by Dianna Love
VIPER should have been incensed enough to banish the Beladors from the coalition again, but no. Sen, the VIPER liaison between governing Tribunals and the pool of agents, had never been one to tolerate insolence though.
He’d gained her notice by the way he made life as difficult as he could for Beladors.
If not for clearly being tethered to VIPER and the Tribunal, Sen would have a place in her organization. Her plan to capture Belador children had been working flawlessly until Cathbad the Druid interfered.
As someone she’d partnered with long ago, Cathbad’s position next to her provided him certain benefits, but overruling her orders was not one of them.
That druid had become more annoying in recent days than ever in the past. His value to her dwindled each time he crossed her.
She waved a hand at Perth, dismissing information already reported to her. “Yes, yes, I was informed about the bounty hunter group that stepped in when the Beladors abandoned VIPER.”
“True, but I am independent of those bounty hunters. Sen didn’t care who came in as long as he no longer had to teleport all over the place to deal with problems. I am my own man.”
Her warrior had shared that as well, but she would not trust any man’s word. She’d ordered her Scath Force to investigate Perth further and determine for sure that this man was associated with no one else, like perhaps that blasted dragon.
Ready to determine if he would be of use to her, Maeve asked, “Back to my first question. How do you propose to win the reward?”
“As I understand it, you want the dragon captured, but not killed.”
“Exactly.”
“You could go on for many years, hundreds of years, without that happening. I would like to propose a different approach.”
She would always allow creative thinking when it was in her best interest. “I’m listening.”
“Daegan has to know he was fortunate to escape. He would not risk being captured again only to have you compel him to do your bidding, which would include sharing all knowledge he has gained since joining the Beladors. From what I’ve gathered, you are capable of necromancy. Considering your power, I can only believe that what you are capable of with a decapitated head would be far superior to any other who might attempt to compel such a head to speak.”
“Of course.” Maeve started seeing where he was going with this line of thought and allowed him to finish.
“Killing Daegan is considered impossible by many.” He offered a smile that had her thinking about how he’d look naked in her bed, but she would not be swayed from her goal.
“You say that as if you don’t consider it impossible, Perth.”
“I do not. I have spent my life figuring out the impossible and have a plan for dealing with him, but I require more than the ability to teleport that you have offered your warlocks.”
This one had balls. Perhaps this man could prove worthy of being the next leader of her elite Scath Force unit. “What would that be?”
“I wish to serve you for eternity. You would never have a more loyal man at your side. Before you think that I am a fool to aspire to keep you to myself, I am not. You are an exceptional beauty in addition to being a powerful queen. Eternity is a long time. I would never interfere with your decisions or complain about those you’d take to your bed. I would be the perfect right-hand man. Yes, this is a bold request, but so is bringing a dragon to his knees.”
She found his confidence extremely seductive. Bedding this one would be an adventure for sure.
He was not a druid, but then she didn’t need a druid these days if having one around was going to interrupt her plans.
Allowing the hint of a smile to touch her lips, she said, “You have given me something to think on. I admit that I had not considered how valuable a dragon’s head might be.”
“Yes, my queen. Especially in place of an empty hand.”
Wise man to claim her as his queen. Was she really going to do this? What would be the harm in agreeing? He could do nothing to her if she lied to him.
“Very well, bring me the head of Daegan in his dragon form and I will grant you immortality, but I am not agreeing to more than that as yet.”
With a broad smile that spoke of success, he said, “I would not expect more unless it was your desire.”
She wanted this one. He had piqued her interest in ways no man had for many centuries. Cathbad could take a few lessons. The more she considered this Perth and his claims, the more she could see him at her beck and call.
He very well might end up immortal and at her side.
Careful not to allow him to believe he had any control of this meeting, she handed him a deadline. “My offer is good for only two weeks.”
His searing green eyes darkened at that. “Wonderful. As I have already set my plan in motion, I need only one week. I merely wanted to reach an agreement on terms and that a dead dragon would be as much use to you as a live one.”
Possibly more useful, now that he had her thinking that way. Just imagine the secrets she could pull from Daegan that would aid her in conquering Treoir while the Beladors were in turmoil after his death.
“One last point, Perth,” Maeve said. She’d realized a potential flaw in his plan.
“Yes, my queen?”
“If the dragon is killed or destroyed entirely and you fail to deliver a head to me, the only reward you will receive is a slow and agonizing death.” She smiled as she gave that warning.
“I would expect no less from you as that would be unacceptable for both of us.”
She had to give it to Perth. No fear. “I admire your bold attitude, but how do you plan to keep up with a dragon that can teleport?”
“I will not be chasing the dragon. He will be chasing me.”
Having a champion for her cause emerge from the human world couldn’t be more surprising, but among preternaturals anything was possible.
For all Cathbad’s ranting about the power he’d expended on Ossian, one warrior who was now gone, he could have found this Perth.
No, Cathbad had focused all his energy on turning a Scath Force warrior into a polymorph. Granted, Ossian, his pet warlock, had been able to shift into any human form, but that one had been flawed and failed to survive one simple duty she’d assigned him.
Cathbad was still upset with her over losing his polymorph.
When had the most powerful druid she’d ever known become so attached to anything? Their partnership had lasted two millennia only because she was no weak-kneed woman.
She held the power here and he had better remember that, once he got over his pity party.
Ready to dismiss Perth, she said, “Few men have surprised me. I enjoy rewarding those who rise above the mediocre and prove their potential.”
“Is that so, Maeve?”
Snapping her hand in a quick move, she teleported Perth to the human world before Cathbad got a good look at her new pet.
She swung around. “Ah, Cathbad. I see you’ve returned from your wandering.”
Cathbad eyed the spot where Perth had stood and failed to hide the scowl on his face. “Who was that?”
This druid had spent plenty of time in her bed, but that had never given him the right to question her or anyone she brought to her chambers.
She was beginning to find him boring.
Not sexually. Cathbad would never bore a woman in bed, but he took offense at the least thing these days, like the loss of his polymorph. Cathbad should have given the warrior enough power to avoid being captured and controlled by a deadly witch.
Although calling Veronika a mere witch was an understatement. She’d intended to control Witchlock and boasted she’d force everyone under her thumb.
That Sterling bitch, Adrianna, had grabbed the ancient power instead.
What a waste. Adrianna Lafontaine wasn’t even a dark witch, according to what Maeve’s warriors had recently reported.
Veronika might have had extraordinary powers, but she was not Mae
ve. She was not the leader of the Medb coven.
And she was now dead.
Cathbad’s sour attitude was infringing on Maeve’s upbeat frame of mind. She asked, “Are you better now?”
His gaze locked on her and stayed there longer than she’d have liked, considering the anger simmering beneath it. “What were you up to, Maeve?”
“You mean with that young man?” she asked, pushing hard on the word “young” as a dig even though Cathbad could appear any age.
“Of course that’s what I’m askin’ about,” he drawled.
“You’re a surly bastard these days. If you weren’t so depressing to be around, I’d invite you to spend a few hours relaxing with me.” She added that last line only as a taunt.
“Depressing?” He strolled around, not really walking toward her, but gaining distance each time. “We both know I’m not the sort to be depressed. I am, however, quite capable of extreme rage.”
Giving him an exaggerated sigh, she said, “Can you not get over losing Ossian? These things happen.”
“That’s what bothers me about you these days, Maeve. At one time, you could look farther down the road and see the greater picture. Not anymore. He was not just a polymorph. He could have been our secret weapon in the human world for a long time. He could have handed us Daegan and Macha, but you were so reckless you didn’t care.”
Perth could turn into her own secret weapon in the human world. “When have you ever known me to be emotional about a servant, Cathbad? To care about losing anyone is not in my makeup.”
His eyebrow arched. “Does that include me?”
With any other man, that question could be a positive sign, but she knew Cathbad too well. He had not meant anything personal by that question. No, this sly bastard would trick her with his words if she allowed it.
“I will be honest, Cathbad. I would miss you if you were gone.”
“Such heartfelt concern,” he said, his words swimming in sarcasm.
Throwing up her hands, she demanded, “What is it going to take to mend this rift between us? I won’t play word games with you.” She did harbor a concern that the longer Cathbad remained angry, the more she had to watch her back around him.
She trusted no one.
Definitely not an angry druid who knew many of her secrets.
“You wish to fix things between us?” he inquired.
Hadn’t she just said that? “Yes.”
“Then you could start by discussing your plans so that I know what you are up to in the human world. What have you got our Scath Force doing?”
“My Scath Force,” she snapped, and power sizzled through the air.
Cathbad ignored her show of anger, instead pushing her more. “You seem to forget that I was the one who infused them with the power to hide their scent, among other things, Maeve.”
What an ego. “If you need to take credit for that, fine. I give you credit. Happy now?” Why did she waste her time trying to deal with him when he was surly?
His eyes narrowed and he became quiet again.
She’d seen Cathbad like this right before he decimated an enemy. He was slow to rile, but once he reached his limit he became a dangerous threat.
“Have it your way, Maeve.” He lifted a hand.
“Wait. Don’t teleport away.”
Lowering his hand, he asked, “Why not?”
Because your recent absence is suspicious. She had to think what a woman who cared would say and tried not to cringe at sounding so needy. “I want to spend time together and get back to where we were before, in a happy partnership.”
His eyebrows climbed up his forehead. “Truly?”
Maybe sounding a little emotional had done the trick. She softened her voice to siren sexy. “Yes, Cathbad.”
“Then you’ll allow me to call in our Scath Force for a report and to answer my questions.”
“No.” She silently cursed at her foolish attempt to sway him.
“Very well, Maeve. You continue to put our Scath Force at risk. When they’re all dead, you’ll be the one to create the next ones.”
“You’re so pissy,” she muttered. “I don’t know what you want.”
“It’s not what I want, but what I’m due. I expect my considerations to be respected. You may be queen, but you would not be here without me.”
Don’t lash at Cathbad. Don’t lash at Cathbad. She kept repeating that to avoid losing control of her body. He’d love to see her warp out of shape right now and she would not give him that opportunity.
She had to regain her control or he might think she was vulnerable in those moments. Drawing herself up, she warned, “Tell me where you’re going or you may not be able to return.”
“I am finding a way to bring Daegan to his knees. Isn’t that what you want?”
“Why would you do that if you’re still so angry with me?”
The muscles in Cathbad’s face relaxed. “I don’t care for this constant tension either. I am not just using this time as a sabbatical. I’m working on a surprise.”
The man could be so confusing.
Did he mean he was trying to smooth things out with her? “Is the surprise for me?”
Offering a genuine smile for the first time in a while, Cathbad said, “Of course it’s for you, love.”
He lifted a hand and teleported away, leaving Maeve staring at an empty spot.
Did he think she just accepted those words?
Not for a minute.
As she had done many years ago, Maeve started thinking on a plan for the future.
One that might not include Cathbad.
CHAPTER 11
Evalle struggled to move her arms and fight whatever held her down. “No! I’ll kill you.”
“Evalle, stop.”
She heaved deep breaths and froze at the voice she’d thought never to hear again. She opened her eyes. “Storm?”
“Of course.” His beautiful, naked body stretched out above hers, propped up by powerful arms. He leaned down and kissed her. “I’ve missed you.”
She tried to call up where she was and why she’d been fighting. Squinting, she could barely make out shapes around her in the darkness swallowing them.
Was she at home? The bed felt soft and Storm was here.
“What’s the matter, sweetheart?”
Relief washed out of her faster than water over a cliff. “I can’t ... I don’t know. Something happened, but ... ”
He gave her a concerned look. “You were captured and now you’re safe.”
“Why can’t I see our room? It’s just blurry. My vision is better than that.”
His big hands spread over her face and hair. “It’s going to be okay. Give it time. You’re having a reaction to the dark majik.”
“Oh. Who had me?”
He kissed her, paused, then kissed her some more. When Storm touched her, nothing else really mattered. She joined in and wrapped her legs around his nice, taut butt. That gave her a close encounter with one of her favorite parts.
Chuckling, he asked, “Ready, are you?”
“Oh, yes.”
“I don’t think so.” One of his hands moved down to toy with her breast, cupping it before he pulled the nipple into his mouth and sucked on it.
She grabbed a handful of his silky black hair and begged him not to stop.
He kept up his siege on her body, moving from one breast to the other and easing down as he kissed a path to between her legs. Her muscles trembled in anticipation. “Enough already.”
Did that push him to hurry up? Nope.
Using his tongue, he took his time, driving her crazy. Then without any warning, he teased the one spot she was sure controlled her entire nervous system. That’s all it took to uncoil the heat in her womb and shove her over the edge.
As she came down from somewhere out of this world, Storm moved up and drove into her. Wow, that felt ... incredible. She met him with every hard stroke, urging him to hold back nothing.
When
he collapsed on her with a long sigh, she smiled with contentment. She lived in a crazy, preternatural world, but no matter what life threw at them, Storm was hers and she was his. They were mates.
But … something pecked at her conscience.
He hadn’t used a condom. Not a huge thing, but he’d told her they had plenty of time to plan a child and that he wanted them to bond before that happened.
Maybe he just lost track of it in the moment.
She probably wasn’t ovulating anyhow.
Another thing, and maybe it was silly, but he hadn’t spoken to her as much as he normally did when they made love. He’d whisper in an erotic voice that would send her reeling just as fast as his hands.
Also ... she hadn’t felt his energy the way it normally surged with hers when they joined. Or maybe it was her energy that hadn’t come to the surface.
She’d enjoyed everything he’d done, but this time had felt ... odd.
He nuzzled her neck and she sighed at having him close again, but she had to get her head clear first. Much as she’d love round two, she felt off balance now.
Had something physically happened to her when she’d been kidnapped? Or was this weird feeling left over from the dark majik Storm mentioned?
In fact, who had kidnapped her?
Storm snuggled next to her, probably sensing that she needed time to adjust.
He’d always known exactly what to do.
Now that the heat of the moment had passed, she returned to figuring out what had been going on. The last thing she recalled was riding her bike as she followed Adrianna on her way back to Atlanta.
Then someone intentionally wrecked Adrianna and ...
Evalle flinched at the memory of the truck ramming her motorcycle.
Storm propped himself up. “What?”
“Where’s Adrianna?”
He shrugged. “Have no idea.”
How could he not know? Evalle asked, “How’s Adrianna doing?”
“She’s fine.” He gave her a little kiss on her cheek and started toying with her again.
Evalle put her hand up. “Wait, Storm. I want to know exactly what happened to Adrianna.”
After a long sigh, he said, “I have no idea. All I care about is being here with you.”