“No one will terrorize my astéri and live.” He swiped and several of the fingers Brax used to grip Nikol’s wrist fell to the sheet.
Brax blubbered incoherently.
“You should have listened.” Nikol ended it by jamming the tip of his knife in the center of Brax’s throat. He held him still while he struggled and took his last breath. Then he wiped the blood on the pillow and stepped back.
There was no remorse in his heart for what he’d done. A lot of Marenians were going to meet their end tonight for risking Darcy’s life. Starting with Ryz then the guards involved in her abduction by Garmon.
And then after he killed them all, his night was most definitely ending with Serasin, the whip master. Nikol smiled as he let himself out of Brax’s quarters. He was going to enjoy that one most of all.
***
Darcy’s eyes opened when she felt the bed dip behind her. Streams of sun attempted to pierce the shadowy darkness of the alcove with a hint of morning approaching. “Nikol?”
A moment later, his arm curved about her waist and he pulled her back into his chest. He buried his face in her hair and inhaled. She relaxed, half asleep but wanting to know. “Are you alright?”
He’d abandoned her in the kitse as soon as they landed and been gone most of the night. Although, to be honest, she had slept through most of it.
“I’m fine. Go back to sleep.”
“Mmm.” She closed her eyes about to follow his direction when she remembered. “Tseju, is he...”
“Alive. Cecilee was able to get a medic to come and they healed the wound he suffered from Garmon shooting him.”
Darcy relaxed in relief. She hadn’t understood what was going on when Garmon had burst into the kitse and grabbed her. The other ladies had screamed and called for help but no one came until Tseju entered and found Garmon dragging Darcy toward the door.
“What are you doing, Garmon?” Shock and puzzlement had his features drawn tight. “She is First Placement now.”
“I need her with me.” Garmon continued to pull Darcy despite her best efforts to fight him off.
When they crossed the threshold and got to the hall, Tseju reached for Darcy’s other arm. “I failed Nikol once, I won’t again. Let her go.”
Garmon laughed, “Punan!”
Then shot Tseju. Screaming, Darcy saw Tseju fall and then a pool of blood formed around him. Just the memory alone had her trembling all over again.
Nikol tightened his grasp about her waist. “Garmon should not have been able to get you off of Marenia.”
Those following Lothar’s commands had been wise enough to have guards placed strategically around the house and the grounds, bypassing any loyal to Nikol. Once his path was clear, Garmon was able to take Darcy on a ship to meet Lothar as a bargaining tool against Nikol.
“You couldn’t have known what they planned or that Garmon was working with Lothar.”
“I know I’ve said it before,” Nikol whispered harshly, “But no one will hurt you again. I won’t leave your side until I’m assured every male or female under oath to Lothar is dead or gone.”
The vehemence in his tone was so strong Darcy had no reason to doubt him. Nikol would cut a bloody swath through his home to see to her safety. She rolled over to face him, completely awake. “I trust you, Nikol.”
She cupped his handsome jaw and stared into brown eyes that haunted her dreams in the best of ways. “And I love you.”
She’d waited a long time to say those words to a man who’d appreciate them for the gift they were. Nikol’s long lashes lowered on a sigh. Darcy didn’t need him to say them back. It might take a while with the culture he’d grown in but he’d get there she was sure.
Nikol pressed his forehead to hers then shifted subtly and rubbed his horn against her cheek. The first time he’d done it, Darcy hadn’t understood the significance. It had been a shock to discover the gesture was an intimate sign of strong affection.
“I love you, my astéri. Always.”
Darcy started to cry. “I was gonna wait until you realized it.”
Nikol smiled. “Let me tell you a story about a tutanis named Mirim and how she changed my life.”
Nikol spent the morning in his astéri’s arms and shared with her all the things he’d longed to tell her. When it was over, she squeezed him tightly. “You are amazing to have survived all of that. What about your brother? Did anyone ever find out what happened to him?”
Inhaling deeply, Nikol leaned his cheek against hers. Some things were meant to stay hidden. “No.”
Epilogue
Enotia
Nikol wasn’t sure why he’d let his beloved First Placement convince him to take this secret trip. He’d cloaked his vessel to land illegally at the transport station and was unsure if their presence had been detected. “If anyone found me here, I’d be arrested on sight.”
Darcy didn’t get to answer as a blonde woman launched herself at Nikol with a squeal. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
The stranger wrapped her arms tight about his waist and squeezed. Stunned, Nikol glanced at Darcy. A rich chuckle cut over the effusive thanks.
Torkel approached from the opposite direction, accompanied by an older slender blond man. They both watched the woman holding Nikol with indulgent looks. Uncertain what was going on, Nikol kept his arms out at his sides and focused on the Jutak he knew. “Do you have any idea?”
He wasn’t sure why the woman wouldn’t let him go and feared trying to untangle himself. Darcy stood at his side, tears glistening in her eyes. Nikol stiffened, wondering if this was a trap of some sort. Except his astéri would never. Their love was an unbreakable bond.
Still, his thoughts tried to piece together why Darcy had brought him here.
Torkel folded his arms over his broad chest. The right corner of his lips curled up. “This is only a small taste of what you consigned me to every day of my life.”
The woman sniffed and stepped back at last. Her lips trembled and the older man came forward to wrap an arm about her shoulders. Their smiling faces stared at Nikol.
Recognition clicked. Older but no less the same. Shaya and Marlin Alonson. Nikol replayed Torkel’s words and his heart stuttered. A lump formed in his throat as he realized this woman had hugged Torkel the way she’d just hugged him. Every day.
It was exactly what Mirim would have wanted for her son. Nikol grasped Shay’s delicate hands in his, afraid to squeeze. She was such a tiny thing. He slid the large ring from his smallest finger bearing the crest of the Majad onto her middle finger. It rolled but she fisted her hand to hold it.
Nikol bent close so she would not miss a word he said. “None of mine will ever harm you.”
The man at her side gasped but Nikol continued because his words were for her more than any other. “If a Marenian raises his hand to you, I will cut it off.”
Darcy groaned.
“If a Marenian speaks a harsh word to you, I will cut the tongue from his mouth.”
Darcy leaned into his side and pinched his waist. “Ah, Nikol? You might be scaring the nice people.”
He kept his gaze on Shaya. He needed her to understand the gift she’d given him could never be paid. “If a Marenian ever attempts to take your life, I will end him.”
He released Shaya’s hand and stepped back. “Thank you, Shaya Alonson.”
He turned toward Torkel. “What do you know?”
“All of it,” he said with a bold stare.
Darcy. After much badgering wanting to bring peace to his baby bruher, he’d finally had to tell her his last truth. She must have searched Torkel out and revealed all the details of Nikol’s secret.
He drew a deep breath and released it. “I can never publicly acknowledge you.”
Doing so would put both of them in a tenuous position. They stood on opposite ends of the legal spectrum and too many would use their connection against them. Nikol could never harm his brother.
Torkel shrugged and Nikol hid hi
s hurt at the indifference. “Faye, you can come out now.”
Nikol pulled Darcy in close, tensing as a newcomer joined them. Brown hair, brown eyes, and a round, curvy figure. He knew her instantly. His brother’s Chosen, also from Earth. She was leading a small dark-haired girl by the hand.
Eyes covered by thick lashes studied him from a miniature face. “Hey.”
“This is my daughter, Shiloh,” Torkel performed the introduction.
Nikol swallowed. She was a replica of his bruher and at least four or five years of age. Not so young she wouldn’t show signs of her heritage already. He eyed her smooth forehead and cleared his throat. “Her horns?”
Torkel ran a hand over his daughter’s braided hair. “Already removed before she got horn sickness.”
It was a smart move. Life for her would be easier without the visible reminder of her connection to Marenia. Another blonde joined them. This female dainty and carrying a new babe in her arms. Nikol could only stare uncertainly.
Torkel placed a hand on her shoulder. “My sister, Lissi.”
His brother reached for the baby and angled the face for Nikol to see. Chubby cheeks, a wide flat nose, and fine wisps of dark hair. Very new. Probably a few weeks old. “This is the family you gave me.”
Faye sniffed and smiled through her tears, coming to stand next to Torkel. “Our daughter, Nikole. Once we learned all you’ve done to look out for my Chosen since his birth, it seemed only right.”
Nikol squeezed Darcy’s fingers so hard he was afraid he’d crush them. Speaking past the knot in his throat was difficult. He didn’t want to shame himself by breaking down in front of them. Only Darcy got to see that vulnerable side of him. “We must go.”
It was abrupt, his tone harsh and cold but he’d already stayed longer than he should have. This was too much emotion for him to take in at once. Darcy huddled into his side. He owed her for this gift as well. When they returned home, he’d reward her well for this precious moment.
Torkel drew close to him with slow steps. “You’ve pulled Lothar’s business out of the drug trade.”
Not sure where this was going, Nikol nodded.
“The female slave trade too.”
Another nod.
Torkel arched a brow. “Any hopes on you giving up the rest of the criminal enterprise?”
Nikol laughed in his face. “You would wish, bruher.”
“Nikol!”
He kissed Darcy’s temple but had no intention of closing down the rest of the dealings he’d inherited from Lothar. His whisper was soft and for her ears only. “You, of course, can try and convince me at home.”
She looked hopeful and for a slight moment Nikol regretted the lie. Then he thought of how fiery she got in bed when seeking a favor from him. It would be worth it.
He turned to face the Alonson family. “I am glad for the chance to finally meet. I will remember this.”
He allowed himself one lingering glance at Shiloh and Nikole, who he’d probably never see again. There were no words to express his gratitude for the gift of seeing his brother’s children. Even if only in this moment.
Knowing of Torkel’s happiness was a salve to Nikol’s conscious for abandoning a tiny baby in an empty field far away from his home though he knew it had been the right thing to do. He faced Torkel and inclined his head. “Thank you.”
He steered Darcy away and they made their way back to the shuttle. As he prepare for takeoff, Nikol kissed Darcy’s fingertips. “Thank you for giving me that.”
It was an opportunity he had never thought to have and now the wounds on his heart could heal and he could have true peace after seeing a glimpse of his brother’s life and family.
***
Majad Renik entered the room with his seventeen tutanis trailing behind him. His First Placement, Massi, kneeled at his feet. Renik dropped a hand to the top of her head as he stroked her horns in affection. The touch was light and absentminded, one Nikol had witnessed on many occasions.
“I bring a gift for the Majad and the women of his kitse,” Nikol announced formally.
“You think it acceptable to wait a month to come visit?” Renik asked in a neutral tone.
Nikol held in a humorous snort and played the game. “There were weekly comms. I have always shown my respect and a deep regard for the Majad. I would not have you worry.”
Renik grinned. “Your words are pretty. Now show me. No need to delay any longer.”
Nikol extended his hand behind him and the guards he’d brought with him to the palace parted. “It is with pleasure I share the continuation of our line.”
Darcy moved forward, her steps slow and measured to accommodate the sleeping baby in her arms. Gasps filled the room. Nikol spoke again, pride ringing in his voice. Dropping all formality, he said, “Uncle, this is my daughter, Miriam and of course, my First Placement, Darcy.”
Renik came closer and peered at the face visible within the pink blankets. His voice thickened with emotion. “You have been blessed.”
Nikol pretended not to hear the sobs of the tutanis gathered around. “I am honored to know her uncle will care for her and see to her welfare with the same love I hold for her in my heart.”
It had been hard to stay away and not give in to his uncle’s pleadings to visit. Darcy’s safety came first once they discovered her pregnancy. Too many accidents could occur while she was in such a vulnerable state and with the history he grew up with, Nikol refused to take the risk.
He made it his mission to eliminate anyone with lingering loyalties to Lothar. Their home was a haven now and a brighter place for the women and men who resided there without the oppression of cruelty.
Renik called to his First Placement without looking away from the baby. “Massi, come welcome the child of our hearts.”
Nikol released a sigh of relief. His uncle had accepted his child knowing Darcy was part of the reason Nikol had killed Lothar, his only brother. He’d assured Darcy that coming here was safe but a small part of Nikol had feared extending trust when it pertained to his family. Darcy and Miriam were his heart, his entire world.
To lose either of them would do what Lothar had been unable to do and destroy Nikol. He nodded at Darcy and she leaned forward to place their daughter in Renik’s waiting arms. Tears streamed shamelessly down Renick’s face as he smiled and nuzzled his horn along a baby soft cheek.
Bonus Epilogue
“Darcy, what’s wrong?”
She was Nikol’s First Placement. His astéri and the mother of his children. On the day after introducing their first child, his uncle had held true to his word and handed over the position of Majad to Nikol. Renik had then moved to Lothar’s old home with his seventeen tutanis.
Nikol’s first act of power was to grant freedom to his wife and the other tutanis. Though they chose to stay in his kitse, Amia, Cecilee, Tashire and Stasia were free to come and go as they pleased. There had been no interest on their part in leaving. They settled in the palace and doted on the children as they arrived one after another.
It took some years and much frustration on Darcy’s part but Nikol had eventually managed to end slavery on Marenia. Some had taken advantage of the opportunity to leave brutal masters and return to their families, while others were content and happy in their situations.
Giving rights to women was still a work in progress with Darcy at the helm in pushing the new mindset. It was enough for Nikol. He hadn’t expected change to come easy or quickly. He was only glad he’d followed his astéri’s wishes because it meant their daughters were able to grow under a new society. One that enabled them to have more choices.
“What bothers you, Darcy?” he asked again when she remained silent.
She chewed on her bottom lip and eyed him carefully. “I did something and I’m not sure if you’re going to be mad.”
There wasn’t much he wasn’t willing to forgive her for. Nikol tried to think of what she could have done to cause her drawn look. His gaze dropped to her belly
, smooth and flat above her shellam. Fear snagged at his throat.
One of the big changes Darcy made when he ascended to Majad was approval for women to wear what she called a bra. The silky band of material looped around her upper torso with enticing ties about her neck and covered her breasts from view.
They didn’t look swollen, which was how he’d always known she was with child before the medic confirmed the news to them.
After the birth of their fifth child, a disastrous affair that had almost cost Nikol his First Placement and child, they’d agreed to no more children.
Had he made a mistake, missed his annual shots? Worry gnawed at him as Nikol recounted his recent medic visit. He’d had his shot. Definitely. He breathed in relief. Things could still happen, though. Darcy wore the years well and very little lines creased her eyes or mouth.
Still, he did not think childbirth was safe for an Earth woman in the advanced years. Five daughters were more than enough for him anyway and he had the headaches and sleepless nights to prove it. “Just tell me.”
“A visitor has arrived.”
Nikol pulled his gaze away from Darcy’s anxious face to see the guards had allowed someone to enter their inner sanctum. Nikol was on his feet in an instant. This was strictly a private space and one of the few places in the palace restricted from any visitors outside family.
“What is the meaning of this?” he demanded and was grateful for the laser he still wore beneath his Majad robes. His hand settled on the weapon.
A slender dark-haired woman was led in. Her brown hair was pulled into a knot at her nape and her brown eyes glanced around at the luxurious accommodations in amazement. When her gaze landed on Nikol, a grin split her face. “Seppi Nikol!”
Darcy stood and clasped his forearm. “Don’t be mad.”
Mad? He had no idea what was going on. The young woman crossed toward them with a confident stride, her pants fitted to firm thighs and her shirt neatly tucked in at the waist. She stopped in front of him.
Nikol's Surrender (A World Beyond, #10) Page 27