by Maggie Ryan
Looking at my husband, I tried to read his expression. There seemed to be some anger there and something else I could not understand. Draco did not so much as flinch under Deo’s hard glare. There was a friction, a tension between the two that was almost visible like a thin white line of electricity between them.
The tension broke when an angry voice called out from the kitchen. “I’m not getting any younger in here. Alekos, come!” Margaret demanded.
Pushing back his chair, Alekos jumped up and ran toward the back of the hall. “Coming, Auntie Maggie,” he said, followed by a jovial string of Greek words.
A moment later, Margaret came hobbling over to the table carrying a tray that was heaping with breads just out of the oven, topped with tahini and honey, and a platter of sliced Peloponnesian and Macedonian ham and salami. In one hand, Alekos held a bowl of fresh fruit, and in the other, a pitcher of juice. Placing them on the table, Alekos returned to the kitchen.
“I have freshly squeezed orange juice from the groves of Laconia, and mountain tea from Taygetos. Thank goodness I had the whole ship to stock before we left Greece, or we would be starving.” Aunt Margaret slammed the platter down on the center of the table. “Will never step foot in a wretched, what do they call it, supermarket? Nothing super there. Just junk,” she grumbled as she busied herself setting the table to her liking. Crystal goblets and china plates found their way around the table.
A ship. That would mean that Deo was prepared to be here for a long time. My mind wandered as I chose a few pieces of the fruit from the bowl before me.
Margaret prattled along to herself, “Have you seen what these people call breakfast, Deo? Rainbow-colored skatá in a bowl, with cold milk. Cold—from a cow. In a bowl. Slurping it with a spoon. Disgusting.” Margaret’s rant trailed off as she laid eyes on Xander.
Walking over to him, she placed one of her hands on each of his shoulders. “Glad you finally decided to show up,” she cackled, placing a kiss on the boy’s head.
Xander smiled, reaching up and patting one of her hands.
Margaret left the table, shuffling back to the kitchen, complaining, “Everyone knows only goat milk is fit for human consumption.”
Alekos reentered the room, carrying a large tray that held china cups and a teapot.
“She lets you in the kitchen, Alekos?” Baal asked. “Last night I tried to go in there to get a piece of baklava, and she hit me over the head with a wooden spoon.” Baal rubbed the back of his head as we laughed. “It hurt.”
Deo responded, “Only Alekos may enter the kitchen. And don’t anyone dare try to call her Auntie Maggie. She will use that spoon to beat you within an inch of your life, I promise.”
Low enough for only me to hear, Cy whispered in my ear, “So now we know where Deo gets it. Does he have his own wooden spoon?”
I quietly tried not to choke on the grape that was in my mouth while kicking Cynthia under the table.
Sitting back down by Draco, Alekos tore off a huge hunk of bread. “I can’t help it if all the women like me.”
“Poor boy,” Baal said, rolling his eyes. “You need to learn it’s not the quantity that matters, it’s the quality.”
I smiled as he said this, his eyes not on Alekos, but focused across the table on my best friend whose cheeks were blooming into a very attractive pink.
“Enough,” Deo said, shooting a look at Baal. “The time has come for us to reveal the truth to Cassandra. And Cynthia, now, as well,” Deo added, shooting an angry look in Draco’s direction.
Despite paying a rather painful price, guilt filled me at putting Draco in this position with the ringing of my phone. As if reading my thoughts, my guardian looked from Deo to me and he shook his head, giving me a small smile. “I have no doubt she will be grateful to have all her questions answered.”
“I will give her the information she needs,” Deo fired back.
I looked at Deo, surprised by my husband’s outburst. His dark eyes shone with concern as they met mine. Suddenly I was apprehensive—not about what he was going to tell me—but about what he might decide to keep from me.
“The truth is, the more she knows, the better,” Draco said. He spoke quietly, but his voice carried authority.
The conversation hung suspended as the doors to the castle suddenly burst open. Straining my neck to see around Deo’s chair, I gasped when I recognized Andrew.
Normally a fashion plate, impeccably dressed, he now looked as if he’d been on some primitive camping trip. His suit was beyond wrinkled, it was soiled and he had dark circles under his eyes. Andrew came flying toward the table, brandishing a large stick.
“Andrew, what are you doing?” I shouted, standing from my seat so quickly, I knocked the heavy chair onto the floor. Before I had time to blink, Draco was by my side, my chair upright behind me.
“I’ve been following you since that thug”—Andrew pointed his stick at the amused face of Baal, whose long hair hid his face as his shoulders shook with laughter—“kidnapped you from your office. I’ve been hiding out in the woods waiting for the right time to intervene. Then I saw they abducted Cynthia as well.”
“Oh, for God’s sake,” Deo groaned, still seated at the table, head in his hands. “What’s the boy doing here?”
“I’m here to save Cassandra, old man.” Waving the stick in the air, Andrew stepped closer to the table. “Cass, Cynthia, come with me, quick. My car is hidden a few miles from here. Don’t even try to follow us.” He moved the branch in front of him, blocking his body.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Leaves sticking up out of his tangled hair, shirt untucked, and pants stained with mud, Andrew looked ridiculous. I looked around at the five men who surrounded me.
As amusing as the scene was, my heart was heavy. Because of me, another one of my friends was in danger.
Xander slowly stood from his seat beside Cynthia. Reaching out his right arm, Xander lifted his hand in the air toward the stick, focusing his pale eyes on Andrew. The stick left Andrew’s grasp, floating through the air. Passing over the table, the weapon made its way, stopping in front of Xander. The stick hovered in the air. Xander moved his arm toward his body, the stick moving with it. The branch moved slowly, contacting Xander’s open palm.
The room was quiet. Andrew stood frozen a few feet from the table, his empty hand still hanging in the air, eyes wide and mouth gaping in amazement. At the head of the table, Deo sat, looking frustrated.
Xander, a peaceful look on his young face, stood calmly, holding the huge stick. “Excuse me,” he said politely. Moving around his chair, Xander was careful not to bump Cynthia with the branch. Walking over to the fireplace, he broke the wood into three pieces, throwing them into the fire. He then returned to Cynthia’s side, casually pouring himself another cup of tea from the steaming porcelain pot. Teacup in hand, Xander took his seat.
“Mercy me,” Cynthia breathed.
Gesturing to the empty chair next to Baal, Deo said, “Join us for breakfast, Andrew.” Looking at me, his voice laced with disdain, he asked, “I take it you’ve missed dining with my wife? Is that to what we owe the pleasure of your company?”
Andrew’s astonished eyes focused on me. His face was pale, and he looked as if he might pass out.
“Sit, Andrew,” I said quickly, not wanting him to do anything rash while in shock over the supernatural display we had just witnessed.
A bewildered Andrew looked at each of us in turn, then quietly walked over beside Baal, taking a seat.
“Juice?” Alekos asked with a wide grin. At Andrew’s slight nod, Alekos reached over Baal and filled an empty crystal glass.
Returning to his place at the table, Draco made a plate and passed it to Alekos, who placed it in front of Andrew.
Deo sighed. “Well, it looks like you are up to at least two, now, Alekos.”
“Got to earn my keep,” Alekos replied, taking a huge bite of an apple.
“There will be more, in time,” Deo said. “I
am certain of it.”
“More what?” Cynthia asked.
Taking my seat, I answered, “Mankind.” The pieces were starting to fall together, though I still had so few clues. Looking at my husband, I demanded, “Explain, Deo. Everything. Now.”
Draco fired me a look of approval.
Deo nodded, glancing at everyone seated around the table, leaving me for last. Meeting my eyes, he began. “For many years, we have been preparing for a war. The time for battle is nearing. We must prepare. We have only weeks, months at most.”
“Who are we fighting?” I asked, not for one moment doubting that he was speaking the truth. It was as if somehow, deep within me, I had just been waiting for confirmation. Yet the look Deo gave me sent chills down my spine.
“The darkness. Pure evil, itself. It is coming here to try and destroy us.”
“What does that even mean? How on Earth do you fight darkness?”
The table was silent. Deo stood, removing his napkin from his lap and placing it on the table beside his plate. Smoothing his shirt, he paced behind his chair.
It was only a few moments, but felt far longer before his deep voice broke the silence of the room. “There will be a battle, but it will be only the beginning of our journey. Dark spirits will seek us out, here at the castle, to destroy us. We will defend ourselves by using… powers, if you will.”
“What kind of powers?” I asked, feeling my brow furrowing as I gazed across Cy. “Like the trick Xander just pulled?”
“Yes. That and more. We have a few tricks up our sleeves for you and our guests.” Deo gestured at the wide eyes of Cynthia and Andrew as they sat, gaping at my husband.
I shook my head, reaching to place my hand on Cy’s arm where it rested on the table. “Deo, it is my fault that Cynthia and Andrew are here. You—I—can’t ask them to enter a fight that is not their own.”
“I’m afraid there is no choice,” Deo said. “Even if they choose to leave, they’d be in danger. The spirits know of them now… know how important they are to you. They are safer here… with all of us.”
“Of course we’d fight,” Cynthia said.
“Damn straight,” Andrew said, any evidence of his shock at being unarmed by the mere wave of Xander’s hand gone from his face as he nodded. “I’m not about to run from a fight.”
“That’s the spirit,” Alekos said, lifting his glass in salute to my friends.
Deo picked up the conversation. “Not only will you be trained, like I said, we have several things in our arsenal to help.”
“Like what?” I asked.
Deo gave us a small grin. “Disappearing daggers, deadly crystals, things of this nature.”
“Cool,” Cy murmured, a sparkle coming into her eyes.
“I know taekwondo,” Andrew offered helpfully, shooting me a proud look.
I was glad he was out of his shocked state and adjusting to the sudden news that we’d be fighting evil spirts so well, but still, could one really be taught how to fight evil?
“Good, good,” Deo said, a grin momentarily dancing on his lips. “As for the rest of us, things will be a little different.” Deo stopped his pacing. Placing his hands on the back of his chair, his dark eyes locked onto mine.
“Different, how?” I asked.
“We will turn to wolves,” he answered simply.
“Wolves?” I repeated dumbly.
“Yes, wolves. With the exception of Alekos who will remain human to direct you all in the battle. And Draco,”—my husband swallowed hard—“let us hope we will not need his powers, this time.”
Deo moved to my side. Lifting my hair, he bent down, placing a gentle kiss on my cheek.
“Welcome to the pack, princess.”
Chapter Nine
Deo
I’d always thought Cassandra had the heart of a warrior princess. Today, she proved me right.
It’s not easy finding out that your husband is a wolf. More accurately, transforms into a wolf, along with the rest of his family. My pack, if you will. Fighting the dark spirits that threaten the peaceful existence of our society. But Cassandra took the revelation with class and dignity. And she believed me without question, which was more than I’d believe most other wives would have been capable of doing if their husband suddenly revealed the same.
My mind had been arguing with itself when it came to my headstrong bride. You should have told her sooner, my wolf says.
But why put her on high alert when there was no present danger. Would it have done any good, my husband brain retorts back.
Ultimately, I’d chosen to wait. In not training my wife sooner, I was now having to take her in hand, quickly, changing our marriage overnight. The discipline Cassandra lacks was my pleasure to administer. Some might think me a monster, but in this life, disobedience can equal death. I just wish I had known sooner how gratifying it was to tap into Cassandra’s submissive side.
It was my duty to train her to obey me. Though with Cassandra Ambrosia, I knew it would not be an easy venture despite her recent trips over my knees. There was definite submission within my lovely wife, but there was a stubborn streak as well. Still, there would be but one alpha in our pack and that responsibility lay on my shoulders.
* * *
Standing in the hallway off the dining room, my eyes roved over my precious wife. She stood before me, cheeks flushed with excitement. I had told her as little as I could at the table since we were in mixed company. Now that Andrew and Cynthia were involved, I knew information had to be shared, but I kept it to a minimum. I would need to speak to Cassandra alone to tell her more about the curse of the Ambrosia family and the human wolves she now lived amongst.
I focused on my wife as she spoke. Her hands moved, agitated as she said, “I had no idea Andrew followed us here, Deo. Believe me.” The hall lights flickered in Cassandra’s bright eyes and against her high cheekbones, accentuating her beauty.
My eyes cut to the boy, still seated at the table with the others.
“I just wish he hadn’t become so attached to you in the first place.” Grasping Cassandra’s arms, I pulled her further into the shadows of the hall. “He shouldn’t be here.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, Cassandra protested, “He was trying to be a good friend. He was worried about me.”
“Just another complication. Another human to protect.” I sighed, running a frustrated hand through my hair. “I guess that’s what we have Alekos for.”
Her eyes cutting to mine, Cassandra replied hotly, “Well, just don’t spank me for it.”
Seriously? My wife discovers she’s married a man with supernatural powers, one who transforms to a wolf, is told her life is in imminent danger, and what is her reaction? Fear? No, not Cassandra. Of course not. Instead of fear for her life, her temper flares to protect her ass from a spanking. I leaned in close, watching as my nearness brought a flush to her candlelit face. “Listen to me, little girl. You do not decide the parameters of your discipline.” Placing my hand above her, I flattened it to the wall, my arm inches from her face. “I do.”
The angry look displayed on her face made a memory replay in my mind: Cassandra’s beautiful mouth spitting out the words, ‘I’m leaving’. I would never punish in anger, though she would seem to test the limits of that. But those words—it must never happen again.
Grabbing a handful of her ass cheek, squeezing the plump flesh, I growled into her ear, “The plug you held for a short time yesterday can take up permanent residence if necessary to remind you that you are not in control. Are. We. Clear?”
On tippy toes, she melted against me. “Yes, sir,” she whispered, her tone submissive.
“Go upstairs, we will finish this conversation there.”
Cassandra’s eyes flitted to her friends in the dining hall, then to mine. What she saw there must have stifled her argument, because she meekly obeyed, receiving a sharp swat from me as she departed.
I watched as she walked up the stairs, the material of her
beautiful dress clinging to her backside as she moved. One silver lining to this storm cloud was choosing every stitch of fabric that touched my wife’s body. I do so love control, but even more, I love the way my fierce woman looks, dressed like a little lady. Black had never been her best color.
As Cassandra rounded the top stair, disappearing into the hall, Draco made his appearance. I could sense him before I saw him.
“She will learn, Deo,” he said.
“She needs to learn fast,” I said, looking up the stairs again. “Her life depends on it.”
“Then we will make sure she does.” The only pack member more stoic than I, Draco gave me a nod as he stealthily went up the stairs to do his job.
Returning to the dining hall, I signaled to Baal. He quickly met me at the doorway.
“Deo,” he greeted me, sweeping his hair from his jade eyes. “How may I serve you?”
“I must have a word with my wife.”
“Of course.” The corners of his mouth turned upward; a hint of amusement glimmered in his jeweled eyes. Baal had been watching my wife from afar as part of his duties. He had seen her destroy men brighter than ourselves, leaving them sniveling in the courtroom. He found her current supervision amusing.
“Can you take the others out back to start the exercises?” I asked. His green eyes lit up in response. I knew Baal was ready for battle, and he wanted everyone else as ready as he.
“Of course,” Baal answered quickly, turning back to the group to carry out my orders. Always my right-hand man, Baal was as cunning as he was intelligent. And he knew how to follow a command, which made him irreplaceable.
Taking a deep breath to still my emotions, I turned to climb the grand marble staircase. As he should be, Draco was posted outside Cassandra’s room.
As I walked toward the door, Draco moved down the hall. Though out of sight, like always, I knew he was nearby. While my wife had been unaware of it, she’d never been truly alone over these past few days. Her guardian had never been far from her, keeping watch, keeping her safe in my absence. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he, like I, would give his life for Cassandra if it came to that. It was yet another part of my responsibilities to see that it didn’t.