Tierney waited while he turned his gaze up to the ceiling, thinking about her words. He’d spent so long alone, he didn’t know how to be a friend to anyone. The closest he’d come to having a friend had been Ransom, and even then he’d held himself back.
Tierney reached over and patted his arm. “You’ll get used to all of us—me, eventually.” She stood and set the box on the bed beside him, then peeled back the blanket.
She and Sasha had removed his shirt earlier and now, Tierney concentrated on cleaning the wounds that were the worst.
Soroyan thought about what she said. He didn’t know if he liked the idea of having friends. It was hard enough to keep his distance from family. Now friends?
Tierney continued. “You will be able to shift again, and while you might not be able to feel your wolf at the moment, I can,” she said, reassuring him.
Soroyan met her sincere gaze and held it. How could she feel his wolf, when he couldn’t?
Tierney nodded. “He’s fine, like Jax said, he’s just asleep. You haven’t lost him.”
He didn’t say a word, just continued to stare into her eyes while her fingers moved soothingly over his skin. He wondered if what she said would prove to be true.
“All right, all done.” Tierney packed the stuff back into the box and then pulled the blanket back over him. After she left the room, Soroyan considered her words.
While acceptance didn’t come easy to him, he knew that he would have to accept that what she said was true. He’d go crazy, maybe rogue once again if he didn’t. Soroyan thought about everything he had learned that afternoon and Val Jean’s words about Toren stuck in his head. How Toren didn’t want to leave. Why would his nephew choose to stay in captivity with such a vile person? Could he have been compelled?
Soroyan knew it wasn’t easy to compel one of their kind, so there had to be another reason. He just needed to figure it out.
All of a sudden, another thought filled his head. In this form, without his power, he was mortal—able to be killed. That thought left him breathless as he contemplated what it meant.
He knew he’d made a promise to his dead mate, although after all this time, he didn’t feel as bound to it, and surely she’d understand, wouldn’t she? Besides, he was more than ready to join her and his young.
He spent a long time thinking about it. He still needed to get Toren back, but after that …
For the first time since he’d been collared, he began to make plans. He knew instinctively that he could never live with the collar on. He was more wolf than human, no matter what shape he took. The darkness that had consumed him at one time never really went away. It was just hidden below the surface, biding its time, and now that his wolf wasn’t present, he could feel the dark edge of insanity creeping ever closer to the surface. If he ever lost control again, whether he had his full power or not wouldn’t matter. He’d destroy every living thing in his path.
With a deep swallow, he strengthened his resolve. If he had to step into the lion’s den to get Toren back, he would do so. And if he was captured, or failed, then he’d gladly die. Living like this was not an option.
First, to have a shot at saving his nephew he’d need to heal, then he needed to locate Val Jean’s stronghold. With that thought, he finally closed his eyes and it wasn’t long before he succumbed to exhaustion.
Chapter Twenty
Serena's Pet
Val Jean stood in the little room and peered dispassionately through the one-way screen into the fun room and watched his daughter. Serena, with a finger on her bright red lips, contemplated her pet who lay chained on a bed.
Marcius glared at her and Serena’s tongue darted out and licked her lips. Her lipstick didn’t smear.
“That collar looks really pretty around your neck, much better than I could have ever imagined,” she said, admiring the golden links studded with diamonds, and almost making Val Jean chuckle.
Marcius growled but was cut off as a knock sounded at the door.
Serena tsked him. “Now, now, don’t be like that. We have company. Come in,” she called out loudly and then smiled excitedly at the two men who walked in. “Wait there,” she instructed them before turning back to Marcius with an evil grin. “You like to inflict pain, don’t you?” she asked, and Val could see her enjoyment as Marcius squirmed, trying to get free.
“You already know that, Serena. I know you like to get rough, too. If you want to play with binds, take these off and we can have a lot of fun, just the two of us. I will show you how to really use all your toys here,” Marcius said, glancing around the room and then back at her.
Val Jean grinned. He’d caught the worry in Marcius’s eyes that the male quickly hid as he surveyed the room.
“Oh you silly man!” Serena chuckled. “Don’t worry, I plan to have a lot of fun.” Then she narrowed her gaze on him. “I already knew you like to inflict pain, I just wonder how much you like to receive it.”
Marcius’s wary gaze took in the guards before looking back at Serena, who chuckled again. “Yes, I picked the most deviant of my father’s men, aren’t you happy?”
A shudder passed through Marcius. “Let me loose, Serena, and I will make you very happy.” Marcius leered trying to look seductive, but even Val heard the touch of arrogance that had slipped into his voice.
Serena pretended to shiver and glanced Val’s way before looking back at Marcius. “Oh … I like when you talk dirty to me, Marcius.” Then she cocked her head as if considering his offer. Val knew she’d had the guards bathe the filth off of Marcius, leaving him naked so he didn’t get her or the bedding dirty. “No, I think not. You are mine. My pet.”
“Serena!” Marcius’s face turned red in anger.
“Quiet!” Serena snapped and Val saw her narrow her eyes on him. Val smiled, that was his girl.
“That was a cute little home you had before I burned it down.” Serena smirked when Marcius’s eyes widened. “Yes, I followed you there the day you left my bed. The day you went to play with your daughter.” Her smile grew even wider as understanding dawned. Marcius began to pull at his restraints even harder.
“I didn’t realize you were into raping little girls. I know you will be sad, but your son rescued her.” She gave a loud, dreamy sigh.
Val mused at Serena. He hadn’t realized all that she’d been up to. He let out a little snort at Marcius’s look of panic. He could even smell the Fallen’s fear.
“Though the wolf punished you, I hardly believe it’s enough,” she said.
“He did, he really did, and I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t do it again,” Marcius begged.
Serena shook her head. “Maybe you would, maybe you wouldn’t. Doesn’t matter. I have plans, lots and lots of plans for you.” She smiled, eyes twinkling.
“Let me go, or I won’t fuck you again,” Marcius threatened. “You may have me tied, but you can’t make me fuck you!”
At that, Serena laughed hysterically. “Oh, you are so funny! Do you not understand who I am? No, you just thought I was some spoiled little girl you could use to stay in Daddy’s graces, but I am my mommy and daddy’s daughter! I am both Walker and Ilyium, and you should never have cheated on me!”
Val knew how much Serena hated being part Ilyium, but he wondered if she was starting to embrace it. How much of a boost had the Ilyium blood that mixed with her Daywalker given her magic?
Black eyes flashing, Serena leaned over Marcius and began to whisper a spell over him and while Val didn’t know what it was, he had a good idea.
“No, please, I’m sorry. Stop. Serena, please—” Marcius cried out.
Serena grinned. “I told you, you are my pet now. I own you. You are tied to me, and this—” She leaned close and bit into his neck.
Marcius gasped, his body arching in need as little droplets of sweat appeared on his skin. Val smiled as his daughter drank the male down.
When she was done, Serena straightened up and licked the blood off her lips. “Makes the tie
binding. Forever. My will is your command, and your cock and body are all mine. You will never be free,” she said, and smirked at his hardened cock. “Oh, and while you will desire only me, all the time, I forbid you to orgasm.”
Magic filled the air at the conclusion of her words and Serena smirked. The stench of fear, along with sweat trickled down Marcius’s brow. Turning, Serena glanced Val’s way once again with a conspiring look, then she beckoned the guards waiting by the door to come closer. “Shall we get started?”
As they moved closer, she turned back to Marcius with a considering, excited look. “I wonder how much you can take. Good thing you heal fast.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Gone But Not Gone
Soroyan awoke the next morning to find Tierney sitting in a chair beside the bed once again.
“Hey,” she said, and getting up, she poured him a glass of water.
“Hi.” He knew he should say more, but wasn’t sure what. One thing he did know, he was happy to see her. Soroyan accepted the glass and drank the whole thing before passing it back.
“More?” she asked, and he nodded. He drank three full glasses before he finally met her gaze. The worry and compassion in her eyes made him want to snap his teeth, but he’d done enough of that the day before. She didn’t deserve it.
“Sorry about how I acted yesterday. I was pissed over my stupidity. I do appreciate you rescuing me,” he said, his voice a little gruffer than he intended as the words tasted bitter on his tongue. He’d never in his life been so weak or helpless that he needed rescuing and it was a hard pill to swallow.
“I know,” she said and gave him a gentle smile. “I understand.”
He’d thought about his lack of reaction to her the night before and compared it to the time he had tried to teach her to use the soul stones in her choker. Then he’d been blinded by her light and after that all he wanted was to feel more of it. He thought he’d been attracted to her, yet maybe he’d just not been used to it?
Suddenly he realized his dark soul yearned for its other half, the light, good part of him. A part that was long gone. Soroyan sat up against the headboard only to wince when his body screamed with pain.
Physical pain was not something he was used to, either. How did humans handle it?
“Are you hungry?” she asked.
“A little,” he said, lying. He was famished.
“Figured you would be. Thaniel is bringing you some breakfast,” she barely finished saying when a knock sounded. “Ah, there he is.” Tierney’s smile was heartfelt as she opened the door.
Thaniel hesitated in the doorway until she waved him forward. “Come in.” Thaniel walked in carrying a tray as Tierney turned and sat back down.
Nervous, the Were-leopard moved cautiously closer with eyes lowered.
“H-here you go. I hope you like eggs, bacon, and ham,” Thaniel said quietly, not meeting Soroyan’s gaze as he handed him the tray.
“I’m not going to hurt you,” Soroyan said, just like he had many times before. It didn’t do any good, Thaniel was still scared of him and it was beginning to piss him off.
Thaniel met his eyes and flushed red. “S-sorry, I … it’s …” He swallowed and peeked at Tierney for help.
Tierney laid her hand on her second mate’s arm for comfort and Soroyan felt like an ass all over again.
“It’s a habit he’s trying to overcome,” she said while smiling gently at Thaniel.
Thaniel’s eyes rose to meet Soroyan’s gaze. “Yes, I am. Sorry I made you angry.”
“No, Thaniel. I am the one who should apologize,” Soroyan said with an inward sigh. He’d never apologized so much in his entire life either and didn’t understand why he felt the need to lately. These people did something to him, made him care more than he wanted to. Caring was dangerous; it eventually led to hurt.
“Do you want me to stay, keep you company while you eat?” Tierney asked after Thaniel slipped out of the room.
He shook his head. “No, I’d like to get clean,” he said, hating the blood caked on his skin.
“You can shower or soak in the tub. I’ll get you some clothes to change into. The bathroom is right through there,” she said, pointing to a door he hadn’t noticed before.
He did a double take. Normally, he’d have scoped out everything about the room as soon as he set foot in it. He must’ve been really out of it to have missed such a vital thing. Anyone could have come through to attack. Vowing not to let his defenses lapse so badly again, he waited while Tierney slipped out of the room and closed the door.
Finally, he looked at the food on the tray and saliva filled his mouth. His plate was heaped full of the savory meat and eggs, with hash browns and four slices of buttered toast on the side.
As much as he pretended not to like human food, he actually did. He just hadn’t wanted anyone to know, but it was so much tastier than raw meat, or plain, fire-roasted meat. Still, it had been a very long time since any of the pack had eaten like this and he could well imagine how much they had enjoyed Christmas dinner. Too bad he’d spoiled the day for everyone.
He wanted to kick himself. He’d let his pride and need to take care of everything by himself get in the way. He’d known better than to trust the Daywalker bitch.
Just then his brother walked in and Soroyan wanted to groan. He should have confided in Kyrian, at least told him where he was going. Still, old habits are hard to break.
“How are you?” Kyrian asked, concern shining in his eyes.
“I will be fine, just need to heal,” Soroyan said, though his pride might take longer to heal.
Kyrian was silent for a long moment. “You should never have gone alone.”
“Yeah, it was beyond stupid. I’m getting too old for this shit,” Soroyan said.
Kyrian’s expression softened. “I know what you were trying to do, I just wish you weren’t always trying to do everything alone.”
Soroyan didn’t answer.
They talked about other stuff after that, but Soroyan couldn’t bring himself to tell his brother that Toren hadn’t wanted to come home. At least until he figured out why.
“We will figure this out,” Kyrian said and Soroyan stared at his brother, the man who’d been there for him and had never let him down. He only wished he could do the same.
“I’ll let you eat and talk to you later,” Kyrian said.
Soroyan nodded. After the door closed behind Kyrian, Soroyan pulled the tray of food over and dug in, then moaned at the burst of flavor that filled his mouth.
He had just finished the last bite, when Tierney knocked and then walked in with a pile of clothing, which she set down on the bed.
She glanced at his tray and a smile tugged at her lips that she quickly hid. “Here, I’ll take that,” she offered and took the tray from him.
“You’re about the same size as Sami, so those should fit.” She indicated the clothes.
“Thank you,” he answered and swung his legs to the floor, but when he went to stand, his whole body protested.
“Here, let me help you,” she said, setting the tray on the night table.
“No, I’m fine,” he lied. He really didn’t want her touching him anymore.
“Ah … okay,” she said.
Trying not to show just how much pain he was in, Soroyan stood and made his way to the bathroom, feeling his years for the first time ever.
“Light switch is on the wall to your right,” she said and then he heard her slip out of the room and close the door. Soroyan gripped the door frame as his whole body shuddered, screaming in protest. He definitely had a whole new appreciation for those who didn’t heal right away.
Eyeing the large shower stall, he pushed away from the wall and made his way over. Turning the water on so hot that it was steaming, he stepped under the spray and sighed at how good it felt on his aching body.
***
When he finally made it outside, Soroyan tensed up, feeling eyes on him. It was the wolves on gua
rd, and while they wouldn’t outright stare, they did so covertly. Which was how it should be, he thought, trying to stifle the anger. It was their job to watch all who came and went, so that they could protect everyone here.
Not making eye contact with any of them, he walked across the yard and started up the trail. He let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding as soon as he entered the shade of the forest and drew in a deep lungful of air. He wanted, needed the variety of natural scents, something he’d always taken for granted, but with his human nose all he caught was the scent of pine.
The sudden insight left him shaken. Soroyan grabbed at the nearest tree trunk to steady himself and blinked. He blinked again. Even his eyesight was nowhere near what it was normally.
One of the wolves passing by noticed his hesitation and started toward him. Soroyan waved him off. Pushing away from the tree, he continued up the path. He needed to be alone more than ever now. How did humans stand it? Suddenly it was as if he were inhibiting a different body, one not his own. One that moved much slower. And creaked. He ground his teeth and made his way to the large slab of rock that jutted out, overlooking the valley. A sheen of sweat coated his brow, and a tremble ran through him as he eased himself to sit on the rock. Yeah, being human sucked.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Red
Raven ground her teeth in anger as the black-robed figure slinked from one tree to the next, up on the mountain where her brother lived. What the hell was the Ilyium up to? Her eyes narrowed as her hated enemy moved slowly, cautiously and she quickly realized it was a woman.
It appeared the enemy was keeping an eye out for the wolves guarding the place. That was something Raven hadn’t expected at all, and while she had nothing against wolf shifters or most other magical beings other than the Ilyium, she still wasn’t sure what to make of it. What had happened that her brother needed wolves on guard? Things had to have gotten pretty bad, she only wished her brother had contacted her. Well, more than he had, which was not conscious on his part.
Dracones Boxset Books 1-5 Page 140