a really nice, firm—”
Kirill glared in warning. The brothers chuckled.
“She is steadfast,” Quinn said. “And beyond that, you love her.”
“But she does not love me,” Kirill answered with a heavy sigh. The admission caused him great pain.
“How can you be sure?” Falke asked.
“Because the woman willfully speaks her mind and she has never once said that she does.” Kirill stood. “I have my duty and she has hers. Even if she wished it, her honor would take her away. Now leave me be on it. It’s better not to dwell on the choices we cannot make.”
* * * *
“What about Nadja?” Franklin asked.
“She’s no threat. She helped in the recovery.” Ulyssa looked around the metal cabin of the spaceship, as Franklin finished debriefing her. She’d told him everything he needed to know. Watching him sign the computer screen then push a button to file his report, she knew that her mission was finally ‘officially’ over.
Franklin sighed.
“Are we done here?” she asked softly.
“Almost,” he answered. He crossed his hands behind his head and leaned back in his chair. His dark green eyes studied her for a moment. “The doctors gave me a copy of your lab reports.”
“Oh?” Ulyssa whispered. She looked at her hands.
“Care to tell me who the father is?” he asked.
“King Kirill,” she answered without hesitation.
“I thought as much. He seemed pretty possessive of you,” Franklin allowed.
“No, that’s just their Neanderthal ways.” Ulyssa forced herself to shrug. “He would like the baby, however. I’ve got some vacation time coming to me after this. I’d like to file for permission to have the baby and send it to him.”
Franklin nodded quietly. “What’s this King mean to you?”
Ulyssa opened her mouth to lie, but Franklin saw right through it before she even started to say the words.
“That’s what I thought.” Franklin sighed and drew forward to lean his arms on the desk. “I’ll see what I can do about the child, but I can’t promise anything.”
“Thank you, Frank.” Ulyssa stood and turned to go.
“Is there anything else you’d like to say, Agent?” he asked from behind.
Ulyssa swallowed and shook her head. “No.”
“Very well. The ship leaves in an hour. I’ve been informed the scientists will be done by then.”
* * * *
Ulyssa stepped into the mosaic tiled banquet hall, pausing to look at its beauty. She was surprised to see the Draig and Var sitting together at a table, enjoying a late meal. She wore the tight black uniform of the Agency, looking oddly out of place compared to the relaxed comfort of the two royal families. Seeing her, they all stood. She motioned them to be seated as she came to the table.
“I just came to say good-bye,” Ulyssa said to the group as a whole. She couldn’t meet Kirill’s dark gaze so instead looked at everyone else. “My ship’s getting ready to take off.”
The Princesses came forward to give her hugs, Nadja the most enthusiastic of all. The Draig Princes were more sparing in their send off, but politely smiled and wished her well. Falke shook her hand firmly. Reid grinned and gave her a jaunty bow, kissing the back of her hand. Quinn kissed her lightly on the cheek. Finally, her heart fluttering, she finally turned to look at Kirill.
Kirill cleared his throat, moving to offer him his arm. “Here, let me escort you.”
Ulyssa took his arm and let him lead her out of the hall. When they were alone, she said, “It looks like everyone is getting along. Maybe you will find peace between you yet.”
“Yes, it does look hopeful. We’re drafting a treaty and a betrothal agreement. I have great hopes that it will go well.” Kirill nodded solemnly.
“Betrothal agreement?” Ulyssa asked.
“It’s more of a formality. If one of them is to have a daughter, which is unlikely, she will marry my oldest son.” Kirill’s eyes instantly moved down to her stomach. He tensed beneath her hand.
“I spoke to Franklin. I think there’s a good chance they’ll let me send you the child after he’s born. I...” Ulyssa swallowed. They neared where the ship was docked next to the palace wall. She wasn’t saying anything she wanted to. Closing her eyes, she bit her lip. Very aware that some of the ship’s crew watched them, she held out her hand. “I wish you the best of luck with your reign, King Kirill.”
He looked down at her offered hand and took it in his. He didn’t shake it, but merely held it. His mouth opened and for a brief instant she thought to see pain in his eyes. Lightly, he bowed his head. “Good luck, Agent Ulyssa Payne.”
Ulyssa nodded once, turned on her heels, and walked away. As the small lift took her up into the spaceship, she watched him, unable to move. Then, as the metal side blocked her view, she felt a tear slip down her face. Leaving Kirill was the hardest thing she’d ever done.
* * * *
Kirill couldn’t force himself to go back to the banquet hall and he didn’t want to go home, which would only remind him of Ulyssa and their time together, so instead he went to the royal office. Sitting on the chair before the fire, he muttered, “Siren, I want Lyssa.”
“I’m sorry her DNA is no longer on file. Would you like me to page her?”
“Siren, let me hear Lyssa. Let me see her. Bring her back here.” He whispered in agony. His hand trembled. Tears filled his eyes, but he didn’t let them fall.
“Yes, my lord,” Siren answered in her sultry tone. “Would you like me to sound the all alert to the guards?”
Kirill chuckled darkly, feeling no humor in the situation. “No, don’t send out the guards.”
“Relax,” came a whisper that sounded unmistakably like his own voice. “I want us to watch later.”
Kirill shot up from the chair, looking across his office. No one was there. Instead, he saw the holographic projection of the time he recorded them making love on the desk. He watched for several moments.
“Siren, why are you playing this?” Kirill demanded. He tried to turn away, but his eyes were caught by Ulyssa’s pleasure filled face as his holographic form brought her to climax.
“You asked to see and hear Ulyssa. This is the only file in the archives. King access only, private
file 10065,” Siren answered. “Would you like me to search the archives again?”
“No,” Kirill whispered. He stepped forward. His hand reached out, falling across her cheek like air. Suddenly, Ulyssa screamed. Her body tensed on the desk, arching beautifully before him as the tremors of release took over her. Kirill ran his hands over her neck, as if he could feel her. He ignored his recorded grunts of masculine approval and domination, as a cry ripped from his holographic throat.
Ulyssa mumbled something, but it was too faint for him to hear. Kirill froze, leaning forward.
“What?” his recorded self demanded.
Did he really sound so harsh when he spoke to her? Kirill frowned.
“What?” she’d answered him. “I didn’t say anything.”
“Siren, replay last ten seconds and magnify Lyssa’s speech.” Kirill swallowed, staring at her face, edging closer though he knew the words were recorded and not actually from her holographic throat.
“God help me,” Ulyssa whispered. “I’m in love with you.”
“Repeat!”
“God help me, I’m in love with you.”
“Siren, repeat!” Kirill demanded again, unable to believe his ears.
“God help me, I’m in love with you.”
“Siren, all alert! Arrest Lyssa!” Kirill hollered, running from the office. His heart exploded with her whispered confession. Why hadn’t she told him sooner? If she truly loved him, then they would find a way to be together.
He ran through the hallways, not caring who saw him. Bumping into a servant, he shook him and screamed, “She loves me!”
The servant yelped in surprise. At the commotion, the royal families came from the banquet hall. They watched the King race by, instantly following him to see what the commotion was all about. Kirill nearly tripped over his feet to get to the side of the palace.
“Let go of me! How dare you!”
Kirill grinned. Two of his guards had Ulyssa in their grip. She struggled to get free, looking damned sexy in her Agency uniform. Her wide blue eyes flew to him.
“Kirill! Tell these goons to get off me. I’m not stealing anything. It’s mine!”
“Goons off,” he obliged, grinning from ear to ear.
The guards let her go and Ulyssa turned to shove them away. Irritated, she turned to him. “I just came back in to get this and they tried to arrest me!”
Kirill’s eyes moved down to her shaking hand. The necklace he gave her was clutched in it. He didn’t stop in his progress, as he marched across the side walkway. Catching Ulyssa in his arms, he pulled her to his chest. Ulyssa gasped. Kirill kissed her soundly before she could protest. He didn’t care who saw him. This is what he wanted—she was what he wanted.
Ulyssa’s protest turned into a moan. She weakened as her arms wound around his neck. When he pulled back, her lids had fallen lazily over her eyes.
“Everyone can see,” she whispered.
“Let them see.” Kirill mouth came to hers once more, kissing her soundly. When he pulled back, he declared, “I love you. Stay with me. Life is a living hell without you. Don’t let me be burned alive for the rest of my days.”
Ulyssa blinked in surprise. She pushed back. His face fell at her rejection.
“No, I—I can’t.” Ulyssa’s eyes moisten. “I have my job and you have... Linzi.”
“Linzi?” Kirill questioned.
“It’s the reason I left here. I saw you with her in the banquet hall. I can’t be one of a hundred, Kirill, I just can’t.”
“Lyssa,” he murmured, trying to draw her back. “You’re right. You can never be one of a hundred, because you’re one of a kind. I only want one. I only want you.”
Ulyssa cried. Tears streamed down her face, but she still shook her head in denial. “I can’t! Why did you have to make this harder on me? They won’t let me go.”
“We may not let you go, but I can reassign you.”
Ulyssa blinked, turning back to Franklin. He stepped up to her. Lightly, he grazed her jaw with his knuckles. Then, glancing to the stunned royalty that had followed Kirill outside, he said, “I think there is much to be done on Qurilixen.”
Kirill frowned.
Franklin merely smiled at him. “If Princess Nadja is willing, the Agency would like more information on the Medical Alliance—how they work, how they transport, suppliers, anything. Her identity will be kept a secret, of course.”
Nadja swallowed nervously but, after glancing at her husband, she nodded in agreement. “Whatever I can do to help others.”
Ulyssa looked at Kirill, meeting his dark eyes. He saw her tremble.
“And,” Franklin continued, his words light and unassuming, “if you agree to let Dr. Elliot and her team stay. I’ll need someone to report their findings to me.”
Kirill nodded in agreement.
Franklin nodded back and continued, “And, after discovering that a whole planet might have been wiped out by the Medical Alliance, I’ve determined that it’s best if we place someone here permanently—just to keep an eye on the savage Var King. In case he gets it in his head to try and buy black market chemicals like his father.”
Ulyssa squealed, throwing her arms around Franklin. The man stiffened in surprise and didn’t return the hug. She let him go.
“You mean...?”
“You’re deep cover now, agent,” he answered. “Only I know how to contact you and you report only to me.”
“Frank, I... thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. I expect a report in about...” Franklin looked at her stomach. “...seven and a half, eight months. However long these things take.”
Ulyssa nodded, again mouthing, “Thank you.”
“You take care of yourself, kid, and those nine lives of yours.”
“I will.” Ulyssa felt her eyes tearing up.
“Come on, let’s get out of here!” Franklin yelled at the remaining crew. He waved his arm, as he jogged back to the spaceship.
“I, ah, I guess I’m staying,” Ulyssa said, turning back to Kirill. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. “Did you mean what you said?”
Kirill swept down on one knee before her. Loud, so everyone gathered could hear him, he announced, “I bow to you, Lyssa, my love. I belong to you. All I ask is that you stay with me always as my Queen.”
“No harem?” she whispered, shaking.
“No one but you—ever.”
Ulyssa nodded, going to her knees to join him on the ground. Wrapping her arms about his neck, she kissed him soundly. She felt the tentative connection that had been trying to build between them since they first met spark to life. Suddenly, she felt him in her body, her head. She heard his thoughts, felt his desire for her and he felt hers for him.
Gasping, she pulled back. “What just happened?”
“We’re married. You’re my Queen, my property.”
“Property?” Ulyssa repeated, hurt.
“What? Is that not the right word?”
“Ah, Mm, Kirill?” Kirill turned to Quinn. Quinn shook his head and whispered, “That was Attor’s word and it’s not exactly a compliment. I think you mean she’s your briallen, your woman.”
“Is that not what I said?” Kirill turned to Ulyssa. He looked so innocently confused, she laughed. He grinned, not caring, so long as she was happy.
“All this time when you called me property, you meant woman?” Ulyssa shook her head in amazement. “It doesn’t matter what you call me, Kirill—property, woman, briallen. I belong to you, my King, my husband. I belong only to you.”
“And I you, my most beautiful queen.”
The End
Warriors of Darkness
By
Mandy M. Roth
Warriors of Darkness © copyright 2006 - 2014, Mandy M. Roth
Fated Mates: Box Set Electronic Printing June 2014
Second Electronic Printing July 2010, The Raven Books
First Electronic Printing, March 2006
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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All books copyrighted to the author and may not be resold or given away without written permission from the author, Mandy M. Roth
This novel is a work of fiction. Any and all characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or events or places is merely coincidence. Novel intended for adults only. Must be 18 years or older to read.
Also by Mandy M. Roth
Mandy on Amazon
King of Prey (Bird Shifter Series)
King of Prey
A View to a Kill
Master of the Hunt
Rise of the King
Prince of Pleasure
Prince of Flight
Immortal Ops Series
Immortal Ops
Critical Intelligence
Radar Deception
Strategic Vulnerability
Tactical Magik
Administrative Control
Separation Zone
PSI-Ops Series (Part of the Immortal Ops World)
Act of Mercy
Act of Surrender
Act of Submission
Act of Security
Act of Command
About Warriors of Darkness
Paranormal Futuristic Shifter Romance
Deryn Murray has her work cut out for her. Not only is she determined to prevent Alejandro Vargas’s death—one she’s seen over and over in her dreams—but she must keep anyone from learning her true identity—that of a slayer, and sworn enemy of all the supernaturals. Protecting the Colonel of the alternate realm military base threatens not only her life but her very heart. Despite his refusal to cooperate, Alejandro has broken through her emotional barriers and holds the power to hurt her worse than anyone ever has.
Colonel Alejandro Vargas is more than frustrated when his job gets a whole lot tougher due to the arrival of two civilian doctors, one of whom is human. Tall, sexy and blonde, Dr. Deryn Murray gets under his skin in more ways than one. If she’s not humming nursery rhymes and talking to animals, she’s taking on armed spirit tomb guards while insisting she’s saving his life.
Shifter Fated Mates: Boxed Set Page 55