“As will I.” All animosity he’d felt for the demon ended right there in that exact moment. He would always owe that demon now. But Aodhan had to know. “What happened to the Jareth responsible?”
Rand shot him a level look. “I went to where they lived. And I found them.”
“You killed them.” Of course, the wolf had. It was the Lupoiux way. And the Dardaptoans. Their females were to be protected at all costs. No doubt their deaths were numbered among those who had disappeared due to Leo Taniss. Had they not been killed back then, Aodhan would have been hunting them himself. Today.
The wolf shook his head. “No. Rathan. He’d made my sister a vow that no Dardaptoan would ever touch her again against her wishes—and that he would see the attackers paid.”
Aodhan swore. A demon’s oath was an almost unbreakable entity. A demon high king’s rage was one of the most vicious things Aodhan had ever seen.
No doubt, the demon had ripped the Jareths apart. It was a wonder the demon hadn’t already torn into Aodhan, yet, either. Except that would hurt Mallory. That was probably all that kept the demon from striking. “I can’t say that I am unhappy about that.”
“Neither am I. It was why he agreed to abduct Cormac Jareth’s sister. He doesn’t exactly like Jareths. Once we realized the abductors were Dardaptoan, his oath compelled him to act.”
Aodhan nodded. “In order to free him from that oath, we need to make one of our own. Peace?”
“If he even wants freed. He is very close to Mallory; I don’t see that ending because of you. You speak for your entire Kind?”
“I speak for this tribe.” He was second only to Rydere, after all. His friend would understand the incentive once Aodhan explained. By the grace of the goddess, that demon had gotten there in time to save the other three females from the same horror Mallory had suffered. “And I thank you, wolf, for keeping her safe since.”
“You’ve said you love her.”
“With every breath I take, it just grows deeper.”
“Then it’ll be peace between your tribe and my pack.” The wolf held out a hand, and they shook on it. “As long as you never hurt her.”
Aodhan’s respect for the wolf grew. “Once you and your mate find your way, the beast within you will calm. I can promise you this. I have a cousin who is mostly wolf. He has had many centuries to gain control of his beast, though he has yet to find his female. He does not even know what Kind she is most likely to be. You should talk with him sometime.”
“Someday, perhaps.”
“Yes, someday. If I can find him. He’s disappeared, I’m afraid.” Aodhan shot him a sarcastic look. “I had him watching your family. Hopefully, your demon did not flush him out. Matt can appear as any Kind in existence. It’s an annoying trait. Now, you may wish to help me with one little task. We speak to the traitor Jambu next. It is because of him that Joselyn and Emily were threatened. We think Jierra was the actual target.”
“Unless I kill him first. It is a possibility.” Fur rippled along Taniss’s arms. “I am having trouble reining in the beast now.”
“It’s because of your female. It will pass once the two of you have settled. It is easier for Dardaptoans in that way.”
“No kidding.” The wolf stopped walking. Aodhan looked at him and waited. “I never would have touched her if it wasn’t for the fact that she deserved to have children someday. I couldn’t take that away from her. She’ll be a beautiful mother. She deserves to be a mother.”
And even though the wolf fought it, it was obvious he wanted his female now. And wanted her happy. He was longing for her, and would for the rest of his days. Aodhan understood exactly how he felt. “No. You couldn’t.”
The wolf paused outside the door. “I may kill him.”
“We’ll keep the bars between you. Unless I need to open the doors. If you were to kill him for what he has done to your cousin, and intended to do to your mate, I can justify the act to our laws. I can invoke the fact that you were also protecting female blood relatives, as the first male of their generation. But I am convinced the situation is much larger than Jambu, especially after today’s incident.”
“What incident?” The wolf stopped prowling around and looked at him.
“Someone removed a drain guard and let a band of elhydra into our pools. Your sister Mickey and two of your cousins were in the pool at the time. It was just luck that Theo and Barlaam arrived before Jade drowned. Between this and a few other things that are starting to add up, Dhar Rydere and I have come to the conclusion that someone is targeting the females of the Royal Houses. All of the females, not just Tanisses. And have since before I found my Rajni.”
“Mickey and Joselyn. They are the two most likely to be swimming. Mickey has always been drawn to the water; and she often dragged Joselyn with her. Are they ok?” Concern and anger warred for control in the wolf’s eyes. “Injured?”
“Your sister is very shaken. She has a few scratch marks. The elhydra had a good hold on her. Jade was between her and her sister. All three females were pulled beneath the waters. It was frightening for them, but they will survive. And Barlaam, the healer, has finally succumbed.”
“Succumbed to what?”
“Jade has determined she is to marry Barlaam, our second healer. As she is his Rajni, he is determined to give her what she wants. Even though he seems a bit overwhelmed by her. Much has happened while you were indisposed, wolf.”
“Apparently. Let’s find this traitor of yours. Then I will speak with my uncle and cousins. And sisters. I need answers.”
40
Mickey slept, her hand held tightly in Theo’s. Mallory sat watching her sister for the longest time. Mickey had been upset by the elhydra attack, but Theo had comforted her until she’d drifted off.
Theo had finally told her about the demon attack a few days ago.
“She’ll be safe, now,” Theo told Mallory, unconsciously answering the question she had been thinking. Mickey had told her that was an occasional skill of his. Not as developed as Cormac’s mind reading abilities, but enough that sometimes Theo could predict what was about to be asked. “She and the babe.”
Mallory squeezed her sister’s hand as Theo’s words sank in. “Babe?”
No way. They’d only been in the hotel a little over two weeks.
He gave a smile of such hope and love that Mallory’s chest hurt. He loved her sister, so very much. What more could she ask for Mickey? Nothing.
There was nothing more she wanted for her sister than for her to be this loved. Forever.
“Yes. She did not want to wait. Our eldest daughter, Calanthia. We will call her Lannie.”
“Congratulations.” Mickey had always wanted children of her own, and she would be a beautiful mother. “Is Mickey going to be ok? Aodhan said pregnant women are in a lot of danger.”
“Yes, Mickey and I will have many children, and we will grow incredibly old together. There was a danger to her—that was why I converted her immediately after finding her—but after today, that threat no longer exists. Had I not converted her, then she would have drowned today.” His hand brushed against Mickey’s side, the touch almost reverent. “But she’s safe now.”
“I see.”
Mallory spoke with her brother-in-law for several more minutes, then prepared to leave. As she stood, she knew one thing. There was no one on earth more perfect for her sweet-natured sister than the vampire in front of her. “I need to go. Let you and Mickey be together.”
“I’m afraid I cannot allow that. Aodhan gave me clear instructions. You were to stay here until he fetched you personally. My brother is stationed outside the main hall to this House. He is to ensure no one enters my wing except for Aodhan, Cormac, or Rydere.”
Mallory fought an angry retort. She knew what he was doing. Aodhan was being an overprotective ass. “And what exactly is he doing that may be so dangerous?”
“I believe he and your brother are tracking the traitors among our Kinds. Someone le
t the elhydra in. Someone besides Jambu. Aodhan is trying to determine who.”
“Rand is helping him?” Mallory felt a rush of fear. Not for her brother, but for Aodhan. What if Rand turned on him again? Aodhan was already injured. She doubted it would have the same outcome. “Is it safe?”
“I believe Aodhan intended to come to an agreement with your brother so that Rand may once again interact with his family.”
“And they are both looking for traitors? What makes them think there are any? What is really going on?”
“Someone let the elhydra into the pool. And everyone knows they are vicious and deadly. They will seek the first living target they sense and will keep attacking and attacking. No, it was a deliberate assault. And your sister and cousins were in the private pools, used only by the heads of the Houses and their immediate families.”
“And Jambu paid someone to attack Jierra.”
“It is Aodhan’s job to find out why. And if another threat still exists.”
41
“The law says I am entitled to a House Tribunal.” Jambu panted the words, clinging to the tile floor as much as a male could. The blood on his lip interfered with his speech, but Aodhan had no difficulty understanding him.
“The far older law says that a mate can demand blood payment. That leaves four males—the Equan of the Jareth House, Dhar Rydere, or the alpha of the Taniss Lupoiux pack, or the female Joselyn’s father. He can also claim a Family Right. Cormac and Rydere are otherwise occupied and allowed their cousin by marriage to take the right on behalf of all the females harmed. Now, as I see it, you have two options. You answer my questions, or I allow the wolf here to take his blood payment from your flesh. And I can guarantee it will be a painful process for you. Look what he did to me over a simple family squabble.” Aodhan held up his arms to show the stitches. Jambu paled. He was nowhere near the warrior Aodhan was, and all knew it. “And I am mated to his beloved twin. Think about what he will do to someone who threatened his mate? Who is responsible for the near death of his young cousin. She is barely twenty-two, and now mated to the Second Healer of our people. Barlaam is a healer, your own second cousin, but he is burning with the need to slice you to ribbons. I’m sure he knows exactly where to put the blade for maximum pain. What say you, wolf? Does the lust burn within you, or should we give him to Barlaam?”
Rand released nothing but a growl. Aodhan bit back a smirk. His brother-in-law held no difficulty understanding Aodhan’s particular brand of interrogation.
“Questions!” Jambu finally yelled.
“Excellent choice. I suppose I could put a leash upon my brother-in-law, but I far prefer to let wild animals be free as the gods and goddesses intended. I’m sure you understand. Now—” Aodhan grabbed the traitor and pulled him into a seated position. “You’re going to tell us a story. Starting with why you wanted Jierra, your closest friend, dead. Then you’re going to end with how you contacted the Lupoiux who attacked the Jareth Equa. And, Jambu—make sure it’s a detailed story.”
42
An hour later, Aodhan wasn’t satisfied in the least. Jambu’s story presented more questions than answers.
The wolf was just as unhappy. “So that’s it? Someone sent him anonymous notes pointing out that if Jierra was out of the picture he would be the next heir to your crown? Thin. Extremely thin. He had to know he was the second heir the entire time he was growing up.”
Aodhan agreed. Something didn’t ring true. “We need to focus on who sent the notes. If there were any. He could have been blowing smoke out his ass. Or figure out who would know Jambu well enough to push him to this. The connection is between the Redd Gothan pack and that person.”
“At what motivation? What did that person hope to gain from it all? If Jierra was killed and Jambu became your Dhar’s heir, that meant the heir himself was next.”
Aodhan nodded. That had occurred to him, too. “Which means the threat to my people still exists.”
“Meaning the threat to my family and my mate still exists.”
“Yes.” Aodhan knew it, and he would find that threat and eliminate it. “In the meantime, even the resort is not safe. Especially for Jierra and Dahn Emily. And now Barlaam’s Rajni. He can’t be the heir, not being a healer with other heirs available. A healer can only be an heir if they are the last of a direct line and no other heirs can be identified. But the healer’s child can be an heir. Which means Jade is now just as much a target as Jierra or Emily.”
“So two of my cousins or my own mate. Anything else you need to add? Explain to me how this is better than them being human again?”
“Any of the Taniss Rajnis presents a threat. As does Jierra. The royal Houses are so because of their close familial ties. I am related to eleven of the sixteen Houses. Theo, nine. Dhar Rydere is related to thirteen. Then Jierra, with twelve relative ties. It’s why she was destined as heir by the goddess at her birth. Any of our females pose a threat to these traitors. If it’s strictly a matter of inheriting the daharana position.” Aodhan ran the scenarios through his head. “And the Redd Gothan pack will need to be dealt with.”
“I can have a few of my men take on that angle.” Rand’s feral grin told Aodhan he was looking forward to the idea. “If you can guarantee the safety of my female and pups.”
“Done. Jierra is my new sister-in-law. Your babes my own nieces and nephews. I will not take my responsibility to them lightly. You can have my oath on that.”
“Then leave the Redd Gothan pack to me.”
43
Mallory waited impatiently, knowing Theo would not let her out of his suite until Aodhan arrived to fetch her. She’d have words with him about that.
His archaic idea that she needed to be constantly protected and cosseted would have to change if they were to move forward together. As it was, she was fighting herself to stay in Theo’s suite and not make a big fuss out of him following Aodhan’s orders. Mickey’s Rajni did not need that after the ordeal Mickey had faced that afternoon.
But still…that didn’t mean she was too pleased with Aodhan at the moment. He was not hiding her in the cave while he went out to slay dragons. Or merpeople. Or whatever else existed that she didn’t know about.
Thadd opened Theo’s suite door, finally, and Mallory studied the two men standing in the frame beside him. “Rand!”
Her brother hugged her quickly. “How’s Mick?”
“She’s sleeping. She’s already pregnant, Rand. And it really frightened her today.” Mallory ran her gaze over Aodhan, searching for signs of what might have occurred between him and her brother. Why was Rand with him? “There’s blood on your vestis.”
She walked to Aodhan and grabbed his arm, pulling the silk of his shirt back to see for herself. None of his stitches were missing. She turned to her brother. Not a single mark was on him. “Whose blood is it? What have you two been doing?”
“The traitor Jambu’s. What? Were you worried I hurt your brother, kitten?” He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her closer. He nuzzled her neck in that particular way he had.
Almost like Emily’s cat would when Maury wanted affection.
“No. Worried he’d hurt you. Or did you forget the sixty-something stitches holding you together? The three bottles of superglue? What happened?” She rubbed her hands over his arms, checking for herself that he was fine and in one piece.
“Sit. I’ll tell you what we have learned. Your brother and I have come to an agreement. Whenever he feels the beast taking hold, he has developed strategies to help him ensure everyone’s safety.” Aodhan pulled her down to the couch with him. It was only when Rand raised an eyebrow and smirked that she realized what she’d done—she’d settled on Aodhan’s lap like that was exactly where she belonged. She had barely been aware of his hands on her, putting her exactly where he wanted her.
She didn’t care. She’d slept with Aodhan, was living with the vampire in his suite. It didn’t exactly bother her to touch him in front of others. Especial
ly others she cared about. “What happened? Did you find out who let the elhydra in?”
“No. But we’re tracking that person now.” Aodhan’s hands were hot on her waist as he shifted her. Thadd was still in the room, and Theo listened from the corner of the couch. “Someone led Jambu to do what he did. Sent him letters designed to incite him to act as he did. That is someone we need to find. If his words can be believed; which we need to confirm first.”
“Another traitor in your resort?” Mallory looked at the vampire holding her. “And that person is responsible for the elhydra?”
“We don’t know yet. But the targets of the attacks were most likely your family. It was the private pool, used only by the heads of House and their immediate families. That’s a highly limited number of targets.” Aodhan’s hands tightened around her waist. “That means that you and your sister, cousins, need to be extra careful. The females of any royal House hold a lot of power in their hands. If someone could eliminate all of you and your males it would send our people into a panic until the remaining unmated Heads of Houses could step in to restore order. You must be careful, kitten. You are pretty high on the list of potential targets.”
“Why me?”
“Because of me, I’m afraid. It all comes down to the inheritance of the daharana. Or royal seat. It’s tied to the original ten family lines created by our goddess thousands of years ago. Rydere and Barlaam are, through great-grandparents. Barlaam, as a healer, cannot be the heir, although he can father one. Because he hasn’t yet, and neither has Dhar Rydere, that puts the list of ascension as Jierra, Jambu—though that’s void now, any child you and I may have, and the firstborn child of Theo and your sister. Do you understand?”
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